Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Motor Deficit after Chronic Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

It is well known that hemiplegia is frequently observed in cerebral ischemia. It is important for the pathophysiologic study and development of drug therapies to establish a precise method investigating impairment of motor function with animal models. To develop a quantitative and objective method for evaluating impairment of motor function, we examined an inclined plane test after chronic focal cerebral ischemia in the rat. Standard scoring of neurologic deficits has limitations, including problems with quantification and objectivity. The purpose of this study was to establish a novel method for evaluating impairment of motor function in middle cerebral artery (MCA) occluded rats. The left MCA was permanently occluded at a proximal site, and sensorimotor performance was evaluated at the fifth day and every week for 11 weeks thereafter. The ability to maintain body position on an inclined plane was measured when rats were placed on a stainless steel slope in left-headed, right-headed, and up-headed positions. Neurologic examination based on hemiparesis and abnormal posture was also performed. After all behavioral examinations were completed, the degree of shrinkage of the left hemisphere to the contralateral was measured. The ability of MCA-occluded rats to maintain position on an inclined plane in the left-headed position was significantly restricted when compared with that of sham-operated rats throughout the test period (maximum angle of 37° versus 45°, respectively). Minimal natural recovery was observed for all position measurements. MCA-occluded rats showed a significantly higher neurologic score with natural recovery. The ability to maintain position on an inclined plane after MCA occlusion (MCAO) was significantly correlated with the degree of the shrinkage of the ischemic hemisphere and neurologic score. The angle for the left-headed position was most strongly correlated with ipsilateral shrinkage. In the present study, long-lasting impairment of motor function was detected in rats with MCAO, which correlated with the shrinkage of the ischemic hemisphere. Furthermore, a difference in performance depending on body position (left-headed versus right-headed) was also detected. The left-headed position was found to be most sensitive for evaluating this model. The inclined plane test is a quantitative, objective, and sensitive method for evaluating motor deficits after chronic focal cerebral ischemia in rats, and this method may be useful to investigate changes in motor function in hemiplegia.
Streptomycin Inhibits Quorum Sensing in Acinetobacter baumannii

ABSTRACT Streptomycin at subinhibitory concentrations was found to inhibit quorum sensing in Acinetobacter baumannii. Conditioned medium prepared by growth of A. baumannii in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of streptomycin exhibited reduced activation of two quorum-sensing-regulated genes, abaI, encoding an autoinducer synthase, and A1S_0112. The reduced expression of AbaI resulted in greatly decreased levels of 3-OH-C12-HSL as confirmed by direct analysis using thin-layer chromatography. The effect on acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) signal production was specific to streptomycin, as gentamicin and myomycin had no significant effect at subinhibitory levels.
Nonvolatile flip-flop using pseudo-spin-transistor architecture and its power-gating applications

We computationally analyzed performance and power-gating (PG) ability of a new nonvolatile delay flip-flop (NV-DFF) based on pseudo-spin-transistor architecture using spin-transfer-torque magnetic tunnel junctions (STT-MTJs). The high-performance energy-efficient PG operations of the NV-DFF can be achieved by its cell structure employing pseudo-spin-MOSFETs (PS-MOSFETs) that can electrically separate the STT-MTJs from the ordinary DFF part of the NV-DFF. This separation also makes it possible that the break-even time (BET) of the NV-DFF is designed by the size of the PS-MOSFETs without performance degradation of the normal DFF operations. The effect of the area occupation ratio of the NV-DFFs to a CMOS logic system on the BET was also analyzed. Although the optimized lowest BET was varied depending on the area occupation ratio, energy-efficient fine-grained PG with a BET of several sub-microseconds was revealed to be achieved. We also proposed microprocessors and systems-on-chip (SoCs) using nonvolatile hierarchical-memory systems that are configured with NV-DFFs and nonvolatile static random access memories (NV-SRAMs).
Independent association between nocturnal intermittent hypoxemia and metabolic dyslipidemia.

