Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Profiles of evoked release along the length of frog motor nerve terminals.

In order to determine the relative probability of evoked transmitter release from different parts of frog motor nerve terminals, a technique has been developed in which single quantum end‐plate potentials (e.p.p.s) are recorded by two intracellular electrodes, located at opposite ends of identified junctions. The log of the ratio of the amplitudes recorded simultaneously at the two electrodes is a linear function of the distance of the site of origin of the event from each of the two electrodes. Using online computer data acquisition and analysis, and current pulses at known locations for spatial calibration, it is possible to localize the site of single quantum e.p.p.s to within +/‐ 10‐20 micron. Using the frog cutaneous pectoris neuromuscular preparation and a low calcium, high magnesium Ringer solution to ensure mostly single quantum events and failures, several thousand responses were recorded from each junction, allowing construction of a profile of the numbers of single quantum events arising from each portion of the junction. By comparison of junctional morphology and release profiles, it is possible to construct a probability of release per unit length profile for the entire junction. This technique has several advantages over localization of release events by measurements of extracellular synaptic currents. It was found that, for most junctions, the central 60‐90% of the terminal exhibited relatively uniform probability of release, with highest levels typically near the point where the axon first contacted the muscle fibre, or in regions with many short terminal branches. However, no instances have been found in which a small region of terminal (10% or less) showed extraordinarily high release levels (30‐50% of the total release from the junction). Characteristically, but not invariably, there is reduced release near the ends of terminal branches, especially the longer branches, where release per unit length could be as little as 5‐10% of that in proximal portions. Some junctions had large regions of terminal that released very little transmitter. These also showed multiple myelineated axonal inputs, and may have been polyneuronally innervated junctions in which one of the inputs was much weaker than the other.
Pediatric weekend admission and increased unplanned readmission rates.

Outcomes for patients hospitalized on weekends are often worse for adults-the so-called "weekend effect. " Less is known about the weekend effect for children. We examined 55,383 hospitalizations at a tertiary care children's hospital. We used logistic regression to examine the associations of weekend admission and weekend discharge with unplanned 30-day readmission. We adjusted analyses for patient and hospitalization characteristics including number of complex chronic conditions, technology dependency, and length of stay. The 30-day unplanned readmission rate was 10.3%. Children admitted on the weekend had significantly higher odds of unplanned readmission compared to children admitted on weekdays (adjusted odds ratio = 1.09 [95% confidence interval: 1.004-1.18]). In contrast, being discharged on the weekend was not associated with readmission. In conclusion, children admitted on the weekend have higher rates of 30-day unplanned readmission than children admitted during the week, suggesting care differences on the weekend related to initial clinical management rather than discharge planning.
Transient anomalous diffusion in Poiseuille flow

