Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Follicular Tissues Reduce Drug Effects on Ion Channels in Oocytes of Xenopus laevis

The influence of follicular tissues on drug effects on ion channels in Xenopus oocytes was tested by investigating the pharmacological properties of a cloned potassium channel in oocytes with and without follicular tissues. The data show that the efficacy of blocking agents (ranging from metal ions to peptides) is drastically reduced by the follicular tissues (reductions by as much as 90% and increases of the IC50 values up to 30–fold). Furthermore, the time course of the blocking effect was slowed down by the tissues (increases of the t50 values up to 40–fold). The described impairment could be mitigated, but not abolished by partial removal of the follicular tissues (so‐called defolliculation, leaving only the vitelline envelope and part of the follicle cells on the oocyte surface). The results indicate that the follicular tissues can induce significant errors in pharmacological measurements on membrane proteins in Xenopus oocytes.
Intracellular Calcium and Control of Burst Generation in Neurons of Guinea‐Pig Neocortex in Vitro

Response properties of neurons in brain slices of guinea pig parietal neocortex were examined following intracellular injection of the Ca2+ chelators, EGTA and BAPTA. Although chelator injection did not cause any consistent change in passive membrane properties, it did induce 81% of neurons encountered at all sub‐pial depths to become ‘bursters’, in that just‐threshold depolarizing current pulses triggered all‐or‐none bursts of 2–5 fast action potentials. Transition to ‘burstiness’ was associated with disappearance of an AHP and appearance of a DAP. Although chelator caused a slight increase in steady‐state firing rate, marked accommodation persisted. Extracellular Co2+ or Mn2+ had an effect on steady‐state firing rate similar to that of the intracellular chelators; however, exposure to these Ca2+ channel blockers also caused steady state depolarization, increased resting input resistance and time constant, and profound spike broadening. This treatment never induced transition to ‘burstiness’. Chelator‐injected neurons ceased to generate bursts when Ca2+ was replaced by Mn2+ in the Ringer's solution. During exposure to 10−6 M TTX and 20 mM TEA, 50–200 msec Ca2+ spikes followed brief depolarizing pulses. As chelator was injected into the cell, there was progressive prolongation of the Ca2+ plateaus, which was associated with slowing of the rate at which membrane resistance gradually recovered following the initial increase in conductance.
Identification of Preisach Model for a Fast Tool Servo System Using Neural Networks

The identification process of the classical Preisach model which is based on a neural network approach is presented. The fundamental idea of this approach is to identify Preisach function by training a neural network with a set of loops whose identification function is already known. The suggested identification approach has been numerically implemented and carried out for a fast tool servo system. A comparison between measured data and model predictions suggests that the mentioned identification approach can satisfactorily yield accurate results.
Transfer Function Reconfigurable Bandpass Filter Embedded with Metallic Grid

In this paper, a novel design of bandpass filter with both reconfigurable center frequency as well as controllable fractional bandwidth is presented. Proposed is a three-pole configurable evanescent mode (CEVA) filter that based on low loss Rogers 5880 and consists of two arrays of metallic electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) posts that oriented in both horizontal and vertical direction. In simulation model, all surfaces of the substrate of the filter are plated with copper and with two sets of surface-mount lumped capacitors. One set of the lumped capacitor on the top plate tunes the carrier frequency and another set on the side controls the fractional bandwidth. Both center frequency and fractional bandwidth could be individually tuned. The center frequency of the three-pole filter is tunable from 14.7 GHz to 16.0 GHz and with reconfigurable -3dB fractional bandwidth ranging from 5.2% to 7.0% while maintain consistent insertion loss (IL) throughout tuning.
Output tracking control for discrete-time networked control systems

This paper studies the problem of H∞ output tracking control for discrete-time networked control systems (NCSs) with and without parameter uncertainty. By defining new Lyapunov function and using the discrete Jensen inequality, linear matrix inequality (LMI)-based H∞ output tracking performance analysis and controller design are presented, and the merit of the proposed methods lies in their less conservativeness, which is achieved by decoupling the Lyapunov and the system matrices. The designed controllers can guarantee asymptotic tracking of prescribed reference outputs while rejecting disturbances. The simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed H∞ output tracking performance analysis and controller design.
Study on the Prevalence, Incidence, Drug sensitivity and Extra Chromosomal Impact on Bovine Mastitis Pathogens

