Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Local Dynamics of Ion-Based Neuron Models for Cortical Spreading Depression, Stroke and Seizures

In this thesis we investigate the phase space structure of biophysical neuron models with dynamic ion concentrations. We start with the classical Hodgkin–Huxley model of an electrically excitable neural membrane with constant intra– and extracellular ion concentrations. The extension of this model to include changes in ion concentrations that result from transmembrane currents is carefully reviewed. This extension describes a closed system, in which no particle exchange with the surroundings is considered, however the neuron contains ion pumps that dissipate energy to keep it far from the thermodynamic equilibrium. Exploiting all symmetries of the model and applying one commonly used and one novel approximation of the gating dynamics, we obtain a reduced ion–based neuron model with only four dynamical variables. The dynamics of the closed neuron system is investigated in the next part. A new stable fixed point that coexists with the physiological resting state is found. Numerical simulations show that the new fixed point is extremely close to the Donnan equilibrium, i.e., the thermodynamic equilibrium of the system. The neuron cannot fire action potentials in this state, because the electric energy that is usually stored in the ion gradients is almost fully dissipated. We refer to this condition as free energy–starvations (FES). This is the first bistability of neuron states with completely different intra– and extracellular ion concentrations ever reported. Perturbations that cause the transition from the physiological resting state to FES are, for example, long stimulations with applied currents or a temporary interruption of the pump activity. We perform the first bifurcation analysis of a unified model for action potentials and ion dynamics. We vary the pump rate as a bifurcation parameter, and thereby prove the coexistence of a physiological resting state and FES in a large number of reduced ion–based model variants. The result is also replicated for a very biophysically detailed model developed by Kager et al. Most importantly, the bifurcation analysis shows that a closed neuron system can only recover from FES if the rate of the ion pumps is extremely enhanced. This leads to our first major conclusion: ion homeostasis cannot rely on the pumps alone. Spreading depression (SD) is an important example of neural
Spectrum of vulvar lesions: a clinicopathologic study of 170 cases

Background: A wide range lesions may occur in the vulvar region. The clinician is often confronted with the challenge to draw a distinction between normal variants, benign entities and a potentially serious pathology. The aim of the present study is to have an insight into the diverse morphologic spectrum of vulvar lesions. Methods: The present retrospective study was carried out by compiling the data from archival records over a period of eight years from January 2005 to December 2012. The vulvar biopsies/vulvectomy specimens were studied for histomorphological features. The lesions were categorized as non neoplastic, neoplastic and inconclusive; neoplastic ones were further divided into benign, malignant and premalignant. Results: The age of the women ranged from 6 to 80 years (mean 38.2±6.4) with the maximum number of patients between 31 to 40 years of age. Most common clinical presentation was itching and white plaque on the vulva (85 cases; 50%). The commonest site of vulval lesions was labia majora (87 cases, 51.18%). Non neoplastic lesions were more common (n = 94; 55.29%) than the neoplastic lesions (n =50; 29.41%). There were 23 (46%) benign lesions while 27 cases (54%) were malignant or premalignant ones. In 26 cases, no definitive histologic diagnosis could be rendered. Conclusion: Early recognition of vulvar lesions and a prompt biopsy diagnosis for all lesions with suspicious changes is of great significance. The term leukoplakia is imprecise and should be replaced by a precise histological description.
Adaptive Space-Division Multiplexing for Multiuser MIMO Antenna Systems in Downlink

In a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system using space-division multiplexing (SDM) in downlink channels, co-channel users can be differentiated from their spatial signatures using linear signal processing at the transmitter and receivers. Much works have been done on the optimization of the multiuser MIMO antenna weights for maximizing channel utilization. In contrast to the previous works, our main objective is to address the optimization of the number of users' activated spatial modes in minimizing the sum-power of the base station whilst performing MIMO antenna optimization and bit-power allocation of the spatial modes given the data-rate and error-rate constraints of the users. Based on the understanding that the number of activated spatial modes for a user should highly depend on the data-rate and error-rate required by the user, we devise an adaptive SDM algorithm that leads to near-optimal performance as a brute-force approach at much reduced-complexity. Simulation results demonstrate that there is a significant gap between performance with and without adaptive SDM
Hepatic stellate cells induce hepatocellular carcinoma cell resistance to sorafenib through the laminin‐332/α3 integrin axis recovery of focal adhesion kinase ubiquitination

