Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Muscarinic agonists and ATP increase the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in chick cochlear hair cells.

1. Cholinergic muscarinic agonists applied by the pressure puff method increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration in Fura‐2‐loaded hair cells. The Ca2+ response outlasted the agonist application. 2. The Ca2+ response induced by acetylcholine (ACh) was ACh dose dependent with a KD of 200 microM. Desensitization was negligible, and almost identical Ca2+ responses were observed when two ACh puffs were separated by 150 s. The response was blocked by d‐tubocurarine (dTC). The KD of dTC blocking was 500 microM when 100 microM‐ACh induced the Ca2+ response. 3. The amplitude of the ACh‐induced Ca2+ responses were potentiated to 3 times the control by incubation with calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP; 0.1‐1 microM). CGRP did not affect the resting Ca2+ concentration. Glycine (100 microM) potentiated the ACh response to 1.4 times the control, and also increased the resting Ca2+ concentration slightly. 4. The ACh‐induced Ca2+ response was suppressed by atropine. It was induced in Ca2(+)‐free extracellular medium, and in Ca2(+)‐free medium desensitization to a second ACh stimulation was significant. The amplitude of the second Ca2+ response was 44% of the first when two ACh puffs were separated by 117 s in Ca2+ free medium. 5. Muscarine and carbamylcholine induced similar Ca2+ responses, with KD values of 130 microM for muscarine and 340 microM for carbamylcholine. Desensitization of Ca2+ responses was negligible in both agonists. 6. ATP co‐exists with ACh in some presynaptic nerve terminals (Burnstock, 1981). Puff‐applied ATP (100 microM) generated a Ca2+ response with a rapid rising phase and a following slow phase. In Ca2(+)‐free medium the rapid phase disappeared and only the slow phase was observed. The rapid phase is due to the influx of Ca2+ ions and the slow phase is due to a release of Ca2+ ions from an intracellular reservoir. Under voltage clamp ATP induced a fast inward current and a following slow outward current. 7. Nicotine, adenosine, glycine, GABA, glutamate and bradykinin did not induce Ca2+ responses in the hair cell. 8. ACh induced hyperpolarization of the hair cell membrane under current clamp, most probably by the activation of Ca2+ activated K+ conductance. Therefore, a cholinergic muscarinic receptor may mediate the inhibitory effects of efferent innervation observed in hair cells.
Monoclonal antibody Ki‐67: its use in histopathology

Monoclonal antibody Ki‐67 is a reliable and easy means of accurately assessing the growth fraction of human neoplasms. Although the number of long‐term follow‐up studies is limited, it does appear to provide valuable progrostic information particularly in lymphoproliferative disease. Since the estimation of growth fraction is only one factor influencing tumour behaviour it would be naive to believe that measurement of this parameter alone, no matter how accurately, would provide the clinician with definitive prognostic information for all tumours. The antibody is also of use in research, providing a means of measuring proliferative activity in a variety of conditions besides malignancy, and may prove of value in monitoring tumour response to established and trial therapies.
New VEGF antagonists as possible therapeutic agents in vascular disease

Background: In this review we provide the reader with an analysis of the importance of VEGF in modulating the angiogenic process in vascular diseases. Objectives: We have described the key role of VEGF in the development of the major angiogenic diseases including ocular retinopathies, solid tumour growth and atherosclerotic plaque development. Methods: Following a brief description of the disease, a detailed literature review of the mechanisms through which VEGF induces promotion of neovascularisation and current anti-VEGF therapies is provided for the reader. Results/conclusions: Current and future potential clinical therapies are discussed in particular concerning our thoughts on future directives involving adenoviral-mediated gene targeting, nanotechnology and combinational therapies.
Lysophosphatidic acid production and action: Validated targets in cancer?

