Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developmental changes in short‐term facilitation are opposite at temporoammonic synapses compared to Schaffer collateral synapses onto CA1 pyramidal cells

CA1 pyramidal neurons receive two distinct excitatory inputs that are each capable of influencing hippocampal output and learning and memory. The Schaffer collateral (SC) input from CA3 axons onto the more proximal dendrites of CA1 is part of the trisynaptic circuit, which originates in Layer II of the entorhinal cortex (EC). The temporoammonic (TA) pathway to CA1 provides input directly from Layer III of the EC onto the most distal dendrites of CA1 pyramidal cells, and is involved in spatial memory and memory consolidation. We have previously described a developmental decrease in short‐term facilitation from juvenile (P13–18) to young adult (P28–42) rats at SC synapses that is due to feedback inhibition via synaptically activated mGluR1 on CA1 interneurons. It is not known how short‐term changes in synaptic strength are regulated at TA synapses, nor is it known how short‐term plasticity is balanced at SC and TA inputs during development. Here we describe a novel developmental increase in short‐term facilitation at TA synapses, which is the opposite of the decrease in facilitation occurring at SC synapses. Although short‐term facilitation is much lower at TA synapses when compared with SC synapses in juveniles, short‐term plasticity at SC and TA synapses converges at similar levels of paired‐pulse facilitation in the young adult rat. However, in young adults CA3‐CA1 synapses still exhibit more facilitation than TA‐CA1 synapses during physiologically‐relevant activity, suggesting that the two pathways are each poised to uniquely modulate CA1 output in an activity‐dependent manner. Finally, we show that there is a developmental decrease in the initial release probability at TA synapses that underlies their developmental decrease in facilitation, but no developmental change in release probability at SC synapses. This represents a fundamental difference inthe presynaptic function of the two major inputs to CA1, which could alter the flow of information in hippocampus during development. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of bone matrix protein expression and induction of differentiation of human osteoblasts and human bone marrow stromal cells by bone morphogenetic protein‐2

We have examined the effects of BMP‐2 on the expression of bone matrix proteins in both human bone marrow stromal cells (HBMSC) and human osteoblasts (HOB) and their proliferation and mineralization. Both HBMSC and HOB express BMP‐2/‐4 type I and type II receptors. Treatment of these two cell types with BMP‐2 for 4 weeks in the presence of β‐glycerophosphate and ascorbic acid results in mineralization of their matrix. BMP‐2 increases the mRNA level and activities of alkaline phosphatase and elevates the mRNA levels and protein synthesis of osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, and α1(I) collagen in both cell types. Whereas the mRNA level of decorin is increased, the mRNA concentration of biglycan is not altered by BMP‐2. No effect on osteonectin is observed. The effect of BMP‐2 on bone matrix protein expression is dose dependent from 25 to 100 ng/ml and is evident after 1–7 days treatment. In the presence of BMP‐2, proliferation of HBMSC and HOB is decreased under either serum‐free condition or in the presence of serum. Thus, BMP‐2 has profound effects on the proliferation, expression of most of the bone matrix proteins and the mineralization of both relatively immature human bone marrow stromal preosteoblasts and mature human osteoblasts. J. Cell. Biochem. 67:386–398, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Familial occurrence of artefactual ocular hypertension from thick corneas and of primary open angle glaucoma in a French Canadian kindred