We revisit the classical problem of dispersion of a point discharge of tracer in laminar pipe Poiseuille flow. For a discharge at the centre of the pipe we show that in the limit of small non-dimensional diffusion, D, tracer dispersion can be divided into three regimes. For small times (t [Lt ] D−1/3), diffusion dominates advection yielding a spherically symmetric Gaussian dispersion cloud. At large times (t [Gt ] D−1), the flow is in the classical Taylor regime, for which the tracer is homogenized transversely across the pipe and diffuses with a Gaussian distribution longitudinally. However, in an intermediate regime (D−1/3 [Gt ] t [Gt ] D−1), the longitudinal diffusion is anomalous with a width proportional to t [Lt ] Dt2 and a distinctly asymmetric longitudinal distribution. We present a new solution valid in this regime and verify our results numerically. Analogous results are presented for an off-centre release; here the distribution width scales as D1/2t3/2 in the anomalous regime. These results suggest that anomalous diffusion is a hallmark of the shear dispersion of point discharges at times earlier than the Taylor regime.
Activation of Notch signaling in human tongue carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Involvement of Notch signaling in several tumors is well known, but its role in tongue squamous cell carcinoma remains poorly characterized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the roles of Notch signaling in the oncogenesis of tongue carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Tumor specimens and adjacent non-neoplastic tongue tissues from 74 patients with tongue carcinoma and human tongue carcinoma cell line Tca8113 were examined using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR to determine the expressions of Notch1, Notch3, Jagged1, and Jagged2. RESULTS The mRNA expressions of Notch1, Notch3, Jagged1, and Jagged2 were detected in Tca8113, tongue carcinoma, and adjacent non-neoplastic tongue tissues. The expression levels of mRNAs in tongue carcinoma were higher than those in adjacent non-neoplastic tongue tissues (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical examination showed that the Notch signal molecules were expressed in Tca8113, tongue carcinoma, and adjacent non-neoplastic tongue tissues. The expression rates of Notch1 and Notch3 protein in tongue carcinoma were higher than those in adjacent non-neoplastic tongue tissues (χ² = 6.10, P = 0.013; χ² = 3.94, P = 0.047). Notch1 and jagged1 were significantly more highly expressed in lymph node metastasis-positive tongue carcinoma (χ² = 6.108, P = 0.013; χ² = 7.354, P = 0.025). In addition, expressions of Notch3 and Jagged2 were highly correlated in tongue carcinoma tissues (χ² = 42.130, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Expressions of Notch receptors and ligands in tongue carcinoma and adjacent non-neoplastic tongue tissues suggest that Notch signaling may control cell differentiation and proliferation of carcinoma cells. The disorder of Notch signaling may be a mechanism of the tongue carcinoma development.
Edinburgh Research Explorer Modeling an Agent's Incomplete Knowledge During Planning and During Execution

In many domains agents must be able to gen(cid:8) erate plans even when faced with incomplete knowledge of their environment(cid:7) We pro(cid:8) vide a model to capture the evolution of the agent(cid:9)s knowledge as it engages in the activ(cid:8) ities of planning (cid:10)where the agent must at(cid:8) tempt to infer the e(cid:11)ects of hypothesized ac(cid:8) tions(cid:12) and execution (cid:10)where the agent must update its knowledge to re(cid:13)ect the actual ef(cid:8) fects of actions(cid:12)(cid:7) The e(cid:11)ects (cid:10)on the agent(cid:9)s knowledge(cid:12) of a planned sequence of actions are very di(cid:11)erent from the e(cid:11)ects of an exe(cid:8) cuted sequence of actions(cid:2) and one of the aims of this work is to clarify this distinction(cid:7) The work is also aimed at providing a model that is not only rigorous but can also be of use in developing planning systems(cid:7) (cid:2)
Relationship Between Primary Patency and Lesion Length Following Bare Nitinol Stent Placement for Femoropopliteal Disease

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between 1-year primary patency and lesion length in patients with femoropopliteal disease treated with bare nitinol stents. Methods: The study was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained multicenter database. Between January 2004 and December 2011, 1047 consecutive patients (mean age 72 years; 765 men) underwent femoropopliteal stenting with nitinol stents in 1373 limbs. The mean vessel diameter was 5.3±0.7 mm and the mean lesion length was 142±75 mm. One-year follow-up data were collected and analyzed to ascertain which lesion length would be expected to demonstrate a 1-year primary patency above the established 66% objective performance goal (OPG). Results: The lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the unadjusted 1-year primary patency was >66% when the lesion length was ≤243 mm. After adjustment of the covariates to match those of the OPG-derived population, the 1-year primary patency decreased linearly with longer lesion length. The 1-year primary patency was 83.2% (95% CI 79.8% to 86.1%) for a 100-mm lesion length, 76.4% (95% CI 71.7% to 80.5%) for a 200-mm lesion length, and 70.7% (95% CI 62.4% to 77.7%) for a 300-mm lesion length. The maximum lesion length providing a 1-year primary patency significantly greater than 66% was calculated to be 263 mm. Conclusion: The 1-year primary patency of femoropopliteal lesions treated with bare nitinol stents decreased linearly with longer lesion length. The maximum lesion length providing a higher patency rate than the OPG of 66% was ~25 cm.
Constraining Disk Parameters of Be Stars using Narrowband Hα Interferometry with the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer

Interferometric observations of two well-known Be stars, γ Cas and ϕ Per, were collected and analyzed to determine the spatial characteristics of their circumstellar regions. The observations were obtained using the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer equipped with custom-made narrowband filters. The filters isolate the Hα emission line from the nearby continuum radiation, which results in an increased contrast between the interferometric signature due to the Hα-emitting circumstellar region and the central star. Because the narrowband filters do not significantly attenuate the continuum radiation at wavelengths 50 nm or more away from the line, the interferometric signal in the Hα channel is calibrated with respect to the continuum channels. The observations used in this study represent the highest spatial resolution measurements of the Hα-emitting regions of Be stars obtained to date. These observations allow us to demonstrate for the first time that the intensity distribution in the circumstellar region of a Be star cannot be represented by uniform disk or ringlike structures, whereas a Gaussian intensity distribution appears to be fully consistent with our observations.
Immunocytochemical analysis of breast cells obtained by ductal lavage

Intraductal breast fluids containing exfoliated mammary epithelial cells can be harvested from the breast by ductal lavage to screen for disease‐associated cytologic abnormalities. In addition to epithelial cells, breast fluids contain large numbers of mammary foam cells, and the tissue of origin of these foam cells has been the subject of controversy for many years. Immunocytochemical, morphologic, and molecular studies variously have supported a mammary epithelial origin versus a histiocytic origin for this cell type. In the current study, the authors performed immunocytochemical analysis with epithelial specific and macrophage specific antibodies to characterize and quantify breast cells obtained by ductal lavage.
Acute and Subchronic Oral Toxicity Evaluation of Aqueous Root Extract of Dicoma anomala Sond. in Wistar Rats

The present study evaluated the safety of aqueous root extract of Dicoma anomala (AQRED) through acute and subchronic toxicity studies. Single oral dose of AQRED at the concentration of 0, 5, 300, and 2000 mg/kg as well as 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day was administered to rats for 14-day acute and 90-day subchronic oral toxicity studies. The results revealed no mortalities or observed clinical signs of toxicity in all the rats during both investigation periods. In subchronic toxicity testing, administration of AQRED also did not cause any changes in body weight as well as food and water consumption patterns. The haematological parameters and blood chemistry revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the treatment and the control except in platelet count, alkaline phosphatase, and sodium levels where there was a significant increase (p < 0.05), although there was also a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and creatinine when compared to control. However, these changes were not reflecting the results from histology. Conclusively, the obtained results suggested that the LD50 of AQRED is in excess of 2000 mg/kg and its oral administration for 90 days revealed that it is unlikely to be toxic, hence, safe.
CEACAM1 Dynamics during Neisseria gonorrhoeae Suppression of CD4+ T Lymphocyte Activation1

Neisseria gonorrhoeae colony opacity-associated (Opa) proteins bind to human carcinoembryonic antigen cellular adhesion molecules (CEACAM) found on host cells including T lymphocytes. Opa binding to CEACAM1 suppresses the activation of CD4+ T cells in response to a variety of stimuli. In this study, we use primary human CD4+ T cells isolated from peripheral blood to define the molecular events occurring subsequent to Opa-CEACAM1 binding. We establish that, in contrast to other cell types, T cells do not engulf N. gonorrhoeae upon CEACAM1 binding. Instead, the bacteria recruit CEACAM1 from intracellular stores and maintain it on the T cell surface. Upon TCR ligation, the co-engaged CEACAM1 becomes phosphorylated on tyrosine residues within the ITIMs apparent in the cytoplasmic domain. This allows the recruitment and subsequent activation of the src homology domain 2-containing tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2 at the site of bacterial attachment, which prevents the normal tyrosine phosphorylation of the CD3ζ-chain and ZAP-70 kinase in response to TCR engagement. Combined, this dynamic response allows the bacteria to effectively harness the coinhibitory function of CEACAM1 to suppress the adaptive immune response at its earliest step.
Immunoepidemiology of human necatoriasis: correlations between antibody responses and parasite burdens

