Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Activation of GABAB receptors increases a potassium conductance in rat bulbospinal neurons of the C1 area.

In anesthetized rats, iontophoresis of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAB)-receptor agonist and antispastic drug baclofen inhibits the bulbospinal vasomotor neurons of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). The present study was carried out to determine whether C1 adrenergic and other bulbospinal neurons of the RVLM have postsynaptic GABAB receptors. Retrogradely labeled RVLM bulbospinal neurons (n = 52) were recorded in 120-micron-thick slices from neonatal rat brain (3-10 days old). Most neurons (48/52) were tonically active (3 +/- 0.6 spikes/s). Twenty-six neurons were recovered histologically, and 18 of them were immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). In current clamp, baclofen (0.3-10 microM) hyperpolarized RVLM bulbospinal cells in a dose-dependent manner (16 +/- 0.5 mV hyperpolarization by 3 microM baclofen; n = 19) and decreased input resistance by 40% (n = 10). In voltage clamp (1 microM tetrodotoxin present; holding potential: -40 to -60 mV), 3 microM baclofen induced an outward current of 21 +/- 2 pA (n = 29). This current exhibited inward rectification and reversed polarity close to the K+ equilibrium potential (external K+ from 2.5 to 10 mM). The current induced by baclofen was reduced 90% by 0.1-0.2 mM BaCl2 (n = 6) and was blocked reversibly by the selective GABAB-receptor antagonist CGP-55845A (0.5-1 microM; n = 6). All histologically verified TH-immunoreactive cells (n = 18) were sensitive to baclofen. In summary, RVLM bulbospinal neurons including C1 adrenergic cells possess GABAB receptors. Activation of these receptors increases an inwardly rectifying K+ conductance. This effect reduces the intrinsic firing frequency of RVLM vasomotor neurons "in vitro" and may contribute to the sympatholytic action of baclofen "in vivo. "
Orally Administered Betahistine and Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Cerebrovascular Disease

C EREBRAL vasodilator agents have been questioned as an effective form of therapy for the stroke patient and have been considered by some investigators to be harmful. ’5 These views were based largely on (1) observations in animals of the “intracerebral steal” phenomenon produced by tile administration of high concentrations of 002 as an inhalation mixture in severe and acute experimental cerebral infarction, and (2) poorly defined and uncontrolled studies of the effects of vasodilating agents on the clinical course of acute and chronic stroke patients. “Intracerebral steal” has rarely been observed in humans, and those cases in whom it was reported were examples of severe massive cerebral infarction with cerebral edema#{176}8 or intracerebral space occupying lesions such as intracerebral hematoma or tumor.9’1#{176} “Intracerebral steal” as a result of the use of cerebral vasodilator drugs, in contradistinction to inhalation of mixtures of C02, is even more rare. For example, Olesen and Paulson8 and MdHenry reported that it
Sexual selection on brain size in shorebirds (Charadriiformes)

Natural selection is considered a major force shaping brain size evolution in vertebrates, whereas the influence of sexual selection remains controversial. On one hand, sexual selection could promote brain enlargement by enhancing cognitive skills needed to compete for mates. On the other hand, sexual selection could favour brain size reduction due to trade‐offs between investing in brain tissue and in sexually selected traits. These opposed predictions are mirrored in contradictory relationships between sexual selection proxies and brain size relative to body size. Here, we report a phylogenetic comparative analysis that highlights potential flaws in interpreting relative brain size‐mating system associations as effects of sexual selection on brain size in shorebirds (Charadriiformes), a taxonomic group with an outstanding diversity in breeding systems. Considering many ecological effects, relative brain size was not significantly correlated with testis size. In polyandrous species, however, relative brain sizes of males and females were smaller than in monogamous species, and females had smaller brain size than males. Although these findings are consistent with sexual selection reducing brain size, they could also be due to females deserting parental care, which is a common feature of polyandrous species. Furthermore, our analyses suggested that body size evolved faster than brain size, and thus the evolution of body size may be confounding the effect of the mating system on relative brain size. The brain size‐mating system association in shorebirds is thus not only due to sexual selection on brain size but rather, to body size evolution and other multiple simultaneous effects.
[Adherence to very active antiretroviral treatment: impact of individualized assessment].

