Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Olfactory nerve stimulation activates rat mitral cells via NMDA and non‐NMDA receptors in vitro

THE neurotransmitter(s) and receptors mediating excitatory transmission at the mammalian olfactory nervemitral cell synapse were investigated using extracellular recordings in rat olfactory bulb slices. Single shocks applied to the olfactory nerve elicited both a short latency and a delayed excitatory response in mitral cells. Both responses were blocked after bath application of kynurenic acid, a broad-spectrum glutamate receptor antagonist, or DNQX, a preferential non-NMDA receptor antagonist. The specific NMDA receptor antagonist AP5 selectively attenuated the delayed, but not the initial excitation. These results suggest that glutamate is the major excitatory transmitter in the mammalian olfactory nerve, and excites mitral cells via NMDA and non-NMDA receptors.
A randomized controlled trial of custom foot orthoses for the treatment of plantar heel pain.

BACKGROUND Up to 10% of people will experience heel pain. The purpose of this prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was to compare custom foot orthoses (CFO), prefabricated foot orthoses (PFO), and sham insole treatment for plantar fasciitis. METHODS Seventy-seven patients with plantar fasciitis for less than 1 year were included. Outcome measures included first step and end of day pain, Revised Foot Function Index short form (FFI-R), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), activity monitoring, balance, and gait analysis. RESULTS The CFO group had significantly improved total FFI-R scores (77.4 versus 57.2; P = .03) without group differences for FFI-R pain, SF-36, and morning or evening pain. The PFO and CFO groups reported significantly lower morning and evening pain. For activity, the CFO group demonstrated significantly longer episodes of walking over the sham (P = .019) and PFO (P = .03) groups, with a 125% increase for CFOs, 22% PFOs, and 0.2% sham. Postural transition duration (P = .02) and balance (P = .05) improved for the CFO group. There were no gait differences. The CFO group reported significantly less stretching and ice use at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS The CFO group demonstrated 5.6-fold greater improvements in spontaneous physical activity versus the PFO and sham groups. All three groups improved in morning pain after treatment that included standardized athletic shoes, stretching, and ice. The CFO changes may have been moderated by decreased stretching and ice use after 3 months. These findings suggest that more objective measures, such as spontaneous physical activity improvement, may be more sensitive and specific for detecting improved weightbearing function than traditional clinical outcome measures, such as pain and disease-specific quality of life.
Sheathless Mutant of Cyanobacterium Gloeothece sp. Strain PCC 6909 with Increased Capacity To Remove Copper Ions from Aqueous Solutions

ABSTRACT The cyanobacterium Gloeothece sp. strain PCC 6909 and its sheathless mutant were tested for their abilities to remove copper ions from aqueous solutions, with the aim of defining the role of the various outermost polysaccharidic investments in the removal of the metal ions. Microscopy studies and chemical analyses revealed that, although the mutant does not possess a sheath, it releases large amounts of polysaccharidic material (released exocellular polysaccharides [RPS]) into the culture medium. The RPS of the wild type and the mutant are composed of the same 11 sugars, although they are present in different amounts, and the RPS of the mutant possesses a larger amount of acidic sugars and a smaller amount of deoxysugars than the wild type. Unexpectedly, whole cultures of the mutant were more effective in the removal of the heavy metal than the wild type (46.3 ± 3.1 and 26.7 ± 1.5 mg of Cu2+ removed per g of dry weight, respectively). Moreover, we demonstrated that the contribution of the sheath to the metal-removal capacity of the wild type is scarce and that the RPS of the mutant is more efficient in removing copper. This suggests that the metal ions are preferably bound to the cell wall and to RPS functional groups rather than to the sheath. Therefore, the increased copper binding efficiency observed with the sheathless mutant can be attributed to the release of a polysaccharide containing larger amounts and/or more accessible functional groups (e.g., carboxyl and amide groups).
The Psychometric Proper es of the Inferen al Confusion Scale Based in Turkish Pa ents with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Objective: Among the influential cognitive factors in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), inferential confusion is a cognitive bias, which is described as the acceptance of possibilities as reality in contrast to sensory information. The present study aimed to determine the role of this construct in a clinical sample, and to test the cross-cultural validity of inferential confusion and to determine the psychometric properties of the Inferential Confusion Scale (ICS) in a Turkish clinical sample.
Highly catalytic macroporous Au-/nPts hybrid electrode for nonenzymatic glucose biofuel cell applications

