Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Convergence of auditory nerve fibers onto bushy cells in the ventral cochlear nucleus: implications of a computational model.

1. Convergence of auditory nerve (AN) fibers onto bushy cells of the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN) was investigated with a model that describes the electrical membrane properties of these cells. The model consists of a single compartment, representing the soma, and includes three voltage-sensitive ion channels (fast sodium, delayed-rectifier-like potassium, and low-threshold potassium). These three channels have characteristics derived from voltage clamp data of VCN bushy cells. The model also contains a leakage channel, membrane capacitance, and synaptic inputs. The model accurately reproduces the membrane rectification seen in current clamp studies of bushy cells, as well as their unique current clamp responses. 2. In this study, the number and synaptic strength of excitatory AN inputs to the model were varied to investigate the relationship between input convergence parameters and response characteristics. From 1 to 20 excitatory synaptic inputs were applied through channels in parallel with the voltage-gated channels. Each synapse was driven by an independent AN spike train; spike arrivals produced brief (approximately 0.5 ms) conductance increases. The number (NS) and conductance (AE) of these inputs were systematically varied. The input spike trains were generated as a renewal point process that accurately models characteristics of AN fibers (refractoriness, adaptation, onset latency, irregularity of discharge, and phase locking). Adaptation characteristics of both high and low spontaneous rate (SR) AN fibers were simulated. 3. As NS and AE vary over the ranges 1-20 and 3-80 nS, respectively, the full range of response types seen in VCN bushy cells are produced by the model, with AN inputs typical of high-SR AN fibers. These include primarylike (PL), primarylike-with-notch (Pri-N), and onset-L (On-L). In addition, Onset responses, whose association with bushy cells in uncertain, and "dip" responses, which are not seen in the VCN, are produced. Dip responses occur with large NS and/or AE, and are due to depolarization block. When the AN inputs have the adaptation characteristics of low-SR AN fibers, PL--but not Pri-N or On-L responses--are produced. This suggests that neurons showing Pri-N and On-L responses must receive high-SR AN inputs. 4. The regularity of discharge of the model is compared with that of VCN bushy cells, using a measure derived from the mean and standard deviation of interspike intervals. Regularity is an important constraint on the model because the regularity of VCN bushy cells is the same as that of their AN inputs. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Erythropoietin‐induced erythroid differentiation of the human erythroleukemia cell line TF‐1 correlates with impaired STAT5 activation.

The TF‐1 cell line has been established from a patient with erythroleukemia. While various cytokines induce TF‐1 cell proliferation, erythropoietin (Epo) only sustains the short‐term growth of these cells and induces their differentiation along the erythroid lineage. A truncated Epo receptor (EpoR) is overexpressed in these cells. The truncation removed the 96 C‐terminal amino acids, including seven tyrosine residues. An additional single mutation at position +3 of Tyr344 led to the replacement of leucine 347 by proline. Stimulation by Epo induced an impaired activation of the STAT5 transcription factor in these cells. The same defect in STAT5 activation was found in the murine FDCP‐1 cell line transfected with a chimeric EpoR containing the abnormal TF‐1 EpoR cytoplasmic domain. Infection of TF‐1 cells with a retrovirus containing a normal murine EpoR was able to restore both Epo‐induced STAT5 activity and cellular proliferation. In contrast, Epo‐induced differentiation was reduced strongly in infected TF‐1ER cells. These results suggest that Epo‐induced differentiation correlates with impaired Epo‐induced STAT5 activation.
High-Definition Ultrasound Imaging Defines the Paraneural Sheath and the Fascial Compartments Surrounding the Sciatic Nerve at the Popliteal Fossa

