Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Compritol 888 ATO: a multifunctional lipid excipient in drug delivery systems and nanopharmaceuticals

Introduction: Compritol® 888 ATO is a lipid excipient that is generally used in cosmetic industry as a surfactant, emulsifying agent and viscosity-inducing agent in emulsions or creams. Based on its chemical composition, Compritol 888 ATO is a blend of different esters of behenic acid with glycerol. Areas covered: Recently, there has been great interest in the multiple roles that Compritol 888 ATO plays in various pharmaceutical delivery systems. Accordingly, this review aimed at summarizing the current and potential applications of Compritol 888 ATO in various drug delivery areas. Expert opinion: Different researches have highlighted the feasibility of using Compritol 888 ATO as a lubricant or coating agent for oral solid dosage formulations. It has also been explored as a matrix-forming agent for controlling drug release. At present, the most common pharmaceutical application of Compritol 888 ATO is in lipid-based colloidal drug delivery system such as solid lipid microparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers. Although, Compritol 888 ATO has acceptable regulatory and safety profiles and although the number of articles that emphasize on its applicability as an innovative excipient in pharmaceutical technology is continuously increasing, it is not widely used in the pharmaceutical market products and its use is limited to its sustain release ability in extended release tablets.
Spectralon solar diffuser BRDF variation for NPP, JPSS J1 and J2

The Visible/Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) is a key sensor on the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (NPP) satellite as well as the upcoming Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS). VIIRS collects Earth radiometric and imagery data in 22 spectral bands from 0.4 to 12.5 μm. Radiometric calibration of the reflective bands in the 0.4 to 2.5 μm wavelength range is performed by measuring the sunlight reflectance from Spectralon®. Reflected sun light is directly proportional to the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) of the Spectralon. This paper presents the BRDF measurements of the Spectralon for JPSS J2 in the 0.4 – 1.63 μm wavelength using PASCAL (Polarization And Scatter Characterization Analysis of Lambertian materials) with an uncertainty better than 1.2%. PASCAL makes absolute measurements of the BRDF in an analogous fashion to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Spectral Tri-function Automated Reflectance Reflectometer (STARR) facility. Unique additional features of this instrument include the ability to vary the sample elevation and roll / clock the sample about its normal, allowing measurement of BRDF in the as used geometry. Comparison of BRDF in the as used configuration for NPP, J1, and J2 shows variation of up to 3%. The sign of the change from panel to panel depends on the angle of incidence and view angle. The results demonstrate lot to lot variability in Spectralon and emphasize the necessity of characterizing each panel. A pattern in the BRDF variation is also presented.
CT and MR imaging features in phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor-mixed connective tissue: A case report

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor-mixed connective tissue (PMT-MCT) is rare and usually benign and slow-growing. The majority of these tumors is associated with sporadic tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) or rickets, affect middle-aged individuals and are located in the extremities. Previous imaging studies often focused on seeking the causative tumors of TIO, not on the radiological features of these tumors, especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features. PMT-MCT remains a largely misdiagnosed, ignored or unknown entity by most radiologists and clinicians. In the present case report, a review of the known literature of PMT-MCT was conducted and the CT and MRI findings from three patient cases were described for diagnosing the small subcutaneous tumor. Typical MRI appearances of PMT-MCT were isointense relative to the muscles on T1-weighted imaging, and markedly hyperintense on T2-weighted imaging containing variably flow voids, with markedly heterogeneous/homogenous enhancement on post contrast T1-weighted fat-suppression imaging. Short time inversion recovery was demonstrated to be the optimal sequence in localizing the tumor.
MODELING AND PREDICTION OF SOFT TISSUE DIRECTIONAL STIFFNESS USING IN-VITRO FORCE- DISPLACEMENT DATA

