Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous Ventricular Fibrillation in Right Ventricular Failure Secondary to Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension

Background— Right ventricular failure (RVF) in pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with increased incidence of sudden death by a poorly explored mechanism. We test the hypothesis that PH promotes spontaneous ventricular fibrillation (VF) during a critical post-PH onset period characterized by a sudden increase in mortality. Methods and Results— Rats received either a single subcutaneous dose of monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg) to induce PH-associated RVF (PH, n=24) or saline (control, n=17). Activation pattern of the RV-epicardial surface was mapped using voltage-sensitive dye in isolated Langendorff-perfused hearts along with single glass-microelectrode and ECG-recordings. MCT-injected rats developed severe PH by day 21 and progressed to RVF by approximately day 30. Rats manifested increased mortality, and ≈30% rats died suddenly and precipitously during 23–32 days after MCT. This fatal period was associated with the initiation of spontaneous VF by a focal mechanism in the RV, which was subsequently maintained by both focal and incomplete reentrant wave fronts. Microelectrode recordings from the RV-epicardium at the onset of focal activity showed early afterdepolarization–mediated triggered activity that led to VF. The onset of the RV cellular triggered beats preceded left ventricular depolarizations by 23±8 ms. The RV but not the left ventricular cardiomyocytes isolated during this fatal period manifested significant action potential duration prolongation, dispersion, and an increased susceptibility to depolarization-induced repetitive activity. No spontaneous VF was observed in any of the control hearts. RVF was associated with significantly reduced RV ejection fraction (P<0.001), RV hypertrophy (P<0.001), and RV fibrosis (P<0.01). The hemodynamic function of the LV and its structure were preserved. Conclusions— PH-induced RVF is associated with a distinct phase of increased mortality characterized by spontaneous VF arising from the RV by an early afterdepolarization–mediated triggered activity.
Direct TLR-2 Costimulation Unmasks the Proinflammatory Potential of Neonatal CD4+ T Cells

Neonatal CD4+ T cells have traditionally been viewed as deficient in their capacity to produce Th1 cytokines in response to polyclonal or Ag-specific stimuli. Thus, defining unique aspects of CD4+ T cell activation and development into Th1 effector cells in neonates is essential to the successful development of novel vaccines and immunotherapies to protect infants from intracellular pathogens. Using highly purified naive CD4+ T cells derived from cord and adult peripheral blood, we compared the impact of anti-CD3 stimulation plus costimulation through TLR-2 performed in the absence of APC on CD4+ T cell cytokine production, proliferation, and expression of activation markers. In both age groups, TLR-2 costimulation elicited activation of naive CD4+ T cells, characterized by robust production of IL-2 as well as key Th1-type cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α. TLR-2 costimulation also dramatically reduced naive T cell production of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10. We observed that neonatal naive CD4+ T cells are uniquely sensitive to TLR-2–mediated costimulation, which enabled them to produce equivalent amounts of IFN-γ and more IL-2 when compared with adult responses. Thus, neonatal CD4+ T cells have a distinctive propensity to use TLR-2–mediated costimulation for development into proinflammatory Th1 effectors, and interventions that target CD4+ T cell TLR-2–mediated responses may be exploited to enhance neonatal adaptive immunity.
Analytical and finite element buckling solutions of anisotropic laminated composite columns/plates under axial compression with various boundary conditions

The use of laminated composites in aerospace, automotive, and civil engineering applications is ever growing due to their distinguished properties (High stiffness-to-weight ratio, high strength-to-weight ratio, fatigue and corrosion resistance). This growth has resulted in increasing the demand for better understanding the mechanics of laminated composites. Composite columns and wide plates, like any traditional members subjected to axial compression, undergo stability issues prior to failure. Limited amount of research studies has focused on the buckling of laminated anisotropic composite members. Analytical formula for the buckling load of generally anisotropic laminated composite simply supported thin columns and wide plates is derived using the Rayleigh Ritz approximation and bifurcation approach. The effective axial, coupling and flexural stiffness coefficients of the anisotropic layup is determined from the generalized constitutive relationship using dimensional reduction by static condensation of the 6x6 composite stiffness matrix. The resulting explicit formula is expressed in terms of the generally anisotropic material properties as well as the member geometry. The developed formula may be considered an extension to Euler buckling formula using Rayleigh-Ritz approximation and the first of its kind since Euler. This formula reduces down to Euler buckling formula once the effective coupling stiffness term vanishes for isotropic and certain classes of laminated composites. The analytical results are verified against finite element Eigen value solutions for a wide range of anisotropic laminated layups yielding high accuracy. Comparisons with experiments; conducted at Kansas State University for the simply supported case, are also performed showing good correspondence. A brief parametric study is then conducted to examine the effect of ply orientations and material properties including hybrid carbon/glass fiber composites, element thickness, and element type in FE analysis. Relevance of the numerical and analytical results is discussed for all these cases. Analytical and finite element buckling solutions of anisotropic laminated composite columns/plates under axial compression with various boundary conditions
The effect of frequent hemodialysis on self-reported sleep quality: Frequent Hemodialysis Network Trials.

