Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
B(I)RD Watching: A Way to Stratify Seizure Risk?

Commentary Seizures are deceptively difficult to define. Clinical seizures with an EEG correlate are rarely problematic, but seizures can be purely clinical, with no scalp EEG correlate, or conversely, purely electrographic, with no apparent clinical correlate. The latter is a common occurrence in neurologically critical patients. There is recognition that seizure definitions set somewhat arbitrary cut points in a continuum that spans interictal and ictal findings. In reality, the determination of whether a given pattern is ictal is more a probabilistic one than a binary choice of ictal or interictal (1). Yet there are still sound reasons for establishing definitions of electrographic seizures. A common language is needed for clinical and research purposes. Definition of an EEG pattern as ictal often, but not always, signals changes in or intensification of treatment. Most attempts to define EEG criteria for seizures incorporate several features of the EEG (4). There is usually a requirement that the activity is rhythmic or periodic. Frequency is important, with frequencies of 3–4 Hz or greater usually representing ictal patterns, with the understanding that lower frequency discharges are also potentially ictal. Evolution, or change over time, is characteristic of most seizures, and evolution in frequency, spatial characteristics, or morphology is a part of most definitions. Duration of the EEG pattern is often included but admittedly an arbitrary criterion. While it may not make biological sense to set a lower bound for the length of a seizure, there are practical issues in distinguishing brief rhythmic runs from more fully elaborated seizures, and a lower limit of 10 seconds duration is often used. It is the sub-10-second realm that Yoo and coworkers explore in their article. In doing so, they coin a new term: B(I)RDs. The acronym stands for “brief, potentially ictal rhythmic discharges,” with the parenthetical (I) indicating that the discharges are potentially, but not definitely ictal. They defined B(I)RDs as very brief (<10 second) lateralized runs of rhythmic activity with a frequency greater than 4 Hz. For these brief discharges, features of evolution were not required. Similar patterns have been previously described in neonates. The authors set out with several goals: to report the prevalence, the significance, and the prognostic implications of these brief rhythmic discharges in adults. To do so, Yoo and colleagues queried a large database of continuous EEG recordings at a single institution. The median age of subjects was 65 (range 13-88). Of the 1,135 studies recorded over a span of 18 months, 19 were reported and confirmed to contain B(I)RDs. An additional 101 studies that Brief Potentially Ictal Rhythmic Discharges in Critically Ill Adults.
Biosynthesis and degradation of anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol and their possible physiological significance.

N -arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) was the first endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligand to be discovered. Dual synthetic pathways for anandamide have been proposed. One is the formation from free arachidonic acid and ethanolamine, and the other is the formation from N -arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) through the action of a phosphodiesterase. These pathways, however, do not appear to be able to generate a large amount of anandamide, at least under physiological conditions. The generation of anandamide from free arachidonic acid and ethanolamine is catalyzed by a degrading enzyme anandamide amidohydrolase/fatty acid amide hydrolase operating in reverse and requires large amounts of substrates. As for the second pathway, arachidonic acids esterified at the 1-position of glycerophospholipids, which are mostly esterified at the 2-position, are utilized for the formation of N -arachidonoyl PE, a stored precursor form of anandamide. In fact, the actual levels of anandamide in various tissues are generally low except in a few cases. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) was the second endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligand to be discovered. 2-AG is a degradation product of arachidonic acid-containing glycerophospholipids such as inositol phospholipids. Several investigators have demonstrated that 2-AG is produced in a variety of tissues and cells upon stimulation. 2-AG acts as a full agonist at the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). Evidence is gradually accumulating and indicates that 2-AG is the most efficacious endogenous natural ligand for the cannabinoid receptors. In this review, we summarize the tissue levels, biosynthesis, degradation and possible physiological significance of two endogenous cannabimimetic molecules, anandamide and 2-AG.
Two-variable word equations

