Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speaking Out of Turn: A Role for Silent Synapses in Pain

Severe tissue or nerve injury can result in a chronic and inappropriate sensation of pain, mediated in part by the sensitization of spinal dorsal horn neurons to input from primary afferent fibers. Synaptic transmission at primary afferent synapses is mainly glutamatergic. Although a functioning excitatory synapse contains both alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazoleproprionic acid (AMPA) and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the postsynaptic membrane, recent evidence suggests that dorsal horn neurons contain some “silent” synapses, which exhibit purely NMDA receptor‐mediated evoked postsynaptic currents and do not conduct signals at resting membrane potential. Serotonin, which is released onto dorsal horn neurons by descending fibers from the rostroventral medulla, potentiates sensory transmission by activating silent synapses on those neurons, i.e., by recruiting functional AMPA receptors to the postsynaptic membrane. This phenomenon may contribute to the hyperexcitability of dorsal horn neurons seen in chronic pain conditions.
Auditory Cortical Processing in Real-World Listening: The Auditory System Going Real

The auditory sense of humans transforms intrinsically senseless pressure waveforms into spectacularly rich perceptual phenomena: the music of Bach or the Beatles, the poetry of Li Bai or Omar Khayyam, or more prosaically the sense of the world filled with objects emitting sounds that is so important for those of us lucky enough to have hearing. Whereas the early representations of sounds in the auditory system are based on their physical structure, higher auditory centers are thought to represent sounds in terms of their perceptual attributes. In this symposium, we will illustrate the current research into this process, using four case studies. We will illustrate how the spectral and temporal properties of sounds are used to bind together, segregate, categorize, and interpret sound patterns on their way to acquire meaning, with important lessons to other sensory systems as well.
A global comparison of four potential evapotranspiration equations and their relevance to stream flow modelling in semi-arid environments

Abstract. This study compares four different potential evapotranspiration equations according to Priestley Taylor, Kimberly Penman, Penman Monteith (FAO-56) and Hargreaves on a global basis to demonstrate their difference, and assess their impact on the calculation of stream flows. The various equations of potential evapotranspiration show great differences in magnitude. But due to the limited availability of validation data, it is difficult to assess which method is the physically most reasonable to be applied. According to this study, the radiation-based Priestley Taylor equation proved to be most suitable for a global application. For the calculation of stream flows, however, the processes involved in the derivation of actual evapotranspiration values from potential evapotranspiration values appear more relevant than the absolute value of the potential evapotranspiration itself.
A Mediation Model to Explain HIV Antiretroviral Adherence Among Gay and Bisexual Men

Abstract Based on quantitative data describing a sample of 300 HIV seropositive gay and bisexual men living in New York City who were on antiretroviral drug therapy, variables of interest were collapsed into 4 latent constructs-SES (including health care provision), psychological states, drug use impairment, and HIV treatment adherence-and structural equation modeling was used to test the relations among them. Our model indicated a complex interplay between socioeconomic factors, drug use impairment, psychological states, and adherence. It is imperative for counselors and clinicians working with this population to understand the complex relationships between cultural, social, and psychological realities and adherence to HIV antiviral medications and to develop effective socially relevant and culturally nested interventions.
A-LNT: A Wireless Sensor Network Platform for Low-Power Real-Time Voice Communications

Combining wireless sensor networks and voice communication for multidata hybrid wireless network suggests possible applications in numerous fields. However, voice communication and sensor data transmissions have significant differences, Meanwhile, high-speed massive real-time voice data processing poses challenges for hardware design, protocol design, and especially power management. In this paper, we present a wireless audio sensor network platform A-LNT and study and discuss key elements for systematic design and implementation: node hardware design, low-power voice codec and processing, wireless network topology, hybrid MAC protocol design based on superframe, radio channel allocation, and clock synchronization. Furthermore, we discuss energy management methods such as address filtering and efficient power management in detail. The experimental and simulation results show that A-LNT is a lightweight, low-power, low-speed, and high-performance wireless sensor network platform for multichannel real-time voice communications.
Draft Genome Sequence of Anoxybacillus ayderensis Strain MT-Cab (Firmicutes)

