Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channels antagonize ictal‐like epileptiform activity in area CA1 of the rat hippocampus

Reactive glial cells, for example, from patients with temporal lope epilepsy have a reduced density of inward rectifying K+ (Kir) channels and thus a reduced K+ buffering capacity. Evidence is accumulating that this downregulation of Kir channels could be implicated in epileptogenesis. In rat hippocampal brain slices, prolonged exposure to the nonselective Kir channel antagonist, Cs+ (5 mM), gives rise to an epileptiform field potential (Cs‐FP) in area CA1 composed of an initial positive (interictal‐like) phase followed by a prolonged negative (ictal‐like) phase. We have previously shown that the interictal‐like phase depends on synaptic activation. The present study extends these findings by showing that the ictal‐like phase of the Cs‐FP is (i) sensitive to osmotic expansion of the extracellular space, (ii) reversed very quickly during wash out of Cs+, and (iii) re‐established in the presence of Ba2+ (30–200 μM) or isosmotic low extracellular concentration of Na+ ([Na+]o, 51.25 mM). The interictal‐like phase showed less or no sensitivity to these treatments. In the complete absence of Cs+, the Cs‐FP could be fully reconstructed by the combined application of 4‐aminopyridine (0.5 mM), an isosmotic high extracellular concentration of K+ ([K+]o, 7 mM), and low [Na+]o (51.25 mM). These results suggest that the interictal‐like phase is initiated through synaptic activation and results from an unspecific increase in neuronal excitability, whereas the ictal‐like phase is entirely dependent on blockade of Kir channels in CA1. We propose that glial dysfunction‐related loss of Kir channels may not alone be sufficient for starting the induction process, but will likely increase the tendency of an epileptogenic process to proceed into seizure activity. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of the E test to predict high-level resistance to aminoglycosides among enterococci

The E test and the reference agar dilution methods were compared for detecting high-level aminoglycoside resistance (HLAR) among 71 selected clinical isolates, including 62 Enterococcus faecalis and 9 Enterococcus faecium isolates. High-level gentamicin resistance alone was found in 11% (5 E. faecalis and 3 E. faecium strains) and high-level streptomycin resistance was found in 42% (28 E. faecalis, 2 E. faecium strains) of the strains tested, and 31% of the strains demonstrated high-level resistance to both antimicrobial agents (21 E. faecalis and 1 E. faecium strains). The E test detected all HLAR populations, but the streptomycin strip may require recalibration to achieve absolute MIC comparisons with the reference value (twofold less) or the use of an alternative interpretive resistance breakpoint, e.g., > 1,000 micrograms/ml. By the E test, MIC results indicate that ampicillin, imipenem, penicillin, piperacillin, and vancomycin remain active against the HLAR E. faecalis isolates; however, these tested drugs were less effective on the HLAR E. faecium isolates (< 50%).
Biological enhancement of graft-tunnel healing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract The sites where graft healing occurs within the bone tunnel and where the intra-articular ligamentization process takes place are the two most important sites of biological incorporation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, since they help to determine the mechanical behavior of the femur-ACL graft-tibia complex. Graft-tunnel healing is a complex process influenced by several factors, such as type of graft, preservation of remnants, bone quality, tunnel length and placement, fixation techniques and mechanical stress. in recent years, numerous experimental and clinical studies have been carried out to evaluate potential strategies designed to enhance and optimize the biological environment of the graft-tunnel interface. Modulation of inflammation, tissue engineering and gene transfer techniques have been applied in order to obtain a direct-type fibrocartilaginous insertion of the ACL graft, similar to that of native ligament, and to accelerate the healing process of tendon grafts within the bone tunnel. Although animal studies have given encouraging results, clinical studies are lacking and their results do not really support the use of the various strategies in clinical practice. Further investigations are therefore needed to optimize delivery techniques, therapeutic concentrations, maintenance of therapeutic effects over time, and to reduce the risk of undesirable effects in clinical practice.
Rehabilitation including treadmill therapy for patients with incomplete locked-in syndrome after stroke; a case series study of motor recovery