We consider languages expressed by word equations in two variables and give a complete characterization for their complexity functions, that is, the functions that give the number of words of a given length. Specifically, we prove that there are only five types of complexities: constant, linear, exponential, and two in between constant and linear. For the latter two, we give precise characterizations in terms of the number of solutions of Diophantine equations of certain types. There are several consequences of our study. First, we show that the linear upper bound on the non-exponential complexities by Karhumaki et al., cf. [KMP], is optimal. Second, we derive that both of the sets of all finite Sturmian words and of all finite Standard words are expressible by word equations. Third, we characterize the languages of non-exponential complexity which are expressible by two-variable word equations as finite unions of several simple parametric formulae and solutions of a twovariable word equation with a finite graph. Fourth, we find optimal upper bounds on the solutions of (solvable) two-variable word equations, namely, linear bound for one variable and quadratric for the other. From this, we obtain an O(n6) algorithm for testing the solvability of twovariable word equation.
Efficacy and safety of an over-the-counter transdermal nicotine patch as an aid for smoking cessation.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a transdermal nicotine patch as an aid for smoking cessation in an over-the-counter setting. DESIGN Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 6-week duration with 18 weeks of follow-up. SETTING Four shopping mall precincts. PARTICIPANTS The randomized sample consisted of 802 adults (mean age, 39 years) and was 89% white and 54% female. A smoking history of at least 20 cigarettes per day for 1 year and a score of 5 (on a 10-point scale) on a motivational assessment questionnaire were required for enrollment. Poststudy follow-up was limited to those who had quit smoking at the end of 6 weeks. INTERVENTION Nicotine patches were provided at the shopping mall. Guidance consisted only of package instructions and a smoking cessation self-help booklet. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Quit rates were defined as total abstinence from smoking for 4 consecutive weeks (treatment weeks 3-6), point prevalence smoking status at week 6, or nonsmoker at week 6 and week 24 (6-month postquit date). Smoking status was assessed by diaries, and verification for the first 2 quit rates was obtained by confirmation of carbon monoxide of 8 ppm or less in expired breath. Safety was evaluated by self-reported adverse events. RESULTS Quit rate was 12% for the active treatment group and 5.5% for the placebo group, based on total abstinence for 4 consecutive weeks (P = .001) compared with quit rates of 19.5% and 7.5% for active treatment and placebo groups, respectively, based on point prevalence data at week 6. At 24 weeks, 8.2% of nonsmokers in the active treatment group and 4.0% in the placebo group remained nonsmokers. At least 1 adverse event was reported by 57% receiving the nicotine patch and 39% receiving placebo (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS When the nicotine patch was used in an over-the-counter setting, quit rates were comparable to those reported for medical settings. A 2:1 quit rate advantage was achieved at week 6 and was maintained at 24 weeks.
Sensory gating deficit expressed by a disturbed suppression of the P50 event-related potential in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE Disturbed sensory gating has been related to attention deficit and greater distractibility in patients with schizophrenia, and dysfunction of the alpha-7 subunit of the cholinergic nicotinic receptor has been discussed as its biological basis. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a cholinergic deficit, and postmortem studies have reported alpha-7 receptor loss in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In this study, the authors tested whether sensory gating is disturbed in patients with Alzheimer's disease. METHOD Suppression of the P50 event-related potential following the second click of a double-click paradigm, a measure of sensory gating, was assessed in 17 Alzheimer's disease patients and 17 comparison subjects. RESULTS Alzheimer's disease patients showed less P50 suppression following the second click relative to the comparison subjects. CONCLUSIONS Disturbed sensory gating might result from cholinergic dysfunction and possibly from alpha-7 nicotinic receptor loss in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Prospective studies should investigate the relationship between sensory gating deficit and behavioral disturbances in Alzheimer's disease patients.
Dithiocarbamates inhibit hematopoiesis via a copper-dependent mechanism.

