Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Direct and indirect visual inputs to superficial layers of cat superior colliculus: a current source-density analysis of electrically evoked potentials.

1. The spatiotemporal pattern of visual inputs to the stratum griseum superficiale (SGS) and stratum opticum (SO) of the cat superior colliculus (SC) has been determined by an analysis of the current sinks occurring during postsynaptic activity following stimulation of each optic nerve (ON) and the optic chiasm (OX). Electrolytic lesions were used to determine the locations of the five major current sinks. 2. Direct SC afferents from the contralateral ON induced three current sinks whose maxima were located a) in the upper part of the SGS, b) in the middle part of the SGS, and c) in the lower part of the SGS and upper part of the SO. These three sinks were generated by three afferent fiber groups conducting in the optic nerve with modal and maximum velocities, respectively, of a) 4 and 5 m/s (slow W-group), b) 7 and 10 m/s (fast W-group), and c) 32 and 43 m/s (Y-group). 3. Indirect SC inputs from the contralateral ON via the ipsilateral visual cortex were identified by comparing the pattern of current sinks generated by OX stimulation before and after cortical ablation. The most prominent and fastest indirect sink (Y-group) was found in ;the lower half of the SGS and uppermost part of the SO. Low-amplitude, long-latency indirect current sinks were also found in the upper and lower thirds of the SGS. 4. The principal conclusions of this report are first, that the SGS is divisible into three physiologic regions according to the spatiotemporal pattern of excitatory synaptic activity generated by the afferent inputs and second, that there is a spatiotemporal matching of the direct collicular afferents from the contralateral retina and the indirect retinal afferents relaying through the ipsilateral visual cortex.
An evaluation of the impact of apheresis platelets used in the setting of massively transfused trauma patients.

INTRODUCTION Trauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Of patients arriving to trauma centers, patients requiring massive transfusion (MT, >or=10 units in 24 hours) are a small patient subset but are at the highest risk of mortality. Transfusion of appropriate ratios of blood products to such patients has recently been an area of interest to both the civilian and military medical community. Plasma is increasingly recognized as a critical component, though less is known about appropriate ratios of platelets. Combat casualties managed at the busiest combat hospital in Iraq provided an opportunity to examine this question. METHODS In-patient records for 8,618 trauma casualties treated at the military hospital in Baghdad more than a 3-year interval between January 2004 and December 2006 were retrospectively reviewed and patients requiring MT (n = 694) were identified. Patients who required MT in the first 24 hours and did not receive fresh whole blood were divided into study groups defined by source of platelets: (1) patient receiving a low ratio of platelets (<1:16 apheresis platelets per stored red cell unit, aPLT:RBC) (n = 214), (2) patients receiving a medium ratio of platelets (1:16 to <1:8 aPLT:RBC) (n = 154), and (3) patients receiving a high ratio of platelets (>or=1:8 aPLT:RBC) (n = 96). The primary endpoint was survival at 24 hours and at 30 days. RESULTS At 24 hours, patients receiving a high ratio of platelets had higher survival (95%) as compared with patients receiving a medium ratio (87%) and patients receiving the lowest ratio of platelets (64%) (log-rank p = 0.04 and p < 0.001, respectively). The survival benefit for the high and medium ratio groups remained at 30 days as compared with those receiving the lowest ratio of platelets (75% and 60% vs. 43%, p < 0.001 for both comparisons). On multivariate regression, plasma:RBC ratios and aPLT:RBC were both independently associated with improved survival at 24 hours and at 30 days. CONCLUSION Transfusion of a ratio of >or=1:8 aPLT:RBC is associated with improved survival at 24 hours and at 30 days in combat casualties requiring a MT within 24 hours of injury. Although prospective study is needed to confirm this finding, MT protocols outside of investigational research should consider incorporation of appropriate ratios of both plasma and platelets.
OF THE UTERUS IN LOCAL RABBIT ( Lepus cuniculus ) DURING EARLY IMPLANTATION PERIOD

