Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anesthetic effects of isoflurane on the tonotopic map and neuronal population activity in the rat auditory cortex

Since its discovery nearly four decades ago, sequential microelectrode mapping using hundreds of recording sites has been able to reveal a precise tonotopic organization of the auditory cortex. Despite concerns regarding the effects that anesthesia might have on neuronal responses to tones, anesthesia was essential for these experiments because such dense mapping was elaborate and time‐consuming. Here, taking an ‘all‐at‐once’ approach, we investigated how isoflurane modifies spatiotemporal activities by using a dense microelectrode array. The array covered the entire auditory cortex in rats, including the core and belt cortices. By comparing neuronal activity in the awake state with activity under isoflurane anesthesia, we made four observations. First, isoflurane anesthesia did not modify the tonotopic topography within the auditory cortex. Second, in terms of general response properties, isoflurane anesthesia decreased the number of active single units and increased their response onset latency. Third, in terms of tuning properties, isoflurane anesthesia shifted the response threshold without changing the shape of the frequency response area and decreased the response quality. Fourth, in terms of population activities, isoflurane anesthesia increased the noise correlations in discharges and phase synchrony in local field potential (LFP) oscillations, suggesting that the anesthesia made neuronal activities redundant at both single‐unit and LFP levels. Thus, while isoflurane anesthesia had little effect on the tonotopic topography, its profound effects on neuronal activities decreased the encoding capacity of the auditory cortex.
Material parameter extraction using Time-Domain TRL (t-TRL) measurements

Characterizing materials used in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturing is becoming increasingly important in link path analysis as the data rates are increasing. The material properties governing the performance of the signal passing through a transmission line are frequency-dependent. Using frequency-domain vector network analyzer (VNA) measurements and Through-Reflect-Line (TRL) calibration, these parameters can be determined accurately. But a Time-Domain Reflectometer (TDR) provides a relatively inexpensive and simple way of characterizing transmission lines, and it is easily accessible to Signal Integrity engineers. With the time-domain TRL (t-TRL) calibration technique [1], it is now possible to de-embed such discontinuities as connectors, cables, etc., in the path of the transmission line using time-domain measurements. From the calibrated results, material properties can be extracted in the same way as it is done in the frequency domain. This paper describes a t-TRL technique to obtain accurate frequency domain S-parameters from time domain measurements. The calibrated results are converted into the ABCD parameters. The propagation constant is obtained through the ABCD parameters, from which attenuation loss and phase constant are extracted. Dielectric constant is extracted from the phase constant and the total attenuation constant. Curve-fitting technique is used to split the losses into conductor and dielectric loss. Once dielectric loss is determined, loss tangent can be calculated. The results are compared for three test vehicles, and are also compared with frequency domain VNA measurements. The results from the t-TRL calibration technique are also compared with another known extraction procedure.
Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, cataract and visual impairment in patients with diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa

Background/aims There are few published data on the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in sub-Saharan Africa. We report the prevalence of all grades of retinopathy and associations with systemic parameters in patients attending a secondary care diabetes clinic in Blantyre, Malawi. Methods Cross-sectional study of all patients attending for diabetes care in a hospital setting. Clinical examination and biochemical testing was performed to assess visual acuity (VA), grade of retinopathy (slit lamp biomicroscopy), microvascular complications, glycaemic control, hypertension and HIV status. Sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) was defined as moderate preproliferative retinopathy or worse, circinate maculopathy or exudates within one disc diameter of the foveal centre or clinically significant macular oedema. Results In patients with type 2 diabetes (n=249) the prevalence (95% CI) of any retinopathy, STDR and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) was 32.5% (26.7 to 38.3%), 19.7% (14.7 to 24.6%) and 4.8% (2.2 to 7.5%), respectively. The presence of STDR was associated with albuminuria (OR 2.6; p=0.02), the presence of neuropathy (OR 3.4; p=0.005) and insulin use (OR 5.3; p=0.0004), but not with HIV status. In patients with type 1 diabetes (n= 32), the prevalence of any retinopathy, STDR and PDR was 28.1% (12.5 to 43.7%), 18.8% (5.2 to 32.2%) and 12.5% (1.0 to 24.0%), respectively. 12.1% of study subjects had VA worse than 6/18 (20/60). Conclusion This study provides baseline information on prevalence of all grades of retinopathy and STDR in consecutive cases attending an urban/semi-urban diabetes clinic in sub-Saharan Africa. Prevalence of STDR was high and in type 2 diabetes was associated with albuminuria, neuropathy and insulin use.
Maintenance of Heterochromatin by the Large Subunit of the CAF-1 Replication-Coupled Histone Chaperone Requires Its Interaction with HP1a Through a Conserved Motif

