Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The contrast sensitivity of cat retinal ganglion cells at reduced oxygen tensions.

1. These experiments were done to investigate the effect of various degrees of hypoxia on the function of retinal ganglion cells (recorded in the optic tract) and on retinal oxygen tension. 2. The contrast sensitivity of the centre of X and Y cells, the surround of X cells and the non‐linear subunits of Y cells were measured separately by choosing appropriate spatial and temporal parameters of a sinusoidal grating pattern. 3. Retinal oxygen tension was measured with a bipolar polarographic oxygen electrode positioned in the vitreous humor close to the retina. 4. The time course of changes in ganglion cell sensitivity and retinal oxygen tension was similar. However, oxygen tension frequently overshot the prehypoxic value at the end of hypoxia, while sensitivity did not. 5. The cat retina was rather resistant to hypoxia. Contrast sensitivity and mean firing rate did not change provided the arterial oxygen tension was above about 35 mmHg, but usually dropped precipitously at lower arterial values. 6. The apparent reason for this resistance is that retinal oxygen tension was well regulated, falling only 0.14 mmHg per mmHg of arterial oxygen tension for arterial values above about 35 mmHg, which corresponds to a retinal oxygen tension of about 10 mmHg. Retinal oxygen tension decreased more sharply (0.62 mmHg per mmHg) at lower values of arterial oxygen tension, where sensitivity also decreased. 7. The centre, surround and subunits reacted similarly to hypoxia. This suggests that lateral pathways (i.e. surround) and pathways which might be expected to use more synapses than the centre (i.e. surround and subunits) are not more susceptible to hypoxia.
Circulating haptoglobin is an independent prognostic factor in the sera of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic significance of haptoglobin levels in the overall survival of patients presenting with various stages of epithelial ovarian cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS We employed an in-house sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method to determine the concentrations of preoperative haptoglobin and C-reactive protein (CRP) in sera samples obtained from 66 malignant tumors, 60 benign tumors, and 10 normal healthy women. RESULTS Levels of serum haptoglobin significantly correlated with tumor type (P < .001) and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage (P < .05). A significant correlation was observed between clinical stage and patient survival (r = 5.99, P = .026). Our data also indicated that elevated serum haptoglobin levels were associated with poor outcome for overall survival using both univariate and multivariate analyses (P = .048 and P = .036 respectively). Using Pearson's correlation, we have noted that serum CRP concentrations significantly correlated with haptoglobin levels (r(2) = 0.22, P < . 001). Immunohistochemical findings and Western blot analyses were compatible with sera levels of haptoglobin in which a higher intensity of staining occurred in late-stage epithelial ovarian cancers. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that preoperative serum levels of haptoglobin could serve as an independent prognostic factor in patients presenting with epithelial ovarian cancer.
Labor Market Returns to Vocational Secondary Education

We study labor market returns to vocational versus general secondary education using a regression discontinuity design created by the centralized admissions process in Finland. Admission to the vocational track increases initial annual income, and this benefit persists at least through the mid-thirties, and present discount value calculations suggest that it is unlikely that life cycle returns will turn negative through retirement. Moreover, admission to the vocational track does not increase the likelihood of working in jobs at risk of replacement by automation or offshoring. Consistent with comparative advantage, we observe larger returns for people who express a preference for vocational education. (JEL D15, I21, I26, J24, J31, O33)
Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate and Calcium Regulate the Calcium Channel Function of the Hepatic Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor*

