Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The suppression of Ca(2+)‐ and voltage‐dependent outward K+ current during mAChR activation in rat adrenal chromaffin cells.

1. The mechanism by which muscarine, ionomycin or caffeine results in suppression of Ca(2+)‐ and voltage‐dependent outward current in rat adrenal chromaffin cells was evaluated using both whole‐cell voltage clamp and single channel recording. 2. The whole‐cell current activated following the elevation of the cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) by muscarine inactivates with a time course comparable to that of single Ca(2+)‐ and voltage‐dependent potassium (BK) channels. 3. The whole‐cell inactivating current is pharmacologically similar to BK current. 4. The voltage dependence of inactivation and rate of recovery from inactivation are qualitatively similar for both whole‐cell current and ensemble averages of single BK channels. Furthermore, changes in the rate of whole‐cell current inactivation track expected changes in submembrane [Ca2+]. 5. The suppression of outward current can be accounted for solely by inactivation of BK channels and does not depend on the means by which [Ca2+]i is elevated. 6. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) activation, changes in holding potential (‐50 to ‐20 mV), and step depolarizations of different amplitude and duration were tested for their ability to elevate [Ca2+]i and thereby regulate the availability of BK current for activation. 7. Following muscarine‐induced elevation of [Ca2+]i at holding potentials positive to ‐40 mV, the availability of BK current for activation was typically reduced by more than 50%. 8. Holding potentials in the range of ‐50 to ‐20 mV produced only slight alterations in the availability of BK current for activation. 9. Step depolarizations that cause maximal rates of Ca2+ influx (0 to +10 mV) must exceed 200 ms to reduce the availability of BK current by approximately 50%. 10. The results show that the muscarine‐induced elevation of [Ca2+]i produces a profound reduction in the availability of BK channels for activation at membrane potentials likely to be physiologically meaningful. Although depolarization‐ induced Ca2+ influx can inactivate BK current, we propose that short duration depolarizations that occur during normal electrical activity will not significantly alter BK channel availability.
Radar resolution of ideal point scatterers

The conventional definition of resolution ignores that recognizing two responses is insufficient. We also must measure the scatterer positions. When we redefine resolution to permit an accurate measurement, the resolution cell is 2/T or 2/B when we use the intensity output, but 1/T or 1/B with the complex output.
Acute viral myocarditis: role of immunosuppression: a prospective randomised study

Abstract Objective To conduct a prospective randomised study to show the efficacy of immune suppression with prednisolone, administered at the 3-month duration of acute myocarditis. Methods The diagnosis of acute viral myocarditis was made based on echocardiography and serum viral antibodies. The inclusion criterion was acute myocarditis of 3 months duration. In all, 68 of 173 children were available for randomisation into a prednisolone-treated group of 44 and a control group of 24 children. The follow-up period in the prednisolone-treated group was 15.1 plus or minus 9.2 months and 13.6 plus or minus 10.6 months for the control group. Results Compared with controls, 1 month after randomisation significantly more children in the prednisolone-treated group increased their ejection fraction to more than 40% (p = 0.029). Discrete analysis of change in the ejection fraction from the one at randomisation to one after 1 month of randomisation of greater than 10% and less than 10% or no change between groups showed a significantly greater number with improvement in the prednisolone-treated group (p = 0.019). At the end of the follow-up visits, a significantly larger number of children in the prednisolone-treated group had an ejection fraction of more than 60% compared with the control group (p = 0.049). Conclusion It is concluded that immune suppression with prednisolone, administered at 3 months of the onset of acute myocarditis, is effective in significantly bringing about improvement and cure in persistent left ventricular failure.
Running head : Sensory sensitivity , Intolerance of Uncertainty and Anxiety Effects of sensory sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty on anxiety in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder

This study examined the relations between anxiety and individual characteristics of sensory sensitivity (SS) and intolerance of uncertainty (IU) in mothers of children with ASD. The mothers of 50 children completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Highly Sensitive Person Scale and the IU Scale. Anxiety was associated with both SS and IU and IU was also associated with SS. Mediation analyses showed direct effects between anxiety and both IU and SS but a significant indirect effect was found only in the model in which IU mediated between SS. This is the first study to characterize the nature of the IU and SS interrelation in predicting levels of anxiety.
Intracellular organelles and calcium homeostasis in rods and cones

The role of intracellular organelles in Ca2+ homeostasis was studied in salamander rod and cone photoreceptors under conditions that simulate photoreceptor activation by darkness and light. Sustained depolarization evoked a Ca2+ gradient between the cell body and ellipsoid regions of the inner segment (IS). The standing pattern of calcium fluxes was created by interactions between the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and mitochondria. Pharmacological experiments suggested that mitochondria modulate both baseline [Ca2+]i in hyperpolarized cells as well as kinetics of Ca2+ entry via L type Ca2+ channels in cell bodies and ellipsoids of depolarized rods and cones. Inhibition of mitochondrial Ca2+ sequestration by antimycin/oligomycin caused a three-fold reduction in the amount of Ca2+ accumulated into intracellular organelles in both cell bodies and ellipsoids. A further 50% decrease in intracellular Ca2+ content within cell bodies, but not ellipsoids, was observed after suppression of SERCA-mediated Ca2+ uptake into the ER. Inhibition of Ca2+ sequestration into the endoplasmic reticulum by thapsigargin or cyclopiazonic acid decreased the magnitude and kinetics of depolarization-evoked Ca2+ signals in cell bodies of rods and cones and decreased the amount of Ca2+ accumulated into internal stores. These results suggest that steady-state [Ca2+]i in photoreceptors is regulated in a region-specific manner, with the ER contribution predominant in the cell body and mitochondrial buffering [Ca2+] the ellipsoid. Local [Ca2+]i levels are set by interactions between the plasma membrane Ca2+ channels and transporters, ER and mitochondria. Mitochondria are likely to play an essential role in temporal and spatial buffering of photoreceptor Ca2+.
Freshly Formed Dust in the Cassiopeia A Supernova Remnant as Revealed by the Spitzer Space Telescope

We performed Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph mapping observations covering nearly the entire extent of the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant (SNR), producing mid-infrared (5.5-35 μm) spectra every 5″-10″. Gas lines of Ar, Ne, O, Si, S, and Fe, and dust continua were strong for most positions. We identify three distinct ejecta dust populations based on their continuum shapes. The dominant dust continuum shape exhibits a strong peak at 21 μm. A line-free map of 21 μm peak dust made from the 19-23 μm range closely resembles the [Ar II], [O IV], and [Ne II] ejecta-line maps, implying that dust is freshly formed in the ejecta. Spectral fitting implies the presence of SiO2, Mg protosilicates, and FeO grains in these regions. The second dust type exhibits a rising continuum up to 21 μm and then flattens thereafter. This “weak 21 μm” dust is likely composed of Al2O3 and C grains. The third dust continuum shape is featureless with a gently rising spectrum and is likely composed of MgSiO3 and either Al2O3 or Fe grains. Using the least massive composition for each of the three dust classes yields a total mass of 0.020 M☉. Using the most massive composition yields a total mass of 0.054 M☉. The primary uncertainty in the total dust mass stems from the selection of the dust composition necessary for fitting the featureless dust as well as 70 μm flux. The freshly formed dust mass derived from Cas A is sufficient from SNe to explain the lower limit on the dust masses in high-redshift galaxies.
Understanding the emergence of wearable devices as next-generation tools for health communication

