Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coordinated Interaction between Hippocampal Sharp-Wave Ripples and Anterior Cingulate Unit Activity

Hippocampal–cortical interaction during sleep promotes transformation of memory for long-term storage in the cortex. In particular, hippocampal sharp-wave ripple-associated neural activation is important for this transformation during slow-wave sleep. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has been shown to be crucial for expression and likely storage of long-term memory. However, little is known about how ACC activity is influenced by hippocampal ripple activity during sleep. We report here about coordinated interactions between hippocampal ripple activity and ACC neural firings. By recording from the ACC and hippocampal CA1 simultaneously in mice, we found that almost all ACC neurons showed increased activity before hippocampal ripple activity; moreover, a subpopulation (17%) displayed a further activation immediately after ripple activity. This postripple activation of ACC neurons correlated positively with ripple amplitude, and the same neurons were excited upon electrical stimulation of the CA1. Interestingly, the preripple activation of ACC neurons was present during the sleep state, but not during the awake state. These results suggest intimate interactions between hippocampal sharp-wave ripples and ACC neurons in a state-dependent manner. Importantly, sharp-wave ripples and associated activation appear to regulate activity of a small population of ACC neurons, a process that may play a critical role in memory consolidation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The hippocampus communicates with the cortex for memory transformation. Memories of previous experiences become less dependent on the hippocampus and increasingly dependent on cortical areas, such as the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). However, little evidence is available to directly support this hippocampus-to-cortex information transduction hypothesis of memory consolidation. Here we show that a subpopulation of ACC neurons becomes active just after hippocampal ripple activity, and that electrical stimulation of the hippocampus excites the same ACC neurons. In addition, the majority of ACC neurons are activated just before ripple activity during the sleep state, but not during the awake state. These results provide evidence supporting the hypothesis of hippocampus-to-cortex information flow for memory consolidation as well as reciprocal interaction between the hippocampus and the cortex.
Tree age and tree species shape positive and negative interactions in a montane meadow

Few studies have considered how interactions between woody and herbaceous species change in direction or magnitude over time or with traits of the dominant woody species. We used a chronosequence approach to explore these interactions in a montane meadow in which Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. and Abies grandis (Dougl. ex. D. Don) Lindl. have established gradually over a period of >70 years. Effects of individual trees (18–73 years old) were quantified by comparing plant community structure and composition under and adjacent to each tree. Trees generally exerted negative effects on cover and richness of resident meadow species and positive effects on colonizing forest herbs. Despite the average decline of meadow species under the canopy, cover was elevated (compared with adjacent meadow) under 33% of trees — most often under younger Pinus. Cover (but not richness) of meadow species declined with tree age, but the rate and magnitude of this decline did not differ under Pinus or Abies. In contrast, the cove.
The Gibbs fields approach and related dynamics in image processing

We give in the paper a brief overview of how the Gibbs fields and related dynamics approaches are applied in image processing. We discuss classical pixel-wise models as well as more recent spatial point process models in the framework of the Gibbs fields approach. We present a new multi-object adapted algorithm for object detection based on a spatial birth-and-death process and a discrete time approximation of this process.
Feedback Regulation of Autoimmunity via TCR-Centered Regulation

The complexity of a self-regulatory system demands a balance between effectors and regulators; that is, it is necessary for both cell types to exist. Regulation of self-reactive T cells can occur at several complementary but different levels: (1) at the level of priming itself: for example, inhibition of expansion of antigen-reactive T cells by regulatory CD4+CD25+ T cells; (2) after the priming of self-reactive T cells, regulatory T-cell populations with reactivity to distinct self-determinants derived from the T-cell receptor (TCR) can be engaged via a negative feedback mechanism. Thus, these mechanisms ensure induction of effective and appropriately limited responses against foreign antigens while preventing autoreactivity from inflicting self-damage.
T cells traffic from brain to cervical lymph nodes via the cribroid plate and the nasal mucosa

Although drainage pathways of soluble antigens from brain to cervical lymph nodes have been well established, there is no direct evidence for similar routes of leukocytes leaving the central nervous system. We developed a protocol allowing the cross‐sectioning of an entire head‐neck preparation while preserving the signal of the GFP. We monitored how GFP‐expressing CD4 T lymphocytes injected into the entorhinal cortex after lesion or the lateral ventricle of unlesioned C57/bl6 mice reach cervical lymph nodes. Irrespective of the injection site, we demonstrate their passage through the cribroid plate, appearance in the nasal mucosa, and specific accumulation in one of the cervical lymph nodes.
Role of alpha-transinducing factor (VP16) in the induction of alpha genes within the context of viral genomes