The regulation of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor in liver was analyzed using a novel superfusion method. Hepatic microsomes were loaded with 45Ca2+, and superfused at high flow rates to provide precise control over IP3 and Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]) and to isolate 45Ca2+ release from reuptake. 45Ca2+ release was dependent on both [Ca2+] and IP3. The initial rate of 45Ca2+ release was a biphasic function of [Ca2+], increasing as [Ca2+] approached 3 μM but decreasing at higher concentrations, suggesting that the hepatic IP3 receptor is regulated by [Ca2+] at two sites, a high affinity potentiation site and a low affinity inhibitory site. The relationship between initial rates and IP3 concentration was steep (Hill coefficient of 3.4), suggesting that activation of the calcium channel requires binding of at least 3 IP3 molecules. IP3 concentrations above 10 μM produced rapid decay of release rates, suggesting receptor inactivation. Superfusion with 10 μM IP3 under conditions that minimize calcium release ([Ca2+] < 1 nM) inhibited 45Ca2+ release in response to subsequent stimulation (400 nM Ca2+). These data suggest sequential positive and negative regulation of the hepatic IP3 receptor by cytosolic calcium and by IP3, which may underlie hepatocellular propagation of regenerative, oscillatory calcium signals.
Open crisis, hidden opportunity:Europeanization, the Euro Crisis, and the case of social policy

For many the euro crisis has been a complete disaster for the European Union (EU) with a cascade of crisis from one policy area to another with collapse both imminent and inevitable. This conception of crisis relies on a progressive vision. As Angela Merkel epitomised in 2010, "If the euro fails, it's not only the currency that fails…it's Europe that fails and with it the idea of the European Union”. However, what really constitutes a crisis? Can a crisis act as an ‘engine’ rather than an obstruction for EU policy development? Crises are not uncommon to the EU nor are they necessarily a hindrance. As the history of the EU demonstrates, responding to crisis is normal. A crisis does not present the end of something or a binary option between a negative or positive eventuality. Rather, this thesis purports that a crisis creates a range of possibilities. To demonstrate this, theories of Europeanization are combined with a novel ‘crisis spectrum’ concept comprising of three crisis logics; ‘crisis progression’, ‘crisis diversity’ and ‘crisis stability’ and applied to particular areas of British and Irish social policy. While these crisis logics can be applied to any policy area, this research focuses on the case of social policy. In particular, the British social policy response from welfare policy to the free movement of EU nationals due to the national immigration debate induced by the euro crisis, and the Irish social policy response from activation policy to the unprecedented unemployment crisis due to the euro crisis. Semi-structured interviews combined with an analysis of primary documents reveal which of these crisis logics is occurring, whether independently or simultaneously within the same period. Both the British and Irish case demonstrate how a crisis does not always occur in a progressive, mechanical fashion, uniformly arresting policy development and policy responses, but that it can lead to a range of responses from different policy areas and contexts.
Intra-articular adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients maintain the function of chondrogenic differentiation.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the chondrogenic potential, phenotype and percentage of IA adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) from RA patients in comparison with OA patients. The effect of TNF treatment on ADSC differentiation was also examined. METHODS Adipose tissue was obtained from RA and OA patients. ADSCs were isolated and cultured until passage 4. After that period, the phenotype and percentage of these cells were analysed by flow cytometry. Passage 4 cells were cultured in chondrogenic medium with or without TNF. After 3 weeks of differentiation the expression of Sox9, aggrecan (Acan) and collagen 2a (Col2a) mRNA was assessed by RT-PCR and GAG deposition by alcian blue staining. RESULTS The phenotype and percentage of ADSCs were similar in both RA and OA. The results of alcian blue staining showed effective chondrogenesis in RA and OA ADSCs. TNF inhibited GAG deposition in both RA and OA samples similarly. Sox9, Acan and Col2a mRNA expression was significantly increased in chondrogenic-medium-treated cells (P<0.05) and decreased after TNF exposure (P<0.01). No statistically significant differences between RA and OA were observed. CONCLUSION ADSCs from RA and OA patients are similar with regard to their phenotype, percentage in IA tissue and chondrogenic potential, which is reduced after exposure to TNF.
Short-Term Exposure to Bilirubin Reduces Synaptic Activation in Rat Transverse Hippocampal Slices

