Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optogenetics Reveal Delayed Afferent Synaptogenesis on Grafted Human‐Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell‐Derived Neural Progenitors

Reprogramming of somatic cells into pluripotency stem cell state has opened new opportunities in cell replacement therapy and disease modeling in a number of neurological disorders. It still remains unknown, however, to what degree the grafted human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) differentiate into a functional neuronal phenotype and if they integrate into the host circuitry. Here, we present a detailed characterization of the functional properties and synaptic integration of hiPSC‐derived neurons grafted in an in vitro model of hyperexcitable epileptic tissue, namely organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs), and in adult rats in vivo. The hiPSCs were first differentiated into long‐term self‐renewing neuroepithelial stem (lt‐NES) cells, which are known to form primarily GABAergic neurons. When differentiated in OHSCs for 6 weeks, lt‐NES cell‐derived neurons displayed neuronal properties such as tetrodotoxin‐sensitive sodium currents and action potentials (APs), as well as both spontaneous and evoked postsynaptic currents, indicating functional afferent synaptic inputs. The grafted cells had a distinct electrophysiological profile compared to host cells in the OHSCs with higher input resistance, lower resting membrane potential, and APs with lower amplitude and longer duration. To investigate the origin of synaptic afferents to the grafted lt‐NES cell‐derived neurons, the host neurons were transduced with Channelrhodopsin‐2 (ChR2) and optogenetically activated by blue light. Simultaneous recordings of synaptic currents in grafted lt‐NES cell‐derived neurons using whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique at 6 weeks after grafting revealed limited synaptic connections from host neurons. Longer differentiation times, up to 24 weeks after grafting in vivo, revealed more mature intrinsic properties and extensive synaptic afferents from host neurons to the lt‐NES cell‐derived neurons, suggesting that these cells require extended time for differentiation/maturation and synaptogenesis. However, even at this later time point, the grafted cells maintained a higher input resistance. These data indicate that grafted lt‐NES cell‐derived neurons receive ample afferent input from the host brain. Since the lt‐NES cells used in this study show a strong propensity for GABAergic differentiation, the host‐to‐graft synaptic afferents may facilitate inhibitory neurotransmitter release, and normalize hyperexcitable neuronal networks in brain diseases, for example, such as epilepsy. Stem Cells 2014;32:3088–3098
Structure of the effective Hamiltonian for liquid-vapor interfaces.

A nonlocal and non-Gaussian expression for the effective Hamiltonian of a fluctuating liquid-vapor interface is derived from the density functional theory for inhomogeneous simple fluids. After applying a gradient expansion one obtains as the leading term the standard capillary-wave Hamiltonian. The next to leading terms are proportional to the Gaussian curvature and to the mean curvature squared. Microscopic expressions for the coefficients in this expansion are derived. The breakdown of the gradient expansion for long-range interparticle forces is pointed out; this break-down is also reflected in the nonanalytical behavior of the (microscopically derived) wave-vector-dependent surface tension. The connection between recent scattering experiments and the derived Hamiltonian is discussed.
Post-Sandy Benthic Habitat Mapping Using New Topobathymetric Lidar Technology and Object-Based Image Classification

