Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intracellular calcium and tension during fatigue in isolated single muscle fibres from Xenopus laevis.

1. Single muscle fibres were dissected from Xenopus lumbrical muscles and microinjected with the photoprotein aequorin in order to measure the myoplasmic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). Fatigue was produced by repeated intermittent tetanic stimulation continued until tension had declined to approximately 50% of the initial level. Fibres were then allowed to recover by giving tetani at less frequent intervals. Aequorin light (a measure of [Ca2+]i) and tension were measured during fatiguing stimulation and recovery. 2. During fatiguing stimulation, tetanic tension declined steadily, but peak aequorin light first increased before declining substantially. The largest light signal was about 155% of initial control while at the end of fatiguing stimulation the tetanic light fell to about 14% of control. 3. Fibres showed a characteristic slowing of relaxation in the fatigued state. This was associated with a slowing of the rate of decline of the aequorin light signal. 4. Intracellular acidosis produced by equilibrating the Ringer solution with either 5 or 15% CO2 caused an increase in the light signal associated with a tetanus. Carbon dioxide also caused a reduction of tension and a slowing of relaxation. 5. In vivo pCa‐tension curves were constructed by exposing the fibres to a series of K+ concentrations which produced contractures of different sizes. Light and tension were measured during periods when both were relatively stable and the light signal was subsequently converted to pCa. 6. Exposure of fibres to 5 or 15% CO2 caused the pCa‐tension curve to be shifted to the right of the control curve. This indicates a reduced Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile proteins, which is in agreement with results from skinned fibre studies. 7. The pCa‐tension points obtained from tetani during the early part of fatiguing stimulation also deviated to the right of the control pCa‐tension curve, suggesting a reduced Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile proteins. At the end of fatiguing stimulation, however, pCa‐tension points did not differ greatly from the control pCa‐tension curve, suggesting that Ca2+ sensitivity was approximately normal. Thus the reduced [Ca2+]i during tetani at the end of fatiguing stimulation (when tension was reduced to approximately 50%) could explain all of the reduction in tension. 8. After fatiguing stimulation, tension and light recovered monotonically in some fibres; however, in the majority of fibres, tension and light showed a secondary decline followed by a slower recovery (post‐contractile depression). 9. During post‐contractile depression, caffeine contractures or tetani in the presence of caffeine gave increased aequorin light signals and the tension developed was close to that produced in an unfatigued tetanus. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Krylov space iterative solvers on graphics processing units

CUDA architecture was introduced by Nvidia three years ago and since then there have been many promising publications demonstrating a huge potential of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) in scientific computations. In this paper, we investigate the performance of iterative methods such as cg, minres, gmres, bicg that may be used to solve large sparse real and complex systems of equations arising in computational electromagnetics.
"Who discovered bacteriophage?".

INTRODUCTION. 793 TWORrS DISCOVERY . 794 D'HERELLE'S DISCOVERY . 795 THE DISCOVERY OF TWORTS DISCOVERY . 797 THE CONTROVERSY GRIOWS . 798 D'HERELLE IS DISCREDITED . 799 DID D'HERELLE DISCOVER PHAGE IN 1910? 800 CONCLUSIONS . 800 LITERATURE CITED. 801
Calcium-activated nonspecific cation current and synaptic depression promote network-dependent burst oscillations

Central pattern generators (CPGs) produce neural-motor rhythms that often depend on specialized cellular or synaptic properties such as pacemaker neurons or alternating phases of synaptic inhibition. Motivated by experimental evidence suggesting that activity in the mammalian respiratory CPG, the preBötzinger complex, does not require either of these components, we present and analyze a mathematical model demonstrating an unconventional mechanism of rhythm generation in which glutamatergic synapses and the short-term depression of excitatory transmission play key rhythmogenic roles. Recurrent synaptic excitation triggers postsynaptic Ca2+-activated nonspecific cation current (ICAN) to initiate a network-wide burst. Robust depolarization due to ICAN also causes voltage-dependent spike inactivation, which diminishes recurrent excitation and thus attenuates postsynaptic Ca2+ accumulation. Consequently, activity-dependent outward currents—produced by Na/K ATPase pumps or other ionic mechanisms—can terminate the burst and cause a transient quiescent state in the network. The recovery of sporadic spiking activity rekindles excitatory interactions and initiates a new cycle. Because synaptic inputs gate postsynaptic burst-generating conductances, this rhythm-generating mechanism represents a new paradigm that can be dubbed a ‘group pacemaker’ in which the basic rhythmogenic unit encompasses a fully interdependent ensemble of synaptic and intrinsic components. This conceptual framework should be considered as an alternative to traditional models when analyzing CPGs for which mechanistic details have not yet been elucidated.
The behavior of calpain-generated N- and C-terminal fragments of talin in integrin-mediated signaling pathways.

