Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Image Analysis of Neuropil Threads in Alzheimer's, Pick's, Diffuse Lewy Body Disease and in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Neuropil threads (NT) in the middle temporal gyrus (MTG) were quantitated by computerized image analysis from five patients each with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Pick's disease (PD), and diffuse Lewy body disease (DLBD), four patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and five cognitively normal control subjects (24 patients total). All disease groups met clinical and pathological criteria for their respective diseases. The DLBD subjects did not have pathological features of AD. Using the Gallyas silver method, the percentage of cortical area occupied by NT was calculated for each case examined and compiled for each group. Intergroup comparison revealed the percentage of cortical area occupied by NT as follows: AD, 6.87%; PSP, 1.12%; PD, 0.37%; DLBD, 0.04%; control 0.02%. The evaluation disclosed a significance level of p < 0.0001 when AD was compared to control, PD and DLBD cases and a p < 0.001 when compared to PSP. There was no statistically significant difference between control-DLBD, control-PD, control-PSP, DLBD-PSP, PD-PSP, or PD-DLBD cases (p > 0.05). These data indicate the density of neocortical threads is much greater in AD than in other dementing disorders. It also suggests that NT are not related to the intellectual decline in PD, DLBD, and PSP.
The role of affect on the perception of disability in multiple sclerosis

Objective: To determine the prevalence of depression in multiple sclerosis in the community and to assess how the presence of depression affects patients' perception of their disability. Design: Consecutive case series. Setting: The study was carried out at a regional multiple sclerosis (MS) clinic. Subjects: Eighty-eight patients with MS. Main outcome measures: Patients were asked to complete the following questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Rankin Scale of Disability/Handicap (completed by patient and physician to assess relative perceived disability) and two visual analogue scales (coping ability and perceived service adequacy). Results: Thirty-nine per cent were case level for depression using the BDI criteria of Sullivan; 17% were case level for depression (34% borderline case) and 34% case level for anxiety on HADS. Depressed patients using both BDI and HADS criteria were three times more likely than nondepressed patients to perceive their disability as being greater than the physicians' perception (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Depression is common in MS and adversely affects patients' perception of their disability.
Therapeutic intervention for Alzheimer's disease with γ-secretase inhibitors: still a viable option?

Introduction: Compounds that inhibit or modulate γ-secretase, the pivotal enzyme which generates β-amyloid (Aβ), are potential therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Areas covered: This article briefly reviews the profile of γ-secretase inhibitors that have reached the clinic and discusses the clinical issues surrounding this new class of anti-AD compounds. Expert opinion: γ-Secretase inhibitors may cause significant toxicity in humans. Two large Phase III clinical trials of semagacestat in mild-to-moderate AD patients were prematurely interrupted because of detrimental cognitive and functional effects of the drug. These detrimental effects were mainly ascribed to the inhibition of Notch processing and the accumulation of the neurotoxic precursor of Aβ resulting from the block of the γ-secretase cleavage activity on amyloid precursor protein. New Notch-sparing γ-secretase inhibitors are being developed with the hope of overcoming the previous setbacks. It has also been argued that γ-secretase inhibitors should be used in the very early stages of the disease progression when neuronal loss is still limited. Thus, the inclusion of patients with mild-to-moderate AD in the semagacestat Phase III trials could also explain the negative outcome of these studies. Understanding the reasons for this failure may be important for future research on effective treatments for this devastating disease.
Repair of oxidative damage to DNA: enzymology and biology.

DNA GL YCOSYLASES . 921 Thymine Glycol Glycosylases . 921 ForfTUlmidopyrimidine Glycosylase (Fpg/MutM) . 924 MutY: A DNA MisfTUltch Glycosylase for Oxidative DafTUlge . 927 Hypoxanthine-DNA Glycosylase 927 5-Hydroxymethyluracil and 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine DNA Glycosylases . 928 UV Endonucleases 929 REPAIR OF DEOXYRIBOSE DAMAGES: AP ENDONUCLEASES AND 3'-TRIMMING . 931 Exonuclease III of E. coli 931 Eukaryotic AP Endonucleases Related to Exonuclease III . 933 E. coli Endonuclease IV 937 S. cerevisiae ApnI Protein 938 AP Endonucleases as Metalloproteins 939
A case study on the System for Paleographic Inspections (SPI): challenges and new developments

