Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rapid breakdown of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in rat hepatocytes stimulated by vasopressin and other Ca2+-mobilizing hormones.

Rat hepatocytes rapidly incorporate [32P]Pi into phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns4P) and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2]; their monoester phosphate groups approach isotopic equilibrium with the cellular precursor pools within 1 h. Upon stimulation of these prelabelled cells with Ca2+-mobilizing stimuli (V1-vasopressin, angiotensin, alpha 1-adrenergic, ATP) there is a rapid fall in the labelling of PtdIns4P and PtdIns(4,5)P2. Pharmacological studies suggest that each of the four stimuli acts at a different population of receptors. Insulin, glucagon and prolactin do not provoke disappearance of labelled PtdIns4P and PtdIns(4,5)P2. The labelling of PtdIns4P and PtdIns(4,5)P2 in cells stimulated with vasopressin or angiotensin initially declines at a rate of 0.5-1.0% per s, reaches a minimum after 1-2 min and then returns towards the initial value. The dose-response curves for the vasopressin- and angiotensin-stimulated responses lie close to the respective receptor occupation curves, rather than at the lower hormone concentrations needed to evoke activation of glycogen phosphorylase. Disappearance of labelled PtdIns4P and PtdIns(4,5)P2 is not observed when cells are incubated with the ionophore A23187. The hormone-stimulated polyphosphoinositide disappearance is reduced, but not abolished, in Ca2+-depleted cells. These hormonal effects are not modified by 8-bromo cyclic GMP, cycloheximide or delta-hexachlorocyclohexane. The absolute rate of polyphosphoinositide breakdown in stimulated cells is similar to the rate previously reported for the disappearance of phosphatidylinositol [Kirk, Michell & Hems (1981) Biochem. J. 194, 155-165]. It seems likely that these changes in polyphosphoinositide labelling are caused by hormonal activation of the breakdown of PtdIns(4,5)P2 (and may be also PtdIns4P) by the action of a polyphosphoinositide phosphodiesterase. We therefore suggest that the initial response to hormones is breakdown of PtdIns(4,5)P2 (and PtdIns4P? ), and that the simultaneous disappearance of phosphatidylinositol might be a result of its consumption for the continuing synthesis of polyphosphoinositides.
Do we underestimate influences of diabetic mononeuropathy or polyneuropathy on hand functional performance and life quality?

The purpose of the present study was to identify whether there are differences in hand dexterity, hand functional performance and quality of life between diabetes patients with mononeuropathy and polyneuropathy of their hands to further present the importance regarding the impacts of diabetic neuropathic deficits on patients’ functional capacity.
Full-wave embedding — De-embedding procedures for RFID measurement space characterization

In the current work, full-wave assisted embedding/ de-embedding procedures for the measurement space characterization of small radiating systems, are contributed. The problem, of poor match between analysis and measurement results, poor match among results of different methods or methods using different fixtures, is well known but not well understood since due to small electrical size of the devices under test various issues arise. To address those problems, we contribute the concept of full-wave assisted embedding/ de-embedding accompanied by calibration procedures based on generalized error correction models.
Accident information from four British industries.

Detailed accident analyses have been performed on reportable accident data from the telecommunications, electrical and construction industries. The prevalence of handling accidents, back injuries and back pain has been investigated and compared. The distributions of back injuries by age and occupational groups for the three worker populations have been calculated and the differences obtained contrasted and discussed. A questionnaire survey of a sample of the nursing profession revealed that just under half of the nurses suffered back pain in one year. Back pain prevalence by nurse status was also investigated. The use of accident data and its limitations is discussed in relation to the identification of risk factors.
Aging of pressboard in different insulating liquids

Today, the transformer industry uses alternative insulating liquids more and more. Possible alternatives are vegetable esters such as rape seed, soy bean or sunflower oils or synthetic esters. The aim is to replace the flammable and environmentally harmful mineral oils. Another advantage of these liquids is the higher water solubility, which is claimed to be responsible for a reduced aging rate of cellulosic insulation compared to mineral oil.
Validity and completeness of registration of surgically treated malignant gynaecological diseases in the Danish National Hospital Registry.