ABSTRACT Parrish, C.E. ; Dijkstra, J.A. ; O'Neil-Dunne, J.P.M; McKenna, L. , and Pe'eri, S. , 2016. Post-Sandy benthic habitat mapping using new topobathymetric lidar technology and object-based image classification. In: Brock, J.C. ; Gesch, D.B. ; Parrish, C.E. ; Rogers, J.N. , and Wright, C.W. (eds.), Advances in Topobathymetric Mapping, Models, and Applications. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 76, pp. 200–208. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Hurricane Sandy, which made landfall on the U.S. East Coast as a post-tropical cyclone on October 29, 2012, is the second costliest hurricane in U.S. history, behind Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In the wake of the storm, federal mapping agencies, including NOAA, USGS, and USACE, undertook extensive mapping efforts in the affected areas, including acquisition of aerial imagery, lidar (light detection and ranging), and other forms of remotely sensed data. Among the notable datasets acquired in the Sandy-impact region were those collected with new topobathymetric lidar systems, which feature markedly different designs than conventional bathymetric lidar technology. These systems are characterized by green-only laser beams, narrow fields-of-view (FOVs), and narrow beam divergence. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability to use data from a commercial topobathymetric lidar sysem, the Riegl VQ-820-G, operated by NOAA's National Geodetic Survey, for benthic habitat mapping—in particular, mapping of seagrass habitat in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey. Specific goals were 1) to assess the utility of the VQ-820-G reflectance and pulse deviation data, with minimal additional calibration or post-processing, in benthic habitat mapping; 2) to investigate the use of object-based image analysis (OBIA) in generating benthic habitat maps from the VQ-820-G data; and 3) to develop procedures that are currently being used in follow-on studies to investigate and quantify the ecological impacts of Sandy. Habitat maps were created in the OBIA system from the VQ-820-G data and simultaneously acquired imagery. A classification accuracy assessment was then performed through comparison against reference data acquired by the project team. Results indicate strong potential for benthic habitat mapping using the VQ-820-G waveform features, bathymetry, and ancillary datasets in an OBIA procedure. The project team is currently extending these procedures to data from the USGS EAARL-B lidar system to enable enhanced assessment of habitat change resulting from Sandy in the Barnegat Bay estuary.
Rapid identification of iron deficiency in blood donors with red cell indexes provided by Advia 120

BACKGROUND: A new generation of automated hematology analyzers allows the rapid determination of various red cell (RBC) indexes, including the percentage of hypochromic mature RBCs (HYPOm) and the hemoglobin (Hb) content of reticulocytes (CHr). These indexes have not yet been validated as measures for the detection of iron deficiency in blood donors.
Enhanced Anti-HIV Efficacy of Indinavir After Inclusion in CD4-Targeted Lipid Nanoparticles

Background:Combination drug therapy has reduced plasma HIV to undetectable levels; however, drug-sensitive virus persists in patients' lymphoid tissue. We have reported significant lymphoid tissue drug localization with indinavir-associated lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Our current objective is to evaluate whether additional enhancement is achievable by targeting these particles to CD4+-HIV host cells. Methods:We characterized 2 peptide-coated (CD4-BP2 and CD4-BP4) drug-associated LNPs and demonstrated CD4-cell specificity. Drug-associated LNPs expressing polyethyleneglycol were exposed on HIV-2–infected cells under dynamic conditions that emulated lymph node physiology for 15, 30, and 60 minutes at concentrations from 0 to 25 &mgr;M and evaluated for antiviral activity and cell-associated drug concentrations. The specificity of CD4-mediated enhancement of indinavir LNPs antiviral activity was evaluated by blocking with anti-CD4 antibody. Results:Inclusion of CD4-binding peptides on LNPs enhanced antiviral activity for all incubation conditions, compared with control particles or soluble drug (eg, 60 minutes exposure, EC50 = 0.12–0.13 vs. 0.46 &mgr;M for targeted nanoparticles vs. soluble drug). The CD4-BP4 peptide exhibited higher efficiency in eliciting antiviral activity than CD4-BP2–coated particles (EC50 = 7.5 &mgr;M vs. >25 &mgr;M at 15 minutes drug exposure). This enhancement seems to be driven by CD4 availability and cell-associated indinavir concentrations, as blocking of CD4 significantly ablated indinavir efficacy in targeted particles and indinavir concentrations reflected the observed anti-HIV activity. Conclusions:We constructed CD4-targeted LNPs that provide selective binding and efficient delivery of indinavir to CD4+-HIV host cells. Inclusion of polyethyleneglycol in LNPs would minimize immune recognition of peptides. The enhancement of anti-HIV effects is effective even under limited time exposure.
Truncation Strategies in Matching Markets

Roth and Rothblum [Roth, A. E. , U. G. Rothblum. 1999. Truncation strategies in matching markets---In search of advice for participants. Econometrica67 21--43] showed that for matching markets using the deferred acceptance algorithm a physician with symmetric (incomplete) information possibly gains only by truncating her true ranking. We show that in symmetric information environments this result is identical for all priority mechanisms and all linear programming mechanisms introduced in British entry-level medical markets and in public school choice in some American cities.
Randomized clinical trial of the effectiveness of a self-care intervention to improve cancer pain management.

