Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Voltage dependence of the Na/Ca exchange in voltage-clamped, dialyzed squid axons. Na-dependent Ca efflux

A combination of the voltage-clamp and the intracellular dialysis techniques has been used to study the membrane potential dependence of the Nao-dependent Ca efflux in squid giant axons. In order to improve axon survival, experiments were carried out using internal solutions prepared with large impermeant organic anions and cations, which did not affect the operation of the Na/Ca exchange mechanism. In axons dialyzed with solutions prepared without internal Na, the Nao-dependent Ca efflux had a small sensitivity to membrane potential changes. For a 25-mV membrane displacement in the hyperpolarizing direction, the basal Ca efflux increased by only 7.4% (n = 13). When the dialysis medium contained Na (from 20 to 55 mM), the efflux increased 32.3% (n = 25) for the same membrane potential change. The K1/2 for this effect is approximately 5 mM Na, and saturation appears to occur at a Na concentration above 20 mM. Adding ATP to the dialysis medium increased the magnitude of the Nao-dependent Ca efflux without changing its voltage sensitivity. Wide changes in the intracellular ionized Ca concentration (from 0.1 to 230 microM) did not modify the voltage sensitivity of the exchange system. Elimination of the reversal of Na/Ca exchange (Nai-dependent Ca influx) by removing Cao did not modify the voltage sensitivity of the Nao-dependent Ca efflux. When the axon membrane potential was submitted to prolonged changes, the corresponding changes in the Ca efflux were not sustained, but declined exponentially to intermediate values. This effect may indicate a slow inactivation process in the Na/Ca exchange mechanism. Voltage-clamp pulse experiments revealed: (a) the absence of a fast inactivation process in the Na/Ca exchange, and (b) that the activation of the carrier for hyperpolarizing pulses occurs as rapidly as 1 ms.
Minimum alveolar concentration measures of central nervous system activation in cats anesthetized with isoflurane.

OBJECTIVE To compare the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane required to prevent corticocerebral activation, autonomic responses, and purposeful movements after somatic or visceral stimulation in cats anesthetized with isoflurane. ANIMALS 17 healthy spayed female cats. PROCEDURE Bispectral index (BIS), autonomic parameters, and purposeful movements were monitored before and after somatic or visceral stimuli in cats anesthetized with isoflurane. End-tidal (ET) isoflurane concentration was varied to determine MAC values for cortical arousal (MAC(BIS)), autonomic responsiveness (MAC(BAR)), and purposeful movement (MAC). Bispectral index values > or = 60 were considered to represent corticocerebral activation. RESULTS Minimum alveolar concentration for purposeful movement was significantly less than MAC(BIS) and MAC(BAR) for both somatic and visceral stimulation. Individual MAC values for somatic stimulation were not significantly different from respective MAC values for visceral stimulation. The percentage of cats that had a BIS response > or = 60 was inversely related to the end-tidal isoflurane concentration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Corticocerebral arousal and subcortical autonomic reflexes occured at isoflurane anesthetic concentrations at which reflexive or purposeful movements were absent. These results suggested that isoflurane had a preferential effect on voluntary motor output at low end-tidal isoflurane concentrations, and that sensory pathways, subcortical sympathetic output, and cortical responsiveness are less susceptible to the anesthetic effects of isoflurane. Bispectral index values obtained after somatic or visceral stimulation were sensitive for the detection of early changes in cortical excitability.
Totally laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes compared with open surgery.

AIM To systematically review the surgical outcomes of totally laparoscopic gastrectomy (TLG) vs open gastrectomy (OG) for gastric cancer. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was conducted. All original studies comparing TLG with OG were included for critical appraisal. Data synthesis and statistical analysis were carried out using RevMan 5.1 software. RESULTS One RCT and 13 observational studies involving 1532 patients were included (721 TLG and 811 OG). TLG was associated with longer operation time [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 58.04 min, 95%CI: 37.77-78.32, P < 0.001], less blood loss [WMD = -167.57 min, 95%CI: -208.79-(-126.34), P < 0.001], shorter hospital stay [WMD = -3.75 d, 95%CI: -4.88-(-2.63), P < 0.001] and fewer postoperative complications (RR = 0.71, 95%CI: 0.58-0.86, P < 0.001). The number of harvested lymph nodes, surgical margin, mortality and cancer recurrence rate were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION TLG may be a technically safe, feasible and favorable approach in terms of better cosmesis, less blood loss and faster recovery compared with OG.
A Comparison between Fuzzy Inference Systems for Prediction (with Application to Prices of Fund in Egypt)