BACKGROUND There is growing evidence from animal models that intermittent hypoxemia (IH) may induce dyslipidemia. Altered lipid metabolism may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk observed in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In this multisite, cross-sectional study, we tested the hypothesis that there is an independent association between nocturnal IH and dyslipidemia in OSA. METHODS Fasting serum lipid levels were measured in 2,081 patients (638 women) undergoing nocturnal recording for clinical suspicion of OSA. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to evaluate the independent associations between oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and lipid profile after adjustment for potential confounders, including components of the metabolic syndrome (MS) or the MS itself. Adjusted OR for metabolic dyslipidemia (triglycerides [TG] ≥ 150 mg/dL and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] ≤ 50 mg/dL for women and ≤ 40 mg/dL for men) according to quartiles of ODI were determined by logistic regression. RESULTS Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were not associated with ODI. In contrast, nocturnal IH and OSA severity were associated with higher TG levels and lower HDL-C levels after adjustment for confounding factors. The association between ODI and TG and HDL-C levels was independent of the MS. Adjusted OR (95% CIs) for metabolic dyslipidemia were 1 (reference), 1.56 (1.24-1.96), 1.72 (1.29-2.29), and 1.93 (1.55-2.41) for ODI ≤ 7, > 7 to ≤ 18, > 18 to ≤ 38, and > 38, respectively (P < .0001 for linear trend). CONCLUSIONS Nocturnal IH is independently associated with metabolic dyslipidemia, which may predispose patients with OSA to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
A randomized controlled trial of a behavioral economic supplement to brief motivational interventions for college drinking.

OBJECTIVE Behavioral economic theory suggests that a reduction in substance use is most likely when there is an increase in rewarding substance-free activities. The goal of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the incremental efficacy of a novel behavioral economic supplement (Substance-Free Activity Session [SFAS]) to a standard alcohol brief motivational interviewing (BMI) session for heavy-drinking college students. METHOD Participants were 82 first-year college students (50% female; 81.7% White/European American; M age = 18.5 years, SD = 0.71) who reported 2 or more past-month heavy drinking episodes. After completing a baseline assessment and an individual alcohol-focused BMI, participants were randomized to either the SFAS or to a Relaxation Training (RT) control session. The SFAS was delivered in an MI style and attempted to increase the salience of delayed academic and career rewards and the patterns of behavior leading to those rewards. RESULTS The combination of an alcohol BMI plus the SFAS was associated with significantly greater reductions in alcohol problems compared with an alcohol BMI plus RT at the 1-month and 6-month follow-up assessments (p = .015, ηp² = .07), an effect that was partially mediated by increases in protective behavioral strategies. BMI + SFAS was also associated with greater reductions in heavy drinking among participants who at baseline reported low levels of substance-free reinforcement or symptoms of depression. CONCLUSION These results are consistent with behavioral economic theory and suggest that a single session focused on increasing engagement in alternatives to drinking can enhance the effects of brief alcohol interventions.
Intramuscular fatty acid metabolism in contracting and non‐contracting human skeletal muscle

The present study was undertaken to investigate the fate of blood‐borne non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) entering contracting and non‐contracting knee extensor muscles of healthy young individuals. [U‐13C]‐palmitate was infused into a forearm vein during 5 h of one‐legged knee extensor exercise at 40 % of maximal work capacity and the NEFA kinetics, oxidation and rate of incorporation into intramuscular triacylglycerol (mTAG) were determined for the exercising and the non‐exercising legs. During 4 h of one‐legged knee extensor exercise, mtag content decreased by 30 % (P < 0.05) in the contracting muscle, whereas it was unchanged in the non‐contracting muscle. The uptake of plasma NEFA, as well as the proportion directed towards oxidation, was higher in the exercising compared to the non‐exercising leg, whereas the rate of palmitate incorporation into mtag was fourfold lower (0.70 ± 0.14 vs. 0.17 ± 0.04 μmol (g dry wt)−1 h−1; P lt; 0.05), resulting in fractional synthesis rates of 1.0 ± 0.2 and 3.8 ± 0.9 % h−1 (P lt; 0.01) for the contracting and non‐contracting muscle, respectively. These findings demonstrate that mTAG in human skeletal muscle is continuously synthesised and degraded and that the metabolic fate of plasma NEFA entering the muscle is influenced by muscle contraction, so that a higher proportion is directed towards oxidation at the expense of storage in mTAG.
Measurements and modeling of the kinetic inductance in high critical temperature superconducting transmission lines

