Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of stimulus intensity on autonomic responding: the problem of differentiating orienting and defense reflexes.

Psychophysiological research has frequently applied autonomic measures as indices of information processing. One rationale which underlies this approach is the distinction between orienting (OR) and defense reflexes (DR). Sokolov (1963) proposed that elicitation of these reflexes depends upon the intensity of the stimulus. He also suggested that ORs and DRs could be differentiated both in terms of their consequences for information processing and by their component autonomic reactions. Evidence in support of Sokolov's model is reviewed, and a series of experiments are described which were designed to demonstrate the effects of auditory stimulus intensity on autonomic responding. On the basis of these observations, a revised scheme of OR/DR differentiation is put forward. The major features of the scheme are the response direction of the autonomic measures, the identification of short- and long-latency response components, and the inclusion of the startle reflex. The implications of the revised scheme for research on autonomic responses to affective stimulation are discussed. It is concluded that the sole use of autonomic measures to index information processing is inadequate. Consequently, future research requires both autonomic indices and behavioral and subjective measures of affective and information processing.
Especies arbustivas tolerantes al cambio climático, para ser propuestas en proyectos de restauración del matorral xerófilo en el estado de Hidalgo

Se evaluo la diversidad alfa (verdadera) y la diversidad beta (recambio y anidamiento) de especies arbustivas en la zona semiarida del estado de Hidalgo, Mexico. Ademas, se relaciono el indice de valor de importancia de las especies con variables edaficas y elementos climaticos. Se reportan 46 especies arbustivas pertenecientes a 21 familias, sobresaliendo Asteraceae y Fabaceae. El mayor numero de especies efectivas registradas en un sitio fue de 7.8 y el menor de 1.6. La diversidad beta fue alta (0.9), explicada principalmente por el recambio de especies entre sitios (0.87) y en menor medida por el anidamiento (0.38). Las variables ambientales que mejor explicaron la distribucion de las especies fueron la precipitacion, el porcentaje de arena, el pH y el nitrogeno. Estos resultados coinciden con lo documentado en otras zonas semiaridas, donde la alta diversidad regional es explicada por un alto recambio de especies generado por la heterogeneidad ambiental que se muestra como un mosaico de condiciones, tanto de los elementos climaticos como de las caracteristicas edaficas.
Metabolomics of osteoarthritis: emerging novel markers and their potential clinical utility

OA is a multifactorial and progressive disease with no cure yet. Substantial efforts have been made and several biochemical and genetic markers have been reported, but neither alone nor in combination is adequate to identify early OA changes or determine disease progression with sufficient predictive values. Recent advances in metabolomics and its application to the study of OA have led to elucidation of involvement of several metabolic pathways and new specific metabolic markers for OA. Some of these metabolic pathways affect amino acid metabolism, including branched chain amino acids and arginine, and phospholipid metabolism involving conversion of phosphatidylcholine to lysophosphatidylcholine. These metabolic markers appear to be clinically actionable and may potentially improve the clinical management of OA patients. In this article, we review the recent studies of metabolomics of OA, discuss those novel metabolic markers and their potential clinical utility, and indicate future research directions in the field.
Unique Properties of Cardiac Action Potentials Recorded with Voltage‐Sensitive Dyes

Unique Properties of Optical Action Potentials. Introduction: Optical mapping with voltage‐sensitive dyes has made it possible to record cardiac action potentials with high spatial resolution that is unattainable by conventional techniques. Optically recorded signals possess distinct properties that differ importantly from electrograms recorded with extracellular electrodes or action potentials recorded with microelectrode techniques. Despite the growing application of optical mapping to cardiac electrophysiology, relatively little quantitative information is available regarding the characteristics of optical action potentials recorded from cardiac tissue.
Knowledge Discovery in Biology and Biotechnology Texts: A Review of Techniques, Evaluation Strategies, and Applications

