Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
KCa3.1/IK1 Channel Regulation by cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinase (PKG) via Reactive Oxygen Species and CaMKII in Microglia: An Immune Modulating Feedback System?

The intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel, KCa3.1 (IK1/SK4/KCNN4) is widely expressed in the innate and adaptive immune system. KCa3.1 contributes to proliferation of activated T lymphocytes, and in CNS-resident microglia, it contributes to Ca2+ signaling, migration, and production of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., reactive oxygen species, ROS). KCa3.1 is under investigation as a therapeutic target for CNS disorders that involve microglial activation and T cells. However, KCa3.1 is post-translationally regulated, and this will determine when and how much it can contribute to cell functions. We previously found that KCa3.1 trafficking and gating require calmodulin (CaM) binding, and this is inhibited by cAMP kinase (PKA) acting at a single phosphorylation site. The same site is potentially phosphorylated by cGMP kinase (PKG), and in some cells, PKG can increase Ca2+, CaM activation, and ROS. Here, we addressed KCa3.1 regulation through PKG-dependent pathways in primary rat microglia and the MLS-9 microglia cell line, using perforated-patch recordings to preserve intracellular signaling. Elevating cGMP increased both the KCa3.1 current and intracellular ROS production, and both were prevented by the selective PKG inhibitor, KT5823. The cGMP/PKG-evoked increase in KCa3.1 current in intact MLS-9 microglia was mediated by ROS, mimicked by applying hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), inhibited by a ROS scavenger (MGP), and prevented by a selective CaMKII inhibitor (mAIP). Similar results were seen in alternative-activated primary rat microglia; their KCa3.1 current required PKG, ROS, and CaMKII, and they had increased ROS production that required KCa3.1 activity. The increase in current apparently did not result from direct effects on the channel open probability (Po) or Ca2+ dependence because, in inside-out patches from transfected HEK293 cells, single-channel activity was not affected by cGMP, PKG, H2O2 at normal or elevated intracellular Ca2+. The regulation pathway we have identified in intact microglia and MLS-9 cells is expected to have broad implications because KCa3.1 plays important roles in numerous cells and tissues.
Oral Health Literacy and Oral Health Status among Adults Attending Dental College Hospital in India

Background: Low health literacy is one among many reasons why preventable diseases remain so common and why people often do not adopt healthy practices. It is important to detect patients with inadequate oral health literacy (OHL) and to improve the level of communication between the provider and the patient. This study was aimed to determine the relationship between OHL with selected socio-demographic variables and oral health status among adults in Virajpet, Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: A convenience sample of 187 subjects from the out-patient department of Coorg-Institute of Dental Sciences Hospital administered the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (REALD-30). The demographic variables and the oral health status were recorded for every participant using World Health Organization oral health survey proforma (1997). Data were analyzed using t-tests, analysis of variance, correlations and Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: The associations between REALD-30 scores and gender, age, and ethnicity were not statistically significant. Significant associations were found between REALD scores and the following oral-health related variables: Temperomandibular joint problems, prevalence of prosthetic need, CPI (Community Periodontal Index) and loss of attachment scores. REALD-30 scores were negatively correlated with DMFT (Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth) scores and DAI (Dental Aesthetic Index) scores. Conclusion: OHL was not associated with sex, age, or ethnicity in this sample of the Virajpet population. OHL was associated with oral health status. Lower OHL was associated with poorer oral health status. OHL instruments can be considered to be included as screening tools to identifying individuals or groups with poor oral health outcomes.
Alterations in Lipid and Calcium Metabolism Associated with Seizure Activity in the Postischemic Brain

