Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of procainamide on wave-front dynamics during ventricular fibrillation in open-chest dogs.

BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence that both functional reentrant wave fronts and multiple wavelets are present during ventricular fibrillation (VF). However, the effects of procainamide on the characteristics of activation waves during VF are poorly understood. METHODS AND RESULTS Seven dogs were studied; six underwent subendocardial chemical ablation procedures. A plaque with 317 to 480 bipolar electrodes was sutured to the right ventricular free wall, and the patterns of activation were registered with a computerized mapping system. VF was electrically induced, and the patterns of activation were registered at baseline and during procainamide infusion (serum concentration, 9.3+/-1.9 microg/mL). Among the six dogs that had their subendocardium ablated, reentrant wave fronts were present in 6 of the 108 runs of VF at baseline and in 6 of the 100 runs of VF during procainamide infusion. By analyzing the wave fronts, we found that the cycle length, refractory period, conduction velocity, and wavelength at baseline were 101+/-9 ms, 54+/-5 ms, 0.93+/-0.21 mm/ms, and 51+/-16 mm, respectively, and during procainamide infusion, values became 125+/-11 ms (P<.001), 119+/-7 ms (P<.001), 0.42+/-0.02 mm/ms (P<.001), and 50+/-4 mm (P=.8), respectively. The vast majority of the activation waves do not form organized reentry. These activation waves broke up more frequently at baseline than during procainamide administration. The number of activation waves was 7.25+/-1.39 s(-1) x cm(-2) at baseline and 4.45+/-1.80 s(-1) x cm(-2) during procainamide administration (P<.001). The dog without subendocardial ablation had similar results. CONCLUSIONS Procainamide decreases the number of wavelets during VF by preventing spontaneous wave breaks. This represents a novel mechanism of antiarrhythmic drug action.
The International Collaboration on Air Pollution and Pregnancy Outcomes: Initial Results

Background: The findings of prior studies of air pollution effects on adverse birth outcomes are difficult to synthesize because of differences in study design. Objectives: The International Collaboration on Air Pollution and Pregnancy Outcomes was formed to understand how differences in research methods contribute to variations in findings. We initiated a feasibility study to a) assess the ability of geographically diverse research groups to analyze their data sets using a common protocol and b) perform location-specific analyses of air pollution effects on birth weight using a standardized statistical approach. Methods: Fourteen research groups from nine countries participated. We developed a protocol to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for the association between particulate matter ≤ 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10) and low birth weight (LBW) among term births, adjusted first for socioeconomic status (SES) and second for additional location-specific variables. Results: Among locations with data for the PM10 analysis, ORs estimating the relative risk of term LBW associated with a 10-μg/m3 increase in average PM10 concentration during pregnancy, adjusted for SES, ranged from 0.63 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.30–1.35] for the Netherlands to 1.15 (95% CI, 0.61–2.18) for Vancouver, with six research groups reporting statistically significant adverse associations. We found evidence of statistically significant heterogeneity in estimated effects among locations. Conclusions: Variability in PM10–LBW relationships among study locations remained despite use of a common statistical approach. A more detailed meta-analysis and use of more complex protocols for future analysis may uncover reasons for heterogeneity across locations. However, our findings confirm the potential for a diverse group of researchers to analyze their data in a standardized way to improve understanding of air pollution effects on birth outcomes.
Optimal power allocation for fading channels in cognitive radio networks: Ergodic capacity and outage capacity

A cognitive radio network (CRN) is formed by either allowing the secondary users (SUs) in a secondary communication network (SCN) to opportunistically operate in the frequency bands originally allocated to a primary communication network (PCN) or by allowing SCN to coexist with the primary users (PUs) in PCN as long as the interference caused by SCN to each PU is properly regulated. In this paper, we consider the latter case, known as spectrum sharing, and study the optimal power allocation strategies to achieve the ergodic capacity and the outage capacity of the SU fading channel under different types of power constraints and fading channel models. In particular, besides the interference power constraint at PU, the transmit power constraint of SU is also considered. Since the transmit power and the interference power can be limited either by a peak or an average constraint, various combinations of power constraints are studied. It is shown that there is a capacity gain for SU under the average over the peak transmit/interference power constraint. It is also shown that fading for the channel between SU transmitter and PU receiver is usually a beneficial factor for enhancing the SU channel capacities.
Multiscale habitat relationships of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) in the mixed conifer landscape of the Northern Rockies, USA: Cross‐scale effects of horizontal cover with implications for forest management