Background and Objectives The connective tissue layers that surround the sciatic nerve at the popliteal fossa are poorly defined. We present high-definition ultrasound images of the sciatic nerve, which were acquired during ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block (SNB), that clearly demonstrate these fascial layers. Methods Four patients undergoing hallux valgus surgery received an ultrasound-guided popliteal SNB using a high-definition ultrasound system. In the ultrasound images, the paraneural sheath was identified as a hyperechoeic fascial layer between the outer surface of the sciatic nerve (epineurium) and the epimysium of the surrounding muscles. The paraneural sheath was distinct from the epineurium, better delineated after the local anesthetic injection, and enveloped not only the sciatic nerve but also the common peroneal and tibial nerves separately. In the postblock sonograms, the local anesthetic was compartmentalized into 2 broad areas, that is, external (subepimyseal) and internal (subparaneural) to the paraneural sheath. The popliteal SNB was effective for surgical anesthesia in all 4 patients. Conclusions We have demonstrated the paraneural sheath and the fascial compartments, that is, the “subepimyseal perineural compartment” and the “subparaneural compartment” that surround the sciatic nerve and act as conduits for local anesthetic spread during a popliteal SNB.
Functions of Bruton's tyrosine kinase in mast and B cells

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) plays crucial roles in B cell differentiation as well as mast cell activation through the high‐affinity IgE receptor (Fc∊RI). Defects in the btk gene lead to agammaglobulinemia (XLA) in humans and X‐linked immunodeficiency (xid) in mice. Mast cells from xid and btk null mice exhibit mild defects in degranulation and severe impairments in the production of proinflammatory cytokines upon Fc∊RI cross‐linking. Recent studies demonstrated the role of Btk in a sustained increase in intracellular calcium concentrations in response to antigen receptor stimulation. Btk is also involved in the activation of stress‐activated protein kinases, JNK/SAPK1/2, and thereby regulates c‐Jun and other transcription factors that are important in cytokine gene activation. Regulation of the JNK/SAPK activation pathway by Btk may be related to the proapoptotic function of Btk in the programmed cell death in these hematopoietic cells. J. Leukoc. Biol. 65: 286–290; 1999.
Smart integration of distribution automation applications

Future electricity demand will significantly increase, while flexibility in supply will decrease, due to an increase in the use of renewable energy sources. The most effective way to prepare distribution grids for this increase in loading and decrease in supply-flexibility is to apply balancing, load-shifting, peak-shaving and other smart-grid related technologies. Without the implementation of smart grid technologies in distribution networks, it is almost impossible to keep the power supply at the current reliability and quality levels. An important factor in the success of smart grids, is the implementation of distribution automation systems (DAS). The ability to reconfigure networks, divert power flows, isolate faults and prevent overloading of network components all contributes to the optimal operation of self-healing distribution grids, which is necessary for future electricity demands. In this paper, a literature research on the status of distribution automation research is presented and an outlook towards future roles of distribution automation systems is explored. Emphasis is put on the integration of different applications in order to be able to grasp the full potential of DAS. Furthermore an elaborate case study is presented, considering the effects of DAS integration into the live distribution grid.
Mouse Models for Studying the Formation and Propagation of Prions*

Prions are self-propagating protein conformers that cause a variety of neurodegenerative disorders in humans and animals. Mouse models have played key roles in deciphering the biology of prions and in assessing candidate therapeutics. The development of transgenic mice that form prions spontaneously in the brain has advanced our understanding of sporadic and genetic prion diseases. Furthermore, the realization that many proteins can become prions has necessitated the development of mouse models for assessing the potential transmissibility of common neurodegenerative diseases. As the universe of prion diseases continues to expand, mouse models will remain crucial for interrogating these devastating illnesses.
A new complementary hetero-junction vertical Tunnel-FET integration scheme

This paper presents a new integration scheme for complementary hetero-junction vertical Tunnel FETs (VTFETs), whereby a sacrificial source layer is used during the device fabrication and replaced by the final hetero-source materials, respectively for n- or p-TFETs, thereby minimizing the thermal budget applied to the source junctions. With the demonstration of this source-replacement-last module for a vertical Ge hetero-junction n-TFET, we show that it is possible to grow highly doped hetero-junctions on a Si channel with steep doping profiles and without damaging the high-κ gate-dielectric interface. This scheme allows for the integration of complementary low-bandgap materials on a Si platform providing high on-currents combined with the Si channel based low off-currents.
Comments on "The Relationship Between Multivalued Switching Algebra and Boolean Algebra Under Different Definitions of Complement"

