Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological properties of potassium currents in swine tracheal smooth muscle.

The pharmacological properties of large conductance Ca(++)-activated K+ channels and spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) in swine tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) were studied using enzymatically dissociated single cells and patch clamp techniques. Recording from inside-out patches showed that extracellular tetraethylammonium caused a concentration-dependent decrease in single channel current amplitude. Acetylcholine (ACh; 10(-8) M) induced repetitive outward current transients in cell-attached patches due to simultaneous opening of many large conductance Ca(++)-activated K+ channels. Whole-cell recordings revealed the presence of STOCs in TSM membrane that were inhibited by tetraethylammonium at concentrations similar to those which inhibited the large conductance Ca(++)-activated K+ channels. Caffeine (5 mM) stimulated and then inhibited STOCs, suggesting that they are induced by the release of calcium from internal stores. ACh (1 microM) initially increased STOC frequency followed by an inhibition of STOCs. The effects of ACh occurred in control solution (2 mM Ca++) or when calcium influx was eliminated (0 Ca++, 2 mM Mn++). ACh also induced an inward current at negative membrane potentials associated with an increase in conductance. We conclude that inhibition of STOCs (i.e., potassium channel activity) and induction of an inward cation current by ACh may give rise to the depolarization observed in the presence of ACh and be important in the development of ACh-induced contractions in TSM.
Computed Tomographic Colonography: Automated Tool for Polyp Measurement Delivering on Patient Risk Stratification

Objective: We evaluated an automated polyp size measurement tool in computed tomographic colonography for its accuracy and value for patient risk stratification. Methods: A simulation program generated a raw data phantom with sessile and pedunculated polyps of known sizes using 120 to 140 kV and 50, 40, 20, 15, and 10 mAs. All polyps were measured by clicking on the polyp surface. Comparison of the calculated size with the known polyp sizes allowed calculation of reproducibility and accuracy. For patients with proven polyps, we also compared automated measurements with manual and endoscopic measurements to evaluate the effect on patient risk stratification. Results: The automated measurement tool allowed accurate measurements. In the patient study, assignment to the correct size group was not significantly different from the radiologist's results. However, it slightly improved patient risk stratification by reducing both failed and unnecessary colonoscopy referral. Conclusions: An automated tool for polyp measurement in patients facilitates patient risk stratification.
Performance of the trim and fill method in the presence of publication bias and between‐study heterogeneity

The trim and fill method allows estimation of an adjusted meta‐analysis estimate in the presence of publication bias. To date, the performance of the trim and fill method has had little assessment. In this paper, we provide a more comprehensive examination of different versions of the trim and fill method in a number of simulated meta‐analysis scenarios, comparing results with those from usual unadjusted meta‐analysis models and two simple alternatives, namely use of the estimate from: (i) the largest; or (ii) the most precise study in the meta‐analysis. Findings suggest a great deal of variability in the performance of the different approaches. When there is large between‐study heterogeneity the trim and fill method can underestimate the true positive effect when there is no publication bias. However, when publication bias is present the trim and fill method can give estimates that are less biased than the usual meta‐analysis models. Although results suggest that the use of the estimate from the largest or most precise study seems a reasonable approach in the presence of publication bias, when between‐study heterogeneity exists our simulations show that these estimates are quite biased. We conclude that in the presence of publication bias use of the trim and fill method can help to reduce the bias in pooled estimates, even though the performance of this method is not ideal. However, because we do not know whether funnel plot asymmetry is truly caused by publication bias, and because there is great variability in the performance of different trim and fill estimators and models in various meta‐analysis scenarios, we recommend use of the trim and fill method as a form of sensitivity analysis as intended by the authors of the method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectroscopy of Shoemaker-Levy 9 Impact Sites: Temperature and HCN Retrievals