BACKGROUND Many patients who receive maintenance hemodialysis experience poor sleep. Uncontrolled studies suggest frequent hemodialysis improves sleep quality, which is a strong motivation for some patients to undertake the treatment. We studied the effects of frequent in-center ('daily') and nocturnal home hemodialysis on self-reported sleep quality in two randomized trials. METHODS Participants were randomly assigned to frequent (six times per week) or conventional (three times per week) hemodialysis in the Frequent Hemodialysis Network Daily (n = 245) and Nocturnal (n = 87) Trials. We used the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Problems Index II (SPI II), a validated and reliable instrument in patients with end-stage renal disease, to measure self-reported sleep quality. The SPI II is scored from 0-100, with a higher value indicating poorer quality of sleep. A mean relative decline in SPI II would suggest improved sleep quality. The primary sleep outcome was the change in the SPI II score over 12 months. RESULTS In the Daily Trial, after adjustment for baseline SPI II, subjects randomized to frequent as compared with conventional in-center hemodialysis experienced a 4.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4-8.0] point adjusted mean relative decline in SPI II at 4 months and a 2.6 (95% CI -2.3-7.5) point adjusted mean relative decline at 12 months. In the Nocturnal Trial, subjects randomized to frequent nocturnal as compared with conventional home hemodialysis experienced 2.9 (95% CI -3.4-9.3) and 4.5 (95% CI -3.2-12.2) point mean relative declines at Months 4 and 12, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Although a possible benefit of frequent in-center hemodialysis was observed at 4 months, neither frequent in-center hemodialysis nor home nocturnal hemodialysis demonstrated significant improvements in self-reported sleep quality compared with conventional hemodialysis at 12 months.
Detection and quantification of circulating tumor cells in mouse models of human breast cancer using immunomagnetic enrichment and multiparameter flow cytometry

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients may be an important indicator of metastatic disease and poor prognosis. However, the use of experimental models is required to fully elucidate the functional consequences of CTCs. The purpose of this study was to optimize the sensitivity of multiparameter flow cytometry for detection of human tumor cells in mouse models of breast cancer.
Regulation of Choline Acetyltransferase Expression by 17β‐Oestradiol in NSC‐34 Cells and in the Spinal Cord

Motoneurones located in the ventral horn of the spinal cord conciliate cholinergic innervation of skeletal muscles. These neurones appear to be exceedingly affected in neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The dysfunction of motoneurones is typically accompanied by alterations of cholinergic metabolism and signalling, as demonstrated by a decrease in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) expression. 17β‐Oestradiol (E2) is generally accepted as neuroprotective factor in the brain under acute toxic and neurodegenerative conditions and also appears to exert a protective role for motoneurones. In the present study, we attempted to analyse the role of E2 signalling on ChAT expression in the motoneurone‐like cell line NSC‐34 and in vivo. In a first step, we demonstrated the presence of oestrogen receptor α and β in NSC‐34 cells, as well as in the cervical and lumbar parts, of the male mouse spinal cord. Subsequently, we investigated the effect of E2 treatment on ChAT expression. The application of E2 significantly increased the transcription of ChAT in NSC‐34 cells and in the cervical but not lumbar part of the spinal cord. Our results indicate that E2 can influence the cholinergic system by increasing ChAT expression in the mouse spinal cord. This mechanism might support motoneurones, in addition to survival‐promoting mechanisms, in the temporal balance toxic or neurodegenerative challenges.
Locomotion over a washboard

The purpose of this thesis is to study the problem when a microorganism swims very close to a shaped boundary. In this problem, we model the swimmer to be a two-dimensional, infinite periodic waving sheet. For simplicity, we only consider the case where the fluid between the swimmer and the washboard is Newtonian and incompressible. We assume that the swimmer propagates waves along its body and propels itself in the opposite direction. We consider two cases in our swimming sheet problem and the lubrication approximation is applied for both cases. In the first case, the swimmer has a known fixed shape. Various values of wavenumber, amplitude of the restoring force and amplitude of the topography were considered. We found the instantaneous swimming speed behaved quite differently as the wavenumber was varied. The direction of the swimmer was also found to depend on the amplitude of the restoring force. We also found some impact of the topographic amplitude on the relationship between average swimming speed and the wavenumber. We extended the cosine wave shaped washboard to be a more general shape and observed how it affected the swimming behaviour. In the second case, the swimmer is assumed to be elastic. We were interested to see how different values of wavenumber, stiffness and amplitude of the restoring force could change the swimming behaviour. With normalized stiffness and wavenumber, we found the swimmer remained in a periodic state with small forcing amplitude. While the swimmer reached a steady state with unit swimming speed for high forcing amplitude. However, for other values of stiffness and wavenumber, we found the swimmer’s swimming behaviour was very different.
Intramuscular vs intradermal route for hepatitis B booster vaccine in celiac children.

