Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cerebral metabolism in hyper‐ and hypocarbia

Paralyzed rabbits ventilated with an oxygen, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide mixture were subjected to hyper- and hypocarbic stress. An Oxford Instrument TMR 32–200 spectrometer was used to record phosphorus-31 and nonwater proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of the in vivo brain. These spectra provide measurements of cerebral pHi, phosphocreatine, orthophosphate, ATP, and lactate. The brain exhibited twice as much acute pH-regulating ability as the arterial blood. During hypercarbia, orthophosphate rose while phosphocreatine declined in a reciprocal manner, and ATP remained constant. During hypocarbia, lactate rose gradually over a period of 1 hour, while orthophosphate, phosphocreatine, and ATP remained constant and calculated values of adenosine mono- and diphosphate rose.
Studies of the binding of thyroid hormones and their short loop feedback effects in bovine thyroid tissue.

In vitro studies in bovine thyroid tissue have been conducted to explore the postulated short loop negative feedback of thyroid hormones on several thyroid functions and their responses to TSH. Initial experiments in thyroid plasma membranes provided no evidence that T4 or T3 in concentrations as high as 5 × 105 M and 4 × 105 M, respectively, could displace [125I]iodobovine TSH (bTSH) from its specific binding sites within the membranes. In addition, as judged from the lack of variation in the percentage binding of [125I]T3 and [125I]T4 to membranes over a wide range of T3 and T4 concentrations, no evidence of specific or saturable binding sites for either of the two hormones could be demonstrated up to concentrations of 2 X 105 M. Preincubation of thyroid slices for 3 h with T3 at concentrations of 105 and 10“4 M failed to alter basal cAMP concentrations or the pronounced stimulation of cAMP concentrationsproduced by incubation with bTSH. Basal and bTSHstimulated rates of generation of 14CO2 from uniform.
Relationship between exhaled NO, respiratory symptoms, lung function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and blood eosinophilia in school children

Background: Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) may serve as a non-invasive marker of airway inflammation but its relationship with other commonly used measures has not been evaluated. Methods: Levels of eNO in a sample of 450 children aged 7–12 years out of a total sample of 2504 school children living in different urban areas near motorways were determined. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the relationship between eNO, impairment of lung function (PEF, FVC, FEV1 and MMEF), bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), and blood eosinophilia in children with and without atopy as assessed by skin prick testing. Results: Regression analysis showed that wheezing and nasal discharge and conjunctivitis that had occurred during the previous 12 months were positively associated with eNO levels in atopic children (relative increase of 1.48 and 1.41, respectively; p<0.05) but not in non-atopic children. Similarly, BHR and the number of blood eosinophils per ml were positively associated with eNO levels in atopic children (relative increase of 1.55 and 2.29, respectively; p<0.05) but not in non-atopic children. The lung function indices PEF, FVC, FEV1 and MMEF were not associated with eNO levels. Conclusions: In addition to conventional lung function tests and symptom questionnaires, eNO is a suitable measure of airway inflammation and its application may reinforce the power of epidemiological surveys on respiratory health.
Evaluation of a Commercial Microarray System for Detection of SHV-, TEM-, CTX-M-, and KPC-Type β-Lactamase Genes in Gram-Negative Isolates

ABSTRACT We evaluated the ability of a commercial microarray system (Check KPC/ESBL; Check-Points Health BV) to detect clinically important class A β-lactamase genes. A total of 106 Gram-negative strains were tested. The following sensitivity and specificity results were recorded, respectively: for bla SHV, 98.8% and 100%; for bla TEM, 100% and 96.4%; and for bla CTX-M and bla KPC, 100% and 100%.
CYP 2 D 6 Testing in Breast Cancer : Ready for Prime Time ?

This article will review and summarize the current data regarding the influence of the major cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) genotypes and CYP2D6 inhibitors on tamoxifen metabolism and clinical efficacy. We will discuss the clinical relevance and limitations of this data and how to best incorporate our current understanding of CYP2D6 genotyping into our clinical practice and discussions with patients.
Big data analytics for logistics and transportation

Nowadays, there are many challenges for the logistics industry mainly with the integration of E-commerce and new sources of data such as smartphones, sensors, GPS and other devices. Those new data sources generate daily a huge quantity of unstructured data, to deal with such complex data, the use of big data analytic tools becomes an obligation. In this context, many works have been done recently in the integration of big data analytics in the logistics industry. In this paper, we propose to give a review of the latest applications of big data analytics in the field of logistics and transportation industry and to propose a novel approach to detect and recognize containers code based on a Hadoop big data analytics system.
Tactile sensing based softness classification using machine learning

