Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Editorial: Univentricular Heart

Decades ago, the surgeons were asking themselves if it was possible to improve the natural history of patients with “functionally” univentricular heart (1). In order to facilitate the understanding and the subsequent decision making, for the first time, the patients with “functionally” univentricular heart were divided into two groups: (1) restricted pulmonary blood flow and (2) unrestricted pulmonary blood flow, with or without obstruction to the systemic blood flow (1). Since the first stage in both groups is a palliative approach, over the years, the progress with the available materials and technology facilitated the surgical palliations to increase the pulmonary blood flow with systemic-to-pulmonary shunt (modified Blalock–Taussig shunt) (2, 3) as well as the control of distal pulmonary artery pressure and flow with adjustable pulmonary artery banding (4, 5). The introduction of the use of the end-to-side anastomosis of the transected main pulmonary artery to the ascending aorta (Damus–Kaye–Stansel), as source of systemic blood flow, facilitated the management of patients with “functionally” univentricular heart with obstruction to the systemic blood flow (6). The results of the surgical management have been substantially improved by the introduction of the bidirectional Glenn (end-to-side anastomosis of the superior vena cava to the right pulmonary artery) as second stage between the first palliation to control the pulmonary blood flow and the final stage of dividing the systemic and the pulmonary venous returns (7). The introduction of the extracardiac modified Fontan procedure as third surgical stage contributed to provide adequate early (8) and late (9) results, with better survival and lower incidence of complications. The improved knowledge of the appropriate timing of indication and the adequate preparation for the third stage with Fontan circulation (10) together with progress in the intraoperative management (11) provided a further improvement in the surgical outcomes. The availability of adequate research laboratories allowed the performance of sophisticated experimental studies on animals to improve the available knowledge on the mechanisms of chronic hypoxia (12, 13) and pulmonary hypertension (14, 15), characterizing respectively the two groups of patients, with “functionally” univentricular heart and restrictive or unrestrictive pulmonary blood flow. Finally, the combination of experimental research with computational fluid dynamic studies prompted to evaluate the feasibility of the mechanical assistance for patients at high risk for modified Fontan procedure or with failure of the Fontan circulation (16).
THE PROPERDIN SYSTEM AND IMMUNITY

Methods for the preparation and standardization of reagents suitable for studies on the bactericidal action of the properdin system are described. The preparation and properties of serum free of properdin (RPb) are presented in detail because of the necessity for a suitable RPb in these studies. The properdin system is responsible for the bactericidal action of normal human serum against a variety of microorganisms. The present work shows that the removal of properdin from serum also removes bactericidal activity. Addition of properdin to properdin-deficient serum restores bactericidal activity. A quantitative relationship exists between the final properdin concentration and bactericidal activity against sensitive organisms. The possibilities of a bactericidal assay for properdin are discussed. It is demonstrated that, in addition to properdin, the four components of complement (present in RPb) are necessary for the destruction of properdinsensitive bacteria. If any component is missing, bactericidal activity is lost; when the component is replaced, bactericidal activity is restored. Magnesium is also necessary for the bactericidal activity of the properdin system. Maximal bactericidal activity is obtained with magnesium concentrations similar to that of normal human serum (10–3 to 10–4 M). The bactericidal activity of the properdin system occurs only at temperatures above 15°. Resistant strains have been encountered in species of bacteria sensitive to the properdin system. Resistance or sensitivity is a characteristic of the individual strain and not of the species. The widespread occurrence of the properdin system in normal mammalian serum and the variety of bacteria destroyed by it suggest that the properdin system is a factor in natural resistance.
Risk Factors for Diabetic Nephropathy

263 EPIDEMIOLOGY AND DIABETES TYPE Diabetic nephropathy can occur in both type 1 (insulindependent) and type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. The following data concerning the epidemiology of renal disease are confounded since they may or may not represent the current “natural history” of the disease; some of the evidence was obtained before the current era of recommended tight glycemic control, aggressive blood pressure and lipid control, and the specific benefit of therapy with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers.
Influence of methionine supplementation of growing diets enriched with lysine on feedlot performance and characteristics of digestion in Holstein steer calves