AIM To compare intradermal (ID) and intramuscular (IM) booster doses, which have been used in healthy and high risk subjects, such as healthcare workers, haemodialysis patients, human immunodeficiency virus patients, and renal transplant recipients unresponsive to initial hepatitis B vaccination, in celiac individuals. METHODS We conducted our study on 58 celiac patients, vaccinated in the first year of life, whose blood analysis had showed the absence of protective hepatitis B virus (HBV) antibodies. All patients had received the last vaccine injection at least one year before study enrolment and they had been on a gluten free diet for at least 1 year. In all patients we randomly performed an HBV vaccine booster dose by ID or IM route. Thirty celiac patients were revaccinated with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix B) 2 μg by the ID route, while 28 celiac patients were revaccinated with Engerix B 10 μg by the IM route. Four weeks after every booster dose, the anti-hepatitis B surface (HBs) antibody titer was measured by an enzyme-linked immune-adsorbent assay. We performed a maximum of three booster doses in patients with no anti-HBs antibodies after the first or the second vaccine dose. The cut off value for a negative anti-HBs antibody titer was 10 IU/L. Patients with values between 10 and 100 IU/L were considered "low responders" while patients with an antibody titer higher than 1000 IU/L were considered "high responders". RESULTS No significant difference in age, gender, duration of illness, and years of gluten intake was found between the two groups. We found a high percentage of "responders" after the first booster dose (ID = 76.7%, IM = 78.6%) and a greater increase after the third dose (ID = 90%, IM = 96.4%) of vaccine in both groups. Moreover we found a significantly higher number of high responders (with an anti-HBs antibody titer > 1000 IU/L) in the ID (40%) than in the IM (7.1%) group, and this difference was evident after the first booster dose of vaccination (P < 0.01). No side effects were recorded in performing delivery of the vaccine by either the ID or IM route. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that both ID and IM routes are effective and safe options to administer a booster dose of HBV vaccine in celiac patients. However the ID route seems to achieve a greater number of high responders and to have a better cost/benefit ratio.
Translating the service quality gaps into strategy formulation : an experimental case study of a Greek academic department

The purpose of the current research is to develop a strategic service quality focused framework in a Greek Academic Department, translating its service quality (SQ) gaps into specific strategic directions from a “student-focused” perspective. The research is separated in two parts and follows the recommendations of Tan and Pawitra (2001), using various SQ measurement techniques and management tools. In the first part a SWOT analysis is conducted and a SWOT matrix is produced in order to assess the Department’s position, mission and vision as well as to construct the “Academic” questionnaires based on the SERVQUAL method and the Kano’s Model. The proposed questionnaires were applied in 180 undergraduate students. The second part incorporates the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) framework which is able to translate the customers’ voice (WHATs) into specific processes and measurable actions (HOWs), generating a realistic approach for successful management. The incorporation of SERVQUAL-Kano’s model in the QFD rated the importance of the WHATs, identifying the gaps which function as obstacles in the attainment of the Academic Department’s superior SQ. With the assistance of the SWOT matrix the main strategies of the Academic Department were generated, feeding the HOWs in the QFD. According to the findings, through the student priority level of SERVQUAL and Kano model, the most important SQ dimensions were found to be: Facilities/Equipment/Services, Abilities and Capabilities of Faculty, Educational/Course Content and Department’s Reliability and Reputation. Finally, with the assistance of QFD correlations, a set of strategic directions were proposed such as Accredited Programs, Proactive Partnerships with Corporations, Well-Maintained and Attractive Buildings etc.
Parental consent in paediatric clinical research