BACKGROUND The increasing tendency to acquire data by linkage to registries not designed for research has introduced a problem into epidemiological research. The data is often crude or possibly incomplete and, in some cases, it has been proposed to use these registries in the routine acquisition of data for existing epidemiological research registries. This study estimates the validity and completeness of the registration of surgically treated malignant gynaecological diseases in the Danish National Hospital Registry 1977-88. METHODS Completeness was estimated by the method of independent case ascertainment, by comparison with the registration of surgically treated gynaecological cancer cases registered in the Danish Cancer Registry. The validity of the diagnoses was analysed by comparison with the recoding of discharge summaries describing the admission of a 5% random sample. RESULTS The completeness of registration was 87% overall. Ovarian cancer, cervical cancer and cancer of the uterus were registered with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 89-90%. DISCUSSION The results of the study emphasise the need to consider the validation of Danish Hospital Registry data before linkage and analysis. In epidemiological cancer research the Danish Cancer Registry is the better alternative when information on malignant tumours is needed.
Skeletal Muscle Ryanodine Receptor Is a Redox Sensor with a Well Defined Redox Potential That Is Sensitive to Channel Modulators*

Hyperreactive sulfhydryl groups associated with the Ca2+ release protein from sarcoplasmic reticulum are shown to have a well defined reduction potential that is sensitive to the cellular environment. Ca2+ channel activators lower the redox potential of the ryanodine receptor, which favors the oxidation of thiols and the opening of the Ca2+ release protein. In contrast, channel inhibitors increase the redox potential, which favors the reduction of disulfides and the closure of the release protein. Modulation of redox potential of reactive thiols may be a general control mechanism by which sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum, ryanodine receptors/IP3 receptors, control cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentrations.
Oxygen Affinity of Hemoglobin Regulates O2Consumption, Metabolism, and Physical Activity*

The oxygen affinity of hemoglobin is critical for gas exchange in the lung and O2 delivery in peripheral tissues. In the present study, we generated model mice that carry low affinity hemoglobin with the Titusville mutation in the α-globin gene or Presbyterian mutation in the β-globin gene. The mutant mice showed increased O2 consumption and CO2 production in tissue metabolism, suggesting enhanced O2 delivery by mutant Hbs. The histology of muscle showed a phenotypical conversion from a fast glycolytic to fast oxidative type. Surprisingly, mutant mice spontaneously ran twice as far as controls despite mild anemia. The oxygen affinity of hemoglobin may control the basal level of erythropoiesis, tissue O2 consumption, physical activity, and behavior in mice.
Human strategies based allocation of two-dimensional irregular shapes

In this work a heuristic approach for nesting irregular shapes is considered. The approach is based on extracting some of the human intuitive thoughts, and has the feature of minimizing raw material waste. We have tested the proposed algorithm assuming requirements that resemble various industrial stock cut needs. Our results were compared with those obtained from experienced operators and other heuristic approaches. It is demonstrated that our new approach yields good utilization performance, comparable to that achieved by expert operators, even for small-scale problems.
Acupuncture-induced changes of pressure pain threshold are mediated by segmental inhibition—a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Our aim was to distinguish between spinal and supraspinal mechanisms in the intact nervous system by comparing homosegmental and heterosegmental effects of electroacupuncture (EA) and manual acupuncture (MA) on sensory perception in healthy volunteers by means of quantitative sensory testing. Seventy-two healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to receive either MA or EA at SP 6, SP 9, GB 39, and ST 36 at the left leg or relaxed for 30 minutes (control group [CG]). Blinded examiners assessed 13 sensory modalities (thermal and mechanical detection and pain thresholds) at the upper arms and lower legs before and after intervention by means of a standardized quantitative sensory testing battery. Change scores of all 13 sensory thresholds were compared between groups. The main outcome measure was the change score of the pressure pain threshold (PPT). There were no baseline differences between groups. Pressure pain threshold change scores at the lower left leg, in the same segment as the needling site, differed significantly (P = 0.008) between the EA (median: 103.01 kPa) and CG groups (median: 0.00 kPa) but not between the MA (median: 0.00 kPa) and CG groups. No further significant change score differences were found between one of the acupuncture groups and the CG. The PPT can be changed by EA. The PPT increase was confined to the segment of needling, which indicates that it is mainly mediated by segmental inhibition in the spinal cord. This underscores the importance of segmental needling and electrical stimulation in clinical practice.
Coexistence of antibodies to tick-borne pathogens of babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and Lyme borreliosis in human sera

Serum specimens from persons with or without Lyme borreliosis were analyzed by indirect fluorescent antibody staining methods for total immunoglobulins to Babesia microti, Ehrlichia chaffeensis (Arkansas strain), and Ehrlichia equi (MRK strain). There was serologic evidence of human exposure to multiple tick-borne agents in 15 (6.6%) of 227 serum samples obtained in Connecticut and Minnesota. Of these, 10 serum samples were from Connecticut patients who had erythema migrans and antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi (range, 1:160 to 1:40, 960). A maximal antibody titer of 1:640 was noted for a B. microti infection, whereas titration end points of 1:640 and 1:1,280 were recorded for E. chaffeensis and E. equi seropositives, respectively. In specificity tests, there was no cross-reactivity among the antisera and antigens tested for the four tick-borne pathogens. On the basis of serologic testing, a small group of persons who had Lyme borreliosis had been exposed to one or more other tick-borne agents, but there was no clinical diagnosis of babesiosis or ehrlichiosis. Therefore, if the clinical picture is unclear or multiple tick-associated illnesses are suspected, more extensive laboratory testing is suggested.
Phosphor-Free GaN-Based Transverse Junction Light Emitting Diodes for the Generation of White Light