Objective Two trials were conducted in order to examine the effects of level of supplemental methionine on productive performance, dietary energetic, plasma amino acid concentration, and digestive function. Methods Dietary treatments consisted of a steam-flaked corn-based diet containing urea as the only source of supplemental nitrogen supplemented with no supplemental amino acid (control), or control plus 1.01% lysine and 0.032%, 0.064%, 0.096%, or 0.128% methionine. In Trial 1, 150 Holstein steer calves (127±4.9 kg) were utilized to evaluate the influence of treatments on growth-performance, dietary energetic, plasma amino acid concentration during the first 112 days of growing period. During the initial 56-d period calves received the 5 experimental diets. During the subsequent 56-d period all calves were fed the control diet. Results During the initial 56-d period, methionine supplementation increased (linear effect, p<0.01) plasma methionine. In the presence of supplemental lysine, increases on level of methionine in diet did not affect average daily gain. However, increased gain efficiency (quadratic effect, p = 0.03) and estimated dietary net energy (NE; linear effect, p = 0.05). Estimated metabolizable methionine supply was closely associated (R2 = 0.95) with efficiency NE utilization for maintenance and gain. During the subsequent 56-d period, when all calves received the control diet (no amino acid supplementation), plasma amino acid concentrations and growth performance was not different among groups. However, the effects of methionine supplementation during the initial 56-period carried over, so that following a 56-d withdrawal of supplementation, the overall 112-d effects on gain efficiency (quadratic effect, p = 0.05) dietary NE (linear effect, p≤0.05) remained appreciable. In Trial 2, 5 cannulated Holstein steers were used to evaluate treatment effects on characteristics of digestion and amino acid supply to the small intestine. There were no treatment effects on flow of dietary and microbial N to the small intestine. Postruminal N digestion increased (p = 0.04) with increasing level of supplemental methionine. Methionine supplementation linearly increased (p<0.01) duodenal flow of methionine. Likewise, lysine supplementation increased an average of 4.6% (p = 0.04) duodenal flow of lysine. In steers that received non-supplemented diet, observed intestinal amino acid supply were in good agreement with expected. Conclusion We conclude that addition of rumen-protected methionine and lysine to diets may enhance gain efficiency and dietary energetics of growing Holstein calves. Observed amino acid supply to the small intestine were in good agreement with expected, supportive of NRC (2000, Level 1).
Physiological and Selective Attention Demands during an International Rally Motor Sport Event

Purpose. To monitor physiological and attention responses of drivers and codrivers during a World Rally Championship (WRC) event. Methods. Observational data were collected from ten male drivers/codrivers on heart rate (HR), core body (T core) and skin temperature (T sk), hydration status (urine osmolality), fluid intake (self-report), and visual and auditory selective attention (performance tests). Measures were taken pre-, mid-, and postcompetition day and also during the precompetition reconnaissance. Results. In ambient temperatures of 20.1°C (in-car peak 33.9°C) mean (SD) peak HR and T core were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) during rally compared to reconnaissance (166 (17) versus 111 (16) beats·min−1 and 38.5 (0.4) versus 37.6 (0.2)°C, resp. ). Values during competitive stages were substantially higher in drivers. High urine osmolality was indicated in some drivers within competition. Attention was maintained during the event but was significantly lower prerally, though with considerable individual variation. Conclusions. Environmental and physical demands during rally competition produced significant physiological responses. Challenges to thermoregulation, hydration status, and cognitive function need to be addressed to minimise potentially negative effects on performance and safety.
Effect of high-fat feeding on metabolic efficiency and mitochondrial oxidative capacity in adult rats

The changes in metabolic efficiency, body composition, and nutrient partitioning induced by high-fat feeding were evaluated in adult rats (90d of age). The alterations in serum free triiodothyronine, insulin, and leptin levels, as well as in hepatic and skeletal muscle metabolism, were also assessed. Rats were fed either a low- or a high-fat diet for 2 weeks. Relative to the low-fat feeding, energy intake and expenditure, as well as body-energy gain, lipid gain, and energetic efficiency, were increased by the high-fat feeding. Increased serum leptin levels accompanied these variations. A positive correlation between serum leptin levels and percentage of body fat was found in the rats fed the low- or high-fat diet, with a significant divergence between the slope of the regression lines. Furthermore, a negative correlation between serum leptin level and energy intake was found in the rats fed the low-fat diet, while a positive correlation was found in the rats fed the high-fat diet. Finally, the high-fat feeding decreased the hepatic and skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity. It is concluded that, in adult rats, a nutritional factor such as a high level of fat in the diet induces obesity, leptin resistance, and impairment of mitochondrial capacity, all phenomena typical of unrestrained aged rats.
How Two Brains Make One Synchronized Mind in the Inferior Frontal Cortex: fNIRS-Based Hyperscanning During Cooperative Singing