ABSTRACT: We evaluated the feasibility of using the in vitro transverse rat hippocampal slice as a model to study the effect of bilirubin on neuronal activity. Bilirubin in concentrations from 100 μmol/liter to 1 mmol/liter with bovine serum albumin as a stabilizer caused a significant decrease in the slope of the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials, concomitant with a significant increase in the peak latency of the population spike. These changes were partially reversible when bilirubin was removed from the incubation fluid. A partially reversible shift to the right of the presynaptic fiber volley/field excitatory postsynaptic potential relationship was interpreted as an expression of a reduction in synaptic activation. A partially reversible shift to the left of the field exitatory postsynaptic potential population spike relationship was interpreted as an expression of increased postsynaptic excitability. In conclusion the in vitro rat hippocampal slice was used successfully to study the effect of bilirubin on neuronal activity. A depressive effect of bilirubin was observed.
A systematic review on the pros and cons of using a pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair

Objective: To determine the (dis)advantages of transition to a power-assisted wheelchair, and derive the clinical implications for its use or prescription. Data sources: Relevant articles published prior to May 2012 were identified using PubMed, Cochrane Library, REHABDATA, CIRRIE and CINAHL databases. Review methods: Clinical or (randomized) controlled trials, published in a peer-reviewed journal, comparing power-assisted wheelchair use and hand-rim or powered wheelchair use were eligible. Data quality and validity were assessed by two reviewers independently using the Checklist for Measuring Quality developed by Downs and Black. Results: A systematic search yielded 15 cross-over trails with repeated measurement design and one qualitative interview. Methodological quality scored between 9 and 15 points out of the maximum score of 32. Ten studies measuring body function and structure reported reduced strain on the arm and cardiovascular system during power-assisted propulsion compared to hand-rim propulsion. Twelve studies measuring activities and social participation reported precision tasks easier to perform with a hand-rim wheelchair and tasks which require more torque were easier with a power-assisted wheelchair. Social participation was not altered significantly by the use of a hand-rim, powered or power-assisted wheelchair. Conclusion: Power-assisted propulsion might be beneficial for subjects in whom independent hand-rim wheelchair propulsion is endangered by arm injury, insufficient arm strength or low cardiopulmonary reserves. Also, subjects who have difficulty propelling a wheelchair in a challenging environment can benefit from power-assisted wheelchair use. Caution is warranted for the additional width and weight in relation to the usual mode of transportation and access to the home environment.
Cisplatin activates volume sensitive LRRC8 channel mediated currents in Xenopus oocytes

ABSTRACT LRRC8 proteins have been shown to underlie the ubiquitous volume regulated anion channel (VRAC). VRAC channels are composed of the LRRC8A subunit and at least one among the LRRC8B-E subunits. In addition to their role in volume regulation, LRRC8 proteins have been implicated in the uptake of chemotherapeutic agents. We had found that LRRC8 channels can be conveniently expressed in Xenopus oocytes, a system without endogenous VRAC activity. The fusion with fluorescent proteins yielded constitutive activity for A/C, A/D and A/E heteromers. Here we tested the effect of the anticancer drug cisplatin on LRRC8A-VFP/8E-mCherry and LRRC8A-VFP/8D-mCherry co-expressing oocytes. Incubation with cisplatin dramatically activated currents for both subunit combinations, confirming that VRAC channels provide an uptake pathway for cisplatin and that intracellular cisplatin accumulation strongly activates the channels. Thus, specific activators of LRRC8 proteins might be useful tools to counteract chemotherapeutic drug resistance.
Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Urban Shelter Clients

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain common in the United States. One contributor to this persistent problem is pockets of infection among persons who may not have regular access to health care, a group that includes those who seek services at shelters. Objective: The goals of the study were to: 1) determine the acceptability of STI testing among individuals seeking services at shelters in 2 midsized southeastern cities; 2) evaluate the prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV among these individuals; and 3) assess the proportion that subsequently learned their test results and received timely and appropriate treatment if warranted. Study Design: Using a cross-sectional design, 430 individuals between the ages of 19 and 45 seen at 3 shelters in 2 cities were approached for participation. After completing a brief behavioral assessment, each participant provided a urine specimen for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) testing, blood for syphilis serologic testing, and an oral sample for HIV testing. Results: The overall recruitment rate was 97% (96% in city A and 98% in city B). Seventy-eight percent were black with a mean age of 35.1 years. STI prevalence among those reporting sexual activity in the past 2 months was 12.9% in city A and 19.9% in city B (P = 0.04). The rate of CT in city B was significantly higher than city A (15.0% vs. 6.4%, P = 0.02); however, similar rates were found for GC (5.0% vs. 3.2%), primary and secondary syphilis (0.08% vs. 1.4%), and HIV (0.07% vs. 0.06%). Overall, 91.5% of the positive cases (89.0% in city A and 94.0% in city B) learned their test results and were successfully treated. Conclusion: We found that shelter clients were receptive to STI testing, even for HIV, with most positive cases notified and successfully treated.
Mathematical model and calculation to predict the effect of prophylactic plasma transfusion on change in international normalized ratio in critically ill patients with coagulopathy