Abstract We present high-resolution 8–14 μm observations of Shoemaker–Levy 9 sites conducted on July 20, 30, and 31 1994 UT at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility. Stratospheric heating was detected from strong enhancements of methane emission near 8.1 μm over areas at least 15,000 km wide around the K site observed 23 hr after impact and around the L site 11 hr after impact. The intensity distribution between strong and weaker CH4lines implies that the stratospheric heating was primarily confined to pressures less than 500 μbar. The L site temperature increased by 80 ± 10 K at 5 μbar, but did not exceed 20 K around 1 mbar or 10 K around 10 mbar. The older K site was still 30 ± 5 K warmer than the surroundings at the 10-μbar level. The excess thermal energy stored in the upper jovian stratosphere was 3+3−1.5× 1026erg over the L site, and 2+2−1× 1026erg over the K site at the time of the observations. Comparison with numerical simulations indicates that a large fraction (>20%) of the kinetic energy of the L plume was transferred to the jovian atmosphere and not immediately radiated away. Acetylene line emission near 13.4 μm was enhanced over an area ∼18,000 km wide centered on the E site 2.6 days after impact. Radiative transfer models of this emission indicate temperatures 37 ± 7 K higher than nominal around 3 μbar. No such enhancement was seen in CH4spectral images, implying that the temperature perturbation did not significantly extend below the ∼20-μbar level. The H site observed simultaneously was 12 ± 5 K warmer than the surroundings 1.4 day after impact. C2H2lines were still slightly more intense over the K + W and Q1 sites on July 30 and 31, 8 to 10 days after impact. These observations can be interpreted either by temperature differences of about 13 and 10 K respectively in the 3-μbar region, or by an increase in the C2H2column density of 2.5–5 × 1017molecule cm−2. Emission from hydrogen cyanide lines around 13.4 μm was detected over all sites observed. The mass of HCN is about 2 × 1012g for the biggest plumes (K, L, G), 0.95 ± 0.5 × 1012g over the E site, and 0.45 ± 0.2 × 1012g over the H site. The total mass of HCN produced by all fragments is estimated to be 1.1 ± 0.4 × 1013g. A consistent interpretation of the different pieces of information available suggests that the H $cl10$plume was richer in dust than the E or A plume.
Increased AMPA GluR1 receptor subunit labeling on the plasma membrane of dendrites in the basolateral amygdala of rats self‐administering morphine

Glutamate‐dependent synaptic plasticity is emerging as an important neural substrate of addiction. These drug‐dependent neural adaptations may occur within brain systems that mediate reward, emotion, and cognitive function such as the amygdala complex. Modification of glutamate receptor targeting may be a key mechanism mediating neural plasticity; however, evidence for alteration of amygdala AMPA receptor localization in response to drug self‐administration is lacking. High‐resolution immunogold electron microscopic immunocytochemistry was used to compare surface and intracellular labeling of the calcium sensitive AMPA GluR1 receptor subunit in the basolateral (BLA) and central (CeA) nuclei of the amygdala in rats self‐administering escalating doses of morphine or saline. Morphine self‐administration was associated with regionally diverse effects on dendritic GluR1 targeting in the BLA and CeA. In the BLA of morphine self‐administering animals, there was a significant increase in the proportion of immunogold particles for GluR1 on the plasma membrane of dendrites, particularly in association with extrasynaptic sites, which was most prominent in large (2–4 μm) profiles. In contrast, there were no significant differences in surface or intracellular immunogold labeling in the CeA between morphine self‐administering and control animals. In both amygdala regions, GluR1 and the μ‐opioid receptor, the major cellular target of morphine, were only infrequently colocalized. These results indicate that GluR1 targeting is a dynamic process that can be differentially affected in distinct amygdala regions in response to chronic self‐administration of morphine. Homeostatic adaptations in the subcellular localization of calcium sensitive AMPA receptors within the BLA may be an important neural substrate for alterations in reward, autonomic function, and behavioral processes associated with opiate addiction. Synapse 58:1–12, 2005 © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pharmacologic Modulation of Clodronate in Local Therapy of Periodontal and Implant Inflammation