This paper presents both experimental investigations and modeled results on high temperature superconductive (HTS) microstrip lines. Our modeling concept is based on solving integral equations using the moment method. An electromagnetic characterization of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/(-x) in an inverted microstrip line has been carried out in order to validate the model, in the 5 MHz-3 GHz bandwidth and in the 10 K-85 K temperature range. It is shown that the two-fluid model is applicable over a wide range of temperatures below the critical temperature. The comparison of the bipolaron model and the classical London model is carried out. In addition, different thin film deposition techniques have been investigated. Other important issues such as an accurate analytic expression of the kinetic inductance are addressed for these structures. <<ETX>>
Using geostatistical techniques to map adaptive capacities of resource-poor communities to climate change

Purpose This paper aims to present a case study-based approach to identify resource-poor communities with limited abilities to cope with the adverse effects of climate change. The study area is the Nkonkobe Local Municipality, in the Eastern Cape which is one of South Africa’s provinces ranked as being extremely vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change because of high incidences of poverty and limited access to public services such as water and education. Although adaptive capacity and vulnerability assessments help to guide policy formulation and implementation by identifying communities with low coping capacities, policy implementers often find it difficult to fully exploit the utility of these assessments because of difficulties in identifying vulnerable communities. The paper attempts to bridge this gap by providing a user-friendly, replicable, practically implementable and adaptable methodology that can be used to cost-effectively and timeously identify vulnerable communities with low coping capacities. Design/methodology/approach A geostatistical approach was used to assess and evaluate adaptive capacities of resource-poor communities in the Nkonkobe Local Municipality. The geospatial component of this approach consisted of a multi-step Geographical Information Systems (GIS) based technique that was improvised to map adaptive capacities of different communities. The statistical component used demographic indicators comprising literacy levels, income levels, population age profiles and access to water to run automated summation and ranking of indicator scores in ArcGIS 10.2 to produce maps that show spatial locations of communities with varying levels of adaptive capacities on a scale ranging from low, medium to high. Findings The analysis identified 14 villages with low adaptive capacities from a total of 180 villages in the Nkonkobe Local Municipality. This finding is important because it suggests that our methodology can be effectively used to objectively identify communities that are vulnerable to climate change. Social implications The paper presents a tool that could be used for targeting assistance to climate change vulnerable communities. The methodology proposed is of general applicability in guiding public policy interventions aimed at reaching, protecting and uplifting socio-economically disadvantaged populations in both rural and urban settings. Originality/value The approach’s ability to identify vulnerable communities is useful because it aids the identification of resource-poor communities that deserve priority consideration when planning adaptation action plans to deliver support and assistance to those least capable of effectively coping with the adverse effects of climate change induced vulnerabilities.
Flood Protection Diversification to Reduce Probabilities of Extreme Losses

Recent catastrophic losses because of floods require developing resilient approaches to flood risk protection. This article assesses how diversification of a system of coastal protections might decrease the probabilities of extreme flood losses. The study compares the performance of portfolios each consisting of four types of flood protection assets in a large region of dike rings. A parametric analysis suggests conditions in which diversifications of the types of included flood protection assets decrease extreme flood losses. Increased return periods of extreme losses are associated with portfolios where the asset types have low correlations of economic risk. The effort highlights the importance of understanding correlations across asset types in planning for large‐scale flood protection. It allows explicit integration of climate change scenarios in developing flood mitigation strategy.
Protein folding includes oligomerization – examples from the endoplasmic reticulum and cytosol