Abstract Arguably, the richest source of knowledge (as opposed to fact and data collections) about biology and biotechnology is captured in natural-language documents such as technical reports, conference proceedings and research articles. The automatic exploitation of this rich knowledge base for decision making, hypothesis management (generation and testing) and knowledge discovery constitutes a formidable challenge. Recently, a set of technologies collectively referred to as knowledge discovery in text (KDT) has been advocated as a promising approach to tackle this challenge. KDT comprises three main tasks: information retrieval, information extraction and text mining. These tasks are the focus of much recent scientific research and many algorithms have been developed and applied to documents and text in biology and biotechnology. This article introduces the basic concepts of KDT, provides an overview of some of these efforts in the field of bioscience and biotechnology, and presents a framework of commonly used techniques for evaluating KDT methods, tools and systems.
PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: The Impact of Social Support on End‐Stage Renal Disease

Social support is a concept recognizing patients exist to varying degrees in networks through which they can receive and give aid, and in which they engage in interactions. Social support can be obtained from family, friends, coworkers, spiritual advisors, health care personnel, or members of one's community or neighborhood. Several studies have demonstrated that social support is associated with improved outcomes and improved survival in several chronic illnesses, including cancer and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). The mechanism by which social support exerts its salutary effects are unknown, but practical aid in achieving compliance, better access to health care, improved psychosocial and nutritional status and immune function, and decreased levels of stress may all play key roles. Few data exist regarding social support in patients with ESRD and chronic renal insufficiency, but links between social support and depressive affect and quality of life have been established. Interventions that enhance social support in ESRD patients should be evaluated.
Is the epidermal growth factor receptor status in lung cancers reflected in clinicopathologic features?

CONTEXT Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors are molecular-targeted drugs that are innovatively effective for non-small cell lung carcinomas with EGFR mutations. Epidermal growth factor receptor is a transmembrane receptor forming dimers on ligand binding. These then stimulate signals by activating receptor autophosphorylation through tyrosine kinase activity. Autophosphorylation triggers intracellular pathways facilitating malignant conversion. The most clinically advanced EGFR inhibition strategies include small-molecule inhibition of the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain (gefitinib and erlotinib) and monoclonal antibody-mediated blockade of the extracellular ligand-binding domain (cetuximab). Lung cancers with EGFR mutations are prevalent among patients who are female, of Asian ethnicity, and nonsmokers; thus, they can obtain benefit from EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. OBJECTIVE To survey histopathologic findings and examine correlations with EGFR mutations. We mainly focused on component cell types (hobnail, columnar, and polygonal) and presence or absence of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma elements and a micropapillary pattern. Although EGFR mutations can be detected by various methods, including polymerase chain reaction-Invader assay or direct sequencing, these are inconvenient. DATA SOURCES Review of the published literature. CONCLUSION Detailed pathologic examination showed significant genotype-phenotype correlations between EGFR mutations and presence of a bronchioloalveolar carcinoma component, a micropapillary pattern, and the hobnail cell type. We conclude that these characteristic histologic features are good predictors of EGFR mutations, and patients with these features might be good candidates for and could benefit from therapy with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Valor predictivo de la 18F-FDG PET-TC en la respuesta a la quimioterapia neoadyuvante en el cáncer de mama localmente avanzado