In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving sorafenib, drug resistance is common. HCC develops in a microenvironment enriched with extracellular matrix proteins including laminin (Ln)‐332, produced by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Ln‐332 is the ligand of α3β1 and α6β4 integrins, differently expressed on the HCC cell surface, that deliver intracellular pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ln‐332 on sorafenib's effectiveness. HCC cells were challenged with sorafenib in the presence of Ln‐332 and of HSC conditioned medium (CM). Sorafenib impaired HCC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. HSC‐CM or Ln‐332 inhibited sorafenib's effectiveness in HCC cells expressing both α3β1 and α6β4. Inhibiting α3 but not α6 integrin subunit using blocking antibodies or small interfering RNA abrogated the protection induced by Ln‐332 and HSC‐CM. Hep3B cells expressing α6β4 but lacking the α3 integrin were insensitive to Ln‐332 and HSC‐CM protective effects. Hep3B α3‐positive, but not wild‐type and scramble transfected, cells acquired protection by sorafenib when plated on Ln‐332‐CM or HSCs. Sorafenib dephosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2, whereas Ln‐332 and HSC‐CM partially restored the pathways. Silencing FAK, but not extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2, abrogated the protection induced by Ln‐332 and HSC‐CM, suggesting a specific role for FAK. Sorafenib down‐regulated total FAK, inducing its proteasomal degradation, while Ln‐332 and HSC‐CM promoted the escape of FAK from ubiquitination, probably inducing a preferential membrane localization. Conclusion: This study unveils a novel mechanism of sorafenib resistance depending on the α3β1/Ln‐332 axis and requiring FAK ubiquitination, providing new insights into personalizing therapy for patients with HCC. (Hepatology 2016;64:2103‐2117).
EFFECT OF THERMOCYCLING ON THE TENSILE AND SHEAR BOND STRENGTHS OF THREE SOFT LINERS TO A DENTURE BASE RESIN

Statement of problem In clinical practice, loss of adhesion between the silicone-based denture liner and the denture base resin is always an undesirable event that might cause loss of material softness, water sorption, bacterial colonization and functional failure of the prosthesis. Purpose This study evaluated the effect of thermocycling on tensile and shear bond strengths of three soft liner materials to a denture base acrylic resin. Material and methods Three resilient liners (Mucopren-Soft, Mollosil-Plus and Dentusil) and a heat-polymerized acrylic resin (QC-20) were processed according to manufacturers’ directions. Sixty specimens (14 x 14 mm cross-sectional area) per bond strength test (20 for each liner) were fabricated and either stored in water at 37°C for 24 hours (control groups; n=10) or thermocycled 3,000 times in water between 5°C and 55°C (test groups; n=10). The specimens were tested in tensile and shear strength in a universal testing machine until fracture. Bond strength means were compared between water-stored and thermocycled groups for each material, as well as among materials for each treatment (water storage or thermocycling). Failure mode (adhesive, cohesive and mixed) after debonding was assessed. Data were analyzed statistically by paired Student’s t-test and ANOVA at 5% significance level. Results The water-stored groups had statistically significant higher bond strengths than the thermocycled groups (p<0.05). Without thermocycling, Mucopren-Soft (2.83 ± 0.48 MPa) had higher bond strength than Mollosil-Plus (1.04 ± 0.26 MPa) and Dentusil (1.14 ± 0.51 MPa). After thermocycling, Mucopren-Soft (1.63 ± 0.48 MPa) had the highest bond strength (p<0.05). Conclusion The bond strength of the three soft denture liners tested in this study changed with their chemical composition and all of them exhibited higher bond strengths than those usually reported as clinically acceptable. Clinical Implications All soft lining materials tested in this study showed a significant decrease in the bond strength to an acrylic denture base resin after thermocycling. In spite of thermocycling, though, the silicone-based liners had satisfactory bond strengths for clinical application.
Factors Affecting Pro-Environmental Attitudes