This paper outlines the basic differences between the Fuzzy logic techniques, including Mamdani , Sugeno fuzzy inference system models and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). The main motivation behind this research is to assess which approach provides the best performance for predicting prices of Fund. Due to the importance of performance in Economy, the Mamdani , Sugeno models and ANFIS are compared with the actual values. Fuzzy inference systems (Mamdani , Sugeno and ANFIS fuzzy models ) can be used to predict the weekly prices of Fund for the Egyptian Market. The application results indicate that (ANFIS) model is better than that of Mamdani and Sugeno . The results of the three fuzzy inference systems (FIS) are compared.
The Political and Economic Dynamics of Foreign Aid: A Case Study of United States and Chinese Aid to Sub-Sahara Africa

The foreign aid arena as it pertains to the African continent has traditionally been dominated by the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, however over the last three decades non-traditional donors such as the China, South Africa and Brazil have emerged in the donor field. The increasing importance of non-traditional donors has meant that the economic and political stronghold of Western and OECD countries in sub-Sahara African (SSA) has gradually ebbed, due to increased competition amongst donors on the continent. Specifically, as the economic and political reach of the United States (USA), the second largest bilateral donor to SSA has diminished, amongst the group of emerging donors, China has become the largest contributor of aid to SSA countries. There appears to be a political - economic dynamic that points to the existence of two competing reasons underpinning the foreign aid trend in SSA. Using a comparative approach, this study examines the determinants of aid allocation by China and the United States to SSA countries. The study finds that both donor motives and recipient need are factors in US and Chinese aid allocation to SSA. Additionally, the study finds di¤erences in US aid allocation determinants pre and post China’s entry into SSA’s aid …eld. Furthermore, evidence of income and population bias is observed for both donor countries.
Identification of Two Ikaros‐like Transcription Factors in Lamprey

The jawless Agnatha (lampreys and hagfishes) represent the phylogenetically oldest order of vertebrates that are believed to lack the adaptive immune system of jawed vertebrates. In order to search for molecular markers specific for cellular components of the adaptive immune system in lampreys, we used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify genes for transcription factors of the Ikaros family in genomic DNA and cDNA libraries from two species of lampreys, Petromyzon marinus and Lampetra fluviatilis. The mammalian Ikaros‐like family of transcription factors consists of five members, Ikaros, Helios, Aiolos, Eos and Pegasus, of which the first three appear to be essential for lymphocyte development. Two different Ikaros‐like genes, named IKLF1 and IKLF2, were identified in lamprey. They both have the conserved exon–intron structure of seven exons and show alternative splicing like their counterparts in jawed vertebrates. The genes code for predicted proteins of 589 and 513 amino acid residues, respectively. The proteins contain six highly conserved zinc finger motifs that are 83–91% identical to the mammalian members of the Ikaros‐like family. The remaining parts of the sequences are, however, mostly unalignable. Phylogenetic analysis based on the alignable segments of the sequences does not identify the orthologous gene in jawed vertebrates but rather shows equidistance of the lamprey Ikaros‐like factors to each other and to Ikaros, Helios, Aiolos and Eos. Expression studies by reverse transcription (RT)–PCR and in situ hybridization (ISH), however, provide evidence for moderate expression in presumed lymphoid tissues like the gut epithelium and for high levels of expression in the gonads, especially in the ovary.
A Tale of Open Data Innovations in Five Smart Cities

Open Data initiatives are increasingly considered as defining elements of emerging smart cities. However, few studies have attempted to provide a better understanding of the nature of this convergence and the impact on both domains. This paper presents findings from a detailed study of 18 open data initiatives across five smart cities -- Barcelona, Chicago, Manchester, Amsterdam, and Helsinki. Specifically, the study sought to understand how open data initiatives are shaped by the different smart cities contexts and concomitantly what kinds of innovations are enabled by open data in these cities. The findings highlight the specific impacts of open data innovation on the different smart cities domains, governance of the cities, and the nature of datasets available in the open data ecosystem.
Simple and Effective Methods of Freezing Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) Semen

A continuous decline in the number and range of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) in many European countries can be observed, mostly due to habitat destruction by human activity, unecological forestry management, and increased density of natural predators. Ex situ in vitro gene banks provide a unique opportunity to preserve the genetic material for future generations. Simple and effective cryopreservation methods for capercaillie semen are discussed. Semen was collected from seven males kept in the Capercaillie Breeding Centre at Forestry Wisła in Poland. Within five minutes after collection, ejaculates were diluted with EK diluent, then divided into two parts, and subjected to two freezing procedures: in pellets and in straws. In fresh semen, ejaculate clearness, viscosity, color and volume, as well as sperm concentration, motility and morphology, were evaluated, while in frozen-thawed semen only motility and morphology of sperm were determined. Fertilizing ability of thawed semen was examined for samples frozen in straws. Significant (P<0.05) differences between individual males were found in relation to the majority of fresh semen traits: ejaculate volume averaged 102.1 µL (varying from 49.0 to 205.0); average sperm concentration was 632.5 x106 mL-1 (178.8–1257.1); percentage of live normal cells varied from 39.2 to 70.3% (58.7% on an average); percentage of motile cells ranged from 76.0 to 85.7%) and motility parameters were male dependent, as well. Both cryopreservation methods had a negative effect on morphology and motility of frozen-thawed semen; however, the straw method yielded 60.7% and the pellet method 42.5% of live cells in total in thawed semen (P<0.05), while the number of live normal (intact) cells was similar (22.4 and 22.2%, respectively). Egg fertility varied between 77.8 and 91.7% (average 84.4%). Both freezing procedures seem to be effective in obtaining acceptable viability and high fertilizing potency of thawed sperm and can be used to create a gene bank of capercaillie semen.
Multielement synthetic transmit aperture imaging using temporal encoding