One form of communication that is common in all cultures is people singing together. Singing together reflects an index of cognitive synchronization and cooperation of human brains. Little is known about the neural synchronization mechanism, however. Here, we examined how two brains make one synchronized behavior using cooperated singing/humming between two people and hyperscanning, a new brain scanning technique. Hyperscanning allowed us to observe dynamic cooperation between interacting participants. We used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to simultaneously record the brain activity of two people while they cooperatively sang or hummed a song in face-to-face (FtF) or face-to-wall (FtW) conditions. By calculating the inter-brain wavelet transform coherence between two interacting brains, we found a significant increase in the neural synchronization of the left inferior frontal cortex (IFC) for cooperative singing or humming regardless of FtF or FtW compared with singing or humming alone. On the other hand, the right IFC showed an increase in neural synchronization for humming only, possibly due to more dependence on musical processing.
Evaluation of Hepatic Impairment Dosing Recommendations in FDA‐Approved Product Labels

Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in patients with liver disease are an important clinical pharmacology component of drug development. In 2003, FDA released the guidance for industry on “Pharmacokinetics in Patients with Impaired Hepatic Function,” which provides recommendations to sponsors on study design, data analysis, and impact on dosing and labeling. We evaluated the quality and consistency of hepatic dosing recommendations, and compared contemporary clinical practice of dosing in patients with impaired hepatic function with product labels. All new molecular entities (NME) and labels approved by the FDA during the period of January 2004 to December 2011 were reviewed. The fraction of the dose hepatically eliminated, quality of hepatic impairment PK studies reported, and any dose recommendations provided in the label and in a tertiary clinical reference (Micromedex) were reviewed. Out of 157 NMEs, 67 met the criteria for evaluation of dosing in hepatic disease. Problem areas were identified related to the lack of specific hepatic metabolism information in 90% of FDA‐approved labels, inconsistent terminology, and “use with caution in liver disease” in 27% of NME. Updating the FDA guidance on PK studies in patients with impaired hepatic function could provide a standardized approach to improve the clinical usefulness of this dosing information for practitioners.
Simulating Adaptive Human Bipedal Locomotion Based on Phase Resetting Using Foot-Contact Information

Humans generate bipedal walking by cooperatively manipulating their complicated and redundant musculoskeletal systems to produce adaptive behaviors in diverse environments. To elucidate the mechanisms that generate adaptive human bipedal locomotion, we conduct numerical simulations based on a musculoskeletal model and a locomotor controller constructed from anatomical and physiological findings. In particular, we focus on the adaptive mechanism using phase resetting based on the foot-contact information that modulates the walking behavior. For that purpose, we first reconstruct walking behavior from the measured kinematic data. Next, we examine the roles of phase resetting on the generation of stable locomotion by disturbing the walking model. Our results indicate that phase resetting increases the robustness of the walking behavior against perturbations, suggesting that this mechanism contributes to the generation of adaptive human bipedal locomotion.
Potential Uses, Limitations, and Basic Procedures of Micronuclei and Nuclear Abnormalities in Buccal Cells

The use of biomarkers as tools to evaluate genotoxicity is increasing recently. Methods that have been used previously to evaluate genomic instability are frequently expensive, complicated, and invasive. The micronuclei (MN) and nuclear abnormalities (NA) technique in buccal cells offers a great opportunity to evaluate in a clear and precise way the appearance of genetic damage whether it is present as a consequence of occupational or environmental risk. This technique is reliable, fast, relatively simple, cheap, and minimally invasive and causes no pain. So, it is well accepted by patients; it can also be used to assess the genotoxic effect derived from drug use or as a result of having a chronic disease. Furthermore the beneficial effects derived from changes in life style or taking additional supplements can also be evaluated. In the present paper, we aim to focus on the explanation of MN test and its usefulness as a biomarker; we further give details about procedures to perform and interpret the results of the test and review some factors that could have an influence on the results of the technique.
Variation of the axial location of Bruch's membrane opening with age, choroidal thickness, and race.

PURPOSE This study explores variation in the axial location of Bruch's membrane opening (BMO) to determine if this reference plane varies with age and race. METHODS There were 168 spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) optic nerve head volumes that were obtained from healthy subjects and manually delineated within 24 axial slices to develop point clouds for Bruch's membrane and anterior scleral surfaces. A BMO-independent reference plane was generated based on the peripapillary sclera to measure BMO position. General estimating equations were used to determine the relationship of the axial position of BMO (BMO height) with choroidal thickness, age, and race (African Descent [AD] versus European Descent [ED]) controlling for variations in axial length. RESULTS The peripapillary choroid was thinner with increasing axial length (-14.9 μm/mm, P = 0.0096), advancing age (-1.1 μm/y, P = 0.00091), and in the ED group (20.2 μm, P = 0.019) in a multivariable model. Choroidal thickness was also strongly related to BMO height (P < 0.00001) independent of all covariates. Bruch's membrane opening position was more posterior relative to the sclera in older subjects (1.3 μm/y, P = 0.00017), independent of axial length and race. However, when choroidal thickness was included in the model, this association was lost (P = 0.225). There was no significant difference in BMO height between racial groups after adjustment for age and axial length. CONCLUSIONS Bruch's membrane opening is more posteriorly located in older individuals. These differences are largely due to differences in choroidal thickness and suggest that BMO migrates posteriorly with age due to age-related choroidal thinning. However, additional studies in longitudinal datasets are needed to validate these findings.
An Experiment to Search for Light Dark Matter in Low-Energy ep Scattering