Aims: To assess parental understanding and memorisation of the information given when seeking for consent to their child’s participation to clinical research, and to identify the factors of significant influence on parents’ decision making process. Methods: Sixty eight parents who had been approached for enrolling their child in a clinical oncology or HIV study were asked to complete an interview. Their understanding was measured by a score which included items required to obtain a valid consent according to French legislation. Results: Items that were best understood by parents were the aims of the study (75%), the risks (70%), the potential benefits to their child (83%), the potential benefits to other children (70%), the right to withdraw (73%), and voluntariness (84%). Items that were least understood were the procedures (44%), the possibility of alternative treatments (53%), and the duration of participation (39%). Less than 10% of the parents had understood all these points. Ten parents (15%) did not remember that they had signed up for a research protocol. Thirty three parents (48%) reported no difficulty in making their decision. Twenty four parents (38%) declared that they made their decision together with the investigator; 26 (41%) let the physician decide. Fifty four parents (78%) felt that the level of information given was satisfactory. Conclusion: There was an apparent discrepancy between parents’ evaluation of the adequacy of the information delivered and evaluation of their understanding and memorisation. The majority of parents preferred that the physician take as much responsibility as possible in the decision making process.
Alliance portfolio characteristics and firm performance

Alliances are used for a number of purposes, including market access, strategic positioning, and organizational learning. Most alliances are opportunistic and focused on a single objective, such as introduction of a new product or an R&D milestone. However, the value of a firm’s alliances is enhanced if they are viewed as a portfolio that can be managed over time to reflect the generic competitive strategy of the firm and the dynamic nature of the firm’s industry. This paper develops a model relating firm performance to the fit of alliance portfolio characteristics with generic strategies and industry dynamism. Two portfolio characteristics are associated here with learning in alliances and firm performance: the ratio of exploration to exploitation alliances and the balance between equity and non-equity alliances. The model associates these portfolio characteristics with the types of learning required by different generic strategies and levels of industry dynamism. After developing theoretical support for the hypotheses, an approach to empirically testing the hypotheses is described, followed by a discussion of areas for further study.
Observation of molecular layering in a confined water film and study of the layers viscoelastic properties

A transverse dynamic force microscope, more commonly known as shear force microscope, has been used to investigate confined water films under shear. A cylindrically tapered glass probe was mounted perpendicularly to the sample surface. Pure water was confined between the probe and a freshly cleaved mica surface and a sinusoidal shear strain was applied by setting the probe into transverse oscillation. Repeated measurements of the probe oscillation amplitude and relative phase lag, at different tip-sample separations, exhibited a clear step-like behavior. The periodicity, recorded over several curves, ranged between 2.4 and 2.9 A, which is similar to the diameter of the water molecule. The in-phase (elastic) and the out-of-phase (viscous) stress response of the confined water film was evaluated (from the experimental data) by assuming a linear viscoelastic behavior. Finally, by modeling the water film with the Maxwell mechanical model, the values for the shear viscosity and shear rigidity were obtained.
The Relative Importance of Topography and RGD Ligand Density for Endothelial Cell Adhesion

The morphology and function of endothelial cells depends on the physical and chemical characteristics of the extracellular environment. Here, we designed silicon surfaces on which topographical features and surface densities of the integrin binding peptide arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) could be independently controlled. We used these surfaces to investigate the relative importance of the surface chemistry of ligand presentation versus surface topography in endothelial cell adhesion. We compared cell adhesion, spreading and migration on surfaces with nano- to micro-scaled pyramids and average densities of 6×102–6×1011 RGD/mm2. We found that fewer cells adhered onto rough than flat surfaces and that the optimal average RGD density for cell adhesion was 6×105 RGD/mm2 on flat surfaces and substrata with nano-scaled roughness. Only on surfaces with micro-scaled pyramids did the topography hinder cell migration and a lower average RGD density was optimal for adhesion. In contrast, cell spreading was greatest on surfaces with 6×108 RGD/mm2 irrespectively of presence of feature and their size. In summary, our data suggest that the size of pyramids predominately control the number of endothelial cells that adhere to the substratum but the average RGD density governs the degree of cell spreading and length of focal adhesion within adherent cells. The data points towards a two-step model of cell adhesion: the initial contact of cells with a substratum may be guided by the topography while the engagement of cell surface receptors is predominately controlled by the surface chemistry.
The dynamics of audience applause

The study of social identity and crowd psychology looks at how and why individual people change their behaviour in response to others. Within a group, a new behaviour can emerge first in a few individuals before it spreads rapidly to all other members. A number of mathematical models have been hypothesized to describe these social contagion phenomena, but these models remain largely untested against empirical data. We used Bayesian model selection to test between various hypotheses about the spread of a simple social behaviour, applause after an academic presentation. Individuals' probability of starting clapping increased in proportion to the number of other audience members already ‘infected’ by this social contagion, regardless of their spatial proximity. The cessation of applause is similarly socially mediated, but is to a lesser degree controlled by the reluctance of individuals to clap too many times. We also found consistent differences between individuals in their willingness to start and stop clapping. The social contagion model arising from our analysis predicts that the time the audience spends clapping can vary considerably, even in the absence of any differences in the quality of the presentations they have heard.