Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Encoding of head acceleration in vestibular neurons. I. Spatiotemporal response properties to linear acceleration.

1. Extracellular recordings were made in and around the medial vestibular nuclei in decerebrated rats. Neurons were functionally identified according to their semicircular canal input on the basis of their responses to angular head rotations around the yaw, pitch, and roll head axes. Those cells responding to angular acceleration were classified as either horizontal semicircular canal-related (HC) or vertical semicircular canal-related (VC) neurons. The HC neurons were further characterized as either type I or type II, depending on the direction of rotation producing excitation. Cells that lacked a response to angular head acceleration, but exhibited sensitivity to a change in head position, were classified as purely otolith organ-related (OTO) neurons. All vestibular neurons were then tested for their response to sinusoidal linear translation in the horizontal head plane. 2. Convergence of macular and canal inputs onto central vestibular nuclei neurons occurred in 73% of the type I HC, 79% of the type II HC, and 86% of the VC neurons. Out of the 223 neurons identified as receiving macular input, 94 neurons were further studied, and their spatiotemporal response properties to sinusoidal stimulation with pure linear acceleration were quantified. Data were obtained from 33 type I HC, 22 type II HC, 22 VC, and 17 OTO neurons. 3. For each neuron the angle of the translational stimulus vector was varied by 15, 30, or 45 degrees increments in the horizontal head plane. In all tested neurons, a direction of maximum sensitivity was identified. An interesting difference among neurons was their response to translation along the direction perpendicular to that that produced the maximum response ("null" direction). For the majority of neurons tested, it was possible to evoke a nonzero response during stimulation along the null direction always had response phases that varied as a function of stimulus direction. 4. These spatiotemporal response properties were quantified in two independent ways. First, the data were evaluated on the basis of the traditional one-dimensional principle governed by the "cosine gain rule" and constant response phase at different stimulus orientations. Second, the response gain and phase values that were empirically determined for each orientation of the applied linear stimulus vector were fitted on the basis of a newly developed formalism that treats neuronal responses as exhibiting two-dimensional spatial sensitivity. Thus two response vectors were determined for each neuron on the basis of its response gain and phase at different stimulus directions in the horizontal head plane. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Carbon cycling and bacterial carbon sources in pristine and impacted Mediterranean seagrass sediments

Stable carbon-isotope ratios of bacterial biomarkers were studied in Mediterranean sea- grass meadows and macroalgae communities to identify the sources of organic carbon used by the sediment bacteria. Bacteria δ 13 C ratios in pristine sediments vegetated by the seagrass Posidonia oceanica were either similar to the seagrass signal or slightly enriched, suggesting that seagrass detritus was of major importance as a bacterial carbon source. There was a shift in bacterial carbon sources in anthropogenic impacted P. oceanica meadows towards seston and macroalgae. The net primary productivity was reduced in these meadows, whereas the rates of mineralization as mea- sured by sulfate reduction rates were enhanced in the sediments. This effect on mineralization was probably due to the input of less refractory organic matter compared to seagrass detritus, which enhances the bacterial decomposition of organic matter. In the fast growing seagrass Cymodocea nodosa meadow, the bacterial carbon sources consisted of a mixture of seagrass detritus and seston, and the mineralization rates were much higher compared to the P. oceanica meadows, indicating that these carbon sources were more labile and easily decomposed by the bacteria. A similar pattern was found in the macroalgae bed with Caulerpa prolifera, where the rates of mineralization were high, similar to findings in organic impacted fish farm sediments. Here C. prolifera detritus was the most important carbon source and accounted for an increase in sediment organic content. The possible impacts of a shift in bacterial carbon sources due to nutrient loading are discussed in relation to the performance of P. oceanica in carbonate sediments.
The harp seal, Pagophilus groenlandicus (Erxleben, 1777). X. The air audiogram.

A free-field air audiogram from 1 to 32 kHz was obtained for a Pagophilus groenlandicus trained to respond to pure tone signals. The lowest threshold was at 4 kHz at a level of 29 db//0.0002 dynes/cm2. The air audiogram was generally flat. The critical ratios at 2 and 4 kHz were 10%. The lumen of the external auditory meatus is probably acoustically blocked. The outer and (or) middle ear structures and their acoustic impedance mismatch with the air are believed responsible for the comparatively irregular and slightly insensitive hearing of the seal in air.
Delayed uptake and washout of contrast in non-viable infarcted myocardium shown with dynamic computed tomography.

