Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Responses of excitatory hippocampal synapses to natural stimulus patterns reveal a decrease in short‐term facilitation and increase in short‐term depression during postnatal development

Schaffer collateral excitatory synapses onto CA1 pyramidal cells are subject to significant modulation by short‐term plasticity. This presynaptic, history‐dependent modulation of neurotransmitter release causes synaptic transmission to be sensitive to the frequency of the input. As a result, temporally irregular input patterns, such as those observed in vivo, produce synaptic responses over a very wide dynamic range that reflect a balance of short‐term facilitation and short‐term depression. The neonatal period is an important developmental period in the hippocampus, when functional representations of an animal's environment are being established through exploratory behavior. The strength of excitatory synapses and their modulation by short‐term plasticity are critical to this process. One form of short‐term plasticity, paired‐pulse facilitation, has been shown to decrease as juvenile rats mature into young adults. However, little is known about the neonatal modulation of other forms of short‐term plasticity, including the responses to temporally complex stimuli. We examined developmental modulation of the short‐term dynamics of Schaffer collateral excitatory synapses onto CA1 pyramidal cells in acute hippocampal slices, using both constant frequency stimuli and natural stimulus patterns that were taken from in vivo recording of spike patterns of hippocampal cells. In response to constant frequency stimulation, synapses in slices from young adult rats (P28–P35) showed less short‐term depression than did those in slices from juveniles (P12–P18). However, when the natural stimulus pattern (containing a wide mix of frequencies) was used, synapses from young adults instead showed more short‐term depression and less short‐term facilitation than did juveniles. Comparing the natural stimulus pattern responses with constant frequency stimulation of a similar frequency, we found that the average responses were similar in young adults (both showed modest depression). However, in juveniles, the natural pattern produced robust facilitation while constant frequency stimulation caused a large short‐term depression. Our results reveal that there are developmental changes both in individual forms of short‐term plasticity and in the relative balance between short‐term facilitation and short‐term depression that will alter the signal transfer characteristics of these synapses. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Robustness of complex networks: Theory and application

Failures of networks, such as power outages in power systems, congestions in transportation networks, paralyse our daily life and introduce a tremendous cascading effect on our society. Networks should be constructed and operated in a robust way against random failures or deliberate attacks. We study how to add a single link into an existing network such that the robustness of the network is maximally improved among all the possibilities. A graph metric, the effective graph resistance, is employed to quantify the robustness of the network. Though exhaustive search guarantees the optimal solution, the computational complexity is high and is not scalable with the increase of network size. We propose strategies that take into account the structural and spectral properties of networks and indicate links whose addition result in a high robustness level.
A Novel Personal Identity Verification Approach Using a Discrete Wavelet Transform of the ECG Signal

The purpose of this research is to develop a real time system for individual verification with the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. The ECG signal varies from person to person and it can be used as a new biometric for individual verification. The discrete wavelet transform extract signal features by wavelet coefficients of one-lead ECG signal. Using the proposed approach on 35 normal subjects and 10 arrhythmia patients, 100% verification rate was obtained for normal subjects and 81% verification rate for arrhythmia patients. Furthermore, the performance of the ECG verification system was evaluated by the false acceptance rate (FAR) and false rejection rate (FRR). The FAR was 0.83% and FRR was 0.86%for a database containing only 35 normal subjects. When 10 arrhythmia patients were added into the database, the FAR became 12.50% and the FRR 5.11%. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system works very well for normal subjects.
A novel method for isolating Schwann cells using the extracellular domain of Necl1

