Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The calcium‐dependent potassium conductance in rat sympathetic neurones.

1. Adult and intact sympathetic neurones of isolated rat superior cervical ganglia were subjected to a two‐electrode voltage‐clamp analysis at 37 degrees C in order to investigate the Ca2(+)‐dependent K+ conductance. 2. At each potential a Ca2(+)‐dependent K+ current, IKCa, was determined as the difference between the current that could be attributed to the voltage‐dependent K+ current, IKV, following Ca2+ channel blockade by Cd2+ and the total current generated. The final IKCa curves were obtained after correcting the experimental tracings for the underlying ICa current component. 3. IKCa became detectable during commands to ‐30 mV. About 3.6 x 10(5) Ca2+ ions are required to enter the cell before IKCa is initiated. The current was modelled on the basis of a 0.4‐0.6 ms delay followed by an exponential activation of a fast component, IKCaf, simultaneously with a much slower exponential activation, IKCas. Experiments indicate a sigmoidal activation curve for the fast conductance, gKCf, with half‐maximal activation at ‐13.0 mV and a slope factor of 4.7 mV (for 5 mM‐Ca2+ in the bath). The associated time constant, tau kcf, ranged from 0.8 to 2.0 ms. The slow conductance exhibited a similar steady‐state activation curve but an activation time constant in the 48‐280 ms range. The maximum mean gKC was 0.32 microS per neurone for either the fast or slow component. 4. Excess K+ ions accumulate in the perineuronal space during K+ current flow giving rise to rapidly occurring, large K+ reversal potential (EK) modifications (up to ‐45 mV for the largest currents). The kinetics of K+ extracellular load can be described satisfactorily by a simple exponential function (tau = 0.9‐2.8 ms). The characteristics of K+ wash‐out appear similar to those of accumulation. 5. The immediate effect of such an extracellular K+ build‐up is to make the apparent IKCa activation kinetics faster and to reduce (up to 50%) the true value of the K+ conductance. We simulated the predictions of a K+ diffusion model and generated new functions describing the IKCa steady‐state activation, activation rate and maximum conductance values which satisfactorily reconstruct the IKCa current tracings together with the K+ accumulation process near the membrane. 6. A small component of the Ca2(+)‐dependent K+ current, IAHP, was observed which survived at membrane potential levels negative to ‐40 mV. Increasing Ca2+ influx by applying longer pulses enhanced IAHP, which on the other hand was also activated by depolarizations of short duration. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Imaging Microglial/Macrophage Activation in Spinal Cords of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Rats by Positron Emission Tomography Using the Mitochondrial 18 kDa Translocator Protein Radioligand [18F]DPA-714

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS. Activated microglia/macrophages play a key role in the immunopathogenesis of MS and its corresponding animal models, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Microglia activation begins at early stages of the disease and is associated with elevated expression of the 18 kDa mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO). Thus, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of microglial activation using TSPO-specific radioligands could be valuable for monitoring disease-associated neuroinflammatory processes. EAE was induced in rats using a fragment of myelin basic protein, yielding acute clinical disease that reflects extensive spinal cord inflammation. Enhanced TSPO expression in spinal cords of EAE rats versus those of controls was confirmed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Biodistribution studies in control and EAE rats were performed using the TSPO radioligand [18F]DPA-714 [N,N-diethyl-2-(2-(4-(2-fluoroethoxy)phenyl)-5,7-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl)acetamide]. At 1 h after injection, almost fivefold higher levels of [18F]DPA-714 were measured in spinal cords of EAE rats versus controls. The specific binding of [18F]DPA-714 to TSPO in spinal cords was confirmed in competition studies, using unlabeled (R,S)-PK11195 [(R,S)-N-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)-1-(2-chlorophenyl)isoquinoline-3-carboxamide)] or DPA-714 in excess. MicroPET studies affirm that this differential radioactivity uptake in spinal cords of EAE versus control rats could be detected and quantified. Using [18F]DPA-714, neuroinflammation in spinal cords of EAE-induced rats could be visualized by PET, offering a sensitive technique for monitoring neuroinflammatory lesions in the CNS and particularly in the spinal cord. In addition to current MRI protocols, this approach could provide molecular images of neuroinflammation for detection, monitoring, and research in MS.
Evolutionary Developmental Explanations of Gender Differences in Interpersonal Conflict: A Response to Trnka (2013)

