Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Species distribution of sympathetic cholinergic vasodilator nerves in skeletal muscle.

The lumbar sympathetic chain was electrically stimulated in different species before and after blocking the adrenergic vasoconstrictor nervous response. Blood flow in the hind limb skeletal muscles was measured. In all species studied, fox, sheep, goat, monkey (five different strains), polecat, rat, badger, opossum rat and hare, stimulation of the lumbar chain before adrenergic blockade resulted in a vasoconstriction. After blocking the vasoconstrictor nervous response stimulation elicited a blood flow increase in fox, sheep and goat. After atropine, the response to stimulation was blocked, indicating that sympathetic cholinergic nerves had been activated. In the other species studied no vasodilator response was observed upon sympathetic chain stimulation. The results suggest that the role attributed to the vasodilator nerves, anticipatory to muscle exercise, are played by other mechanisms in species lacking sympathetic cholinergic vasodilator nerves.
Collective Bacterial Dynamics Revealed Using a Three-Dimensional Population-Scale Defocused Particle Tracking Technique

ABSTRACT An ability to monitor bacterial locomotion and collective dynamics is crucial to our understanding of a number of well-characterized phenotypes including biofilm formation, chemotaxis, and virulence. Here, we report the tracking of multiple swimming Escherichia coli cells in three spatial dimensions and at single-cell resolution using a novel three-dimensional (3D) defocused particle tracking (DPT) method. The 3D trajectories were generated for wild-type Escherichia coli strain RP437 as well as for isogenic derivatives that display smooth swimming due to a cheA deletion (strain RP9535) or incessant tumbling behavior due to a cheZ deletion (strain RP1616). The 3D DPT method successfully differentiated these three modes of locomotion and allowed direct calculation of the diffusion coefficient for each strain. As expected, we found that the smooth swimmer diffused more readily than the wild type, and both the smooth swimmer and the wild-type cells exhibited diffusion coefficients that were at least two orders of magnitude larger than that of the tumbler. Finally, we found that the diffusion coefficient increased with increasing cell density, a phenomenon that can be attributed to the hydrodynamic disturbances caused by neighboring bacteria.
Ambulatory arterial stiffness index predicts stroke in a general population

Objective The ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) can be computed from individual 24-h blood pressure recordings. Methods We investigated the prognostic value of AASI and 24-h pulse pressure in a random sample of 1829 Danes, aged 40–70 years. We adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, smoking, diabetes, ratio of total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and history of cardiovascular disease with Cox regression. Results Over a median follow-up of 9.4 years, incidences of fatal and nonfatal endpoints were 40 for stroke, 150 for coronary heart disease, and 212 for cardiovascular events. In fully adjusted models, the hazard ratios associated with 1 SD increase (0.14 U) in the AASI were 1.62 (95% confidence interval, 1.14–2.28; P = 0.007) for stroke, 0.96 (0.80–1.14; P = 0.62) for coronary heart disease, and 1.06 (0.91–1.23; P = 0.49) for cardiovascular events. None of these ratios reached significance for pulse pressure (P > 0.47). The AASI still predicted stroke after excluding individuals with previous cardiovascular disease or after adjustment for systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure instead of mean arterial pressure. Conclusions In a randomly recruited European population, the AASI was a strong predictor of stroke, beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including the mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure.
Soft quasi-maximum-likelihood detection for multiple-antenna wireless channels

The paper addresses soft maximum-likelihood (ML) detection for multiple-antenna wireless communication channels. We propose a soft quasi-ML detector that maximizes the log-likelihood function by deploying a semi-definite relaxation (SDR). Given perfect channel state information at the receiver, the quasi-ML SDR detector closely approximates the performance of the optimal ML detector in both coded and uncoded multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) channels with quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) modulation and frequency-flat Rayleigh fading. The complexity of the quasi-ML SDR detector is much less than that of the optimal ML detector, thus offering more favorable performance/complexity characteristics. In contrast to the existing sphere decoder, the new quasi-ML detector enjoys guaranteed polynomial worst-case complexity. The two detectors exhibit quite comparable performance in a variety of ergodic QPSK MIMO channels, but the complexity of the quasi-ML detector scales better with increasing number of transmit and receive antennas, especially in the region of low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
The prevalence of hypertension in seven populations of west African origin.