Abstract Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) are an ecologically important herbivore because they modify vegetation through browsing and serve as a prey resource for multiple predators. We implemented a multiscale approach to characterize habitat relationships for snowshoe hares across the mixed conifer landscape of the northern Rocky Mountains, USA. Our objectives were to (1) assess the relationship between horizontal cover and snowshoe hares, (2) estimate how forest metrics vary across the gradient of snowshoe hare use and horizontal cover, and (3) model and map snowshoe hare occupancy and intensity of use. Results indicated that both occupancy and intensity of use by snowshoe hares increased with horizontal cover and that the effect became stronger as intensity of use increased. This underscores the importance of dense horizontal cover to achieve high use, and likely density, of snowshoe hares. Forest structure in areas with high snowshoe hare use and horizontal cover was characterized as multistoried with dense canopy cover and medium‐sized trees (e.g., 12.7–24.4 cm). The abundance of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) was associated with snowshoe hare use within a mixed conifer context, and the only species to increase in abundance with horizontal cover was Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa). Our landscape‐level modeling produced similar patterns in that we observed a positive effect of lodgepole pine and horizontal cover on both occupancy and use by snowshoe hares, but we also observed a positive yet parabolic effect of snow depth on snowshoe hare occupancy. This work is among the first to characterize the multiscale habitat relationships of snowshoe hares across a mixed conifer landscape as well as to map their occupancy and intensity of use. Moreover, our results provide stand‐ and landscape‐level insights that directly relate to management agencies, which aids in conservation efforts of snowshoe hares and their associated predators.
Sexual (dys)function and the quality of sexual life in patients with colorectal cancer: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND To determine (i) the prevalence of sexual (dys)function in patients with colorectal cancer and (ii) treatment-related and sociodemographic aspects in relation to sexual (dys)function and the quality of sexual life. Recommendations for future studies are provided. METHODS A systematic search was conducted during the period 1990 to July 2010 that used the databases PubMed, PsychINFO, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and OVID Medline. RESULTS Eighty-two studies were included. The mean quality score was 7.2. The percentage of preoperatively potent men that experienced sexual dysfunction postoperatively varied from 5% to 88%. Approximately half of the women reported sexual dysfunction. Preoperative radiotherapy, a stoma, complications during or after surgery, and a higher age predicted more sexual dysfunction with a strong level of evidence. Type of surgery and a lower tumor location predicted more sexual dysfunction with a moderate level of evidence. Insufficient evidence existed for predictors of the quality of sexual life. Current studies mainly focus on biological aspects of sexual (dys)function. Furthermore, existing studies suffer from methodological shortcomings such as a cross-sectional design, a small sample size, and the use of nonstandardized measurements. CONCLUSION Sexuality should be investigated prospectively from a biopsychosocial model, hereby including the quality of sexual life.
Development and characterization of novel erythropoiesis stimulating protein (NESP)

Studies on human erythropoietin (EPO) demonstrated that there is a direct relationship between the sialic acid-containing carbohydrate content of the molecule and its serum half-life and in vivo biological activity, but an inverse relationship with its receptor-binding affinity. These observations led to the hypothesis that increasing the carbohydrate content, beyond that found naturally, would lead to a molecule with enhanced biological activity. Hyperglycosylated recombinant human EPO (rHuEPO) analogues were developed to test this hypothesis. Darbepoetin alfa (novel erythropoiesis stimulating protein, NESP, ARANESPTM, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA), which was engineered to contain 5 N-linked carbohydrate chains (two more than rHuEPO), has been evaluated in preclinical animal studies. Due to its increased sialic acid-containing carbohydrate content, NESP is biochemically distinct from rHuEPO, having an increased molecular weight and greater negative charge. Compared with rHuEPO, it has an approximate 3-fold longer serum half-life, greater in vivo potency, and can be administered less frequently to obtain the same biological response. NESP is currently being evaluated in human clinical trials for treatment of anaemia and reduction in its incidence. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign
Distinct Expression Levels and Patterns of Stem Cell Marker, Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Isoform 1 (ALDH1), in Human Epithelial Cancers

