Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protein synthesis inhibition blocks the late-phase LTP of C-fiber evoked field potentials in rat spinal dorsal horn.

Previous studies have demonstrated that in the hippocampus the maintenance of long-term potentiation (LTP) requires de novo protein synthesis. To investigate the role of protein synthesis in the maintenance of LTP of C-fiber evoked field potentials in spinal dorsal horn, which may be relevant to hyperalgesia, protein synthesis inhibitor (either cycloheximide or anisomycin) was applied locally to the recording segments of spinal cord in anesthetized rats, 30 min prior to tetanic stimulation to the sciatic nerve. We found that both cycloheximide and anisomycin selectively inhibited late-phase maintenance of the spinal LTP but affected neither LTP induction nor baseline responses of C-fiber evoked field potentials. In the presence of cycloheximide, LTP of C-fiber evoked field potentials was 281.5 +/- 16.5% (n = 6) of baseline 1 h after tetanic stimulation and the potentiation significantly decreased to 235.5 +/- 18.5% at 145 min after tetanic stimulation (P < 0.05). Afterward, LTP of C-fiber evoked field potentials decreased continuously and at 270 min after tetanic stimulation reached 130.8 +/- 18.0%, which was no longer different from baseline (P > 0.05). Spinal application of anisomycin at 30 min before tetanic stimulation yielded similar results (n = 6). These results suggest that protein synthesis may be crucial for the late-phase maintenance of LTP of C-fiber evoked field potentials in spinal dorsal horn.
Lightweight domain ontology learning from texts: graph theory-based approach using Wikipedia

Ontology engineering is the backbone of the semantic web. However, the construction of formal ontologies is a tough exercise which requires time and heavy costs. Ontology learning is thus a solution for this requirement. Since texts are massively available everywhere, making up of experts' knowledge and their know-how, it is of great value to capture the knowledge existing within such texts. Our approach is thus the kind of research work that answers the challenge of creating concepts' hierarchies from textual data taking advantage of the Wikipedia encyclopaedia to achieve some good-quality results. This paper presents a novel approach which essentially uses plain text Wikipedia instead of its categorical system and works with a simplified algorithm to infer a domain taxonomy from a graph.
In vitro induction of the pronephric duct in Xenopus explants

The earliest form of embryonic kidney, the pronephros, consists of three components: glomus, tubule and duct. Treatment of the undifferentiated animal pole ectoderm of Xenopus laevis with activin A and retinoic acid (RA) induces formation of the pronephric tubule and glomus. In this study, the rate of induction of the pronephric duct, the third component of the pronephros, was investigated in animal caps treated with activin A and RA. Immunohistochemistry using pronephric duct‐specific antibody 4A6 revealed that a high proportion of the treated explants contained 4A6‐positive tubular structures. Electron microscopy showed that the tubules in the explants were similar to the pronephric ducts of normal larvae, and they also expressed Gremlin and c‐ret, molecular markers for pronephric ducts. These results suggest that the treatment of Xenopus ectoderm with activin A and RA induces a high rate of differentiation of pronephric ducts, in addition to the differentiation of the pronephric tubule and glomus, and that this in vitro system can serve as a simple and effective model for analysis of the mechanism of pronephros differentiation.
Dietary Patterns Differently Associate with Inflammation and Gut Microbiota in Overweight and Obese Subjects

Background Associations between dietary patterns, metabolic and inflammatory markers and gut microbiota are yet to be elucidated. Objectives We aimed to characterize dietary patterns in overweight and obese subjects and evaluate the different dietary patterns in relation to metabolic and inflammatory variables as well as gut microbiota. Design Dietary patterns, plasma and adipose tissue markers, and gut microbiota were evaluated in a group of 45 overweight and obese subjects (6 men and 39 women). A group of 14 lean subjects were also evaluated as a reference group. Results Three clusters of dietary patterns were identified in overweight/obese subjects. Cluster 1 had the least healthy eating behavior (highest consumption of potatoes, confectionary and sugary drinks, and the lowest consumption of fruits that was associated also with low consumption of yogurt, and water). This dietary pattern was associated with the highest LDL cholesterol, plasma soluble CD14 (p = 0.01) a marker of systemic inflammation but the lowest accumulation of CD163+ macrophages with anti-inflammatory profile in adipose tissue (p = 0.05). Cluster 3 had the healthiest eating behavior (lower consumption of confectionary and sugary drinks, and highest consumption of fruits but also yogurts and soups). Subjects in this Cluster had the lowest inflammatory markers (sCD14) and the highest anti-inflammatory adipose tissue CD163+ macrophages. Dietary intakes, insulin sensitivity and some inflammatory markers (plasma IL6) in Cluster 3 were close to those of lean subjects. Cluster 2 was in-between clusters 1 and 3 in terms of healthfulness. The 7 gut microbiota groups measured by qPCR were similar across the clusters. However, the healthiest dietary cluster had the highest microbial gene richness, as evaluated by quantitative metagenomics. Conclusion A healthier dietary pattern was associated with lower inflammatory markers as well as greater gut microbiota richness in overweight and obese subjects. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01314690
Image Relaxation: Restoration and Feature Extraction