The completion of the human genome project, the evolution of transcriptional profiling and the emergence of proteomics have focused attention on these areas in the pathophysiology and therapy of cancer. The role of lysophospholipids as potential mediators in cancer pathophysiology, screening and management has taken a major leap forward with the recent cloning of several enzymes involved in the metabolism of lysophospholipids. Lysophospholipids, although small molecules, contain a high “informational” content. Differences include the nature of the phosphate head group, the regiochemistry of the fatty acyl chain on the glyceryl backbone, the presence of ether versus ester linkages to the backbone, and the length and saturation of the fatty acyl or alkyl chain. This informational content is sufficient to result in a marked structure function activity relationship at their cognate receptors. Thus the emerging discipline of “functional lipidomics” is likely to prove as important as genomics and proteomics in terms of early diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Lysophospholipid levels are elevated in vivo in a number of pathophysiological states including ascitic fluid from ovarian cancer patients indicating a role in the pathophysiology of this devastating disease. Although controversial, levels of specific lysophospholipids may be altered in the blood of cancer patients providing a potential mechanism for early diagnosis. Several of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of lysophospholipids are aberrant in ovarian and other cancers. Further, the enzymes are active in the interstitial space, rendering them readily accessible to the effects of inhibitors including antibodies, proteins, and small molecules. In support of a role for lysophospholipids in the pathophysiology of cancer, expression of receptors for lysophospholipids is also aberrant in cancer cells from multiple different lineages. All of the cell surface receptors for lysophospholipids belong to the G protein coupled receptor family. As over 40% of all drugs in current use target this family of receptors, lysophospholipid receptors are highly “druggable. ” Indeed, a number of highly specific agonists and antagonists of lysophospholipid receptors have been identified. A number are in preclinical evaluation as therapeutics. We look forward to the next several years when the role of lysophospholipids in physiology and the pathophysiology and management of cancer and other diseases are fully elucidated. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Light, vision, and aging.

Recent research on aging of chromatic and spatial vision processes is reviewed. Changes in these visual processes with advancing age are largely continuous. Age-related declines in visual performance may be explained in terms of reductions in the illuminance of the visual stimulus due to changes in the ocular media and losses of efficiency at a neural level. Thus, some prominent characteristics of the senescent visual system are similar to those of the younger visual system operating at a lower ambient light level. One important determinant of retinal aging may be the light history of the individual, i.e., cumulative exposure to high-energy photons from solar radiation may accelerate retinal aging. If these abstractions from the literature are valid, then it will become more important to control the light environment throughout the life span.
The Effect of Precursor Structures on the Action of Glucosaminyl 3-O-Sulfotransferase-1 and the Biosynthesis of Anticoagulant Heparan Sulfate*

To understand how 2-O-sulfation of uronic acid residues influences the biosynthesis of anticoagulant heparan sulfate, the cDNA encoding glucosaminyl 3-O-sulfotransferase-1 (3-OST-1) was introduced into wild-type Chinese hamster ovary cells and mutant pgsF-17 cells, which are defective in 2-O-sulfation. 3-OST-1-transduced cells gained the ability to bind to antithrombin. Structural analysis of the heparan sulfate chains showed that 3-OST-1 generates sequences containing GlcUA-GlcN(SO3)3(SO3) and GlcUA-GlcN(SO3)3(SO3)6(SO3) in both wild-type and mutant cells. In addition, IdoUA-GlcN(SO3)3(SO3) and IdoUA-GlcN(SO3)3(SO3)6(SO3) accumulate in the mutant chain. These disaccharides were also observed by tagging [6-3H]GlcN-labeled pgsF-17 heparan sulfatein vitro with [35S]PAPs and purified 3-OST-1. Heparan sulfate derived from the transduced mutant also had ∼2-fold higher affinity for antithrombin than heparan sulfate derived from the transduced wild-type cells, and it inactivated factor Xa more efficiently. This study demonstrates for the first time that (i) 3-O-sulfation by 3-OST-1 can occur independently of the 2-O-sulfation of uronic acids, (ii) 2-O-sulfation usually occurs before 3-O-sulfation, (iii) 2-O-sulfation blocks the action of 3-OST-1 at glucosamine residues located to the reducing side of IdoUA units, and (iv) that alternative antithrombin-binding structures can be made in the absence of 2-O-sulfation.
The mechanical sensitivity optimization of a disk resonator gyroscope with mutative ring thickness