Plasma transfusion is often used prophylactically in patients with coagulopathy. However, the doses transfused may not be adequate to normalize hemostatic tests, which are commonly used as surrogate markers in practice. Currently, there is no reliable way to predict the posttransfusion international normalized ratio (INR) after plasma transfusion. Therefore, our aim was to develop and validate a formula that can reliably estimate post–plasma transfusion INR.
Posttraumatic empyema. Risk factor analysis.

BACKGROUND Empyema remains a distressing complication after thoracic injury. OBJECTIVE To identify high-risk factors associated with the development of empyema. DESIGN Retrospective cohort review. SETTING University hospital, level I trauma center. PATIENTS Trauma patients who required tube thoracostomy (TT) between January 1, 1991, and November 31, 1993 (n = 584). METHODS Data (demographic characteristics, injuries, chest x-ray film reports, and setting of TT) were assessed using a stepwise logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors associated with the development of post-traumatic empyema. RESULTS Empyema that required decortication developed in 25 patients (4%). Factors predictive of development of empyema were retained hemothorax (odds ratio, 12.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.96-163), pulmonary contusion (odds ratio, 6.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-25.8), and multiple chest tube placement (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.91-3.28); factors not predictive of empyema were severity of injury, mechanism of injury, setting in which TT was performed, number of days chest tubes were in place, and antibiotic drugs at the time of TT. CONCLUSIONS The extent of pulmonary injury (pulmonary contusion) is an important predictor of empyema development. Previously implicated factors such as setting in which a TT was performed and mechanism of injury did not correlate with the development of posttraumatic empyema. Based on the results of our study, we recommend early drainage of the pleural space with video-assisted thoracoscopic techniques in patients at risk of empyema, which may spare them the morbidity of a thoracotomy.
Dimerization by a Cytokine Receptor Is Necessary for Constitutive Activation of JAK2V617F*

The majority of the BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative disorders express the mutant JAK2, JAK2V617F. Previously we showed that constitutive activation of this oncogenic JAK2 mutant in Ba/F3 or 32D cells requires coexpression of a cognate homodimeric cytokine receptor, such as the EpoR. However, overexpression of JAK2V617F in Ba/F3 cells renders them cytokine-independent for growth in the absence of an exogenous cytokine receptor. Here, we demonstrated that JAK2V617F domains required for receptor association are essential for cytokine-independent growth by overexpressed JAK2V617F, suggesting JAK2V617F is binding to an unknown endogenous cytokine receptor(s) for its activation. We further showed that disruption of EpoR dimerization by coexpressing a truncated EpoR disrupted JAK2V617F-mediated transformation, indicating that EpoR dimerization plays an essential role in the activation of JAK2V617F. Interestingly, coexpression of JAK2V617F with EpoR mutants that retain JAK2 binding but are defective in mediating Epo-dependent JAK2 activation due to mutations in a conserved juxtamembrane motif does lead to cytokine-independent activation of JAK2V617F. Overall, these findings confirm that JAK2V617F requires binding to a dimerized cytokine receptor for its activation, and that the key EpoR juxtamembrane regulatory motif essential for Epo-dependent JAK2 activation is not essential for the activation of JAK2V617F. The structure of the activated JAK2V617F is thus likely to be different from that of the activated wild-type JAK2, raising the possibility of developing a specifically targeted therapy for myeloproliferative disorders.
Downregulation of CD24 suppresses bone metastasis of lung cancer