Aldehyde dehydrogenase isoform 1 (ALDH1) has been proved useful for the identification of cancer stem cells. However, our knowledge of the expression and activity of ALDH1 in common epithelial cancers and their corresponding normal tissues is still largely absent. Therefore, we characterized ALDH1 expression in 24 types of normal tissues and a large collection of epithelial tumor specimens (six cancer types, n = 792) by immunohistochemical staining. Using the ALDEFUOR assay, ALDH1 activity was also examined in 16 primary tumor specimens and 43 established epithelial cancer cell lines. In addition, an ovarian cancer transgenic mouse model and 7 murine ovarian cancer cell lines were analyzed. We found that the expression levels and patterns of ALDH1 in epithelial cancers are remarkably distinct, and they correlate with their corresponding normal tissues. ALDH1 protein expression levels are positively correlated with ALDH1 enzymatic activity measured by ALDEFLUOR assay. Long-term in vitro culture doesn't significantly affect ALDH1 activity in epithelial tumor cells. Consistent with research on other cancers, we found that high ALDH1 expression is significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes in serous ovarian cancer patients (n = 439, p = 0.0036). Finally, ALDHbr tumor cells exhibit cancer stem cell properties and are resistant to chemotherapy. As a novel cancer stem cell marker, ALDH1 can be used for tumors whose corresponding normal tissues express ALDH1 in relatively restricted or limited levels such as breast, lung, ovarian or colon cancer.
α-N-Acetylgalactosaminidase from Infant-associated Bifidobacteria Belonging to Novel Glycoside Hydrolase Family 129 Is Implicated in Alternative Mucin Degradation Pathway*

Background: The degradation pathway of the intestinal mucin by bifidobacteria is poorly understood. Results: A novel α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase, NagBb, was identified from Bifidobacterium bifidum JCM 1254. Conclusion: NagBb might be involved in intracellular degradation of Tn antigen (GalNAcα1-Ser/Thr). Significance: NagBb represents a novel glycoside hydrolase family 129 in the CAZy database. Bifidobacteria inhabit the lower intestine of mammals including humans where the mucin gel layer forms a space for commensal bacteria. We previously identified that infant-associated bifidobacteria possess an extracellular membrane-bound endo-α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (EngBF) that may be involved in degradation and assimilation of mucin-type oligosaccharides. However, EngBF is highly specific for core-1-type O-glycan (Galβ1–3GalNAcα1-Ser/Thr), also called T antigen, which is mainly attached onto gastroduodenal mucins. By contrast, core-3-type O-glycans (GlcNAcβ1–3GalNAcα1-Ser/Thr) are predominantly found on the mucins in the intestines. Here, we identified a novel α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (NagBb) from Bifidobacterium bifidum JCM 1254 that hydrolyzes the Tn antigen (GalNAcα1-Ser/Thr). Sialyl and galactosyl core-3 (Galβ1–3/4GlcNAcβ1–3(Neu5Acα2–6)GalNAcα1-Ser/Thr), a major tetrasaccharide structure on MUC2 mucin primarily secreted from goblet cells in human sigmoid colon, can be serially hydrolyzed into Tn antigen by previously identified bifidobacterial extracellular glycosidases such as α-sialidase (SiaBb2), lacto-N-biosidase (LnbB), β-galactosidase (BbgIII), and β-N-acetylhexosaminidases (BbhI and BbhII). Because NagBb is an intracellular enzyme without an N-terminal secretion signal sequence, it is likely involved in intracellular degradation and assimilation of Tn antigen-containing polypeptides, which might be incorporated through unknown transporters. Thus, bifidobacteria possess two distinct pathways for assimilation of O-glycans on gastroduodenal and intestinal mucins. NagBb homologs are conserved in infant-associated bifidobacteria, suggesting a significant role for their adaptation within the infant gut, and they were found to form a new glycoside hydrolase family 129.
IS THE PAIN MODULATORY ACTION OF 17β-ESTRADIOL IN LOCUS COERULEUS OF MALE RATS MEDIATED BY GABAA RECEPTORS?