Highly roughened and catalytic macroporous Au with Pt nanoparticles (macroporous Au-/nPts) hybrid electrode was newly fabricated and characterized for compact nonenzymatic glucose biofuel cell (BFC) applications. Two disk type macroporous Au-/nPts hybrid electrodes were then sandwiched with Nafion film for fabricating a extremely miniaturized BFC device with a cathode and an anode electrodes. As expected, the newly fabricated hybrid electrode exhibited highly catalytic characteristics in various glucose concentrations. The fabricated BFC device also exhibited a high glucose power density of 22.2 µW/cm2 without being affected by interfering species.
Ion exchange and affinity chromatography in the scaleup of the purification of α‐galactosidase from soybean seeds

Soybeans (Glycine max) contain an α‐galactosidase that makes up a small fraction of the total protein of the seed. The properties of this enzyme are of interest because of its potential to convert the galactooligosaccharides, stachyose and raffinose, in soybean meal to sugars digestible in the human gastro intestinal tract and thereby increase potential uses of this vegetable protein source in human and animal foods. Study of this enzyme required the isolation of milligram quantities of electrophoretically pure protein from ground soybeans and therefore, scaleup of laboratory procedures by a factor of 300 times. Large scale acid precipitation, ammonium sulfate precipitation, and centrifugal recovery of the precipitated protein allowed α‐galactosidase to be isolated from 45.5 kg soybean meal containing 17.1 kg protein, to obtain an enzyme extract with a specific activity of 90 to 100. A novel combination of strong anion exchange and cation exchange chromatography followed by Concanavalin‐A affinity chromatography with a methyl α‐D mannoside gradient gave α‐galactosidase with an average specific activity of 56,000. Ion exchange chromatography preceding Concanavalin‐A affinity chromatography allowed elimination of a relatively costly melibiose affinity chromatography step (which followed the Concanavalin‐A column In the laboratory procedure) thereby making scaleup practical.
Quantitative assessment of HER-2/neu protein concentration in breast cancer by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

PURPOSE The HER-2/neu protein (p185) has become a promising target for antibody therapy in breast cancer. We tested the feasibility of a quantitative approach for HER-2/neu testing based on the analysis of tumor tissue extracts by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Tumor tissue extracts of primary human breast cancers (n=124) were prepared using a triton-based buffer. HER-2/neu concentration was quantified by ELISA. Paraffin-embedded tissue sections of the same tumors were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining applying the monoclonal HER-2/neu antibody TAB 250 (n=124) and by chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) (n=73). RESULTS Concentrations of p185 in tissue extracts determined by ELISA varied from 1 to 927 ng per mg protein with a median of 25 ng/mg protein, whereas normal breast tissue showed values from 0.4 to 5.5 ng/mg with a median of 2.2 ng/mg (p<0.0001, Mann-Whitney U test). A significant correlation between p185 concentration and immunohistochemical staining was observed (p<0.0001, Kruskal-Wallis test). In addition, p185 concentration measured by ELISA was correlated with the degree of HER-2/neu gene amplification determined by CISH. HER-2/neu-amplified tumors had significantly higher p185 concentrations (median value 181 ng/mg protein) than non-amplified tumors (median value 20 ng/mg; p<0.0001, Mann-Whitney U test). CONCLUSIONS ELISA-based measurement of HER-2/neu protein concentration in breast cancer tissue extracts is feasible and provides quantitative results for p185 protein concentrations that correlate closely with HER-2/neu immunoscore and gene amplification.
The ten-year incidence of tinnitus among older adults

