Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition in Picture Naming and Word Reading

Some previous researchers assumed that the underlying process of inhibition is similar in the modally pure target-distractor task, e.g., picture-picture task, color-color task, and in the modally mixed target-distractor task, such as the picture-word task or the color-word task, but some did not. The present purpose was to compare the inhibition in the modally pure tasks (word-word task and picture-picture task) with that in the modally mixed task (picture-word task) through the effects of the two factors, that is, response set and the semantic relation between target and distractor. These factors were assumed to affect inhibition in some kinds of interference tasks. Analysis showed the effect of response set was evident on the picture-picture task but not on the word-word and the picture-word tasks. On the picture-word task, only when the distracting word was in the same set of the target picture, was the effect of the semantic relation exhibited. The differential inhibition for the three tasks was discussed.
Accurate Chromatin Organization of the Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Promoter Determines the Nature of the Synergism between Transcription Factors*

The mechanism underlying the synergism between transcription factors in eukaryotic gene expression is not fully understood. In minichromosomes assembled in vitro the synergism between steroid hormone receptors (SHRs) and nuclear factor 1 (NF1) on the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter does not require the proline-rich transactivation domain (PRD) of NF1. Here we show that similar results are obtained in yeast. In contrast, replacing the native hormone-responsive elements (HREs) by a single HRE results in a more accessible chromatin and makes the synergism with SHR dependent on the PRD of NF1. Following hormone induction, in addition to glucocorticoid receptor, the DNA binding domain of NF1 is needed and sufficient for establishing an open chromatin conformation on the wild type MMTV promoter. Thus, NF1 acts as a classical transcription factor in a relaxed chromatin context, whereas in the context of the wild type chromatin DNA binding of NF1 is sufficient to cooperate with SHRs by stabilizing an open chromatin conformation.
The feed requirements of adult red deer.

This paper reviews the feeding requirements of adult red deer from nutritional, management and ecological perspectives. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to balance production objectives in the context of ecological sustainability. Topics such as feeding behaviour, feeding management, the relationship of body condition score to nutritional sufficiency, daily and seasonal feed intake requirements, and pasture species selection are also presented. The marketability of venison and the longterm acceptance of deer farming will be largely shaped by consumer perception of the animal welfare implications of production techniques, the ecological impact of production and an industry image that reflects social responsibility. Development of efficient feeding systems for farmed deer will impact on all of these areas.
Quantitative determination of protein in saliva. A comparison of analytical methods.

– Seven methods for quantitative protein analysis were evaluated for the analysis of protein in saliva. The degree of interference from dialyzable components and from components retarded on Sephadex G-50 was determined. Parotid saliva protein was fractionated into a glycoprotein-rich and an amylase-rich fraction on Sephadex G-75, and the relative contributions from these protein fractions in the various protein tests were compared. Ultraviolet absorption at 215 mμ was recommended for the determination of total protein in salivary samples.
Structural and Superconducting Properties of Undoped and BZO-doped GdBCO Thin Films

We report the effect of 4 wt% BZO-doping in GdBCO thin films on (100) STO substrates with novel nanograined target materials deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and magnetization measurements, which were made in particularly wide temperature and magnetic field range, were used to determine the structural and superconducting properties. The results were compared with ones of YBCO. The deposition temperature, T s, is not very critical for GdBCO and it is found to be much lower in undoped and BZO-doped GdBCO than in YBCO. The BZO-doping of GdBCO enhanced the field dependence of critical current density, j c, at low temperatures. Furthermore, BZO-doping enhances the accommodation field, B* , below 60 K being clearly higher at 10 K in doped GdBCO than in YBCO. The pinning mechanism in GdBCO was concluded to be similar to that of YBCO. Our results clearly show that undoped and BZO-doped nanophase GdBCO is a very promising target material for applications as well as for coated conductors.
GABAA receptors containing the α5 subunit mediate the trace effect in aversive and appetitive conditioning and extinction of conditioned fear