A new method to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of synthetic transmit aperture imaging is investigated. The approach utilizes multiple elements to emulate a spherical wave, and the conventional short excitation pulse is replaced by a linear frequency-modulated (FM) signal. The approach is evaluated in terms of image quality parameters in comparison to linear array imaging. Field II simulations using an 8.5-MHz linear array transducer with 128 elements show an improvement in lateral resolution of up to 30% and up to 10.75% improvement in contrast resolution for the new approach. Measurements are performed using our experimental multichannel ultrasound scanning system, RASMUS. The designed linear FM signal obtains temporal sidelobes below -55 dB, and SNR investigations show improvements of 4-12 dB. A 30 mm (/spl ap/45%) increase in penetration depth is obtained on a multitarget phantom with 0.5 dB/[cm MHz] attenuation. Furthermore, in vivo images of the abdomen are presented, which demonstrate the clinical application of the new approach.
Brain activations during motor imagery of locomotor‐related tasks: A PET study

Positron emission tomography (PET) was used to study the involvement of supraspinal structures in human locomotion. Six right‐handed adults were scanned in four conditions while imagining locomotor‐related tasks in the first person perspective: Standing (S), Initiating gait (IG), Walking (W) and Walking with obstacles (WO). When these conditions were compared to a rest (control) condition to identify the neural structures involved in the imagination of locomotor‐related tasks, the results revealed a common pattern of activations, which included the dorsal premotor cortex and precuneus bilaterally, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the left inferior parietal lobule, and the right posterior cingulate cortex. Additional areas involving the pre‐supplementary motor area (pre‐SMA), the precentral gyrus, were activated during conditions that required the imagery of locomotor movements. Further subtractions between the different locomotor conditions were then carried out to determine the cerebral regions associated with the simulation of increasingly complex locomotor functions. These analyses revealed increases in rCBF activity in the left cuneus and left caudate when the W condition was compared to the IG condition, suggesting that the basal ganglia plays a role in locomotor movements that are automatic in nature. Finally, subtraction of the W from the WO condition yielded increases in activity in the precuneus bilaterally, the left SMA, the right parietal inferior cortex and the left parahippocampal gyrus. Altogether, the present findings suggest that higher brain centers become progressively engaged when demands of locomotor tasks require increasing cognitive and sensory information processing. Hum. Brain Mapping 19:47–62, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Positively Influencing Student Nurse Attitudes Toward Caring for Elders

Abstract Exposure to gerontological content has been shown to positively influence student attitudes toward elders. Our School of Nursing recently phased out one curriculum while implementing a new integrated curriculum. In the former, aging content was presented in a first-semester senior course. In the new curriculum, students were introduced to aging concepts in first-semester junior courses and additional content was integrated throughout the program. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the new integrated curriculum compared to the former in positively influencing attitudes toward caring for elders. An attitudes questionnaire was administered at 3 time points to students in each curriculum. Both groups, but particularly the integrated group, demonstrated statistically significant improvements in attitudes over time.
AUTOIMMUNE, CHOLESTATIC AND BILIARY DISEASE A Missense Mutation in ABCB4 Gene Involved in Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Type 3 Leads to a Folding Defect that Can Be Rescued by Low Temperature