A correct three‐dimensional structure is a prerequisite for protein functionality, and therefore for life. Thus, it is not surprising that our cells are packed with proteins that assist protein folding, the process in which the native three‐dimensional structure is formed. In general, plasma membrane and secreted proteins, as well as those residing in compartments along the endocytic and exocytic pathways, fold and oligomerize in the endoplasmic reticulum. The proteins residing in the endoplasmic reticulum are specialized in the folding of this subset of proteins, which renders this compartment a protein‐folding factory. This review focuses on protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum, and discusses the challenge of oligomer formation in the endoplasmic reticulum as well as the cytosol.
Measuring the food environment using geographical information systems: a methodological review

Abstract Objective Through a literature review, we investigated the geographic information systems (GIS) methods used to define the food environment and the types of spatial measurements they generate. Design Review study. Setting Searches were conducted in health science databases, including Medline/Pubmed, PsycINFO, Francis and GeoBase. We included studies using GIS-based measures of the food environment published up to 1 June 2008. Results Twenty-nine papers were included. Two different spatial approaches were identified. The density approach quantifies the availability of food outlets using the buffer method, kernel density estimation or spatial clustering. The proximity approach assesses the distance to food outlets by measuring distances or travel times. GIS network analysis tools enable the modelling of travel time between referent addresses (home) and food outlets for a given transportation network and mode, and the assumption of travel routing behaviours. Numerous studies combined both approaches to compare food outlet spatial accessibility between different types of neighbourhoods or to investigate relationships between characteristics of the food environment and individual food behaviour. Conclusions GIS methods provide new approaches for assessing the food environment by modelling spatial accessibility to food outlets. On the basis of the available literature, it appears that only some GIS methods have been used, while other GIS methods combining availability and proximity, such as spatial interaction models, have not yet been applied to this field. Future research would also benefit from a combination of GIS methods with survey approaches to describe both spatial and social food outlet accessibility as important determinants of individual food behaviours.
Effects of Factor Xa and Protein S on the Individual Activated Protein C-mediated Cleavages of Coagulation Factor Va*

Activated protein C inhibits the procoagulant function of activated factor V (FVa) through proteolytic cleavages at Arg-306, Arg-506, and Arg-679. The cleavage at Arg-506 is kinetically favored but protected by factor Xa (FXa). Protein S has been suggested to annihilate the inhibitory effect of FXa, a proposal that has been challenged. To elucidate the effects of FXa and protein S on the individual cleavage sites of FVa, we used recombinant FVa:Q306/Q679 and FVa:Q506/Q679 variants, which can only be cleaved at Arg-506 and Arg-306, respectively. In the presence of active site blocked FXa (FXa-1.5-dansyl-Glu-Gly-Arg), the FVa inactivation was followed over time, and apparent second order rate constants were calculated. Consistent with results on record, we observed that FXa-1.5-dansyl-Glu-Gly-Arg decreased the Arg-506 cleavage by 20-fold, with a half-maximum inhibition of ∼2 nm. Interestingly and in contrast to the inhibitory effect of FXa on the 506 cleavage, FXa stimulated the Arg-306 cleavage. Protein S counteracted the inhibition by FXa of the Arg-506 cleavage, whereas protein S and FXa yielded additive stimulatory effect of the cleavage at Arg-306. This suggests that FXa and protein S interact with distinct sites on FVa, which is consistent with the observed lack of inhibitory effect on FXa binding to FVa by protein S. We propose that the apparent annihilation of the FXa protection of the Arg-506 cleavage by protein S is due to an enhanced rate of Arg-506 cleavage of FVa not bound to FXa, resulting in depletion of free FVa and dissociation of FXa-FVa complexes.
Use of Barcelona Test for cognitive assessment of patients with schizophrenia.