Myelinating cocultures of Schwann cells and dorsal root ganglion neurons are a powerful experimental system for probing the molecular mechanisms of axon–Schwann cell interaction. The isolation of a pure population of myelination‐competent Schwann cells is a prerequisite for this experimental system. We describe here a protocol for a FACS‐based isolation of Schwann cells utilizing a specific affinity reagent (Necl1‐Fc) and the use of these isolated cells in myelinating cocultures. An advantage of the myelinating coculture system is that Schwann cells and the neurons can be genetically manipulated before they are cocultured. We further show that our method allows the isolation of virally transduced Schwann cells in a single purification step. This protocol for the FACS‐based isolation of myelination‐competent Schwann cells by Necl1‐Fc and the use of these cells in myelinating cocultures should significantly facilitate future studies aimed at delineation of the molecular mechanisms of axon–Schwann cell interactions and myelination. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Promotes the Proliferation of Adult Schwann Cells Isolated from Axotomized Sciatic Nerve

We have previously found that adult Schwann cells express receptors for lysophosphatidic acid (EDG2, EDG7) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (EDG5) and that expression of these receptors is significantly upregulated in injured sciatic nerve coincident with postaxotomy Schwann cell proliferation. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that lysophosphatidic acid and/or sphingosine-1-phosphate promote Schwann cell mitogenesis in injured adult nerve. We found that both saturated and unsaturated forms of lysophosphatidic acid, but not sphingosine-1-phosphate, induce DNA synthesis in adult Schwann cells isolated from surgically transected sciatic nerve. Lysophosphatidic acid induces adult Schwann cell DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner, acting at 0.1- to 10-μM concentrations. Lysophosphatidic acid-mediated stimulation of adult Schwann cell DNA synthesis occurs via a signaling pathway involving a pertussis toxin-sensitive (Gi/Go) G-protein. Activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, cAMP-dependent protein kinase A and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase is also required for lysophosphatidic acid-induced Schwann cell mitogenesis. These findings demonstrate that lysophosphatidic acid promotes proliferation of adult Schwann cells isolated from injured nerve and are consistent with the hypothesis that lysophosphatidic acid promotes in vivo Schwann cell mitogenesis in regenerating peripheral nerve.
Shift Duty and Stress Coping Strategies among Nurses in the University College Hospital, Ibadan

Abstract This is an exploratory analytical survey, aimed at identifying the effect of shift duty and the coping strategies used to adjust to the stress of shift work among nurses working in the University College Hospital, Ibadan in Nigeria. The sample of the study consists of 166 nurses working in various wards selected by a stratified random sampling. The questionnaires were in two sections A and B. Data was collected and analysed using percentages,÷2, t-test and correlation analysis. Shift duty was reported as stressful by 79 (47.6%) of the nurses studied. Various stress coping responses were identified which were largely based on planning. Neither age nor seniority on the job had any statistical significant influence on the proportion of nurses that report stress from shift work. The positive coping styles correlated negatively with the negative ones but the negative correlations were significant in only two instances namely between planning and denial (P<0.01) and between positive interpretations and growth and alcohol – drug disengagement (P<0.05) Stress coping responses of nurses were largely based on planning and active coping. The findings of this study indicated a need for establishment of counselling unit within the hospital where nurses or even other health workers could be guided and counselled on positive coping strategies for effective delivery of nursing care to the patients.
Endomembrane control of cell polarity: Relevance to cancer

The role of polarity in cancer is an emerging research area and loss of polarity is widely considered an important event in cancer. Among the polarity regulating molecules, the small GTPase Cdc42 was extensively studied. Most attention was given to Cdc42 signaling at the plasma membrane, but whether and how Cdc42 is regulated at endomembranes remained poorly understood. Moreover, whether the endomembrane pool of Cdc42 is of any relevance to cell polarity was unknown. In our recent work, we identified a complex between the Golgi matrix protein GM130 and RasGRF and showed that it is responsible for regulating the Golgi pool of Cdc42, but had no effect on the plasma membrane pool of Cdc42. Depletion of GM130 disrupted apico-basal polarity as well as front-rear polarity, indicating that the spatial pool of Cdc42 is functionally relevant. The biomedical relevance of this finding was supported by the observation than GM130 is progressively lost in colorectal cancer. These findings support a role of the endomembrane pool of Cdc42 in cell polarity and point to a potential role of alterations of this pool in cancer.
Effect of CPT-11 in combination with other anticancer agents in lung cancer cells