Bisphosphonates are drugs used in the treatment of a variety of osteometabolic diseases. Recently they have been the object of research and studies on their potential application in dentistry and orthopedics. In particular, clodronate (non-aminobisphosphonates) has been studied, due to its reversible activity in comparison to apoptotic osteoclasts, the intrinsic action which stimulates the differentiation and activity of the osteoblasts, their antinflammatory activity, antipain and antioxidant action, represent the rational to estimate their clinical efficacy, for local use in dentistry, implatology, orthopaedic, rheumatology, oncology and dermatology.
Influence of Hippotherapy on Body Balance in the Sitting Position Among Children with Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND Cerebrally palsied children demonstrated limited independence while performing various activities of daily living, which is due to disorders of postural control. The best solution to improve postural control is the use of therapies that simultaneously focus on the sense of balance and motor skills. Such possibilities for patients with cerebral palsy are offered, for example, by hippotherapy. OBJECTIVE To assess the influence of hippotherapy on body balance in the sitting position among children with cerebral palsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study enrolled thirty-nine children aged 6-12 years with GMFCS level 1 or 2 spastic diplegia or spastic hemiplegia. The participants were divided into an intervention group (n=19) and a control group (n=20). Children from the intervention group attended 30 minutes of hippotherapy once weekly for 12 consecutive weeks. The Sitting Assessment Scale (SAS) was used to assess the patients' posture and balance. RESULTS Some children improved their posture and balance during the study. Generally, control of trunk and head position and function of arms were getting better, while footwork was the weakest. CONCLUSION Hippotherapy has positive effects on the position and function of individual parts of the body, thus making it possible for cerebrally palsied children to improve posture and the ability to maintain balance in the sitting position.
Mineral Distribution and Dimensional Changes in Human Dentin during Demineralization

Many bonding agents require the dentin surface to be acid-etched prior to being bonded. Understanding the stability and morphology of the etched dentin surface is important for improving bond strength and reliability in these systems. In this study, the atomic force microscope was used to quantify dimensional changes that occur to fully hydrated dentin during demineralization with a pH 4.0 lactic acid gel. A high-resolution microtomography instrument, the x-ray tomographic microscope, was also used to quantify the mineral density distribution in the dentin as a function of etching time. The intertubular dentin surface shrank by less than 0.5 μm during etching, while the peritubular dentin receded at an initially rapid linear rate. The dentin surface retained its initial morphology, although it was more porous with the removal of the peritubular dentin. Beneath the etched surface, there were three major zones characterized by mineral density differences. The first zone was a fully demineralized collagen layer, subjacent to which was a partially demineralized zone of roughly constant mineral density. Immediately following the partially mineralized layer was normal dentin. The presence of the partially mineralized layer could be explained in terms of different transport rates in the peritubular and intertubular dentin.
Benchmarking graduate medical education in neurology

The American Academy of Neurology membership, [1] health policy scholars, [2-13] and the federal government [14,15] have agreed that there are too many residency positions in neurology, and the era of carte blanche governmental subsidization of Graduate Medical Education (GME) may be coming to a close. If GME funding is reduced from 140% to 110% of US Medical School seniors, as has been proposed, the federal underwriting for nearly two-thirds of residency positions in neurology will be eliminated. The impact of this downsizing will be magnified as organized medicine is subjected to the additional forces of economic competition familiar to the business world. Pressures to maximize production and reduce overhead have transformed continuous quality improvement (CQI) from a visionary concept to a necessary reality. [16,17] Halfway through the "Decade of the Brain," we neurologists must choose either to watch this coming transformation passively and reactively or to focus on a diversified, proactive approach to CQI. The first approach would impel us to deal post hoc with across-the-board cuts in GME funding; the second would allow us to determine the standards for our specialty. To move toward CQI, neurology first must examine comparative profiles of other medical disciplines. This report aims to do such "benchmarking" of GME in neurology. Residency matching data from years 1989 to 1995 were analyzed for the five largest specialties: Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and General Surgery, as well as the allied disciplines of Neurosurgery, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, (PGY-1 and PGY-2), and Psychiatry. Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics were collectively termed "Primary Care"; OB-Gyn, General Surgery, and Neurosurgery were grouped as "Specialty Care. " Preliminary PGY-1 positions in Medicine, Pediatrics, and Surgery and combined programs of all types (e.g., Medicine/Neurology, Medicine/Psychiatry, etc.) were considered less comparable with neurology and were thus excluded from analysis. Raw …
A novel approach to determine the end-point stiffness of haptic master

