Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of hyperpolarization in regenerated mature motor axons in cat

We found persistent abnormalities in the recovery of membrane excitability in long‐term regenerated motor nerve fibres in the cat as indicated in the companion paper. These abnormalities could partly be explained by membrane hyperpolarization. To further investigate this possibility, we compared the changes in excitability in control nerves and long‐term regenerated cat nerves (3–5 years after tibial nerve crush) during manoeuvres known to alter axonal membrane Na+–K+ pump function: polarization, cooling to 20°C, reperfusion after 10 min ischaemia, and up to 60 s of repetitive stimulation at 200 Hz. The abnormalities in excitability of regenerated nerves were reduced by depolarization and cooling and increased by hyperpolarization and during postischaemia. Moreover, the time course of recovery of excitability from repetitive stimulation and ischaemia was prolonged in regenerated nerves. Our data are consistent with an increased demand for electrogenic Na+–K+ pumping in regenerated nerves leading to membrane hyperpolarization. Such persistent hyperpolarization may influence the ability of the axon to compensate for changes in membrane potential following normal repetitive activity.
The Effect of Epileptic Discharges on Learning and Memory in Patients

The performance of epileptic patients was compared with that of normal subjects on a series of non‐verbal learning and memory tasks in the auditory, tactual and visual modalities. No differences were observed between the epileptic and normal subjects matched for IQ. Likewise, no differences were noted when the epileptic patients were divided into low and high active groups on the basis of fit frequency (prior to testing) and EEG abnormality (during testing). The modality of the stimulus material was not a significant variable. Reasons for the failure to demonstrate positive results were discussed.
Predictors of One-Year Disability and Death in Chinese Hospitalized Women after Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose: Women have a worse functional outcome after stroke, but the specific factors associated with a poor outcome in women are rarely reported. This study was designed to investigate the clinical predictors of 1-year disability and death in women after ischemic stroke. Methods: Patients with ischemic stroke consecutively registered from March 2002 to July 2007 were followed prospectively for 1 year. Multivariate regression models were employed to analyze predictors of disability (defined as modified Rankin scale score, mRS, 3–5 ) and death. Results: A total of 2,774 ischemic stroke patients were included with 1,119 (40.3%) females (mean age 65 ± 13.5 years). Among female patients, disability (mRS 3–5) is 1.68-fold higher and case fatality is 1.23-fold higher than in men at the 1-year follow-up. Diabetes is an independent predictor of 1-year disability among women (odds ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.01–2.39). In-hospital acute renal failure (hazard ratio, HR, 7.26; 95% CI, 3.47–5.19), suboptimal antiplatelets (HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.37–0.83) and antihypertensive therapy (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42–0.90) are associated with death at 1 year after stroke among women. Conclusions: The present study indicates that diabetes, in-hospital acute renal failure, suboptimal antiplatelets and antihypertensive therapy are the possible explanations for the poor 1-year outcome of women hospitalized with ischemic stroke.
An adaptive channel access mechanism for LTE-U and WiFi coexistence in an unlicensed spectrum

This paper proposes an adaptive channel access (ACA) mechanism for LTE-U and WiFi coexistence in an unlicensed spectrum. To support the ACA mechanism, we introduce a new time-frequency structure, and a modified listen before talk (MLBT) functionality for channel contention of LTE-U users. Moreover, we also introduce a dynamic channel switch (DCS) sub-mechanism and an adaptive almost blank subframe (AABS) sub-mechanism for LTE-U users to access a channel under different levels of traffic load. The DCS sub-mechanism is intended to avoid an LTE-U user to occupy a channel for too long and thus provide more access opportunities for WiFi users when the traffic load in the network is low. The AABS sub-mechanism is intended to reserve a certain number of subframes in an LTU-U frame for use by WiFi users when the traffic load in the network is high in order to ensure fair access opportunities for WiFi users. To use the DCS and AABS sub-mechanisms, the BS in the LTE-U network and the AP in the WiFi system must report the number of their users to a mobile management entity (MME) in the core network through signaling messages, respectively. Based on the information contained in the received signaling messages, the MME will calculate the current traffic load of LTE-U and WiFi, and based on the traffic load status decide to use different sub-mechanisms in LTE-U. Simulation results show that the proposed ACA mechanism can effectively improve the system performance in terms of average user throughput.
Molecular characterization of the Xenopus CCAAT-enhancer binding protein beta gene promoter.