PURPOSE This randomized clinical trial tested the effectiveness of the PRO-SELF Pain Control Program compared with standard care in decreasing pain intensity scores, increasing appropriate analgesic prescriptions, and increasing analgesic intake in oncology outpatients with pain from bone metastasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were randomly assigned to the PRO-SELF intervention (n = 93) or standard care (n = 81). Patients in the standard care arm were seen by a research nurse three times and were called three times by phone between the home visits. PRO-SELF group patients were seen by specially trained intervention nurses and received a psychoeducational intervention, were taught how to use a pillbox, and were given written instructions on how to communicate with their physician about unrelieved pain and the need for changes in their analgesic prescriptions. Patients were coached during two follow-up home visits and three phone calls on how to improve their cancer pain management. RESULTS Pain intensity scores decreased significantly from baseline (all P <.0001) in the PRO-SELF group (ie, least pain, 28.4%; average pain, 32.5%; and worst pain, 27.0%) compared with the standard care group (ie, least increased by 14.6%, average increased by 1.9%, and worst decreased by 1.2%). The percentage of patients in the PRO-SELF group with the most appropriate type of analgesic prescription increased significantly from 28.3% to 37.0% (P =.008) compared with a change from 29.6% to 32.5% in the standard care group. CONCLUSION The use of a psychoeducational intervention that incorporates nurse coaching within the framework of self-care can improve the management of cancer pain.
A comparative study between diallylnortoxiferine and tubocurarine.

SUMMARY Diallylnortoxiferine and tubocurarine were compared clinically in 493 adult patients undergoing a variety of surgical procedures. Diallylnortoxiferine was found to be approximately twice as potent as tubocurarine. Equipotent doses produced neuromuscular block of the same degree and duration. The incidence of hypotension, its degree and its age distribution are equal. Hypotension occurred in both groups, and its incidence was higher in patients above 40 years, and in patients with an initial blood pressure above 150 mm Hg. Both relaxants are adequately reversed with a mixture of atropine 0.02 mg/kg and neostigmine 0.05 mg/kg, provided an overdose of the relaxant used is avoided.
Fractional-order circuit elements with memory

This paper deals with the fractional-order memristive, memcapacitative, and meminductive systems and their utilization in design of the new circuits with memory. We provide a mathematical description of such systems by using a technique of the fractional calculus. Some possible applications of “mem” systems are mentioned in article as well.
Understanding users with Diabetic Retinopathy: factors that affect performance in a menu selection task

This paper examines factors that affect performance on a basic menu selection task by users who are visually healthy and users with Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) in order to inform better interface design. Linear and logistic regression models were used to examine various contextual factors that influenced task efficiency (time) and accuracy (errors). Interface characteristics such as multimodal feedback, Windows® accessibility settings, and menu item location were investigated along with various visual function and participant characteristics. Results indicated that Windows® accessibility settings and other factors, including age, computer experience, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and menu item location, were significant predictors of task performance.
Isokinetic Investigation of Knee Extensors and Knee Flexors in Young French Soccer Players

The knee extensor and knee flexor muscle groups in three groups of young soccer players were tested with a Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer and compared with adults. Muscle strength increased with age. The largest gain was observed in young players aged 16-17 years whose quadriceps was the most modified muscle group giving the lowest H/Q ratio. Analysis of the regression equations obtained for torque values at 30 degrees s-1 and 180 degrees s-1 revealed that there were two distinct groups: under 16 and over 16. After reaching 16 years of age, the increase in muscle strength is greater at low velocity than at high velocity.
Studies on the Alkaloids of the Bark of Magnolia officinalis: Isolation and On-line Analysis by HPLC-ESI-MSn

The bark of Magnolia officinalis is a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the present study, two new alkaloids, named (S)-4-keto-magnoflorine (6) and (R)-3,4-dehydromagnocurarine (11), together with seven known alkaloids: (S)-magnoflorine (5), trans/cis N-feruloylputrescine (7/8), (R)-magnocurarine (10), (S)-tembetarine (12), (R)-oblongine (14), and (R)-asimilobine (17) were isolated and their structures elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 1D, 2D NMR, and HRESI-MS. The absolute configurations of the isoquinoline alkaloids 5, 6, 10–12, 14, and 17 were determined by CD. In vitro inhibitory activities against aldose reductase, lipase, α-glucosidase, DPP–IV and three cancer cell lines (A549, Bel-7402, and HCT-8) were evaluated for all isolated compounds. However, all compounds showed weak activities in all tests at the same concentration as the positive control drugs. An HPLC-ESI-MSn method has been established for screening of alkaloids in the bark of M. officinalis. A total of 23 alkaloids were identified or tentatively characterized; including 13 aporphines, eight benzylisoquinolines and two amides. Plausible fragmentation pathways of the representative compounds 6, 7/8, 11, and 17 were proposed in the present study.
QSAR study of pharmacological permeabilities

Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) models are developed for three pharmacological permeabilities, i.e. two PAMPA apparent permeabilities (logPapp) at different pH values (pH 5.5 and pH 7.4) and Caco-2 cell monolayer apparent permeability (logPapp(Caco-2)). The compounds are represented by chemical descriptors calculated from their constitutional, geometrical and topological structure, and quantum mechanical wave function. The obtained linear (multilinear regression) and nonlinear (artificial neural network) models link the drug structures to their reported permeabilities. Each multilinear model was tested by leave-one-out and ABC methods whereas the neural networks were assessed using the test sets. All drug structures were investigated by conformational analysis in order to find the low energy conformers.
Improved Survival in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome Receiving Iron Chelation Therapy

Purpose: Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and iron overload (IOL) often receive iron chelation therapy (ICT); however, data on clinical outcomes are limited. We reviewed 178 patients with MDS to determine the effect of ICT on survival. Patients and Methods: Data were collected by chart review and survival analysis performed. A subgroup analysis compared control patients with clinical features similar to patients who received ICT. Results: French-American-British MDS subtypes for patients were as follows: refractory anemia (RA), n = 36; RA with ringed sideroblasts, n = 42; RA with excess blasts (RAEB), n = 28; RAEB in transformation or acute myeloid leukemia (AML), n = 16; chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, n = 25; other, n = 31. International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) scores were as follows: low risk, n = 44; intermediate-1 risk, n = 55; intermediate-2 risk, n = 17; high risk, n = 17. Eighteen patients received ICT; median duration was 21.6 months (range, 1.3-151 months). In univariate analysis (UVA), factors significant for overall survival (OS) were IPSS score; MDS subtype; number of red blood cell (RBC) units transfused; MDS treatment; elevated ferritin; clinical IOL; receiving ICT (P < .05 for all); and age (P = .01). In multivariate analysis (MVA), significant factors included IPSS score (P = .008; hazard ratio [HR], 2.2 [95% CI, 1.3-3.7]) receiving ICT (P = .02; HR, 0.2 [95% CI, 0.01-1.0]). For low/intermediate-1 risk IPSS score, 4-year OS was 64% for patients receiving ICT and 43% for patients not receiving ICT (P = .003). An MVA was performed, including number of cytopenias; blast count; karyotype; AML transformation; ≥ 1 serious infection (P < .05 in UVA for all) with MDS treatment; number of RBC units transfused; and clinical IO; receipt of iron chelation therapy determined that factors significant for OS were infection (P = .05; HR, 3.2 [95% CI, 0.97-10.4]) and ICT (P = .02). Improved OS was maintained in the subgroup analysis (P = .01; HR, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.1-0.79]). Conclusion: Patients with MDS and IOL receiving ICT had improved survival compared with patients not receiving ICT, suggesting a possible beneficial effect on clinical outcome. Prospective studies of ICT in MDS are warranted.
Histological Evaluation of the Nasal Swell Body in Allergic Patients

Introduction The nasal swell body (NSB), also called the nasal septal swell body or septal turbinate, is the thickest and widest region of the nasal septum. The NSB is located at the level of the internal nasal valve, and the anteriosuperior portion of the nasal septum is composed of cartilage, bone and its overlying mucoperichondrium (1). The presence and importance of the NSB has not been studied clinically and its function is not clear. High nasal septal deviations may even be misdiagnosed due to hypertrophy of this region. The NSB may experience nasal obstruction even following minimal changes in mucosal thickness. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of the NSB showed vasoactive expansile properties but not as much as in the inferior turbinate (2, 3). Histological evaluation of the NSB revealed the presence of seromucinous glands, venous sinusoids and vascular structures (1).
LINEAR DIMENSION REDUCTION AND BAYES CLASSIFICATION