Using data from the fifth wave of the World Values Survey (2005-2008), this study examined the relationship between affluence, post-materialist values, and pro-environmental attitudes from individuals from Morocco, Uruguay, Sweden, and the United States. Demographic variables were also analyzed to determine which factors were the best predictors of pro-environmental attitudes from each of the four countries. A three step regression procedure was used to test the PostMaterialist Value Theory: (A) if an individual’s affluence is a significant predictor of their proenvironmental attitudes, (B) if post-materialist values are significant predictors of their proenvironmental attitudes, and (C) whether or not affluence continues to be a significant predictor of their pro-environmental attitudes when simultaneously regressed with post-materialist values. Results demonstrate that affluence is not always a significant predictor of pro-environmental attitudes, and the relationship between affluence and pro-environmental attitudes was not mediated by post-materialist values for individuals from any of the four countries. Also, none of the demographic variables were found to be consistently significant for all four country samples. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that environmentalism cannot be completely explained by a cultural value shift from materialist to post-materialist, and it appears that proenvironmental attitudes emerge from multiple facets that vary by the society under examination.
The Use of Anabolic Steroids and Other Prohibited Substances By Gym Enthusiasts in Cyprus

The use of prohibited substances in sport does not solely concern athletes, but it is also quite common among other categories of the population: people who do not engage in competitive sports but use doping substances for a number of other reasons. This article is based on a survey that was administered to 532 people of both sexes, aged 14 years and above, in 22 gyms around Cyprus. The respondents engaged in one or more sports with a very small percentage (6%) participating in competitive sports. The results showed that 11.6 percent of the respondents had used or were using prohibited substances in order to improve their performance. The use of prohibited substances seemed to be higher among certain interviewees sharing common characteristics, that is, gender, age, education and socio-economic status. Doping was common among body-builders. The research also examined the reasons for the use of prohibited substances in relation to: the reasons for exercising; the nature of the sport; smoking and drinking habits; and the level of use within the wider environment.
Appraisal ratings in diary reports of reasonable and unreasonable anger

Forty-eight undergraduate students completed diaries reporting on up to five episodes of anger experienced over the course of a week. Ratings of motivational relevance, motivational incongruence and other-accountability appraisals were significantly lower for relatively less reasonable instances of anger. Multilevel modelling confirmed that rated reasonableness of anger was a significant continuous predictor of the same three appraisal dimensions, even after controlling for reported anger. These results extend earlier findings obtained using retrospective questionnaires, suggesting that reportable other-blame-related appraisals are generally weaker when anger is perceived as unreasonable. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lipid biomarkers in ooids from different locations and ages: evidence for a common bacterial flora