In this paper we describe the relationship between antibodies to Necator americanus stage‐specific antigens and parasite burden in an endemically‐infected population in Papua New Guinea. Using an age‐structured analysis, we show that the correlation coefficient between levels of IgG against adult worm excretory‐secretory (ES) antigen and parasite burden declined significantly with host age from positive in younger hosts to significantly negative in older hosts. A trend towards similar patterns was present for anti‐larval IgG both pretreatment and after reinfection, and for anti‐ES IgM and anti‐ES IgE pretreatment. These patterns are consistent with a role for these isotypes in a protective immune response, although parasite‐induced immunosuppression may provide an alternate explanation. This is another demonstration of possibly protective responses to N. americanus infection. ,
Lower incidence of sesquiterpene lactone sensitivity in a population in Asia versus a population in Europe: an effect of chrysanthemum tea?

Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) ( Fig. 1 ) are an important cause of allergic plant contact dermatitis but are uncommon in the Far East. They belong to the Compositae family of plants. Sensitivity to SL may be airborne or via the topical route [topical herbal remedies, cosmetic products (1) , and in many occupations such as gardeners and florists].
Financial Distress and Idiosyncratic Volatility: An Empirical Investigation

We address the twin puzzles of anomalously low returns for high idiosyncratic volatility and high distress risk stocks, documented by Ang, Hodrick, Xing and Zhang (2006) and Campbell, Hilscher and Szilagyi (2005), respectively. We accomplish two objectives in this study. First, we investigate the link between idiosyncratic volatility and distress risk and find that the idiosyncratic volatility effect exists only conditionally on high distress risk. Second, using a corrected single-beta CAPM model, we provide a rational explanation for the twin puzzles. Joint statistical tests cannot reject the null hypothesis of zero abnormal returns across the idiosyncratic volatility and distress risk portfolios, for the corrected model.
Transcutaneous bilirubinometry decreases the need for serum bilirubin measurements and saves money.

Except for routine screening for inborn errors of metabolism, the most frequent laboratory test performed in the well infant nursery is a serum bilirubin measurement. The Minolta/Airshields jaundice meter provides an objective measurement of the degree of newborn jaundice and is useful for identifying which infants require a serum bilirubin measurement.1,2 This instrument has been studied extensively and performs well as a screening device.1,2 We hypothesized that the routine use of the jaundice meter in our nursery would reduce both the need for serum bilirubin measurements and costs. We deliver more than 5000 infants annually, 80% of whom are cared for by private pediatricians. We first established the relationship between serum bilirubin levels and the transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TcB) index in 356 white newborn infants born at 36 weeks' gestation or later. All serum bilirubin determinations were performed in the clinical laboratories by direct spectrophotometry (Bilirubinometer; Advanced Instruments, Needham Heights, MA; or Paramax, Irvine, CA). Physicians ordered serum bilirubin levels on clinical indication, and directly after blood was drawn, a TcB measurement was obtained by nursery nurses from the lower end of the sternum. During this phase of the study, the TcB measurement was not provided to physicians. Ten TcB determinations on each of three infants yielded coefficients of variation of 0%, 3.6%, and 5.2%. The instrument's calibration was checked daily against the glass standards provided by the manufacturer. Once introduced for clinical use, TcB measurements were compared every 3 months with 10 bilirubin determinations to ensure consistency with the data previously obtained. The jaundice meter was introduced for routine clinical use on November 1, 1990. For the guidance of pediatricians, tables were posted in the nursery showing the relationship between the TcB index …
Use of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil in food preservation: Recent advances and future perspectives