In focusing on gender differences in anger expression, Trnka (2013) provides a useful complement to the article by Ingram et al., (2012) analyzing gender differences in children's narratives about peer conflict. I agree that gender differences in anger are more likely to be the result of differential socialization processes regarding the expression of anger than by innate differences in the experience of anger. Gender differences in intersexual anger and aggression are likely to be affected by the social context, and especially whether a female is interacting with a romantic partner or an unknown male. The implication of socialization in anger expression raises the possibility that culture plays a causal role in encouraging cooperative breeding by inhibiting inter-female aggressive displays. Another of Trnka's proposals, that the expression of anger contributes to reconciliation and inhibits long-term relationship damage, is intuitively plausible and supported by the research literature, but not by data from the current study.
Effects of water temperature on early development of Japanese eel Anguilla japonica

To determine an optimal temperature range for efficient production of healthy eel larvae Anguilla japonica, the effect of water temperature on hatching, survival, and deformity rates was examined. The early ontogeny of morphological features in this species by incubating eggs at five different temperatures (19, 22, 25, 28 and 31 °C) was examined. Hatching occurred at 24, 28, 46 and 58 h after fertilization when incubated at 28, 25, 22 and 19°C, respectively; no eggs hatched at 31°C The growth rate of prefeeding larvae increased as water temperature was elevated and acquisition of feeding ability was also accelerated at higher temperature. Significantly high hatching rates (76–86°, P<0.05) and survival rates (61–86%, P<0.05) were observed at relatively high temperatures (22–28°C). The deformities were ‘open lower jaw’, ‘pericardial edema’, and ‘notochordal bending’, in which the mouth was deformed with a downward projecting lower jaw, the pericardial cavity was swollen, and the notochord was bent or twisted to various degrees, respectively. Open lower jaw and pericardial edema were especially predominant at 19°C, with rates of 68 and 92%, respectively, compared with 31 and 10% at 25 and 28°C, respectively. The occurrence of notochordal bending was not affected by temperature. The optimal temperature for incubation and rearing A. japonica eggs and prefeeding larvae is approximately 25–28°C.
Incomplete Co-cladogenesis Between Zootermopsis Termites and Their Associated Protists

Abstract Coevolution is a major driver of speciation in many host-associated symbionts. In the termite-protist digestive symbiosis, the protists are vertically inherited by anal feeding among nest mates. Lower termites (all termite families except Termitidae) and their symbionts have broadly co-diversified over ∼170 million yr. However, this inference is based mainly on the restricted distribution of certain protist genera to certain termite families. With the exception of one study, which demonstrated congruent phylogenies for the protist Pseudotrichonympha and its Rhinotermitidae hosts, coevolution in this symbiosis has not been investigated with molecular methods. Here we have characterized the hindgut symbiotic protists (Phylum Parabasalia) across the genus Zootermopsis (Archotermopsidae) using single cell isolation, molecular phylogenetics, and high-throughput amplicon sequencing. We report that the deepest divergence in the Zootermopsis phylogeny (Zootermopsis laticeps [Banks; Isoptera: Termopsidae]) corresponds with a divergence in three of the hindgut protist species. However, the crown Zootermopsis taxa (Zootermopsis angusticollis [Hagen; Isoptera: Termopsidae], Z. nevadensis nevadensis [Hagen; Isoptera: Termopsidae], and Z. nevadensis nuttingi [Haverty & Thorne; Isoptera: Termopsidae]) share the same protist species, with no evidence of co-speciation under our methods. We interpret this pattern as incomplete co-cladogenesis, though the possibility of symbiont exchange cannot be entirely ruled out. This is the first molecular evidence that identical communities of termite-associated protist species can inhabit multiple distinct host species.
Rapid ULSI Interconnect Reliability Analysis Using Neural Networks

