Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Scorpion Venom Toxin on the Release of Amino Acid Neurotransmitters from Cerebral Cortex In Vivo and In Vitro

: Tityustoxin, the active component of the venom of the Brazilian yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus, caused specific release of the neurotransmitter amino acids glutamate, aspartate and GABA in vivo from the superfused sensori‐motor cortex of conscious unanesthetised rats and in vitro from rat cortical synaptosomes. The effects on synaptosomes appear to be due to a depolarising action. Synaptosomal potassium levels were depleted by the toxin. The action was also blocked both in vivo and in vitro by tetrodotoxin and was Ca2+ ‐dependent. The uptake of [U‐14C]GABA was inhibited by tityustoxin but this action was prevented by tetrodotoxin (1 μm). Since the release of [U‐14C]GABA from synaptosomes due to the tityustoxin was also prevented by ietrodotoxin under identical circumstances, it is concluded that the tityustoxin has a primary action on release of neurotransmitters rather than on uptake.
Storage on Your SmartPhone Uses More Energy Than You Think

Energy consumption is a key concern for mobile devices. Prior research has focused on the screen and the network as the major sources of energy consumption. Through carefully designed measurement-based experiments, we show that for certain storage-intensive workloads, the storage subsystem on an Android smartphone consumes a significant amount of energy (36%), on par with screen energy consumption. We analyze the energy consumption of different storage primitives, such as sequential and random writes, on two popular mobile file systems, ext4 and F2FS. In addition, since most Android applications use SQLite for storage, we analyze the energy consumption of different SQLite operations. We present several interesting results from our analysis: for example, random writes consume 15× higher energy than sequential writes, and that F2FS consumes half the energy as ext4 for most workloads. We believe our results contribute useful design guidelines for the developers of energy-efficient mobile file systems.
Soft News Goes to War: Public Opinion and American Foreign Policy in the New Media Age

Soft News Goes to War: Public Opinion and American Foreign Policy in the New Media Age. By Matthew A. Baum. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2003. 344p. $39.95 cloth, $19.95 paper. Most research aimed at understanding television's influence on citizens' knowledge and attention to current events has focused on network news. Yet hard news constitutes only a small fraction of TV programming. The television day is filled with shows that come under the rubric of “soft news”—running the gamut from celebrity gossip to late-night comedy, afternoon talk shows, and prime-time magazines. Matthew Baum's book fills an important gap in political communication research. Baum asks what people learn about hard news from soft news programs. He argues that watching soft news programs gets people who would otherwise have little interest in foreign affairs to pay attention to international crises.
Group Processes and Volunteering: Using Groups to Enhance Volunteerism

In the past three decades, volunteers became the backbone of many human service organizations (HSOs). We propose that the role of groups in volunteer management is often neglected. We first review the theoretical and empirical literature on group dynamics relevant to fostering volunteering, followed by a literature review on the nexus between groups and volunteering. We then develop a model of four volunteer group types and their unique utility as it pertains to volunteering in HSOs: habitual volunteering group, dual-identity group, training-induced group, and provisional group. We conclude with a summary, discussion, and implications regarding the role of groups in volunteer recruitment, socialization, motivation, and retention.
Therapeutic recombinant murine activated protein C attenuates pulmonary coagulopathy and improves survival in murine pneumococcal pneumonia.

BACKGROUND Recombinant human activated protein C (APC) improves survival of patients with severe sepsis; this beneficial effect is especially apparent in patients with pneumococcal pneumonia. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of APC treatment initiated after induction of pneumococcal pneumonia on pulmonary coagulation, inflammation, and survival, with or without concurrent antibiotic therapy. METHODS Mice were infected intranasally with viable Streptococcus pneumoniae and were treated intraperitoneally after 24 h of infection with vehicle, recombinant mouse (rm) APC (125 μg), ceftriaxone (500 μg), or rm-APC plus ceftriaxone. Treatment with rm-APC or vehicle was repeated every 8 h for a maximum of 96 h. Animals were either killed 48 h after infection or were monitored in a survival study (with an extra dose of ceftriaxone given after 72 h). RESULTS Rm-APC treatment inhibited pulmonary activation of coagulation, as reflected by lower levels of thrombin-antithrombin complexes and D-dimer. Rm-APC did not affect the pulmonary levels of 55 inflammatory mediators in the context of antibiotic therapy. Rm-APC added to ceftriaxone markedly improved survival, compared with ceftriaxone treatment alone. CONCLUSIONS Rm-APC inhibits pulmonary activation of coagulation and, when added to antibiotic therapy, improves survival in murine pneumococcal pneumonia.
Familial myelodysplastic syndromes: a review of the literature

