Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electrical stimulation of low-threshold afferent fibers induces a prolonged synaptic depression in lamina II dorsal horn neurons to high-threshold afferent inputs in mice

Abstract Electrical stimulation of low-threshold A&bgr;-fibers (A&bgr;-ES) is used clinically to treat neuropathic pain conditions that are refractory to pharmacotherapy. However, it is unclear how A&bgr;-ES modulates synaptic responses to high-threshold afferent inputs (C-, A&dgr;-fibers) in superficial dorsal horn. Substantia gelatinosa (SG) (lamina II) neurons are important for relaying and modulating converging spinal nociceptive inputs. We recorded C-fiber–evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) in spinal cord slices in response to paired-pulse test stimulation (500 &mgr;A, 0.1 millisecond, 400 milliseconds apart). We showed that 50-Hz and 1000-Hz, but not 4-Hz, A&bgr;-ES (10 &mgr;A, 0.1 millisecond, 5 minutes) induced prolonged inhibition of C-fiber eEPSCs in SG neurons in naive mice. Furthermore, 50-Hz A&bgr;-ES inhibited both monosynaptic and polysynaptic forms of C-fiber eEPSC in naive mice and mice that had undergone spinal nerve ligation (SNL). The paired-pulse ratio (amplitude second eEPSC/first eEPSC) increased only in naive mice after 50-Hz A&bgr;-ES, suggesting that A&bgr;-ES may inhibit SG neurons by different mechanisms under naive and nerve-injured conditions. Finally, 50-Hz A&bgr;-ES inhibited both glutamatergic excitatory and GABAergic inhibitory interneurons, which were identified by fluorescence in vGlut2-Td and glutamic acid decarboxylase–green fluorescent protein transgenic mice after SNL. These findings show that activities in A&bgr;-fibers lead to frequency-dependent depression of synaptic transmission in SG neurons in response to peripheral noxious inputs. However, 50-Hz A&bgr;-ES failed to induce cell-type–selective inhibition in SG neurons. The physiologic implication of this novel form of synaptic depression for pain modulation by A&bgr;-ES warrants further investigation.
Differential responses to sympathetic stimulation in the cerebral and brachial circulations during rhythmic handgrip exercise in humans

The sympathetic neural regulation of the cerebral circulation remains controversial. The purpose of the present study was to determine how exercise modulates the simultaneous responsiveness of the cerebral and brachial circulations to ‘endogenous’ sympathetic activation (cold pressor test). In nine healthy subjects, heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were continuously measured during cold pressor tests (4°C water) conducted at rest and during randomized bouts of rhythmic handgrip of 10, 25 and 40% of maximal voluntary contraction. Doppler ultrasound was used to examine brachial artery blood flow (FBF) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) mean blood velocity (Vmean), and indices of vascular conductance were calculated for the brachial artery (forearm vascular conductance, FVC) and MCA (cerebral vascular conductance index, CVCi). End‐tidal was evaluated on a breath‐by‐breath basis. Handgrip evoked increases in HR, FBF, FVC and MCA Vmean (P < 0.05 versus rest), while MAP and CVCi were unchanged and fell slightly (P < 0.05 versus rest). Increases in MAP and HR during the cold pressor test were similar at rest and during all handgrip trials. Forearm vascular conductance was markedly reduced with the cold pressor test at rest (−45 ± 8%), but this vasoconstrictor effect was progressively attenuated with increasing exercise intensity (FVC −17 ± 3% during exercise at 40% of maximal voluntary contraction; P < 0.05). In contrast, the small reduction in CVCi with cold pressor test was similar at rest and during handgrip (approximately −5%). Our data indicate that while the marked vasoconstrictor responses to sympathetic activation in the skeletal muscle vasculature are blunted by handgrip exercise, the modest cerebrovascular responses to a cold pressor test remain unchanged.
Subspace Clustering using Ensembles of $K$-Subspaces

Subspace clustering is the unsupervised grouping of points lying near a union of low-dimensional linear subspaces. Algorithms based directly on geometric properties of such data tend to either provide poor empirical performance, lack theoretical guarantees or depend heavily on their initialization. We present a novel geometric approach to the subspace clustering problem that leverages ensembles of the $K$-subspace (KSS) algorithm via the evidence accumulation clustering framework. Our algorithm, referred to as ensemble $K$-subspaces (EKSSs), forms a co-association matrix whose $(i,j)$th entry is the number of times points $i$ and $j$ are clustered together by several runs of KSS with random initializations. We prove general recovery guarantees for any algorithm that forms an affinity matrix with entries close to a monotonic transformation of pairwise absolute inner products. We then show that a specific instance of EKSS results in an affinity matrix with entries of this form, and hence our proposed algorithm can provably recover subspaces under similar conditions to state-of-the-art algorithms. The finding is, to the best of our knowledge, the first recovery guarantee for evidence accumulation clustering and for KSS variants. We show on synthetic data that our method performs well in the traditionally challenging settings of subspaces with large intersection, subspaces with small principal angles and noisy data. Finally, we evaluate our algorithm on six common benchmark datasets and show that unlike existing methods, EKSS achieves excellent empirical performance when there are both a small and large number of points per subspace.
Involvement of SH2-containing Phosphotyrosine Phosphatase Syp in Erythropoietin Receptor Signal Transduction Pathways (*)