Our previous results showed that the binding of an adhesive ligand to integrin alphaIIbbeta(3) on the surface of platelets triggers the activation of calpain and the limited proteolysis of talin by calpain. To explore the physiological significance of the calpain-mediated cleavage of talin, we analyzed the behavior of the calpain-generated fragments of talin (N-terminal 47 kDa and C-terminal 190 kDa) during platelet activation by biochemical and immunoelectron microscopic studies. Intact talin and micro-calpain translocate from the Triton X-100-soluble fraction to the insoluble fraction upon platelet stimulation by thrombin, and the limited proteolysis of talin occurs in the Triton X-100-insoluble fraction, the cytoskeletal fraction. The fully autolyzed 76-kDa micro-calpain (active form) is found predominantly in the Triton X-100-insoluble fraction in stimulated platelets. While the N-terminal 47-kDa fragment remains in the Triton X-100-insoluble fraction, the C-terminal 190-kDa fragment is released into the Triton X-100-soluble fraction in a time-dependent manner. Immunoelectron microscopic observations revealed that the 47-kDa fragment locates on the submembrane zone just beneath the plasma membrane, including the open canalicular systems, while most of the 190-kDa fragment exists diffusely in the cytoplasm in thrombin-stimulated platelets. These findings suggest that calpain may contribute to the reorganization of the cytoskeleton in an integrin-mediated signaling pathway through the redistribution of the functional domain of talin.
Validating Specific Psychopathology Scales in Older Outpatients with Schizophrenia

To our knowledge, there have been no published studies validating commonly used psychopathology rating scales in older outpatients with schizophrenia. We studied specific psychopathology rating scales (three subscales of the Brief Psychiatric; Rating Scale: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and depression subscales; the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms; the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms; and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) in 101 older (age > 45 years) DSM- III-R-diagnosed schizophrenia outpatients. We found high interrater reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient >.77) on these scales. Using principal components analysis, we demonstrated satisfactory construct validity, suggesting three factors—positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and depressive symptoms.
Pathological evaluation of steroid withdrawal in pediatric renal transplant recipients

Abstract: Protocol biopsies were performed to detect and treat sub‐clinical rejection in eight living related pediatric renal transplant recipients who had been withdrawn from steroids. Low‐grade tubulitis (t1) and mononuclear cell interstitial inflammation (i1), typical of borderline rejection and low‐grade interstitial fibrosis (ci1), and tubular atrophy (ct1), characteristic of chronic rejection, appeared frequently in protocol biopsies more than 3 yr after steroid withdrawal. In contrast, early‐type glomerulitis (g), allograft glomerulopathy (cg), arteriolar hyaline thickening (ah), intimal arteritis (v), and fibrous intimal thickening (cv) were not observed in protocol biopsies after steroid withdrawal. Low‐dose pulse therapy (methylprednisolone (MP) 250 or 500 mg/d for 3 d) was administered to five patients for borderline and/or acute grade 1a rejection, as determined by protocol biopsies in the absence of clinical rejection. No oral steroids were administered. Renal function in all patients remained satisfactory, without proteinuria, in follow‐up periods ranging from 22 to 68 months after steroid withdrawal. Of the eight patients, three grew to almost normal height (>mean – 2SD) and four exhibited catch‐up growth. Thus, steroid withdrawal can be safe and improves growth in pediatric renal transplant recipients if undertaken with careful clinical follow‐up, including protocol biopsies.
Disruptive contrast in animal camouflage

Camouflage typically involves colour patterns that match the background. However, it has been argued that concealment may be achieved by strategic use of apparently conspicuous markings. Recent evidence supports the theory that the presence of contrasting patterns placed peripherally on an animal's body (disruptive coloration) provides survival advantages. However, no study has tested a key prediction from the early literature that disruptive coloration is effective even when some colour patches do not match the background and have a high contrast with both the background and adjacent pattern elements (disruptive contrast). We test this counter-intuitive idea that conspicuous patterns might aid concealment, using artificial moth-like targets with pattern elements designed to match or mismatch the average luminance (lightness) of the trees on which they were placed. Disruptive coloration was less effective when some pattern elements did not match the background luminance. However, even non-background-matching disruptive patterns reduced predation relative to equivalent non-disruptive patterns or to unpatterned controls. Therefore, concealment may still be achieved even when an animal possesses markings not found in the background. Disruptive coloration may allow animals to exploit backgrounds on which they are not perfectly matched, and to possess conspicuous markings while still retaining a degree of camouflage.
Randomised controlled trial of home-based walking programmes at and below current recommended levels of exercise in sedentary adults