In eukaryotic cells, the organization of genomic DNA into chromatin regulates many biological processes, from the control of gene expression to the regulation of chromosome segregation. The proper maintenance of this structure upon cell division is therefore of prime importance during development for the maintenance of cell identity and genome stability. The chromatin assembly factor 1 (CAF-1) is involved in the assembly of H3-H4 histone dimers on newly synthesized DNA and in the maintenance of a higher order structure, the heterochromatin, through an interaction of its large subunit with the heterochromatin protein HP1a. We identify here a conserved domain in the large subunit of the CAF-1 complex required for its interaction with HP1a in the Drosophila fruit fly. Functional analysis reveals that this domain is dispensable for viability but participates in two processes involving heterochromatin: position-effect variegation and long range chromosomal interactions during meiotic prophase. Importantly, the identification in the large subunit of CAF-1 of a domain required for its interaction with HP1 allows the separation of its functions in heterochromatin-related processes from its function in the assembly of H3-H4 dimers onto newly synthesized DNA.
Ethanol-associated cues produce general pavlovian-instrumental transfer.

BACKGROUND Conditioned stimuli are thought to play an important role in maintaining ethanol use and inducing relapse. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms through which such stimuli trigger ethanol seeking is of interest in the study and treatment of alcoholism. METHODS This series of experiments examined the impact of ethanol-associated cues on ethanol-seeking behavior using a Pavlovian-instrumental transfer design. Rats received Pavlovian training in which an auditory stimulus predicted ethanol (10%) delivery. In a separate instrumental training phase, animals were trained to press a lever for ethanol. In the test phase, the impact of the stimulus on instrumental performance was assessed in extinction by presenting the stimulus while animals were free to perform the lever-press response. Experiment 2 assessed the selectivity of the transfer effect; rats received training with 2 auditory stimuli which predicted either ethanol or sucrose (2%) delivery and were trained to perform 2 instrumental responses, one earning ethanol and the other earning sucrose. Finally, Experiment 3 examined the selectivity of PIT using 2 natural rewards (sucrose and polycose). RESULTS The results from Experiment 1 show that ethanol supports excitatory conditioning and that ethanol-associated cues facilitate instrumental performance for ethanol. When the selectivity of the transfer effect was examined in Experiment 2, the ethanol-paired stimulus was found to have a general excitatory effect on reward-seeking behavior, affecting both ethanol-directed and sucrose-directed responding equally. In contrast, the sucrose-paired stimulus had a selective effect, elevating sucrose-directed responding only. Experiment 3 confirms that selective transfer is observed when 2 natural rewards are used to reinforce responding. CONCLUSIONS These data provide further evidence that ethanol-associated cues can drive ethanol-seeking behaviors. Because ethanol-associated cues also enhanced seeking behavior for a nonalcohol reward, these results additionally suggest that the modulation of reward-directed behaviors by cues associated with ethanol versus natural rewards may rely on different behavioral and neural mechanisms.
The cellular structure of the auditory region of the cat