Due to the nonlinear behavior of soft tissue properties, static and dynamic analysis of these materials has been always a challenge for scientists, especially in large deformation where viscoelastic nature of these materials plays an important role in the analysis. Human body organ tissues are mostly different in mechanical properties and a unique behavior cannot be generalized for all of them. Numerous efforts have been made to predict the nonlinear force-displacement and stress-strain behavior of soft tissues. A fine modeling of the nonlinear stiffness coefficient for soft tissues is an important parameter in the understanding and treatment of these materials. This is important especially in fine robotic surgery and haptic processes. In this paper, based on experimental results in the literature, two empirical equations of uniaxial force versus displacement for two categories of soft tissues are developed. Plots of force versus displacement, based on experimental data and empirical equations for some tissues, are presented and compared. The results obtained using these equations when compared with those of experimental data indicate not more than 2 to 5 percent error. By applying the derivative of these equations, the directional stiffness of the two categories of soft tissues is found as a function of displacement.
Angiographically detectable Thebesian veins are a dynamic and reversible finding in the setting of congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVE Angiographically detectable Thebesian veins (ThVs) are a rare finding sometimes associated with coronary steal and myocardial ischemia in adults, but there are limited data regarding prominent ThVs in the setting of complex congenital heart disease (CHD). This study represents the largest series to date describing the presence and temporal changes of angiographically detectable ThVs in children with CHD. METHODS This is a single center case series describing the clinical characteristics and coronary anatomy in children with CHD and angiographicall detectable ThVs. After identification of the index case, additional patients were identified in a prospective manner during the course of routine clinical care. We developed a qualitative scale to grade ThV burden, with changes tracked over time in the subset of patients who underwent serial cardiac catheterizations. RESULTS A total of 10 patients are included in this report. There was a predominance of female gender (8 of 10 patients), right-dominant single ventricle physiology (7 of 10 patients), and heterotaxy syndrome (6 of 10 patients). The degree and location of epicardial coronary artery tortuosity was qualitatively related to ThV burden. The subset of patients who underwent serial cardiac catheterizations demonstrate that ThV dilation can progress or regress over time. CONCLUSIONS Angiographically detectable Thebesian veins are a rare finding in patients with congenital heart disease and may represent global changes in the coronary circulation. This is the first report, adult or pediatric, to demonstrate that ThV dilation is a dynamic process capable of both progression and regression. The physiologic impact of these findings remains to be elucidated.
Prophylactic benefits of systemically delivered simvastatin treatment in a house dust mite challenged murine model of allergic asthma

Systemically delivered statins can blunt airway inflammation in ovalbumin‐challenged mice. However, in asthma clinical trials the beneficial effects of introducing oral statins are not compelling. We have invetigated this discrepancy using a clinically relevant murine model of allergic asthma, and by including a prophylactic study arm.
The Effects of Prenatal Maternal Stress on Early Temperament: The 2011 Queensland Flood Study

Objective: This study examined the effects of disaster-related prenatal maternal stress on infant temperament and whether the sex of the infant or the timing of the stressor in pregnancy would moderate the effects. Methods: Mothers' objective experiences of a sudden-onset flood in Queensland, Australia, their subjective emotional reactions, and cognitive appraisal of the event were assessed. At 6 months postpartum, 121 mothers reported their infant's temperament on the 5 dimensions of the Short Temperament Scale for Infants. Results: When controlling for postnatal maternal factors, subjective prenatal maternal stress and cognitive appraisal of the disaster were associated with easier aspects of infant temperament. However, several interesting interactions emerged showing negative effects of the flood. With higher levels of objective hardship in pregnancy, boys (but not girls) received more irritable temperament ratings. When the flood occurred early in pregnancy, higher levels of objective hardship predicted more arrhythmic infant temperament. Finally, mothers whose emotional response to the flood exceeded the hardship they endured reported significantly more active-reactive infants. Conclusion: Prenatal maternal stress from a natural disaster predicted more difficult temperament ratings that were moderated by infant sex, timing of the flood in gestation, and mother's emotional response to the disaster.
A PRINCIPLE GOVERNING GROWTH ORIENTATION IN VAPOUR-DEPOSITED LAYERS

The preferred orientation ofvapour-deposited layers can originate from several stages of the evaporation. It is shown that an increase in the orientation sharpness during the vertical growth points to a process of "evolutionary selection". This process is discussed and visualized. The orientation is calculated as a function of the angle of incidence for a number of typical, most extreme, cases. Special attention is paid to the effect of the surface diffusion on the orientation. Several errors that can easily be made in studying the growing mechanism are discussed. 1. Introduetion In a previous paper 11) a mechanism for which we proposed the name of "evolutionary selection" was suggested to explain the texture *) of a vapourdeposited PbO layer. In the present paper we will consider the evolutionary selection and its theoretical consequences as generally as possible. Surveys of experiments and attempts made to understand the different causes of orientations have been given by Mayer 1), Evans and Wilman 2), Bauer 3) and Clapp 4). Other results have been published since 5-11). For convenience the geometrical parameters to be used are defined in fig. 1. Two angles of incidence have to be distinguished: 'Y]i> the angle between the molecular beam and the normal to the crystal face i, and y, the angle between the molecular beam and the normal to the substrate. Sometimes a special case, referred to as a simplified case to distinguish it from the general case, is assumed in which either the normal to a crystal face or a platelet under consideration, or a needle is lying in the plane formed by the molecular beam and the normal to the substrate. 2. Possible causes of textures The textures can be classified according to the stage of deposition at which they arise: nucleation, horizontal growth of the nuclei and vertical growth of the closed layer. These stages have been observed with the help of electron microscopy 13,14,16,22), horizontal electrical conduction 5,16) and material acceptance 15,18). *) We use the word texture in the most general sense, not limited to the crystallographic orientation only. Direction of ,needle or / platelet ti 268 A. van der DRIFT Normal to the substrare
Normative vestibulo-ocular reflex data in yaw and pitch axes using the video head-impulse test