To determine the optimal combination of commonly used anticancer agents with 7-ethyl-10-hydroxy-camptothecin (SN-38), an active metabolite of 7-ethyl-10-[4(1-piperidino)- 1-piperidino] carbonyloxy camptothecin (CPT-11), for chemotherapy of lung cancer, we studied the effects of SN- 38 In combination with six representative anticancer agents on the human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell line, NCI N417, and the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line, PC-9. The anticancer activity was evaluated by MTT assay and the effects of drug combinations on ID50 were analyzed by an improved isobologram method. In the SCLC cell line, supra-additive effect was observed for SN-38 in combination with cisplatin, etoposide (VP-16) and paclitaxel (Taxol). An additive effect was observed for its combination with bleomycin. Sub-additive and protective effects were found in combination with adrlamycin (ADR) and 5-fluorouracil (5- FU). In the NSCLC cell line, supra-additive and marginal supra-additive effects were found for SN-38 in combination with VP-16, ADR, 5-FU and bleomycin. The others showed additive effects with SN-38. No drug showed sub-additive and protective effects with SN-38. These results suggest that all the drugs we selected can be used with SN-38 simultaneously for NSCLC, while for SCLC, cisplatin, VP-16 and Taxol are the most suitable for combination with SN-38.
Down Syndrome Disintegrative Disorder

Over a 10-year period in a Down syndrome Clinic, 11 children and adolescents were encountered with a history of new-onset (8) or worsening (3) autistic characteristics. Ten of the 11 (91%) had cognitive decline to a dementia-like state and 9 of the 11 (82%) new-onset insomnia. The mean age at which symptoms developed was 11.4 years (standard deviation = 3.6 years; range 5-14 years), an older age than usual for autistic regression in Down syndrome. Ten of 11 cases (91%) had elevated (“positive”) thyroperoxidase antibody titers compared to only 5 of 21 (23%) age-matched control subjects with Down syndrome (P < .001). At follow-up at a mean age of 20.7 years (standard deviation = 3.9 years), 8 of the 11 (73%) were at least somewhat better. Down syndrome disintegrative disorder seems an appropriate name for this newly recognized clinical association, which may be due to autoimmunity.
Cancer of the tongue. Report of the management of 1,554 patients

XPERIENCE in the diagnosis and treatment E of cancer of the tongue was last reported from this Service in 1940.9 During the period covered by the previous review, irradiation, employed alone or in varying combinations with surgery, dominated as the treatment method. The cure rate of 25%, based on determinate cases, though comparable to contemporary results,ls 2. must be considered unsatisfactory. In an effort to improve results, treatment methods in our Clinic have been varied. Currently the primary emphasis on irradiation has been replaced by a more aggressive surgical program. It is the purpose of this study to record the treatment methods employed, the clinical course, and the end results for 1,554 patients with cancer of the tongue who were observed during a 15-year period.
Possible case of potentiation of the antiplatelet effect of cilostazol by grapefruit juice

We present a case of purpura associated with concomitant ingestion of cilostazol, aspirin and grapefruit juice. A 79‐year‐old man with atherosclerosis obliterans, taking cilostazol and aspirin, complained of purpura. Interview by a pharmacist revealed that he had been taking grapefruit juice for a month. His purpura disappeared upon cessation of grapefruit juice, although his medication was not altered. The most probable cause of his purpura is an increase in the blood level of cilostazol because of the inhibition of cilostazol metabolism by components of grapefruit juice. Aspirin may possibly have potentiated the risk of purpura. Grapefruit juice should be avoided in patients taking cilostazol, especially in patients being concomitantly treated with other anticoagulants.
Future habitat loss and extinctions driven by land‐use change in biodiversity hotspots under four scenarios of climate‐change mitigation