BACKGROUND Assessment of ischemic but potentially viable myocardium plays an important role in the planning of coronary revascularization. Until now SPECT, PET, and MRI have been used to identify viable myocardium. Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used to diagnose coronary atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of CT enhancement as a viability marker by investigating myocardial contrast distribution over time in pigs with experimentally induced antero-septal myocardial infarctions. METHODS Twelve pigs were subjected to 60 min of balloon occlusion of the left anterior descending artery, followed by removal of the balloon and reperfusion. Four pigs died due to refractory ventricular fibrillation. After 6 weeks, dynamic cardiac CT was performed assessing both wall motion and contrast attenuation. Measurements of attenuation values in Hounsfield units (HU) in the infarct zone and the normal lateral wall were performed at 20 s, and 1, 3, 5, 8 and 12 min after contrast injection. RESULTS We found highly significant differences in attenuation values between the two zones at all-time points except t =1 min (ANOVA P=0.85). The normal myocardium showed higher uptake- and washout-rates of contrast than the infarct zone (84±15 vs. 58±8 at 20 s, P=0.0001 and 27±12 vs. 81±13 at 12 min, P=0.0001). Specifically, the ratio between early (20 s) and late (12 min) uptake is a valid marker of viable myocardium. In all animals this ration was above one in the normal zone and below one in the infarct zone. CONCLUSIONS Delayed infarct related uptake and washout of contrast shows promise for future clinical application of CT in a combined assessment of coronary atherosclerosis and myocardial viability.
Regional drought-induced reduction in the biomass carbon sink of Canada's boreal forests

The boreal forests, identified as a critical “tipping element” of the Earth's climate system, play a critical role in the global carbon budget. Recent findings have suggested that terrestrial carbon sinks in northern high-latitude regions are weakening, but there has been little observational evidence to support the idea of a reduction of carbon sinks in northern terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we estimated changes in the biomass carbon sink of natural stands throughout Canada's boreal forests using data from long-term forest permanent sampling plots. We found that in recent decades, the rate of biomass change decreased significantly in western Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba), but there was no significant trend for eastern Canada (Ontario and Quebec). Our results revealed that recent climate change, and especially drought-induced water stress, is the dominant cause of the observed reduction in the biomass carbon sink, suggesting that western Canada's boreal forests may become net carbon sources if the climate change–induced droughts continue to intensify.
Discordance of assay methods creates pitfalls for the interpretation of prostate‐specific antigen values

The availability of numerous different assays for the determination of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) has created substantial problems in the interpretation of PSA concentrations. Currently over 60 assays are commercially offered on the European market. The majority of the recently marketed assays are based on the commonly used reference range (<4 ng/ml), although this rarely has been verified. Some manufacturers avoid specifying the range altogether, while others derive the data from very small collectives. Reference ranges established with sera of young males or even with an unspecified proportion of sera of females are not suitable for assessing the specificity of PSA assays for detecting prostate cancer among males older than age 50 years. Most manufacturers recommend that their assays not be used for diagnostic purposes but only for following up patients previously diagnosed with prostate cancer. Usually the physician remains unaware of this warning as well as of the name of the assay used. Since PSA concentrations may vary in identical samples by a factor of two depending on the assay used, the clinician in charge of interpreting the results needs to be aware of the method used and must have detailed information on the assay‐specific reference range.
Well-being at onset of hormone replacement therapy: comparison between two continuous combined regimens