In this paper, we present the mechanical sensitivity improvement of a disk resonator gyroscope (DRG) by optimizing the thickness distribution of the nested rings. The mechanical sensitivities of the DRGs with uniform, linearly changing and step changing rings have been simulated. The results suggest that the ring thickness distribution has great influence on the performance of the DRG. Then the optimized ring thickness distribution was obtained by using the bio-inspired particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The rule of the optimized ring thickness distribution is that the outer ring is thicker than the other rings (1.7-1.8 times for this DRG) whereas the other rings should be as thin as possible. Meanwhile the optimized distribution rules can be used on series of DRGs and the optimization methods can be widely used on other MEMS devices.
Efficacy of Cetylpyridinium Chloride Used as Oropharyngeal Antiseptic

Summary Cetylpyridinium chloride, (CPC, CAS 123-03-5) as active ingredient of antiseptic oral mouthrinses has a broad antimicrobial spectrum with a rapid bactericidal effect on gram-positive pathogens and a fungicide effect on yeasts in particular. There are gaps in its effectiveness against gram-negative pathogens and mycobacteria. Application of CPC at a concentration of 0.05 % as a mouthrinse results in an immediate reduction in bacterial counts of 2.0 to 2.5 log steps (which is adequate to > 99 %). This reverts to about 1 log step (= 90 %) 1 h after application. The ability of CPC to inhibit plaque and thereby reduce gingivitis is assured. In comparison to chlorhexidine, CPC has a lower residual effect, and as a result a lesser effect against plaque and gingivitis. The efficacy of CPC against oropharyngeal candidiasis is assured. CPC mouthrinses can significantly reduce infectious aerosols in dental practice, thereby protecting both staff and the patient. The balance of intra-oral bacterial flora is not disturbed even in the case of relatively long-term use of CPC (up to six weeks). Taking these properties into consideration, CPC may be considered as an alternative active ingredient in the case of chlorhexidine intolerance in the treatment and prevention of bacterial or fungal disorders of the oropharyngeal cavity. It is also of interest as an element for combination in the development of new types of oropharyngeal antiseptics.
Aesthetic Phenomena as Supernormal Stimuli: The Case of Eye, Lip, and Lower-Face Size and Roundness in Artistic Portraits

In the first study, eye and lip size and roundness, and lower-face roundness were compared between a control sample of 289 photographic portraits and an experimental sample of 776 artistic portraits covering the whole period of the history of art. Results showed that eye roundness, lip roundness, eye height, eye width, and lip height were significantly enhanced in artistic portraits compared to photographic ones. Lip width and lower-face roundness, on the contrary, were less prominent in artistic than in photographic portraits. In a second study, forty-two art academy students were requested to draw two self-portraits, one with a mirror and one without (from memory). Eye, lip, and lower-face roundness in artistic self-portraits was compared to the same features derived from photographic portraits of the participants. The results obtained confirmed those found in the first study. Eye and lip size and roundness were greater in artistic self-portraits, while lower-face roundness was significantly reduced. The same degree of modification was found also when a mirror was available to the subjects. In a third study the effect of lower-face roundness on the perception of attractiveness was assessed: fifty-three participants had to adjust the face width of 24 photographic portraits in order to achieve the highest level of attractiveness. Participants contracted the face width by a mean value of 5.26%, showing a preference for a reduced lower-face roundness. All results are discussed in terms of the importance of the ‘supernormalisation’ process as a means of assigning aesthetic value to perceptual stimuli.
Accurate copper loss analysis of a multi-winding high-frequency transformer for a magnetically-coupled residential micro-grid