Objectives: To determine, using unsupervised walking programmes, the effects of exercise at a level lower than currently recommended to improve cardiovascular risk factors and functional capacity. Design: 12 week randomised controlled trial. Setting: Northern Ireland Civil Service; home-based walking. Participants: 106 healthy, sedentary 40 to 61 year old adults of both sexes. Interventions: Participants were randomly allocated to a walking programme (30 minutes brisk walking three days a week (n = 44) or five days a week (n = 42)) or a control group (n = 20). Participants could choose to walk in bouts of at least 10 minutes. They used pedometers to record numbers of steps taken. Intention to treat analysis of changes within groups was done using paired t tests; extent of change (baseline to 12 week measurements) was compared between groups using analysis of variance and Gabriel’s post hoc test. Main outcome measures: Blood pressure, serum lipids, body mass index, waist:hip ratio, and functional capacity (using a 10 m shuttle walk test). Main results: 89% (93/106) completed the study. Systolic blood pressure and waist and hip circumferences fell significantly both in the three day group (5 mm Hg, 2.6 cm, and 2.4 cm, respectively) and in the five day group (6 mm Hg, 2.5 cm, and 2.2 cm) (p<0.05). Functional capacity increased in both groups (15%; 11%). Diastolic blood pressure fell in the five day group (3.4 mm Hg, p<0.05). No changes occurred in the control group. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of benefit from exercising at a level below that currently recommended in healthy sedentary adults. Further studies are needed of potential longer term health benefits for a wider community from low levels of exercise.
Student Designed Virtual Teacher Feedback

Interactive virtual learning environments (VLEs) have significant potential to influence students' learning achievements. Characters in these VLEs can act as a virtual peers and teachers by providing empathic responses tailored to the affective state of the students. Designing appropriate dialogues and feedback will be important in achieving the desired outcomes such as increased engagement, motivation and achievement. In this paper we report our findings from a study with 19 girls in Year 8 and 9 at high school using the Omosa VLE. The study investigated student responses to the initial dialogues we designed to elicit their emotional state and provide support. Analysis of responses and alternative dialogues offered by the students revealed that the feedback provided by our characters was mostly acceptable, but further improvements should be made to include elements such as self-disclosure and more helpful dialogue.
Mechanism of action of certolizumab pegol (CDP870): In vitro comparison with other anti‐tumor necrosis factor &agr; agents

Background: Inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor &agr; (TNF&agr;) have demonstrated significant efficacy in chronic inflammatory diseases, including Crohn's disease (CD). To further elucidate the mechanisms of action of these agents, we compared the anti‐TNF&agr; agents certolizumab pegol, infliximab, adalimumab, and etanercept in several in vitro systems. Methods: The ability of each anti‐TNF&agr; agent to neutralize soluble and membrane‐bound TNF&agr;; mediate cytotoxicity, affect apoptosis of activated human peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes; induce degranulation of human peripheral blood granulocytes, and modulate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced interleukin (IL)‐1&bgr; production by human monocytes was measured in vitro. Results: All 4 agents neutralized soluble TNF&agr; and bound to and neutralized membrane TNF&agr;. Infliximab and adalimumab were comparable in their ability to mediate complement‐dependent cytotoxicity and antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity, and to increase the proportion of cells undergoing apoptosis and the level of granulocyte degranulation. Etanercept generally mediated these effects to a lesser degree, while certolizumab pegol gave similar results to the control reagents. LPS‐induced IL‐1&bgr; production was inhibited by certolizumab pegol, infliximab, and adalimumab, but only partially inhibited by etanercept. Conclusions: In contrast to the other anti‐TNF&agr; agents tested, certolizumab pegol did not mediate increased levels of apoptosis in any of the in vitro assays used, suggesting that these mechanisms are not essential for the efficacy of anti‐TNF&agr; agents in CD. As certolizumab pegol, infliximab, and adalimumab, but not etanercept, almost completely inhibited LPS‐induced IL‐1&bgr; release from monocytes, inhibition of cytokine production may be important for efficacy of anti‐TNF&agr; agents in CD.
Spinal projection of spindle afferents of the longissimus lumborum muscles of the cat