Objectives To compare the effect on well-being of two continuous combined hormone replacement therapies (HRTs) in women starting treatment (‘starters’) and women switching from mainly sequential HRT (‘switchers’). Methods This was a randomized, double-blind, 1-month trial, in which 249 postmenopausal women were treated with either conjugated estrogen plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (CE/MPA 0.625 mg/5 mg) or 17β-estradiol plus norethisterone acetate (E2/NETA 2 mg/1 mg) continuously. Twelve items for measuring climacteric symptoms and well-being were reported daily on a validated symptom scale. Results Women taking CE/MPA reported lower scores for breast tenderness (p = 0.005), depression (p = 0.019), irritability (p = 0.004) and tension (p = 0.048), compared with women taking E2/NETA. Compared with pretreatment, both groups developed side-effects during the first week: breast tenderness, swelling and depression (p < 0.05). Starters, but also switchers, improved in sweats (p < 0.001 and p = 0.030). Compared with pretreatment ratings, switchers reported higher scores for breast tenderness (p < 0.001), depression (p = 0.050) and negative effects on daily life (p < 0.001), whereas starters reported only physical side-effects (p < 0.05). A history of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) predicted high scores for swelling (p = 0.023), depression (p = 0.024), tension (p = 0.009), irritability (p = 0.027), headache (p < 0.001) and negative effects on daily life (p < 0.001). Conclusions CE/MPA 0.625 mg/5 mg is better tolerated than E2/NETA 2 mg/1 mg, and starters react differently from switchers. Side-effects occur more quickly than benefits with HRT, and are more frequent in women with previous PMS.
The use of ultrasound biomicroscopy following trabeculectomy.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether ultrasound biomicroscopic (UBM) appearance can predict successful lowering of the intraocular pressure following trabeculectomy. DESIGN Blinded prospective study. SETTING Glaucoma clinic at a tertiary care hospital in Calgary. PATIENTS Forty-six patients who had undergone trabeculectomy 1 week to 22 years earlier were recruited. In three cases UBM scanning was stopped because of discomfort, and five studies were excluded because the clinical information became known to the ultrasonographer. A total of 44 studies from 46 patients were analysed. OUTCOME MEASURES Intraocular pressure and need for medication, UBM appearance. RESULTS In 38 (86%) of the 44 studies there was a positive association between the UBM grade and the clinical findings. UBM had a sensitivity of 91% in predicting a functioning bleb and a specificity of 70% in predicting a nonfunctioning bleb. CONCLUSIONS UBM is a useful adjunct to the glaucoma surgeon in the management of certain patients following trabeculectomy.
Depressive Moods of Users Portrayed in Twitter

Potential benets of using online social network data for clinical studies on depression are tremendous. In this paper, we present a preliminary result on building a research framework that utilizes real-time moods of users captured in the Twitter social network and explore the use of language in describing depressive moods. First, we analyzed a random sample of tweets posted by the general Twitter population during a two-month period to explore how depression is talked about in Twitter. We found remarkable activities related to depression in Twitter. A large number of tweets contained detailed information about depressed feelings, status, as well as treatment history. Going forward, we conducted a study on 69 participants to determine whether the use of sentiment words of depressed users diered from a typical user. We found that the use of words related to negative emotions and anger signicantly increased among Twitter users with major depressive symptoms compared to those otherwise. However, no dierence was found in the use of words related to positive emotions between the two groups. Our work provides several evidences that online social networks provide meaningful data for capturing depressive moods of users.
Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Complex

The caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) is a lentivirus that persistently infects goats and sheep. The finding thatCAEV and Maedi-Visna viruses frequently cross the species barrier between goats and sheep, and vice versa, has changedour view of the epidemiology of these viruses that are now referred to assmall ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV). CAEV is transmitted from infected mothers to their offspring, mainly via ingestion of infected colostrum and milk. Thispermits the implementation of control measures based on the segregation ofnewborn kids immediately after birth thatsuccessfully cut the seroprevalence in infected flocks, eliminating CAEV induced clinical disease. CAEV induces overtpathology in about one third of the infected animals. The frequency of affected animals varies in different goat families,pointing to an important genetic component in this disease. The principal manifestations areencephalitis and interstitialpneumonia in young animals,whereas arthritis and mastitispredominate in adult goats. The immunopathologicalmechanisms leading to diseaseare to date unclear and involve the principal components ofthe immune system, i.e., theprofessional antigen presenting cells, which are the principal target of CAEV, and whose activity, e.g., cytokine production,is modulated by the infection, and the B- and T-cell immune responses that are alsomanipulated by the virus.In vivo,infected animals usually have low viral loads, indicating that virus replication istightly restricted by mechanisms thatremain unclear. Finally, the complex biology of SRLV makes them a great challenge for diagnostic laboratories.In this brief review, the literature pertinent toall these aspects is summarized and discussed.
Association between the duration of dominance of the ovulatory follicle and pregnancy rate in beef heifers.

After luteolysis, subluteal concentrations of progesterone or treatment with a synthetic progestagen result in an extended period of dominance (persistence) of the dominant follicle in cattle. Two experiments studied (1) the relationship between the duration of dominance of the ovulatory follicle and pregnancy rate and (2) the ability of a persistent dominant follicle to ovulate and form a normal functioning corpus luteum. In Expt 1, beef heifers were either untreated (n = 30) or given a synthetic progestagen implant (3 mg norgestomet) for 12 days starting on day 16 of their cycle (n = 32). The mean duration of dominance of the ovulatory follicle differed (P < 0.05) between treated and control heifers (10.8 +/- 1.2 and 3.3 +/- 0.8 days, respectively) and 20 of 26 control and 7 of 30 treated heifers were diagnosed pregnant 28 days after artificial insemination (P < 0.01). In Expt 2, on the first day of dominance of the second dominant follicle, heifers received either a PGF2 alpha analogue alone (controls; n = 18), or prostaglandin and a norgestomet implant for 6 (T6; n = 19) or 10 days (T10; n = 20). Increases in the duration of dominance of the second dominant follicle (controls, 4.1 +/- 0.2 days; T6, 8.6 +/- 0.2 days; T10, 12.1 +/- 0.2 days; P < 0.05) resulted in a decrease in pregnancy rate (controls, 14 of 16; T6, 11 of 19; T10, 0 of 13; P < or = 0.05). Progesterone concentrations on days 7 and 12 and the area of luteal tissue on day 12 after artificial insemination were not different (P > 0.05) between treatments. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Reducing antimicrobial resistance: a bold call to action.