We describe the coexistence of artefactual ocular hypertension due to increased central corneal thickness (CCT>585 µm), with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in a French Canadian kindred. Seventeen members of the family were examined and classified as to their glaucoma status. The mean CCT for our glaucoma patients (580 µm; n=5) and that for normals (552 µm; n=6) were within two standard deviations of the mean value provided in the literature (531 µm ± SD=29 µm). The mean CCT of 611 µm for the suspect group (n=6) was considerably higher than for the glaucoma and normal groups. All but one of the suspects were classified as ocular hypertensives on the basis of high intraocular pressures (IOPs). When the IOPs for these patients (mean 22.6 mmHg) were corrected for their CCTs, all had pressures of <21 mmHg (mean 16.4 mmHg). Ten of the seventeen family members had thick CCTs, and transmission of thick corneas was seen in two generations. A number of individuals in this family had optic nerve head drusen (9/17) and the mean CCT of these individuals (601 µm) was higher than the mean CCT (560 µm) of the group without drusen (P=0.020 by t test). Artefactual ocular hypertension and POAG can be present in different members of the same family. The presence of a thick cornea appears to be an inherited trait and may be associated with the presence of optic nerve drusen. This association suggests a developmental relationship between thick corneas and optic nerve head drusen which needs to be studied further.
Differences between mammalian ventral and dorsal spinal roots in response to blockade of potassium channels during maturation

Differences in potassium channel organization between motor and sensory fibres have been described in amphibians but have not previously been examined in mammals. In the present investigation, we studied whole nerve and single axon responses following pharmacological blockade of potassium conductance in rat ventral and dorsal spinal roots during maturation. Our results indicate a differential sensitivity in maturing mammalian motor and sensory fibres which is most apparent in younger roots. Specifically, application of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) results in a broadening of the compound action potential in ventral roots which is associated with a delayed repolarization of the individual action potential of single fibres. In contrast, blockade of potassium channels in young dorsal roots results in a late negativity in the compound response which is correlated with multispike bursting activity recorded from single sensory fibres. The effects of 4-AP on ventral root fibres diminish earlier in the course of maturation than do the effects of 4-AP in dorsal root fibres. These results demonstrate developmental differences in the functional organization of potassium channels in mammalian motor and sensory axons which may have implications for differences in coding properties between these two classes of axons.
Diagnosis of Liddle syndrome by genetic analysis of beta and gamma subunits of epithelial sodium channel--a report of five affected family members.

OBJECTIVE To screen the gene mutation in beta and gamma subunits of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) of a Chinese family, some of whose members are clinically diagnosed as suffering from Liddle syndrome. METHODS Twelve family members were recruited to the study. Among them, two brothers had been clinically diagnosed as suffering from Liddle syndrome. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all members of the family and total genomic DNA was prepared for genetic analysis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for amplifying the last exon of beta (codon 513-673) and gamma (codon 503-632) subunits of the ENaC gene. PCR products were purified and subjected to a direct DNA sequence analysis. RESULTS Genetic analysis of the beta ENaC gene revealed a missense mutation of CCC to CTC at codon 616 in four middle-aged men of the second generation and one young woman of the third generation. There was no mutation of the gamma ENaC gene in any of the individuals examined. CONCLUSION Through direct DNA sequencing analysis, we diagnosed the disease present in five members of a Chinese family as Liddle syndrome, and excluded it in some other young offspring suffering from the monogenic disease. Our results provide further evidence that Pro616 is a critical amino acid that has a key role in the inhibition of sodium channel activity.
Growth, inequality and structural changes in Korea: Egalitarian growth and its demise