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify motivational factors for using wearable healthcare devices and examine the process by which these factors are integrated with the technology acceptance model (TAM) and contribute to the adoption of the devices. Design/methodology/approach An online survey assessed the proposed motivational factors for the adoption of wearable healthcare devices. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were conducted on collected data (n=877) to demonstrate the reliability and validity of the measurement and structural model. Findings Perceived control and interactivity of wearable healthcare devices as well as users’ innovative tendencies are positively associated with usage intention, while perceived cost has no significant effects on user intention to use the devices. The results also supported the explanatory strength and predictability of TAM. Originality/value Although the promising role of wearable devices in healthcare industries has gained much consumer attention, limited empirical investigations have been conducted on explicating how user attitude and usage intention are shaped regarding the devices. This study serves as one of the first attempts to empirically examine the adoption process, with implications for the future usage of wearable technology in the healthcare context.
Phosphorylated PmrA Interacts with the Promoter Region of ugd in Salmonella entericaSerovar Typhimurium

ABSTRACT The Salmonella PmrA-PmrB system controls the expression of genes necessary for polymyxin B resistance. Four loci were previously identified as part of the regulon, and interaction of PmrA with the promoter region of three of them was observed. Here we characterized the interaction of PmrA with the promoter region ofugd, previously suggested to be regulated indirectly by PmrA. Our results indicate that PmrA controls the expression ofugd by interacting with a specific sequence in the promoter region of this gene.
Organization of projections from the inferior olive to the cerebellar nuclei in the rat

The detailed organization of projections from the inferior olive to the cerebellar nuclei of the rat was studied by using anterograde tracing. The presence of a collateral projection to the cerebellar nuclei could be confirmed, and a detailed organization was recognized at the nuclear and subnuclear level. Olivary projections to the different parts of the medial cerebellar nucleus arise from various parts of the caudal half of the medial accessory olivary nucleus. The interstitial cell groups receive olivary afferents from the intermediate part of the medial accessory olive and from the dorsomedial cell column. A mediolateral topography was noted in the projections from the rostral half of the medial accessory olive to the posterior interposed nucleus. Olivary projections to the lateral cerebellar nucleus are derived from the principal olive according to basically inversed rostrocaudal topography. Projections from the dorsomedial group of the principal olive to the dorsolateral hump were found to follow a basically rostrocaudal topography. The anterior interposed nucleus receives olivary afferents from the dorsal accessory olive. Its rostromedial parts are directed to the lateral part of the anterior interposed nucleus and its caudolateral part reach the medial anterior interposed nucleus. No terminal arborizations in the cerebellar nuclei were found to originate from (1) the dorsal fold of the dorsal accessory olive, which resulted in projections to the lateral vestibular nucleus and (2) the dorsal cap of Kooy. It was noted that the olivary projection to the cerebellar nuclei is strictly reciprocal to the nucleo‐olivary projection as described by Ruigrok and Voogd ( 1990 ). Moreover, it is suggested that the olivonuclear projection adheres to the organization of the climbing fiber projection to the cerebellar cortex and to the corticonuclear projection, thus, establishing and extending the detailed micromodular organization of the connections between inferior olive and cerebellum. J. Comp. Neurol. 426:209–228, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IMPACT OF FISH AGGREGATING DEVICE ON SUSTAINABLE CAPTURE FISHERIES