Introduction: Estradiol is a neuroactive steroid, which is found in several brain areas such as locus coeruleus (LC). Estradiol modulates nociception by binding to its receptors and also by allosteric interaction with other membranebound receptors like glutamate and GABAA receptors. LC is involved in noradrenergic descending pain modulation. Methods: In order to study the effect of 17β-estradiol on both acute and persistent pain modulation and its mechanisms, formalin was injected into the hind paw of male rats. 17β-estradiol was unilaterally injected into the right LC by Hamilton syringe. Formalin-induced responses including licking and flexing duration and paw jerking frequency were recorded for 60 min after injection of 50 μl of 2% formalin. Also, the expression of α2 and γ1 subunits of GABAA receptor genes were examined by RT-PCR technique. Results: The results of the current study showed that intra-locus coeruleus injection of 17β-estradiol attenuated the second phase, but not the acute phase of formalin induced pain (P< 0.05). GABAA receptor antagonist (bicuculline) reversed the antinociceptive effect of 17β-estradiol, but the expression level of α2 and γ1 subunits of GABAA receptor genes were not significantly changed. Conclusion: It may be concluded that the analgesic effect of 17β-estradiol in formalin induced inflammatory pain is possibly mediated through the interaction with membrane-bound GABAA receptors, however this effect is not exerted at the gene expression level.
SHOEBOX: A DIGITAL PHOTO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

This paper reports recent work at AT&T to develop a system for the management of personal digital photograph collections. Shoebox, the resulting software package, provides a range of browsing and searching facilities, utilising spoken annotations and image content to enable both semantically similar and visually similar images to be retrieved. We report on the design of the system, the construction of a test collection, and the evaluation of its searching facilities. The results show that audio annotation is an effective means of retrieval for photographs, which significantly out-performs image content-based techniques.
Reduced Voltage Sensitivity of Activation of P/Q-Type Ca2+ Channels is Associated with the Ataxic Mouse MutationRolling Nagoya (tgrol )

Recent genetic analyses have revealed an important association of the gene encoding the P/Q-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel α1A subunit with hereditary neurological disorders. We have identified the ataxic mouse mutation, rolling Nagoya(tgrol), in the α1Agene that leads to a charge-neutralizing arginine-to-glycine substitution at position 1262 in the voltage sensor-forming segment S4 in repeat III. Ca2+ channel currents in acutely dissociated Purkinje cells, where P-type is the dominant type, showed a marked decrease in slope and a depolarizing shift by 8 mV of the conductance–voltage curve and reduction in current density intgrol mouse cerebella, compared with those in wild-type. Compatible functional change was induced by thetgrol mutation in the recombinant α1A channel, indicating that a defect in voltage sensor of P/Q-type Ca2+ channels is the direct consequence of the tgrol mutation. Furthermore, somatic whole-cell recording of mutant Purkinje cells displayed only abortive Na+ burst activity and hardly exhibited Ca2+ spike activity in cerebellar slices. Thus, in tgrol mice, reduced voltage sensitivity, which may derive from a gating charge defect, and diminished activity of the P-type α1ACa2+ channel significantly impair integrative properties of Purkinje neurons, presumably resulting in locomotor deficits.
Flucytosine kinetics in subjects with normal and impaired renal function