ABSTRACT The draft genome of the Gram-positive spore-forming Anoxybacillus ayderensis strain MT-Cab (Firmicutes), isolated from an enrichment culture of Chloracidobacterium thermophilum, was sequenced and comprises 2,577,015 bp in 92 contigs. The draft genome is predicted to consist of 2,699 protein-coding genes, 73 tRNA-coding genes, and an estimated 8 rRNA operons.
Effect of aloe polysaccharide on caspase-3 expression following cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats.

Stroke is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity, economic and social burden and mortality. Novel approaches are needed to address stroke prevention and treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of aloe polysaccharide on caspase-3 expression following cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (16 rats in each group): aloe polysaccharide, ginkgo leaf tablet, nimodipine, model and sham surgery groups. The rats were administered the appropriate drug or normal saline for 7 days by gavage. A rat model of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury was established using the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Caspase-3 protein and mRNA expression levels in the cerebral cortex were detected by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. Results showed that caspase-3 protein and mRNA expression levels in the cerebral cortex in the aloe polysaccharide, ginkgo leaf tablet and nimodipine groups were significantly lower compared with the model group and were higher than the sham surgery group (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in caspase-3 protein and mRNA expression among the aloe polysaccharide, the ginkgo leaf tablet and the nimodipine groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, aloe polysaccharide has a protective effect on cerebral ischemia that may be due to the inhibition of neuronal cell apoptosis.
Are informed consent forms that describe clinical oncology research protocols readable by most patients and their families?

PURPOSE This study was conducted to assess the readability of informed consent forms that describe clinical oncology protocols. METHODS One hundred thirty-seven consent forms from 88 protocols that accrued patients at The Johns Hopkins Oncology Center were quantitatively analyzed. These included 58 of 99 (59%) institutional protocols approved by The Johns Hopkins Oncology Center's Clinical Research Committee and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) over a 2-year period, and 30 active Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), and Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) trials. The consent forms described phase I (17%), phase I/II (36%), phase III (29%), and nontherapeutic (18%) studies. Each was optically scanned, checked for accuracy, and analyzed using readability software. The following three readability indices were obtained for each consent form: the Flesch Reading Ease Score, and grade level readability as determined by the Flesch-Kincaid Formula and the Gunning Fog Index. RESULTS The mean +/- SD Flesch Reading Ease Score for the consent forms was 52.6 +/- 8.7 (range, 33 to 78). The mean grade level was 11.1 +/- 1.67 (range, 6 to 14) using the Flesch-Kincaid Formula and 14.1 +/- 1.8 (range, 8 to 17) using the Gunning Fog Index. Readability at or below an eighth-grade level was found in 6% of the consent forms using the Flesch-Kincaid Formula and in 1% using the Gunning Fog Index. Readability was similar for consent forms that described institutional, cooperative group, and phase I, II, and III protocols. CONCLUSION Consent forms from clinical oncology protocols are written at a level that is difficult for most patients to read, despite national, cooperative group, institutional, and departmental review. The consent process, which is crucial to clinical research, should be strengthened by improving the readability of the consent forms.
Interacting with virtual and augmented worlds

For more than three decades, the main focus was to be able to model realistic decors, lights and living beings, particularly humans that should look realistic. Actually, we are aiming for interacting with these worlds in a sensitive and meaningful way. In this talk, the research that is developed on many aspects at MIRALab is presented: interactive modelling of virtual humans, interactive clothes modelling and animation, touching textiles, haptic interaction with hair, gaze interaction with Virtual Humans in Augmented Reality, talking and being recognized by virtual humans with memory and personality models. We will describe what the problems are, what the solutions now are and what the next step to come is. We will show plenty of examples we have developed in our several European Projects in which we are participating.
PHENOTYPIC SELECTION IN HAWKMOTH‐POLLINATED PLATANTHERA BIFOLIA: TARGETS AND FITNESS SURFACES