The current study investigated the early stages of pregnancy (day 7 of implantation) in the uterus of rabbit by histochemical study. The study was conducted at the laboratories of the College of Veterinary Medicine of Basra University. The present study was carried out on two groups of female rabbits which included the control group (4), the implantation group (7). The histochemical analysis was carried out for the demonstration of glycogen and the activity of alkaline phosphatase enzyme. The result of this study showed a clear increase in the distribution of glycogen, which was observed in the uterine epithelium, subepithelial stroma and in the uterine gland, also this study revealed an increased activity of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase mainly in epithelium and site of implantation in the uterus.
Individual differences in self-control behaviors and tolerance of painful stimulation.

Studied the relation between Ss' general repertoire of self-control behaviors and their ability to tolerate a cold pressor. In Exp I, with 40 undergraduate Ss, it was found that Ss who were instructed to think of a pleasant event while exposed to a cold pain tolerated that pain longer than a control group, thus replicating previous findings. In Exp II, with 54 undergraduate Ss, one experimental group was required to spend 5 min in self-planning of strategies to cope with the upcoming pain, and a 2nd group was merely informed on the effectiveness of self-control methods in coping with pain. Both groups did not show longer durations than Ss in a control group who were not encouraged to employ their own self-control methods. High self-control (HSC) Ss across the various treatment conditions consistently tolerated the cold pressor longer than low self-control Ss. HSC Ss also reported using self-control methods more often and more effectively while exposed to the cold pressor. The 2 self-control groups did not differ in their ratings of pain intensity. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)
The 5Ps Model to Optimize Compression Athletic Wear Comfort in Sports

Engineered design of compression athletic wear has been selectively applied in various recognized Olympic sports and popular recreational activities. This recent development is, as one type of additional body-behavioural support, protection and adjustment, plays a crucial role, in improving the athletes' performances. Typically, this is accomplished by providing engineered design support, pressure, and form-fit on targeted areas of athletes' body. In the present paper, a contextual model including 5Ps (i.e. Physical, Psychological, Physiological, Psychophysical, and Psychophysiological properties) related to user comfort and performance, has been developed to analyze multiple relationships between the athlete, athletic wear, immediate body space and sports environment, which would help us understand the effects of athletic wear on sports performance. The 5Ps reference model explores the mechanisms of action of body-clothing-environment system from a comprehensive view, thus effectively optimizing functional design of compression athletic wear in practice to enhance sports achievement and comfort.
Th 1 / Th 2 Cross-Regulation

SFI WORKING PAPER: 1993-08-051 SFI Working Papers contain accounts of scientific work of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the Santa Fe Institute. We accept papers intended for publication in peer-reviewed journals or proceedings volumes, but not papers that have already appeared in print. Except for papers by our external faculty, papers must be based on work done at SFI, inspired by an invited visit to or collaboration at SFI, or funded by an SFI grant. ©NOTICE: This working paper is included by permission of the contributing author(s) as a means to ensure timely distribution of the scholarly and technical work on a non-commercial basis. Copyright and all rights therein are maintained by the author(s). It is understood that all persons copying this information will adhere to the terms and constraints invoked by each author's copyright. These works may be reposted only with the explicit permission of the copyright holder. www.santafe. edu
Reduction of Torque and Flux Ripples in Space Vector Modulation-Based Direct Torque Control of Asymmetric Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine

Due to asymmetric three-phase system and influence of inverter nonlinearity, large torque, and stator flux harmonics would exist in the space vector modulation-based direct torque controlled (DTC-SVM) three-phase permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs). A general expression for electromagnetic torque is derived for DTC of asymmetric three-phase PMSMs considering the influence of inverter nonlinearity. To mitigate the influence of the undesired harmonics, a compensation method is developed by enhancing the standard proportional-integral (PI)-regulator in the torque and flux loops with appropriate resonant controllers. Since the 2nd- and 6th-order harmonics are the most dominant components, two resonant controllers tuning at the 2nd and 6th of stator angular frequency, respectively, are utilized. The proposed method can achieve good steady-state performance in terms of low torque and flux ripples, while keeping the merits of the conventional DTC-SVM strategy such as good dynamic torque response and machine parameter independence. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Use of Ribotyping To Retrospectively Identify Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Phase 3 Clinical Trials for Tigecycline That Are Genotypically Related to Community-Associated Isolates