In this edition of the Singapore Medical Journal, Hsu et al have issued a bold call to action on the problem of antimicrobial resistance in Singapore. This takes the form of a position paper representing the major infectious diseases and clinical microbiology societies. To our knowledge, this is the second time that a group of professional societies has issued a position paper independent of the Ministry of Health, Singapore (MOH) and is a refreshing evidence of “medical activism” by civil society in Singapore. The first, published in the Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, by Chua et al, suggested roles for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected healthcare workers in Singapore. This second document is a timely call for action on the problem of antimicrobial resistance. The authors argue for several measures: for enhanced data collection to document the scale and impact of the problem of antibiotic use and misuse; for the MOH to take an active role in regulating antibiotic use; for hospitals to support antimicrobial stewardship programmes; and finally for an update of the code of conduct regulating the relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and prescribing physicians. The paper begins with a summary of the data on antibiotic resistance in Singapore. While published studies have shown that the rate of antibiotic resistance in some Singapore hospitals is very high—much higher than in Northern Europe or Scandinavia, for example—there have been some methodological questions about these data. Indeed, Ti et al showed that when true communityacquired urinary tract infections were teased out of an aggregated laboratory database, the actual proportion of isolates that were resistant to commonly-used antibiotics was much lower. They suggested that surveys based on laboratory data alone might lead to overestimations of the rate of antibiotic resistance and inappropriate empiric antibiotic choices. Certain patients—those in intensive care units or those who have been exposed to broad spectrum antibiotics—are at risk of infection or colonisation with antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Data collected from hospitals represent skewed data. Perhaps one of the first positive outcomes of this position paper will be funding support from agencies, such as the National Medical Research Council or the MOH to obtain Reducing antimicrobial resistance: a bold call to action
Blockade of VEGF Receptor-3 Aggravates Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Lymphatic Vessel Enlargement

Background:In contrast to the prominent function of the blood vasculature in promoting tissue inflammation, the role of lymphatic vessels in inflammation has been scarcely studied in vivo. To investigate whether modulating lymphatic vessel function might affect the course of chronic inflammation, the major lymphangiogenic receptor, vascular growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3, FLT4), was blocked in an established model of inflammatory bowel disease. Methods:Interleukin 10 (IL10)–deficient mice that spontaneously develop inflammatory bowel disease were treated with a blocking antibody to VEGFR-3 for 18 days, and the inflammatory changes in colon tissue and the blood and lymphatic vascularization were quantitatively analyzed. Results:We found a significant increase in the severity of colon inflammation in anti-VEGFR-3–treated mice. This was accompanied by an increased number of enlarged and tortuous lymphatic vessels and edema in colon submucosa, indicating impaired lymphatic function. In contrast, no major effects of the treatment on the blood vasculature were observed. Conclusions:These results indicate that therapies aimed at promoting lymphatic function, e.g., with prolymphangiogenic factors, such as VEGF-C, might provide a novel strategy for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Should Magnetic Resonance Venography be Performed Routinely in all Patients Undergoing Evaluation for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension?

Patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) frequently present to the neuro-ophthalmologist prior to obtaining any neuroimaging studies. Although magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain with and without contrast is the recommend diagnostic imaging modality for IIH, some authors advocate routine inclusion of MR venography (MRV), both to screen for venous sinus thrombosis as well as transverse sinus stenosis. Two experts debate whether MRV should be routinely include in the diagnostic work up of patients with suspected IIH.
A two-layer model for music pleasure regression

We adopt a two-layer regression model for music pleasure regression. Pleasure orientation of a song is estimated first, and then different regressors are used to predict degree of pleasure according to the estimated orientation. By using corresponding regressors for each instance, there is a big improvement when we assume the first layer is perfect in comparison with one-layer model. By tuning the confidence threshold of the orientation classifier of the two-layer model, we get improvement over one-layer model.