TESIS DOCTORAL: Valor predictivo de la 18F-FDG PET-TC en la respuesta a la quimioterapia neoadyuvante en el cancer de mama localmente avanzado Objetivos: ? Evaluar el papel de la 18F-FDG PET-TAC para predecir la respuesta patologica en el tumor y en los ganglios axilares en las pacientes con cancer de mama en estadios II y III que recibieron quimioterapia neoadyuvante. Determinar la relacion entre el SUVmax basal y el porcentaje de variacion del SUVmax del tumor, de los ganglios axilares y e l calculado de forma conjunta para la enfermedad locorregional (tumor y adenopatias) con los factores pronosticos clasicos: estadio clinico, estado menopausico, fenotipo molecular, grado y tipo histologico del tumor. Material y metodo: Estudio long itudinal y prospectivo de evaluacion de la respuesta al tratamiento neoadyuvante en 43 pacientes con cancer de mama en estadio II y III. Se realizaron dos estudios 18F-FDG PET-TAC a todas las pacientes, antes y despues del tratamiento neoadyuvante. L as pacientes recibieron 4 -6 ciclos de quimioterapia con Docetaxel 100 mg/m2 cada 21 dias (se anadio trastuzumab en los tumores HER2 ). Tras el tratamiento neoadyuvante se realizo cirugia oncologica, seguido de radioterapia con o sin tratamiento adyu vante segun criterio oncologico. Se evaluo la respuesta locorregional de forma global (tumor y adenopatias), a partir de la diferencia del SUVmax de la lesion (tumor o adenopatias) con mayor captacion en el estudio pretratamiento, con el SUVmax de la lesion con mayor captacion en el estudio prostratamiento segun criterios PERCIST. Se clasifico cada uno de los tumores en funcion del fenotipo molecular: luminal A, luminal B, HER-2 positivo y triple negativo. Se estudio la relacion entre variable s continuas asimetricas y factores pronosticos mediante el test de Kruskal-Wallis cuando los grupos eran mayor a dos, y mediante el test de U de Mann-Whitney cuando la variable era dicotomica. Resultados: La media del SUVmax de las lesiones con mayo r metabolismo en el estudio pretratamiento fue de 12,8 /-7. En el estudio postratamiento fue de 3,2 /- 4,8. La media de la tasa del descenso del SUVmax calculada para la enfermedad locorregional fue del 76,2 /-24,3 . Con descenso de la captacion de 18F-FDG del 91,1 se predijo la RCp con una sensibilidad del 90,91 , una especificidad del 90,63 y una precision del 90,7 . Se identifico asociacion entre el SUVmax basal de la enfermedad locorregional y el fenotipo molecular (pC0,018). Se observ
Performance Evaluation of an Augmented Session Dissimilarity Matrix of Web User Sessions Using Relational Fuzzy C-means clustering

In this paper, the concept of an augmented session is used to derive different augmented session similarity measures. It is believed that augmented session similarity measures are more realistic and represent session similarities based on the web user’s habits, interest, and expectations as compared to simple binary cosine measure. We apply a relational fuzzy c-mean clustering approach to evaluating the performance of augmented session similarity measures in comparison with simple binary session similarity measures. The intra-cluster and inter-cluster distance based cluster quality ratio is used for performance evaluation. The results indicate that augmented session based intuitive augmented session (dis)similarity measure outperformed the other measures.
Performance and reproducibility of gynecologic cytology interpretation using the FocalPoint system: results of the RODEO Study Team.

OBJECTIVES To assess whether automated screening in the cytologic examination of Papanicolaou smear slides results in smaller margins of error than manual screening. METHODS We compared cytotechnologists' performance and reproducibility of manual and automated screening of 10,165 consecutive cervical cytology slides examined at Barretos Cancer Hospital using the FocalPoint system. RESULTS In total, 83% of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and greater were classified as quintiles 1 and 2; no high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and greater were observed in quintile 5. No statistically significant differences were found between manual and automated screening, using cervical biopsy specimens as the gold standard. CONCLUSIONS FocalPoint safely screened high-grade lesions, which can be valuable for high-workload routines.
A mixed-signal multi-functional system for current measurement and stress detection

This paper presents the development of a mixed-signal multi-functional system for current measurement and electrical stress detection. The system is composed of a tracking ADC and a double range (a coarse and a fine one) current-steering DAC. The coarse range, designed for the full-scale input values [0A:108A], has a 5b resolution and it is used for the stress detection feature. The fine range is for lower input current values [4A:14A] and it is used for the current measurement, where more accuracy is required. With respect to the full-scale, the resolution of the fine range is 8b.
Developmental Constraints of Motion Detection Mechanisms in the Kitten