Numerous species have been pushed into extinction as an increasing portion of Earth's land surface has been appropriated for human enterprise. In the future, global biodiversity will be affected by both climate change and land‐use change, the latter of which is currently the primary driver of species extinctions. How societies address climate change will critically affect biodiversity because climate‐change mitigation policies will reduce direct climate‐change impacts; however, these policies will influence land‐use decisions, which could have negative impacts on habitat for a substantial number of species. We assessed the potential impact future climate policy could have on the loss of habitable area in biodiversity hotspots due to associated land‐use changes. We estimated past extinctions from historical land‐use changes (1500–2005) based on the global gridded land‐use data used for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assessment Report and habitat extent and species data for each hotspot. We then estimated potential extinctions due to future land‐use changes under alternative climate‐change scenarios (2005–2100). Future land‐use changes are projected to reduce natural vegetative cover by 26‐58% in the hotspots. As a consequence, the number of additional species extinctions, relative to those already incurred between 1500 and 2005, due to land‐use change by 2100 across all hotspots ranged from about 220 to 21000 (0.2% to 16%), depending on the climate‐change mitigation scenario and biological factors such as the slope of the species–area relationship and the contribution of wood harvest to extinctions. These estimates of potential future extinctions were driven by land‐use change only and likely would have been higher if the direct effects of climate change had been considered. Future extinctions could potentially be reduced by incorporating habitat preservation into scenario development to reduce projected future land‐use changes in hotspots or by lessening the impact of future land‐use activities on biodiversity within hotspots.
Bone marrow necrosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

A 67-year-old man presented with fever and a 3-month history of bone pain, mainly localized in the lumbar vertebrae and in the pelvis, which was not associated with either movement or with recent trauma. On admission the patient was lethargic and physical examination revealed: pallor, and liver slightly tender and enlarged 3 cms. Vital signs were normal and neither lymphadenopathy nor splenomegaly was found. Hematologic values were: hemoglobin 12.5 g/dL; white-cell count 2.69310/L with 59% neutrophils, 2% basophils, 30% lymphocytes, 4% myelocytes, 5% erythroblasts; platelets 36310/L. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 113 mm/h, LDH 1343 mU/mL, alkaline phosphatase 603 IU, SGOT 37 mU/mL, SGPT 73 mU/mL, while renal function tests were normal. Chest X-ray was normal, while radiography of the skeleton documented diffuse osteopenia; ultrasonography showed hepatomegaly and slight splenomegaly. Bone marrow analysis Bone marrow smears revealed hypocellularity with many impossible to identify degenerated cells that were dismissed as artefacts, and an amorphous pink-staining background (Figure 1a). Rare intact blasts were present in very few areas (Figure 1b). Marrow biopsy specimens showed several necrotic zones and some other with normal cellularity heavily infiltrated with blasts (Figure 2a, b). Blast cells were PAS positive, Sudan B positive, peroxidase and a-naphthyl-acetate esterase negative. They expressed TdT and CD10, CD19, CD20 antigens, but not CD7, CD13 and CD33. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed marrow necrosis by revealing high signal dishomogeneity in all lombo-sacral metamers examined with both low and high intensity in T1 and T2 weighted images and in DP (Figure 3).
Commonly Used Disinfectants Fail To Eradicate Salmonella enterica Biofilms from Food Contact Surface Materials

ABSTRACT Salmonellosis is the second most common cause of food-borne illness worldwide. Contamination of surfaces in food processing environments may result in biofilm formation with a risk of food contamination. Effective decontamination of biofilm-contaminated surfaces is challenging. Using the CDC biofilm reactor, the activities of sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, and benzalkonium chloride were examined against an early (48-h) and relatively mature (168-h) Salmonella biofilm. All 3 agents result in reduction in viable counts of Salmonella; however, only sodium hydroxide resulted in eradication of the early biofilm. None of the agents achieved eradication of mature biofilm, even at the 90-min contact time. Studies of activity of chemical disinfection against biofilm should include assessment of activity against mature biofilm. The difficulty of eradication of established Salmonella biofilm serves to emphasize the priority of preventing access of Salmonella to postcook areas of food production facilities.
A unified discontinuous Galerkin framework for time integration