In herpes simplex virus 1, the five alpha genes are induced by alpha-transinducing factor (alpha TIF; VP16), a virion protein, acting in concert with Oct-1 and other cellular proteins on a cis-acting site in the promoter domain of alpha genes. Because alpha TIF is an essential virion protein, its function as an inducer can best be evaluated only by mutating the cis-acting site. Earlier we reported on a series of 17 mutations in and around the cis-acting site of a 275-bp alpha 27 promoter fused to a reporter gene and recombined into the viral genome. These recombinant viruses were tested in Vero cells in the presence of cycloheximide, and we demonstrated that mutations in the sequence required for Oct-1 binding abolished transactivation whereas mutations in the alpha TIF-dependent GARAT sequence decreased but did not abolish transactivation. We now report that (i) in limited-passage human embryonic lung cells, alpha gene expression from promoters mutated in the GARAT sequences is often higher and more variable than in Vero cells, (ii) in the absence of cycloheximide, the mutant viruses show less significant impairment of reporter gene expression, (iii) Oct-1 can bind either to the overlapping octamer element or to various TAATGARAT sequences with differing degrees of binding strength and these relative binding levels correlate well with levels of gene expression observed in infected cells, (iv) in the cis-acting site upstream of the alpha 4 gene, no degenerate overlapping Oct-1 sequence exists, and therefore in this instance Oct-1 must be binding directly to the TAATGARAT sequence, (v) extension of the alpha 27 promoter by an additional 1,334 bp results in much higher expression of the reporter gene as a result of additional upstream cis-acting sites, and (vi) obliteration of the most proximal Oct-1 binding element within the 275-bp promoter dramatically reduces gene expression even in the presence of the additional upstream cis-acting sites.
Management of the Difficult Adult Airway With Special Emphasis on Awake Tracheal Intubation

Difficulty in managing the airway is the single most important cause of major anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. Successful management of a difficult airway begins with recognizing the potential problem. All patients should be examined for their ability to open their mouth widely and for the structures visible upon mouth opening, the size of the mandibular space, and ability to assume the sniff position. If there is a good possibility that intubation and/or ventilation by mask will be difficult, then the airway should be secured while the patient is still awake. In order for an awake intubation to be successful, it is absolutely essential that the patient be properly prepared; otherwise, the anesthesiologist will simply fulfill a self-defeating prophecy. Once the patient is properly prepared, it is likely that any one of a number of intubation techniques will be successful. If the patient is already anesthetized and/or paralyzed and intubation is found to be difficult, many repeated attempts at intubation should be avoided because progressive development of laryngeal edema and hemorrhage will develop and the ability to ventilate the lungs via mask consequently may be lost. After several attempts at intubation, it may be best to awaken the patient, do a semielective tracheostomy, or proceed with the case using mask ventilation. In the event that the ability to ventilate via mask is lost and the patient's lungs still cannot be ventilated, TTJV should be instituted immediately. Tracheal extubation of a patient with a difficult airway over a jet stylet permits a controlled, gradual, and reversible (in that ventilation and reintubation is possible at any time) withdrawal from the airway. Significant advances in the management of the difficult airway have occurred in recent years. Eighty percent of the 127 references in this article were published after 1985. However, there is much more to learn with regard to recognition of the difficult airway, preparation of the patient for an awake intubation, new techniques of endotracheal intubation, and establishment of gas exchange in patients who cannot be intubated or ventilated by mask. As the anesthesiologist's ability to manage the difficult airway significantly improves, respiratory-related morbidity and mortality will decrease.
Altered Endothelin-1 Levels in Acute Lower Limb Ischemia and Reperfusion

Tourniquet-induced ischemia is often used in orthopedic and reconstructive procedures. This is associated with muscle damage and dysfunction, which limits tourniquet application time. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor, which has been implicated in ischemic conditions and ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study aimed to investigate the role of ET-1 in human skeletal muscle subjected to tourniquet-induced acute ischemia and reperfusion. Thirteen patients undergoing total knee replacement were studied. Plasma and muscle ET-1 concentrations were measured at the start of surgery, after an hour of acute ischemia, and 15 minutes following reperfusion. ET-1 receptor binding was also studied by use of autoradiography, and ET-1 mRNA expression investigated by use of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Tissue ET-1 increased following the period of acute ischemia and persisted during reperfusion. ET-1 was associated with microvessels and macrophages in the muscle. No changes in circulating ET-1 levels, ET-1 mRNA expression, or ET-1 receptor binding were found. It is concluded that the ET-1 pathway is involved in acute ischemia and reperfusion and it may contribute to the muscle injury that occurs during surgical procedures.
High Torque Density Transverse Flux Machine Without the Need to Use SMC Material for 3-D Flux Paths