Transcription factors belonging to the CCAAT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family play key roles in the regulation of genes implicated in the control of growth, differentiation, metabolism, and inflammation. The recent limited studies on the promoter regions of C/EBP genes, particularly C/EBPalpha, have indicated the potential existence of species-specific regulatory mechanisms. It is therefore essential that the promoter regions of different C/EBP genes from a wide range of species are investigated in detail. As an important step toward this goal, we report here the characterization of the Xenopus laevis C/EBPbeta gene promoter. Sequence analysis showed that the 1.6-kb promoter region contained putative binding sites for several transcription factors that have previously been implicated in the regulation of the C/EBPs, including C/EBP, CREB, Myb, STAT, and USF. The -288/+91 promoter region was capable of directing high levels of expression in the hepatoma Hep3B cell line. In addition, this minimal promoter could be autoregulated by both C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta and activated by lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-6 and CREB. These results therefore demonstrate that several aspects of C/EBPbeta regulation in mammals have been highly conserved in amphibians. However, a comparison of C/EBPbeta gene promoters characterized to date does indicate the existence of species-specific differences in autoregulation.
Influence of CYP2B6 polymorphism on plasma and intracellular concentrations and toxicity of efavirenz and nevirapine in HIV-infected patients

Background Efavirenz (EFV) and nevirapine (NVP) are metabolized by cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6). Allele 516 G>T (Gln172His) is associated with diminished activity of this isoenzyme, and may lead to differences in drug exposure. Methods We evaluated this allele as a pharmacogenetic marker of EFV and NVP pharmacokinetics and EFV toxicity in 167 participants receiving EFV and 59 receiving NVP recruited within the genetics project of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study. Drug concentrations were measured in plasma and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the same sample. Neuropsychological toxicity of EFV (sleep disorders, mood disorders, fatigue) was assessed using a standardized questionnaire. Results and conclusions CYP2B6 516TT was associated with greater plasma and intracellular exposure to EFV, and greater plasma exposure to NVP. Intracellular drug concentration, and CYP2B6 genotype were predictors of EFV neuropsychological toxicity. CYP2B6 genotyping may be useful to complement an individualization strategy based on plasma drug determinations to increase the safety and tolerability of EFV.
Clinical Features and Outcomes of HLA-B27-Positive and HLA-B27-Negative Acute Anterior Uveitis in a Turkish Patient Population

Purpose: To compare the clinical features and outcomes of HLA-B27-positive and HLA-B27-negative acute anterior uveitis (AAU) in a large Turkish patient population. Methods: Forty-four patients with HLA-B27-positive AAU and 65 with HLA-B27-negative AAU were reviewed retrospectively. HLA-B27 typing, gender, laterality, clinical features (fibrinous reaction, hypopyon formation), ocular complications, medical treatment, and final visual acuity were recorded. Statistical analyses included Student's t-test, Fisher's exact test, Yate's corrected χ2 test, and Mann-Whitney U test. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Forty percent of all patients with AAU were found to be positive for HLA-B27 antigen. HLA-B27-positive AAU was significantly more common in males and HLA-B27-negative AAU in females. Unilateral or bilateral alternating AAU as well as fibrinous reaction and hypopyon formation were more common in HLA-B27-positive patients. Posterior iris synechiae and cataract formation were more common and systemic immunosuppressive agents were exclusively required in patients with HLA-B27-negative AAU. Visual outcome did not differ significantly between the HLA-B27-positive and HLA-B27-negative groups. Conclusions: HLA-B27 association is less common in Turkish patients with AAU than in other populations reported in the literature. Although distinct features of HLA-B27 uveitis were confirmed in our study, visual outcome did not differ from idiopathic AAU. Therefore, we believe that HLA-B27 typing in patients with AAU helps the clinician with the diagnosis. However, it has a limited value in determining the prognosis.
Reproductive queue without overt conflict in the primitively eusocial wasp Ropalidia marginata