The use of rumpon , a type of Fish Aggregating Device (FAD), has been traditional in Indonesia, particularly in eastern Indonesia waters since time immemorial (Reuter 1938; Nasution et al. 1986; Monintja 1976). The traditional tuna fishermen in Mamuju waters in the Province of South Celebes have used rumpons for a long time, although there is no record when the device was first used (Nasution et al . 1986). Any structure designed or made to attract free schooling fishes: rumpon (Indonesia), tendak (West Java), uncang (Sumatera), rompong (Sulawesi), payaos (Philippines). Local fishermen claimed that they learned how to construct the rumpon from their ancestors, but did not apply the device extensively until 1985 because of the low profitability of catching the swift swimming fishes. The use of rumpon for fishing activities has improved the effectiveness and efficiency of several fishing gear. However, the fast growing of rumpon utilization has raised a great concern on the sustainability of the fish resources. The rumpon management for responsible fisheries should consider the aspects of biology, location, environment, fishing gear, social and economic. The existing condition of rumpon has not fully understood and its usage in a responsible manner further elaboration also needed. For that purpose, the information of the past and present situation of rumpon in Indonesia will be important for further management. The main data were collected and compiled from various references, annual report of the Directorate General of Fisheries and research report of Central Research Institute for Fisheries. Additional data were made available from local fisheries agencies or related institutions. Structure of the rumpon installed in the Provinces of North Sumatera, West Sumatra, Lampung, West Java, East Java, North Celebes, Central Celebes, South Celebes, maluku and Papua are given in detail. There are 2 types of rumpon : the deep sea rumpon and shallow water rumpon. The differences among the rumpons in those areas are mostly found in material of mooring line, shape and material of float and structure of the attracting components. The mooring line is mostly made of polyethylene of 12-25 mm in diameter or nylon of 5-10 mm in diameter. There are wide variations of shape of floats. Generally they are divide into pontoon type or box shape made of steel and raft type made of bamboos. Attractors are made of coconut leaves, nipah leaves and pinag leaves. Some attractors are attached to the mooring line and the others are hung down from the float. They are operated in wide range of water depth from 20 to 1500 m. The fishing ground conditions, bottom topography and bottom configuration are among the factors considered for the rumpon design and construction. The differences in construction are mainly due to the rumpon location, target species in each area and the fishing gear applied. Keywords : fish aggregating device, rumpon , sustainable fisheries, Indonesia
Risk factors for tuberculosis mortality in a tertiary care center in Oman, 2006–2016

Background: Mortality from tuberculosis (TB) remains high despite its declining global incidence. Host risk factors of TB death have not been fully identified. The aim of this study is to explore some of the host risk factors associated with TB mortality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional review of patients with TB admitted to Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Oman from July 2006 to February 2016. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the risk factors for TB mortality. Results: Of the 205 TB cases reviewed, we identified 31 (15%) TB deaths during TB treatment. The median time of death from starting TB drugs was 30 days. Fifty-one percent of the TB deaths occurred in the 1st month of TB diagnosis. The main risk factors for TB mortality were advanced age, low body weight, negative sputum TB smear, pulmonary involvement, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and noncitizen status. Conclusion: To improve TB outcome in this high-risk group, abrupt clinical management approaches should be applied when TB is suspected. Public health measures that increase community awareness of TB mortality and reduce barriers to TB care are crucial to reducing TB mortality.
Genetics of galactose metabolism of Erwinia amylovora and its influence on polysaccharide synthesis and virulence of the fire blight pathogen

Galactose metabolism mutants of Erwinia amylovora were created by transposon insertions and characterized for their growth properties and interaction with plant tissue. The nucleotide sequence of the galE gene was determined. The gene, which encodes UDP-galactose 4-epimerase, shows homology to the galE genes of Escherichia coli, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Rhizobium meliloti, and other gram-negative bacteria. Cloned DNA with the galE and with the galT and galK genes did not share borders, as judged by the lack of common fragments in hybridization with chromosomal DNA. These genes are thus located separately on the bacterial chromosome. In contrast to the gal operon of E. coli, the galE gene of E. amylovora is constitutively expressed, independently of the presence of galactose in the medium. The function of the galE gene but not of the galT or galK gene is required for bacterial virulence on pear fruits and seedlings. In the absence of galactose, the galE mutant was deficient in amylovoran synthesis. Subsequently, the galE mutant cells elicited host defense reactions, and they were not stained by fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled lectin, which efficiently binds to amylovoran capsules of E. amylovora. The mutation affected the side chains of bacterial lipopolysaccharide, but an intact O antigen was not required for virulence. This was shown with another mutant, which could be complemented for virulence but not for side chain synthesis of lipopolysaccharide.
Heparin-Like Drugs with Antiangiogenic Activity