Erythropoietin (Epo) regulates the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid precursors. The phosphorylation of proteins at tyrosine residues is critical in the growth signaling induced by Epo. This mechanism is regulated by the activities of both protein-tyrosine kinases and protein tyrosine phosphatases. The discovery of phosphotyrosine phosphatases that contain SH2 domains suggests roles for these molecules in growth factor signaling pathways. We found that Syp, a phosphotyrosine phosphatase, widely expressed in all tissues in mammals became phosphorylated on tyrosine after stimulation with Epo in M07ER cells engineered to express high levels of human EpoR. Syp was complexed with Grb2 in Epo-stimulated M07ER cells. Direct binding between Syp and Grb2 was also observed in vitro. Furthermore, Syp appeared to bind directly to tyrosine-phosphorylated EpoR in M07ER cells. Both NH2-terminal and COOH-terminal SH2 domains of Syp, made as glutathione S-trnsferase fusion proteins, were able to bind to the tyrosine-phosphorylated EpoR in vitro. These results suggest that Syp may be an important signaling component downstream of the EpoR and may regulate the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells.
A Novel Family of Escherichia coli Toxin-Antitoxin Gene Pairs

ABSTRACT Bacterial toxin-antitoxin protein pairs (TA pairs) encode a toxin protein, which poisons cells by binding and inhibiting an essential enzyme, and an antitoxin protein, which binds the toxin and restores viability. We took an approach that did not rely on sequence homology to search for unidentified TA pairs in the genome of Escherichia coli K-12. Of 32 candidate genes tested, ectopic expression of 6 caused growth inhibition. In this report, we focus on the initial characterization of yeeV, ykfI, and ypjF, a novel family of toxin proteins. Coexpression of the gene upstream of each toxin restored the growth rate to that of the uninduced strain. Unexpectedly, we could not detect in vivo protein-protein interactions between the new toxin and antitoxin pairs. Instead, the antitoxins appeared to function by causing a large reduction in the level of cellular toxin protein.
Synthetic Signatures of Volcanic Ash Cloud Particles From X-Band Dual-Polarization Radar

Weather radar retrieval, in terms of detection, estimation, and sensitivity, of volcanic ash plumes is dependent not only on the radar system specifications but also on the range and ash cloud distribution. The minimum detectable signal can be increased, for a given radar and ash plume scenario, by decreasing the observation range and increasing the operational frequency and also by exploiting possible polarimetric capabilities. For short-range observations in proximity of the volcano vent, a compact portable system with relatively low power transmitter may be evaluated as a suitable compromise between observational and technological requirements. This paper, starting from the results of a previous study and from the aforementioned issues, is aimed at quantitatively assessing the optimal choices for a portable X-band system with a dual-polarization capability for real-time ash cloud remote sensing. The physical-electromagnetic model of ash particle distributions is systematically reviewed and extended to include nonspherical particle shapes, vesicular composition, silicate content, and orientation phenomena. The radar backscattering response at X-band is simulated and analyzed in terms of self-consistent polarimetric signatures for ash classification purposes and correlation with ash concentration for quantitative retrieval aims. An X-band radar system sensitivity analysis to ash concentration, as a function of radar specifications, range, and ash category, is carried out in trying to assess the expected system performances and limitations.
Complete resolution of heartburn symptoms and health‐related quality of life in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease

Medical treatments for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) vary in their ability to completely resolve heartburn and other symptoms. Although GERD reduces health‐related quality of life (HRQL) little is known about the relationship between resolution of heartburn symptoms with medical therapy and HRQL. We evaluated the association between complete resolution of heartburn symptoms and functioning and well‐being in three samples of patients with GERD.
Solubilization of type I and V collagens in Japanese flounder muscle during chilled storage