It is pointed out that the number of scalar multiplications (additions) required to evaluate a matrix chain product depends on the sequence in which the associative law of matrix multiplication is applied. An algorithm is developed to find the optimum sequence that minimizes the number of scalar multiplications. A program is written for use on the CDC 6600 computer to implement this algorithm and also to carry out the chain product according to the optimum sequence. Several examples are included to illustrate the algorithm. The saving in computation and improvement in accuracy that can result from the use of this algorithm can be quite significant for chain products of large arrays and in iterative solutions of matrix equations involving chain products.
LE SYSTEME DE CONTROLE ORGANISATIONNEL : UN FACTEUR CLEF DE SUCCES DES OPERATIONS DE F/A

Le systeme de controle organisationnel mis en place par le groupe est une pierre angulaire determinante du succes d'une F/A. Les resultats d'une enquete aupres d'une cinquantaine d'entreprises a permis de tirer les enseignements suivants : il faut s'investir dans ce que l'on sait faire, en associant a cette strategie, un controle de type " strategique ", mis en place de maniere planifiee et rapide, et bien souvent en remplacant le dirigeant. Toute autre strategie semble aleatoire ou moins performante, tout au moins en ce qui concerne les groupes et entreprises de taille moyenne etudies.
Relation between lung function and RBC distribution width in a population-based study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Pulmonary function is dependent not only on smoking, but also on nutritional status. Since an increased RBC distribution width (RDW) has been associated with nutritional deficiencies, we postulated that RDW has an inverse relation to pulmonary function. The purpose of this study was to test this hypothesis. DESIGN AND SETTING A cross-sectional study was conducted of a random sample of the general population in western New York. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1,616 subjects of both genders who were aged 35 to 79 years and were free of respiratory disease. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS Pulmonary function was assessed from FEV(1), FVC, height, body weight, total pack-years of smoking, smoking status, hemoglobin concentration, and hematologic indexes, eosinophil count, education, and blood levels of retinol, beta-cryptoxanthin, and vitamin E. RESULTS We found a direct relation between RDW and the number of pack-years of smoking and smoking status, and an inverse relation between FEV(1) and FVC with RDW, even when potentially confounding variables such as smoking were taken into account. When the variability of FEV(1) due to smoking was used for comparison, an additional 27% of that variability in FEV(1) was explained by variations in antioxidant vitamin levels, and another 24% by RDW. CONCLUSIONS The results confirmed our hypothesis that there is an inverse relation between RDW and pulmonary function, and raise the possibility that RDW may be a biomarker for as-yet unidentified nutrients that affect pulmonary function.
Activation of molecular oxygen by flavins and flavoproteins.

is essentially irreversible. In free solution the reaction is slow because of spin inversion associated with the reaction of singlet reduced flavin with triplet 0, and complex, as described below. With flavoproteins the reaction with 0, may be orders of magnitude faster or slower, depending on the specific flavoprotein or the class of flavoprotein to which i t belongs. Clearly the reactivity of the reduced flavin with 0, is modulated by the protein environment in which i t is located, both in terms of rates and products of the reaction (see Ref. 1 for a more detailed review).
Intravenous infusion of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inducibility of ventricular tachycardia in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

AIMS Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may have antiarrhythmic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intravenously administered n-3 PUFA on the inducibility of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). METHODS AND RESULTS In a randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over study, patients with an ICD underwent two electrophysiological studies using the stimulation possibilities in the ICD preceded by intravenous infusion of either a lipid emulsion delivering 3.9 g n-3 PUFA or placebo (0.9% saline). The level of stimulation required to induce sustained monomorphic VT was ranked in order from least to most aggressive, and non-inducibility was ranked highest. The content of n-3 PUFA in plasma free fatty acids (FFA), plasma phospholipids, and platelet phospholipids was measured by gas chromatography. Eight patients were included, and six of these completed the study. The content of n-3 PUFA as FFA and in platelet phospholipids increased more after n-3 PUFA infusion than after placebo (P<0.001). Of the five patients who were inducible after placebo, two were no longer inducible after n-3 PUFA infusion and another two required stronger stimulation to induce VT. The difference in the stimulation required after placebo and after n-3 PUFA was borderline significant (P=0.063, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). CONCLUSION Intravenous n-3 PUFA tended to decrease VT inducibility, but a larger study is warranted.
Ultrastructure of human yolk sac: endoderm, mesenchyme, tubules and mesothelium.