This paper develops an explicit expression for a compression matrix T of smallest possible left dimension k consistent with preserving the n-variate normal Bayes assignment of X to a given one of a finite number of populations and the k-variate Bayes assignment of TX to that population. The Bayes population assignment of X and TX are shown to be equivalent for a compression matrix T explicitly calculated as a function of the means and covariances (known) of the given populations. 1. Mathematics Department, University of Houston 2. Programs in Mathematical Sciences, Univ. of Texas at Dallas 3. Department of Mathematics, University of Tulsa This work was partially supported by Johnson Space Center Contract'NAS-9-15000.
Ventilatory capacity in young adults with a history of asthma in childhood.

This study was carried out in order to determine the ventilatory capacity of a group of young adults who had suffered from asthma in childhood but who had been free of symptoms for an average period of six years at the time of the study (range from four to ten years). The results were compared with those of a group of 24 healthy adults of similar age who were divided into smokers and non-smokers, and also with a group of young adults who had continued to suffer from asthma since childhood.
O Significado do Trabalho para uma Executiva: a Dicotomia Prazer e Sofrimento

A perspectiva que tem guiado os estudos sobre o trabalho se fundamenta predominantemente na concepcao negativa do trabalho enquanto causador de sofrimento, esforco e dor. Contudo, reconhece-se que o trabalho pode ser constituido tambem por outra dimensao – a positiva – aquela relacionada a possibilidade de construcao, de identidade e de autorealizacao. Nessa perspectiva, este estudo teve como objetivo compreender o significado do trabalho para uma executiva, ou seja, investigar quais as dimensoes percebidas por ela sobre a atividade profissional que realiza. Para tanto, utilizou-se o metodo qualitativo, nomeadamente a historia oral, cuja construcao foi baseada na realizacao de entrevista narrativa com uma executiva de uma organizacao que atua na area de certificacao de qualidade. Os resultados da pesquisa demonstram que o significado do trabalho para esta executiva esta fundado em dois aspectos: a centralidade do trabalho e o prazer e o sofrimento. Observou-se que ao longo de sua carreira profissional, o trabalho foi adquirindo novos significados, mas sempre com preponderância da dimensao do prazer. Assim, no âmbito deste estudo, sentimentos como felicidade, orgulho, valorizacao, realizacao, reconhecimento, desafio, aprendizado, interacao social foram alguns dos aspectos que nortearam a dimensao do prazer para esta executiva.
Purification and Characterization of Actin from Normal and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Lymphocytes 1

Previous studies from this laboratory have shown actin to be a major protein of human lymphocytes (Stark, R., Liebes, L. F., Nevrla, D., and Silber, R. Biochem. Med., 27: 200-206, 1982). We now report the purification to homogeneity and characteri zation of actin from blood lymphocytes of normal subjects and patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The recovery of the purified protein was about 20%. The properties of the lympho cyte actins were compared to each other and to those of rabbit skeletal muscle actin. Lymphocyte actin consisted of ÃŸand 7 forms in a 2:1 ratio. The M, 42,000 was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Normal and leukemic lymphocyte actin had similar polymerization properties as assessed by viscosity measurements at 25Â°and 4Â°,and the ultrastructural appearance of the filaments was the same. Similar patterns were observed between normal and chronic lympho cytic leukemia actin tryptic digests analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The V,â„¢Â» of the actin-activated myosin Mg2+ ATPase activity was compared using rabbit skeletal muscle heavy meromyosin and subfragment 1 preparations. The values obtained with rabbit skeletal muscle and normal lymphocyte actin were identical. The Vmax observed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia lymphocyte actin was 70% of that obtained with normal lymphocyte actin. The amount of actin needed to produce halfmaximal activation (Klarem) of heavy meromyosin and subfrag ment 1 were, respectively, 26 and 25 ^M for normal lymphocytes and 18 and 24 /Â¿Mfor chronic lymphocytic leukemia lymphocytes. The anomalous ATP activation by actin did not reflect differences in B-:T-cell subpopulations between chronic lymphocytic leuke mia and normal lymphocytes. The possible significance of the observed differences between the myosin Mg2+ ATPase activa tion by chronic lymphocytic leukemia and normal lymphocyte actin is discussed.