BACKGROUND To determine if the intervention of individual advice improves adherence and effectiveness to highly active antiretroviral therapy. METHODS Randomized open trial. Patients treated with zidovudine + lamivudine + indinavir were assigned (2/1) to conventional care or individual advise. Individual advise consists in adaptation to treatment to patient style of live and detailed information of therapy. Adherence were estimated with structured interview and pillo counts and were considered correct when more than 90% of prescribed drugs were taken. RESULTS Patients 170, conventional care: 110 and IA: 60. FOLLOW-UP 24 weeks. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Correct adherence were estimated in 52.7% of conventional care and in 76.7% of individual advise (p = 0.002, relative risk: 1.45; CI 95%: 1.16-1.82). Undetectable viral load (NASBA < 50 copies/ml) in 54.5% of conventional care and in 65% of individual advise (p = 0.18, relative risk: 1.19; CI 95%: 0.93-1.53). Reduction of viral load in the conventional care group 1.02 +/- 0.5 log10/ml, and in the individual advise group 1.98 +/- 0.7 log10/ml. CONCLUSION The individual advice improve adherence with a tendency to improve effectiveness of highly active antiretroviral therapy.
A Network of Thrones: Kinship and Conflict in Europe, 1495–1918

We construct a database linking European royal kinship networks, monarchies, and wars to study the effect of family ties on conflict. To establish causality, we exploit decreases in connection caused by apolitical deaths of rulers’ mutual relatives. These deaths are associated with substantial increases in the frequency and duration of war. We provide evidence that these deaths affect conflict only through changing the kinship network. Over our period of interest, the percentage of European monarchs with kinship ties increased threefold. Together, these findings help explain the well-documented decrease in European war frequency. (JEL D74, N33, N34, N43, N44, Z12, Z13)
Adenosine deaminase: characterization and expression of a gene with a remarkable promoter.

Cosmid clones containing the gene for human adenosine deaminase (ADA) were isolated. The gene is 32 kb long and split into 12 exons. The exact sizes and boundaries of the exon blocks including the transcription start sites were determined. The sequence upstream from this cap site lacks the TATA and CAAT boxes characteristic for eukaryotic promoters. Nevertheless, we have shown in a functional assay that a stretch of 135 bp immediately preceding the cap site has promoter activity. This 135‐bp DNA fragment is extremely rich in G/C residues (82%). It contains three inverted repeats that allow the formation of cruciform structures, a 10‐bp and a 16‐bp direct repeat and five G/C‐rich motifs (GGGCGGG) disposed in a strikingly symmetrical fashion. Some of these structural features were also found in the promoter region of other genes and we discuss their possible function. Knowledge of the exact positions of the intron‐exon boundaries allowed us to propose models for abnormal RNA processing that occurs in previously investigated ADA‐deficient cell lines.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Methane-Oxidizing Bacterium Methylococcus capsulatus (Texas)

ABSTRACT Methanotrophic bacteria perform major roles in global carbon cycles via their unique enzymatic activities that enable the oxidation of one-carbon compounds, most notably methane. Here we describe the annotated draft genome sequence of the aerobic methanotroph Methylococcus capsulatus (Texas), a type strain originally isolated from sewer sludge.
Image representation using curvature information in intensity profiles

In this paper we present a new approach which represents an intensity profile by using some "pulley" points, which are defined as points of high-curvature. The basic concept and the morphological methods for finding these pulley points are introduced. This representation can faithfully keep the spatial information of a profile and greatly reduce the spatial redundancy. We show some experimental results which demonstrate the promising possibility of using this approach in image compression.
2,2′-(Disulfanediyl)dianilinium dichloride dihydrate

In the title hydrated molecular salt, C12H14N2S2 2+·2Cl−·2H2O, the dihedral angle between the benzene rings in the dication is 9.03 (17)° and the C—S—S—C torsion angle is 96.8 (2)°. The crystal packing can be described as alternating organic and anionic water layers lying parallel to (100), which are linked by N—H⋯Cl and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. O—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds and aromatic π–π stacking interactions [centroid–centroid separation = 3.730 (3) Å] are also observed.
Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and adherence among women living with HIV.