Dithiocarbamates (DTC), an important class of therapeutic and industrial chemicals, have alternatively been reported to be either beneficial or toxic to the hematopoietic and immune systems. In the present study, we investigated the potential of dimethyl- and diethyl-dithiocarbamate to alter clonogenic response of primary human CD34(+) bone marrow cells in vitro. Our results demonstrate that both compounds are potent inhibitors of clonogenic response in human CD34(+) bone marrow cells, suppressing cytokine-induced colony formation at concentrations between 100 and 500 nM. Pretreatment of bone marrow cells for 1 h with very high doses of DTC (30 microM) had no effect on colony formation. DTCs are known inhibitors of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B); however, data presented herein demonstrate that DTC do not inhibit cytokine activation of NF-kappa B in CD34(+) bone marrow cells. Additional experiments demonstrate that DTCs induce a dose-related increase in apoptosis, potentially acting via a cytotoxic mechanism. We further demonstrate that the addition of copper sulfate greatly potentiates the hematotoxicity of DTC and that the addition of a copper-specific chelator completely abrogates DTC clonogenic suppression. These data support a role for copper in DTC-induced hematotoxicity.
The association of new inflammatory markers with type 2 diabetes mellitus and macrovascular complications: a preliminary study.

AIM Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is not simply a disease of hyperglycemia, but also is an inflammatory disorder. This study aimed to observe the expression of inflammation-related factors in elderly T2DM patients with or without macrovascular disease (MVD). PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 64 T2DM patients participated in this study, including 31 patients with MVD (group A) and 33 patients without MVD (group B); and 30 healthy volunteers were recruited as normal control (group C). The levels of serum irisin, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and adiponectin expression were all detected and compared between groups. RESULTS The demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between T2DM patients and healthy volunteers. For patients in group A, the serum levels of irisin, RBP4 and adiponectin were 12.05 ± 2.12 pg/mL, 2.13 ± 0.83 µg/mL and 45.65±20.13 ng/mL, respectively. While the corresponding parameters were 26.11 ± 4.09 pg/ml, 1.54 ± 0.54 µg/ml and 57.93 ± 23.47 ng/mL for patients in group B; and were 40.25 ± 2.73 pg/mL, 0.98 ± 0.36 µg/mL and 60.03 ± 20.26 ng/mL for healthy volunteers in group C, respectively. As compared to healthy volunteers, the levels of irisin, RBP4 and adiponectin were all significantly changed in T2DM patients; and the difference in irisin, RBP4 and adiponectin between T2DM patients with and without MVD were all significant (p = 0.000, p = 0.001, and p = 0.029, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis showed that irisin and RBP4 are both independent predictors for MVD in T2DM patients. CONCLUSIONS Inflammatory disorder is significantly in T2DM patients with MVD, and serum irisin and RBP4 would be reasonable new markers of MVD.
Design of the underwater link-joint system for the multi-legged underwater robot “CR200”

This paper presents the design of an underwater link-joint system for developing of a 200m class six-legged subsea robot. The design includes a process with concept establishment, specific design for joint capability and mechanical drawing. First deals with the definition of degree of freedom which is the link-joint system. Second is the design with calculation of velocity and torque of joints, selection of motor, reduction gears, sensors, and driver. Final is the mechanical design of configuration of the underwater link-joint system. Especially, the specific design is based on simple static and dynamic force analysis considering the performance requirement. And the mechanical design includes the thickness calculation of joint pressure vessel for satisfying the required pressure-resistant capability, and shows the detailed design using 2D and 3D computer aided design(CAD) software. This paper describes the whole design process of the underwater link-joint system for manufacturing the leg of CR200.
Direct activation of phospholipase C-gamma by fibroblast growth factor receptor is not required for mesoderm induction in Xenopus animal caps

Members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family induce mesoderm formation in explants of Xenopus embryonic ectoderm (animal caps). Recent studies have been directed at determining signaling pathways downstream of the FGF receptor that are important in mesoderm induction. We have recently shown that a point mutation in the FGF receptor changing tyrosine 766 to phenylalanine (Y/F mutation) abolishes phospholipase C-gamma (PLC-gamma) activation in mammalian cells. To explore the role of PLC-gamma activation in FGF-stimulated mesoderm induction, we constructed two chimeric receptors, each consisting of the extracellular portion of the platelet-derived growth factor beta receptor, with one having the transmembrane and intracellular portions of the wild-type FGF receptor 1 (PR-FR wt) and the other having the corresponding region of the Y/F766 mutant FGF receptor 1 (PR-FR Y/F766). When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, only PR-FR wt was able to mediate PLC gamma phosphorylation, inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate accumulation, and calcium efflux in response to platelet-derived growth factor stimulation. However, both receptors mediated mesoderm induction in Xenopus animal caps as measured by cap elongation, muscle-specific actin mRNA induction, and skeletal muscle formation. These results demonstrate that PLC gamma activation by the FGF receptor is not required for FGF-stimulated mesoderm induction.
From static content to dynamic communities: the evolution of networked educational resources