The research on tactile sensors and its wide applications have received extensive attention among researchers very recently, especially in the two fields-Medical Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery-MIS) and Fruit and Vegetable Grading Industry. This paper proposes the implementation of a robotic system which can distinguish objects of different softness using machine learning approach, based on different parameters. Two piezoresistive flexible tactile sensors are mounted on a two fingered robotic gripper, as robotic arm can perform repetitive tasks under a controlled environment. A PIC32 microcontroller is used to control the gripping action and to acquire pressure data. Decision Tree and Naive Bayes methods are used as intelligent classifiers using feature vectors, obtained from the time series response of tactile sensors during grasping action for grading the objects. From the analytical point of view it is observed that Decision Tree based approach is better than the Bayesian approach.
Emotional Awareness Deficits in Inpatients of a Psychosomatic Ward: A Comparison of Two Different Measures of Alexithymia

Objective: The TAS 20 has demonstrated strong psychometric properties in a broad variety of studies in healthy populations. Much less work has been done in clinical contexts exploring the validity of the TAS 20 as a measure of the cognitive processing of emotions. The TAS 20, a self-report scale, tends to correlate with self-reported negative affect, but in a clinical context it is important to be able to differentiate between negative affect and the cognitive processing of emotion. We therefore used the TAS 20 and a performance measure, the Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale (LEAS), which in previous studies demonstrated no overlap with measures of negative affect, to explore the ability of the two measures to detect deficits in emotional awareness in a clinical sample. Methods: Data from inpatients of a psychosomatic ward were collected at onset (N = 394) and at the end of multimodal psychodynamic treatment (N = 249). The sample consisted of six diagnostic groups (depression; anxiety and compulsive–obsessive disorders, adjustment disorders, somatoform disorders, psychological factors related to somatic disorders, eating disorders). Changes in the TAS 20 and LEAS were compared at the two time points controlling for the effects of gender, age, educational level, and associations with self-reported negative affect. Results: In contrast to the LEAS, the TAS 20 correlated with negative affect at the onset and the end of treatment. The scores of the TAS 20 decreased with treatment in all diagnostic groups but the change in the TAS 20 was not statistically significant when negative affect was controlled. In contrast, LEAS scores increased with treatment in the groups with somatoform disorders and psychological factors related to somatic disorders, and this change was independent of negative affect. Conclusion: The LEAS captured a change in emotional awareness due to treatment, whereas the TAS 20 captured a change in negative affect. The LEAS appears to be a more specific measure of change in emotional awareness in clinical contexts than the TAS 20. TAS 20 = Toronto Alexithymia Scale; LEAS = Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale; STAI = State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; SCL 90 R = Symptom Check List, revised; abbreviations diagnostic groups: DEP = Depression; ANX = Anxiety and Compulsive–Obsessive Disorders; ADJ = Adjustment Disorders; SOM = Somatoform Disorders; PFS = Psychological Factors with Somatic Disorders; ED = Eating Disorders.
Design of a fully modular and backdrivable dexterous hand

This paper presents the mechatronic design of a new anthropomorphic hand. It has been developed in the context of a multidisciplinary project which aims at understanding how humans perform the manipulation of objects in order to replicate grasping and in-hand movements with an artificial hand. This has required the development of a new hand with a high level of both anthropomorphism and dexterity. The hand must exactly replicate the kinematics of the human hand, adding up to 24 degrees of mobility and 20 degrees of freedom, which is a design challenge if a high level of dexterity must be guaranteed. Three key concepts have guided the mechanical design: modularity, backdrivability and mechanical simplicity. A modular approach simplifies the complex hand assembly and permits us to concentrate our efforts on one basic unit which will be replicated throughout the hand. Mechanical simplicity and backdrivability ensure a good natural mechanical behavior, essential for stable control of contact forces. Likewise, a better controllability will enhance the dexterity of the hand. A thorough mechanical design assures backdrivability through the whole mechanism, including actuators and transmission of movement to the joints. Experimental results confirm the validity of the design approach and will open new lines of research into robotic hands.
Morphine-Induced Analgesia, Hypotension, and Bradycardia Are Enhanced in Hypertensive Rats

Several studies have emphasized an opioidergic link between the central regulation of cardiovascular function and acute noninflammatory pain. By contrast, relatively few studies have investigated the relationships between opioids, hypertension, and inflammatory pain. We used the formalin model of acute inflammatory pain to compare morphine antinociception among spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats, their genetic normotensive controls, Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Measures of nociception included both behavioral and cardiovascular end-points (increased mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate). Morphine (3.0 mg/kg subcutaneously) produced greater hypotension and bradycardia in SHR than in WKY or SD rats. We next administered formalin (5%; 50 μ L) and observed greater nociception during both Phase 1 and Phase 2 in SHR controls than in WKY controls. The morphine-treated groups did not differ, suggesting that morphine attenuates hypersensitivity to formalin pain in the SHR. Morphine inhibited edema but not paw hyperthermia to a greater degree in SHR, whereas Phase 1 remifentanil produced a relatively shorter delay in the onset of Phase 2 in SHR. We suggest that the presentation of essential hypertension be considered when opioid regimens are planned both during surgery (to minimize cardiovascular complications) and during the postoperative period (to optimize analgesic effects).
Clinical and Experimental Studies of Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease

Otolaryngologists have long sought to identify causes of sensorineural hearing loss that could be reversed by medical treatment. An increasing amount of clinical and experimental evidence indicates that this postulated entity is related to autoimmune inner ear disease. Because of the lack of well-defined detection methods for identifying autoimmune processes within the human inner ear and the fact that it is one of the few organs of the body not amenable to diagnostic biopsy there has been great interest in developing animal models that mimic clinical entities. Different models will be presented in this paper. The results of these studies should provide sufficient evidence to establish a clear position in mainstream immunology for the entity of autoimmune inner ear disease.
Two-Tier Mapper: a user-independent clustering method for global gene expression analysis based on topology

There is a growing need for unbiased clustering methods, ideally automated. We have developed a topology-based analysis tool called Two-Tier Mapper (TTMap) to detect subgroups in global gene expression datasets and identify their distinguishing features. First, TTMap discerns and adjusts for highly variable features in the control group and identifies outliers. Second, the deviation of each test sample from the control group in a high-dimensional space is computed and the test samples are clustered in a global and local network using a new topological algorithm based on Mapper. Validation of TTMap on both synthetic and biological datasets shows that it outperforms current clustering methods in sensitivity and stability; clustering is not affected by removal of samples from the control group, choice of normalization nor subselection of data. There is no user induced bias because all parameters are data-driven. Datasets can readily be combined into one analysis. TTMap reveals hitherto undetected gene expression changes in mouse mammary glands related to hormonal changes during the estrous cycle. This illustrates the ability to extract information from highly variable biological samples and its potential for personalized medicine.
Rule based concave curvature segmentation for touching rice grains in binary digital images

This paper presents a novel image processing algorithm that has been developed and tested for the accurate segmentation of contacting rice grains in digital images. This algorithm uses general shape properties for initial decision making, then examines concave curvature in the shape boundary to select `split points' to draw a segmenting `split line' between contacting grains at the point of contact. This approach offers a cautious, decisive and reliable segmentation between small sets of contacting rice grains. The algorithm has been applied to test images with success in all cases. Results for contacting rice grains are compared with shape descriptors for non-touching grains. It is found that the impact of segmentation on the shape of target grains is negligible. This algorithm is of benefit for intelligent grain analysis.
Adrenergic Regulation of Adaptation to Muscular Activity

For our conceptions about the roles of sympathetic nerves and the adrenal medulla, we are indebted to two outstanding scientists — W. Cannon and L. Orbeli. The former discovered and substantiated the emergency and homeostatic roles of sympathetic nerves and epinephrine, secreted by the adrenal medulla, the latter, the adaptive-trophic function of the sympathetic nervous system. Cannon (24) demonstrated that various functional strains related to emotional excitement (muscular activity, cold, rage, fear, etc) lead to an increased level of epinephrine in the blood. It ensures the effective equilibrium of the body existing conditions and the performance of required functional activities. Epinephrine, as an alarm hormone, rapidly signals to the effector organs the need to intensify their activity. Acting on the metabolic processes in the cells, it orients metabolism in the required direction. Orbeli (143, 144) established the role of sympathetic nerves in the preparation of functional systems for vigorous activity, in permanent adjustment of the intensity of metabolism, and physicochemical interrelationships in the tissues for functional needs of the moment. In 1923, Orbeli (143) together with GinetsinsId (60, 61) found that stimulation of sympathic nerves of the fatigued muscle opposed the fatigue effect and restored the amplitude of muscle contractions. Later on, Lehtman (108) showed that excitement of sympathetic nerves also enhanced the performance in the nonfatigued muscles.
Ambulation Training With and Without Partial Weightbearing After Traumatic Brain Injury: Results of a Randomized, Controlled Trial