INTRODUCTION In recent years different neuropsychological batteries have been developed to assess cognitive performance in schizophrenia. However, no test has been validated in Spanish for this purpose. The Barcelona Test has been one of the tests used. This present article has aimed to present a specific neurocognitive battery for schizophrenia by selecting specific subtests from the Barcelona Test. Normative data for patients with schizophrenia are presented and the influence of a number of variables is taken into account. METHODS The sample included 209 patients. The relationship between cognitive performance and gender, age, educational level, age of onset, duration of illness and symptomatology were assessed. Symptomatology was collected with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia. RESULTS More of the 50% of the sample had cognitive impairment when compared with standardized percentile scores of the Barcelona Test. No significant relationships between cognitive performance and variables assessed were found, except for in the educational level. Thus, percentile scores for the total sample and for the sample in terms of educational level were obtained. CONCLUSIONS The high percentage of patients with cognitive impairment when standardized percentile scores were used reinforces the need to use normative data appropriate for the schizophrenia group. The lack of relationship between cognitive performance and the variables assessed supports the hypothesis that cognitive impairment is a core feature in schizophrenia.
Extraparenchymal Bile/Pancreatic Ducts and Duodenal Papillae

This review focuses on the anatomy, histologic preparation, and pathologic evaluation of extraparenchymal bile and pancreatic ducts (BPDs) and their openings at the duodenal papillae in the cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis), the Beagle dog (Canis familiaris), the Wistar Hanover rat (Rattus norvegicus), and the CD1 mouse (Mus musculus). In nonclinical safety assessment, intraparenchymal BPDs (with sections of liver and pancreas, respectively) are evaluated routinely. However, detailed evaluation of the extraparenchymal BPDs or the duodenal papillae is not included. In the context of nonclinical safety assessment studies, this review describes situations in which evaluation of extraparenchymal ductal structures and duodenal papillae may be useful in characterizing test article–related changes; elucidates anatomic similarities between human, macaque, and dog and notable differences in rats and mice; and consolidates the information required for the histopathologic evaluation of these tissues.
Differential Recovery of Action Potential Duration and HERG Currents from the Effects of Two Methanesulfonamide Class III Antiarrhythmic Agents, KCB-328 and Dofetilide

A novel pure class III antiarrhythmic agent, 1-(2-amino-4-methanesulfonamidophenoxy)-2-[N-(3,4-dimethoxyphen-ethyl)-N-methylamino]ethane hydrochloride (KCB-328) prolongs action potential duration (APD) by blocking the rapid component delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr). However, KCB-328 manifests little of the reverse frequency dependence (RFD) that is a general characteristic of class III antiarrhythmic agents. We have studied the onset and recovery kinetics of KCB-328 and dofetilide on APD in guinea-pig papillary muscle and on human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) channel, which encodes IKr, expressed in Xenopus oocytes. KCB-328 (1 &mgr;M) and dofetilide (0.1 &mgr;M) progressively increased the duration of post-rest AP at 1-Hz stimulation, with onset time constants of 6.4 ± 0.6 seconds and 20.7 ± 1.8 seconds, respectively. With a 100-second resting period, the effect of KCB-328 recovered by 70% with a time constant of 13.2 ± 4.2 seconds, whereas that of dofetilide recovered only by 25%. Both drugs blocked activated HERG channels in a biexponential decay fashion, with faster time constants for KCB-328 (3 &mgr;M) than for dofetilide (0.3 &mgr;M). After a 300-second resting period, HERG current inhibited by KCB-328 was recovered more at depolarized membrane potentials than at hyperpolarized ones, with a time constant of 179.9 seconds during the rest at −60 mV. In contrast, recovery after dofetilide was negligible at all voltages tested. These results suggest that KCB-328 binds to IKr at a preferentially open state in a use-dependent manner, but that KCB-328 unbinds from the resting state more readily than dofetilide. The less striking RFD of KCB-328 than of dofetilide might be related to the faster recovery from its effect on IKr.