Primary objective: The aim of this study was to explore changes in motor function in patients with incomplete LIS referred to rehabilitation. Research design: A prospective, explorative, multiple case study design was applied. Methods and procedures: A multidisciplinary intervention programme was conducted including treadmill therapy (TT) with body weight support. Patients being able to stand upright supported by a standing frame were consecutively recruited to TT from 2001–2005. Physical performance was recorded on video and treadmill data were registered. Performances of transfer and walking were selected as the focus of observation. Two external observers described the performances independently, using an observational form and validated the joint and condensed descriptions. Outcomes and results: A total of nine patients fulfilled the intervention programme and no adverse events were noted. Personal assistance and body weight support were reduced during the TT period and all patients demonstrated improved physical performance. While five patients were able to practice some kind of walking activity at the end of rehabilitation, four patients demonstrated improvement in body functions, showing better postural control. Conclusion: This study indicates that TT can be a safe and useful method to intensify the rehabilitation programme for patients with incomplete LIS.
The Effect of Chromium Added into Basal Diet on Serum Total Protein, Urea, Triglyceride, Cholesterol and Serum and Tissue Chromium, Zinc, Copper Levels in Rabbits

This study was conducted to determine the effect of supplemantal dietary chromium on serum total protein, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol, and serum and tissue chromium, zinc, and copper contents of pregnant rabbits, their offspring and their young rabbits. Treatment groups consisted of chromium level as follows: Control Group no supplementation chromium into basal diet, Treatment I (200 ppb Group) contained 200 ppb of supplemental chromium into basal diet, and Treatment II (400 ppb Group) contained 400 ppb of supplemental chromium into the basal diet which contained 539.17 ppb chromium. For this purpose, at the begining of the study, 36 rabbits were assigned to 3 treatments. Blood and tissue were collected from pregnant rabbits before birth, from their offsprings before weaning and from weaning before mature. Serum total protein, urea, triglyceride, and cholesterol were analyzed using biochemistry analyzer. Diets, serum and tissue were analyzed for chromium, zinc, and copper using atomic absortion spectroscopy. Supplemental chromium had no effects (P>0.05) on serum total protein, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol levels in all generations. On the other hand, supplemental chromium increased (P
The Evolution of Cooperation on Correlated Payoff Landscapes

We study the evolution of cooperation in the prisoner's dilemma game on time-invariant heterogeneous payoff landscapes on regular and heterogeneous networks. Correlations in the landscape structure and their implications for the evolution of cooperation are investigated. On regular networks we find that negatively and neutrally correlated payoff landscapes strongly enhance cooperation, while positively correlated landscapes may suppress the evolution of cooperation. On heterogeneous networks, cooperation is facilitated if payoff stochasticity is positively correlated with network heterogeneity and may be suppressed otherwise.
Sex Offender Modus Operandi Stability and Relationship With Actuarial Risk Assessment

Three studies conducted in Vermont yielded data on 82 sexual recidivists’ index offenses (Time 1) and sexual reoffenses (Time 2) across 16 modus operandi (MO) characteristics. The current study examines the stability of these 16 characteristics between Time 1 and Time 2 offenses. Probabilities of Time 1–Time 2 characteristic combinations are reported, including when controlling for static risk as measured by the Static-99R and Vermont Assessment of Sex Offender Risk–2 (VASOR-2). Overall, considerable stability of offenders’ MO was evident between Time 1 and Time 2 offenses. Victim characteristics and offense behaviors were the most stable MO characteristics, and degree of force used and victim injury were less stable and trended toward less forceful and less injurious reoffenses. Controlling for static risk had little impact on the patterns of MO stability.
The KMOS Cluster Survey (KCS). III. Fundamental Plane of Cluster Galaxies at z ≃ 1.80 in JKCS 041

We present data for 16 galaxies in the overdensity JKCS 041 at as part of the K-band Multi-Object Spectrograph (KMOS) Cluster Survey (KCS). With 20 hr integrations, we have obtained deep absorption-line spectra from which we derived velocity dispersions for seven quiescent galaxies. We combined photometric parameters derived from Hubble Space Telescope images with the dispersions to construct a fundamental plane (FP) for quiescent galaxies in JKCS 041. From the zero-point evolution of the FP, we derived a formation redshift for the galaxies of , corresponding to a mean age of 1.4 ± 0.2 Gyr. We tested the effect of structural and velocity dispersion evolution on our FP zero-point and found a negligible contribution when using dynamical mass-normalized parameters ( ) but a significant contribution from stellar-mass-normalized parameters ( ). From the relative velocities of the galaxies, we probed the 3D structure of these 16 confirmed members of JKCS 041 and found that a group of galaxies in the southwest of the overdensity had systematically higher velocities. We derived ages for the galaxies in the different groups from the FP. We found that the east-extending group had typically older galaxies ( Gyr) than those in the southwest group (0.3 ± 0.2 Gyr). Although based on small numbers, the overdensity dynamics, morphology, and age results could indicate that JKCS 041 is in formation and may comprise two merging groups of galaxies. This result could link large-scale structure to ages of galaxies for the first time at this redshift.
Intensity instabilities of semiconductor lasers under current modulation, external light injection, and delayed feedback.

We investigate the occurrence of instabilities related to possible transitions to chaos in specific configurations based on semiconductor lasers. Various scenarios, such as period doubling, frequency locking, quasiperiodicity, and intermittency, are observed experimentally as functions of the control parameters. These are, respectively, the current modulation, external light injection, and delayed feedback. The experimental findings are described and discussed on the basis of semiconductor-laser rate equations.
IgG subclasses in human chronic schistosomiasis: over‐production of schistosome‐specific and non‐specific IgG4

IgG subclasses were determined quantitatively in sera from 63 Egyptian men who were infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Total and antigen‐specific IgG was measured pre‐ and post‐treatment. Total IgG subclass antibodies were determined by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) using monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). The anti‐worm and anti‐egg specific S. mansoni IgG subclass antibodies were quantitatively measured by ELISA using specific MoAbs and standards obtained by affinity chromatography. Our data show that total IgG of the patients was elevated in the range of two to three times above normal. The magnitude of increase differed markedly among the four subclasses of IgG. The IgGl, lgG2 and IgG3 concentrations were approximately two to four times higher than normal, whereas the IgG4 concentration was 20 times normal (9000 mg/l). IgG1 and lgG4 tended to dominate the IgG subclass distribution of anti‐soluble worm antigen preparation (SWAP) antibodies followed by IgG2 and lgG3. On the other hand, IgGl and lgG2 dominated the IgG subclass distribution of anti‐soluble egg antigen (SEA) antibodies. As with IgGl, IgG2 and lgG3, most IgG4 was non‐specific. The role of IgG subclasses in the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis is not clear. However, the high concentration of IgG4 might act as IgE blocking antibody, possibly as anti‐idiotypes that may play a role in down‐regulation of the immune system when it is challenged with an excess of antigen.
THE VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF CULTURAL PRODUCERS

▪ Abstract This review discusses anthropological research that analyzes the practices through which individuals and groups produce music, video, film, visual arts, and theater, and the ideological and institutional frameworks within which these processes occur. Viewing these media and popular culture forms as arenas in which social actors struggle over social meanings and as visible evidence of social processes and social relations, this research addresses the social, political, and aesthetic dimensions of these productions. The review considers the ways these studies treat the material and discursive practices of cultural producers as complex, often contradictory, sites of social reproduction and as potential sites of social transformation. It also considers the ways this research responds to the challenges associated with conducting fieldwork and producing ethnography in and about a global economy and “media-saturated” world.
4-Chloro-N′-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide monohydrate

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C14H11ClN2O2·H2O, contains a Schiff base molecule and a water molecule of crystallization. The dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings is 27.3 (4)°. In the crystal structure, molecules are linked into a two-dimensional network parallel to the bc plane by intermolecular O—H⋯O and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving the water molecules.
Neoadjuvant treatment of postmenopausal breast cancer with anastrozole, tamoxifen, or both in combination: the Immediate Preoperative Anastrozole, Tamoxifen, or Combined with Tamoxifen (IMPACT) multicenter double-blind randomized trial.

PURPOSE The Immediate Preoperative Anastrozole, Tamoxifen, or Combined With Tamoxifen (IMPACT) trial was designed to test the hypothesis that the clinical and/or biologic effects of neoadjuvant tamoxifen compared with anastrozole and with the combination of tamoxifen and anastrozole before surgery in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor (ER) -positive, invasive, nonmetastatic breast cancer might predict for outcome in the Arimidex, Tamoxifen Alone or in Combination (ATAC) adjuvant therapy trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS Postmenopausal women with ER-positive, invasive, nonmetastatic, and operable or locally advanced potentially operable breast cancer were randomly assigned to neoadjuvant tamoxifen (20 mg daily), anastrozole (1 mg daily), or a combination of tamoxifen and anastrozole for 3 months. The tumor objective response (OR) was assessed by both caliper and ultrasound. Comparisons were also made of clinical response with ultrasound response, actual and feasible surgery with feasible surgery at baseline, OR in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive cancers, and tolerability. RESULTS There were no significant differences in OR in the intent-to-treat population between patients receiving tamoxifen, anastrozole, or the combination. In patients who were assessed as requiring mastectomy at baseline (n = 124), 44% of patients received breast-conserving surgery (BCS) after anastrozole compared with 31% of patients after tamoxifen (P = .23); this difference became significant for patients who were deemed feasible for BCS by their surgeon (46% v 22%, respectively; P = .03). The OR for patients with HER2-positive cancer (n = 34) was 58% for anastrozole compared with 22% for tamoxifen (P = .18). All treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSION Neoadjuvant anastrozole is as effective and well tolerated as tamoxifen in ER-positive operable breast cancer in postmenopausal women, but the hypothesis that clinical outcome might predict for long-term outcome in adjuvant therapy was not fulfilled.
Handling Development Time Uncertainty in Agile Release Planning

An optical head is provided for an information carrier recording-reading device. Such an optical head comprises a pivoting mirror for reflecting the light towards the data carrier. According to the invention, this pivoting mirror is mounted on a pivoting seat having a sliding surface and resting on the sliding surface of the cradle shaped base. Said mirror is mounted on the seat so that the center of curvature of the sliding surfaces is in the reflecting plane of the mirror. Adjustment of the orientation of the mirror is thus made easy.
Fréquentation amérindienne des cavités des Petites Antilles

Avec les iles calcaires les plus etendues des Petites Antilles, l'archipel de Guadeloupe presente un potentiel remarquable pour etudier la frequentation amerindienne des cavites naturelles des iles de l'arc oriental. Cette frequentation a ete attestee des les premiers recits des chroniqueurs relatant les peripeties de la colonisation de l'archipel. Du point de vue archeologique, l'occupation des cavites est connue par quelques fouilles et etudes pratiquees en grotte, dont la Voute-a-Pin a la Desirade, Morne Rita, Cadet 2 et 3, Blanchard a Marie-Galante, l'abri Patate du Moule en Grande-Terre, Morne de Lake a Saint-Martin, pour les sites les plus significatifs des iles francaises. Le contraste entre ce potentiel et la meconnaissance du sujet a conduit a initier un programme collectif de recherche dedie notamment a cette question. Trois principaux axes sont developpes : 1) Peuplement animal des cavites de l'archipel; 2) Occupations precolombiennes des cavites, 3) Sedimentogenese karstique / conservation differentielle des parois. Cet article presente les objectifs et les premiers resultats de l'axe 2 sur la frequentation precolombienne des cavites, selon trois approches. La premiere se fonde sur l'etude du registre archeologique d'apres les sondages realises dans le cadre du projet. Il vise en particulier a reveler la multiplicite des usages du milieu souterrain au-dela des seules pratiques d'ornementation des cavites. Un interet particulier est egalement porte a la determination des epoques de frequentation des grottes pour chacun des usages reconnus. La deuxieme repose sur une comparaison entre la distribution geographique des cavites frequentees et celle des sites d'habitat de plein air, afin de documenter l'analyse des facteurs culturels et topographiques intervenant dans la frequentation des grottes. La troisieme orientation porte sur l'etude des vestiges fauniques associes aux stratigraphies et aux occupations eventuelles, en apportant d'importantes precisions non seulement sur les questions de consommation alimentaire, la saison d'occupation des cavites, la fonction et la structuration des sites en grottes, mais egalement sur les questions ecologiques relatives a l'introduction ou a l'extinction d'especes animales dans l'environnement suite aux activites humaines (predation, migrations, .).
Drivers of Private Equity Investment in CEE and Western European Countries