Suppression of bone metastasis can improve patient quality of life. Current drugs for bone metastasis have been shown to prolong progression‐free survival but not overall survival; therefore, other potential therapeutic targets for bone metastasis should be investigated. Cell‐surface antigens, such as CD24, have been recently shown to be involved in the metastasis of various cancers. However, whether CD24 plays a role in bone metastasis of lung cancer remains unknown. To observe metastasis of lung cancer cells by imaging technology, we introduced a near‐infrared fluorescent protein, iRFP720, into a bone‐seeking subclone established from lung cancer cells, HARA‐B4 cells. The anchorage‐independent growth of these cells was then evaluated by colony formation assays. We also compared cancer cell tropism to bone tissue with HARA‐B4 cells in the presence or absence of CD24 by cell adhesion assays. To clarify the role of CD24 in bone metastasis, we intracardially injected CD24‐knockdown HARA‐B4 cells into mice and monitored metastasis through detection of iRFP720 using an in vivo imaging system. CD24‐knockdown HARA‐B4 cells in vitro showed reduced anchorage‐independent growth and cancer cell tropism to bone. Bone metastasis was diminished in mice inoculated with CD24‐knockdown HARA‐B4 cells, which was rescued by add‐back of CD24 in cells. Our findings indicate that iRFP720 is effective for in vivo imaging analysis of bone metastasis and that downregulation of CD24 suppresses bone metastasis of lung cancer cells. These findings collectively indicate that CD24 may be considered a promising new therapeutic candidate for the prevention of bone metastasis of lung cancer.
Voltage-sharing converter to supply single-phase asymmetrical four-level diode-clamped inverter with high power factor loads

The output voltage quality of some of the single-phase multilevel inverters can be improved when their dc-link voltages are regulated asymmetrically. Symmetrical and asymmetrical multilevel diode-clamped inverters have the problem of dc-link capacitor voltage balancing, especially when power factor of the load is close to unity. In this paper, a new single-inductor multi-output dc/dc converter is proposed that can control the dc-link voltages of a single-phase diode-clamped inverter asymmetrically to achieve voltage quality enhancement. The circuit of the presented converter is explained and the main equations are developed. A control strategy is proposed and explained in details. To validate the versatility of the proposed combination of the suggested dc-dc converter and the asymmetrical four-level diode-clamped inverter (ADCI), simulations and experiments have been directed. It is concluded that the proposed combination of introduced multioutput dc-dc converter and single-phase ADCI is a good candidate for power conversion in residential photovoltaic (PV) utilization.
Verbal working memory storage and processing deficits in HIV-1 asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals

Background. Verbal working memory (WM), which relies on intact functioning of frontostriatal circuits, has been suggested as a cognitive domain that is preferentially affected in HIV-1 infection. Although several studies have found WM impairments in HIV-1 infected patients, Baddeley's classic WM model has not been studied extensively in this population. Methods. We used two cognitive neuropsychological approaches to examine verbal WM deficits in 18 HIV-1 seronegative, 16 HIV-1 asymptomatic, and 20 HIV-1 symptomatic patients. First, based on Baddeley's WM model of the Phonological Loop, we used the phonological similarity effect and the irrelevant speech effect to evaluate each individual's phonological store, and the word-length effect and the articulatory suppression effect to evaluate the articulatory control process. Secondly, an individual differences approach, which focuses on the capacity limitation of the WM system and potentially integrates the functions of Baddeley's Central Executive component with the Phonological Loop, was adopted. We evaluated each patient's simultaneous storage and processing of auditory material using the Verbal Memory Span test. Results. The HIV-1 symptomatic individuals, but not the HIV-1 asymptomatic subjects, demonstrated impaired short-term storage of verbal material in the phonological store on Baddeley's measures. Although the HIV-1 asymptomatic and symptomatic subjects demonstrated intact rehearsal of speech-based material in the articulatory control process, both groups demonstrated impairment on the Verbal Memory Span test. Conclusions. These findings suggest that deficits in simultaneous short-term storage and processing occur during both early and later stages of HIV-1 infection.