Familial cases of myelodysplastic syndromes are rare, but are immensely valuable for the investigation of the molecular pathogenesis of myelodysplasia in general. The best-characterized familial myelodysplastic syndrome is that of familial platelet disorder with propensity to myeloid malignancy, caused by heterozygous germline RUNX1 mutations. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of reported cases, allowing for better understanding of the incidence, clinical features, and pathogenesis of this disorder. These recent cases have highlighted the clinical variability of the disorder and confirmed that many patients lack a bleeding and/or thrombocytopenia history. Additionally, several cases of T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia have now been reported, confirming a risk of lymphoid leukemia in patients with inherited RUNX1 mutations. Furthermore, an increased awareness of clinicians has helped detect a number of additional families affected by inherited myelodysplastic syndromes, resulting in the identification of novel causative mechanisms of disease, such as RUNX1 deficiency resulting from constitutional microdeletions of 21q22 and myelodysplasia-associated with telomerase deficiency. Awareness of predisposition to myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia in families may be of critical importance in the management of younger patients with myelodysplasia in whom allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is considered. Such families should be investigated for inherited deficiencies of RUNX1 and/or telomerase to prevent the use of an affected sibling as a donor for transplantation. Here we provide an update on familial platelet disorder in addition to a review of other known familial myelodysplastic syndromes.
Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Increase Superoxide Anion Production by Acting on NADPH Oxidase

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) anatase nanoparticles (NPs) are metal oxide NPs commercialized for several uses of everyday life. However their toxicity has been poorly investigated. Cellular internalization of NPs has been shown to activate macrophages and neutrophils that contribute to superoxide anion production by the NADPH oxidase complex. Transmission electron micrososcopy images showed that the membrane fractions were close to the NPs while fluorescence indicated an interaction between NPs and cytosolic proteins. Using a cell-free system, we have investigated the influence of TiO2 NPs on the behavior of the NADPH oxidase. In the absence of the classical activator molecules of the enzyme (arachidonic acid) but in the presence of TiO2 NPs, no production of superoxide ions could be detected indicating that TiO2 NPs were unable to activate by themselves the complex. However once the NADPH oxidase was activated (i.e., by arachidonic acid), the rate of superoxide anion production went up to 140% of its value without NPs, this effect being dependent on their concentration. In the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles, the NADPH oxidase produces more superoxide ions, hence induces higher oxidative stress. This hyper-activation and the subsequent increase in ROS production by TiO2 NPs could participate to the oxidative stress development.
Randomized Double-blind Comparison of Ketamine-Propofol, Fentanyl-Propofol and Propofol-Saline on Haemodynamics and Laryngeal Mask Airway Insertion Conditions

The aim of this prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to investigate whether the administration of ketamine before induction with propofol improves its associated haemodynamic profile and laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion conditions. Ninety adult patients were randomly allocated to receive either ketamine 0.5 mg.kg-1 (n=30), fentanyl 1 μg. kg-1 (n=30) or normal saline (n=30), before induction of anaesthesia with propofol 2.5 mg.kg-1. Insertion of the LMA was performed 60s after injection of propofol. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate were measured before induction (baseline), immediately after induction, immediately before LMA insertion, immediately after LMA insertion and every minute for three minutes after LMA insertion. Following LMA insertion, the following six subjective endpoints were graded by a blinded anaesthestist using ordinal scales graded 1 to 3: mouth opening, gagging, swallowing, movement, laryngospasm and ease of insertion. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher following ketamine than either fentanyl (P=0.010) or saline (P=0.0001). The median (interquartile range) summed score describing the overall insertion conditions were similar in the ketamine [median 7.0, interquartile range (6.0–8.0)] and fentanyl groups [median 7.0, interquartile range (6.0–8.0)]. Both appeared significantly better than the saline group [median 8.0, interquartile range (6.75–9.25); P=0.024]. The incidence of prolonged apnoea (>120s) was higher in the fentanyl group [23.1% (7/30)] compared with the ketamine [6.3% (2/30)] and saline groups [3.3% (1/30)]. We conclude that the addition of ketamine 0.5 mg.kg–1 improves haemo-dynamics when compared to fentanyl 1 μg. kg–1, with less prolonged apnoea, and is associated with better LMA insertion conditions than placebo (saline).
Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in High-Risk Surgical and Medical Patients