Neural network modeling method is introduced for analyzing ultralarge scale integration (ULSI) interconnect reliability for the first time. By training the simulation data from ANSYS (a finite-element tool), a neural network model is developed, where the prediction of ULSI interconnect reliability can be more effectively done. The proposed technique is useful for integrated circuit design since it can produce a database of interconnect layouts with reliability comparison for a given circuit. From the database, we can know the relative reliability of interconnect layout at any given temperature or current rapidly. Through this proposed technique, we can also derive the allowable temperature and current range of a circuit to ensure given reliability criteria.
Organizational Role Stress on Job Satisfaction of Non-Executives in Commercial Banks, Sri Lanka

Area of the Study The impact of role stressors on the job satisfaction among the non-executives in the Sri Lankan commercial banking sector is the main area of this study. Problem of the Study Non-executives in the commercial banking sector in Sri Lanka is a major category of working group whose contribution is significant and important to survival of the banks in the competitive scenario. Success of their working life depends on the high level of day to day job satisfaction. However, the nature of job brings the risky and stressfulness. Therefore, this study is aimed to find out the effect of organizational role stress on the JS of the non-executives in the banking sector. Method of the study The sample of the study was 252 non-executives and sample was selected as simple random sampling method. Two standard questionnaires were used to gather the primary data and correlation and regression analysis were used to analyses the data. Findings of the Study The major finding of the study is that there is moderately negative relationship and impact of role stressors on the job satisfaction of banking non-executives. Conclusion of the Study The main conclusion of the study that the management of the banking companies have to pay their attention to reduce the different role stressors among the non-executives. Keywords: Organizational Role Stress, Job Satisfaction, Banking Non-Executives
The Texas Drilling Boom and Local Human Capital Investment

Abstract Researchers and citizens alike question the long-term impacts of the shale oil boom on local communities. Studies have considered the boom’s effects on employment, income, mobility, and human capital acquisition. This research specifically builds on research considering shale effects on secondary schooling. Using county-level data from Texas, we investigate two questions: (1) Has the latest oil boom led to a reduction in local high school graduation? (2) Is this effect different for immigrants, a group potentially vulnerable to local wage effects? Findings indicate insignificant overall effects; however, local oil drilling increases immigrant high school dropout rates.
Functional Characterization of Oculodentodigital Dysplasia-Associated Cx43 Mutants

Oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) is associated with at least 28 connexin43 (Cx43) mutations. We characterized four of these mutants; Q49K, L90V, R202H, and V216L. Populations of these GFP-tagged mutants were transported to the cell surface in Cx43-negative HeLa cells and Cx43-positive NRK cells. Dual patch-clamp functional analysis in N2A cells demonstrated that channels formed by each mutant have dramatically reduced conductance. Dye-coupling analysis revealed that each mutant exhibits a dominant-negative effect on wild-type Cx43. Since ODDD patients display skeletal abnormalities, we examined the effect of three other Cx43 mutants previously shown to exert dominant-negative effects on wild-type Cx43 (G21R, G138R, and G60S) in neonatal calvarial osteoblasts. Differentiation was unaltered by expression of these mutants as alkaline phosphatase activity and extent of culture mineralization were unchanged. This suggests that loss-of-function Cx43 mutants are insufficient to deter committed osteoblasts from their normal function in vitro. Thus, we hypothesize that the bone phenotype of ODDD patients may result from disrupted gap junctional intercellular communication earlier in development or during bone remodeling.
Self‐monitoring cognitive performance during sleep deprivation: effects of modafinil, d‐amphetamine and placebo

Self‐monitoring refers to the ability to assess accurately one's own performance in a specific environment. The present study investigated the effects of the stimulating drugs modafinil (300 mg) and d‐amphetamine (20 mg) on the ability to self‐monitor cognitive performance during 64 h of sleep deprivation (SD) and sustained mental work. Two cognitive tasks were investigated: a visual (perceptual) judgment task and a complex mental addition task. Subjects in the placebo condition displayed marked circadian and SD effects on cognitive task performance but their self‐monitoring was substantively undisturbed by SD. Subjects performing under the influence of d‐amphetamine likewise displayed highly proficient self‐monitoring throughout the SD period. In contrast, modafinil had a disruptive effect on self‐monitoring, inducing a reliable «overconfidence» effect (i.e. an overestimation of actual cognitive performance), which was particularly marked 2–4 h post‐dose. Although modafinil has proven to be a safe and effective countermeasure to the effects of extensive SD on cognitive task performance, we encourage a more comprehensive understanding of the relation between its subjective and performance enhancing effects before the drug is recommended as a viable fatigue countermeasure.
Did Progresa Reduce Inequality of Opportunity for School Reenrollment?