OBJECTIVES Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder associated with serious traumatic events. People with PTSD tend to perceive medical interventions as intrusive. Factors such as dose complexity, number of pills, food requirements, patient-health provider relationship, and individual factors influence adherence. This study intends to examine if traumatic experiences affect the way women living with HIV adhere to their medical treatment. METHODS Adherence to HIV medications was examined with a self-report scale that was administered to a group of women that attend the Maternal Infant Studies Center. Trauma symptoms were measured by using the Trauma Symptom Inventory. RESULTS A total of 15 women were studied. Of these, 86.6% were found adherent and 13.4% nonadherent. Both the adherent and nonadherent activated the anger/irritability (7.7% vs 50%), sexual concerns (7.7% vs 50%), and tension-reduction clinical (TRB) scales (15.4% vs 100%). The adherent women also activated the anxious arousal, depression, defensive avoidance, and dissociation scales. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals differences in trauma-related symptoms among adherent and nonadherent patients. Increases in the TRB index of 100% among the nonadherent may reflect a need for psychological treatment. By lowering this index, they might improve their desire to live and adhere better to their treatment. Because of the limited sample size, we cannot generalize these findings. We will continue to collect data on a desired sample size of 85 women.
Early markers of late-onset sepsis in premature neonates: clinical, hematological and cytokine profile

Abstract Background: Late-onset sepsis in the NICU is a major problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. Objective: To determine if clinical characteristics, hematological parameters and serial measurements of serum IL-6 and IL-8 can detect late-onset sepsis in premature neonates prior to positive blood cultures. Design: The study was done in 2 phases. The first phase (S1) was a retrospective evaluation of clinical signs and timing of blood culture positivity in all neonates with late-onset culture proven sepsis from 1991–1998. The second phase (S2) was a prospective study that enrolled infants ≥72 hours old, suspected of sepsis based on the presence of criteria identified in S1. At that time (day 0), blood was drawn for a CBC with differential, blood culture, IL-6 and IL-8 levels; cytokine levels were repeated on day 1. Infants with positive cultures were diagnosed as confirmed sepsis; those with negative cultures, as no sepsis. Results: S1: Of the 48 episodes of culture proven, late-onset sepsis, 54% of the blood cultures were positive by 24 hours and 90% by 48 hours. The most common presenting signs were desaturations (50%) and increased gastric residuals (33%); I/T ratio > 0.16 differentiated between gram-positive, negative and fungal infections (p = 0.007). S2: 27 infants were enrolled. Eight (mean [SEM] gestational age of 28.2 [0.94] weeks; birth weight of 1.15 [0.11] kg) had positive blood cultures; 19 (gestational age of 27.7 [0.9] weeks; birth weight of 1.06 [0.13] kg) had no sepsis. Infants with sepsis were more likely to have apnea/bradycardia (p = 0.002); no differences in hematological profile, as compared to those with no sepsis. Seven (88%) infants had positive blood cultures by 48 hours. Median values of IL-6 (pg/ml) were higher in infants with sepsis vs. those with no sepsis on days 0 [40 vs.13] (p = 0.03) and 1 [24 vs. 9] (p < 0.001). IL-8 levels were not significantly different. Conclusions. In both S1 and S2, a majority of the blood cultures were positive by 48 hours. IL-6 levels on days 0 and 1 were significantly higher in infants with confirmed sepsis, prior to the blood culture being positive. IL-6 levels may be useful in the initiation as well as early termination of antibiotic therapy in late-onset neonatal sepsis.
S Phase and G2 Arrests Induced by Topoisomerase I Poisons Are Dependent on ATR Kinase Function*