Improvements in characteristics of magnetic materials and switching devices have provided the feasibility of replacing the electrical buses with high frequency magnetic links in micro-grids. This effectively reduces the number of voltage conversion stages, and the size and cost of the renewable energy system. It also isolates the converter ports, which increases the system safety and facilitates bidirectional power flow and energy management. To design the magnetic link optimally, an accurate evaluation of copper loss of the windings considering both current waveforms and parasitic effects is required. This paper studies the accurate copper loss analysis of a three-winding high-frequency magnetic link for residential micro-grid applications. Due to the non-sinusoidal nature of the voltage and currents, the loss analysis is carried out on a harmonic basis taking into account variations of phase shift, duty ratio and amplitude of waveforms. The high frequency skin and proximity effects have are taken into account. The maximum and minimum copper loss operating points of the converter and their dependency on the phase shift and duty ratio of the waveforms are studied and simulation results are presented.
Personal characteristics as predictors of job satisfaction: An exploratory study of IT managers in a developing economy

The impact of information technology (IT) on society is tremendous. Globalization of trade, the emergence of information economies, and the growth of the Internet and other global communications networks have recast the role of information systems in managing global corporations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which personal characteristics such as gender, age, education, income, and experience predict IT managers' job satisfaction in Nigeria. A sample of 360 IT managers selected from business organizations in Nigeria were used for this research. The results of this study suggest that IT managers were satisfied with their job, co‐workers, and supervision, whereas they were dissatisfied with their pay and the promotion system. The results of regression analyses also showed that personal characteristics were significant predictors of job satisfaction.
Towards corporate governance of ICT in local government

One of the main objectives of local government is the effective delivery of services. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a major role in this regard. Various best practices and standards indicate the importance of corporate governance of ICT across all types of sectors. According to the Auditor General, in the South African context, there exists a definite lack in implementing corporate governance of ICT. Due to the complexity of the current corporate governance of ICT structure, local government is challenged with implementing sound corporate governance of ICT. Through the extensive use of a literature survey and semi-structured interviews, an architecture is proposed to address this issue of complexity. This architecture can aid local government in the corporate governance of ICT. This not only applies to South Africa, but also possibly to the rest of Africa.
Expression of c-fos and c-jun proto-oncogenes by ovine preimplantation embryos

Summary The c-fos and c-jun proto-oncogenes are involved in the regulation of gene expression, cell proliferation, differentiation and tumorigenesis. Embryogenesis, like tumorigenesis, involves dramatic cell growth, cleavage and differentiation processes. Activation of the c-fos and c-jun proto-oncogenes in sheep conceptuses during the period of rapid growth and elongation was examined using reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The specificity of PCR products was determined by Southern blot hybridisation analysis with a non-radioactive DNA probe. A band corresponding to a 507 bp fragment (predicted amplified c-fos gene cDNA product) was observed in 3 of 9 day-13, 1 of 4 day-14 and 1 of 2 day-16 embryos. Meanwhile, a 400 bp c-jun transcript was aslo detected in 1 or 2 day-12, 3 of 9 day-13 and 2 of 2 day-16 embroyos. These results suggest that mRNA transcripts of c-fos and c-jun proto-oncogenes were specifically expressed during the period of ovine embryonic elongation and may have a possible role in preimplantation embryonic development of sheep.
Multi-Modulus LC Injection-Locked Frequency Dividers Using Single-Ended Injection

A new wide-locking range multi-modulus LC-tank injection locked frequency divider (ILFD) is proposed and was fabricated in a 0.18 mum CMOS process. The ILFD circuit is realized with a complementary MOS LC-tank oscillator and an injection composite composed of an inductor in series with an injection MOS. The two output terminals of the injection composite are connected to the resonator outputs. The ILFD can be used as a first-harmonic oscillator (ILO), even-modulo or odd-modulo oscillator depending upon the incident frequency of injection signal. At the supply voltage of 1.5 V, the free-running frequency is from 4.85 to 5.13 GHz, the current and power consumption of the divider without buffers are 2.78 and 4.17 mW, respectively. At the incident power of 0 dBm, the locking range in the divide-by-1(2, 3, 4) mode is from the incident frequency 3.72 to 8.69 (8.42 to 10.95, 13.66 to 16.03, 19.13 to 20.5) GHz.
Dysfunctional Brain Networks and Genetic Risk for Schizophrenia: Specific Neurotransmitter Systems