The ultrastructure of human yolk sacs obtained by hysterotomy or hysterectomy from the third to the eleventh week of pregnancy is described with reference to the endoderm, mesenchyme, endodermal tubules and mesothelium. During the fourth to the sixth week of pregnancy the endoderm proliferates to form cords of cells projecting into the mesenchyme. The endodermal cells contain abundant endoplasmic reticulum, glycogen and iron-containing material. Various types of tubules in the endoderm are described. The mesenchymal cells vary in appearance; some are stellate with slender cytoplasmic processes, while others are round. A few show signs of phagocytic capacity. Both the endodermal and the coelomic epithelia possess microvilli and pinocytotic vesicles. A hypothesis relating to the function of the human vitelline endoderm is proposed.
An Son and the Neolithic of Southern Vietnam

Between 4500 and 3500 years ago, partially intrusive Neolithic populations in the riverine basins of mainland Southeast Asia began to form mounded settlements and to develop economies based on rice cultivation, fishing, hunting, and the domestication of animals, especially pigs and dogs. A number of these sites have been excavated in recent years and they are often large mounds that can attain several meters in depth, comprising successive layers of alluvial soil brought in periodically to serve as living floors. The site of An Son is of this type and lies in a small valley immediately north of the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. Excavated on five occasions since 1978, and most recently in 2009, it was occupied from the late third into the late second millennium b.c. An Son has produced evidence that attests the domestication of pigs and dogs in all layers apart (perhaps) from the most basal one, which was not investigated in 2009, together with the growing of rice of the subspecies Oryza sativa japonica, of Chinese Neolithic origin. The oldest pottery has simple incised and punctate zoned decoration with parallels in central Thailand, especially in the basal phases at Nong Nor and Khok Phanom Di. From its middle and later occupation phases (1800–1200 b.c.), An Son has produced a number of supine extended burials with finely decorated pottery grave goods that carry some unique forms, especially vessels with wavy or serrated rims. The An Son burials represent a Neolithic population that expressed a mixture of both indigenous Hoabinhian and more northerly (probably Neolithic southern Chinese) cranial and dental phenotypes, perhaps representing a likely ancestral population for some of the modern Austroasiatic-speaking populations of mainland Southeast Asia.
Comparative oncogenomics identi fi es breast tumors enriched in functional tumor-initiating cells