India is the highest milk producer in the world, but the per capita availability of milk still remains half of the world average. One of the reasons for low productivity is poor animal health, particularly mastitis, which is single largest problem in dairy animal in terms of economical loses in India. Mastitis destroys the milk secreting cells. Scar or connective tissue replaces the milk secreting tissue, resulting in a permanent loss of productive ability. Mastitis is a multietiological disease wherein about 95 % of reported cases are caused by Staphylococcus. In this study plasmid DNA of the strain was isolated and the antibiotic sensitivity was done for strain with plasmid and without plasmid in order to found genetic impact of bovine mastitis.
The infection of mouse by Theiler's virus: from genetics to immunology

Theiler's virus is a picornavirus of mouse which Closes U ac UK encephalomyelitis followed by a persistent infection of the white matter o f the spinal cord with chronic inflammation and demyelination. This Ute disease is studied as a model for multiple sclerosis. Inbred strains of mice differ in their susceptibility to persistent infection and demyelination, Resistant strains clear the infection after the acute encephalomyelitis. This observation is the basis of genetic studies which we used as a thread for this review. The H‐2D locus has a major effect on susceptibility. The H‐2Db gene is involved in a fast and intense CTL response which confers resistance. The Tcrb locus is also implicated, although there is no proof that the susceptibility gene in this region co des for the T‐cell receptor. A complete screen of the genome uncovered the role of the Ing locus and led to the demonstration that IFN‐γ limits viral spread in the white matter. The roles of NK cells and B cells in limiting the infection are discussed. CD4+ T cells participate both in protection against the infection and in demyelination. Finally, the effect of non‐immune factors in resistance is illustrated by mice with mutations in the MBP or PLP gene.
Parvovirus 4 in French in‐patients: A study of hemodialysis and lung transplant cohorts

The epidemiology and the clinical implication of human parvovirus 4 (PARV4) in human populations is still under evaluation. The distribution of PARV4 DNA was determined in cohorts of French hemodialysis and lung transplant patients. Plasma samples (n = 289) were tested for PARV4 by real‐time PCR assay (ORF2), and amplification products selected at random were sequenced. Analysis of available serological and biological markers was also undertaken. Fifty‐seven samples out of 185 (30.8%) were positive for PARV4 DNA in the cohort of hemodialysis patients. A higher prevalence of the virus was identified in patients with markers of HBV infection. PARV4 was also identified in 14 out of 104 samples (13.5%) from lung transplant recipients, with no clear‐cut association with available clinical markers. Point mutations located on the zone of real‐time detection were identified for some amplification products. This study describes the detection of PARV4 in the blood of hemodialysis and lung transplanted patients with significant difference in prevalence in these two cohorts. Further studies will be needed in order to understand better both the potential implication in host health and the natural history of this virus. J. Med. Virol. 83:717–720, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On dissipativity of continues-time singular systems

This paper addresses the dessipativity problem for linear time-invariant (LTI) continuous-time singular systems. A new Kalman-Popov-Yakubovish (KYP) lemma for dissipativity of singular systems is formulated in terms of a strict linear matrix inequality (LMI) condition. This lemma removes the equality constraints in the results recently reported in the literature. Moreover, by means of the proposed LMI condition, feedback controller synthesis for rendering the closed-loop dissipative is also investigated.
Phosphaturia in magnesium-deficient rats.