Abstract: Transient ischemia is known to lead to a long‐lastingdepression of cerebral metabolic rate and blood flow and to an attenuatedmetabolic and circulatory response to physiological stimuli. However, thecorresponding responses to induced seizures are retained, demonstratingpreserved metabolic and circulatory capacity. The objective of the presentstudy was to explore how a preceding period of ischemia (15 min) alters therelease of free fatty acids (FFAs) and diacylglycerides (DAGs), the formationof cyclic nucleotides, and the influx/efflux of Ca2+, followingintense neuronal stimulation. For that purpose, seizure activity was inducedwith bicuculline for 30 s or 5 min at 6 h after the ischemia. ExtracellularCa2+ concentration (Ca2+e) was recorded, andthe tissue was frozen in situ for measurements of levels of FFAs, DAGs, andcyclic nucleotides. Six hours after ischemia, the FFA concentrations werenormalized, but there was a lowering of the content of 20:4 in the DAGfraction. Cyclic AMP levels returned to normal values, but cyclic GMP contentwas reduced. Seizures induced in postischemic animals showed similar changesin Ca2+e, as well as in levels of FFAs, DAGs, and cyclicnucleotides, as did seizures induced in nonischemic control animals, with theexception of an attenuated rise in 20:4 content in the DAG fraction. Weconclude that, at least in the neocortex, seizure‐induced phospholipidhydrolysis and cyclic cAMP/cyclic GMP formation are not altered by a precedingperiod of ischemia, nor is there a change in the influx/efflux ofCa2+ during seizure discharge or in associated spreadingdepression.
Androgen insensitivity syndrome: clinical features and molecular defects

The end-organ resistance to androgens has been designated as Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS), an X-linked disorder caused by mutations in the Androgen Receptor (AR) gene. It is generally accepted that defects in the AR gene prevent the normal development of both internal and external genital structures in 46,XY individuals, causing a variety of phenotypes ranging from male infertility to completely normal female external genitalia. Precise diagnosis requires clinical, hormonal and molecular investigation and is of great importance for appropriate gender assignment and management in general. The complexity of phenotypic presentation of AIS with genotype-phenotype variability of identical mutations complicates both the diagnostic procedure and genetic counseling of the affected families. More than 400 different AR gene mutations have thus far been reported but the receptor structure-function relationship and its phenotypic outcome is not yet fully understood. This review focuses on the clinical features and molecular pathophysiology of AIS and explores the relationship of the molecular defects in the AR gene to their clinical expression.
Comparison between radial artery tonometry pulse analyzer and pulsed-Doppler echocardiography derived hemodynamic parameters in cardiac surgery patients: a pilot study

Background Bedside non-invasive techniques, such as radial artery tonometry, to estimate hemodynamic parameters have gained increased relevance as an attractive alternative and efficient method to measure hemodynamics in outpatient departments. For our pilot study, we sought to compare cardiac output (CO), and stroke volume (SV) estimated from a radial artery tonometry blood pressure pulse analyzer (BPPA) (DMP-Life, DAEYOMEDI Co., Gyeonggi-do, South Korea) to pulsed-wave Doppler (PWD) echocardiography derived parameters. Methods From January 2015 to December 2016, all patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery at our department were screened. Exclusion criteria were, inter alia, moderate to severe aortic- or Mitral valve disease and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) > stage II. One hundred and seven patients were included (mean age 66.1 ± 9.9, 15 females, mean BMI 27.2 ± 4.1 kg/m2). All patients had pre-operative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). We measured the hemodynamic parameters with the BPPA from the radial artery, randomly before or after TTE. For the comparison between the measurement methods we used the Bland-Altman test and Pearson correlation. Results Mean TTE-CO was 5.1 ± 0.96 L/min, and the mean BPPA-CO was 5.2 ± 0.85 L/min. The Bland-Altman analysis for CO revealed a bias of −0.13 L/min and SD of 0.90 L/min with upper and lower limits of agreement of −1.91 and +1.64 L/min. The correlation of CO measurements between DMP-life and TTE was poor (r = 0.501, p < 0.0001). The mean TTE-SV was 71.3 ± 16.2 mL and the mean BPPA-SV was 73.8 ± 19.2 mL. SV measurements correlated very well between the two methods (r = 0.900, p < 0.0001). The Bland-Altman analysis for SV revealed a bias of −2.54 mL and SD of ±8.42 mL and upper and lower limits of agreement of −19.05 and +13.96 mL, respectively. Conclusion Our study shows for the first time that the DMP-life tonometry device measures SV and CO with reasonable accuracy and precision of agreement compared with TTE in preoperative cardiothoracic surgery patients. Tonometry BPPA are relatively quick and simple measuring devices, which facilitate the collection of cardiac and hemodynamic information. Further studies with a larger number of patients and with repeated measurements are in progress to test the reliability and repeatability of DMP-Life system.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Prevents Age-Related Endothelial Dysfunction