The techniques of a posteriori image restoration and iterative image feature extraction are described and compared. Image feature extraction methods known as graduated nonconvexity (GNC); variable conductance diffusion (VCD), anisotropic diffusion, and biased anisotropic diffusion (BAD), which extract edges from noisy images, are compared with a restoration/feature extraction method known as mean field annealing (MFA). All are shown to be performing the same basic operation: image relaxation. This equivalence shows the relationship between energy minimization methods and spatial analysis methods and between their respective parameters of temperature and scale. As a result of the equivalence, VCD is demonstrated to minimize a cost function, and that cost is specified explicitly. Furthermore, operations over scale space are shown to be a method of avoiding local minima. >
Developing a Broadband Automatic Speech Recognition System for Afrikaans

Afrikaans is one of the eleven official languages of South Africa. It is classified as an under-resourced language. No annotated broadband speech corpora currently exist for Afrikaans. This article reports on the development of speech resources for Afrikaans, specifically a broadband speech corpus and an extended pronunciation dictionary. Baseline results for an ASR system that was built using these resources are also presented. In addition, the article suggests different strategies to exploit the close relationship between Afrikaans and Dutch for the purposes of technology development. Index Terms: Afrikaans, under-resourced languages, automatic speech recognition, speech resources
Measuring Medullation in Mohair with near Infrared Reflectance Analysis

Existing methods of measuring medullation in wool and mohair have certain shortcomings, such as testing time, cost, and variability, especially at low levels of medullation. A new method using near-infrared analysis (NIRA) is proposed. The main difference between the new method and the conventional NIRA method involves the immersion of the mohair sample in a liquid with a refractive index similar to that of mohair. All the calibration and validation statistical parameters improve significantly compared to the conventional NIRA method. The standard error of prediction for the new method is 0.31%. There is a high reproducibility of single measurements, especially at low levels of medullation. The main factor limiting the precision of conventional NIRA estimates of medullation is considered to be the influence of the light signal reflected from fiber surface.
ET-1-induced bronchoconstriction is mediated via ETB receptor in mice.

Endothelin (ET)-1 is one of the most potent agonists of airway smooth muscle and can act via two different ET receptor subtypes, i.e., ETA and ETB. To determine the effects of ET-1 on in vivo pulmonary function and which ET receptors are involved in murine lungs, we investigated 1) the effects of ET and sarafotoxin S6c (S6c), a selective ETB agonist, on pulmonary function and 2) the effects of BQ-123 and BQ-788, specific ETA- and ETB-receptor antagonists, on ET-1-induced bronchoconstriction. ICR mice were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated (frequency = 2.5 Hz, tidal volume = 8 ml/kg, positive end-expiratory pressure = 3 cmH2O). Intravenous ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3 increased lung resistance similarly and equipotently, whereas S6c elicited a greater degree of bronchoconstriction. Mice were then pretreated with saline (Sal), BQ-123 (0.2, 1, and 5 mg/kg), or BQ-788 (0.2, 1, and 5 mg/kg) before administration of ET-1 (10(-7) mol/kg iv). No dose of BQ-123 blocked ET-1-induced constriction, whereas pretreatment with each dose of BQ-788 significantly inhibited ET-1-induced responses. There were significant differences in morphometrically assessed airway constriction between Sal and BQ-788 and between BQ-123 and BQ-788, whereas no significant difference was observed between Sal and BQ-123. There were no significant morphometric differences in the airway wall area among the three groups. These observations suggest that the ETB- but not ETA-receptor subtype may mediate the changes in murine pulmonary function in response to ET-1. In addition, the ETB-receptor antagonist reduces ET-1-induced airway narrowing by affecting airway smooth muscle contraction in mice.
The Theory of Planned Behavior as a Model of Academic Dishonesty in Engineering and Humanities Undergraduates

This study examines the use of a modified form of the theory of planned behavior in understanding the decisions of undergraduate students in engineering and humanities to engage in cheating. We surveyed 527 randomly selected students from three academic institutions. Results supported the use of the model in predicting ethical decision-making regarding cheating. In particular, the model demonstrated how certain variables (gender, discipline, high school cheating, education level, international student status, participation in Greek organizations or other clubs) and moral constructs related to intention to cheat, attitudes toward cheating, perceptions of norms with respect to cheating, and ultimately cheating behaviors. Further the relative importance of the theory of planned behavior constructs was consistent regardless of context, whereas the contributions of variables included in the study that were outside the theory varied by context. Of particular note were findings suggesting that the extent of cheating in high school was a strong predictor of cheating in college and that engineering students reported cheating more frequently than students in the humanities, even when controlling for the number of opportunities to do so.
National comparisons of lung cancer survival in England, Norway and Sweden 2001–2004: differences occur early in follow-up