Anomalous production of low-energy photons from the galactic center have fueled speculations on the nature and properties of dark matter particles. In particular, it has been proposed that light scalars may be responsible for the bulk of the matter density of the universe, and that they couple to ordinary matter through a light spin-1 boson. If this is the case, then such particles may be produced in the quasi-elastic low-energy scattering of electrons off protons. We present a proposal for an experiment to search for this process and assess its viability.
Probucol Up-Regulates Paraoxonase 1 Expression in Hepatocytes of Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), an HDL-associated enzyme, has anti-oxidative property. Probucol, a hydrophobic antioxidant drug, inhibits progression of atherosclerosis and post-angioplasty restenosis. However, the mechanism by which probucol affects atherosclerosis is not completely understood. Sixteen rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet for 8 weeks were randomly divided into two groups: (1) starch group (n = 8): maintained high cholesterol diet plus starch (500 mg/kg/d) for 6 weeks; (2) probucol group (n = 8): the same cholesterol diet plus probucol (500 mg/kg/d) for 6 weeks. Control group (n = 8) was fed with normal diet for 14 weeks. The classic in-situ two-step perfusion of the liver with collagenase IV was used to isolate the parenchymal hepatocytes. The total activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and PON1 concentrations in serum were measured after 0, 8, and 14 weeks of feeding. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of PON1. Compared with control group, rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet showed higher levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), all of which were significantly reduced by probucol. Probucol significantly decreased the MDA concentration but was ineffective on SOD activity. High cholesterol diet decreased serum PON1 concentration and down-regulated PON1 mRNA expression in hepatocytes. Probucol significantly increased serum PON1 level and up-regulated the mRNA expression of PON1 as compared with starch group (0.65 ± 0.06 versus 0.46 ± 0.05, P = 0.001). The PON1 concentration is negatively associated with MDA concentration (r = −0.86, P = 0.003) but not with the level of HDL-C. In conclusion, probucol decreased MDA concentration, and increased PON1 serum level as well as mRNA expression in hepatocytes, which may help us to understand its antioxidant and anti-atherogenic effects.
Diffusion bonding of superplastic aluminum alloys

Ability to diffusion bond aluminum alloys, in particular superplastic aluminum alloys, will complete the technology-base that is strongly needed to enhance the use of superplastic forming (SPF) technology. Concurrent diffusion bonding (DB)-SPF is considered to be an energy-saving manufacturing process since it simplifies the production of complex components. Moreover, because of increased design flexibility, overall manufacturing cost and component weight are significantly reduced. Diffusion bonding is an attractive manufacturing option for applications where the preservation of the base metal microstructure and, in turn, mechanical properties is imperative in the bond area. The process utilizes either the solid state or transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding to produce a bond with microstructure continuity in the joint. In addition, there is no localized thermal gradient present to induce distortion or to create residual stresses in the component, thereby increasing structural integrity.
Frequency-Selective Noise-Compensated Autoregressive Estimation

This paper presents a novel method for noise-compensated autoregressive estimation founded on the maximum-likelihood of the spectral samples. This framework yields a nonlinear optimization problem that can be revamped as a reweighted least-square problem. The resulting spectral weighting function turns out to be the square of the Wiener filter, this meaning that spectral regions with higher signal-to-noise ratio are more relevant in the estimation. Furthermore, this frequency-selective scenario allows us to interpret this problem as one of incomplete samples. From that perspective, an approximate accuracy bound for autoregressive analysis in noise is deduced. Simulated experiments prove the validity of the method foundations, showing as well the excellent performance of the numerical algorithm versus state-of-the-art techniques.
The Ko-PER intersection laserscanner and video dataset

Public intersections are due to their complexity challenging locations for drivers. Therefore the german joint project Ko-PER - which is part of the project initiative Ko-FAS has equipped a public intersection with several laserscanners and video cameras to generate a comprehensive dynamic model of the ongoing traffic. Results of the intersection perception can be communicated to equipped vehicles by wireless communication. This contribution wants to share a dataset of the Ko-PER intersection to the research community for further research in the field of multi-object detection and tracking. Therefor the dataset consists of sensor data from the laserscanners network and cameras as well as reference data and object labels. With that dataset, we aim to stimulate further research in this area.