A reduction in α5 subunit‐containing γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors has been reported to enhance some forms of learning in mutant mouse models. This effect has been attributed to impaired α5 GABAA receptor‐mediated inhibitory modulation in the hippocampus. The introduction of a point mutation (H105R) in the α5 subunit is associated with a specific reduction of α5 subunit‐containing GABAA receptors in the hippocampus. The present study examined the modulation of associative learning and the extinction of conditioned response in these animals. The strength of classical conditioning can be weakened when a trace interval is interposed between the conditioned stimulus and unconditioned stimulus. Here we report that this ‘trace effect’ in classical conditioning was absent in the mutant mice − they were insensitive to the imposition of a 20‐s trace interval. This effect of the mutation was most clearly in the female mice using an aversive conditioning paradigm, and in the male mice using an appetitive conditioning paradigm. These gender‐specific phenotypes were accompanied by a resistance to extinction of conditioned fear response in the mutant mice that was apparent in both genders. Our results identify neuronal inhibition in the hippocampus mediated via α5 GABAA receptors as a critical control element in the regulation of the acquisition and expression of associative memory.
What do stroke survivors think about the evidence-based stroke care they receive ? Learning from insights at the “ periphery ” .

Rationale and aim of study: While exploring the experience of stroke survivors of secondary stroke prevention as part of a wider patient and public involvement service initiative, study participants willingly shared insights on other aspects of care that mattered to them. This is important as little is known about patients’ preferences for care. Methods: Data was generated from focus groups and semi-structured interviews that were held with 38 stroke survivors or their proxy respondents as part of an action research study. A framework analysis was used to examine data. Results: Our findings largely support current knowledge about the benefits of receiving evidence-based stroke care. Although patients broadly appreciated being on a specialist unit, unexpectedly and contrary to best practice some expressed the wish to be treated elsewhere as they found the experience of being on a stroke unit difficult. Other findings included the need for more local peer support and difficulties surrounding transfer from hospital to home. Resultant actions included awareness training for staff about sensitively managing people’s perceptions about being on the stroke unit, development of shared computer-based (IT) resources, and the establishment of a volunteer peer support system. Conclusion: The evidence base for the benefits of stroke unit care is unequivocal; however, this model of care presents challenges for some. Involving patients in service development can inform small but key changes in practice that can help address inherent tensions in delivering evidence based services that are sensitive to patient preference.
Childhood asthma: parents' perspective--a qualitative interview study.

OBJECTIVE We aimed to describe the parents' perspective of their child's asthmatic disease, and relate it to the dialogue with the doctors and the diagnostic delay. METHODS Qualitative studies with semi-structured interviews were carried out with 20 parents of 30 asthmatic children aged from 2 to 15 years who had had asthma for at least 1 year and were all attending a Copenhagen outpatient asthma clinic. RESULTS The asthma symptoms, for most of the children starting during their first year, were manifold and complex, including long-lasting coughing as a frequent symptom. Parents recognized specific asthma patterns in their child, often including behaviour change. Many parents had difficulty in understanding why doctors changed the dose of medicine. The diagnostic delay was significant. The study indicated problems in doctor-patient communication: differences in the conceptual vocabulary; the doctor's reluctance to consider the patient's story and rely instead on auscultation; as well as unexpected odd differential diagnoses. All contributed to the disturbed mutual understanding. CONCLUSION The new asthma definition from the First International Pediatric Consensus Report is a milestone because it focuses on the patient's story and emphasizes the chronic episodic course rather than asthma as attacks. The study highlights the importance of "listening to the parents" in order to make the diagnosis and to secure parents' participation in starting anti-inflammatory therapy, as well as regulating drug doses according to the symptoms, to secure the lowest possible but effective drug doses.
Synergy of Nitric Oxide and Azoles againstCandida Species In Vitro