ABSTRACT A retrospective study was performed to identify methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates obtained from patients enrolled in phase 3 clinical trials for tigecycline that were genotypically similar to known community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) strains. The clinical trials were double-blind comparator studies for complicated skin and skin structure infections or complicated intra-abdominal infections. We obtained 85% of the MRSA isolates from patients with complicated skin and skin structure infections. Using ribotyping, MRSA isolates were compared with well-characterized North American CA-MRSA strains and negative-control hospital-associated (HA) MRSA strains by cluster analysis; 91 of the 173 isolates clustered with two groups of known CA-MRSA strains, 60% of which shared an indistinguishable ribotype. These isolates were subsequently tested for the presence of SCCmec type IV and the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-encoding genes as well as susceptibility to clindamycin, characteristics that are typically associated with CA-MRSA; 89 of the 91 isolates carried the type IV SCCmec element and 76 were also positive for the PVL-encoding genes; 73 of these isolates were susceptible to clindamycin. A similar analysis performed on 26 nonclustering isolates identified only four with these characteristics; 89 of the 91 clustering isolates were inhibited by tigecycline at MICs of ≤0.5 μg/ml. On the basis of clustering information and preliminary genetic characterization, it appears that ribotyping is a useful tool in identifying potential CA-MRSA isolates and 76 MRSA isolates from patients enrolled in the tigecycline phase 3 trials have genetic markers typically associated with CA-MRSA.
A randomized controlled study of paroxetine and cognitive‐behavioural therapy for late‐life panic disorder

Hendriks G‐J, Keijsers GPJ, Kampman M, Oude Voshaar RC, Verbraak MJPM, Broekman TG, Hoogduin CAL. A randomized controlled study of paroxetine and cognitive‐behavioural therapy for late‐life panic disorder.
Outcome and complications of extended cranial-base resection requiring microvascular free-tissue transfer.

OBJECTIVES To determine the complications of extensive cranial-base resection requiring free-tissue transfer (FTT) and the effect of these resections on local control and survival among patients with malignant neoplasms of the skull base. BACKGROUND Before the advent of FTT, cranial-base surgery was often limited by our inability to adequately repair defects comprising communication between the central nervous system and upper aerodigestive tract. The use of FTT in cranial-base resections was therefore assessed to determine whether the improved procedure (ie, extensive resections) would improve local control and prolong survival. DESIGN A retrospective review of 39 consecutive craniofacial resections with FTT reconstruction in patients with malignant neoplasms involving the cranial base. PATIENTS All 39 patients had malignant neoplasms, including 20 squamous cell carcinomas, eight basal cell carcinomas, two melanomas, two neuroendocrine carcinomas, two adenoid cystic carcinomas, and various other malignant neoplasms. Resections involved the anterior, middle, or posterior cranial fossa in 19 patients (49%), 10 patients (26%), and three patients (8%) of cases, respectively. The remaining seven surgeries (18%) involved resection of more than one of these cranial base sites. RESULTS Early (< 14 days after surgery) complications occurred in 14 (36%) of 39 patients. Major complications included failure of microvascular anastomosis (n = 1), pneumonitis (n = 3), perioperative myocardial infarction (n = 1), and cerebrovascular accident (n = 1). The microvascular anastomosis failure was promptly treated with surgical intervention. Two patients (5%) experienced late postoperative complications; one had cellulitis at the donor site, and the other had pneumonitis. No perioperative deaths or complications such as meningitis, epidural abscess, or tension pneumocephalus occurred. The 2-year disease-specific survival rate was 55%, and the 2-year local control rate, 49%; both were determined by the Kaplan-Meier method. The nine patients who died of their disease had a median survival of 9 months. Log-rank testing showed that pathologically positive margins and transdural pathology were the most significant predictors of local recurrence and death of disease. CONCLUSIONS Contemporary surgical approaches provide an opportunity for wide surgical excision of dura and skull-base structures that normally separate the intracranial and extracranial cavities. These major skull-base resections can be reconstructed safely and effectively with FTT. Patients with malignant neoplasms of the dura and skull base should be approached with the understanding that transdural disease portends an increased risk of local recurrence and death of disease.
Ca2+‐induced structural changes in phosphorylase kinase detected by small‐angle X‐ray scattering