GINN, H. EARL, AND LINDA L. SHANBOUR. Phosphaturia in magnesium-dejcient rats. Am. J. Physiol. 2 12(6) : 1347-1350. rg67. -The effect of magnesium deficiency on urinary phosphate excretion was studied in rats rendered magnesium deficient by diet. Increased urinary phosphate excretion was observed. Tubular maximum reabsorption (Tm) of inorganic phosphate was lower in magnesium-deficient (0.9 =t 0.2 &ml per min) than control animals ( I .g =t 0.3 PM/ml per min, P < .OOI). Since hypomagnesemia was accompanied by hypercalcemia, Tm of inorganic phosphate was measured in parathyroidectomized rats. In this group the low-magnesium animals had a Tm of I . g =t 0.8 &ml per min compared to 4.3 9~ 0.5 &ml per min in controls, P < . ooI. It is concluded that the phosphoruresis of hypomagnesemia is not due solely to hyperparathyroidism. The responsible mechanism remains elusive.
Breast Milk Cytokine and IgA Composition Differ in Estonian and Swedish Mothers—Relationship to Microbial Pressure and Infant Allergy

The immune system of the neonate is influenced by maternal immunity during pregnancy and lactation. An altered microbial exposure, possibly underlying the increase of allergic diseases in affluent societies, may affect maternal breast milk immune composition. Secretory IgA (SIgA), IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IFN-γ, TGF-β1, and TGF-β2 were analyzed with ELISA in colostrum and 1-mo mature milk from mothers from Estonia (n = 39) and Sweden (n = 60), the two geographically adjacent countries with different living conditions and allergy incidence. The IL-10 and IFN-γ levels were higher in colostrum from Estonian than Swedish mothers, whereas the opposite was true for TGF-β2. In mature milk, higher SIgA and IFN-γ levels but lower TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 levels were observed in Estonian than Swedish mothers. Interestingly, in Sweden but not Estonia, the TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 levels correlated inversely with environmental endotoxin concentrations, whereas positive correlations to microbial load were observed for IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ. High colostral IL-13 levels were associated with allergic sensitization during infancy in Sweden. In conclusion, Estonian mothers have lower breast milk levels of TGF-β, particularly TGF-β2, but higher levels of SIgA, IL-10, and IFN-γ than Swedish mothers, possibly because of differences in microbial load.
Graphene synthesis using alcohol precursors

The most popular alternative route saw the light in 2009 when the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis of graphene was reported using polycrystalline nickel as catalyst and methane as carbon source at low pressures [1-2]. Later that year the growth using commercial Cu foils was reported [3]. The synthesis technique relies on the decomposition of methane at ~1000°C at low pressure and its deposition on the metal catalysts. While on Ni the solubility of C is high, the growth mechanism is through the segregation and precipitation of carbon once the Ni is cooled down; in contrast, Cu has a low C solubility and the growth is mediated by surface adsorption [4].
Hyperprolactinemia: pathophysiology and therapeutic approach

Abstract Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone, mainly secreted by lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland. Recent studies have shown it may also be produced by many extrapituitary cells. Its well-recognized PRL plays an important role in lactation during pregnancy, but it is involved in other biological functions such as angiogenesis, immunoregulation and osmoregulation. Hyperprolactinemia is a typical condition producing reproductive dysfunction in both sexes, resulting in hypogonadism, infertility and galactorrhea. It may be also asymptomatic. Lactotroph adenomas (prolactinoma) is one of the most common cause of PRL excess, representing approximately 40% of all pituitary tumors. Several other conditions should be excluded before a clear diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia is made. Hyperprolactinemia may be secondary to pharmacological or pathological interruption of hypothalamic–pituitary dopaminergic pathways or idiopathic. Stress, renal failure or hypothyroidism are other frequent conditions to exclude in patients with hyperprolactinemia. We will review biochemical characteristics and physiological functions of that hormone. Clinical and pharmacological approach to hyperprolactinemia will also be discussed.
Functions of the gene products of Escherichia coli

A list of currently identified gene products of Escherichia coli is given, together with a bibliography that provides pointers to the literature on each gene product. A scheme to categorize cellular functions is used to classify the gene products of E. coli so far identified. A count shows that the numbers of genes concerned with small-molecule metabolism are on the same order as the numbers concerned with macromolecule biosynthesis and degradation. One large category is the category of tRNAs and their synthetases. Another is the category of transport elements. The categories of cell structure and cellular processes other than metabolism are smaller. Other subjects discussed are the occurrence in the E. coli genome of redundant pairs and groups of genes of identical or closely similar function, as well as variation in the degree of density of genetic information in different parts of the genome.
Rôle du système kallicréine-kinine(s) dans les complications du diabète