The school reenrollment probability conditional on a child’s circumstances (gender, indigenous origin, and family background) is our measure of a child’s school reenrollment opportunity. For children who completed grades 1–6, we use generalized Lorenz and Lorenz dominance to show that Progresa improved aggregate opportunities and reduced inequality of opportunity. Moreover, using the human opportunity index—or, alternatively, a Gini opportunity aggregator—we show that the decrease in inequality of opportunity accounts for about 15%–40% of the total effect of the program on aggregate opportunities.
Long‐term engraftment and function of transplanted pancreatic islets in vascularized segments of small intestine

This study evaluated the potential of vascularized small intestinal segments for pancreatic islet transplantation. Islets isolated from Lewis rats were transplanted into diabetic syngeneic recipients. Segments of small intestine were prepared by denudation of the mucosal layer prior to implantation of pancreatic islets into the segments. Animal groups were established to determine engraftment, survival and function of islets transplanted into either intestinal segments or portal vein over up to 60 days. We found transplantation of functionally intact pancreatic islets into small intestinal segments was well tolerated. Transplanted islets were rapidly engrafted in intestinal segments as demonstrated vascularization and expression of insulin and glucagon throughout the 60‐day duration of the studies. Transplantation of islets restored euglycemia in diabetic rats, which was similar to animals receiving islets intraportally. Moreover, animals treated with islet transplants showed normal responses to glucose challenges. Removal of graft‐bearing intestinal segments led to recurrence of hyperglycemia indicating that transplanted islets were responsible for improved outcomes. Therefore, we concluded that vascularized intestinal segments supported reorganization, survival and function of transplanted islets with therapeutic efficacy in streptozotocin‐treated diabetic rats. The approach described here will be appropriate for studying islet biogenesis, reorganization and function, including for cell therapy applications.
The effect of valproate and levetiracetam on steroidogenesis in forskolin‐stimulated H295R cells

Purpose: Endocrine disruptive effects have been frequently observed in patients using antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Two different AEDs, valproate (VPA) and levetiracetam (LEV), were tested in forskolin‐stimulated human adrenal carcinoma (H295R) cells to explore their effect on steroidogenesis. VPA has a long history as an anticonvulsant and is linked with many of the endocrine disorders associated with AED use. LEV is a newer AED, and no endocrine disruptive effects have been reported in humans to date.
Complications and catheter survival with prolonged embedding of peritoneal dialysis catheters.

BACKGROUND Our centre uses a modification of the Moncrief technique of embedding peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters. We undertook this study to test the hypothesis that catheter survival on PD is a function of the time a catheter is left embedded prior to use. METHODS Data were retrospectively abstracted from review of patient records of those who received a first PD catheter over a 5-year period. Patients were divided into tertiles based on the number of days between insertion of the catheter and exteriorization to create three equal groups representing early (group 1, 11-47 days), mid (group 2, 48-133 days) and late (group 3, 134-2041 days) exteriorization strategies. RESULTS 435 embedded PD catheters were inserted, 349 were exteriorized and total observation period was 5624 patient-months. Time to catheter loss was shortest in group 1 and longest in group 2 (P = 0.04). The overall rate of primary catheter failure was 6% and was significantly different in the three groups (6.9% in group 1, 1.7% in group 2 and 9.4% in group 3, P = 0.04). The time to first episode of peritonitis was longest in group 3 and shortest in group 1 (group 1 versus group 3, P = 0.009; group 2 versus group 3, P = 0.03). Adjusted peritonitis rates, however, were not different between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS Mechanical complications and catheter loss are associated with the length of time a catheter is embedded. We recommend insertion 6 weeks to 5 months ahead of the need for PD to maximize catheter survival.
Dopamine cross‐reacts with adrenoreceptors in cortical astrocytes to induce BDNF expression, CREB signaling and morphological transformation

Expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is induced in cultured rat cortical astrocytes by catecholamines norepinephrine and dopamine as well as selective α1 and β adrenergic agonists. However, it has remained unknown which receptors mediate dopamine‐induced BDNF upregulation in astrocytes. Here, we demonstrate that β adrenoreceptors are the main mediators of this effect in cultured cortical astrocytes, while α1 adrenoreceptors and D1 dopamine receptors contribute to a lesser extent. We show that in cortical astrocytes BDNF exon IV and exon VI containing mRNAs are induced by dopamine and norepinephrine via CREB‐dependent signaling and that this regulation is mediated by a mechanism that is distinct from activity‐dependent CREB‐mediated activation of BDNF transcription in neurons. We also show that regulation of BDNF promoters IV and VI by catecholamines requires a distal regulatory element in the BDNF locus. Finally, we demonstrate that dopamine‐induced astrocyte stellation and induction of CREB signaling are mediated by cross‐reaction of dopamine with β adrenoreceptors.
FDI Backward Spillovers in China: What a Meta-Analysis Tells Us?

ABSTRACT Drawing on a unique dataset of 694 estimates from 24 studies on foreign direct investment backward spillovers in China, this paper quantitatively analyzes spillover effects corrected for publication bias and misspecification and accounts for the heterogeneity in existing empirical results using meta-regression analysis. Robust to various methods and specifications, the results show that this backward spillover effect corrected for publication bias and misspecification is remarkable and economically significant. We also derive backward spillover estimates for hypothetical combinations of study characteristics and find the synthetic spillover estimates vary across heterogeneous firms. The meta-analysis also examines various study characteristics that explain the heterogeneity across studies of the reported spillover estimates.
[A meta-analysis of susceptibility to pneumoconiosis and polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor-α 308 and 238 locus].

OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between the polymorphism of TNF-α gene 308, 238 locus and the susceptibility to pneumoconiosis. METHODS Eighteen published case-control studies about TNF-α gene 308, 238 locus polymorphism and pneumoconiosis susceptibility were searched out from sino-foreign databases from January 1994 to December 2010. Meta-analysis was applied on the published research to calculate the pooled OR value (95%CI) and stratified analyze the types and species of pneumoconiosis. RESULTS Eleven of the published research articles were selected into the analysis, including 10 research focusing on TNF-α gene 308 locus, with 1408 cases and 1639 controls in total. The meta-analysis showed that comparing with Gln/Gln carriers, Arg/Arg, Arg/Gln, Gln/Arg + Arg/Arg carriers were 1.89-fold (95%CI: 1.10 - 3.24), 1.53-fold (95%CI: 1.25 - 1.87), and 1.56-fold (95%CI: 1.28 - 1.90) more susceptible to pneumoconiosis, respectively. The stratified analysis showed that among coal workers, the TNF-α gene 308 locus Arg/Arg, Arg/Gln, Gln/Arg + Arg/Arg carriers were separately 2.29-fold (95%CI: 1.22 - 4.29), 1.56-fold (95%CI: 1.20 - 2.03), 1.64-fold (95%CI: 1.28 - 2.11) more susceptible to pneumoconiosis than Gln/Gln carriers; and among Asian people, the TNF-α gene 308 locus Gln/Arg, Gln/Arg + Arg/Arg carriers were separately 1.58-fold (95%CI: 1.28 - 1.95) and 1.57-fold (95%CI: 1.28 - 1.94) more susceptible to pneumoconiosis than the Gln/Gln carriers. Four case-control research focus on the study of TNF-α gene 238 locus, including 391 cases and 391 controls in total. The analysis showed that comparing with the non-carriers, TNF-α gene 238 locus Arg/Arg, Arg/Gln, Gln/Arg + Arg/Arg carriers were 6.03-fold (95%CI: 1.35 - 26.97), 1.87-fold (95%CI: 1.07 - 3.30) and 2.36-fold (95%CI: 1.37 - 4.07) more susceptible to pneumoconiosis. CONCLUSION TNF-α gene 308, 238 locus Arg/Arg, Gln/Arg, Gln/Arg + Arg/Arg carriers are more susceptible to pneumoconiosis.