Of all the disciplines that study the past through its written heritage, paleography For an introduction to paleography see [1]. is the one that focuses mainly on the analysis of the script borne by manuscript books. The goal of the paleographical method is to date and to localize books produced by hand through the analysis of their ancient scripts. This chapter describes the System for Paleographic Inspections (SPI) software suite developed at the University of Pisa, how the system has been used by paleographers in their attempts to classify and identify scripts, and how it can be improved further to meet the research needs of paleographers.
Valoración basada en opciones reales en las estrategias de crecimiento de las cadenas hoteleras

Estudios recientes reconocen a la estrategia como una cartera de opciones. Por lo que la estructura de valoración de opciones reales cobra un papel muy importante a la hora de definir la estrategia a seguir. En este trabajo se realiza un repaso de la metodología de las opciones reales y se definen los tres pasos esenciales para la determinación de las estrategias que maximizan el valor de las inversiones extranjeras realizan por las cadenas hoteleras. Así, en primer lugar, se definen los factores de riesgo-oportunidad inherentes a este tipo de inversiones y se determinan aquellas opciones sombra que pueden aprovechar dicha situación. En segundo lugar, se establecen las estrategias que disponen actualmente las cadenas hoteleras y las combinaciones de opciones reales que éstas tienen incorporadas. Finalmente se procede a la definición de una metodología de valoración de las estrategias-inversiones, para así, poder realizar la selección de aquella alternativa que maximice el valor de la inversión. La conclusión más importante de este trabajo es que el hecho de no reconocer a las opciones reales inherentes a una inversión hotelera supone una infravaloración y, sin embargo, el reconocimiento de las opciones que no son clave puede ser distorsionante, por lo que solamente deben de reconocerse aquellas opciones que se consideran clave para la inversión.
DC characteristics with substrate temperature for GaN on Si MOS-HEMTs

DC characteristics of AlGaN/GaN on Si MOS-HEMTs are measured and numerically simulated, with substrate temperature up to 140°C, varying the gate width and gate length. Different gate recess depths are simulated in ATLAS in order to further investigate and optimize the device performance. Thermal boundary conditions and device thermal resistance are included in the structure for accurate simulation of the heating response. In addition, the relationship of the threshold voltage and saturation velocity with the substrate temperature and gate width has been studied and set in order to ease the modelling of these devices.
Pneumococcal antimicrobial resistance: therapeutic strategy and management in community-acquired pneumonia

Streptococcus pneumoniae has been consistently shown to represent the most frequent causative agent of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and pneumococcal antibiotic resistance towards different families of antibiotics continues to be a much-debated issue. Microbial resistance causes a great deal of confusion in choosing an empirical treatment for pneumonia and this makes it necessary to know which factors actually determine the real impact of antimicrobial resistance on the outcome of pneumococcal infections. Several different aspects have to be taken into account when analyzing this matter, such as the study design, the condition of the patient at the time of diagnosis, the choice of the initial antimicrobial regimen (combination or monotherapy) and the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic variables of the chosen antibiotic. It is generally accepted that in the treatment of β-lactam-resistant pneumococcal infections, the use of standard antipneumococcal β-lactam agents is unlikely to impact negatively on the outcome of CAP when appropriate agents are given in sufficient doses. As a general rule, for infections with penicillin-sensitive strains, penicillin or an aminopenicillin in a standard dosage will be effective; in the cases of strains with intermediate resistance, β-lactam agents are still considered appropriate treatment although higher dosages are recommended; finally, infections with isolates of high-level penicillin resistance should be treated with alternative agents such as the third-generation cephalosporins or the new antipneumococcal fluoroquinolones. In areas of high prevalence of high-level macrolide resistance, empirical monotherapy with a macrolide is not optimal for the treatment of hospitalised patients with moderate or moderately-severe CAP. Fluoroquinolones are considered to be excellent antibiotics in the treatment of pneumococcal CAP in adults, but their general recommendation has been withheld due to fears of a widespread development of resistance. Most international guidelines recommend combination therapy (β-lactam plus a macrolide) for the treatment of hospitalised patients with CAP.
The effect of long-term feeding of conjugated linoleic acid on fertility in Japanese quail