The end-point stiffness of haptic interface can significantly affect its performances such as the transparency and pose accuracy. As it is related to the joint flexibility, link compliance, control stiffness and the configuration, it is quite difficult to obtain its values. In this paper, a novel approach is presented. Based on the CAD model of the haptic master the end-point stiffness can be calculated properly.
Hypoxia-driven angiogenesis: role of tip cells and extracellular matrix scaffolding

Purpose of reviewAngiogenesis is a highly coordinated tissue remodeling process leading to blood vessel formation. Hypoxia triggers angiogenesis via induction of expression of growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF instructs endothelial cells to form tip cells, which lead outgrowing capillary sprouts, whereas Notch signaling inhibits sprout formation. Basement membrane deposition and mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM) induced by hypoxia may participate to coordinated vessel sprouting in conjunction with the VEGF and Notch signaling pathways. Recent findingsHypoxia regulates ECM composition, deposition, posttranslational modifications and rearrangement. In particular, hypoxia-driven vascular remodeling is dynamically regulated through modulation of ECM-modifying enzyme activities that eventually affect both matricellular proteins and growth factor availability. SummaryBetter understanding of the complex interplay between endothelial cells and soluble growth factors and mechanical factors from the ECM will certainly have significant implications for understanding the regulation of developmental and pathological angiogenesis driven by hypoxia.
Balanced-Fed Planar Antenna for Millimeter-Wave Transceivers

A balanced antenna design is presented that is tailored to broadband communication in the 60-GHz frequency band. The antenna can be realized in printed circuit-board technology, has a high radiation efficiency and can be used in array configurations. It is modeled with a method-of-moments implementation. The radiation efficiency is analyzed in detail, and design guidelines are given. Moreover, an optimization method is outlined that optimizes both antenna bandwidth and radiation efficiency. The antenna element and a circular antenna array have been realized. Measurements of these antennas are in good agreement with simulated results.
Outbreaks of mycobacterium tuberculosis MDR strains induce high IL-17 T-cell response in patients with MDR tuberculosis that is closely associated with high antigen load.

BACKGROUND The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 17 (IL-17) plays an important role in immune responses but it is also associated with tissue-damaging inflammation. So, we evaluated the ability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates to induce IL-17 in tuberculosis (TB) patients and in healthy human tuberculin reactors (PPD(+)HD). METHODS IL-17, interferon γ (IFN-γ), and interleukin 23 (IL-23) receptor expression were evaluated ex vivo and cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells from TB and PPD(+)HD stimulated with irradiated clinical isolates from multidrug resistant (MDR) outbreaks M (Haarlem family) and Ra (Latin American-Mediterranean family), as well as drug-susceptible isolates belonging to the same families and laboratory strain H37Rv for 48 hours in T-cell subsets by flow cytometry. RESULTS We observed that: (1) MDR strains M and Ra are stronger IL-17 inducers than drug-susceptible Mtb strains of the Haarlem and Latin American-Mediterranean families, (2) MDR-TB patients show the highest IL-17 expression that is independent on the strain, (3) IL-17 expression is dependent on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells associates with persistently high antigen load. CONCLUSIONS IL-17--producing T cells could play an immunopathological role in MDR-TB promoting severe tissue damage, which may be associated with the low effectiveness of the second-line drugs employed in the treatment.
Molecular Diagnosis of Disseminated Adiaspiromycosis Due to Emmonsia crescens