A strong private equity market is a cornerstone for commercialization and innovation in modern economies. However, substantial differences exist in the relative amounts raised and invested in private equity across European countries. We investigate the macro-determinants of private equity investment in Europe, focusing on the comparison between CEE and Western European countries. Our estimations are based on a data set running from 2001 to 2008 and covers 14 Western European and three CEE countries. Applying robust estimation techniques we identify a 'robust' set of determinants of private equity activity in both regions. We find similarities as well as differences in the driving forces of private equity investments in Western European and CEE countries. Our results suggest that commercial bank lending, equity market capitalization, unit labour costs and corporate tax rates are significant determinants of private equity activity.
The Details of Conceptual Modelling Notations are Important - A Comparison of Relationship Normative Language

Discussions of conceptual modelling assume that notation details are of secondary importance, a matter of taste and past experience rather than of science. For example, it does not really matter if cardinality is shown wi th a ‘crow’s foot’ or with the symbol ‘1. *’. This paper argues that such an assumption is wrong and that the notation is extremely important in the process of modelling relationships because of the normative language that the notation specifies. Normative language is shown to be a useful way of understanding and comparing relationship notation. Barker’s practical relationship definition, using a formal notation, is shown to be sufficiently well formed to allow the modeller to make sense of the domain i own linguistic context. Less formal notations are shown to disadvantage the less experienced modeller
Policy issues for Australia's education systems: Evidence from international and Australian research

Our purpose here is to discuss education policy issues in the context of empirical evidence. We note that many commonly held beliefs about Australian education such as, the relative performance and participation levels of Australian students; the importance of socioeconomic background on educational outcomes both relative to other countries and changes over-time; gender differences in mathematics and science; and the labour market situation of early school leavers; are not supported by empirical research. Such findings have implications for government policies. We also question current policy directions toward increasing Year 12 participation, expanding both secondary and post-secondary vocational education and reducing class sizes. It is hoped that the discussion will provide stimulus to evidence-based debates about Australian education.
Time-Trends in Publication Productivity of Young Transplant Surgeons in the United States

To further clarify whether the transplant surgical research workforce is adequately poised to further scientific achievement, we have investigated the publication productivity of young transplant surgeons. Our hypothesis is that recent young transplant surgeons write fewer academic manuscripts than their senior colleagues did when they were young surgeons. We compared the number of first and senior author publications in the first 5 years after completion of fellowship among recent transplant surgeons (completed fellowship 2000–2004) and former young surgeons (completed fellowship 1990–1994). Recent young surgeons wrote fewer overall manuscripts (0.94 vs. 1.67, p < 0.05), as well as basic science manuscripts (0.21 vs. 0.54, p < 0.05) and clinical manuscripts (0.73 vs. 1.14, p < 0.05). Adjusting for the number of trainees, we note that recent young surgeons published 59% fewer basic science publications (IRR 0.41, 95% CI 0.29–0.57, p < 0.001) and 33% fewer clinical publications (IRR 0.67, 95% CI 0.56–0.82, p < 0.001). Among fellows in the 2000–2004 cohort, there was a 32% lower chance of publishing at least one paper compared with fellows in the 1990–1994 cohort (IRR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51–0.89, p = 0.006). These findings raise concerns about the future place of transplant surgeons within the science that shapes our own field.