Although pharmacologic prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism has become the standard of care following total hip and knee replacement, prophylaxis among patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture and other lower extremity trauma remains underutilized. Available experience consistently supports the view that low-molecular-weight heparins are more effective than unfractionated heparin for prevention of proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with no additional hemorrhagic risk and more effective than oral anticoagulants for prevention of in-hospital (mostly distal) venous thrombosis at the price of a higher surgical site bleeding and wound hematoma. The choice between low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin should be tailored to the individual patients based on the clinical assessment of postoperative thrombosis and bleeding risk as well as the prophylaxis-specific cost and convenience. Whether thromboprophylaxis should be continued for a few additional weeks after hospital discharge is controversial. The overall incidence of postoperative DVT in patients with cancer is about twice as high as that of patients free of malignancy. Accordingly, they require prophylactic measures comparable with those usually recommended for major orthopedic surgery. In this setting, dermatan sulfate shows promise. In contrast to surgical patients, prevention of venous thromboembolism is less well studied in hospitalized medical patients. In a recent controlled randomized trial, enoxaparin in high prophylactic doses was an effective and safe measure of thromboprophylaxis in ordinary bedridden patients.
Hippocampal Surface Analysis in Subjective Memory Impairment, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Dementia

Background/Aims: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is preceded by prodromal states. To determine the neuroanatomical basis for the relationship among such states, we assessed surface conformations of the hippocampus in AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective memory impairment (SMI). Methods: Hippocampal surfaces were reconstructed three-dimensionally via large-deformation high-dimensional MRI brain mapping in 14 SMI, 15 MCI, 12 AD and 13 controls. The surfaces were divided a priori into lateral, superior and inferior-medial zones, which approximated the CA1, combined CA2, CA3, CA4 subfields and the subiculum, respectively. Results: Group differences reached statistical significance in the lateral zone (F = 3.2, d.f. = 3, p = 0.033) and inferior-medial zone (F = 2.8, d.f. = 3, p = 0.049) subfields. The groups differed in total hippocampal volume only at the trend level (F = 2.5, d.f. = 3, p = 0.071). Surface deformation maps revealed similar patterns in SMI, MCI and AD subjects, but quantitative differences were significant only when comparing MCI and AD with control subjects. Conclusions: Hippocampal surface deformation in the CA1 subfield was most pronounced in AD, less so in MCI and minor in SMI subjects. These results suggest that hippocampus degeneration develops gradually in AD, and may be observable long before dementia is apparent.
Understanding the Mechanism of Translocation of Adenylate Cyclase Toxin across Biological Membranes

Adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT) is one of the principal virulence factors secreted by the whooping cough causative bacterium Bordetella pertussis, and it has a critical role in colonization of the respiratory tract and establishment of the disease. ACT targets phagocytes via binding to the CD11b/CD18 integrin and delivers its N-terminal adenylate cyclase (AC) domain directly to the cell cytosol, where it catalyzes unregulated conversion of cytosolic ATP into cAMP upon activation by binding to cellular calmodulin. High cAMP levels disrupt bactericidal functions of the immune cells, ultimately leading to cell death. In spite of its relevance in the ACT biology, the mechanism by which its ≈400 amino acid-long AC domain is transported through the target plasma membrane, and is released into the target cytosol, remains enigmatic. This article is devoted to refresh our knowledge on the mechanism of AC translocation across biological membranes. Two models, the so-called “two-step model” and the recently-proposed “toroidal pore model”, will be considered.
Updated overall survival results from a randomized phase III trial comparing gefitinib with carboplatin-paclitaxel for chemo-naïve non-small cell lung cancer with sensitive EGFR gene mutations (NEJ002).

BACKGROUND NEJ002 study, comparing gefitinib with carboplatin (CBDCA) and paclitaxel (PTX; Taxol) as the first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, previously reported superiority of gefitinib over CBDCA/PTX on progression-free survival (PFS). Subsequent analysis was carried out mainly regarding overall survival (OS). MATERIALS AND METHODS For all 228 patients in NEJ002, survival data were updated in December, 2010. Detailed information regarding subsequent chemotherapy after the protocol treatment was also assessed retrospectively and the impact of some key drugs on OS was evaluated. RESULTS The median survival time (MST) was 27.7 months for the gefitinib group, and was 26.6 months for the CBDCA/PTX group (HR, 0.887; P=0.483). The OS of patients who received platinum throughout their treatment (n=186) was not statistically different from that of patients who never received platinum (n=40). The MST of patients treated with gefitinib, platinum, and pemetrexed (PEM) or docetaxel (DOC, Taxotere; n=76) was around 3 years. CONCLUSIONS No significant difference in OS was observed between gefitinib and CBDCA/PTX in the NEJ002 study, probably due to a high crossover use of gefitinib in the CBDCA/PTX group. Considering the many benefits and the risk of missing an opportunity to use the most effective agent for EGFR-mutated NSCLC, the first-line gefitinib is strongly recommended.
Determinants of Dutch general practitioners’ nutrition and physical activity guidance practices