ABSTRACT The economic burdens and health implications of food spoilage are increasing. Contamination of food sources by fungi, bacteria, yeast, nematodes, insects, and rodents remains a major public health concern. Research has focused on developing safer natural products and innovations to meet consumers' acceptance as alternatives to synthetic food preservatives. Many recent novel preservative techniques and applications of both natural and synthetic origin continue to proliferate in food and chemical industries. In particular, some essential oils of plant origin are potent food preservatives and are thus attractive alternatives to synthetic preservatives. This paper provides an overview of recent advances and future prospects in assessing the efficacy of the use of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) essential oil in food preservation. The possible mechanisms of action and toxicological profile as well as evidence for or against the use of this essential oil as an alternative to synthetic food preservatives in domestic and industrial applications are discussed.
A game theoretic model for strategic maintenance and dispatch decisions

Maintenance decisions in an oligopolistic market attains a strategic dimension because gencos are often able to manipulate market prices through capacity withdrawal. A closely related issue is that of strategically withholding generation from available capacity. An analytic framework is presented that enables joint evaluation of maintenance and generation strategies. The Cournot-Nash equilibrium (CNE) concept is extended for intertemporal decision making on maintenance and generation for multiple gencos. Each Genco maximizes its profit by strategically putting its capacity on maintenance as well as withholding generation from available capacity, taking into account its rival gencos decisions. The CNE problem is posed as a continuous, or mixed integer, nonlinear programming optimization problem. Duality theory is employed to derive insights about the marginal profit that a genco may earn from an increment in its availability in an oligopolistic market setup. Illustrative numerical examples are presented of CNE maintenance and generation strategies and these are compared and contrasted against those of a perfectly competitive scenario.
Yanrui Wu notes

To cope with the rising labour cost and protect the country’s deteriorating environmental conditions, Chinese policy makers have recently made a series of policy changes to promote innovation and hence the development of a knowledge-based economy in the country in the coming decades. As a result, China’s R&D spending has expanded substantially. This paper contributes to the understanding of R&D behaviour in China’s large and medium-sized firms and hence the role of Chinese firms in innovation. The latter has important implications not only for the transformation of the Chinese economy but also for the rest of the world as Chinese firms become increasingly active internationally.
Double‐blind randomized trial of tramadol for the treatment of the pain of diabetic neuropathy

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tramadol in treating the pain of diabetic neuropathy. Background The pain of diabetic neuropathy is a major cause of morbidity among these patients and treatment, as with other small-fiber neuropathies, is often unsatisfactory. Tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic for use in treating moderate to moderately severe pain. Methods This multicenter, outpatient, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study consisted of a washoutlscreening phase, during which all analgesics were discontinued, and a 42-day double-blind treatment phase. A total of 131 patients with painful diabetic neuropathy were treated with tramadol (n = 65) or placebo (n = 66) tramadol, which were administered as identical capsules in divided doses four times daily. The primary efficacy analysis compared the mean pain intensity scores in the tramadol and placebo groups obtained at day 42 of the study or at the time of discontinuation. Secondary efficacy assessments were the pain relief rating scores and a quality of life evaluation based on daily activities and sleep characteristics. Results Tramadol, at an average dosage of 210 mg/day, was significantly (p < 0.001) more effective than placebo for treating the pain of diabetic neuropathy. Patients in the tramadol group scored significantly better in physical (p = 0.02) and social functioning (p = 0.04) ratings than patients in the placebo group. No statistically significant treatment effects on sleep were identified. The most frequently occurring adverse events with tramadol were nausea, constipation, headache, and somnolence. Conclusions The results of this placebo-controlled trial showed that tramadol was effective and safe in treating the pain of diabetic neuropathy.