ABSTRACT The candidacidal activity of nitric oxide (NO) as delivered by a class of compounds termed diazeniumdiolates has been investigated. Diazeniumdiolates are stable agents capable of releasing NO in a biologically usable form at a predicted rate, and three such compounds were examined for activity. One compound, (Z)-1-[N-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-ammonioethyl)amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (DETA-NO), proved to be most suitable for examining NO activity due to its relatively long half-life (20 h) and because of limited candidacidal activity of the uncomplexed DETA nucleophile. DETA-NO was active against six species of Candida for which the MICs necessary to inhibit 50% growth (MIC50s) ranged from 0.25 to 1.0 mg/ml. C. parapsilosis and C. kruseiwere the most susceptible to the compound. In addition to a determination of NO effects alone, the complex was utilized to investigate the synergistic potential of released NO in combination with ketoconazole, fluconazole, and miconazole. Activity was investigated in vitro against representative strains of Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis,C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, and C. dubliniensis. Determination of MIC50, MIC80 and MICs indicated that DETA-NO inhibits all strains tested, with strains of C. parapsilosis and C. krusei being consistently the most sensitive. The combination of DETA-NO with each azole was synergistic against all strains tested as measured by fractional inhibitory concentration indices that ranged from 0.1222 to 0.4583. The data suggest that DETA-NO or compounds with similar properties may be useful in the development of new therapeutic strategies for treatment of Candida infections.
SSI1 encodes a novel Hsp70 of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae endoplasmic reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains a well-characterized, essential member of the Hsp70 family of molecular chaperones, Kar2p. Kar2p has been shown to be involved in the translocation of proteins into the ER as well as the proper folding of proteins in that compartment. We report the characterization of a novel Hsp70 of the ER, Ssi1p. Ssi1p, which shares 24% of the amino acids of Kar2p, is not essential for growth under normal conditions. However, deletion of SSI1 results in cold sensitivity as well as enhanced resistance to manganese. The localization of Ssi1p to the ER, suggested by the presence of a conserved S. cerevisiae ER retention signal at its C terminus, was confirmed by subcellular fractionation, protease protection assays, and immunofluorescence. The SSI1 promoter contains an element with similarity to the unfolded protein response element of KAR2. Like KAR2, SSI1 is induced both in the presence of tunicamycin and in a kar2-159 mutant strain, conditions which lead to an accumulation of unfolded proteins in the ER. Unlike KAR2, however, SSI1 is not induced by heat shock. Deletion of SSI1 shows a complex pattern of genetic interactions with various conditional alleles of KAR2, ranging from synthetic lethality to synthetic rescue. Interestingly, SSI1 deletion strains show a partial block in translocation of multiple proteins into the ER, suggesting that Ssi1p plays a direct role in the translocation process.
Tomato immune receptor Ve1 recognizes effector of multiple fungal pathogens uncovered by genome and RNA sequencing

Fungal plant pathogens secrete effector molecules to establish disease on their hosts, and plants in turn use immune receptors to try to intercept these effectors. The tomato immune receptor Ve1 governs resistance to race 1 strains of the soil-borne vascular wilt fungi Verticillium dahliae and Verticillium albo-atrum, but the corresponding Verticillium effector remained unknown thus far. By high-throughput population genome sequencing, a single 50-Kb sequence stretch was identified that only occurs in race 1 strains, and subsequent transcriptome sequencing of Verticillium-infected Nicotiana benthamiana plants revealed only a single highly expressed ORF in this region, designated Ave1 (for Avirulence on Ve1 tomato). Functional analyses confirmed that Ave1 activates Ve1-mediated resistance and demonstrated that Ave1 markedly contributes to fungal virulence, not only on tomato but also on Arabidopsis. Interestingly, Ave1 is homologous to a widespread family of plant natriuretic peptides. Besides plants, homologous proteins were only found in the bacterial plant pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis and the plant pathogenic fungi Colletotrichum higginsianum, Cercospora beticola, and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. The distribution of Ave1 homologs, coincident with the presence of Ave1 within a flexible genomic region, strongly suggests that Verticillium acquired Ave1 from plants through horizontal gene transfer. Remarkably, by transient expression we show that also the Ave1 homologs from F. oxysporum and C. beticola can activate Ve1-mediated resistance. In line with this observation, Ve1 was found to mediate resistance toward F. oxysporum in tomato, showing that this immune receptor is involved in resistance against multiple fungal pathogens.
Genomic Characterization of Chromosomal Insertions: Insights into the Mechanisms Underlying Chromothripsis