Wilson DJ, Powell M, Gorham JL, Childers MK: Ambulation training with and without partial weightbearing after traumatic brain injury: Results of a randomized, controlled trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2006;85:68–74. Objective:To test the hypothesis that 8 wks of partial weight-bearing gait retraining improves functional ambulation to a greater extent than traditional physical therapy in individuals after traumatic brain injury. Design:A randomized, open-label, controlled, cohort study was conducted at two inpatient university-based rehabilitation hospitals. A total of 38 adults with a primary diagnosis of traumatic brain injury and significant gait abnormalities received either 8 wks of standard physical therapy or physical therapy supplemented with partial weight-bearing gait training twice weekly. Results:Significant (P < 0.05) improvements were detected in both groups on Functional Ambulation Category, Standing Balance Scale, Rivermead Mobility Index, and FIM®. However, no differences were found between the treatment groups. Conclusions:Results did not support the hypothesis that 8 wks of partial weight-bearing gait retraining improves functional ambulation to a greater extent than traditional physical therapy in individuals after traumatic brain injury based on common clinical measures.
The effectiveness of a hospital-based program to promote exclusive breast-feeding among low-income women in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES This study examined the effectiveness of a hospital program to promote exclusive breast-feeding in Santos, Brazil. METHODS In a prospective design, women who delivered at a hospital with an active breast-feeding promotion program (n = 236) were compared with women who delivered at a nearby control hospital (n = 206). RESULTS The two groups had similar demographic characteristics and previous breast-feeding histories. Exposure to breast-feeding activities, assessed by maternal recall prior to discharge, was universally high at the program hospital and universally low at the control hospital. Multivariate survival analysis showed that exclusive breast-feeding lasted 53 days longer among women who delivered at the program hospital. CONCLUSIONS Hospital-based breast-feeding promotion programs may be effective in extending the duration of exclusive breast-feeding.
Neuronal hyperactivity induces astrocytic expression of neurocan in the adult rat hippocampus

Extracellular matrix molecules are involved in the cellular functions of proliferation, migration, morphological differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. One candidate molecule of the extracellular matrix is the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan neurocan. To determine whether neurocan expression is regulated by neuronal activity in the adult rat brain, we studied changes in hippocampal neurocan mRNA and protein expression following electrical stimulation of the perforant pathway in urethane‐anesthetized rats. After 24 h of intermittent, unilateral 20 Hz stimulation, in situ hybridization revealed increased neurocan mRNA in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐positive astrocytes bilaterally in all hippocampal subfields. These changes were quantified in the dentate molecular layer, the termination zone of the perforant pathway, using laser microdissection in combination with quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Immediately after 24 h stimulation, a six‐fold upregulation was detected, which returned to control levels by 3 days post‐stimulation. Neurocan immunoreactivity was similarly upregulated bilaterally. Immunostaining intensity reached a maximum by 4 days and returned to control levels by 14 days. The pattern of neurocan expression in the hippocampus depended on the intensity and duration of electrical stimulation. Under conditions of less intense afferent stimulation (4–24 h of2.0 Hz paired‐pulse stimulation, interpulse interval 40 ms), increases in neurocan mRNA and immunoreactivity were restricted to the ipsilateral termination zone of the stimulated perforant pathway. This layer‐specific neurocan upregulation was not affected by intraperitoneal application of the NMDA‐receptor antagonist MK‐801. In conclusion, our data indicate that synaptic activity regulates the astrocytic expression of neurocan in a graded manner. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Degradomics Reveals That Cleavage Specificity Profiles of Caspase-2 and Effector Caspases Are Alike*

Background: To study the potential role of caspase-2, we determined its cleavage site specificity and compared it with that of caspase-3 and -7. Results: N-terminal COFRADIC analysis of native proteomes revealed that caspase-2, -3, and -7 have overlapping specificities. Conclusion: Caspase-2, -3, and -7 share nearly indistinguishable cleavage site specificity. Significance: This finding suggests that caspase-2 has a proapoptotic function. Caspase-2 is considered an initiator caspase because its long prodomain contains a CARD domain that allows its recruitment and activation in several complexes by homotypic death domain-fold interactions. Because little is known about the function and specificity of caspase-2 and its physiological substrates, we compared the cleavage specificity profile of recombinant human caspase-2 with those of caspase-3 and -7 by analyzing cell lysates using N-terminal COmbined FRActional DIagonal Chromatography (COFRADIC). Substrate analysis of the 68 cleavage sites identified in 61 proteins revealed that the protease specificities of human caspases-2, -3, and -7 largely overlap, revealing the DEVD↓G consensus cleavage sequence. We confirmed that Asp563 in eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4B (eIF4B) is a cleavage site preferred by caspase-2 not only in COFRADIC setup but also upon co-expression in HEK 293T cells. These results demonstrate that activated human caspase-2 shares remarkably overlapping protease specificity with the prototype apoptotic executioner caspases-3 and -7, suggesting that caspase-2 could function as a proapoptotic caspase once released from the activating complex.
FDTD analysis of a quasi-planar MM-wave frequency doubler

A quasi-planar frequency doubler based on the junction of a coplanar waveguide and a finline using two silicon Schottky diodes mounted across this junction is analyzed. The extended Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method is used with a newly developed excitation scheme for harmonic waves feeding a defined power with the proper field distribution into the circuit. This harmonic signal is fed to the diodes via the coplanar line. The output signal, containing even harmonics only, is analyzed on the finline and compared to measurements. Operating frequencies are 20 to 25 GHz and 40 to 50 GHz, respectively.