Abstract As part of a population-based study in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, we estimated the 10-year cumulative incidence of tinnitus and its risk factors. Participants (n = 2922, aged 48–92 years) not reporting tinnitus at baseline (1993–1995) were followed for up to ten years. In addition to audiometric testing and anthropometric measures, data on tinnitus, health, and other history were obtained via questionnaire. Potential risk factors were assessed with discrete-time proportional hazards models. The 10-year cumulative incidence of tinnitus was 12.7%. The risk of developing tinnitus was significantly associated with: history of arthritis (hazard ratio (HR = 1.37), history of head injury (HR = 1.76), history of ever smoking (HR = 1.40), and among women, hearing loss (HR = 2.59). Alcohol consumption (HR = 0.63 for ≥ 141 grams/week vs. <15 grams/week), age (among women, HR = 0.90 for each five-year increase in age), and among men, obesity (HR = 0.55), were associated with decreased risk. The risk of developing tinnitus was high for older adults, and associated with modifiable health and behavioral factors. Sumario Como parte de un estudio poblacional en Beaver Dam, Winsconsin, estimamos la incidencia acumulada en 10 años de acúfeno y de sus factores de riesgo. Los participantes (n=2922, edades 48 a 92 años) no reportaban acúfeno al inicio (1993–1995) y fueron seguidos hasta 10 años. Además de las pruebas audiométricas y las mediciones antropométricas, se obtuvieron datos sobre el acúfeno, la salud y otros datos por medio de un cuestionario. Se evaluaron factores de riesgo potenciales por medio de modelos proporcionales de discreción/tiempo. La incidencia acumulada de acúfeno fue de 12.7%. El riesgo de desarrollar acúfeno fue asociado significativamente con: historia de artritis (riesgo peligroso (HR = 1.37), historia de golpes en la cabeza (HR=1.76), historia de haber fumado (HR=1.40) y entre las mujeres, hipoacusia (HR=2.59). Consumo de alcohol (HR=0.63 con ≥141 gramos/semana vs <15 gramos/semana), edad (entre las mujeres HR = 0.90 por cada incremento de edad de cinco años) y entre los hombres (obesidad (HR=0.55), se asociaron con incremento en el riesgo. El riesgo de para desarrollar acúfeno fue alto para adultos mayores, y se asoció con factores de comportamiento y de salud modificables.
In situ primary metabolites localization on a rat brain section by chemical mass spectrometry imaging.

We describe here the detection and identification of 13 primary metabolites (AMP, ADP, ATP, UDP-GlcNAc, .) directly from rat brain sections by chemical mass spectrometry imaging. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS/MS) was combined with 9-aminoacridine as a powerful matrix. We also demonstrate that a new robotic sprayer allows us to homogeneously coat the surface with the matrix, enabling the acquisition of chemical images at a 50 microm resolution, leading us to precisely and simultaneously localize each metabolite over the tissue surface. These experiments open a new field of investigation for chemical mass spectrometry imaging and are of great interest for both chemists and biologists.
The organization of AMPA receptor subunits at the postsynaptic membrane

AMPA receptors are the principal mediators of excitatory synaptic transmission in the mammalian central nervous system. The subunit composition of these tetrameric receptors helps to define their functional properties, and may also influence the synaptic trafficking implicated in long‐term synaptic plasticity. However, the organization of AMPAR subunits within the synapse remains unclear. Here, we use postembedding immunogold electron microscopy to study the synaptic organization of AMPAR subunits in stratum radiatum of CA1 hippocampus in the adult rat. We find that GluA1 concentrates away from the center of the synapse, extending at least 25 nm beyond the synaptic specialization; in contrast, GluA3 is uniformly distributed along the synapse, and seldom extends beyond its lateral border. The fraction of extrasynaptic GluA1 is markedly higher in small than in large synapses; no such effect is seen for GluA3. These observations imply that different kinds of AMPARs are differently trafficked to and/or anchored at the synapse. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reduced Multilayer Graphene Oxide Floating Gate Flash Memory With Large Memory Window and Robust Retention Characteristics