Ooids are one of the common constituents of ancient carbonate rocks, yet the role that microbial communities may or may not play in their formation remains unresolved. To search for evidence of microbial activity in modern and Holocene ooids, samples collected from intertidal waters, beaches and outcrops in the Bahamas and in Shark Bay in Western Australia were examined for their contents of lipid biomarkers. Modern samples from Cat and Andros islands in the Bahamas and from Carbla Beach in Hamelin Pool, Western Australia, showed abundant and notably similar distributions of hydrocarbons, fatty acids (FAs) and alcohols. A large fraction of these lipids were bound into the carbonate matrix and only released on acid dissolution, which suggests that these lipids were being incorporated continuously during ooid growth. The distributions of hydrocarbons, and their disparate carbon isotopic signatures, were consistent with mixed input from cyanobacteria together with small and variable amounts of vascular plant leaf wax [C27–C35; δ13C −25 to −32‰Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite (VPDB)]. The FAs comprised a complex mixture of C12–C18 normal and branched short‐chain compounds with the predominant straight‐chain components attributable to bacteria and/or cyanobacteria. Branched FA, especially 10‐MeC16 and 10‐MeC17, together with the prevalence of elemental sulfur in the extracts, indicate an origin from sulfate‐reducing bacteria. The iso‐ and anteiso‐FA were quite variable in their 13C contents suggesting that they come from organisms with diverse physiologies. Hydrogen isotopic compositions provide further insight into this issue. FAs in each sample show disparate δD values consistent with inputs from autotrophs and heterotrophs. The most enigmatic lipid assemblage is an homologous series of long‐chain (C24–C32) FA with pronounced even carbon number preference. Typically, such long‐chain FA are thought to come from land plant leaf wax, but in this case, their 13C‐enriched isotopic signatures compared to co‐occurring n‐alkanes (e.g., Hamelin Pool TLE FA C24–C32; δ13C −20 to −24.2‰ VPDB; TLE n‐alkanes δ13C −24.1 to −26.2 −‰VPDB) indicate a microbial origin, possibly sulfate‐reducing bacteria. Lastly, we identified homohopanoic acid and bishomohopanol as the primary degradation products of bacterial hopanoids. The distributions of lipids isolated from Holocene oolites from the Rice Bay Formation of Cat Island, Bahamas were very similar to the beach ooids described above and, in total, these modern and fossil biomarker data lead us to hypothesize that ooids are colonized by a defined microbial community and that these microbes possibly mediate calcification.
Postmortem Molecular Analysis in Victims of Sudden Unexplained Death

Among several conditions that can be responsible for sudden cardiac death (SCD), an important role is played by long QT syndrome (LQTS). LQTS is a congenital electric heart disease that can be asymptomatic or have very severe clinical manifestation, leading to cardiac arrest. In fact, the first manifestation of LQTS can be hyperkinetic ventricular arrhythmias. The presence of LQTS should be considered in all cases of SCD where autopsy is negative for anatomic and histopathological findings. In these cases, after an accurate anamnesis, a genetic screening should always be performed. The screening on LQTS genes is performed on DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded tissues. Making a proper diagnosis in such cases can help to find new affected subjects among the family members of SCD victims and treat them. In these cases, if the pathologist does not make a correct diagnosis, can he or she be sued for malpractice?
Individual and Family Decisions About Organ Donation

This paper examines, from a philosophical point of view, the ethics of the role of the family and the deceased in decisions about organ retrieval. The paper asks: Who, out of the individual and the family, should have the ultimate power to donate or withhold organs? On the side of respecting the wishes of the deceased individual, the paper considers and rejects arguments by analogy with bequest and from posthumous bodily integrity. It develops an argument for posthumous autonomy based on the liberal idea of self-development and argues that this establishes a right of veto over donation. It claims, however, that whether the family's power to veto would conflict with posthumous autonomy rights depends on how it comes about. On the side of respecting the family's wishes, the paper first considers an argument from family distress. This supports a contingent, non-rights-based reason for the family's power that is trumped by the deceased's rights. It then outlines and criticises an argument based on family autonomy. The conclusion is that the individual has the right to veto the family's wish to donate and that, while the family has no right to veto the individual's wishes to donate, it can legitimately acquire this power and has done so in practice.
Bitboard Connection Code Design for Connect6

This paper follows the results of our previous work. In our previous work, we encode the shape of a Connection with its length, and it is named pattern index. The pattern index is used to identify the variety of stone arrangements of a Connection, therefore, it can be used to retrieve information from shape information table. In this study, we further proposed an encoding method of a Connection based on the concept of encoding pattern index, and it is named Connection Code. Connection Code can be used to identify a Connection, which may appear on Board. In the study, a variable with 32 bits is used to encode Connection Code, and it includes four key attributes of a Connection: stone color, line index of Board, start index of the line, and pattern index. Besides, the related bitwise computing is provided to retrieve information and to handle the Connection Code. When we need related information of the Connection, these bitwise computing can be used to get it.
CatSper gene expression in postnatal development of mouse testis and in subfertile men with deficient sperm motility.