We introduce a new discontinuous Galerkin approach for time integration. On the basis of the method of weighted residual, numerical quadratures are employed in the finite element time discretization to account for general nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Many different conditions, including explicit, implicit, and symplectic conditions, are enforced for the test functions in the variational analysis to obtain desirable features of the resulting time‐stepping scheme. The proposed discontinuous Galerkin approach provides a unified framework to derive various time‐stepping schemes, such as low‐order one‐step methods, Runge–Kutta methods, and multistep methods. On the basis of the proposed framework, several explicit Runge–Kutta methods of different orders are constructed. The derivation of symplectic Runge–Kutta methods has also been realized. The proposed framework allows the optimization of new schemes in terms of several characteristics, such as accuracy, sparseness, and stability. The accuracy optimization is performed on the basis of an analytical form of the error estimation function for a linear test initial value problem. Schemes with higher formal order of accuracy are found to provide more accurate solutions. We have also explored the optimization potential of sparseness, which is related to the general compressive sensing in signal/imaging processing. Two critical dimensions of the stability region, that is, maximal intervals along the imaginary and negative real axes, are employed as the criteria for stability optimization. This gives the largest Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy time steps in solving hyperbolic and parabolic partial differential equations, respectively. Numerical experiments are conducted to validate the optimized time‐stepping schemes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving Security by Using Secure Servers Communicating via Internet with Standalone Secure Software

 Abstract — This paper describes the use of the Internet as a feature to enhance the security of our software that is going to be distributed/sold to users potentially all over the world. By placing in a secure server some of the features of the secure software, we increase the security of such software. The communication between the protected software and the secure server is done by a double lock algorithm. This paper also includes an analysis of intruders and describes possible responses to detect threats.
Health Care Preferences and Priorities of Adolescents With Chronic Illnesses

Background. Efforts to make health care for adolescents with chronic illnesses more patient-centered must be grounded in an understanding and clear measures of adolescents' preferences and priorities. Objective. To develop a measure of health care preferences of adolescents with chronic illnesses and to determine demographic, developmental, and health factors associated with adolescents' preferences. Design. Mixed-method questionnaire development and survey. Setting. Subspecialty clinics of a tertiary care children's hospital. Participants. All adolescents (age: 11–19 years) with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, sickle cell disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or cystic fibrosis of at least 2-year duration who were being treated at the participating center were eligible to participate, and 155 of 251 did so (62%). The participants had a mean age of 15.5 ± 2.4 years, 45% were male, and 75% were white. Intervention. None. Main Outcome Measures. Ratings of 65 items related to quality of care and 17 items related to physician-patient communication styles. Results. An 82-item questionnaire, devised from qualitative analysis of focus group results, contained 65 Likert scale items that adolescents considered important for health care quality and 17 forced-choice items related to adolescents' preferences for communication. Among the first 65 items, the group of questions related to physician trust and respect had the highest rating of 5.24 ± 0.62 of 6, followed by patient power and control (mean rating: 4.72 ± 0.77) and then caring and closeness in the patient-doctor relationship (mean rating: 4.19 ± 0.91). For the communication items, the adolescents, on average, preferred communication directly to them rather than to their parents and were nearly neutral regarding physicians' inquiries about personal issues. Conclusions. Participants rated aspects of interpersonal care (especially honesty, attention to pain, and items related to respect) as most important in their judgments of quality. As in most previous studies of adults, technical aspects of care were also rated highly, suggesting that adolescents understand and value both scientific and interpersonal aspects of care.