Chromosomal insertions are rare structural rearrangements, and the molecular mechanisms underlying their origin are unknown. In this study, we used whole genome sequencing to analyze breakpoints and junction sequences in 4 patients with chromosomal insertions. Our analysis revealed that none of the 4 cases involved a simple insertion mediated by a 3-chromosomal breakage and rejoining events. The inserted fragments consisted of multiple pieces derived from a localized genomic region, which were shuffled and rejoined in a disorderly fashion with variable copy number alterations. The junctions were blunt ended or with short microhomologies or short microinsertions, suggesting the involvement of nonhomologous end-joining. In one case, analysis of the parental origin of the chromosomes using nucleotide variations within the insertion revealed that maternal chromosomal segments were inserted into the paternal chromosome. This patient also carried both maternal alleles, suggesting the presence of zygotic trisomy. These data indicate that chromosomal shattering may occur in association with trisomy rescue in the early postzygotic stage.
Development of a Genomics-Based PCR Assay for Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a Large Outbreak in New York State

ABSTRACT A genomics-based PCR method was developed and used to test specimens from patients involved in a large outbreak ofMycoplasma pneumoniae in a closed religious community in New York State. New P1 adhesin gene primers were designed to bind to 9 of 10 target sequences in the repetitive-element sequences obtained from the whole genome sequence of M. pneumoniae. This PCR method had a sensitivity of 0.006 CFU and a specificity of 100% forM. pneumoniae. The PCR was validated by testing a subset of patient samples by culture and comparing the results to those obtained by PCR. Of the initial 280 samples tested, 73 were positive by PCR and 22 were positive by culture. All samples positive by culture were also positive by PCR. Follow-up testing of selected patients 3 to 6 weeks after antibiotic treatment revealed that eight samples remained positive by PCR and that three samples remained positive by culture. Additionally, no nonspecific PCR inhibition was detected as a result of the specimen type, transport medium, or sample preparation methodology. The study demonstrates that the PCR described here is a rapid, sensitive, and specific method for the identification of M. pneumoniae and was helpful for the detection and monitoring of the outbreak.
Dissociation between long‐term potentiation and associated changes in field epsp waveform in the hippocampal CA1 region: An in vitro study in guinea pig brain slices

The present study examines changes in field excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) waveform in association with long‐term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 region of the hippocampal slice preparation. Experiments were performed in the presence of the GABAA‐antagonist picrotoxin. With test field EPSP about one‐third the size of that evoking spike activity (measured in the cell body layer along the same somatodendritic axis as the dendritic recording) a decreased decay time constant (approximately 8%) was seen in association with LTP. This change in field EPSP waveform was not associated with any apparent spike activity in the cell body recording. Nevertheless, several findings suggest that increased spike activity explains the change in the decay time constant of the field EPSP during LTP. First, when reducing the stimulation strength after the induction of LTP to obtain a field EPSP of the same magnitude as the pretetanus one, the change of the decay time constant was reduced to only 2.8%. Second, when using small test field EPSP (about one‐fourth the size of that evoking spike activity) the decay time constant was not significantly affected in association with LTP. Third, when cutting the slice in such a manner that spike activity originating from somatic regions closer to the stimulating electrode was removed, the EPSPs decay time constant was not significantly affected in association with LTP. It is concluded that LTP is not associated with a change in the shape of the field EPSP. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ABC of diseases of liver, pancreas, and biliary system. Investigation of liver and biliary disease.