BACKGROUND The search for Ca2+ channels residing in sperm has led to the recent cloning and characterization of a novel gene, named CatSper, which codes for a unique Ca2+ channel expressed exclusively in the testis. It plays an essential role in sperm motility, penetration into the oocyte, and ultimately in male fertility. In this study, we assessed the temporal profile of CatSper gene expression during mouse testis development and performed a semi-quantitative evaluation of expression levels in a group of subfertile men which lack sperm motility. METHODS A small piece of testicular tissue obtained by either multi-site testicular biopsy or orchidectomy was used for semi-quantitative RT-PCR of CatSper and beta2-microglobulin (beta2m, as an internal control) genes. RESULTS Our results reveal that: (i) the expression of mouse CatSper is developmentally regulated with a direct correlation between CatSper expression and mouse sexual maturation. CatSper gene expression is first detected at 3 weeks of age and coincides with the appearance of round spermatids in the developing mouse testis. (ii) There is a significant reduction in the level of CatSper gene expression (up to 3.5-fold difference) among patients which lack sperm motility as compared with patients whose infertility cannot be ascribed to a deficiency in motility (used as a control). CONCLUSIONS The data obtained in this study support a potential role for CatSper in sperm motility and fertility in mouse and human. CatSper is therefore implicated as a potential target to explore the molecular mechanisms of male infertility.
Paired Field Placements: A Means for Collaboration

In this qualitative study, pairs of preservice teachers were placed with single cooperating teachers in a 100-hour urban field placement. The question guiding this research was would preservice teachers collaborate in ways that contributed to their professional development and if so why, how, and to what end? Results from field notes, multiple observations, interviews, and work samples indicate that paired placements promoted multiple perspectives, led to increased dialogue about teaching and learning, and facilitated the implementation of student-centered pedagogies. Importantly, paired field placements have potential to nurture and develop skills of collaboration vital to current reform efforts.
Low-loss millimeter-wave passives on Si

We proposed a 60 GHz millimeter-wave platform on which several low-loss passive devices are integrated and attached to CMOS-LSI using flip-chip technology. To confirm the advantage of the platform, we fabricated passive devices of microstrip lines and a bandpass filter. We successfully obtained a low attenuation loss of 0.2 dB/mm at 60 GHz in the microstrip line. We also achieved low-loss and highly-selective bandpass filter.
OXIDATIVE STRESS PROFILE AND TYPE 2 DIABETES REMISSION AT 6 MONTHS AFTER SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY VERSUS CONSERVATORY TREATMENT

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of weight loss on oxidant-antioxidant profile in obese T2D patients. The study was carried out on 38 obese T2D males randomized in two groups, one that underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and the other an intensive diet intervention (DTG) and standard diabetes treatment. Body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, HbA1c and C Reactive Protein (CRP) were evaluated at baseline and after 6 months of follow-up. Ghrelin, insulin, C peptide, leptin and adiponectin were also measured in all subjects by ELISA method. For oxidative stress profile, “Respiratory Burst” and the antioxidants enzymes: paraoxonase1 (PON1), glutationperoxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were evaluated. After LSG, BMI and metabolic control improved significantly: weight loss 78.98%, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) < 11.0 mmol/L and HbA1c < 6%. Antioxidant enzymes GPx and CAT increased after 6 months in both groups. By using univariate conditional regression model we were able to highlight that patients with an unfavourable evolution regarding T2D remission (HbA1c > 6%) had higher values (at baseline and after 6-months) for BMI, C peptide and CRP and lower values (at baseline and after 6 months) for HDL and adiponectin (as an anti-inflammatory factor). We conclude that the significant weight fluctuations can directly influence antioxidant enzyme profiles and may play an important role in the mediation of weight loss and the beneficial metabolic effects of LSG.