It has been demonstrated for the orbitofroiital and the limbic regions of rabbit and cat that it is possible to interpret as cortical fields those cortical sectors which receive projections from specific thalamic nuclei (Rose and Woolsey, '48a, '48b). These findings suggest that studies on the relation of cortical architectonic patterns to the areas of projection of specific thalamic afferents may be of value not only in establishing proper homologies of cortical fields in different species but may also be of significance in interpreting the functional organization of the cortex. Since the function of the orbitofrontal and limbic regions is poorly understood it was decided to examine the relations of cortical structure and thalamic afferents in a system for which functional data are available. The obvious choice was the auditory region of the cat, since pertinent functional data have already been worked out in considerable detail by Woolsey and Wale1 ( '42). The morphological features of the cat's auditory region, however, are known only vaguely. The study will be presented in two parts. The present paper deals with the cellular structure of the cortical region of the cat which can be activated by auditory stimulation. A second report (Rose and Woolsey, '49) will present studies of thalamic afferents to
Western and Mediterranean Dietary Patterns and Physical Activity and Fitness among Spanish Older Adults

Objectives: To assess prevailing food patterns, and its association with physical activity and fitness among Spanish older adults. Methods: Cross-sectional study in Spain, collecting data from a sample (n = 380; 54% female) aged 55–80 years (men) and 60–80 years (women) with no previously documented cardiovascular disease. Body weight, body fat and waist circumference were assessed. Physical activity performed was measured using the Minnesota Leisure-time Physical Activity Questionnaire (LTPA). Physical fitness was assessed using a validated physical fitness test battery. Food consumption was assessed by a validated semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Factor analysis identified two major dietary food patterns: “Western” (WDP) and “Mediterranean” (MDP) dietary patterns. Results: Participants in MDP’s fourth quartile were classified in the second (men) and third (men and women) tertile of LTPA. After adjusting for age, body fat, waist-to-height ratio, and METs, in both sexes, a negative significant association was found between 30-s Chair stand and 6-min walking test, a positive significant association was found between 30-m Gait speed and 8-foot Time Up-and-Go (except in men) tests with WDP. The 30-m Gait speed test was negatively associated with MDP in men. Conclusions: MDP is associated with more time spent on LTPA, and this association was independent of body composition and a fast gait speed in men. WDP is associated with slower gait speed and lower body strength, agility and aerobic endurance. MDP has protective effect on healthy physical fitness, and WDP may be a contributor to frailty.
A HMSIW Circularly Polarized Leaky-Wave Antenna With Backward, Broadside, and Forward Radiation

A miniaturized frequency-scanning leaky-wave antenna (LWA) with circular polarization (CP) and backward-broadside-forward radiation is presented. Half-mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) in combination with interdigital capacitors (IDCs) is utilized in order to achieve a composite right/left-handed leaky-wave structure. Ramp-shaped slots are introduced as interdigital capacitors. Using this structure, the balanced condition (in which series and shunt resonances are equal) can be obtained for the unit-cell. As a result, wide bandwidth of 7.4-13.5 GHz with continuous angular scanning of ~ -70° to 70 ° is achieved. The axial ratio in the direction of the main beam is lower than 3.1. The performance of the antenna is measured, and close agreement between the simulation and measurement is observed.
Perioperative Fluid Optimization : Do All Roads Lead to Rome

Replacement of assumed preoperative deficits, in addition to generous substitution of an unsubstantiated increased insensible perspiration and third space loss, plays an important role in current perioperative fluid regimens. The consequence is a positive fluid balance and weight gain of up to 10 kg, which may be related to severe complications. Because the intravascular blood volume remains unchanged and insensible perspiration is negligible, the fluid must accumulate inside the body. This concept brings into question common liberal infusion regimens. Blood volume after fasting is normal, and a fluid-consuming third space has never been reliably shown. Crystalloids physiologically load the interstitial space, whereas colloidal volume loading deteriorates a vital part of the vascular barrier. The endothelial glycocalyx plays a key role and is destroyed not only by ischemia and surgery, but also by acute hypervolemia. Therefore, undifferentiated fluid handling may increase the shift toward the interstitial space. Using the right kind of fluid in appropriate amounts at the right time might improve patient outcome.
CURRENT STATE AND PROJECTION OF THE PROBABLE ORIGINAL VEGETATION OF THE SÃO CARLOS REGION OF SÃO PAULO STATE ,