Five years ago the problems being addressed by major educational resources were how to locate and structure a burgeoning universe of Web sites in order to serve their subject and professional communities with useful and relevant content. Today, new challenges, demands and opportunities are emerging: the linking of content with community, static information with dynamic news. Describes the evolution of three educational resources in the social sciences (SOSIG, Biz/Ed and Regard) and their use of personal profiling, distributed contributions and RSS news channels to serve and gather information. Examines the issues that arise from changing user bases and technologies, sustainability and the need for collaboration, data protection and privacy concerns. Analyses the tensions these and other services face as they move toward a model that links the static with the dynamic, content with community.
Heat activation of Streptomyces viridochromogenes spores

The lag period preceding germination of Streptomyces viridochromogenes spores during incubation in a defined germination medium was completely eliminated by a gentle heat shock. The rate of germination was not affected. The optimum pH for activation extended from 6.0 to 9.6. The time of heating required for maximum activation was 1 min at 60 C, 2 to 5 min at 55 C, 20 min at 50 C, and 40 to 50 min at 45 C. Activated spores had the same temperature and pH optima and nutritional requirements for germination as unactivated spores. Activated spores deactivated during incubation for 8 h at 25 C and were activated again by a second heat shock. Spores that had been aged for 4 weeks or longer did not germinate in the defined germination medium unless they were first heat activated.
Hemodialysis-Associated Bacteremia Resulting in Trans catheter Aortic Valve Replacement Endocarditis

An 80-year-old female with history of end stage renal disease on hemodialysis and a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) eight months prior was transferred to our facility for treatment of acute embolic right lower extremity ischemia. A transesophageal echocardiogram performed to evaluate for the source of emboli demonstrated large mobile vegetation on the aortic valve prosthesis. Blood cultures isolated methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus. Multiple complications developed, including small cerebral infarcts contributing to acute encephalopathy, acute liver failure secondary to rifampin therapy, and coagulopathy with multiple episodes of bleeding. She was discharged to a rehabilitation facility to complete a six-week course of cefazolin followed by lifelong oral antibiotic suppression therapy with cephalexin. She ultimately required below-the knee amputation of the ischemic limb.
Molecular evidence of vector-borne pathogens coinfecting dogs from Poland.

Ticks of the genus Ixodes are vectors for many pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. , and may also serve as vectors for Bartonella spp. However, the role of ticks in Bartonella transmission requires additional studies. The aim of this study was to investigate whether coinfection with two or more vector-borne pathogens can occur in the following three groups of dogs: I - dogs with suspected borreliosis (N = 92), II - dogs considered healthy (N = 100), and III - dogs with diagnosed babesiosis (N = 50). Polymerase chain reactions were performed to detect DNA of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. in the blood of dogs. In dogs of Group I, the DNA of both A. phagocytophilum and Bartonella sp. was detected (14% and 1%, respectively). In eight dogs, coinfection was indicated: A. phagocytophilum or Bartonella sp. with B. burgdorferi s.l. (the presence of antibodies against and/or DNA B. burgdorferi s.l.). In the case of five dogs positive for A. phagocytophilum DNA, no coinfection with B. burgdorferi s.l. was shown. In Group II, the DNA of A. phagocytophilum was detected in four dogs. In Group III, no pathogenic agents possibly transmitted by ticks were confirmed. No DNA of R. helvetica was detected in any of the groups studied.
The Willingness to Pay for Broadband of Non-Adopters in the U.S.: Estimates from a Multi-State Survey