Reduced multilayer graphene (rMLG) is investigated as a charge storage layer (CSL) in conventional floating gate (FG) flash memory structure. A large memory window of 9.4 V at ±20-V program/erase and robust 10-years data retention at 150°C is demonstrated. Significant over-erase observed in these memory devices signifies hole storage in the rMLG sheets. Fast programming and clear saturation of the program transients observed with the rMLG CSL memory devices suggest reduced ballistic transport in the plane perpendicular to the graphene. Activation energies for programmed and erased state retention losses are calculated as 1.05 and 1.11 eV, respectively. These observations establish the potential of rMLG sheets as a replacement of conventionally used polycrystalline silicon FG.
Cooperative Spectrum Sensing with Weighted Clustered Architecture

: Wireless communication systems are built based on the transmission of electromagnetic waves (or radio waves) with frequencies in the range of 3 Hz to 300 GHz. today’s wireless networks are characterized by a static spectrum assignment policy. Recently, due to the increase in spectrum demand, however, this policy is faced with the spectrum scarcity at particular spectrum bands. On the contrary, a large portion of the assigned spectrum is still used sporadically leading to under-utilization of the significant amount of spectrum. The anticipated explosion of wireless applications creates an ever-increasing demand for radio spectrum. Unfortunately, spectrum is a finite resource. Because of the tremendous societal value of the finite spectrum, its use is carefully managed at the national and international level. Cognitive radio technology is proposed to solve these current spectrum inefficiency problems we propose weighted clustering strategy in which weightings are used to weight the cluster-decisions before combining. and compared it with the k-means clustering scheme in by simulation. The simulation results show that our proposed method improve the probability of detection and reduce the probability of error.
Consensus on a core set of domains for psoriatic arthritis.

A psoriatic arthritis (PsA) module was convened at OMERACT 8 in order to achieve consensus on the core domains that should be included in randomized controlled trials and longitudinal observational cohorts of subjects with PsA. Following a plenary session at which current status of measures used to assess PsA were reviewed, and discussion at breakout groups, the group achieved consensus on 6 core domains: peripheral joint activity, skin activity, pain, patient global assessment, physical function, and health-related quality of life. In addition the following domains were considered important but not mandatory: spinal disease, dactylitis, enthesitis, fatigue, nail disease, radiography, physician global assessment, and acute-phase reactants. A research agenda was proposed to include development and validation of instruments for the domains where none existed, and in particular further research was recommended for the following areas: magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound of joints, enthesitis, skin and synovial tissue analysis, and "participation. "
SOLAR SOURCES OF 3He-RICH SOLAR ENERGETIC PARTICLE EVENTS IN SOLAR CYCLE 24

Using high-cadence EUV images obtained by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory, we investigate the solar sources of 26 3He-rich solar energetic particle events at ≲1 MeV nucleon−1 that were well-observed by the Advanced Composition Explorer during solar cycle 24. Identification of the solar sources is based on the association of 3He-rich events with type III radio bursts and electron events as observed by Wind. The source locations are further verified in EUV images from the Solar and Terrestrial Relations Observatory, which provides information on solar activities in the regions not visible from the Earth. Based on AIA observations, 3He-rich events are not only associated with coronal jets as emphasized in solar cycle 23 studies, but also with more spatially extended eruptions. The properties of the 3He-rich events do not appear to be strongly correlated with those of the source regions. As in the previous studies, the magnetic connection between the source region and the observer is not always reproduced adequately by the simple potential field source surface model combined with the Parker spiral. Instead, we find a broad longitudinal distribution of the source regions extending well beyond the west limb, with the longitude deviating significantly from that expected from the observed solar wind speed.
Efficient stochastic simulation of metastable Markov chains

We address the problem of metastable Markov chain simulation, a class of systems characterized by the existence of two or more “pseudo-equilibrium” states and very slow convergence towards global equilibrium [1]. For such systems, approximation of the stationary distribution by direct application of the Stochastic Simulation Algorithm (SSA) [2] would be very inefficient. In this paper we propose a new method for steady-state simulation of metastable chains that is centered around the concept of stochastic complementation [3]. The use of this mathematical device along with SSA results in an algorithm with much better convergence properties, that facilitates the analysis of rarely switching stochastic biochemical systems.
Analysis of TMEFF2 allografts and transgenic mouse models reveals roles in prostate regeneration and cancer