OBJECTIVES This study was undertaken to describe the distribution of blood pressures, hypertension prevalence, and associated risk factors among seven populations of West African origin. METHODS The rates of hypertension in West Africa (Nigeria and Cameroon), the Caribbean (Jamaica, St. Lucia, Barbados), and the United States (metropolitan Chicago, Illinois) were compared on the basis of a highly standardized collaborative protocol. After researchers were given central training in survey methods, population-based samples of 800 to 2500 adults over the age of 25 were examined in seven sites, yielding a total sample of 10014. RESULTS A consistent gradient of hypertension prevalence was observed, rising from 16% in West Africa to 26% in the Caribbean and 33% in the United States. Mean blood pressures were similar among persons aged 25 to 34, while the increase in hypertension prevalence with age was twice as steep in the United States as in Africa. Environmental factors, most notably obesity and the intake of sodium and potassium, varied consistently with disease prevalence across regions. CONCLUSION The findings demonstrate the determining role of social conditions in the evolution of hypertension risk in these populations.
Activation of Adenosine A2A Receptors Induces TrkB Translocation and Increases BDNF-Mediated Phospho-TrkB Localization in Lipid Rafts: Implications for Neuromodulation

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling is critical for neuronal development and transmission. Recruitment of TrkB receptors to lipid rafts has been shown to be necessary for the activation of specific signaling pathways and modulation of neurotransmitter release by BDNF. Since TrkB receptors are known to be modulated by adenosine A2A receptor activation, we hypothesized that activation of A2A receptors could influence TrkB receptor localization among different membrane microdomains. We found that adenosine A2A receptor agonists increased the levels of TrkB receptors in the lipid raft fraction of cortical membranes and potentiated BDNF-induced augmentation of phosphorylated TrkB levels in lipid rafts. Blockade of the clathrin-mediated endocytosis with monodansylcadaverine (100 μm) did not modify the effects of the A2A receptor agonists but significantly impaired BDNF effects on TrkB recruitment to lipid rafts. The effect of A2A receptor activation in TrkB localization was mimicked by 5 μm forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase activator. Also, it was blocked by the PKA inhibitors Rp-cAMPs and PKI-(14–22), and by the Src-family kinase inhibitor PP2. Moreover, removal of endogenous adenosine or disruption of lipid rafts reduced BDNF stimulatory effects on glutamate release from cortical synaptosomes. Lipid raft integrity was also required for the effects of BDNF on hippocampal long-term potentiation at CA1 synapses. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, a BDNF-independent recruitment of TrkB receptors to lipid rafts induced by activation of adenosine A2A receptors, with functional consequences for TrkB phosphorylation and BDNF-induced modulation of neurotransmitter release and hippocampal plasticity.
Validity of Serum Fructosamine as Index of Short-Term Glycemic Control in Diabetic Outpatients

The glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) assay has become the standard by which clinicians have assessed long-term glycemic control in patients. Due to the relatively long half-life of the erythrocyte, the assay is not suited to monitor glycemic control over several weeks. In recent years, the measurement of serum glycosylated proteins with half-lives ranging from 17 to 20 days have been postulated to be more sensitive than the HbA1c in detecting intermediate glycemic control (1–3). Several methods have been used to measure serum protein glycosylation such as the 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural colorimetric assay and affinity chromatography on boronate-agarose gels (1–4). However, these assays are time consuming and are not readily available in commercial laboratories for widespread clinical application. The fructosamine assay is a new colorimetric assay designed to measure serum glycosylated protein concentration.
A Point Mutation in an Invariant Splice Acceptor Site Results in a Decreased mRNA Level in a Patient with Severe Coagulation Factor XIII Subunit A Deficiency

Summary Amplification and sequencing of exons I-XV of the gene encoding subunit A of coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) in a patient with severe subunit A deficiency revealed a single G → A base substitution at the last position of intron E, mutating the invariant AG dinucleotide splice acceptor site to AA. Northern blot analysis of FXIII subunit A mRNA levels in peripheral mononuclear leukocytes showed that this mutation leads to an undetectable FXIII subunit A mRNA level, suggesting that the mutant transcript is either highly unstable or only spliced at low efficiency. Despite this low mRNA level we were able to amplify cDNA fragments containing the exonV-exonVI junction. Sequence analysis showed that the AA dinucleotide is not recognized by the splicing machinery. Instead, an AG dinucleotide located seven bases downstream of the mutated splice acceptor site is used as alternative acceptor. The resulting, alternatively spliced, FXIII subunit A transcript contains a deletion of the first seven bases of exon VI, while translation continues out of frame and leads to a premature stop codon 27 bases thereafter.
Grassland and Wheat Loss Affected by Corn and Soybean Expansion in the Midwest Corn Belt Region, 2006–2013