Background Countries with a similar expenditure on healthcare within Europe exhibit differences in lung cancer survival. Survival in lung cancer was studied in 2001–2004 in England, Norway and Sweden. Methods Nationwide cancer registries in England, Norway and Sweden were used to identify 250 828 patients with lung cancer from England, 18 386 from Norway and 24 886 from Sweden diagnosed between 1996 and 2004, after exclusion of patients registered through death certificate only or with missing, zero or negative survival times. 5-Year relative survival was calculated by application of the period approach. The excess mortality between the countries was compared using a Poisson regression model. Results In all subcategories of age, sex and follow-up period, the 5-year survival was lower in England than in Norway and Sweden. The age-standardised survival estimates were 6.5%, 9.3% and 11.3% for men and 8.4%, 13.5% and 15.9% for women in the respective countries in 2001–2004. The difference in excess risk of dying between the countries was predominantly confined to the first year of follow-up. The relative excess risk ratio during the first 3 months of follow-up comparing England with Norway 2001–2004 varied between 1.23 and 1.46, depending on sex and age, and between 1.56 and 1.91 comparing England with Sweden. Conclusion Access to healthcare and population awareness are likely to be major reasons for the differences, but it cannot be excluded that diagnostic and therapeutic activity play a role. Future improvements in lung cancer management may be seen early in follow-up.
Sensorless control of low-cost single-phase hybrid switched reluctance motor drive

This paper presents a sensorless-controlled, low-cost, low-power, variable-speed drive system suitable for fan and pump applications. The main advantages of this drive system are the low system cost, simple converter structure, and simple but robust sensorless control technique. The drive motor is a special Hybrid Switched Reluctance Motor (HSRM). The proposed sensorless control method utilizes beneficially the stator side permanent magnet field and its performance is motor parameter independent. The unique low-cost drive system solution, simple and robust sensorless control features of this drive system, is demonstrated in detail in this paper. Important design details for practical implementation of the sensorless control algorithm are included. The complete drive system performance is validated using a prototype drive system.
Commissural interneurons with input from group I and II muscle afferents in feline lumbar segments: neurotransmitters, projections and target cells

The aim of this study was to analyse neurotransmitter content, projection areas and target cells of commissural interneurons with input from group I and/or II muscle afferents in lumbar segments in the cat. Axonal projections of 15 intracellularly labelled commissural interneurons were reconstructed. Ten interneurons (nine located in laminae VI–VII, one in lamina VIII) were glutamatergic; only one interneuron (located in lamina VIII) was glycinergic. Contralateral terminal projections were found both in motor nuclei and within laminae VI–VIII. In order to identify target cells of commissural interneurons, effects of stimulation of contralateral group I and II muscle afferents were investigated on interneurons within these laminae. Three tests were used: intracellular records from individual interneurons, modulation of probability of activation of extracellularly recorded interneurons and modulation of their actions on motoneurons using disynaptic PSPs evoked in motoneurons as a measure. All these tests revealed much more frequent and/or stronger excitatory actions of contralateral afferents. The results indicate that commissural interneurons with input from contralateral group I and II afferents target premotor interneurons in disynaptic pathways from ipsilateral group I and II afferents and that excitatory disynaptic actions of contralateral afferents on these interneurons are mediated primarily by intermediate zone commissural interneurons. A second group of commissural interneurons activated by reticulospinal neurons, previously described, frequently had similar, but occasionally opposing, actions to the cells described here, thus indicating that these two subpopulations may act on the same premotor interneurons and either mutually enhance or counteract each other's actions.
Effects of ivacaftor in patients with cystic fibrosis who carry the G551D mutation and have severe lung disease.

BACKGROUND The development of ivacaftor represents a significant advance in therapeutics for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who carry the G551D mutation. Patients with an FEV1 < 40% predicted represent a considerable proportion of eligible patients but were excluded from phase 3 clinical trials, and the effectiveness of the drug in this population is, therefore, unknown. METHODS Data were collected from adult CF centers in the United Kingdom and Ireland with patients enrolled in an ivacaftor compassionate use program (FEV1 < 40% or on lung transplant waiting list). Clinically recorded data were collated from patient records for 1 year prior and for a period of 90 to 270 days following ivacaftor commencement. Each patient was matched to two control subjects who would have met the requirements for the compassionate use program with the exception of genotype. RESULTS Twenty-one patients received ivacaftor for a median of 237 days. Mean FEV1 improved from 26.5% to 30.7% predicted (P = .01), representing a 16.7% relative improvement. Median weight improved from 49.8 to 51.6 kg (P = .006). Median inpatient IV antibiotic days declined from 23 to 0 d/y (P = .001) and median total IV treatment days decreased from 74 to 38 d/y (P = .002) following ivacaftor. Changes in pulmonary function and IV antibiotic requirements were significant compared with control subjects. CONCLUSIONS Ivacaftor was clinically effective in patients with CF who carry the G551D mutation and have severe pulmonary disease. The reductions in treatment requirements were clinically and statistically significant and have not been described in less severe populations.
Premature Decline of Serum Total Testosterone in HIV-Infected Men in the HAART-Era