ATR, a human phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinase, is an important component of the cellular response to DNA damage. In the present study, we evaluated the role of ATR in modulating the response of cells to S phase-associated DNA double-stranded breaks induced by topoisomerase poisons. Prolonged exposure to low doses of the topoisomerase I poison topotecan (TPT) resulted in S phase slowing because of diminished DNA synthesis at late-firing replicons. In contrast, brief TPT exposure, as well as prolonged exposure to the topoisomerase II poison etoposide, resulted in subsequent G2 arrest. These responses were associated with phosphorylation of the checkpoint kinase Chk1. The cell cycle responses and phosphorylation of Chk1 were markedly diminished by forced overexpression of a dominant negative, kinase-inactive allele of ATR. In contrast, deficiency of the related kinase ATM had no effect on these events. The loss of ATR-dependent checkpoint function sensitized GM847 human fibroblasts to the cytotoxic effects of the topoisomerase I poisons TPT and 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin, as assessed by inhibition of colony formation, increased trypan blue uptake, and development of apoptotic morphological changes. Expression of kdATR also sensitized GM847 cells to the cytotoxic effects of prolonged low dose etoposide and doxorubicin, albeit to a smaller extent. Collectively, these results not only suggest that ATR is important in responding to the replication-associated DNA damage from topoisomerase poisons, but also support the view that ATM and ATR have unique roles in activating the downstream kinases that participate in cell cycle checkpoints.
Mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus and Addison's disease: a nationwide, matched, observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVE Our hypothesis was that patients with diabetes mellitus obtain an additional risk of death if they develop Addison's disease (AD). DESIGN AND METHODS Nationwide, matched, observational cohort study cross-referencing the Swedish National Diabetes Register with Inpatient, Cancer and Cause of Death Registers in patients with diabetes (type 1 and 2) and AD and matched controls with diabetes. Clinical characteristics at baseline, overall, and cause-specific mortality were assessed. The relative risk of death was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS Between January 1996 and December 2012, 226 patients with diabetes and AD were identified and matched with 1129 controls with diabetes. Median (interquartile range) follow-up was 5.9 (2.7-8.6) years. When patients with diabetes were diagnosed with AD, they had an increased frequency of diabetes complications, but both medical history of cancer and coronary heart disease did not differ compared with controls. Sixty-four of the 226 patients with diabetes and AD (28%) died, while 112 of the 1129 controls (10%) died. The estimated relative risk increase (hazard ratio) in overall mortality in the diabetes and AD group was 3.89 (95% confidence interval 2.84-5.32) compared with controls with diabetes. The most common cause of death was cardiovascular in both groups, but patients with diabetes and AD showed an increased death rate from diabetes complications, infectious diseases and unknown causes. CONCLUSIONS Patients with the rare combination of diabetes and AD showed a markedly increased mortality and died more frequently from infections and unknown causes than patients with diabetes alone. Improved strategy for the management of this combination of metabolic disorders is needed.
A methodology to assess the State of Health of lithium-ion batteries based on the battery's parameters and a Fuzzy Logic System

This paper presents a methodology used to assess the State of Health (SOH) of lithium-ion batteries. This methodology can be readily embedded in all battery management devices including the electronics for electric vehicles. The smart estimation method is based on a Fuzzy Logic System (FLS) and two calculated battery's parameters. Therefore it enhances the SOH value based primarily on both the calendar and the cycling life. The FLS is constructed by using only the temperature and the absolute value of the current that the battery sustains. Finally, through the experiments, obtained results for both a new and an aged battery demonstrate the accuracy of the methodology and how it can improve the battery's lifespan.
High-throughput screening of stabilizers for Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Identification of stabilizers and their effects on the conformational thermostability of viral particles

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of severe respiratory infection inchildren worldwide. Recombinant live attenuated viral preparations are one of the most promisingstrategies for vaccination but they typically possess poor thermostability. In this work, a library ofcompounds was screened and stabilizers were selected based on their ability to inhibit theaggregation of RSV perturbed at 56 °C. After screening and selection of excipients, theconformational stability of the RSV proteins was evaluated in the presence of potential stabilizers.The secondary and tertiary structures as well as aggregation/dissociation of RSV were monitoredusing circular dichroism and second derivative UV absorption spectroscopies and light scattering,respectively, as a function of temperature (10-90 °C). RSV membrane fluidity was also evaluatedby generalized polarization of Laurdan fluorescence. Screening experiments showed that a varietyof sugars, amino acids, polyols and polyanions inhibited the aggregation of viral particles.Conformational stability studies demonstrated that the addition of sugars and polyols stabilizedRSV as indicated by a significant increase in the transition melting temperature (Tm) of both thesecondary and tertiary structures as well as the gel to liquid crystalline membrane transition. Theseresults should provide the basis for rational development of more physically stable formulations oflive attenuated RSV vaccines.
Acute and Chronic Effects of Oral Genistein Administration in Neonatal Mice1