ABSTRACT Emmonsia crescens is a saprophytic fungus that is distributed worldwide, causing diseases mostly in rodents. It has also been described, though rarely, as an etiologic agent of pulmonary pathology in humans, potentially leading to death. A case of pulmonary adiaspiromycosis is reported in a 30-year-old immunocompetent man. The patient presented with a history of several weeks of weakness, cough, fever, and weight loss of 10 kg. Clinical and radiographic findings showed pulmonary lesions consistent with tuberculosis or histoplasmosis, but no pathogen was found with classical microbiological procedures. The diagnosis of adiaspiromycosis due to Emmonsia crescens was initially made using molecular biology techniques. Histological observations subsequently confirmed the presence of adiaspores in granulomas. To our knowledge, this is the first case of adiaspiromycosis diagnosed by PCR and sequencing. The patient was treated with itraconazole and was seen at 1 month with symptomatic improvement. Here we will discuss this rare fungal infection and its difficult treatment and diagnosis. As represented in this case, molecular biology is a powerful method to optimize diagnostic tests and therefore improve the care of the infected patient.
Undetectable levels of serum FSH immunoactivity and bioactivity in girls with sexual precocity due to ovarian cysts

Low LCK, Wang C, Leung A, Leong LY. Undetectable levels of serum FSH immunoactivity and bioactivity in girls with sexual precocity due to ovarian cysts. Acta Paediatr 1994;83:623–6. Stockholm. ISSN 0803–5253
Comparative Study and Analysis on Frequent Itemset Generation Algorithms

Association mining aspire to extort frequent patterns, interesting correlations, associations or informal structures between the sets of items in the transaction databases or further data repositories. It plays a essential role in spawning frequent item sets from big transaction databases. The finding of interesting association relationship between business transaction records in various business decision making process such as catalog decision, cross-marketing, and loss-leader analysis. It is also utilized to extort hidden knowledge from big datasets. The Association Rule Mining algorithms such as Apriori, FP-Growth needs repeated scans over the whole database. All the input/output overheads that are being generated through repeated scanning the whole database reduce the performance of CPU, memory and I/O overheads. In this paper we have equaled many classical Association Rule Mining algorithms and topical algorithms.
O que fazem os gestores? A atividade gestionária de centros comerciais

A atividade profissional da gestao tem merecido uma atencao cientifica consideravel. Porem, sabe-se ainda pouco sobre a natureza desta atividade em contextos organizacionais particulares. Este artigo propoe, assim, um exercicio analitico sobre a natureza da atividade gestionaria de centros comerciais. A partir de entrevistas semidiretivas com gestores, argumenta-se que a configuracao da sua atividade de trabalho e processo e produto da interacao com a cultura organizacional do centro comercial. Esta mobiliza-os subjetivamente mediante um espirito de adesao inscrito na acao que, por sua vez, disseminam pelos restantes atores organizacionais, no sentido de cumprir os resultados comerciais e financeiros esperados.
A New Anti‐Inflammatory Alkaloid from Roots of Heracleum dissectum

Using various chromatographic methods, a new piperidinone alkaloid, (3S)‐3‐{4‐[(1E)‐3‐hydroxyprop‐1‐en‐1‐yl]‐2‐methoxyphenoxy}piperidin‐2‐one (1), together with 10 known compounds, bergapten (2), xanthotoxol (3), isopimpinellin (4), isobergapten (5), heratomol‐6‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (6), scopoletin (7), apterin (8), 3‐methoxy‐4‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyloxypropiophenone, (praeroside; 9), tachioside (10) and coniferin (11), were isolated from roots of Heracleum dissectum Ledeb. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical properties and the detailed interpretation of various spectroscopic data. All the isolated compounds were screened for anti‐inflammatory activity in vitro. As the results, compound 1 and 8 showed significantly inhibitory activity on nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells.