Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Noradrenaline, Adrenaline, and the Human Circulation

In recent years there has been considerable interest in -the circulatory action of the neurohormones-, adrenaline and noradrenaline. The effects of these substances in man hTve been extensively investigated, and it seems appropriate to take stock of this recent knowledge, particularly because it is now possible to define with reasonable certainty the function of adrenaline and noradrenaline in the normal working of the body. The humoral concept of transmission of nerve impulses dates from the time of Elliott (1905), who suggested that the sympathetic nerves caused their effects by liberating a chemical transmitter substance at their endings which activated the effector cell. Elliott thought that this transmitter was adrenaline, and, indeed, for a long time no other substance was seriously considered in its place. It is surprising that this should have been so, because Barger and Dale (1910), in their classical paper on the chemical structure and sympathomimetic action of amines, pointed out difficulties in accepting adrenaline as the transmitter of sympathetic nerve impulses. They also stated that the action of certain other amines was more like the action of the sympathetic nerves than was that of adrenaline. The significance of these observations in the past few years has been fully appreciated, for Euler (1946) demonstrated that extracts of organs contained a substance indistinguishable from one of the other amino bases of the catechol group, noradrenaline. This was the most important single observation in support of the theory first put forward by Bacq (1934) that noradrenaline might be the transmitter substance in sympathetic nerves. The immediate task is to describe the action of the two naturally occurring sympathomimetic amines-adrenaline and noradrenaline-in the circulation in man and to define their part in normal and abnormal physiology. Comprehensive reviews covering the chemical and biological action of noradrenaline and adrenaline have recently been published by Euler (1950, 1951) and Goldenberg (1951).
Bronchial mucosal mast cells in asymptomatic smokers relation to structure , lung function and emphysema

The pathologic mechanisms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) most certainly involves neutrophil granulocytes, cytotoxic T-cells, macophages and mast cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between the number of mast cells in different compartments in bronchial biopsies of central proximal airways to structural changes, lung function tests and emphysema detected by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Twenty nine asymptomatic smoking and 16 never-smoking men from a population study were recruited. Central bronchial biopsies were stained to identify mast cells by immunohistochemistry. The number of mast cells in the epithelium, lamina propria and smooth muscle as well as epithelial integrity and thickness of the tenascin and laminin layer were determined. Smokers had increased numbers of mast cells in all compartments (Po0.001). Structural changes were correlated to mast cell numbers with the closest associations to mast cell numbers in the smooth muscle [epithelial integrity (Rs1⁄4 0.48, P1⁄4 0.008), laminin layer (Rs1⁄4 0.63, P1⁄4 0.0002), tenascin layer (Rs1⁄4 0.40, P1⁄4 0.03)]. Similar correlations between mast cells and lung function tests were seen [functional residual capacity (FRC) (Rs1⁄4 0.60, P1⁄4 0.0006), total lung capacity (TLC) (Rs1⁄4 0.44, P1⁄4 0.02) and residual volume (RV) (Rs1⁄4 0.41, P1⁄4 0.03)]. No correlations could be detected between mast cells and FEV1 or to emphysema. Smoking is associated with an increase of mast cells in all compartments of the bronchial mucosa, including smooth muscle, and this is related to altered airway structure and function. & 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Discovering Rules of Adaptation and Interaction: From Molecules and Gene Interaction to Brain Functions

Many systems in Biology and Nature are characterized by a continuous adaptation and by a complex interaction of many variables over time. Such systems can be observed at different levels of the functioning of a living organism, e.g.: molecular, genetic, cellular, multicellular, neuronal, brain function, evolution. One of the challenges for information science is to be able to represent the dynamic processes, to model them, and to reveal “the rules” that govern the adaptation and the variable interaction over time. The paper presents one approach to address the above issues through adaptive, knowledgebased connectionist systems. These systems evolve their structure and functionality through learning from data in both on-line and off-line incremental mode, in both supervised and unsupervised modes, and facilitate data and knowledge integration, rule extraction and rule manipulation. Evolving Connectionist Systems (ECOS) are presented as an example of such systems. The evolving process of an ECOS is defined by parameters, “genes” [1]. ECOS extend further the classical knowledge-based neural networks [2]. Adaptive, knowledge-based connectionist systems, and ECOS in particular, are applied on data and problems from Bioinformatics and Neuroinformatics to discover rules of adaptation and interaction. Such problems are: microarray gene expression analysis and profiling; gene regulatory network modeling (GRN); medical prognostic systems; modeling visual and auditory perception states of the human brain, etc [1]. Recently new, biologically plausible ECOS have been developed, called computational neurogenetic models [3,4]. In these models the neuronal parameters correspond to real genes expressed in the brain and related to learning processes and brain diseases [3,4]. A dynamic model of a GRN within each neuron is evolved during the modeling process that governs the neuronal processes. All neurons have a spiking behavior to form spiking neural networks, characterized by a spectral profile [3,4]. The computational neurogenetic modeling paradigm is illustrated on a case study of modeling epileptic/normal state transitions and the discovery of the gene interaction networks that are likely to cause this phenomenon. Further directions include: the development of dynamic evolving neurogenetic models; modeling complex brain processes and diseases; cancer prognosis; hardware implementation.
Investigating a memory-based account of negative priming: support for selection-feature mismatch.