Background and Aim: The video head-impulse test (vHIT) measures the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) driven by each semicircular canal, follo­wing high-acceleration head rotations. The main measurable response is the ratio of eye mov­ement velocity to the angular head velocity, which reflects canal function. Although norma­tive data is available for VOR gain, most studies only report horizontal VOR characteristics, ignoring variations in vertical plane VOR gains. The purpose of this study was to establish nor­mative data for future comparisons of vesti­bulopathy patients. Methods: Vestibulo-ocular reflex gain and refi­xation saccades were assessed across 50 healthy individuals between the ages of 20 and 64, without any previous or current vestibular dis­orders, by applying and measuring horizontal and vertical head impulses. Results: The mean VOR velocity gain was 0.96 (SD=0.11) and 0.93 (SD=0.17) for the hori­zontal and vertical canals, respectively. The variation of the gain in right anterior/left pos­terior and left anterior/right posterior move­ments appeared to be wider than in the laterals, but the results were not influenced by direction (p>0.05). Refixation saccades occurred in 7.2 percent of all impulse trials, with a majority occurring covertly in lateral canals. Unlike saccades (more often observed in subjects older than 50), the VOR velocity gain varied independently of age. Conclusion: The findings suggest these gain values can be used to determine VOR deficits in patients. vHIT values are affected by diff­erent factors, especially in the vertical plane, so further study is needed to confirm normal ranges of vertical vHIT values.
Reduced Feedback Rate Schemes for Transmit Antenna Selection With Alamouti Coding

In this paper, we propose and analyze two novel reduced feedback rate schemes for transmit antenna selection (TAS) for multiple-input multiple-output systems. A detailed analysis and comparison of bit error performance, outage probability, and the feedback rate of the proposed TAS schemes are presented. The performance comparison of the proposed schemes with conventional and other well-known TAS schemes in literature is presented along with their pictorial representations. Using order statistics and moment generating function, an exact expression for bit error rate performance and outage probability for a special case of the proposed schemes with binary phase shift keying modulation has been derived and substantiated with numerical results through simulations. The results show that the proposed schemes successfully trade-offs the error performance loss with feedback rate of a TAS system in an optimum manner compared to previously reported schemes. The proposed schemes can play a crucial role in envisioned 5G communications where small, low power, robust systems will be required for varied applications. The proposed transmit antenna selection schemes can also be easily integrated with non-orthogonal multiplexing systems to improve their error performance.
On the distribution of intranuclear and cytoplasmic aggregates in the brainstem of patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 and 3

The polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are a group of genetically and clinically heterogeneous neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by the expansion of polyQ sequences in unrelated disease proteins, which form different types of neuronal aggregates. The aim of this study was to characterize the aggregation pathology in the brainstem of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) and 3 (SCA3) patients. For good recognition of neurodegeneration and rare aggregates, we employed 100 µm PEG embedded brainstem sections, which were immunostained with the 1C2 antibody, targeted at polyQ expansions, or with an antibody against p62, a reliable marker of protein aggregates. Brainstem areas were scored semiquantitatively for neurodegeneration, severity of granular cytoplasmic staining (GCS) and frequency of neuronal nuclear inclusions (NNI). SCA2 and SCA3 tissue exhibited the same aggregate types and similar staining patterns. Several brainstem areas showed statistically significant differences between disease groups, whereby SCA2 showed more severe GCS and SCA3 showed more numerous NNI. We observed a positive correlation between GCS severity and neurodegeneration in SCA2 and SCA3 and an inverse correlation between the frequency of NNI and neurodegeneration in SCA3. Although their respective disease proteins are unrelated, SCA2 and SCA3 showed the same aggregate types. Apparently, the polyQ sequence alone is sufficient as a driver of protein aggregation. This is then modified by protein context and intrinsic properties of neuronal populations. The severity of GCS was the best predictor of neurodegeneration in both disorders, while the inverse correlation of neurodegeneration and NNI in SCA3 tissue implies a protective role of these aggregates.
Association of psychological, cognitive, and functional variables with self-reported executive functioning in a sample of nondemented community-dwelling older adults