Increases in agricultural commodity price triggered by ethanol production and other socioeconomic conditions have dramatically affected land uses and agronomic practices in the U.S. This study used crop-specific land cover data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to analyze agricultural expansion and crop rotation pattern from 2006 to 2013 in the Midwest Corn Belt (MWCB): nine states including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and South Dakota. We identified a total of 3.9 million acres’ grassland loss between 2007 and 2012. The net loss of grassland occurred mainly along the western MWCB, an area with competing demand for limited water supply. Net conversion of grassland to corn or soybean is likely the result of a resumption of cropping on lands previously enrolled under the USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), as well as expansion beyond CRP lands. Wheat, small grains, and other crops were also impacted by corn and soybean expansion. The amount of corn planted on corn increased by 23% between 2006 and 2013, whereas the amount of continuous soybean cropping fluctuated over time.
Perceived Risks of Conventional and Organic Produce: Pesticides, Pathogens, and Natural Toxins

Public risk perceptions and demand for safer food are important factors shaping agricultural production practices in the United States. Despite documented food safety concerns, little attempt has been made to elicit consumers' subjective risk judgments for a range of food safety hazards or to identify factors most predictive of perceived food safety risks. In this study, over 700 conventional and organic fresh produce buyers in the Boston area were surveyed for their perceived food safety risks. Survey results showed that consumers perceived relatively high risks associated with the consumption and production of conventionally grown produce compared with other public health hazards. For example, conventional and organic food buyers estimated the median annual fatality rate due to pesticide residues on conventionally grown food to be about 50 per million and 200 per million, respectively, which is similar in magnitude to the annual mortality risk from motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Over 90% of survey respondents also perceived a reduction in pesticide residue risk associated with substituting organically grown produce for conventionally grown produce, and nearly 50% perceived a risk reduction due to natural toxins and microbial pathogens. Multiple regression analyses indicate that only a few factors are consistently predictive of higher risk perceptions, including feelings of distrust toward regulatory agencies and the safety of the food supply. A variety of factors were found to be significant predictors of specific categories of food hazards, suggesting that consumers may view food safety risks as dissimilar from one another. Based on study findings, it is recommended that future agricultural policies and risk communication efforts utilize a comparative risk approach that targets a range of food safety hazards.
Modeling of machined surface roughness and optimization of cutting parameters in face milling

The surface quality is one of the most specified customer requirements and the major indicator of surface quality on machined parts is surface roughness. The surface roughness is mainly a result of various controllable or uncontrollable process parameters and it is harder to attain and track than physical dimensions are. A considerable number of studies have researched the effects of the cutting speed, feed, depth of cut, nose radius and other factors on the surface roughness. In recent studies 1, 2, 3 the effects of some factors on surface roughness has been evaluated and models has been developed. A central task in science and engineering practice is to develop models that give a satisfactory description of physical systems being observed. The goal of this study is to obtain a mathematical model that relates the surface roughness to three cutting parameters in face milling, precisely to the cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. In this work two different approaches have been used in order to get the mathematical models. The first approach is a design of experiment (DOE) together with an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis (RA). The second approach is modeling by means of artificial neural networks (ANNs).
Safety and efficacy of a TTR specific antisense oligonucleotide in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy

Abstract Objectives: Cardiomyopathy is a major cause of death in both the hereditary form of transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis and the sporadic late-age-onset transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR wild-type (ATTRwt)). Clinically disease progression from time of diagnosis to death is usually quoted as 5- to 15-years. In prior studies, significant progression of cardiac parameters in patients with moderate to severe cardiomyopathy has been noted within a 12-month time span. Methods: The present study was designed to prospectively monitor changes in cardiac parameters, both structural and functional, in patients with ATTR cardiomyopathy while treated with a TTR specific antisense oligonucleotide (ASO; IONIS-TTR℞) designed to lower blood levels of the amyloid fibril precursor protein. To date 22 patients have been admitted to the study, 15 have completed 12 months on the drug and are the subject of this report. Results: Eight patients with hereditary ATTR amyloidosis and 7 patients with wild-type ATTR amyloidosis with moderate to severely advanced restrictive cardiomyopathy showed stabilization of disease as measured by left ventricular wall thickness, left ventricular mass (LVM), 6-min walk test (6MWT), and echocardiographic global systolic strain. IONIS-TTR℞ was well tolerated by all 15 subjects and showed a good safety profile. Conclusions: ASO treatment of patients with moderate to advanced ATTR cardiomyopathy shows indication of stabilization of disease progression and may therefore contribute to enhanced life expectancy.
Decomposition of Microcystis blooms: Implications for the structure of the sediment bacterial community, as assessed by a mesocosm experiment in Lake Taihu, China

The effect of decomposition of Microcystis blooms on the sediment bacterial communities was investigated in a 14‐day mesocosm experiments under dark and anoxic condition with three differing levels of Microcystis spp. biomass (from 20 to 2000 µg L−1) as measured by chlorophyll‐a (Chl‐a) concentration in the water column. Sediment samples were collected on days 0 and 14 for bacterial community composition (BCC) analysis, based on rapid decreases in the Chl‐a concentration of water column. The BCC was determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and sequencing of predominant bands. The results showed that after Microcystis decomposition (day 14), the bacterial phylotype diversity in the sediment increased in enclosures with added Microcystis, and the relative abundance of bacteria affiliated with Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia strongly increased. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that organic matter and Chl‐a contributed significantly to the changes in sediment bacterial communities during Microcystis decomposition. The present results demonstrate Microcystis decomposition may directly and indirectly influence the BCC of the sediment.
[Effect of quadruple fluid aerosol inhalation on oral mucositis induced by radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its mechanism].

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of quadruple fluid aerosol inhalation on oral mucositis induced by radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its mechanism. METHODS One hundred and twenty NPC patients were divided into a treatment group (n=60) and a control group (n=60). Radiation therapy was administered conventionally over 7 weeks with 2.0 Gy daily fractions for 5 days each week at the 70 Gy. Patients in the control group accepted oral care conventionally, and patients in the treatment group used quadruple fluids aerosol inhalation before the radiotherapy. The saliva volume was measured by a nurse twice a week and the concentration of epidemal growth factor (EGF) was examined by ELISA. RESULTS The number of patients with mucositis in the treatment group was significantly fewer than that in the control group when the total doses were up to 30 Gy and 60 Gy (P<0.05). The concentration of EGF in the control group significantly decreased when total doses were up to 30 Gy and 60 Gy (P<0.01). The concentration of EGF in the treatment group was not significantly different compared with pre-radiotherapy when the total doses were up to 30 Gy, but when total doses were up to 60 Gy, the concentration of EGF in the treatment group obviously decreased compared with that of pre-radiotherapy. CONCLUSION The quadruple fluid aerosol inhalation is effective to reduce oral mucositis resulted from radiotherapy in NPC patients, which is related to the delay of the EGF decrease in the saliva.
Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and VEGF Receptors in Tumor Angiogenesis and Malignancies

Angiogenesis is a process by which new blood vessels are formed from preexisting vessels. New blood vessel formation by angiogenesis involves the degradation of extra-cellular matrix combined with sprouting and migration of endothelial cells from preexisting capillaries. Solid tumors consist of several components, including normal and stromal cells, extracellular matrix, and vasculature. To grow and metastasize, tumors must stimulate the development of new vasculature through angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic peptide with biologic effects that include regulation of hematopoietic stem cell development, extracellular matrix remodeling, and inflammatory cytokine regeneration. VEGF is both a vascular growth factor and a vascular permeability factor. Its expression can upregulate several proangiogenic and prometa-static molecules. As a central mediator of angiogenesis, VEGF has emerged as an important target for antiangiogenic therapy. In this review, the authors describe the essential characteristics of VEGF and the VEGF family of ligands and their receptors. They also provide an overview of the central role of VEGF in physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis, directly or indirectly. This review sheds light on the importance of VEGF-targeted antiangiogenic therapy based on the monoclonal antibodies against VEGF, small interfering RNA, and therapy directed against VEGF-VEGFR kinase. It also gives a brief overview of the natural products or dietary compounds that could be used as antiangiogenic agents. Therapeutic inhibition of vessel formation could be best suited to preventive strategies aimed at the suppression of angiogenesis in primary tumors in subjects at risk or of micrometastases after surgical removal of primary tumor.
Optimal Slot Opening Width for Magnetic Noise Reduction in Induction Motors

This paper presents a method to characterize the main magnetic force waves occurring in a sinusoidally fed induction machine. Three main force types are identified: slotting force waves, winding force waves, and saturation force waves. Slotting force waves are characterized in terms of number of nodes, velocity, propagation direction, and magnitude. On the ground of the expression of these forces magnitude, a method to cancel a given magnetic force wave by properly choosing the rotor slot or stator slot opening width is presented. This new method is validated with both simulations and experiments. Contrary to the common design rule that advices to decrease rotor and stator slot openings width in order to reduce magnetic noise, it is shown that a wider slot opening can lower the global noise level when properly chosen.
Melatonin Replacement Therapy in a Child With a Pineal Tumor

The case report of a child with the diagnosis of a pineal tumor and severe, chronic sleep disorder is reported. Due to treatment of her lesion, the nighttime melatonin secretion was markedly suppressed. For 41/2 years, she has been receiving oral melatonin, which has greatly improved her sleep, without any adverse effects. Sleep difficulties should be considered in the management of pineal lesions. Melatonin replacement therapy is beneficial for those patients who have deficient melatonin synthesis. (J Child Neurol 2001;16:139-140).