A map of the native vegetation remaining in São Carlos County was built based on aerial images, satellite images, and field observations, and a projection of the probable original vegetation was made by checking it against soil and relief surveys. The existing vegetation is very fragmented and impoverished, consisting predominantly of cerrados (savanna vegetation of various physiognomies), semideciduous and riparian forest, and regeneration areas. Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze, found in patches inside the semideciduous forest beginning at a minimum altitude of 850 m, has practically disappeared. By evaluating areas on the map for different forms of vegetation, we obtained the following results for original coverage: 27% cerrado (sparsely arboreal and short-shrub savanna, and wet meadows); 16% cerradão (arboreal savanna); 55% semideciduous and riparian forests; and 2% forest with A. angustifolia. There are now 2% cerrados; 2.5% cerradão; 1% semideciduous forest and riparian forests; 1.5% regeneration areas; and 0% forest with A. angustifolia.
Exploring Relationships Between Affect and Learning with AutoTutor

The relationship between emotions and learning was investigated by tracking the emotions that college students experienced while learning about computer literacy with AutoTutor. AutoTutor is an animated pedagogical agent that holds a conversation in natural language, with spoken contributions by the learner. Thirty students completed a multiple-choice pre-test, a 35-minute training session, and a multiple-choice post-test. After completing the post-test, the students reviewed the tutorial interaction and were stopped at strategically sampled points for emotion judgments. At these points they judged what emotions they experienced on the basis of the dialogue history and their facial expressions. The emotions they judged were boredom, flow (engagement), frustration, confusion, delight, surprise, and neutral. A multiple regression analysis revealed that post-test scores were significantly predicted by pre-test scores and confusion, but not by any of the other emotions. The results support a theoretical framework that emphasizes the role of cognitive disequilibrium (perplexity) in promoting learning at deeper levels. The long-term goal of this project is to have a version of AutoTutor that is sensitive to the affective and cognitive states of the learner, as they are detected from spoken dialogue and other non-verbal channels (i.e., facial expression, body position)
A Multidimensional Chromatography Technology for In-depth Phosphoproteome Analysis*S

Protein phosphorylation is a post-translational modification widely used to regulate cellular responses. Recent studies showed that global phosphorylation analysis could be used to study signaling pathways and to identify targets of protein kinases in cells. A key objective of global phosphorylation analysis is to obtain an in-depth mapping of low abundance protein phosphorylation in cells; this necessitates the use of suitable separation techniques because of the complexity of the phosphoproteome. Here we developed a multidimensional chromatography technology, combining IMAC, hydrophilic interaction chromatography, and reverse phase LC, for phosphopeptide purification and fractionation. Its application to the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae after DNA damage led to the identification of 8764 unique phosphopeptides from 2278 phosphoproteins using tandem MS. Analysis of two low abundance proteins, Rad9 and Mrc1, revealed that ∼50% of their phosphorylation was identified via this global phosphorylation analysis. Thus, this technology is suited for in-depth phosphoproteome studies.
Design principles of an embedded language (EFL) enabling well defined order-independent execution

Parallel programming platforms are heterogeneous and incompatible; a common approach is needed to free programmers from platforms' technical intricacies, allowing flexible execution in which sequential and parallel executions produce identical results. The execution and programming model of an embedded flexible language (EFL), which implement this common approach, are presented. EFL allows embedding of deterministic parallel code blocks into a sequential program, written in any host language. EFL programming model constructs are presented. An EFL implementation of the Reduce Parallel Design Pattern is presented. With EFL we aim to implement safe and efficient parallel execution, in software, hardware, or both. Consequences of Rice's theorem regarding parallel computation are discussed. These consequences severely restrict what can be checked at compile time. An approach is proposed for circumventing these restrictions.
Platelet Calmodulin Levels in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Do the Levels Correlate With Curve Progression and Severity?