The influence of deprivation procedures on the development of motion detection mechanisms has been studied in twenty-two kittens. Superior colliculus neurons did not acquire direction selectivity and normal ocular dominance in animals reared in the dark or in stroboscopic light. Neuron immaturity persisted in spite of a five week additional recovery period in normal conditions. Exposure to unidirectional visual motion for 10 h during the fifth week of postnatal age produced an asymmetric development of the two superior colliculi. Finally, unilateral neonatal ablation of visual cortex permanently impaired development of the ipsilateral superior colliculus. In the same or in different animals, development of optokinetic nystagmus, a typical visuomotor response, was similarly influenced by the global or selective deprivation procedures. These results suggest that motion detection mechanisms (both afferent and efferent) strongly depend upon constraints imposed by the visual world during the first weeks of life.
High prevalence of orthostatic hypotension and its correlation with potentially causative medications among elderly veterans

Background: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is defined as a reduction of systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg from a sitting to a standing position. It is a common physical finding among older adults and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Use of medications that have the potential to induce OH, particularly concomitant use of several of such medications, is a major factor for the development of OH.
Random Secure Comparator Selection Based Privacy-Preserving MAX/MIN Query Processing in Two-Tiered Sensor Networks

Privacy-preserving data queries for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have drawn much attention recently. This paper proposes a privacy-preserving MAX/MIN query processing approach based on random secure comparator selection in two-tiered sensor network, which is denoted by RSCS-PMQ. The secret comparison model is built on the basis of the secure comparator which is defined by 0-1 encoding and HMAC. And the minimal set of highest secure comparators generating algorithm MaxRSC is proposed, which is the key to realize RSCS-PMQ. In the data collection procedures, the sensor node randomly selects a generated secure comparator of the maximum data into ciphertext which is submitted to the nearby master node. In the query processing procedures, the master node utilizes the MaxRSC algorithm to determine the corresponding minimal set of candidate ciphertexts containing the query results and returns it to the base station. And the base station obtains the plaintext query result through decryption. The theoretical analysis and experimental result indicate that RSCS-PMQ can preserve the privacy of sensor data and query result from master nodes even if they are compromised, and it has a better performance on the network communication cost than the existing approaches.
A soluble activin Type IIA receptor induces bone formation and improves skeletal integrity

Diseases that affect the regulation of bone turnover can lead to skeletal fragility and increased fracture risk. Members of the TGF-β superfamily have been shown to be involved in the regulation of bone mass. Activin A, a TGF-β signaling ligand, is present at high levels in bone and may play a role in the regulation of bone metabolism. Here we demonstrate that pharmacological blockade of ligand signaling through the high affinity receptor for activin, type II activin receptor (ActRIIA), by administration of the soluble extracellular domain of ActRIIA fused to a murine IgG2a-Fc, increases bone formation, bone mass, and bone strength in normal mice and in ovariectomized mice with established bone loss. These observations support the development of this pharmacological strategy for the treatment of diseases with skeletal fragility.
Use of a New Double-Lumen Balloon Catheter for Single-Catheter Balloon-Assisted Coil Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysms: Technical Note

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of intracranial aneurysms is approximately 2% with an annual rupture rate of 0.7%. OBJECTIVE: We describe our initial feasibility experience using a new double-lumen balloon catheter for single-catheter balloon-assisted coil embolization of wide-neck intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: Two patients with large wide-neck intracranial aneurysms were referred for endovascular therapy. Endovascular treatment in the form of coil embolization alone was not feasible given the angioarchitecture of the aneurysms. Balloon-assisted coil embolization was planned. RESULTS: The patients underwent balloon-assisted coil embolization using the Ascent double-lumen balloon catheter (Micrus, San Jose, California). The balloon portion of the catheter was placed into the proximal neck of the aneurysm. The balloon was inflated and coil embolization performed through the inner lumen of the catheter. There were no procedural complications. CONCLUSION: Both aneurysms were successfully coiled by using the Ascent balloon occlusion catheter. The single-catheter balloon-assisted coil embolization technique can be performed safely and effectively with the Ascent double-lumen balloon catheter.
Characterization of the Interaction between the Salmonella Type III Secretion System Tip Protein SipD and the Needle Protein PrgI by Paramagnetic Relaxation Enhancement*