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type3 (PFIC3) is a rare liverdisease characterizedbyearly onset of cholestasis that leads to cirrhosis and liver failure before adulthood. PFIC3 may be improved bychronic administrationofursodeoxycholic acid, although inmanycases liver transplantation is the only therapy. The disease is caused by mutations of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)–binding cassette, sub-family B, member 4 (ABCB4) [multidrug resistance 3 (MDR3)] gene encoding a specific hepatocellular canalicular transporter involved in biliary phosphatidylcholine secretion. Several mutations have been reported; however, the effect of individual mutations has not been investigated. ABCB4 is highly homologous to ATP-binding cassette, sub-family B, member 1 (ABCB1) (MDR1), the multidrug transporter responsible for drug resistance of cancer cells. We have studied the effect of mutation I541F localized to the first nucleotide-binding domain, which is highly conserved between ABCB4andABCB1.Plasmids encoding thewild-typehumanABCB4or ratABCB1–greenfluorescing protein (GFP) construct, and corresponding I541F-mutants, were expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma, human (HepG2) and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Expression studies showed that ABCB4 was localized at the bile canalicular membrane in HepG2 cells and at the apical surface in MDCK cells, whereas the I541F mutant was intracellular. In MDCK cells, ABCB1-I541F also accumulated intracellularly in compartments, which were identified as the endoplasmic reticulumandcis-Golgi,andremainedpartiallyendoH-sensitive.Aftershiftingcells to27°C,ABCB1-I541F wasexpressedat theapical cell surface inamatureandactive form.Similarly,ABCB4wassignificantly trafficked to the membrane of bile canaliculi in HepG2 cells. Conclusion: Mutation I541F causes mislocalization of both ABCB4 and ABCB1. Intracellular retention of ABCB4-I541F can explain the disease in PFIC3 patients bearing this mutation. The observation that plasma membrane expression and activity can be rescued by low temperature opens perspectives to develop novel therapies for the treatment of PFIC3. (HEPATOLOGY 2009;49:1218-1227.)
Abbreviation: Pacs Ϭ Picture Archiving and Communication System Implementation of an International Teleradiology Staffing Model

1 Although teleradiology is presently being used extensively in the United States—for both overseas subspecialty consultations and overnight coverage of imaging services at domestic medical centers—there has been limited investigation of its potential to help provide staffing support to U.S. medical centers from offshore locations. In this review, the authors describe an empirical assessment of the clinical feasibility and applicability of body computed tomographic (CT) image cases that originated at a U.S. university hospital being interpreted nearly contemporaneously by a staff radiologist in India. During a 3-month period, nonemergent CT cases obtained at a tertiary care institution (Yale-New Haven Hospital) were transmitted daily to a satellite reading facility in Bangalore, India. The cases were interpreted at the satellite reading facility by a faculty member radiologist who maintained hospital privileges and academic appointment at the parent institution in the United States. CT imaging reports were transcribed and uploaded directly to the parent institu-tion's radiology information system. Technical problems temporarily prevented the transfer of image cases twice during the study period. Overall, the project results demonstrated the feasibility and reliability of an international teleradiology staffing model. Teleradiology is the electronic transmission of radiologic image data from one location to another for the purpose of interpretation or consultation (1). By making radiologic consultations with personnel in remote and underserved areas (2– 6) possible, this technology is increasingly enabling greater access to radiologic care. In addition, teleradiology has been used to provide greater coverage of imaging services when on-site reading is not possible or practical and to offer medical centers greater flexibility in staffing radiology departments (7). However, there has been limited exploration of the potential of telera-diology to address staffing issues on an international level. The results of a study previously conducted by Kalyanpur et al (8,9) showed international teleradiology to be a means of providing night coverage of imaging services by allowing radiology personnel to take advantage of the time difference between India and the United States. With this model, a day shift of radiologic procedures can be substituted for what is considered a night shift for radiologists in the United States. In addition, staffing flexibility may be increased by allowing radiologists who are overseas to interpret the images in overflow cases from each workday. Our project was implemented to assess the clinical feasibility and applicability of such a staffing model. Our international teleradiology pilot project represents the culmination of several years …
Identification of a genetic locus for familial atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation, the most common sustained cardiac-rhythm disturbance, affects over 2 million Americans and accounts for one third of all strokes in patients over 65 years of age. The molecular basis for atrial fibrillation is unknown, and palliative therapy is used to control the ventricular rate and prevent systemic emboli. We identified a family of 26 members of whom 10 had atrial fibrillation which segregated as an autosomal dominant disease. We subsequently identified two additional families in which the disease was linked to the same locus. METHODS We screened the human genome with 300 polymorphic dinucleotide-repeat markers using an unconventional strategy of pooling the DNA samples into two groups (affected and unaffected), which reduced the sample size by approximately 90 percent, before performing linkage analysis to map the locus. This made it possible to identify potential loci within a few weeks. RESULTS The lod scores for markers D10S569 and D10S607, located at 10q22-q24, were 3.60 in Family 1. The disease locus in Families 2 and 3 was also linked to the same markers, with lod scores of 6.02 and 5.35 for markers D10S569 and D10S607, respectively, when data on all three families were combined. Haplotype analysis of the three families showed that the locus was between D10S1694 and D10S1786, an interval of 11.3 centimorgans. CONCLUSIONS Identification of the gene for familial atrial fibrillation will help to elucidate the molecular basis of the disease and provide insights into acquired forms. The strategy of pooling DNA samples for analysis is more time and cost effective than conventional screening and should accelerate the process of gene mapping in the future.