Kinetics and bioavailability of flucytosine were studied in 5 subjects with normal renalfunction. Kinetic parameters and absorption were compared after a 500‐mg dose administered in the following manner: intravenously, aqueous solution, and capsules while fasting; capsules after meals; and capsules with antacid. Encapsulation, food, and antacid decreased the absorption rate constant but the total amount absorbed orally did not differ significantly. Bioavailability assessed by the urinary recovery or comparison of the AUCo to AUCiv on the average showed 76% to 89% oral absorption. In 3 patients on hemodialysis, the serum concentrations in the β‐phase following oral flucytosine in capsules during fasting were in the same range as those after a comparable intravenous dose. The mean steady‐state distribution volume (Vdss) was 0.679 L/kg in normal subjects and ranged between 0.413 and 0.706 L/kg in 9 patients with renal failure. The mean t½β was 4.2 hr in normal subjects and the renal clearance was comparable to creatinine clearance. In renal failure, a linear regression analysis showed the t½β (hr) to be numerically about 5 times the steady‐state serum creatinine concentration (mg/dl). Under the conditions of the study, hemodialyzer clearance of flucytosine was rapid and similar to creatinine hemodialyzer clearance. Computer simulation based on the measured pharmacokinetic parameters demonstrated that a loading dose (20 mg/kg) after dialysis should result in therapeutic plasma concentrations for susceptible organisms and avoid toxic levels.
Spatial Distribution of Channel and Floodplain Large Wood in Forested River Corridors of the Northern Rockies

Planform geometry, spatial heterogeneity, and large wood abundance and distribution were characterized using combined remote imagery and field surveys along lengths of 20–28 km in four river corridors (channels and floodplains) in northwestern Montana. Study sites included four planform geometries: meandering, straight, braided, and multichannel. Planform spatial heterogeneity of channels and floodplains, such as proportion of the active channel in bars, sinuosity, braiding index, and the number of active channels, differs in relation to channel planform type. Braided and multichannel rivers have significantly greater spatial heterogeneity of channels and floodplains and store significantly greater volumes of wood in the channel. Wood is preferentially stored in jams, and jams are preferentially stored in shallow areas of the active channel (midchannel bars, inner bends, and secondary channels) and in abandoned channels on the floodplain. We interpret these results using a conceptual model in which boundary conditions create sufficient valley‐bottom width for the development of planform spatial heterogeneity, which then promotes storage of large wood. The results of this study can inform management that protects or restores spatial heterogeneity.
Dexmedetomidine decreases the inflammatory response to myocardial surgery under mini-cardiopulmonary bypass

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with extracorporeal circulation produces changes in the immune system accompanied by an increase in proinflammatory cytokines and a decrease in anti-inflammatory cytokines. We hypothesize that dexmedetomidine (DEX) as an anesthetic adjuvant modulates the inflammatory response after coronary artery bypass graft surgery with mini-CPB. In a prospective, randomized, blind study, 12 patients (4 females and 8 males, age range 42-72) were assigned to DEX group and compared with a conventional total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) group of 11 patients (4 females and 7 males). The endpoints used to assess inflammatory and biochemical responses to mini-CPB were plasma interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, interferon (INF)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-reactive protein, creatine phosphokinase, creatine phosphokinase-MB, cardiac troponin I, cortisol, and glucose levels. These variables were determined before anesthesia, 90 min after beginning CPB, 5 h after beginning CPB, and 24 h after the end of surgery. Endpoints of oxidative stress, including thiobarbituric acid reactive species and delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity in erythrocytes were also determined. DEX+TIVA use was associated with a significant reduction in IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and INF-γ (P<0.0001) levels compared with TIVA (two-way ANOVA). In contrast, the surgery-induced increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive species was higher in the DEX+TIVA group than in the TIVA group (P<0.01; two-way ANOVA). Delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity was decreased after CPB (P<0.001), but there was no difference between the two groups. DEX as an adjuvant in anesthesia reduced circulating IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and INF-γ levels after mini-CPB. These findings indicate an interesting anti-inflammatory effect of DEX, which should be studied in different types of surgical interventions.