The connections and monosynaptic projections of muscle spindle afferents of individual heads of the longissimus lumborum have been studied in cats by natural stimulation, by electrical stimulation and by spike‐triggered averaging from single identified afferents. The spindle afferents were classified by sensitivity to vibration and by the effect of succinylcholine on their response to ramp‐and‐hold muscle stretches. Axonal conduction and synaptic effects were recorded as field potentials and focal synaptic potentials during systematic exploration of the spinal cord in segments L1 to L4 with extracellular metal microelectrodes, singly and in linear arrays. Ascending branches of afferent axons within the cord had a significantly higher mean conduction velocity (CV: 56.5 m s−1) than descending branches (40.8 m s−1). The CV of ascending branches was significantly positively correlated with a measure of the strength of intrafusal bag2 muscle fibre contacts, but not to a measure of bag1 contacts. Two sites of monosynaptic excitatory projection in the cord were identified, namely to the intermediate region (laminae V, VI and VII) and to ventral horn region (laminae VIII and IX). In tests of 154 single afferents, signs of central projection were detected for 60, providing 122 regions of maximum negative focal synaptic potentials (FSPs) of mean amplitude 7.51 μV. Their longitudinal spacing indicated that axons gave off descending collaterals at intervals of 1.5–3.5 mm. Based on the amplitude of FSPs, the projection of secondary afferents is stronger than that of primaries in the intermediate region and possibly also in the ventral horn region. Evidence is also presented that spindle afferent input from different heads of the longissimus converges into any given spinal segment and that input in one spinal root projects to adjacent segments. It is concluded that the organization of the longissimus monosynaptic spindle input favours relatively tonic and diffuse stretch reflexes.
RNAi-mediated functional analysis of pathways influencing cancer cell drug resistance

Acquired drug resistance limits the efficacy of cytotoxics used in the management of haematological and solid tumours and is responsible for the declining clinical benefit following successive treatment regimens in metastatic cancers. Treatment failure has a major impact on quality of life and survival in advanced disease. Defining pathways of intrinsic and acquired drug resistance may provide new targets to prolong drug efficacy and time to disease progression. Predicting the intrinsic drug sensitivity of human tumours in advance of cytotoxic therapy is of paramount importance in order to limit unnecessary toxicity and optimise treatment outcome. RNA interference (RNAi) provides a powerful tool to annotate gene function and systematically define drug-resistance pathways. High-throughput screening RNAi technology has provided evidence for drug-specific resistance pathways as well as novel pathways implicated in multidrug sensitivity. The challenge is how to integrate these data with biological samples to define relevant drug-resistant pathways in vivo.
Age and gender estimation by using hybrid facial features

Estimation of age and gender is one of the foremost challenges in computer vision and has lots of applications in recommender systems establishment, security and systems which deal with computer vision. In this paper, a method for age and gender estimation using facial images are proposed by focusing on the extraction of robust features existing in facial photos. The main stage for age estimation is done in two main steps. At the first step classification and extraction of the global features is done, and in the second step ratios which help distinguishing child (1 to 12 year-old children) from youth (13 to 40 year-old men) are described and in the next step by using the same procedure, seniors (from 41 to 80 years old) are separated from the two former groups. For gender estimation purpose, ratios computed in the previous step, are employed and finally the correct gender estimation is done.
Environmental Pollutants and Neurodevelopment: Review of Benefits From Closure of a Coal-Burning Power Plant in Tongliang, China

Background. Understanding preventable causes of neurodevelopmental disorders is a public health priority. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from combustion of fossil fuel, lead, and mercury are among known neurodevelopmental toxicants. Method. For the first time, we comprehensively review the findings from a study by the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health and Chinese partners that followed 2 groups of mother-child pairs, one from 2002 and another from 2005, in Tongliang County, China. Pregnant mothers in the 2 cohorts experienced different exposure to PAH because a local coal-burning power plant was shut down in 2004. Investigators assessed change in prenatal PAH exposure, measured using a biomarker (benzo[a]pyrene [BaP]-DNA adducts in cord blood). Developmental quotients were measured using the Gesell Developmental Scales at age 2 and IQ was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children at age 5. Biologic markers of preclinical response were measured in cord blood: methylation status of long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE1), an indicator of genomic stability, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neuronal growth promoter. Analyses accounted for co-exposure to lead and mercury. Results. BaP-DNA adducts were significantly inversely associated with Gesell Developmental Scales scores in the first cohort but not in the second cohort; and levels of BDNF and LINE1 methylation were higher in the second cohort. Conclusion. In this study, reduced exposure to PAH was associated with beneficial effects on neurodevelopment as well as molecular changes related to improved brain development and health. These benefits should encourage further efforts to limit exposure to these toxic pollutants.