Vascular relaxation via endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) declines in association with aging and also with hypertension, and antihypertensive treatment improves the endothelial dysfunction connected with hypertension. We tested whether the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor improves EDHF-mediated responses in normotensive rats, with special reference to the age-related process. Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were treated with either 20 mg · kg−1 · d−1 enalapril (WKY-E group) or a combination of 50 mg · kg−1 · d−1 hydralazine and 7.5 mg · kg−1 · d−1 hydrochlorothiazide (WKY-H group) from 9 to 12 months of age. Twelve-month-old WKY (WKY-O) and 3-month-old WKY (WKY-Y) served as controls (n=6 to 10 in each group). The 2 treatments lowered systolic blood pressure comparably. EDHF-mediated hyperpolarization to acetylcholine (ACh) in mesenteric arteries was significantly improved in WKY-E, but not in WKY-H, compared with WKY-O, and the hyperpolarization in WKY-E was comparable to that in WKY-Y (hyperpolarization to 10−5 mol/L ACh in the presence of norepinephrine: WKY-O, −14±2 mV; WKY-E, −22±3 mV; WKY-H, −15±2 mV; and WKY-Y, −28±0 mV). EDHF-mediated relaxation, as assessed by relaxation to ACh in norepinephrine-precontracted rings in the presence of indomethacin and NO synthase inhibitor, was also significantly improved in WKY-E, but not in WKY-H, to a level comparable to that in WKY-Y (maximum relaxation: WKY-O, 45±6%; WKY-E, 63±8%; WKY-H, 43±4%; and WKY-Y, 72±4%). Hyperpolarization and relaxation to levcromakalim, an ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener, were similar in all groups. These findings suggest that the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor prevents the age-related decline in EDHF-mediated hyperpolarization and relaxation in normotensive rats, presumably through an inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system.
Pediatric Head Injuries in a Neurosurgery Center of Nepal: An Epidemiological Perspective

Children aged 0-14 years constitute about 34.6% of the Nepalese population. Head injuries remain a significant factor among trauma related deaths. To carry out preventive measures for traumatic brain injuries we need epidemiological evidences so that preventive measures can be taken. The aim of this study was to explore the causes and outcome of traumatic brain injuries in children. This study was a descriptive study of all children who presented with head injuries to the Neurosurgery Unit of Manipal teaching Hospital in Pokhara. We studied demographic variables, causes of head injury, severity of head injuries, presenting features, operative procedures carried out and outcome of head injuries. Two hundred and eighty seven pediatric head injury patients aged 0 to 15 years were admitted from January 2013 to June 2014. The results indicated that fall from height accounted for 67.94% of head injury, majority of falls being from the windows and roofs. Mild head injuries were most common. Although majority of patients had a good recovery, mortality among severe, moderate and mild head injury was 44.44%, 3.33% and 0.91% respectively. Preventive measures should be taken to reduce these head injuries.
Electromechanical Transients Simulation on a Multicomputer via the VDHN-Maclaurin Method