The claudin-low subtype is a recently identified rare molecular subtype of human breast cancer that expresses low levels of tight and adherens junction genes and shows high expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes. These tumors are enriched in gene expression signatures derived from human tumorinitiating cells (TICs) and humanmammary stem cells. Through crossspecies analysis, we discovered mouse mammary tumors that have similar gene expression characteristics as human claudin-low tumors and were also enriched for the human TIC signature. Such claudinlow tumors were similarly rare but came from a number of distinct mouse models, including the p53 null transplant model. Here we present a molecular characterization of 50 p53 null mammary tumors compared with other mouse models and human breast tumor subtypes. Similar to human tumors, the murine p53 null tumors fell into multiple molecular subtypes, including two basallike, a luminal, a claudin-low, and a subtype unique to this model. The claudin-low tumors also showed high gene expression of EMT inducers, low expression of the miR-200 family, and low to absent expression of both claudin 3 and E-cadherin. Thesemurine subtypes also contained distinct genomic DNA copy number changes, some of which are similarly altered in their cognate human subtype counterpart. Finally, limiting dilution transplantation revealed that p53 null claudin-low tumors are highly enriched for TICs compared with themore common adenocarcinomas arising in the samemodel, thus providing a unique preclinical mouse model to investigate the therapeutic response of TICs.
Ultrastructural and Functional Remodeling of the Coupling Between Ca2+ Influx and Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Release in Right Atrial Myocytes From Experimental Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Rationale: Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with structural and electric remodeling and reduced contractile function. Objective: To unravel mechanisms underlying reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release in persistent AF. Methods: We studied cell shortening, membrane currents, and [Ca2+]i in right atrial myocytes isolated from sheep with persistent AF (duration 129±39 days, N=16), compared to matched control animals (N=21). T-tubule density, ryanodine receptor (RyR) distribution, and local [Ca2+]i transients were examined in confocal imaging. Results: Myocyte shortening and underlying [Ca2+]i transients were profoundly reduced in AF (by 54.8% and 62%, P<0.01). This reduced cell shortening could be corrected by increasing [Ca2+]i. SR Ca2+ content was not different. Calculated fractional SR Ca2+ release was reduced in AF (by 20.6%, P<0.05). Peak Ca2+ current density was modestly decreased (by 23.9%, P<0.01). T-tubules were present in the control atrial myocytes at low density and strongly reduced in AF (by 45%, P<0.01), whereas the regular distribution of RyR was unchanged. Synchrony of SR Ca2+ release in AF was significantly reduced with increased areas of delayed Ca2+ release. Propagation between RyR was unaffected but Ca2+ release at subsarcolemmal sites was reduced. Rate of Ca2+ extrusion by Na+/Ca2+ exchanger was increased. Conclusions: In persistent AF, reduced SR Ca2+ release despite preserved SR Ca2+ content is a major factor in contractile dysfunction. Fewer Ca2+ channel–RyR couplings and reduced efficiency of the coupling at subsarcolemmal sites, possibly related to increased Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, underlie the reduction in Ca2+ release.
Using Hypergraph-based User Profile in a Recommendation System

We propose a hypergraph-based user profile which facilitates aggregating partial profiles of the individual and obtain a complete, multi-domain user model. The aggregation involves a semantic enhancement procedure which results in enriched user profiles. The proposed user model is capable of extracting general and domainbased user profiles and answering several connected data queries such as recommendation, in reasonable time. In this paper, we present a recommendation case study which uses the proposed user model and illustrate the traversal algorithms for a variety of connected data problems.
BODY SIZE, SPERM COMPETITION, AND DETERMINANTS OF REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS IN MALE SAVANNA BABOONS

One component of sexual selection is sperm competition. It has been reasoned that the intensity of sperm competition may be reflected in the relative testicular sizes of animals. Among males residing in multimale breeding systems, testicular size is relatively larger than among males residing in unimale mating systems. Information on whether differences in testicular size within a species can account for differences in male reproductive success is unavailable for natural populations of primates.
Left Ventricular Volume Reduction Surgery: The 4th International Registry Report 2004

Abstract Background and Methods: An international registry of left ventricular volume reduction (LVVR) procedures, including partial left ventriculectomy, has been expanded, updated, and refined to include 568 cases voluntarily reported from 52 hospitals in 12 countries. Results: Gender, age, ventricular dimension, ethnology, myocardial mass, presence or absence of mitral regurgitation, as well as transplant indication, had little effect on event‐free survival, which was defined as either absence of death or ventricular failure requiring mechanical assist or transplantation. Poor preoperative patient condition such as New York Heart Association classification IV, depressed contractility and decompensation requiring an emergency procedure were associated with reduced event‐free survival. Other risk factors included an early surgery date, lack of experience, dilated cardiomyopathy as the underlying pathology and extended myocardial resection. Performance of LVVR reached a peak by 1998, but was largely abandoned by 2001, except in Asia, where experienced institutes continue to perform it in patients in better condition with preserved myocardial contractility. Conclusion: Avoidance of risk factors appears to have contributed to the recent survival improvement and may help stratify patients for LVVR. While performance has been decreasing, the concept has been extended to other LVVR and less invasive procedures, which are now under clinical trials.