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the long-term feeding of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on laying hen performance, egg fertility and hatchability of fertile eggs of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). One hundred and sixty 7-day old Japanese quail chicks were randomly assigned to four groups (40 birds per group) and fed for five weeks on a commercial diet supplemented with either 0.5% hazelnut (Group A), 0.5% sunflower oil (Group B), 0.25% CLA (Group C) or 0.5% CLA (Group D). The birds received water and feed ad libitum during the study. At the end of the five weeks the birds were sexed, and 21 females and seven males from each group were selected. For a further six weeks these selected birds were fed a layer diet supplemented with their respective sources of oil. Eggs were collected daily and incubated weekly. The fertility rate was determined by visual inspection at the end of the incubation period. Dietary CLA at the inclusion level of 0.5%, but not at 0.25%, caused a significant decrease in percentage hatchability of the fertile eggs compared to Groups A and B. Hatchability of fertile eggs from Groups A, B, C and D was 74, 80, 72 and 70, respectively. Fertility rates between Groups A, B, C and D did not differ significantly, and were 64.4, 56.4, 66.0 and 62.8%, respectively. Hen-day egg production of Groups A, C and D were similar, but in weeks 3, 4, 5 and 6, hens in Group B had a significantly lower hen-day egg production (%) compared to Group A. Also, in weeks 3, 4, 5 and 6, egg size in Group B was significantly lower than that in the other groups. From this study it is concluded that dietary CLA at inclusion levels of 0.25% or 0.5% did not influence egg fertility, egg weight and egg production in Japanese quail. South African Journal of Animal Science Vol. 36(2) 2006: 99-104
Survey of trace element and dietetic fiber composition of “Leblebi” which is a local snack food consumed in Turkey

In Turkey and several Middle East countries' people consume “leblebi” which is a traditional snack food made from chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.). Chickpea products are highly nutritive and a cheap food for human consumption and have become an essential part of daily diets in the world. The present study aims to determine the chemical, nutritional and dietary composition of fifty leblebi samples marketed in Turkey. Protein values of the leblebi ranged from 19.4 to 23.9% dehulled and 20.3 to 20.8% for nondehulled leblebi while a value of 19.1% was recorded for chickpeas. Mineral results showed that Potassium (K) was the most abundant element in leblebi ranging from 6514 to 14431 mg/kg. The amount of dietary components neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and cellulose did not vary much between the samples analyzed.
Passive VHF radar: Antenna design and optimization requirements

Passive radars are under investigation due to its interesting potentiality: the use of independent sources is possible for the large diffusion of high power broadcasting stations. VHF stations guarantees high power and wide coverage areas. Consequently to large wavelength in this band, the antenna systems design is fundamental. The study leads to the interferometry configuration of a passive radar, configured as a couple of antennas. In order to maintain the maximum accuracy of the radar system, it is fundamental the optimization of the antenna system, including all the embedded effects. The mathematical approach is discussed and the optimization target are defined. Example of design and optimization studies are presented.
Genetic regulation of meat production by embryonic muscle formation - a review.