Background Testosterone (T) deficiency remains a poorly understood issue in men with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). We investigated the gonadal status in HIV-infected men in order to characterize T deficiency and to identify predictive factors for low serum T. Methodology/Principal Findings We performed a cross-sectional, observational study on 1325 consecutive HIV male outpatients, most of them having lipodystrophy. Serum total T<300 ng/dL was used as the threshold for biochemical T deficiency. Morning serum total T, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, HIV parameters, and body composition parameters by CT-scan and Dual-Energy-X-ray-Absorptiometry were measured in each case. Sexual behavior was evaluated in a subset of 247 patients. T deficiency was found in 212 subjects, especially in the age range 40–59, but was frequent even in younger patients. T deficiency occurred mainly in association with low/normal serum LH. Adiposity was higher in subjects with T deficiency (p<0.0001) and both visceral adipose tissue and body mass index were the main negative predictors of serum total T. Osteoporosis and erectile dysfunction were present in a similar percentage in men with or without T deficiency. Conclusions/Significance Premature decline of serum T is common (16%) among young/middle-aged HIV-infected men and is associated with inappropriately low/normal LH and increased visceral fat. T deficiency occurs at a young age and may be considered an element of the process of premature or accelerated aging known to be associated with HIV infection. The role of HIV and/or HIV infection treatments, as well as the role of the general health state on the gonadal axis, remains, in fact, to be elucidated. Due to the low specificity of signs and symptoms of hypogonadism in the context of HIV, caution is needed in the diagnosis of hypogonadism in HIV-infected men with biochemical low serum T levels.
The X-Ray, Optical, and Infrared Counterpart to GRB 980703

We report on X-ray, optical, and infrared follow-up observations of GRB 980703. We detect a previously unknown X-ray source in the GRB error box; assuming a power-law decline, we find for its decay index α < -0.91 (3 σ). We invoke host-galaxy extinction to match the observed spectral slope with the slope expected from "fireball" models. We find no evidence for a spectral break in the infrared to X-ray spectral range on 1998 July 4.4, and determine a lower limit of the cooling break frequency, νc > 1.3 × 1017 Hz. For this epoch we obtain an extinction of AV = 1.50 ± 0.11. From the X-ray data we estimate the optical extinction to be AV = 20.2+12.3-7.3, inconsistent with the former value. Our optical spectra confirm the redshift of z = 0.966. We compare the afterglow of GRB 980703 with that of GRB 970508 and find that the fraction of the energy in the magnetic field, ϵB < 6 × 10-5, is much lower in the case of GRB 980703, as a consequence of the high frequency of the cooling break.
Effect of glucocorticoid excess on skeletal muscle and heart protein synthesis in adult and old rats

This study was carried out to analyse glucocorticoid-induced muscle wasting and subsequent recovery in adult (6-8 months) and old (18-24 months) rats because the increased incidence of various disease states results in hypersecretion of glucocorticoids in ageing. Adult and old rats received dexamethasone in their drinking water for 5 or 6 d and were then allowed to recover for 3 or 7 d. As dexamethasone decreased food intake, all groups were pair-fed to dexamethasonetreated old rats (i.e. the group that had the lowest food intake). At the end of the treatment, adult and old rats showed significant increases in blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations. This increase disappeared during the recovery period. Protein synthesis of different muscles was assessed in vivo by a flooding dose of [13C]valine injected subcutaneously 50 min before slaughter. Dexamethasone induced a significant decrease in protein synthesis in fast-twitch glycolytic and oxidative glycolytic muscles (gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus). The treatment affected mostly ribosomal efficiency. Adult dexamethasone-treated rats showed an increase in protein synthesis compared with their pair-fed controls during the recovery period whereas old rats did not. Dexamethasone also significantly decreased protein synthesis in the predominantly oxidative soleus muscle but only in old rats, and increased protein synthesis in the heart of adult but not of old rats. Thus, in skeletal muscle, the catabolic effect of dexamethasone is maintained or amplified during ageing whereas the anabolic effect in heart is depressed. These results are consistent with muscle atrophy occurring with ageing.