This paper presents a new transverse flux permanent magnet machine. In a normal transverse flux machine, complicated 3-D flux paths often exist. Such 3-D flux paths would require the use of soft magnetic composites material instead of laminations for construction of the machine stator. In the new machine topology proposed in this paper, by advantageously utilizing the magnetic flux path provided by an additional rotor, use of laminations that allow 2-D flux paths only will be sufficient to accomplish the required 3-D flux paths. The machine also has a high torque density and is therefore an attractive solution for various direct drive applications.
Natural radioactivity in drinking water in Finland

The mean annual effective dose from natural radionuclides for users of drilled wells was estimated to be 0.41 mSv, for users of wells dug in the ground 0.05 mSv and for people using water from waterworks 0.02 mSv. The highest effective dose from drinking water was caused by 222 Rn (Fig. 2) constituting 75% and 60% of the total effective dose caused by all natural radionuclides for drilled-well users for users of wells dug in the ground, respectively. 210 Po and 210 Pb contributed the most to the effective dose caused by the long-lived radionuclides. Contribution of the isotopes of radium ( 226 Ra and 228 Ra) to the total effective dose from drinking water was minor.
Hemorrhagic transformation of brain infarct

Objective: To identify, in the first 5 hours of acute brain infarct, clinical and radiologic predictors of subsequent hemorrhagic transformation (HT), and to evaluate its influence on the clinical course. Background: The identification of early predictors of HT might be important to plan antithrombotic or thrombolytic treatments. Patients: One hundred fifty consecutive patients with cerebral anterior circulation infarct systematically underwent a first CT within 5 hours of onset. During the first week after stroke, we performed a repeat CT or autopsy to look for HT. Outcome measures were early neurologic deterioration within the first week of onset and 30-day case fatality rate and disability. Results: HT was observed in 65 patients (43%): 58 (89%) had a petechial HT and seven (11%) a hematoma. Among initial clinical and CT findings, the only independent predictor of HT was early focal hypodensity. Its presence was associated with subsequent HT in 77% of cases (95% CI, 68 to 86%), whereas its absence predicted the absence of subsequent HT in 94% of cases (95% CI, 89 to 99%). No baseline clinical or CT characteristic differentiated patients with petechial HT from those with hematoma. Antithrombotic and antiplatelet agents did not influence the occurrence of either type of HT. The frequency of early neurologic deterioration and of 30-day death or disability in HT patients was twice as high as in those without HT. However, a large-sized infarct and the presence of mass effect at the repeat CT or autopsy were the only factors independently linked to both the outcome events, irrespective of the development of HT. Clinical evolution of HT patients given antithrombotics was comparable with that of HT patients not receiving these drugs. Conclusions: HT of a brain infarct is a common event that occurs independently of anticoagulation and can be reliably predicted as early as 5 hours from stroke onset by the presence of focal hypodensity at CT. Apart from the infrequent cases of massive hematoma, HT does not influence prognosis, whereas a poor outcome in HT patients is correlated with a higher frequency of large edematous infarcts in this subgroup. The clinical course and final outcome of HT in anticoagulated patients does not differ from that of non-anticoagulated HT patients. NEUROLOGY 1966;46: 341-345
Mitochondrial Protein Import Motor: the ATPase Domain of Matrix Hsp70 Is Crucial for Binding to Tim44, while the Peptide Binding Domain and the Carboxy-Terminal Segment Play a Stimulatory Role

ABSTRACT The import motor for preproteins that are targeted into the mitochondrial matrix consists of the matrix heat shock protein Hsp70 (mtHsp70) and the translocase subunit Tim44 of the inner membrane. mtHsp70 interacts with Tim44 in an ATP-dependent reaction cycle, binds to preproteins in transit, and drives their translocation into the matrix. While different functional mechanisms are discussed for the mtHsp70-Tim44 machinery, little is known about the actual mode of interaction of both proteins. Here, we have addressed which of the three Hsp70 regions, the ATPase domain, the peptide binding domain, or the carboxy-terminal segment, are required for the interaction with Tim44. By two independent means, a two-hybrid system and coprecipitation of mtHsp70 constructs imported into mitochondria, we show that the ATPase domain interacts with Tim44, although with a reduced efficiency compared to the full-length mtHsp70. The interaction of the ATPase domain with Tim44 is ATP sensitive. The peptide binding domain and carboxy-terminal segment are unable to bind to Tim44 in the absence of the ATPase domain, but both regions enhance the interaction with Tim44 in the presence of the ATPase domain. We conclude that the ATPase domain of mtHsp70 is essential for and directly interacts with Tim44, clearly separating the mtHsp70-Tim44 interaction from the mtHsp70-substrate interaction.
Issues with low speed direct-drive permanentmagnet generator design — Comparison of radial-flux slotted and torus machines