SUMMARY The biological basis for meat production in livestock animals is localized in the muscles, where lean meat production is under the genetic control of tissue-specific and more ubiquitously operating genes. The muscle tissue-specific MyoD gene family is at the centre of the genetic regulation of myoblast proliferation and differentiation into myofibres. The regulation of embryonic muscle tissue formation (development) by the MyoD genes is duscussed in the context of livestock animals used in meat production. The possibility that the MyoD genes could be useful candidate genes for breeding is discussed. It is concluded that marker assisted selection (MAS) using markers in functional genes is advantageous over MAS using associated markers. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Genetische Regulierung der Fleischproduktion bei der embryonalen Muskelbildung - Ein Literaturüberblick Die biologische Grundlage für Fleischproduktion, lokalisiert in den Muskeln, steht unter genetischer Kontrolle durch gewebsspezifische una mehr ubiquitär arbeitende Gene. Die gewebsspezifische MyoD Genfamilie in den Muskeln befindet sich im Zentrum der genetischen Regulierung des Prozesses der Myoblastteilung und Differenzierung zu Myofasern. Die Ubersicht betrifft Regulierung der Bildung des embryonalen Muskelgewebes (Entwicklung) mit Hilfe der MyoD Gene. Die Möglichkeit, daß MyoD Gene erfolgreiche Kandidatengene für Tierzüchtung sein können, wird besprochen. 'Marker-assisted selection' (MAS) mit Hilfe von Markern funktioneller Gene sollte vorteilhafter sein als MAS mit gekoppelten DNA-Sequenzen. RÉSUMÉ: Régulation génétique de la production de viande par la formation embryologique des muscles - un résumé La base biologique de la production de viande dans les animaux d'élevage se situe dans les muscles, là où la production de viande maigre est sous contrôle génétique de gènes générals et tissu-spécifiques. La famille des gènes muscle-spécifiques MyoD forme le centre de la régulation des procès de prolifération des myoblastes et de différenciation vers les myofibres. Le but de cet article rétrospectif est de situer la discussion sur la régulation de la formation embryologique des muscles par les gènes MyoD dans le cadre de l'élevage. La possibilité que les gènes MyoD soient des gènes candidats utiles pour l'élevage sera discutée. La conclusion faite est que 'marker assisted selection' (MAS) en employant des marquers situés dans des gènes fonctionnels a plus d'avantages que MAS avec des marquers associés.
Stability analysis for operation of DG units in smart grids

This paper presents a multifunction control strategy for the stable operation of Distributed Generation (DG) units during grid integration. The proposed control model is based on Direct Lyapunov Control (DLC) theory and provides a stable region for the appropriate operation of DG units during grid integration. Using DLC technique in DG technology can provide the continuous injection of maximum active power in fundamental frequency from the DG source to the grid, compensating all reactive power and harmonic current components of grid-connected loads through the integration of DG link into the grid. Application of this concept can guarantee to reduce the stress on the grid during the energy demand peak. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the proficiency and performance of the proposed DLC technique in DG technology.
Long-term progestin-only contraceptives result in reduced endometrial blood flow and oxidative stress.

CONTEXT Because of their safety and efficacy, long-term progestin-only contraceptives (LTPOCs) are well-suited for women with restricted access to health care. However, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) causes half of all users to discontinue therapy within 12 months. Endometria of LTPOC-treated patients display aberrant angiogenesis with abnormally enlarged, thin-walled, fragile blood vessels, inflammation, and focal hemorrhage. In this study, similar effects were observed with a new third-generation implantable LTPOC. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that LTPOC reduces uterine and endometrial blood flow, leading to hypoxia/reperfusion, which triggers the generation of reactive oxygen species. The latter induce aberrant angiogenesis, causing AUB. DESIGN Endometrial perfusion was measured by laser-Doppler fluxmetry in women requesting LTPOCs. Endometrial biopsies were obtained for in vivo and in vitro experiments. SETTING The study was conducted in the Yale University School of Medicine and Family-Planning Center in Western Australia. PATIENTS Seven women 18 yr or older requesting implantable LTPOCs were recruited in Western Australia. INTERVENTION Women received etonorgestrel implants. MAIN OUTCOME LTPOC treatment resulted in reduced endometrial perfusion and increased endometrial oxidative damage. CONCLUSIONS We propose that LTPOCs result in hypoxia reperfusion, which leads to aberrant angiogenesis resulting in AUB.
Scanning Chromatin: a New Paradigm?*