Colonies of the primitively eusocial wasp Ropalidia marginata consist of a single egg layer (queen) and a number of non–egg-laying workers. Although the queen is a docile individual, not at the top of the behavioral dominance hierarchy of the colony, she maintains complete reproductive monopoly. If the queen is lost or removed, one and only one of the workers [potential queen (PQ)] becomes hyperaggressive and will become the next queen of the colony. The PQ is almost never challenged because she first becomes hyperaggressive and then gradually loses her aggression, develops her ovaries, and starts laying eggs. Although we are unable to identify the PQ when the queen is present, she appears to be a “cryptic heir designate. ” Here, we show that there is not just one heir designate but a long reproductive queue and that PQs take over the role of egg-laying, successively, without overt conflict, as the queen or previous PQs are removed. The dominance rank of an individual is not a significant predictor of its position in the succession hierarchy. The age of an individual is a significant predictor, but it is not a perfect predictor because PQs often bypass older individuals to become successors. We suggest that such a predesignated reproductive queue that is implemented without overt conflict is adaptive in the tropics, where conspecific usurpers from outside the colony, which can take advantage of the anarchy prevailing in a queenless colony and invade it, are likely to be present throughout the year.
Growth inhibition of human cancer cells by 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine does not correlate with its effects on INK4a/ARF expression or initial promoter methylation status

The cytotoxicity of 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (DAC) has been linked to demethylation of the INK4a/ARF tumor suppressor gene locus in various cell systems, but the causality of this association remains unproven. To test this assumption, we have examined the effects of DAC in two human cancer cell lines of differing INK4a/ARF promoter methylation status: MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells in which INK4a/ARF is unmethylated and normally expressed, and DLD-1 colorectal cancer cells in which INK4a/ARF is methylated and repressed. In MDA-MB-468 cells, DAC induces cytotoxicity in the absence of any detectable increase of p14 or p16 expression, whereas small interfering RNA knockdown of p16/p14 expression fails to attenuate DAC cytotoxicity. In DLD-1 cells, DAC demethylates INK4a/ARF and restores both p16 and p14 expression at concentrations that fail to cause detectable growth inhibition or apoptosis; moreover, neither ARF nor INK4a transgene expression inhibits DLD-1 cell growth despite normalization of p14 and p16 expression. These data imply that neither of these cell lines depends on up-regulated expression of INK4a/ARF for DAC cytotoxicity. We propose that optimal anticancer use of this drug will await unambiguous identification of those DAC target genes primarily responsible for triggering growth inhibition, followed by clarification as to whether these upstream events are caused by hypomethylation or DNA damage. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(4):779–85]
γ‐Secretase inhibition promotes fibrotic effects of albumin in proximal tubular epithelial cells

Albuminuria is an important biomarker of renal dysfunction and is a major mediator of renal damage and fibrosis during kidney disease. The mechanisms underlying albumin‐induced renal fibrosis remain unclear. There has been significant interest in γ‐secretase activity in tubular epithelial cells in recent times; however, its potential role in albumin‐induced fibrosis has not been investigated.
Is it inherently prejudicial to try a juvenile as an adult?