This paper describes two alternative designs of a direct-drive permanent-magnet generator for use in a novel sea-wave electrical generator. The basic system is briefly described and the target specification is given from the wave device. The design for a fractional-slot high-pole number brushless permanent-magnet generator and a torus generator are sized and developed using the design packages SPEED PC-BDC and PC-FEA. The designs are compared. A diode bridge model is also tested using Portunus system simulation. A design for a switched reluctance machine is also briefly investigated.
Cross-stress tolerance and expression of stress-related proteins in osmotically desiccated entomopathogenic Steinernema feltiae IS-6

Infective juveniles (IJs) of the entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) Steinernema feltiae IS-6 can survive exposure to 24% glycerol solution by entering an osmotically desiccated state. Exposure of osmotically desiccated nematodes to extreme temperature assays (40 °C for 10 h and −20 °C for 360 h) resulted in gradual reduction in survival, whereas non-desiccated IJs died within a short exposure to the assay conditions. Through SDS-PAGE, a stress-related protein UNC-87 was found in osmotically desiccated IJs exposed to 40 °C for 3, 6, and 8 h, whose survival rates were 98·9±1·43, 78·5±5·87 and 20·9±4·93%, respectively. The protein was not found in IJs following exposure of osmotically desiccated individuals to 40 °C for 10 h, in which none of the IJs survived. After exposure to −20 °C for 360 h, the survival of osmotically desiccated EPNs with a weak band of UNC-87 was 13·0±3·32%. To identify other responsive proteins that are required for osmotic stress, we used 2-dimensional electrophoresis to analyse the proteins in osmotically desiccated EPNs. The results revealed that 10 novel protein spots and 10 up-regulated protein spots in osmotically desiccated IJs were detected by digital image analysis. Mass spectrometry analysis of 7 significant spots indicated that osmotic stress in desiccated IJs was associated with the induction of actin, Proteasome regulatory particle (ATPase-like), GroEL chaperonin, GroES co-chaperonin and transposase family member. It seems to show actin, UNC-87 and Proteasome regulatory particle may play distinct roles in specific aspects of organization of macromolecular structures under desiccation stress. GroEL and GroES are members of the Hsp60 family of chaperons.
Inhibitory activities of quinolones against DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV purified from Staphylococcus aureus

In order to clarify the mechanism of action of quinolones against Staphylococcus aureus, GrlA and GrlB proteins of topoisomerase IV encoded by genes with or without mutations were purified separately as fusion proteins with maltose-binding protein in Escherichia coli. The reconstituted enzymes showed ATP-dependent decatenation and relaxing activities but had no supercoiling activity. The inhibitory effects of quinolones on the decatenation activity of topoisomerase IV were determined by quantitative electrophoresis with kinetoplast DNA as a substrate. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of levofloxacin, DR-3354, DU-6859a, DV-7751a, ciprofloxacin, sparfloxacin, and tosufloxacin against topoisomerase IV of S. aureus FDA 209-P were 2.3, 97, 0.45, 1.5, 2.5, 7.4, and 1.8 microg/ml, respectively, and were correlated well with their MICs. The IC50s of these drugs were from 2 to 20 times lower than those for the DNA gyrase. These results support genetic evidence that the primary target of new quinolones is topoisomerase IV in quinolone-susceptible strains of S. aureus. Three altered proteins of topoisomerase IV containing Ser-->Phe changes at codon 80 or Glu-->Lys changes at codon 84 of grlA, or both, were also purified. The inhibitory activities of quinolones against the topoisomerase IV which contained a single amino acid change were from 8 to 95 times weaker than those against the nonaltered enzyme. These results suggest that the mutations in the corresponding genes confer quinolone resistance.
Top-down models in biology: explanation and control of complex living systems above the molecular level

It is widely assumed in developmental biology and bioengineering that optimal understanding and control of complex living systems follows from models of molecular events. The success of reductionism has overshadowed attempts at top-down models and control policies in biological systems. However, other fields, including physics, engineering and neuroscience, have successfully used the explanations and models at higher levels of organization, including least-action principles in physics and control-theoretic models in computational neuroscience. Exploiting the dynamic regulation of pattern formation in embryogenesis and regeneration requires new approaches to understand how cells cooperate towards large-scale anatomical goal states. Here, we argue that top-down models of pattern homeostasis serve as proof of principle for extending the current paradigm beyond emergence and molecule-level rules. We define top-down control in a biological context, discuss the examples of how cognitive neuroscience and physics exploit these strategies, and illustrate areas in which they may offer significant advantages as complements to the mainstream paradigm. By targeting system controls at multiple levels of organization and demystifying goal-directed (cybernetic) processes, top-down strategies represent a roadmap for using the deep insights of other fields for transformative advances in regenerative medicine and systems bioengineering.