We use data from a large-scale survey of non-adopting households to provide estimates of their willingness to pay for broadband. A large fraction – approximately 2/3 – of the reporting households indicated that they would not consider subscribing to broadband at any price. For the remaining households who indicated that they would consider subscribing, we find strong evidence in the data of over-reporting at high values of the willingness to pay for broadband. We correct for reporting bias using a semi-parametric procedure. Our estimate of the price elasticity of demand for broadband using the bias-corrected willingness to pay values is equal to −0.62, markedly different from the estimate of −0.95 obtained with the values reported by the survey respondents. Our estimates indicate that, on average, to achieve a 10% increase in subscribership, a price reduction of about 15% is needed. In addition, we estimate the impact of several household characteristics on the likelihood of broadband adoption.
Effect of hydration on the single-crystal elasticity of Fe-bearing wadsleyite to 12 GPa

Abstract The single-crystal elastic properties of Fe-bearing wadsleyite with 1.93 wt% H2O (Mg1.634Fe0.202H0.305SiO4) have been determined by Brillouin scattering. At ambient conditions, the aggregate bulk and shear moduli (KS0, G0) of this wadsleyite are 156.2(5) and 98.0(3) GPa, respectively. Compared to the corresponding anhydrous wadsleyite, 1.93 wt% H2O lowers KS0 and G0 by 8.1% and 9.3%, respectively. High-pressure measurements up to 12 GPa show that the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus, K′S0 = 4.8(1), is similar to that of the anhydrous Fe-wadsleyite with reported values of 4.6-4.74, but the addition of H2O increases the pressure derivative of the shear modulus, G0′ from 1.5(1) to 1.9(1). This contrasts with the G0′ of Fe-free wadsleyite, which is the same within uncertainty for the hydrous and anhydrous phases. As a result, both the compressional- and shear-wave velocities (vP, vS) of hydrous Fe-bearing wadsleyite are about 200(±24) m/s slower than anhydrous Fe-bearing wadsleyite at transition zone pressures.
Automatic and Secure Rework in a Lead-Free Environment

The evolution of electronic components as well as the lead-free changeover is a challenge for the production. In addition to that, we need to focus on the same issues also in rework processes. In the field of automated rework, it's indispensable to master a handful of important process parameters in order to get reliable and repeatable results. ZEVAC AG as a market leader for rework platforms has dealt with that topic in early times. The article shows how to convert the obtained know-how in high-quality products for automatic rework
Heating induces aggregation and decreases detection of serotonin transporter protein on western blots

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of Western blot analysis to monitor changes in the abundance of the serotonin transporter (SERT) protein. In the Western blot procedure, heat denaturation is a common, early step. We now report that heating samples to 90°C decreases the abundance of the SERT protein band and causes dispersion of a majority of the SERT signal to a high molecular weight smear. These observations are in keeping with the fact that heating can influence the electrophoretic behavior of some proteins. By omitting the heat denaturation step in the Western blot procedure, better detection of the SERT protein is achieved. Synapse 61:875–876, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ventilation-Perfusion Changes after Aerosolized Isoproterenol in Asthma1, 2

Twenty-one patients were studied during a symptomatic episode of asthma before and after treatment with aerosolized isoproterenol. From measurements of arterial blood gases, total ventilation, and alveolar ventilation, alveolar-arterial oxygen gradients (AaPo2) and wasted ventilation ratios were calculated. Airway resistance and dynamic compliance were measured during tidal breathing. Of the 17 patients who responded to treatment by a decrease in resistance, 9 experienced an increase in the AaPo2 (≥ 5 mm Hg) mainly as a result of a decrease in arterial oxygen tension within ten minutes. By 30 minutes, the AaPo2 had returned toward pretreatment values, whereas the resistance remained decreased. These 9 patients had higher initial arterial oxygen tensions than did the 8 patients who did not have an increase in hypoxemia after treatment. It was concluded that increases in hypoxemia after aerosolized isoproterenol therapy for asthma are caused by worsening of ventilation-perfusion relationships, occur mainly .