Jaundice is the commonest presentation of patients with liver and biliary disease. The cause can be established in most cases by simple non-invasive tests, but many patients will require referral to a specialist for management. Patients with high concentrations of bilirubin (>100 μmol/l) or with evidence of sepsis or cholangitis are at high risk of developing complications and should be referred as an emergency because delays in treatment adversely affect prognosis. Bilirubin pathway Hyperbilirubinaemia is defined as a bilirubin concentration above the normal laboratory upper limit of 19 μmol/l. Jaundice occurs when bilirubin becomes visible within the sclera, skin, and mucous membranes, at a blood concentration of around 40 μmol/l. Jaundice can be categorised as prehepatic, hepatic, or posthepatic, and this provides a useful framework for identifying the underlying cause. Around 3% of the UK population have hyperbilirubinaemia (up to 100 μmol/l) caused by excess unconjugated bilirubin, a condition known as Gilbert's syndrome. These patients have mild impairment of conjugation within the hepatocytes. The condition usually becomes apparent only during a transient rise in bilirubin concentration (precipitated by fasting or illness) that results in frank jaundice. Investigations show an isolated unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia with normal liver enzyme activities and reticulocyte concentrations. The syndrome is often familial and does not require treatment. In prehepatic jaundice, excess unconjugated bilirubin is produced faster than the liver is able to conjugate it for excretion. The liver can excrete six times the normal daily load before bilirubin concentrations in the plasma rise. Unconjugated bilirubin is insoluble and is not excreted in the urine. It is most commonly due to increased haemolysis—for example, in spherocytosis, homozygous sickle cell disease, or thalassaemia major—and patients are often anaemic with splenomegaly. The cause can usually be determined by further haematological tests (red cell film for reticulocytes and abnormal red cell …
Impact of Fine and Ultrafine Particles on Emergency Hospital Admissions for Cardiac and Respiratory Diseases

Background: Little is known about the short-term effects of ultrafine particles. Methods: We evaluated the effect of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤10 &mgr;m (PM10), ≤2.5 &mgr;m (PM2.5), and ultrafine particles on emergency hospital admissions in Rome 2001–2005. We studied residents aged ≥35 years hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, lower respiratory tract infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Information was available for factors indicating vulnerability, such as age and previous admissions for COPD. Particulate matter data were collected daily at one central fixed monitor. A case-crossover analysis was performed using a time-stratified approach. We estimated percent increases in risk per 14 &mgr;g/m3 PM10, per 10 &mgr;g/m3 PM2.5, and per 9392 particles/mL. Results: An immediate impact (lag 0) of PM2.5 on hospitalizations for acute coronary syndrome (2.3% [95% confidence interval = 0.5% to 4.2%]) and heart failure (2.4% [0.3% to 4.5%]) was found, whereas the effect on lower respiratory tract infections (2.8% [0.5% to 5.2%]) was delayed (lag 2). Particle number concentration showed an association only with admissions for heart failure (lag 0–5; 2.4% [0.2% to 4.7%]) and COPD (lag 0; 1.6% [0.0% to 3.2%]). The effects were generally stronger in the elderly and during winter. There was no clear effect modification with previous COPD. Conclusions: We found sizeable acute health effects of fine and ultrafine particles. Although differential reliability in exposure assessment, in particular of ultrafine particles, precludes a firm conclusion, the study indicates that particulate matter of different sizes tends to have diverse outcomes, with dissimilar latency between exposure and health response.
A Fundamental Study Into the Surface Functionalization of Soft Glass Microstructured Optical Fibers via Silane Coupling Agents

A method for the functionalization of surfaces within soft glass microstructured optical fibers has been developed, using self assembled monolayers (SAMs) of silane coupling agents. We demonstrate the use of measurements of the fiber capillary fill rate, as a positive test for a functionalized internal surface. A simple theoretical model is used for comparison with measured fill rates. During this work, adsorption kinetics for SAMs of octadecyltrichlororsilane onto lead silicate glass has been investigated. This work is a critically important first step for a plethora of applications in biophotonics, chemical fiber sensing as well offering promise for protecting fiber glass from degradation.