Using typical and modified negative priming tasks, the selection-feature mismatch account of negative priming was tested. In the modified task, participants performed selections on the basis of a semantic feature (e.g., referent size). This procedure has been shown to enhance negative priming (P. A. MacDonald, S. Joordens, & K. N. Seergobin, 1999). Across 3 experiments, negative priming occurred only when the repeated item mismatched in terms of the feature used as the basis for selections. When the repeated item was congruent on the selection feature across the prime and probe displays, positive priming arose. This pattern of results appeared in both the ignored- and the attended-repetition conditions. Negative priming does not result from previously ignoring an item. These findings strongly support the selection-feature mismatch account of negative priming and refute both the distractor inhibition and the episodic-retrieval explanations.
ISOLATION AND PURIFICATION OF CHOLINERGIC RECEPTOR PROTEOLIPIDS FROM RAT GASTROCNEMIUS TISSUE 1

Four organic solvent extraction methods have been used to isolate receptor proteolipids from rat gastrocnemius tissue. The resulting proteolipids have high binding capacities and specificities for a number of cholinergic ligands including acetylcholine, α‐bungarotoxin. tubocurarine and deca‐methonium. The proteolipids have been purified by repeated Sephadex LH‐20, Sepharose‐CL and affinity chromatography in organic solvent systems. Protein, carbohydrate and lipid phosphorous analysis of the receptors throughout the purification procedure show that the relative proportions of these components varied with extraction method. The purified receptor proteolipid resulting from wet tissue extraction has been characterized as a somatic, nicotinic cholinergic receptor by its specificity and binding kinetics toward a variety of drugs and toxins. The presence of carbohydrate in the receptor proteolipid preparations throughout the purification procedure may indicate that the cholinergic receptor from rat gastrocnemius tissue is a glycoproteolipid.
SYNTHESIS OF HIGHLY FLUORINATED MONODISPERSE COLLOIDS FOR LOW REFRACTIVE INDEX CRYSTALLINE COLLOIDAL ARRAYS

Highly charged fluorinated monodisperse spherical particles of diameters between 50 and 250 nm were synthesized from 1H,1H-heptafluorobutyl methacrylate by emulsion polymerization. These particles have a low refractive index of 1.386. High particle surface charge densities were obtained by minimizing the polymer molecular weight. These colloids formed well-ordered crystalline colloidal arrays (CCAs), after dialysis and ion exchange, which Bragg diffract light at wavelengths from the near-IR down to 270 nm in the UV. The diffraction bandwidths in water are very narrow (<10 nm) due to the closeness of refractive index of the colloidal particles to that of water. These CCAs are excellent materials for narrow band notch optical filters. In addition, these fluorinated CCAs can be easily refractive index matched to a predominately aqueous medium. We have covalently attached dyes to the colloidal particles to prepare absorbing CCAs. We photopolymerized these dyed CCAs within a polyacrylamide matrix to form polym.
Spin fluctuations in a two-dimensional marginal Fermi liquid.

We compare Fermi-liquid and marginal-Fermi-liquid prescriptions for the spin susceptibility of an itinerant model of quasiparticles relevant to the CuO2 superconductors. Features in the band stucture lead to peaks in the magnetic structure factor at incommensurate wavevectors. The frequency and temperature dependence of these peaks is controlled by quasiparticle lifetimes. We discuss the distinction between these models and a model of magnetic fluctuations with a long correlation length.
Incorporating Uncertainty into the Formal Development of the Fusion Operator

This paper uses a formal approach to incorporating uncertainty of input information into the fusion process and decision making. Fuzzy set theory (fuzzy numbers, and fuzzy operators) is used to characterize and then manipulate (reason about) uncertainty. A library of speci cations of fuzzy set theory is developed using category theory and Specware, a tool that supports category theory based algebraic speci cation of software. The library is then used to construct speci cations of fuzzy information processing systems. The main construction in this process is composition. Category theory operators of limits and colimits are used for composition. As an example, a fuzzy edge detection algorithm is shown, which uses fuzzy operations in its processing. One of the advantages of this approach is that every aspect of the fusion process is speci ed formally, which allows us to reason about the uncertainty associated with the sensors and the
Half a century of ECT use in young people.