Phosphorylase kinase (PhK), a 1.3‐MDa (αβγδ)4 hexadecameric complex, is a Ca2+‐dependent regulatory enzyme in the cascade activation of glycogenolysis. PhK comprises two arched (αβγδ)2 octameric lobes that are oriented back‐to‐back with overall D2 symmetry and joined by connecting bridges. From chemical cross‐linking and electron microscopy, it is known that the binding of Ca2+ by PhK perturbs the structure of all its subunits and promotes redistribution of density throughout both its lobes and bridges; however, little is known concerning the interrelationship of these effects. To measure structural changes induced by Ca2+ in the PhK complex in solution, small‐angle X‐ray scattering was performed on nonactivated and Ca2+‐activated PhK. Although the overall dimensions of the complex were not affected by Ca2+, the cation did promote a shift in the distribution of the scattering density within the hydrated volume occupied by the PhK molecule, indicating a Ca2+‐induced conformational change. Computer‐generated models, based on elements of the known structure of PhK from electron microscopy, were constructed to aid in the interpretation of the scattering data. Models containing two ellipsoids and four cylinders to represent, respectively, the lobes and bridges of the PhK complex provided theoretical scattering profiles that accurately fit the experimental data. Structural differences between the models representing the nonactivated and Ca2+‐activated conformers of PhK are consistent with Ca2+‐induced conformational changes in both the lobes and the interlobal bridges.
Theophylline colon specific tablets for chronotherapeutic treatment of nocturnal asthma

The ultimate goal is to design a new chronotherapeutic system for theophylline (TPH) with high potential benefits in treating nocturnal asthma. TPH core tablets were prepared by wet granulation using a developed formula. Compression coating over core tablets containing 200 mg TPH was done using granulated chitosan with 10% PVP K30. Different formulae F1, F2 and F3 were prepared using coat weights 260, 300 and 360 mg, respectively. The in vitro release characteristics in both variant pH media mimicking the gastrointestinal media and in media containing rat cecal content were monitored. The in vivo performance of the optimum formula was compared with Avolen® SR in Beagle dogs. F3 with high coat thickness exhibited a minimal release after 5-h release study. Both F2 and F3 showed more than 50% drug release after 4 h in the rat cecal medium. This reflects the colon selectivity of the system. The Cmax values were found to be 5.49 ± 0.46 and 5.12 ± 0.85 μg/mL for F3 and Avolen® SR, respectively, F3 showed higher mean plasma concentration than Avolen® SR from the beginning and continued till 7 h post administration indicating high potential as chronotherapeutic treatment of nocturnal asthma.
A socio-cognitive theory of information systems and initial applications