Abstract This article examines structural changes in the Korean economy and their implications for inequality and growth. Korea is well known for rapid economic growth and equal income distribution in the past. It has been called the East Asian miracle, the result of historical initial conditions and government policy efforts. However, after the 1997 financial crisis and economic restructuring, Korea’s egalitarian growth model is over. In the neoliberal growth model of the postcrisis period, the Korean economy has suffered from a vicious cycle of rising income inequality and stagnant economic growth. This article also discusses how structural changes such as industrialization and deindustrialization of the economy are associated with the historical changes in inequality in Korea. It argues that we can observe Kuznets waves in Korea with the upswing of inequality in the recent period. The author calls for efforts of the Korean government to expand social welfare, strengthen workers, and implement democratic structural reform for inclusive growth.
Peak skin and eye lens radiation dose from brain perfusion CT based on Monte Carlo simulation.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to accurately estimate the radiation dose to skin and the eye lens from clinical CT brain perfusion studies, investigate how well scanner output (expressed as volume CT dose index [CTDI(vol)]) matches these estimated doses, and investigate the efficacy of eye lens dose reduction techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS Peak skin dose and eye lens dose were estimated using Monte Carlo simulation methods on a voxelized patient model and 64-MDCT scanners from four major manufacturers. A range of clinical protocols was evaluated. CTDI(vol) for each scanner was obtained from the scanner console. Dose reduction to the eye lens was evaluated for various gantry tilt angles as well as scan locations. RESULTS Peak skin dose and eye lens dose ranged from 81 mGy to 348 mGy, depending on the scanner and protocol used. Peak skin dose and eye lens dose were observed to be 66-79% and 59-63%, respectively, of the CTDI(vol) values reported by the scanners. The eye lens dose was significantly reduced when the eye lenses were not directly irradiated. CONCLUSION CTDI(vol) should not be interpreted as patient dose; this study has shown it to overestimate dose to the skin or eye lens. These results may be used to provide more accurate estimates of actual dose to ensure that protocols are operated safely below thresholds. Tilting the gantry or moving the scanning region further away from the eyes are effective for reducing lens dose in clinical practice. These actions should be considered when they are consistent with the clinical task and patient anatomy.
Cost-effectiveness of the Three I's for HIV/TB and ART to prevent TB among people living with HIV.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the Three I's for HIV/TB (human immunodeficiency virus/tuberculosis): antiretroviral therapy (ART), intensified TB case finding (ICF), isoniazid preventive treatment (IPT), and TB infection control (IC). METHODS Using a 3-year decision-analytic model, we estimated the cost-effectiveness of a base scenario (55% ART coverage at CD4 count ⩿350 cells/mm(3)) and 19 strategies that included one or more of the following: 1) 90% ART coverage, 2) IC and 3) ICF using four-symptom screening and 6- or 36-month IPT. The TB diagnostic algorithm included 1) sputum smear microscopy with chest X-ray, and 2) Xpert® MTB/RIF. RESULTS In resource-constrained settings with a high burden of HIV and TB, the most cost-effective strategies under both diagnostic algorithms included 1) 55% ART coverage and IC, 2) 55% ART coverage, IC and 36-month IPT, and 3) expanded ART at 90% coverage with IC and 36-month IPT. The latter averted more TB cases than other scenarios with increased ART coverage, IC, 6-month IPT and/or IPT for tuberculin skin test positive individuals. The cost-effectiveness results did not change significantly under the sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION Expanded ART to 90% coverage, IC and a 36-month IPT strategy averted most TB cases and is among the cost-effective strategies.
Fibrillogenic Amylin Evokes Islet β-Cell Apoptosis through Linked Activation of a Caspase Cascade and JNK1*

Fibrillogenic human amylin elicits pancreatic β-cell apoptosis that may contribute to development of type-2 diabetes. Here, we demonstrated that activation of a caspase cascade is necessary for induction of apoptosis by fibrillogenic amylin variants in two pancreatic β-cell lines. Human amylin, as well as truncated 8–37human amylin, evoked sequential activation of caspases-8 and -3, and apoptosis, whereas non-β-sheet forming and non-fibrillogenic homologs, such as [25,28,29triprolyl]human amylin, did not, implying that the β-sheet conformer is required for human amylin-induced caspase activation. Significant inhibition of apoptosis was evoked by a selective caspase-1 inhibitor, indicating that caspase-1 is also essential for activation of the caspase cascade. Furthermore, we showed that specific jnk1 antisense oligonucleotides, which suppress phospho-JNK1 expression, effectively decreased human amylin-induced activation of c-Jun. Studies of the interplay between the caspase cascade and the JNK pathway showed that both apoptosis and caspase-3 activation were suppressed by treatment with a JNK inhibitor and by transfection of antisense jnk1 oligonucleotides or antisense-c-jun, whereas a selective inhibitor of caspases-1 and -3 prevented apoptosis but not c-Jun activation. Thus, the JNK1 activation preceded activation of caspases-1 and -3. However, selective JNK inhibition had no effect on caspase-8 activation, and selective caspase-8 inhibition only partially suppressed apoptosis and c-Jun activation, indicating that caspase-8 may partially act upstream of the JNK pathway. Our studies demonstrate a functional interaction of a caspase cascade and JNK1. Fibrillogenic amylin can evoke a JNK1-mediated apoptotic pathway, which is partially dependent and partially independent of caspase-8, and in which caspase-3 acts as a common downstream effector.
Effect of Carbohydrate Supplementation on Plasma Glutamine During Prolonged Exercise and Recovery