This paper reports simulations of power systems electromechanical transients on a multicomputer, formulated as a nonlinear algebraic problem by using the time parallelization concept. The bifactorized inversion, which is the most time-consuming stage of the simulation, is solved by the "very dishonest Newton-Maclaurin" (VDHN) method, a fully parallel indirect method based on the decomposition of the nonupdated Jacobian matrix. This proposal is made to orient the search for the decomposition based on a sufficient condition for the convergence of the Maclaurin series, which is a desirable situation for the design of more robust algorithms for power system simulation. Such condition keeps a close relation with a physical coupling property exhibited by power systems and the characteristics of the simulation method. Theoretical and numerical results show that a successful implementation of this method can be better reached when the Jacobian matrix is decomposed as a block diagonal matrix plus a matrix with off diagonal blocks elements, the latter representing weak couplings between the diagonal blocks. The e decomposition is used to satisfy the sufficient condition for convergence and the longest path scheduling method to prevent the uneven loading of processors, permitting adaptation of the method in an efficient way on a coarse grain computer. The parallel simulation was written in C language and implemented on a Parsytec PowerXplorer multicomputer. Test using electromechanical models of the Chilean Central Interconnected system and the IEEE300 test system were made to evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of the parallel method.
Registration of Multiple Shapes using Constrained Optimal Control

Lagrangian particle formulations of the large deformation diffeomorphic metric mapping algorithm only allow for the study of a single shape. In this paper, we introduce and discuss both a theoretical and practical setting for the simultaneous study of multiple shapes that are either stitched to one another or slide along a submanifold. The method is described within the optimal control formalism, and optimality conditions are given, together with the equations that are needed to implement augmented Lagrangian methods. Experimental results are provided for stitched and sliding surfaces.
Ultrasonographic control of the puncture level for lumbar neuraxial block in obstetric anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND Errors in the judgement of puncture level during neuraxial anaesthesia can lead to significant complications. The aim of this study was to assess, in obstetric anaesthesia, the accuracy of clinical determination of the lumbar spinal interspace level, using surface ultrasound imaging as control. METHODS At the anaesthesia follow-up visit, women who had received lumbar neuraxial anaesthesia during labour were prospectively included. The intervertebral level of needle insertion, located by the needle scar position, was identified by ultrasonography and compared with the clinical level reported on the chart by the anaesthetist who performed the block. RESULTS Ninety-nine women were studied. The clinical puncture level was accurate in 36.4% of patients. Ultrasound examination showed the puncture level to be more cephalad than the level noted in the anaesthetic record in almost 50% of patients. In 15% of patients, the puncture level was more caudad than the anaesthetist had assessed. Factors including type of anaesthesia, indication, time period, level of anaesthetic experience, BMI, and spinal pathology did not seem to influence the frequency of errors. CONCLUSIONS The observed differences between clinical and ultrasonic identification of spinal puncture level highlight the potential for serious complications associated with the performance of neuraxial blocks above the spinous process of L3 in the parturient. With the increase in popularity of techniques involving puncture of the dura mater for labour anaesthesia, we feel that awareness of this risk is important.
Evaluation of sampling methods for the detection of Salmonella in broiler flocks

The present study compares four different sampling methods potentially applicable to detection of Salmonella in broiler flocks, based on collection of faecal samples (i) by hand, 300 fresh faecal samples (ii) absorbed on five sheets of paper (iii) absorbed on five pairs of socks (elastic cotton tubes pulled over the boots and termed ‘socks’) and (iv) by using only one pair of socks. Twenty‐three broiler flocks were included in the investigation and 18 of these were found to be positive by at least one method. Seven serotypes of Salmonella with different patterns of transmission (mainly horizontal or vertical) were found in the investigation. The results showed that the sock method (five pairs of socks) had a sensitivity comparable with the hand collection method (60 pools of five faecal samples); the paper collection method was inferior, as was the use of only one pair of socks. Estimation of the effective pool sizes for the different methods was also carried out.
ENHANCED BEAT TRACKING WITH CONTEXT-AWARE NEURAL NETWORKS