Le systeme kallicreine-kinine(s) (SKK) est un systeme peptidique vasomoteur avec des effets multiples et complexes qui dependent principalement du tissu et des pathologies etudies. Les kinines activent deux types de recepteurs : le recepteur B1 (RB1) et le recepteur B2 (RB2). L’objectif de mon travail de these a ete d’etudier les effets de nouveaux agonistes specifiques des RB1 ou des RB2 dans certaines complications associees au diabete chez la souris. Dans une premiere partie, nous avons pu montrer que l’administration chronique d’un agoniste specifique des RB1 ou des RB2 corrige entierement le defaut de neovascularisation post-ischemique observe chez la souris diabetique notamment en augmentant l’inflammation. Dans un deuxieme modele, nous avons pu montrer que l’activation des RB2 entraine une desorganisation des couches cutanees et un retard important de cicatrisation chez la souris. En revanche, l’administration d’un antagoniste des RB2 accelere de facon significative la cicatrisation dans deux modeles de diabete. La derniere partie de ce travail a permis de montrer que l’administration chronique des RB2 augmente la mortalite des animaux ayant subit une ischemie cerebrale. Chez la souris diabetique, l’activation des RB1 a des effets neuroprotecteurs puisqu’elle reduit la taille de l'infarctus et les deficits neurologiques apres une ischemie cerebrale transitoire. Pour conclure, nous avons pu montrer au cours de ces travaux que l’activation du SKK a des effets contradictoires en fonction des organes etudies. Ainsi, l’etude de ces nouveaux agonistes des recepteurs des kinines ouvre des nouvelles voies therapeutiques dans les complications du diabete.
Healthy Eating, Exercise, and Weight: Impressions of Sexual Minority Women

ABSTRACT Obesity is a risk factor for multiple disease outcomes, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. A healthy diet and physically active lifestyle can prevent obesity. Sexual orientation is an important demographic factor that has been suggested to affect engagement in health-related behaviors, and interventions developed for the general population of women are likely to be less effective in assisting sexual minority women to make healthy choices. We conducted seven focus groups with sexual minority women (i.e., lesbians and bisexual women) to explore issues, including barriers and motivations, regarding healthy eating, physical activity, and weight in this population. The participants reported a wide range of levels of engagement in health-related behaviors. While nearly all of the participants reported some awareness of the importance of good dietary choices, the majority reported some confusion about what constitutes a healthy diet. In contrast, the majority of participants seemed clearly aware that regular exercise was important for good health. These data can guide the design of effective intervention strategies to improve health behaviors in sexual minority women.
Relaxation training for control of nausea and vomiting in patients receiving chemotherapy

The study reports the use of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in reducing nausea and vomiting and anxiety in a group of cancer patients. The patients were identified by their oncologists as experiencing refractory drug-induced nausea and vomiting in spite of the administration of antiemetic therapy. Baseline data was collected during one cycle of chemotherapy as the patients, by virtue of their history, served as their own controls. Data collection measured pre- and post-training physiological arousal and state-trait anxiety levels, food-fluid intake, degree and frequency of nausea and vomiting, and type and quantity of antiemetic therapy 48 hours following drug infusion; change in total body weight, and upper arm skin fold were measured throughout entire chemotherapy course. The results show that nine of the 12 patients showed some decrease in nausea and vomiting after PMR training. Caloric intake was greater 48 hours post-treatment in all patients. These data are suggestive that PMR may be an effective intervention for nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.
An error concealment algorithm for images subject to channel errors