The process of angiogenesis consists in the sprouting of new blood vessels from existing ones. This is a natural process that occurs in the human body and is essential for organ growth and repair. In the embryonic stage, the blood vessels provide the necessary oxygen, nutrients and instructive trophic signals to promote organ morphogenesis (Coultas et al., 2005). After birth the angiogenic process only contributes to organ growth and during adulthood the angiogenic process only occurs in the placenta during the pregnancy and in the cycling ovary, while most blood vessels remain quiescent. However the angiogenic activity could be reactivate because endothelial cells retain their angiogenic activity in response to a physiological stimulus (wound healing and repair) (Alitalo et al., 2005). This angiogenic activity is also critical in the development of solid tumors and metastasis (Ferrara, 2004; Folkman, 1990). Generally, a solid tumor expands until 1-2 mm3 is reached. At this point vascularization is required in order to ensure a supply of nutrients, oxygen, growth factors and proteolytic enzymes to the tumor (Folkman, 1990). To activate the angiogenic activity of endothelial cells, the tumor switches to an angiogenic phenotype and recruits blood vessels from the surrounding tissue, developing a dense vasculature that provides nutrients to the cancerous tissue (Figure 1). Numerous proangiogenic proteins are involved in tumor angiogenesis. Two of the most important families of pro-angiogenic proteins are the vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and the fibroblast growth factors (FGF) (Garcia-Fernandez et al., 2010c). Most of these GF isoforms (this is not the case of the smallest isoform of VEGF-A (V121), that does not present a heparin-binding domain) need to interact with heparan sulfate proteoglycans molecules (HSPG) in order to recognize their specific tyrosine kinase receptor on cell membrane and activate the angiogenic process. These cell surface molecules are low affinity receptors that do not transmit a biological response, but are essential for these growth factors to recognize their union site to the signaling receptor (FGFR or VEGFR). Therefore, disruption of the interaction of these growth factors (GF) with cell surface HSPG seems an evident target for angiogenesis (Folkman, 1971; Folkman, 1990; Folkman, 1995). HSPGs are heparin-like molecules that favor the pro-angiogenic proteins oligomerization (Figure 1), which is necessary for the interaction with the endothelial cells membrane
Operating Room Managers’ Use of Integer Programming for Assigning Block Time to Surgical Groups: A Case Study

A common problem at hospitals with fixed amounts of available operating room (OR) time (i.e., “block time”) is determining an equitable method of distributing time to surgical groups. Typically, facilities determine a surgical group’s share of available block time using formulas based on OR utilization, contribution margin, or some other performance metric. Once each group’s share of time has been calculated, a method must be found for fitting each group’s allocated OR time into the surgical master schedule. This involves assigning specific ORs on specific days of the week to specific surgical groups, usually with the objective of ensuring that the time assigned to each group is close to its target share. Unfortunately, the target allocated to a group is rarely expressible as a multiple of whole blocks. In this paper, we describe a hospital’s experience using the mathematical technique of integer programming to solve the problem of developing a consistent schedule that minimizes the shortfall between each group’s target and actual assignment of OR time. Schedule accuracy, the sum over all surgical groups of shortfalls divided by the total time available on the schedule, was 99.7% (sd 0.1%, n = 11). Simulations show the algorithm’s accuracy can exceed 97% with ≥4 ORs. The method is a systematic and successful way to assign OR blocks to surgeons.
The epidemiology of epilepsy: the size of the problem.

The prevalence of epilepsy is generally taken as between 5 and 10 cases per 1000 persons, and the overall incidence as about 50 cases per 100 000 persons. The rates are dependent on case ascertainment and on definitions used. The prognosis depends on many factors, including the number of seizures at presentation, the seizure type and the use of anti-epileptic drugs. Epilepsy carries an excess mortality; the cause of death can be unrelated to epilepsy, related to the underlying disease causing epilepsy, or related to epilepsy itself.