We present two new beat tracking algorithms based on the autocorrelation analysis, which showed state-of-the-art performance in the MIREX 2010 beat tracking contest. Unlike the traditional approach of processing a list of onsets, we propose to use a bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory recurrent neural network to perform a frame by frame beat classification of the signal. As inputs to the network the spectral features of the audio signal and their relative differences are used. The network transforms the signal directly into a beat activation function. An autocorrelation function is then used to determine the predominant tempo to eliminate the erroneously detected - or complement the missing - beats. The first algorithm is tuned for music with constant tempo, whereas the second algorithm is further capable to follow changes in tempo and time signature.
The exercise motivation scale : its multifaceted structure and construct validity (physical activity)

Abstract Building upon Deci and Ryan's (1985, 1991) self-determination theory as well as previous empirical work on motivation, this paper presents studies on the development and validation of a multifaceted 31-item Exercise Motivation Scale (EMS). Evidence for the factorial validity of the EMS was sought for eight facets of the exercise motivation construct (amotivation, external regulation, introjected regulation, identified regulation, integrated regulation, intrinsic motivation to learn, intrinsic motivation to accomplish tasks, and intrinsic motivation to experience sensations). Results from various analyses showed adequate evidence for the a priori hypothesized EMS factorial structure, acceptable subscale reliability estimates, and nomological validity. Findings provided initial empirical support for the applicability of self-determination theory in the context of exercise, and indicate the need for a multifaceted approach to the conceptualization of exercise motivation.
The Relationship between Defense Patterns and DSM-5 Maladaptive Personality Domains

Aim: Research has extensively examined the relationship between defense mechanisms (DM) and personality traits. However, no study to date has explored if specific defenses (alone or in combination) are able to predict dysfunctional variants of personality domains, as conceived in the alternative DSM-5 model for personality disorders. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between DMs and DSM-5 maladaptive personality domains among adults. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and twenty-eight adults aged between 18 and 64 years old completed measures on DMs and maladapive personality domains. Regression analyses were performed to determine which DMs predicted the maladaptive personality domains of negative affectivity, detachment, antagonism, disinhibition, and psychoticism. Results: According to psychoanalytic literature, results showed that immature defenses positively predicted maladaptive personality domain scores, whereas mature defenses were generally related with better personality functioning. Moreover, different defense patterns emerged as significant predictors of the maladaptive personality domains comprised in the alternative DSM-5 model for personality disorder. Discussion: Our findings support the view that defense patterns represent core components of personality and its disorders, and suggest that an increased use of immature defenses and a reduced use of mature defenses have a negative impact on the development of personality.
Librarians as Teachers: The Study of an Organization Fiction

This article explains the concept and use of the organization fiction. An organization fiction from librarianship is identified. It is the fiction that librarians are teachers. The fiction is used by librarians to provide a more comforting self-image, to bolster a status claim, and to relate the profession to the world outside it. The paper argues that this fiction is dysfunctional because it is harmful and costly. It deters the development of a consistent professional self-image among librarians. It results in an uncertain identity, in personal discomfort, and in dissension among librarians.
Simultaneous generation of wavelength tunable two-colored femtosecond soliton pulses using optical fibers

Wavelength tunable two-colored femtosecond (fs) soliton pulse generation is proposed and demonstrated for the first time, using passively mode-locked fs fiber laser and polarization maintaining fibers. The wavelengths of the two soliton pulses can be changed arbitrarily by varying the power and polarization direction of the fiber-input pulse. Ideal two colored soliton pulses in which the pulsewidths are about 200 fs are generated in the wavelength region of 1.56-1.70 /spl mu/m for 110-m fiber. The generated pulses are almost transform-limited ones.
Distribution within the cochlea of dihydrostreptomycin injected into the circulation. An autoradiographic and electron microscopic study.

Using tritiated dihydrostreptomycin sulfate, the details of the fixation of streptomycin within the organ of Corti were studied. Two guinea pigs were used, and the incorporation times were one hour in the first and four hours in the second. Injection of the drug was into the carotid artery in order to approximate therapeutic conditions. Streptomycin spreads by way of the perilymph, across Reissner membrane and the basilar membrane, to gain the supporting Deiters cells, and then to show a certain election for the ribosomal fractions of the outer hair cells. More detailed studies are required to confirm this interpretation.