We present an algorithm to conceal bit errors in still images and image sequences that are coded using the discrete cosine transform (DCT) and variable length codes (VLCs). No modification is necessary to an existing encoder, and no additional bit rate is required. The concealment algorithm is kept simple so that real-time decoding and concealment is possible. A single bit error in these images can cause a block to split into several blocks or several blocks to merge into one. This causes the DCT coefficients of all subsequent blocks to be correctly decoded but stored in the wrong location in the image. Furthermore, the DC coefficient of all subsequent blocks may be incorrect. The error concealment algorithm uses transform domain information to identify the location of the affected blocks and to correct errors. The image quality after error concealment is shown to be significantly improved.
RECIPROCIDAD HOY: LA RED DE LAS UNIDADES DOMÉSTICAS Y SERVICIOS PÚBLICOS EN DOS COLECTIVOS EN VIC (BARCELONA) *

En este articulo analizamos ejemplos de reciprocidad en una ciudad de Catalunya entre dos colectivos relacionados con el Departamento de Bienestar Social: personas de la Tercera Edad y bereberes inmigrados de Nador, Marruecos. Desde una perspectiva de analisis de redes proponemos: a) diferenciar entre intercambios sociales (aquellos intercambios que crean deudas sociales, esto es, la obligacion de devolver) e intercambios economicos y administrativos, equilibrados en teoria, y b ) la utilidad de tomar la red de unidades domesticas y sus relaciones como unidad de analisis. A pesar de que esta investigacion se encuentra en sus inicios proponemos que la reciprocidad puede ser conceptualizada como un intercambio social naturalmente sujeto a la esfera domestica pero encastado y regulado en la esfera del mercado y de la administracion publica (como cartel y corrupcion respectivamente). Estudiar la reciprocidad hoy en dia implica un analisis de los intercambios sociales en estos tres dominios.
Long-term treatment of obese children and adolescents using a telemedicine support programme

Summary A total of 140 obese patients (mean age 14 years) participated in a structured treatment and teaching programme (STTP) in hospital, with the aim of weight reduction. At both the start and finish of the STTP, patients underwent clinical and psychological examination. During an average hospital stay of 35 days, their mean bodyweight decreased from 82.4 kg to 76.0 kg (P < 0.001). Patients were then followed up with a telemedicine support programme. During the next 12 months, the acceptance of the telemedicine support programme declined from 93% to 46%. The body mass index was 30.5 kg/m2 at admission and 27.7 kg/m2 at 12-month follow-up (P < 0.05). In parallel, wellbeing and treatment satisfaction increased, and there was a positive effect on eating behaviour and exercise. Intervention was needed in up to 64% of the children and adolescents who participated in the programme, most frequently due to poor results in exercise. Telemedical follow-up care and counselling seemed to be highly effective, and allowed not only an initial weight reduction, but long-term stabilization as well.
Role of T cell TGF‐β signaling in intestinal cytokine responses and helminthic immune modulation

Colonization with helminthic parasites induces mucosal regulatory cytokines, like IL‐10 or TGF‐β, that are important in suppressing colitis. Helminths induce mucosal T cell IL‐10 secretion and regulate lamina propria mononuclear cell (LPMC) Th1 cytokine generation in an IL‐10‐dependent manner in WT mice. Helminths also stimulate mucosal TGF‐β release. As TGF‐β exerts major regulatory effects on T lymphocytes, we investigated the role of T lymphocyte TGF‐β signaling in helminthic modulation of intestinal immunity. T cell TGF‐β signaling is interrupted in TGF‐β receptor II dominant negative (TGF‐βRII DN) mice by T‐cell‐specific over‐expression of a TGF‐βRII DN. We studied LPMC responses in WT and TGF‐βRII DN mice that were uninfected or colonized with the nematode, Heligmosomoides polygyrus. Our results indicate an essential role of T cell TGF‐β signaling in limiting mucosal Th1 and Th2 responses. Furthermore, we demonstrate that helminthic induction of intestinal T cell IL‐10 secretion requires intact T cell TGF‐β‐signaling pathway. Helminths fail to curtail robust, dysregulated intestinal Th1 cytokine production and chronic colitis in TGF‐βRII DN mice. Thus, T cell TGF‐β signaling is essential for helminthic stimulation of mucosal IL‐10 production, helminthic modulation of intestinal IFN‐γ generation and H. polygyrus‐mediated suppression of chronic colitis.