In recent years, thinking about chromatin function has been dominated by two powerful concepts: the “histone code” (1, 2) and “chromatin remodeling” (3, 4). According to the histone code model, the pattern of covalent histone modifications along a chain of nucleosomes somehow encodes the information that allows site-specific assembly of those DNA-protein complexes that lead to the selective transcription of specific genes. Such complexes may include not only the transcription initiator complex itself but also remodeling factors that are capable of either moving nucleosomes along the DNA or otherwise making the DNAmore accessible to other factors (3, 4). The generality and remarkable diversity of histone modifications, as well as the ubiquity of remodeling factors, argues strongly that these are indeed important aspects of gene regulation, although how specific the “code” may really be has recently been called to question (5). In any event, an implicit assumption that has dominated the field is that chromatin is essentially a passive entity, waiting to be appropriately marked or remodeled to allow it to be transcribed, replicated, or repaired. For example, the various pathways by which a preinitiation complexmight be assembled at a particular promoter have been carefully discussed by Narlikar et al. (6). In none of the pathways considered do the nucleosomes themselves play an active role. If chromatin is indeed passive, a serious question arises as to how specific sites can be recognized for the appropriate marking or remodeling. Many promoters, when inactive, appear to have the binding sites for transcription factors buried in nucleosomes. The conventional wisdom is that chromatin remodeling complexes, perhaps recruited to the site by specific histone modification markers, obligingly shift or “modify” the nucleosomes so as to make such sites accessible. Nevertheless, the primary question of how a hidden location is initially recognized remains unanswered. Very recently, a new view of chromatin behavior has emerged that puts such questions in a very different, and perhaps more illuminating, light. This perspective regards chromatin as a highly dynamic structure, in which binding sites are continually being scanned by nuclear proteins in a random, undirected fashion. In this view, whether or not a gene will be selected for transcription depends on a sequence of dynamic events each with a given probability. There are two necessary prerequisites for such scanning: first, proteins must be free to move about the nucleus, and second, a mechanism must exist to allow occasional exposure of binding sites on all or most nucleosomes. Remarkably, both of these prerequisites turn out to be true.
Cloning and characterization of a dynein light chain gene from Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici

Stripe rust is one of the most serious wheat diseases worldwide. The fungus Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), the causal agent of this disease, is an obligate biotrophic basidiomycete fungus. Numerous studies have shown that dyneins play important roles during fungal growth and propagation. However, knowledge is limited regarding the function of dyneins in Pst. In this study, we cloned the dynein light chain gene PsDLC1 from Pst and characterized its expression. The function of PsDLC1 was determined by heterologous mutant complementation. Expression of PsDLC1 in Aspergillus nidulans partially complemented the defects of the ΔnudG mutant, indicating that PsDLC1 belongs to the dynein light chain LC8 family. In addition, PsDLC1 was identified in Pst using virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS). Knockdown of PsDLC1 produces no significant effect on Pst growth and development, indicating that PsDLC1 is unnecessary for Pst infection of wheat.
Localization of Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 in Cholesteatoma and Deep Meatal Skin

Hypothesis Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) is overexpressed in cholesteatoma. Background Cholesteatoma destroys bone, whereas deep meatal skin does not. MMP-1 is a type I collagenase that may be responsible for this destruction. This prospective study was designed to identify overexpression of MMP-1 by cholesteatoma in comparison with deep meatal skin. Methods Ten cholesteatoma specimens and nine deep meatal skin specimens were removed during otologic surgery and then fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. Immunocytochemistry studies were performed using a monoclonal antibody to MMP-1. A pathologist assessed the slides in a blinded fashion. Expression of MMP-1 protein in epidermis and in stroma was scored from 0 to 10. Five further cholesteatoma specimens and three deep meatal skin specimens underwent reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions to assess messenger ribonucleic acid production. Paired and unpaired Student's t tests were used to assess the difference in expression levels. Results Cholesteatoma stroma expressed significantly more MMP-1 protein than did deep meatal skin stroma (p = 0.04). MMP-1 was localized to stromal fibroblasts. There was no difference in the epidermal expression levels of the two tissue types (p = 0.42). The reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction showed expression at the messenger ribonucleic acid size of MMP-1 (262 base pair) in all cholesteatoma specimens examined. One deep meatal skin specimen showed a weak signal; no signal was seen in the other specimens. Conclusions MMP-1 is overexpressed by the stromal fibroblasts present in cholesteatoma as compared with deep meatal skin. It is possible that these cells rather than the keratinocytes are responsible for bone destruction in this disease.