Many Gram-negative bacteria that cause major diseases and mortality worldwide require the type III secretion system (T3SS) to inject virulence proteins into their hosts and cause infections. A structural component of the T3SS is the needle apparatus, which consists of a base, an external needle, and a tip complex. In Salmonella typhimurium, the external needle is assembled by the polymerization of the needle protein PrgI. On top of this needle sits a tip complex, which is partly formed by the tip protein SipD. How SipD interacts with PrgI during the assembly of the T3SS needle apparatus remains unknown. The central region of PrgI forms an α-helical hairpin, whereas SipD has a long central coiled-coil, which is a defining structural feature of other T3SS tip proteins as well. Using NMR paramagnetic relaxation enhancement, we have identified a specific region on the SipD coiled-coil that interacts directly with PrgI. We present a model of how SipD might dock at the tip of the needle based on our paramagnetic relaxation enhancement results, thus offering new insight about the mechanism of assembly of the T3SS needle apparatus.
Biogenic amine systems in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster

Biogenic amines are important neuroactive molecules of the central nervous system (CNS) of several insect species. Serotonin (5HT), dopamine (DA), histamine (HA), and octopamine (OA) are the amines which have been extensively studied in Drosophila melanogaster. Each one of the four aminergic neuronal systems exhibits a stereotypic pattern of a small number of neurons that are widely distributed in the fly CNS. In this review, histochemical and immunocytochemical data on the distribution of the amine neurons in the larval and adult nervous system, are summarized. The majority of DA and 5HT neurons are interneurons, most of which are found in bilateral clusters. 5HT innervation is found in the feeding apparratus as well as in the endocrine organ of the larva, the ring gland. The octopaminergic neuronal population constists of both interneurons and efferent neurons. In the larval CNS all OA immunoreactive somata are localized in the midline of the ventral ganglion while in the adult CNS both unpaired neurons and bilateral clusters of immunoreactive cells are observed. One target of OA innervation is the abdominal muscles of the larval body wall where OA immunoreactivity is associated with the type II boutons in the axonal terminals. Histamine is mainly found in all photoreceptor cells where it is considered to be the major neurotransmitter molecule, and in specific mechanosensory neurons of the peripheral nervous system. Similarities between specific aminergic neurons and innervation sites in Drosophila and in other insect species are discussed. In addition, studies on the development and differentiation of 5HT and DA neurons are reviewed and data on the localization of 5HT, DA, and OA receptors are included as well. Finally, an overview on the isolation of the genes and the mutations in the amine biosynthetic pathways is presented and the implications of the molecular genetic approach in Drosophila are discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech. 45:106–121, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Finger-Counting among the Romans in the Fourth Century

In spite of the difficulties presented by their cumbersome numerical signs, the Romans were yet able to perform complicated mathematical problems by means of the abacus and by a system of finger-counting. The truth of this statement is generally recognized; but when one turns to the various works on Roman private life for information as to the actual use of the second method he is doomed to disappointment. A quotation from one of the most recent writers is perhaps typical. ' "In arithmetic mental calculation was emphasized, but the pupil was taught to use his fingers in a very elaborate way that is not now thoroughly understood. " It is true that in Friedlinder and in Marquardt,2 somewhat fuller statements are found, but they are mainly based upon a later Greek writer, Nicholaus of Smyrna, and fail to present illustrations of any concrete problem, The passage which has long been regarded as a locus classicus is Quintilian 1. 10. 35 : numerorum quidem notitia non oratori modo sed cuicumque saltem primis litteris erudito necessaria est. In causis vero frequentissime versari solet: in quibus actor, non dico si circa summas trepidat, sed si digitorum saltem incerto aut indecoro gestu a computatione dissentit, iudicatur indoctus. No suggestion of an actual problem for computation is found until we come to Apuleius, who in defending himself from the charge of magic, is forced to touch upon the delicate question of Prudentilla's age and thus in rather vague language attempts to