Study Design. This ongoing longitudinal study evaluates simultaneous radiographic and platelet calmodulin determinations for patients with idiopathic scoliosis who are skeletally immature. Objectives. To determine whether platelet calmodulin levels correlate with curve progression and severity. Summary of Background Data. A previous study based on a single calmodulin determination and a single radiograph identified higher calmodulin levels in progressive curves and in higher magnitude curves. A longitudinal study was needed to demonstrate the relation of calmodulin to curve changes for individual patients over time during the growth period. Methods. In this study, 55 patients with idiopathic scoliosis of varying types and severity were followed longitudinally with serial radiographs and platelet calmodulin determinations. A Risser sign was recorded for each radiograph at each visit. Results. Calmodulin levels increased in all the patients with progressive curves (13/13), remained stable in 73% of the patients with nonprogressive curves (11/15), and were higher generally in curves greater than 30° and double structural curves. Calmodulin levels usually decreased in patients undergoing brace treatment (14/17) or spine fusion (9/10). Conclusions. It appears that platelet calmodulin levels correlate closely with curve progression and stabilization by bracing or spine fusion. Correlation with nonprogressive curves was not as consistent, with 27% noncorrelation. Longer follow-up evaluation and enrollment of additional patients will be necessary to determine whether calmodulin may serve as a biochemical marker of curve progression and to help identify stable and progressive curves.
Incidence of Postconcussion Symptoms in Psychiatric Diagnostic Groups, Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, and Comorbid Conditions

The constellation of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, collectively known as postconcussion syndrome (PCS), is not uniquely associated with concussion, making the etiology of chronic postconcussion symptoms controversial. The current study compared percentages of individuals meeting symptom-based criteria for PCS in a population-based sample of veterans composed of subgroups with various psychiatric diagnoses, a history of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), and healthy controls. Participants were identified from 4462 randomly sampled male U.S. Army veterans who served during the Vietnam era. Only 32% of veterans with a history of MTBI met DSM-IV symptom criteria for PCS as compared to 40% of those diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 50% with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), 57% with major depressive disorder (MDD), and 91% with somatization disorder. Results were consistent with existing literature showing that the PCS symptoms are not unique to concussion, and also provide important base-rate information for neuropsychologists practicing in both clinical and personal injury forensic settings.
Autonomous initiation and propagation of action potentials in neurons of the subthalamic nucleus

The activity of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is intimately related to movement and is generated, in part, by voltage‐dependent Na+ (Nav) channels that drive autonomous firing. In order to determine the principles underlying the initiation and propagation of action potentials in STN neurons, 2‐photon laser scanning microscopy was used to guide tight‐seal whole‐cell somatic and loose‐seal cell‐attached axonal/dendritic patch‐clamp recordings and compartment‐selective ion channel manipulation in rat brain slices. Action potentials were first detected in a region that corresponded most closely to the unmyelinated axon initial segment, as defined by Golgi and ankyrin G labelling. Following initiation, action potentials propagated reliably into axonal and somatodendritic compartments with conduction velocities of ∼5 m s−1 and ∼0.7 m s−1, respectively. Action potentials generated by neurons with axons truncated within or beyond the axon initial segment were not significantly different. However, axon initial segment and somatic but not dendritic or more distal axonal application of low [Na+] ACSF or the selective Nav channel blocker tetrodotoxin consistently depolarized action potential threshold. Finally, somatodendritic but not axonal application of GABA evoked large, rapid inhibitory currents in concordance with electron microscopic analyses, which revealed that the somatodendritic compartment was the principal target of putative inhibitory inputs. Together the data are consistent with the conclusions that in STN neurons the axon initial segment and soma express an excess of Nav channels for the generation of autonomous activity, while synaptic activation of somatodendritic GABAA receptors regulates the axonal initiation of action potentials.