Multiple neurotransmitter circuits are disturbed in schizophrenia, and the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia prevails as the hypothesis with most empirical support. On the other hand, schizophrenia is highly heritable with a pattern consistent with both common and rare allelic variants and gene × environment interaction. Advances in the field of neuroimaging have expanded our knowledge of intermediate phenotypes, the neurobiological processes that convey the risk from the genes to the complex phenotype. In this article, we review the recent and continuously accumulating evidence from in vivo imaging studies aiming at characterizing neurochemical intermediate phenotypes of schizophrenia. Dopaminergic alterations in schizophrenia are shared by individuals at genetic risk who do not express the illness, suggesting a “dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia vulnerability. ” This hypothesis has the potential to help us better understand the dopaminergic dysfunction in the context of the complex pathophysiological process leading to schizophrenia. In the future, neurotransmitter imaging studies should investigate the gene × environment interaction in schizophrenia, and try to identify neurobiological correlates of heightened sensitivity to environmental stressors (e.g., cannabis, childhood trauma, and other psychosocial stress) in genetically vulnerable individuals.
EXPLORING LINKED DATA AT WEB SCALE

Universities, government agencies, companies, and individuals are increasingly releasing torrents of data encoded in structured formats. At the same time, the web is evolving from a medium comprising documents to a medium comprising data – structured descriptions of objects with defined attributes and connections to other objects. Traditional search models do not fully exploit the potential that structured datasets – some of them collaboratively-edited – offer for searching and browsing. This dissertation investigates challenges that arise during collection, integration, analysis, and exploration of large structured datasets. We experiment with several publicly available datasets, one of which originates from tens of thousands of disparate and autonomous web sources, and develop a universal method for interactive exploration of such datasets independent of domain or schema. The overall architecture of the system includes many of the traditional search engine components, but the unique characteristics of collectively-edited structured datasets require application of significantly refined techniques inside each component. The dissertation covers work on the overall architecture and implementation of the system, including a crawler for data acquisition, optimised index structures and query processing for fast response times, a ranking component to prioritise data items and data sources for display, and a user interface to allow for incremental construction of complex queries which return structured data to the user. Users can subsequently process results data in desktop applications or online services. With the rising volume of data available to the public, we foresee broad applications of the methods investigated and hope to raise transparency in data published on the web by putting powerful analysis methods into the hands of everyone.
Correction: Aerosols transmit prions to immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice

The authors would like to correct Figs ​Figs3,3, ​,55 and ​and6.6. In Fig 3, an error was introduced during the preparation of the figure for publication. Images from the brain of a mouse presented in Fig 4A were inserted into Fig 3A. The corrected version of Fig 3, containing pictures of a correct and representative JH-/- mouse that had been exposed to prion infectivity containing aerosols, can be seen here. The authors also wish to clarify that the original blots for Figs ​Figs5E5E and ​and6D6D contained redundant lanes which they had removed from the images while preparing the figures. The authors now provide corrected versions of Figs ​Figs5E5E and ​and6D6D with appropriate marks showing the removal of the redundant lane. The uncropped original blots for Figs ​Figs5E5E and ​and6D6D are shown as supporting information in S1 File (for Fig 5E) and S2 File (for Fig 6D). Fig 3 Prion transmission through aerosols in immunocompromised mice. Fig 5 Prion transmission by intranasal instillation. Fig 6 Intranasal prion transmission in immnunodeficient mice. The corrected versions of Figs ​Figs3,3, ​,55 and ​and66 and the original uncropped blots for Figs ​Figs5E5E and ​and6D6D can be viewed below. The authors confirm that these changes do not alter their findings.