Muscle glycogen and glucose have been suggested to be carbon-chain precursors for glutamine synthesis in skeletal muscle. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate whether carbohydrate supplementation affects plasma glutamine and other amino acids during exercise and 7 h of recovery. Eight well-trained subjects cycled at an alternating workload of 50 and 80% Wmax until exhaustion (59 to 140 min). During the exercise bout the subjects received either water (control) or a carbohydrate (CHO) drink (83 g CHO x l(-1), 2 ml x kg(-1) per kg body weight every 15 min). Plasma glutamine concentration appeared not to be affected by exercise, as a significant increase was only observed at some points in time during the control test. During recovery, however, plasma glutamine concentration decreased from 682+/-24 and 685+/-19 micromol x l(-1) at exhaustion to 552+/-19 and 534+/-12 micromol x l(-1) after 2 h of recovery for the control and CHO test, respectively. Plasma glutamine concentration returned to pre-exercise values after 7 h of recovery. Alanine concentration increased during exercise in both tests. During the recovery period the concentration of alanine (48%), and total amino acids (23%) decreased below the pre-exercise level. The plasma alanine and the total amino acid concentration was still suppressed after 7 h of recovery. In conclusion, carbohydrate supplementation had neither an effect during exercise nor during recovery on the concentration of plasma glutamine or other amino acids. Exercise, however, causes a substantial decrease in the plasma amino acid concentration during recovery.
The Political Economy of EU Climate and Energy Policies in Central and Eastern Europe Revisited: Shifting Coalitions and Prospects for Clean Energy Transitions

The countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) have commonly been regarded as climate and energy policy laggards blocking more ambitious EU decarbonization targets. Although recent literature has increasingly acknowledged the differences in national positions on energy and climate issues among these states, there has been little comprehensive evidence about their positioning on EU climate and energy policies and the domestic interests which shape government preferences. The article addresses this gap by tracing the voting behavior of six CEE countries (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania) on EU energy-related legislation in the Council of Ministers between 2007–2018. The article shows that the contestation of energy policies, particularly of climate-related legislation, in the Council of Ministers has increased over time and that these six CEE countries have indeed most often objected to the adoption of EU legislation. The CEE states do not, however, have a common regional positioning on all EU energy policies. Voting coalitions among the six CEE countries differ substantially across energy policy areas. The lack of a common regional position and changing national preferences have enabled the adoption of a relatively ambitious EU Energy and Climate Package for 2030. The differences in national voting patterns are explained by the evolving interests and the ability of key domestic political and economic actors to adapt to and explore benefits from the ever-expanding EU energy and climate policies.
Increased Apoptosis in B-chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells as a Result of Cyclin D3 Down Regulation