OBJECTIVE Pharmacological treatments for certain psychiatric disorders in young people are often ineffective and may cause major side effects; thus, it is important to investigate other treatments. This article reviews the literature on the efficacy and safety of ECT in this age group and examines the evidence for the suggestion that it may be used inappropriately. METHOD All studies published in English and other languages on the use of ECT in persons 18 years of age or younger were obtained. The reports were systematically reviewed and rated according to the quality of the information in several domains, yielding an overall quality score for each study. Individual cases from each report were then examined and grouped according to diagnosis and response to ECT. RESULTS Sixty reports describing ECT in 396 patients were identified; most (63%) were single case reports. The overall quality was poor but improved in the more recent studies. There were no controlled trials. Rates of improvement across studies were 63% for depression, 80% for mania, 42% for schizophrenia, and 80% for catatonia. Serious complications were very rare, whereas minor, transient side effects appeared common. CONCLUSIONS ECT in the young seems similar in effectiveness and side effects to ECT in adults. However, this conclusion is qualified by the lack of systematic evidence. More research and education of professionals and the public are needed. It is suggested that ECT registers be set up, that surveys and controlled trials be conducted, and that seizure thresholds, the optimal anesthetic, effects of concurrent medications, and cognitive consequences of ECT in the young be investigated.
Crystal structure of d(CCGGGGTACCCCGG)2 at 1.4 Å resolution.

The X-ray crystal structure of the DNA tetradecamer sequence d(CCGGGGTACCCCGG)2 is reported at 1.4 Å resolution in the tetragonal space group P41212. The sequence was designed to fold as a four-way junction. However, it forms an A-type double helix in the presence of barium chloride. The metal ion could not be identified in the electron-density map. The crystallographic asymmetric unit consists of one A-type double helix with 12 base pairs per turn, in contrast to 11 base pairs per turn for canonical A-DNA. A large number of solvent molecules have been identified in both the grooves of the duplex and around the backbone phosphate groups.
Effect of a forefoot off-loading postoperative shoe on muscle activity, posture, and static balance.

BACKGROUND We investigated whether a forefoot off-loading postoperative shoe (FOPS) alters standing posture, ankle muscle activity, and static postural sway and whether any effects are altered by wearing a shoe raise on the contralateral side. METHODS Posture, ankle muscle activity, and postural sway were compared in 14 healthy participants wearing either a FOPS or a control shoe with or without a contralateral shoe raise. Participants were tested under different sensory and support surface conditions. Additionally, reductions in peak pressure under the forefoot while walking were assessed with and without a contralateral shoe raise to determine whether the FOPS continued to achieve its primary off-loading function. RESULTS Compared with the control condition, wearing a FOPS moved the center of pressure posteriorly, increased tibialis anterior muscle activity, and reduced ankle plantarflexor activity. These changes decreased when a contralateral shoe raise was added. No difference in postural sway was found between footwear conditions. Forefoot peak pressure was always reduced when wearing the FOPS. CONCLUSIONS The posterior shift in center of pressure toward and behind the ankle joint axis is believed to result in the increase in tibialis anterior muscle activity that now acts as the primary stabilizer around the ankle. Instability may, therefore, increase in patients with weak tibialis anterior muscles (eg, diabetic neuropathy) who need to wear offloading devices for ulcer management. We suggest that the addition of a contralateral shoe raise fitted with a FOPS may potentially be beneficial in maintaining stability while off-loading the forefoot in this patient group.
Alfvén Waves in the Solar Corona

Alfvén waves, transverse incompressible magnetic oscillations, have been proposed as a possible mechanism to heat the Sun's corona to millions of degrees by transporting convective energy from the photosphere into the diffuse corona. We report the detection of Alfvén waves in intensity, line-of-sight velocity, and linear polarization images of the solar corona taken using the FeXIII 1074.7-nanometer coronal emission line with the Coronal Multi-Channel Polarimeter (CoMP) instrument at the National Solar Observatory, New Mexico. Ubiquitous upward propagating waves were seen, with phase speeds of 1 to 4 megameters per second and trajectories consistent with the direction of the magnetic field inferred from the linear polarization measurements. An estimate of the energy carried by the waves that we spatially resolved indicates that they are too weak to heat the solar corona; however, unresolved Alfvén waves may carry sufficient energy.
Effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treatment at a low dose but for a long duration in patients with coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND In animal models, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) improves post-infarct cardiac function. However, in pilot studies involving patients with angina and acute myocardial infarction (AMI), G-CSF at a high dose frequently induced coronary occlusion or restenosis, but those at a low dose showed no significant beneficial effect. We hypothesized that a low dose but long duration of G-CSF will have a beneficial effect without serious complications to patients with coronary heart disease. METHODS AND RESULTS Forty-six patients with angina or AMI were randomly assigned into G-CSF and non-G-CSF control groups, respectively. Recombinant G-CSF was subcutaneously injected once a day for 10 days. The leukocyte counts in the peripheral blood were controlled at approximately 30,000/microl. One month later, a Thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography revealed the increased percentage uptake and the reduced extent and severity scores in the G-CSF angina group. In the G-CSF AMI group, the curve between the ejection fraction and peak creatine kinase shifted significantly upward, compared with that of the non-G-CSF AMI group. Serious complications were not observed during the 6 months of observation. CONCLUSIONS A low dose but long duration of G-CSF treatment may have a beneficial effect without any serious complications in patients with coronary heart disease.
Genetic analysis of potential postglacial watershed crossings in Central Europe by the bullhead (Cottus gobio L.)