Abstract. — The present study explored phenotypic selection on phenological and morphological reproductive traits in hawkmoth‐pollinated Platanthera bifolia (Orchidaceae), a Eurasian perennial herb displaying bisexual, long‐spurred flowers. The work was carried out during three flowering seasons (1993–1995) in a Swedish population. Fitness was estimated as the number of pollinia removed (male fitness) and fruits produced (female fitness). Targets and patterns of selection were compared between years and sex functions by the use of multiple linear regression (including correlational selection estimates, i.e., of combination of traits), analysis of covariance, and projection pursuit regression (PPR). Results from the nonparametric surface‐fitting‐method PPR showed that selection was mostly linear, thus justifying the use of the parametric methods. In all study years, male and female fitness were highest in plants with many flowers. This reflects that flower number sets an upper limit to fitness and that a large inflorescence attracts more pollinators. In 1994, the summer was dry and the average spur length of P. bifolia was shorter than in the other years. In this year, male and female fitness were positively related to spur length, apparently because the spur of short‐spurred plants was somewhat too short relative to the tongue length of the local pollinator for optimal pollen export and import. Additionally, the dry weather in 1994 caused a tendency for correlational selection, which was not found in the other years of study. Among small individuals (apparently more sensitive to drought than large ones), early‐flowering plants had higher male and female fitness. The results show that patterns of selection may vary both between years and between sex functions in perennial hermaphroditic plants. The present study is one of the first to consider correlational selection in plants, which probably is of common occurrence and deserves to be investigated more.
A New Approach to Multipath Mitigation in Aeronautical Telemetry

Abstract : This paper compares the bit error rate performance of a single channel equalizer with the bit error rate performance of a multi-channel equalizer (in the form of the time-reversed space-time block code) using channels derived from multipath channel measurements at Edwards AFB, California, and Cairns Army Airfield, Ft. Rucker, Alabama. The results show that the performance of the multi-channel equalizer is better than the single channel equalizer over the weaker channel, but worse than the performance of the single channel equalizer over the stronger channel. We conclude that the best approach for the informed transmitter is to apply all available power to a single antenna, whereas the best approach for the uninformed transmitter is to apply equal power with transmit diversity to the two available antennas.
Calcium Signaling by Dopamine D5 Receptor and D5-D2 Receptor Hetero-Oligomers Occurs by a Mechanism Distinct from That for Dopamine D1-D2 Receptor Hetero-Oligomers

In this report, we investigated whether the D5 dopamine receptor, given its structural and sequence homology with the D1 receptor, could interact with the D2 receptor to mediate a calcium signal similar to the Gq/11 protein-linked phospholipase C-mediated calcium signal resulting from the coactivation of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors within D1-D2 receptor heterooligomers. Fluorescent resonance energy transfer experiments demonstrated close colocalization of cell surface D5 and D2 receptors (<100 Å), indicating hetero-oligomerization of D5 and D2 receptors in cells coexpressing both receptors. Coactivation of D5 and D2 receptors within the D5-D2 hetero-oligomers activated a calcium signal. However, unlike what is observed for D1 receptors, which activate extensive calcium mobilization only within a complex with the D2 receptors, a robust calcium signal was triggered by D5 receptors expressed alone. Hetero-oligomerization with the D2 receptor attenuated the ability of the D5 receptor to trigger a calcium signal. The D5 and D5-D2-associated calcium signals were Gq/11 protein-linked and phospholipase C-mediated but were also critically dependent on the influx of extracellular calcium through store-operated calcium channels, unlike the calcium release triggered by D1-D2 heterooligomers. Collectively, these results demonstrate that calcium signaling through D5-D2 receptor hetero-oligomers occurred through a distinct mechanism to achieve an increase in intracellular calcium levels.
Balanced Right/Left-Handed Coplanar Waveguide With Stub-Loaded Split-Ring Resonators