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a clonal B cell malignancy of morphologically mature, functionally immature B cells. B-cell CLL cells are known to be resistant to killing by anticancer and other agents. This resistance is associated with alterations in apoptosis and cell cycle regulated genes. In our earlier studies, we have demonstrated that CLL cells have differential expression of genes that are associated with apoptosis and cell cycle regulation, including elevated expression of Bcl-2, DAD-1, Cyclin D3 and cyclin dependent kinase 4 inhibitor. Therefore, in this study, in an attempt to study the role of Cyclin D3 in the resistant behavior of CLL cells, Cyclin D3 was down regulated using antisense oligonucleotide (AS-ODN) in WSU-CLL, a human CLL cell line. The down regulation of Cyclin D3 was confirmed by RT-PCR and flow cytometry techniques. The Cyclin D3 expression down-regulated WSU-CLL cells were then tested for their susceptibility to fludarabine, a chemotherapeutic agent. Our results showed that the Cyclin D3 expression down-regulated WSU-CLL cells were more susceptible to fludarabine mediated killing. Following treatment with fludarabine, there was a significant increase in the number of cells undergoing apoptosis in Cyclin D3 expression down-regulated WSU-CLL cells as determined by Annexin-V assay, cell cycle analysis for DNA content, and cytomorphology. Thus, our results indicate Cyclin D3 down regulation increases the killing of WSU-CLL cells with fludarabine by increasing the number of cells undergoing apoptosis.
Energy-Transducing Adenosine Triphosphatase from Escherichia coli: Purification, Properties, and Inhibition by Antibody

The membrane adenosine triphosphatase (E.C. 3.6.1.3) from Escherichia coli has been solubilized with Triton X-100 and purified to near homogeneity. The purified enzyme has a sedimentation coefficient of 12.9S in a sucrose gradient, corresponding to a molecular weight of about 360,000. On electrophoresis in gels containing sodium dodecyl sulfate, it dissociates into subunits with apparent molecular weights of 60,000, 56,000, 35,000, and 13,000. The purified enzyme loses activity and breaks down into subunits when stored in the cold. Guanosine 5′-triphosphate and inosine 5′-triphosphate are alternative substrates. Ca2+ and, to a small extent, Co2+ or Ni2+ will substitute for Mg2+ in the reaction. The Km for Mg-adenosine triphosphate of the membrane-bound enzyme is 0.23 mM, and for the pure enzyme it is 0.29 mM. Azide is a noncompetitive inhibitor of both the membrane-bound enzyme and the pure enzyme. Pi is a noncompetitive inhibitor of the solubilized enzyme. An antibody to the purified enzyme was obtained from rabbits. The antibody inhibits the solubilized enzyme and virtually all of the adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis by membranes from cells grown aerobically or anaerobically. The antibody also inhibits the adenosine triphosphate-stimulated pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase (E.C. 1.6.1.1) of the E. coli membrane.
Potential Output, Output Gap and Great Recession in the Eurozone

The thesis regarding output gap estimation is divided into two sections. The first part evaluates the latent potential output of euro area since 1998. The emphasis is put on the inquiry of usefulness of such estimates. The main findings resulting from this analysis are that, while ex-post assessment of potential output can serve as an effective tool for description of economy’s behaviour in the past, the estimates evaluated in real-time are surrounded by huge amount of uncertainty which causes them to be of low reliability. For example, when searching for a structural break in the development of potential output, estimates of all models lay in one year range suggesting it to happen approximately at the end of 2007. On the other hand, the directions of output gaps evaluated at the end of real time data vintages were the same only 60% times. The second part of the thesis concerns with applicability of output gap estimates to inflation forecasting. The results show very little or no added value of such predictive modelling as autoregressive models of inflation perform comparable or significantly better forecasts for the euro area in medium and short term. JEL Classification E31, E32, E37, E58
Audit and risk committee in financial crime prevention

Purpose This empirical study aims to examine two areas: first, the characteristics of the audit committee and their relationship with corporate financial crime so as to ensure that their effectiveness as a corporate governance mechanism is still relevant; and second, the effectiveness of having a risk committee which is separated from the audit committee in the prevention of corporate financial crime. Design/methodology/approach This empirical research was carried out by using a Web-based data collection for corporate financial crime cases. Findings While the results for audit committee characteristics are not supported, the findings, however, indicate a significant relationship between the existence of a stand-alone risk committee with corporate financial crime incidences. Practical implications The result of the study serves as an empirical indicator of a firm’s consideration in deciding on the implementation of a stand-alone risk committee from its audit committee. Originality/value Both the descriptive and correlation analyses produced by this paper provide new insights into the extent of corporate financial crime, as well as the empirical evidence of the effectiveness of having a stand-alone risk committee.