Given only information that a youth who could have been tried as either an adult or as a juvenile was being tried as an adult for murder, 218 undergraduate mock jurors were able to form consistent impressions of the defendant. A very high percent of our mock jurors included a criminal or juvenile justice history as part of that impression. A very large majority of the mock jurors also said that knowledge of that criminal history would be relevant to their vote of guilty. Almost all mock jurors said they would be influenced toward voting guilty by knowledge of a previous criminal history. Few of the other components of the impression were so closely correlated with a judgment of relevance, or with a judgment that they would be influenced toward voting guilty by the knowledge of that component of the stereotype. The effect is relatively specific to knowledge of a previous criminal history. The study has limited ecological validity. Nonetheless, we raise questions about whether the fact that a youth is put on trial as an adult is inherently prejudicial, and violates the Sixth Amendment right to an impartial jury.
A Reovirus of the Fungus Cryphonectria parasitica That Is Infectious as Particles and Related to the Coltivirus Genus of Animal Pathogens

ABSTRACT RNA viruses of filamentous fungi fall into two broad categories, those that contain double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genomes in rigid particles and those that are more closely related to positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses with dsRNA replicative intermediates found within lipid vesicles. Effective infectivity systems have been described for the latter, using RNA transcripts, but not for the former. We report the characterization of a reovirus from Cryphonectria parasitica, the filamentous fungus that causes chestnut blight disease. The virus substantially reduces the virulence of the fungus and results in dramatically altered colony morphology, as well as changes in other associated fungal traits, relative to the virus-free isogenic strain. Virus particles from infected mycelium contained 11 segments of dsRNA and showed characteristics typical of the family Reoviridae. Sequences of the largest three segments revealed that the virus is closely related to the Coltivirus genus of animal pathogens, which includes the human pathogen Colorado tick fever virus. The introduction of purified virus particles into protoplasts from virus-free isolates of the fungus resulted in a newly infected mycelium with the same morphology and virus composition as the original virus-infected isolate. This represents the completion of Koch's postulates for a true dsRNA virus from a filamentous fungus and the description of a definitive fungal member of the family Reoviridae.
How quality and quantity of organic matter affect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon desorption from Norwegian harbor sediments

The desorption behavior of phenanthrene, pyrene, and benzo[a]pyrene was investigated for three Norwegian harbor sediments and their respective particle size fractions using the Tenax desorption method. Rate constants for rapidly, slowly, and very slowly desorbing fractions were on the order of 10−1, 10−2 to 10−4, and 10−4 to 10−6/h, respectively. Relatively small amounts were present in the rapidly desorbing fractions (Frapid: <6% for phenanthrene, 3–19% for pyrene, and 1–12% for benzo[a]pyrene). With the exception of benzo[a]pyrene, these Frapid values were generally lower than median Frapid values obtained from more than 100 literature values for native polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (22% for phenanthrene, 29% for pyrene, and 8% for benzo[a]pyrene). To understand which parameters influence PAH desorption, relations between desorption behavior and the sediment characteristics were investigated. A significant positive correlation was found between the extent of slow and very slow desorption and the ratios of black carbon to total organic carbon, as well as the temperature at which 50 and 90%, respectively, of the organic matter was oxidized, as obtained from oxidation‐only Rock Eval analysis. Thus, black carbon‐bound PAHs probably desorb slowly and very slowly. Furthermore, significant positive correlations between desorption behavior and the average particle size were observed, which could be explained by retarded intraparticle diffusion.
Two-Stage Transplantation of Cell-Engineered Autologous Auricular Chondrocytes to Regenerate Chondrofat Composite Tissue: Clinical Application in Regenerative Surgery