Abstract Objective General practitioners (GP) are uniquely placed to guide their patients on nutrition and physical activity. The aims of the present study were to assess: (i) the extent to which GP guide on nutrition and physical activity; (ii) the determinants that cause GP to give guidance on nutrition and physical activity; and (iii) the extent to which these guidance practices have the same determinants. Design Cross-sectional study, mail questionnaire. Setting Dutch general practice. Subjects Four hundred and seventy-two GP in practice for 5–30 years. Results Our study showed that the majority of GP had similar practices for both nutrition and physical activity guidance. Fair associations were found between nutrition and physical activity guidance practices. More than half of the explained variance in the models of physical activity guidance practices was improved by the inclusion of nutrition guidance practices in the models. Moreover, GP reported higher frequencies of physical activity guidance practices than nutrition guidance practices. Nutrition guidance practices predicted the same physical activity guidance practices. Conclusions The majority of GP had similar practices for nutrition and physical activity guidance. GP were more inclined to guide their patients on physical activity than on nutrition. Self-efficacy was found to be a determinant in most models for guidance practices. Guidance practices proved to be a mix of prevention and treatment components. Consequently, we advise raising the self-efficacy of GP by training in medical school and in continuing medical education. We also recommend the combination of both nutrition and physical activity guidance in general practice.
Attachment and Cooperation in Religious Groups

Bowlby proposed that “the psychological problem of ensuring persistent co‐operative behaviour” in groups was solved by emotional valuation of the group leader, group policy, or the group itself derived from the infant‐mother attachment relationship. He described how an emotionally valued relationship with a group leader, which is rooted in early attachments, can motivate an individual to cooperate for the benefit of the group. Bowlby’s insights, studies of attachment relationships with a deity, and the application of multilevel and group selection to cooperation in religious groups together show how attachment to a deity (supernatural agent) could be a mechanism for intragroup cooperation, including the within‐group cooperation required for group selection. As such, it links the attachment system, a pillar of human relationships and personality, to cooperation in groups. We also consider how the attachment system could be a basis for intragroup cooperation generally and compare this possibility to two other theories about human social cooperation, the “tribal social instincts” hypothesis and the evolution of “shared intentionality. ”
Using ‘Low-cost’ Learning Features for Pronoun Resolution

We investigate a machine learning approach to Portuguese pronoun resolution. We presently focus on so-called ‘low-cost’ learning features readily obtainable from the output of a part-of-speech tagger, and we largely bypass deep syntactic and semantic analysis. Preliminary results show significant improvement in resolution precision and recall, and are comparable to existing rule-based approaches for the Portuguese language spoken in Brazil.
Modeling Integration and Dissociation in Brain and Cognitive Development

Over the course of development, brain areas can become increasingly dissociated in their functions, or increasingly integrated. Computational models can provide insights into how and why these opposing effects happen. This paper presents a computational framework for understanding the specialization of brain functions across the hippocampus, neocortex, and basal ganglia. This framework is based on computational tradeoffs that arise in neural network models, where achieving one type of learning function requires very different parameters from those necessary to achieve another form of learning. For example, we dissociate the hippocampus from cortex with respect to general levels of activity, learning rate, and level of overlap between activation patterns. Similarly, the frontal cortex and associated basal ganglia system have important neural specializations not required of the posterior cortex system. Taken together, these brain areas form an overall cognitive architecture, which has been implemented in functioning computational models, provides a rich and often subtle means of explaining a wide range of behavioral and cognitive neuroscience data. The developmental implications of this framework, and other computational mechanisms of dissociation and integration, are reviewed.
A status perspective on the consequences of work group diversity

In accounting for the positive and negative consequences of work group diversity, researchers have generally relied on the information/decision-making (i.e., diversity as variety) and the social categorization (i.e., diversity as separation) perspective, respectively. In this conceptual paper we argue that there is a need to integrate status-related processes (i.e., diversity as disparity) as key to understanding the outcomes of work group diversity. Based on expectation states theory, we argue that status differences between group members automatically emerge when group members differ in their characteristics and/or associated (informational) resources. These within-group status differences lead to the formation of a status configuration, an informal social order that serves a coordination function. We propose that the effect of a status configuration on group performance depends on the interplay between the veridicality, the legitimacy and the stability of a status configuration. We discuss how our propositions can be tested and how our status perspective relates to the information/decision-making and the social categorization perspective. We close with a discussion on the implications of our status perspective for practitioners. Practitioner Points In diverse groups, group members tend to attribute competence (i.e., status) based on the differences between group members. These perceived status differences in the group serve a tacit coordination function, informing group members on who is the (potentially) right person for a job. Status differences result in detrimental performance of the group if the status that is attributed is not based on actual task competence, but enhances group performance when status aligns with competence. When group members feel that their status in the group is lower than it ought to be, this has a negative impact on their commitment and functioning.