Soy-based infant formulas are widely used in the United States and some other countries. These formulas contain high levels of the estrogenic isoflavone genistein, leading to concern that neonatal genistein exposure could cause acute and/or long-term adverse effects on reproductive and other organs. However, previous work to assess genistein effects in rodent models has not typically replicated the route of delivery and/or serum genistein concentrations reported for soy formula-fed human infants. Our objective was to develop a mouse model that more closely mimics the oral genistein exposure and total serum genistein concentrations observed in soy formula-fed infants. Mouse pups were dosed orally with genistein in a soy formula-corn oil emulsion from Postnatal Day (PND) 1 to PND 5, then effects on reproductive and nonreproductive organs were assessed after dosing and during subsequent development. Neonatal treatment resulted in changes both at the completion of dosing (PND 5) and in adult animals. At PND 5, neonatal genistein treatment caused increased relative uterine weight and down-regulation of progesterone receptor in uterine epithelia. Estrogenic effects of genistein were also seen in the neonatal ovary and thymus, which had an increase in the incidence of multioocyte follicles (MOFs) and a decrease in thymic weight relative to body weight, respectively. The increased incidence of MOFs persisted into adulthood for neonatally treated genistein females, and estrous cycle abnormalities were seen at 6 mo of age despite normal fertility in these mice. The immediate and long-term effects in this neonatal animal model raise concerns that high serum concentrations of genistein are estrogenic and could potentially impact the development of human infants fed soy formula.
Towards Semantic Biomedical Problem Solving

Biological and medical intelligence (BMI) has been studied in solos, lacking a systematic methodology. In this paper, we describe how Semantic Computing can enhance biological and medical intelligence. Specifically, we show how Structured Natural Language (SNL) can express many problems in BMI with a finite number of sentence patterns, and show how biological tools, OLAP, data mining tools and statistical analysis tools may be linked to solve problems related to biomedical data.
Control of an Actuator Made of Two Antagonist McKibben Muscles via LMI Optimization

In the last decade, regain of interest in braided pneumatic artificial muscles has appeared. In fact, their low cost, light weight, high power and natural damping are all appealing properties. Nevertheless, these devices are hard to control because of their nonlinear and uncertain model. In this paper, simple and robust PID controllers are used without linearizing the model. This can be done by using the LMI optimization approach. The H2 norm is used to minimize noise influence on the controllers. Also, two pneumatic equipments are considered and compared: a servovalve and two pressures valves. Experimental data is included and demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approaches
A heat shock protein localized to chloroplasts is a member of a eukaryotic superfamily of heat shock proteins.

We have isolated cDNA clones from soybean and pea that specify nuclear‐encoded heat shock proteins (HSPs) which localize to chloroplasts. The mRNAs for these HSPs are undetectable at control temperatures, but increase approximately 150‐fold during a 2‐h heat shock. Hybridization‐selection followed by in vitro translation demonstrates that these HSPs are synthesized as precursor proteins which are processed by the removal of 5‐6.5 kd during import into isolated chloroplasts. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNAs shows the derived amino acid sequences of the mature pea and soybean proteins are 79% identical. While the predicted transit peptide encoded by the pea cDNA has some characteristics typical of transit sequences, including high Ser content, multiple basic residues and no acidic residues, it lacks two domains proposed to be important for import and maturation of other chloroplast proteins. The carboxy‐terminal region of the chloroplast HSP has significant homology to cytoplasmic HSPs from soybean and other eukaryotes. We hypothesize that the chloroplast HSP shares a common structural and functional domain with low mol. wt HSPs which localize to other parts of the cell, and may have evolved from a nuclear gene.