In this letter, a host coplanar waveguide (CPW) loaded with modified split-ring resonators (SRR) is presented. In recent publications, it has been demonstrated that the capacitive interaction between the host CPW line and the SRRs is the cause of a right-handed band, which degrades the selectivity of the response. Consequently, an open-ended microstrip stub connected to the rings is used to modify this interaction, and thus has an effective control of the rejection above the passband. Fortunately, these stubs only affect the frequency position of the right-handed band. As a result, it is quite straightforward to obtain balanced composite right/left-handed (CRLH) transmission lines with increased transmission bandwidth and improved rejection levels, which are the main drawbacks of traditional SRR-loaded CPW lines. Moreover, the response of the modified cell shows a pair of transmission zeros at both sides of the passband. Therefore, this new cell is a very interesting choice for designing balanced CRLH lines and is very attractive for filter applications.
Use of personal protective equipment and operating room behaviors in four surgical subspecialties: personal protective equipment and behaviors in surgery.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate Universal Precautions (UP) compliance in the operating room (OR). DESIGN Prospective observational cohort. Trained observers recorded information about (1) personal protective equipment used by OR staff; (2) eyewear, glove, or gown breaks; (3) the nature of sharps transfers; (4) risk-taking behaviors of the OR staff; and (5) needlestick injuries and other blood and body-fluid exposures. SETTING Barnes-Jewish Hospital, a 1,000-bed, tertiary-care hospital affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri. PARTICIPANTS OR personnel in four surgical specialties (gynecologic, orthopedic, cardiothoracic, and general). Procedures eligible for the study were selected randomly. Hand surgery and procedures requiring no or a very small incision (eg, arthroscopy, laparoscopy) were excluded. RESULTS A total of 597 healthcare workers' procedures were observed in 76 surgical cases (200 hours). Of the 597 healthcare workers, 32% wore regular glasses, and 24% used no eye protection. Scrub nurses and medical students were more likely than other healthcare workers to wear goggles. Only 28% of healthcare workers double gloved, with orthopedic surgery personnel being the most compliant. Sharps passages were not announced in 91% of the surgical procedures. In 65 cases (86%), sharps were adjusted manually. Three percutaneous and 14 cutaneous exposures occurred, for a total exposure rate of 22%. CONCLUSION OR personnel had poor compliance with UP. Although there was significant variation in use of personal protective equipment between groups, the total exposure rate was high (22%), indicating the need for further training and reinforcement of UP to reduce occupational exposures.
Mortality from cancer and other causes in commercial airline crews: a joint analysis of cohorts from 10 countries

Background Commercial airline crew is one of the occupational groups with the highest exposures to ionising radiation. Crew members are also exposed to other physical risk factors and subject to potential disruption of circadian rhythms. Methods This study analyses mortality in a pooled cohort of 93 771 crew members from 10 countries. The cohort was followed for a mean of 21.7 years (2.0 million person-years), during which 5508 deaths occurred. Results The overall mortality was strongly reduced in male cockpit (SMR 0.56) and female cabin crews (SMR 0.73). The mortality from radiation-related cancers was also reduced in male cockpit crew (SMR 0.73), but not in female or male cabin crews (SMR 1.01 and 1.00, respectively). The mortality from female breast cancer (SMR 1.06), leukaemia and brain cancer was similar to that of the general population. The mortality from malignant melanoma was elevated, and significantly so in male cockpit crew (SMR 1.57). The mortality from cardiovascular diseases was strongly reduced (SMR 0.46). On the other hand, the mortality from aircraft accidents was exceedingly high (SMR 33.9), as was that from AIDS in male cabin crew (SMR 14.0). Conclusions This large study with highly complete follow-up shows a reduced overall mortality in male cockpit and female cabin crews, an increased mortality of aircraft accidents and an increased mortality in malignant skin melanoma in cockpit crew. Further analysis after longer follow-up is recommended.
Wireless power and data transfer for electric vehicle charging at car parks