Much has been written in the academic literature about designing information systems (IS) to satisfy organizational, rather than purely technical, objectives. The design of systems to address the requirements of end-users has also received considerable attention. Little has been said, however, about the relationship between these two facets of "best practice'' and how they might be reconciled. This is of concern because the relationship is fundamental to the success of organizational systems, the value of which is ultimately realized through the activities of individuals and workgroups. The practical benefit of achieving an integrated approach is clear. Systems can be developed in light of the relationship between worker and organization, rather than as a result of a compromise between two `competing' viewpoints. An integrated theory would also reduce the conceptual distance between current conceptions of individuals, which tend to downplay their status as social beings, and of social organizations, which often overestimate the influence of social organization on individuals' actions. A process of conceptual analysis and theory development that addresses this disjunction is presented in this thesis. As the main contribution of this research, the socio-cognitive theory of information systems is a first attempt at providing an integrated treatment of IS phenomena. The theory is developed using a dialectic research method by drawing upon existing work in human-computer interaction, information systems, psychology and sociology. Following a consideration of dialectic as a research method, it is applied to existing conceptions of the individual and of social organization in these disciplines. The theory is then constructed to provide an explanation of information systems phenomena in socio-cognitive, rather than social and cognitive, terms. Having presented the theory, its potential contribution to realizing the practical benefits of integrated approaches to IS development is illustrated through the development of a systems development lifecycle and an evaluation methodology. Recognizing that IS development is primarily concerned with the relationship between individuals and social organizations, the lifecycle model focuses attention on addressing skills issues during the development process. Extending the focus on skills and intersubjective communication, the evaluation methodology outlines a method, consistent with the socio-cognitive theory, for analysing working practices and assessing the impacts upon them of IS-related change.
Thermoeffector neuronal pathways in fever: a study in rats showing a new role of the locus coeruleus

It is known that brain noradrenaline (norepinephrine) mediates fever, but the neuronal group involved is unknown. We studied the role of the major noradrenergic nucleus, the locus coeruleus (LC), in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced fever. Male Wistar rats had their LC completely ablated electrolytically or their catecholaminergic LC neurones selectively lesioned by microinjection of 6‐hydroxydopamine; the controls were sham‐operated. Both lesions resulted in a marked attenuation of LPS (1 or 10 μg kg−1, i.v.) fever at a subneutral (23°C) ambient temperature (Ta). Because electrolytic and chemical lesions produced similar effects, the role of the LC in fever was further investigated using electrolytic lesions only. The levels of prostaglandin (PG) E2, the terminal mediator of fever, were equally raised in the anteroventral third ventricular region of LC‐lesioned and sham‐operated rats during the course of LPS fever, indicating that LC neurones are not involved in febrigenic signalling to the brain. To investigate the potential involvement of the LC in an efferent thermoregulatory neuronal pathway, the thermoregulatory response to PGE2 (25 ng, i.c.v.) was studied at a subneutral (23°C, when fever is brought about by thermogenesis) or neutral (28°C, when fever is brought about by tail skin vasoconstriction) Ta. The PGE2‐induced increases in metabolic rate (an index of thermogenesis) and fever were attenuated in LC‐lesioned rats at 23°C, whereas PGE2‐induced skin vasoconstriction and fever normally developed in LC‐lesioned rats at 28°C. The LC‐lesioned rats had attenuated PGE2 thermogenesis despite the fact that they were fully capable of activating thermogenesis in response to noradrenaline and cold exposure. It is concluded that LC neurones are part of a neuronal network that is specifically activated by PGE2 to increase thermogenesis and produce fever.
Bit-Serial and Bit-Parallel Montgomery Multiplication and Squaring over GF(2^m)

Multiplication and squaring are main finite field operations in cryptographic computations and designing efficient multipliers and squarers affect the performance of cryptosystems. In this paper, we consider the Montgomery multiplication in the binary extension fields and study different structures of bit-serial and bit-parallel multipliers. For each of these structures, we study the role of the Montgomery factor, and then by using appropriate factors, propose new architectures. Specifically, we propose two bit-serial multipliers for general irreducible polynomials, and then derive bit-parallel Montgomery multipliers for two important classes of irreducible polynomials. In this regard, first we consider trinomials and provide a way for finding efficient Montgomery factors which results in a low time complexity. Then, we consider type-II irreducible pentanomials and design two bit-parallel multipliers which are comparable to the best finite field multipliers reported in the literature. Moreover, we consider squaring using this family of irreducible polynomials and show that this operation can be performed very fast with the time complexity of two XOR gates.