The post-mortem changes of type I and V collagens in Japanese flounder muscle during chilled storage were examined. The muscle softened significantly within 12 h under chilled storage. Both type I and V collagens isolated by ion-exchange chromatographies showed no remarkable changes in band patterns even after 24 h of storage, suggesting that degraded collagen molecules may be removed from the collagen fraction by a conventional preparation method. In contrast, type I and V collagen molecules were detected by Western blotting with each specific antibody in a saline extract and gradually increased during chilled storage. These results suggest that both type I and V collagens may participate in the post-mortem softening of fish muscle.
Outcomes associated with serum calcium level in men with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Elevated serum calcium has been associated with increased mortality in dialysis patients, but it is unclear whether the same is true in non-dialysis-dependent (NDD) chronic kidney disease (CKD). Outcomes associated with low serum calcium are also not well-characterized. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS We examined associations of baseline, time-varying, and time-averaged serum calcium with all-cause mortality in a historic prospective cohort of 1243 men with moderate and advanced NDD CKD by using Cox models. RESULTS The association of serum calcium with mortality varied according to the applied statistical models. Higher baseline calcium and time-averaged calcium were associated with higher mortality (multivariable adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.31 (1.13, 1.53); P < 0.001 for a baseline calcium 1 mg/dl higher). However, in time-varying analyses, lower calcium levels were associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS Higher serum calcium is associated with increased long-term mortality (as reflected by the baseline and time-averaged models), and lower serum calcium is associated with increased short-term mortality (as reflected by the time-varying models) in patients with NDD CKD. Clinical trials are warranted to determine whether maintaining normal serum calcium can improve outcomes in these patients.
Sinus elevation with alloplasts or xenogenic materials and implants: an up-to-4-year clinical and radiologic follow-up.

PURPOSE The clinical and radiologic results of bone substitute application in the sinus elevation procedure were evaluated for up to 4 years after a grafting procedure followed by implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 1997 and 2001, augmentation of the maxillary sinus floor with alloplastic or xenogenic materials was performed in 34 nonsmoking patients with generally good health. However, only 18 patients attended all of the required annual clinical and radiographic examinations and thus were included in the study. Mean follow-up after implantation was 29 months. RESULTS At the second-stage surgery all the implants were osseointegrated, except for 1 Frialit-2, which was removed. Following prosthetic rehabilitation no implant was lost after 4 years of function, for a prosthetic success rate of 100%. The cumulative implant survival rate after 48 months was 97% (36 of 37 implants). DISCUSSION Osseointegrated implants are a reliable treatment option for restoring the posterior maxilla, and final predictability was not influenced by their placement in augmented areas after sinus elevation with bone substitutes. CONCLUSIONS The survival rate obtained with this study is similar to that expected for implants placed in nongrafted areas. This study showed that alloplasts and xenogenic materials are reliable for bone regeneration in the subantral cavities, as they showed very low resorption in the present study.
Detection of cerebral metastases on magnetic resonance imaging: intraindividual comparison of gadobutrol with gadopentetate dimeglumine

Background: Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with gadolinium-based contrast agents is widely used for the detection of cerebral metastases with standard contrast agents. Newer developments in MR contrast agents have led to a higher relaxivity and/or concentration for these agents. Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of a standard dose of 1.0 M gadobutrol compared with a standard dose of gadopentetate dimeglumine for the MR detection of brain metastases. Material and Methods: 27 patients with at least one cerebral metastasis were examined twice with contrast-enhanced MR imaging, using gadobutrol at 0.1 ml/kg and gadopentetate dimeglumine at 0.2 ml/kg (i.e., identical gadolinium dosage of 0.1 mmol/kg bodyweight). The interval between examinations was 18 hours, and the order of injection was fully randomized. Images were acquired using a three-dimensional (3D) fast gradient echo sequence, and evaluated in blinded fashion by two experienced neuroradiologists in consensus in terms of the total number of lesions detected at each examination in each patient and qualitatively in terms of the lesion conspicuity observed. Results: A total of 67 lesions were detected after gadobutrol compared with 65 lesions detected after gadopentetate dimeglumine. In two patients, a lesion was seen only after gadobutrol. Qualitative comparison of images revealed improved lesion conspicuity after gadobutrol in 10/27 cases compared with 0/27 cases after gadopentetate dimeglumine, and equivalent conspicuity in 17/27 cases (P=0.002, gadobutrol vs. gadopentetate dimeglumine). Conclusion:At equal gadolinium dosage, gadobutrol appears to offer significant advantages over gadopentetate dimeglumine for the visualization of brain metastases, with particular benefit for improving the conspicuity of detected lesions.
Three new cryptic species of the lamprey genus Lampetra Bonnaterre, 1788 (Petromyzontiformes: Petromyzontidae) from the Iberian Peninsula