A system layout for wireless charging at car parks is proposed. Communication signaling at a few 100 kHz is added to inductive power transfer (IPT) of some kW. For the power transfer a lumped parameter circuit is presented that is coupled to a three dimensional finite element analysis (FEA). This model is used for the design of couplers and appropriate resonant circuits. Likewise, the data transfer is modeled. Design principles are verified at laboratory scale. First results show the design facilities a layout with a largely reduced need for power electronics. Results also show, that a robust data transfer requires separate primary coil pads for data transfer.
Force-closure analysis of 6-DOF cable manipulators with seven or more cables

SUMMARY A cable manipulator controls its end-effector by a number of cables. If the cables can balance any external and inertia wrenches at a certain pose of the end-effector, the cable manipulator is said to have a force-closure at this pose. Since a cable can work only in tension, the force-closure at a specific pose may not exist. Thus, how to check the existence of force-closure at a given pose is an important issue for design and control of cable manipulators. This paper describes a systematic method of verifying the existence of force-closure at a specific pose of a general 6-DOF cable manipulator with seven or more cables. By examining the Jacobian matrix of the manipulator, the method can determine whether a force-closure exists at the pose corresponding to the Jacobian matrix. The necessity and sufficiency of the proposed method are mathematically proven. Moreover, a convex-analysis-based simplification of the method for manipulators with more than seven cables is also discussed.
Inflammatory-mediated repression of the rat ileal sodium-dependent bile acid transporter by c-fos nuclear translocation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Ileal malabsorption of bile salts is observed in Crohn's ileitis. We define the transcriptional mechanisms involved in cytokine-mediated repression of the rat apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT). METHODS ASBT regulation was studied in IL-1beta-treated IEC-6 and Caco-2 cells and in indomethacin-treated rats. RESULTS Indomethacin-induced ileitis in Lewis rats leads to specific reductions in ileal ASBT messenger RNA and protein levels, whereas c-jun and c-fos are induced. The proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor repress the activity of the ASBT promoter in Caco-2 and intestinal epithelial cell-6 cells. This effect is blocked by the proteasome inhibitor, MG-132, or by the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin. Indomethacin (in vivo) or proinflammatory cytokine (in vitro) treatment leads to serine phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of c-fos. Mutation of a 5' activated protein (AP)-1 site inactivates the ASBT promoter, whereas mutation of the 3' site abrogates the proinflammatory cytokine-mediated repression. The 5' site binds a c-jun homodimer, whereas the 3' site binds a c-jun/c-fos heterodimer. c-Jun overexpression enhances ASBT promoter activity, whereas a dominant negative c-jun construct inactivates the promoter. c-Fos overexpression represses promoter activity. A 27 base pair cis-element from the 3' site in the ASBT promoter imparts cytokine-mediated down-regulation to a heterologous SV40 promoter construct. CONCLUSIONS The ASBT promoter contains 2 distinct cis AP-1 elements; the 5' element binds homodimeric c-jun and mediates basal transcription. Inflammation is associated with up-regulation, phosphorylation, and nuclear translocation of c-fos, which then represses ASBT promoter activity via binding of the 3' AP-1 element by a c-fos/c-jun heterodimer.
Right Ventricular Arrhythmogenic Dysplasia in Cardiac Arrest. An Echocardiographic Pattern Not to Forget.

Right Ventricular Arrhythmogenic Dysplasia in Cardiac Arrest An Echocardiographic Pattern Not to Forget Guido Tavazzi, Gabriele Via, Annalisa Turco, and Francesco Mojoli University of Pavia, Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, Pavia, Italy; Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Emergency Department, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; and Foundazione Policlinico San Matteo, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Cardiology Unit, Pavia, Italy