Background: The authors have developed a unique multilayered culture method that expands to large volumes elastic chondrocytes from a small piece of human auricular cartilage. In this study, the authors applied the two-stage transplantation method for cultured auricular chondrocytes to difficult cases of nasal/chin reconstruction where subcutaneous tissue is thin or scarred. Methods: Auricular chondrocytes were cultured and expanded to sufficiently large volumes, and then, in a two-stage transplantation process, injection-transplanted into a patient’s lower abdomen, where they were regenerated into larger chondrofat composite tissue in 6 months and used as a material for nasal/chin reconstruction. The authors then performed histologic and electron microscopic analysis of serial cross-sections and magnetic resonance imaging analysis of the chondrofat composite tissue. Results: The cultured auricular chondrocytes consistency regenerated intraabdominally to a larger, stable neocartilage, with adherent fat tissue within 6 months. Eighteen patients (nose, n = 14; chin, n = 4) underwent this procedure, and the chondrofat composite tissue was stable after 1 to 5 years’ postoperative follow-up. The chondrofat composite tissue maintained good shape, with no major complications. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the chondrofat composite tissue was regenerated and vascularized in the abdomen in all 18 cases (100 percent). Infection and total absorption were not seen. Only partial absorption was noted (5.6 percent). Conclusions: The chondrofat composite tissue was found to be a new innovative graft material in which neocartilage is regenerated to be continuous with fat tissue by means of the neoperichondrium. It has thereby become possible to perform the previously impossible simultaneous reconstruction of cartilage and fat tissue.
Single-Dose Pharmacodynamics of Amphotericin B against Aspergillus Species in an In Vitro Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Model

ABSTRACT Conventional MIC testing of amphotericin B results in narrow MIC ranges challenging the detection of resistant strains. In order to discern amphotericin B pharmacodynamics, the in vitro activity of amphotericin B was studied against Aspergillus isolates with the same MICs by using a new in vitro pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model that simulates amphotericin B human plasma levels. Clinical isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus, A. terreus, and A. flavus with the same Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute modal MICs of 1 mg/liter were exposed to amphotericin B concentrations following the plasma concentration-time profile after single-bolus administration with Cmax values of 0.6, 1.2, 2.4, and 4.8 mg/liter. Fungal growth was monitored for up to 72 h based on galactomannan production. Complete growth inhibition was observed only against A. fumigatus with amphotericin B with a Cmax of ≥2.4 mg/liter. At the lower Cmax values 0.6 and 1.2 mg/liter, significant growth delays of 34 and 52 h were observed, respectively (P < 0.001). For A. flavus, there was no complete inhibition but a progressive growth delay of 1 to 50 h at an amphotericin B Cmax of 0.6 to 4.8 mg/liter (P < 0.001). For A. terreus, the growth delay was modest (up to 8 h) at all Cmaxs (P < 0.05). The Cmax (95% confidence interval) associated with 50% activity for A. fumigatus was 0.60 (0.49 to 0.72) mg/liter, which was significantly lower than for A. flavus 3.06 (2.46 to 3.80) mg/liter and for A. terreus 7.90 (5.20 to 12.29) mg/liter (P < 0.001). A differential in vitro activity of amphotericin B was found among Aspergillus species despite the same MIC in the order A. fumigatus > A. flavus > A. terreus in the in vitro PK/PD model, possibly reflecting the different concentration- and time-dependent inhibitory/killing activities amphotericin B exerted against these species.
AHR, a novel acute hypoxia‐response sequence, drives reporter gene expression under hypoxia in vitro and in vivo

ADAMTS1 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1) is an early immediate gene. We have previously reported that ADAMTS1 was strongly induced by hypoxia. In this study, we investigated whether ADAMTS1 promoter‐driven reporter signal is detectable by acute hypoxia. We constructed the GFP (green fluorescent protein) expression vector [AHR (acute hypoxia‐response sequence)‐GFP] under the control of ADAMTS1 promoter and compared it with the constitutive GFP‐expressing vector under the control of CMV (cytomegalovirus promoter‐GFP). We transduced AHR‐GFP and examined whether GFP signals can be detected under the acute hypoxia. When the human umbilical vein [HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells)] was transduced under normoxia, there were few GFP signals, while CMV‐GFP showed considerable GFP signals. When HUVEC was stimulated with hypoxia, GFP signals from AHR‐GFP gene were induced under hypoxic conditions. Notably, the GFP signals peaked at 3 h under hypoxia. In ischaemic hind limb model, transduced AHR‐GFP showed hypoxic induction of GFP signals. In summary, we have demonstrated that the AHR system induced the reporter gene expression by acute hypoxia, and its induction is transient. This is the first report showing the unique acute hypoxia‐activated gene expression system.