Natural colonizations across watersheds have been frequently proposed to explain the present distributions of many freshwater fish species. However, detailed studies of such potential watershed crossings are still missing. Here, we investigated potential postglacial watershed crossings of the widely distributed European bullhead (Cottus gobio L.) in two different areas along the Rhine–Rhône watershed using detailed genetic analysis. The main advantage of studying bullheads vs. other freshwater fish species is that their distribution has been lightly influenced by human activities and as such, interpretations of colonization history are not confounded by artificial transplantations. The genetic analyses of eight microsatellite loci revealed strong genetic similarities between populations of both sides of the Rhine–Rhône watershed in the Lake Geneva area, giving strong evidence for a natural watershed crossing of bullheads from the upper Rhine drainage into the Rhône drainage in the Lake Geneva area likely facilitated by the retreat of the glaciers after the last glacial maximum some 20 000 years ago. Populations from the Lake Geneva basin were genetically more similar to populations from across the watershed in the upper Rhine drainage than to populations further downstream in the lower Rhône. In contrast, populations from Belfort, an area, which was not covered by ice during the last glacial maximum, showed strong genetic differentiation between populations of the upper Rhine and Rhône drainages. Based on our results on the bullhead, we propose that glacial retreat may have eased the dispersal of numerous European freshwater fish species across several geological boundaries.
Numerical Simulation of Blood Flow Mixed with Magnetic Nanoparticles under the Influence of AC and DC Magnetic Field

Nanoparticles combined with magnetic fields are one of the most important research areas in the field of biomedical engineering. Direct Current (DC) magnetic and Alternative Current (AC) magnetic fields are often used for controlling nanoparticles. It is also used for hyperthermia treatment. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the effect of DC and AC magnetic field on nanoparticles mixed with biofluid (non-Newtonian blood). The coupled nonlinear equations continuity, momentum, concentration and energy are solved with finite volume code. Results show that increase in blood temperature doesn’t influence the nanoparticles concentration as well as the velocities and pressure distribution of bloodinside the channel. In addition results show that the DC magnetic field absorbs magnetic nanoparticles and the AC magnetic field induces energy into nanoparticles. Also the eddy current, as the only source of energy in this study, doesn’t change the blood flow temperature. Finally it is shown that magnetic nanoparticles mixed with magnetic fields are a good tool for medical applications.
GFAP: Functional implications gleaned from studies of genetically engineered mice

GFAP is the major intermediate filament of mature astrocytes, and its relatively specific expression in these cells suggests an important function. To study the role of the GFAP gene, mice have been created carrying null alleles (no protein), modified alleles (altered protein), or added wild type alleles (elevated protein). Surprisingly, absence of GFAP has relatively subtle effects on development. On the other hand, over‐expression can be lethal, and led to the discovery that GFAP coding mutations are responsible for most cases of Alexander disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. Here we review what the various GFAP mouse models reveal about GFAP and astrocyte function. GLIA 43:87–90, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combination chemotherapy of adult acute lymphocytic leukemia

Seventeen adults with previously untreated acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) received thioguanine, vincristine, dexamethasone, and pyrimethamine for remission induction. Nine patients (53 %) achieved complete and 5 (30%) partial remissions. Once in complete remission patients were given two closely separated consolidation courses followed by monthly maintenance courses of the same regimen with the addition of 1‐(2‐chloroethyl)‐3‐cyclohexyl‐1‐nitrosourea (CCNU) every other month during maintenance therapy. The median duration of complete remission was 176 days (range 38 to 605). The median survival for all patients was 405 days (range 30 to 1,058+). Oral pyrimethamine and CCNU were used for their potential activity as prophylactics against meningeal leukemia. Dexamethasone was used instead of prednisone because of the potential enhancement of granulocyte mobilization by the former. Six patients (35%) developed meningeal leukemia while on initial induction or maintenance therapy, 5 within 6 months of diagnosis. Life‐threatening infections occured in 10 patients (59%) during induction. Whereas the regimen effectively induced complete remission in about half of previously untreated adults with ALL, it was not effective in maintenance. The incidence of meningealleukemia and infection during induction was high. Oral pyrimethamine was inadequate prophylaxis for meningeal leukemia; dexamethasone did not reduce the incidence of serious infection.