ABSTRACT Subjective executive functioning (EF) measures provide valuable information about real-world difficulties, although it is unclear what variables actually associate with subjective EF scores. We investigated subjective EF in 245 nondemented, community-dwelling older adults (aged 70 and above) from the Einstein Aging Study. Partial correlational analyses controlling for age were performed between the nine Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function—Adult version (BRIEF-A) clinical scales and objective EF tests, self-reported mood and personality, and informant-reported activities of daily living. The significance level was set at p < . 006 for all analyses (two-tailed). Most notably, higher worry/oversensitivity, physiological anxiety, and fear of aging were significantly associated with increased EF difficulties on all nine BRIEF-A scales. Additionally, increased EF difficulties on five or more BRIEF-A scales were significantly associated with lower conscientiousness, higher neuroticism, and higher depressive symptom scores. The only objective neuropsychological test that significantly correlated with increased EF difficulties (on four BRIEF-A scales) was a measure of practical judgment. Overall, results indicate that interpretation of subjective EF scores must account for self-report of mood and personality. Moreover, the BRIEF-A only minimally taps objective EF as measured by performance-based measures. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Multiple operating points in a square‐root domain first‐order filter

In this paper novel corrective circuits to avoid multiple operating points in a square‐root domain first‐order filter are proposed. By employing a DC test it is demonstrated that the filter possesses three operating points (two stable and one unstable) and the corrective circuits enforce the proper operating mode. The corrective circuits and filter are able to operate with very low supply voltages (as low as VGS+2VDSsat). Moreover, a detailed analysis concerning the impact that produces the corrective circuits on the filter performance is discussed. Both measurement and simulation results are provided to validate the circuits and analysis employed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transitory versus Persistent Effects of Connectivity in Environmentally Homogeneous Metacommunities

While the effect of habitat connectivity on local and regional diversity has been analysed in a number of studies, time-dependent dynamics in metacommunities have received comparatively little consideration. When local patches of a metacommunity are identical in environmental conditions but differ in initial community composition, dispersal among patches may result in homogenization of local communities. In a microcosm experiment with benthic ciliates, we tested the hypothesis that the effect of connectivity on diversity is time-dependent and only transitory, with the degree of connectivity affecting the time to homogenization but not the final outcome. Six microcosms were connected to a metacommunity with one of three levels of connectivity. The six patches differed in initial community composition but were identical in environmental conditions. We found a time-dependent and transitory effect of connectivity on local and regional richness and on local Shannon diversity, while Bray-Curtis dissimilarity and regional Shannon diversity were persistently affected by connectivity. Local richness increased and regional richness decreased with connectivity during the initial phase of the experiment but soon converged to similar values in all three connectivity treatments. Local Shannon diversity was unimodally related to time, with maximum diversity reached sooner with high than with medium or low connectivity. Eventually, however, local diversity converged to similar values irrespective of connectivity. At the regional scale, Shannon diversity was persistently lower with high than with low connectivity. While initial differences in community composition vanished with medium and high connectivity, they were maintained with low connectivity resulting in persistently high beta and regional diversity. The effect of connectivity on ciliate community composition translated down to the algal resource, as stronger dominance of the superior competitor with high and medium connectivity resulted in stronger depletion of the resource.
The ability of oyster mushroom in improving nutritional composition, β-glucan and textural properties of chicken frankfurter

This study was focused on the effect of incorporation of oyster mushroom, Pleurotus sajorcaju (PSC) powder to partially replace chicken meat in frankfurters on nutritional composition, β-glucan content and textural properties. The frankfurters were formulated with either 0 (control), 2, 4 or 6% of PSC powder. The results show control chicken frankfurter had the highest fat content (11.60%) while 6% PSC frankfurter had the lowest value (10.74%). In other nutrient, ash, moisture and carbohydrate content in all samples ranged from 1.55 to 1.92%, 59.36 to 61.98% and 8.84 to 13.09%, respectively. Apparently, total dietary fiber of chicken frankfurter was increased in line with the levels of PSC powder (0.08 - 6.20%). All samples recorded β-glucan in the range from 0.16 to 1.43%, except for control sample. The texture profile showed that both adhesiveness and cohesiveness attributes were not significantly different among all mushroom-based frankfurters. However, frankfurter added with 6% mushroom was more cohesive and springier than the control formulation. In summary, partial replacement of chicken meat with PSC powder resulted in enhancement of dietary fibres up to 6.20% and β-glucan up to 14.30% significantly, lowering fat content but unchanged adhesiveness and cohesiveness attributes. Therefore, PSC powder can be considered to be used as an alternative functional ingredient to improve nutritional values of processed food products.