The Iberian Peninsula is a repository for biodiversity, presenting high levels of endemism in both plants and animals. In this peninsular region, brook lampreys confined to small, isolated river basins evolved in allopatry giving rise to evolutionary lineages, as revealed by mitochondrial DNA markers. For a better understanding of the taxonomic status and relationships of Iberian populations of the genus Lampetra, we combined previous data from genetics and morphological analysis (assessed here), and describe three new species of the lamprey genus Lampetra Bonnaterre, 1788 in Portugal. In this region L. planeri actually represent a complex of cryptic species, each having smaller geographic ranges than L. planeri, and consequently, greater vulnerability to extinction. The description of Lampetra alavariensis sp. nov. is based on 36 specimens collected on Ribeira de Mangas, a tributary of river Esmoriz, in Northern Portugal. Lampetra auremensis sp. nov. is described on the basis of 31 specimens collected on Ribeira do Olival, a small tributary of river Nabao (Tagus basin). Finally, Lampetra lusitanica sp. nov. is described based on 38 specimens from Ribeira da Marateca, Sado river basin, the southernmost distribution of the genus Lampetra. The recognition of these new species will contribute to the conservation of these already imperilled taxa and will help prevent the extinction of three important evolutionary lineages.
Purification and biochemical characterization of the haloalkaliphilic archaeon Natronococcus occultus extracellular serine protease

A serine protease was purified from Natronococcus occultus stationary phase culture medium (328‐fold, yield 19%) and characterized at the biochemical level. The enzyme has a native molecular mass of 130 kDa, has chymotrypsin‐like activity, is stable and active in a broad pH range (5.5–12), is rather thermophilic (optimal activity at 60 °C in 1–2 m NaCl) and is dependent on high salt concentrations for activity and stability (1–2 m NaCl or KCl). Polyclonal antibodies were raised against the purified protease. In Western blots, they presented no cross‐reactivity with culture medium from other halobacteria nor with commercial proteases except subtilisin. The amino acid sequences of three tryptic peptides obtained from Natronococcus occultus protease did not show significant similarity to other known proteolytic enzymes. This fact, in addition to its high molecular mass suggests that Natronococcus occultus extracellular protease may be a novel enzyme.
The Effect of Visfatin on Inflammatory Reaction in Uterus of LPS-Induced Rats

El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar los efectos de la visfatina sobre la estructura morfologica y la funcion del utero de la rata durante la inflamacion. Se estudiaron la expresion y distribucion de la visfatina, la estructura morfologica, eosinofilos, mieloperoxidasa y citoquinas en el utero de rata mediante la tincion de H&E, metodos inmunohistoquimicos, Western blots y ELISA. El estudio mostro que las celulas visfatina positivas se dispersan ampliamente en el utero, junto a una fuerte tincion positiva, principalmente en el citoplasma de la celula. En comparacion con el grupo control, en el grupo visfatina, se encontraron mas glandulas uterinas, se observo un aumento de EOS y la diferencia fue significativa (p 0,05). Despues de estimulo LPS en el cuerpo, se registro un nivel menor de visfatina en IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-a (P<0,01). Los resultados anteriores sugieren que visfatina podria afectar a la estructura morfologica del utero de rata. Ademas, podria modular la respuesta inflamatoria en el utero mediante la regulacion de la cantidad de celulas inflamatorias, tales como EOS y MPO.
Doctors and nurses: new game, same result

In the beginning the relationship between doctors and nurses was clear and simple. Doctors were superior. They had the hard knowledge that made ill people better. The nurses, usually women, were good but not necessarily very knowledgeable. They were in charge of folding pillow cases and mopping brows. Nurses didn't cure patients; on the whole they still don't. They were just nice to them while they waited to get better. In 1967 Dr Leonard Stein first outlined the doctor-nurse game. He said that the interactions between the two were carefully managed so as not to disturb the fixed hierarchy. Nurses were bold, had initiative, and were responsible for important recommendations. While being bold, however, they had to appear passive. In short, nurses were able to make recommendations as long as they made it look as if they were initiated by doctors. So the nurse was responsible for the wellbeing of her patients and the nourishment of the doctors' sense of professional self. …
Understanding muscle markers: aggregation and construct validity.

Musculoskeletal markers are frequently used to reconstruct past lifestyles and activity patterns. Yet, the reliability of muscle marker measurements has been called into question because they allegedly fail to correlate with cross-sectional properties and exercise patterns, and are confounded by body size. In this study, the principle of aggregation was used to sum muscle markers over 7 insertion sites (4 humeral, 2 radial, and 1 ulnar) and examine the effects on them of body size, age, sex, and cross-sectional properties. Analyses were made of a sample of 91 (66 males, 25 females) Native British Columbians (3500-1500 years BP) and 18th century Quebec prisoners. Muscle markers were measured using three-point observer rating scales; size was measured by standard methods; age and sex were determined through pelvic, cranial, and dental morphology; and cross-sectional properties were calculated from radiographs. Whereas any single muscle marker component failed to correlate with age, size, sex, or cross-sections, aggregate muscle marker correlated with: age, r = 0.49; size, r = 0.38; sex, r = 0.40; and, cross-sections, r = 0.38; P < 0.001. Older individuals had greater muscle markers, as did larger individuals, males, and those with more robust cross-sections. Based on partial correlations and regression analyses, age was the best overall predictor of aggregate muscle marker.