Previous results from our lab indicate a tumor suppressor role for the transmembrane protein with epidermal growth factor and two follistatin motifs 2 (TMEFF2) in prostate cancer (PCa). Here, we further characterize this role and uncover new functions for TMEFF2 in cancer and adult prostate regeneration.
Laser ablation in titanium implants followed by biomimetic hydroxyapatite coating: Histomorphometric study in rabbits

Titanium surface texture and chemistry modification successfully improves the host response and consequently the bone‐to‐implant contact surrounding dental implants. The aim of the present study was to investigate, using histomorphometrical‐analysis, the effects of titanium surface modification by laser‐ablation (Nd:YAG) followed by thin chemical deposition of HA. Forty‐eight rabbits received one implant by tibiae of AS‐machined (MS), laser‐modified (LMS), or biomimetic hydroxyapatite‐coated (HA) surface. Bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) and bone area (BBT) were evaluated after 4, 8, and 12 weeks, at cortical and cancellous regions. Average BIC in the cortical region was higher (P < 0.001) on the LMS and HA implants for all periods, with no differences between LMS and HA. For the cancellous area, the LMS and HA implants showed higher (P < 0.01) BIC than MS at the initial periods. The LMS and HA showed similar values in the cortical region, but a tendency of higher values for HA in the cancellous region was observed in all periods. For the BBT, the differences were found only between HA and MS after 4 weeks in the cortical region (P < 0.05), and after 12 weeks in the cancellous area (P < 0.05). Our results showed that HA biomimetic coating preceded by laser treatment induced the contact osteogenesis and allowed the formation of a more stable bone–implant interface, even in earlier periods. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular Assessment of Neck Dissections Supports Preserving Level IIB Lymph Nodes in Selective Neck Dissection for Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma with a Clinically Negative Neck

Objectives: It was the aim of this study to determine whether level IIB lymph nodes can be saved in elective neck dissection as a treatment for patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx. We present a prospective analysis of a case series. Methods: Thirty-one patients with SCC of the larynx and without palpable lymph nodes at the neck who underwent an elective neck dissection were prospectively studied. The incidence of micrometastasis to level IIB lymph nodes after performing elective neck dissection was evaluated by nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for cytokeratin (CK)19 and CK20 as well as by pathological examination. Results: Nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for CK19 and CK20 mRNA presented similar results but differed from the pathological examination. Of the 31 patients, 6 (19%) by pathological analysis and 9 (29%) by molecular analysis had lymph nodes positive for metastatic SCC. By molecular analysis, only 1 of the 31 patients had involvement of level IIB lymph nodes. Conclusions: This region may be preserved in elective neck dissection in patients with SCC of the larynx, so that accessory nerve dysfunction can be minimized and operative time can be saved.
Targeting Phosphatidylserine on Apoptotic Cells with Phages and Peptides Selected from a Bacteriophage Display Library

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a well-characterized biomarker for apoptosis. Ligands that bind to PS can be used for noninvasive imaging of therapy-induced cell death, particularly apoptosis. In this study, we screened a random 12-mer peptide phage library on liposomes prepared from PS. One clone displaying the peptide SVSVGMKPSPRP (designated as PS3-10) bound to PS approximately 4-fold better than its binding to phosphatidylcholine and 18-fold better than to bovine serum albumin in a solid-phase binding assay. In addition, the binding of the corresponding PS3-10 peptide to PS was significantly higher than that of a scrambled peptide. PS3-10 phages, but not a control 4-2-2 phage, bound to aged red blood cells that had PS exposed on their surface. Binding of PS3-10 phages and PS3-10 peptide to TRAIL-induced apoptotic DLD1 cells was 3.2 and 5.4 times higher than their binding to untreated viable cells, respectively. Significantly, immunohistochemical staining confirmed selective binding of PS3-10 phages to apoptotic cells. Our data suggest that panning of phage display libraries may allow the selection of suitable peptide ligands for apoptotic cells and that PS3-10 peptide may serve as a template for further development of molecular probes for in vitro and in vivo imaging of apoptosis.