We demonstrate a GaN-based phosphor-free near-white-light light-emitting-diode (LED) structure that operates in the visible wavelengths and offers broadening and flattening optical bandwidth performance. The incorporation of GaN-based dual wavelengths (blue and green) multiple-quantum-wells with a transverse p-n junction produces a device which can directly generate stable and near visible white-light emissions. The shape of the optical spectra (440-560 nm) are invariable from low to very high levels of bias currents. The problems of nonuniform carrier distribution and bias dependent electroluminescence spectra that occur in traditional phosphor-free white-light or near-white-light LEDs (with vertical p-n junctions) are eliminated by the demonstrated structure
Recombinant factor VIIa in orthotopic liver transplantation: influence on parameters of coagulation and fibrinolysis

The effect of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) on blood loss was evaluated in cirrhotic patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. In the present study, we explored the effect of rFVIIa on coagulation and fibrinolysis during orthotopic liver transplantation. Coagulation factors, parameters of thrombin generation and parameters of fibrinolysis were measured in six patients who had received a single dose of 80 μg/kg rFVIIa and in ten controls, during and after orthotopic liver transplantation. Baseline concentrations and course of coagulation factors were similar in patients and controls. Thrombin generation did not rise after the administration of rFVIIa, but showed a sharp increase after reperfusion in patients, as compared with controls. No difference in fibrinolysis was apparent between patients and controls. No evidence of diffuse intravascular coagulation was seen. We conclude that the use of rFVIIa in orthotopic liver transplantation seems to enhance thrombin generation in a localized and time-limited matter, without causing systemic coagulation.
Naturally occurring peptidoglycan variants of Streptococcus pneumoniae

Analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography of the stem peptide composition of cell walls purified from a large number of pneumococcal strains indicates that these bacteria produce a highly conserved species-specific peptidoglycan independent of serotype, isolation date, and geographic origin. Characteristic features of this highly reproducible peptide pattern are the dominance of linear stem peptides with a monomeric tripeptide, a tri-tetra linear dimer, and two indirectly cross-linked tri-tetra dimers being the most abundant components. Screening of strains with the high-performance liquid chromatography technique has identified two naturally occurring peptidoglycan variants in which the species-specific stem peptide composition was replaced by two drastically different and distinct stem peptide patterns, each unique to the particular clone of pneumococci producing it. Both isolates were multidrug resistant, including resistance to penicillin. In one of these clones--defined by multilocus enzyme analysis and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of the chromosomal DNAs--the linear stem peptides were replaced by branched peptides that most frequently carried an alanyl-alanine substituent on the epsilon amino group of the diamino acid residue. In the second clone, the predominant stem peptide species replacing the linear stem peptides carried a seryl-alanine substituent. The abnormal peptidoglycans may be related to the altered substrate preference of transpeptidases (penicillin-binding proteins) in the pneumococcal variants.
Ultrastructural Study on the Cleistothecium Development in Aspergillus nidulans

Abstract Cleistothecial development in Aspergillus nidulans (teleomorph, Emericella nidulans) was examined with the transmission electron microscopy. Cleistothecial initial was a small coiled lump of cells, ca. 6 μια in diameter, which was consisted of a slightly swollen core with a short “tail” hypha. Initials were wrapped with a loose layer of hyphae. Core cells of cleistothecial initials were broad and multinucleated at first, then formed dikaryotic ascogenous cells, followed by post-meiotic tetra-nucleate or octa-nucleate protoasci and finally mature ascospores. Croziers were formed early during cleistothecium development. The peridial layer of mature cleistothecia was derived from the wrapping hyphae which originally invested the young cleistothecium. Completion of peridial layers development was associated with the depositing of a non-enzyme reactive material around peridial cells. Hülle cell formation during the cleistothecial development appeared to be somewhat coordinated with the developmental stages of cleistothecium.
Interaction effect of Medicaid census and nursing home characteristics on quality of psychosocial care for residents

Background: Numerous studies have identified disparities in nursing home quality of care. Although previous studies have found the overlap among Medicaid census, nursing home characteristics, and negative quality of care outcomes, few studies have examined how the psychosocial well-being of nursing home residents is associated with Medicaid census and other nursing home characteristics. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the intertwined relationships between Medicaid census and other important nursing home factors and its impact on psychosocial care for residents. This study examined the interactive effects of (1) nursing home ownership status and Medicaid census, (2) staffing level and Medicaid census, and (3) resident ethnic mix and Medicaid census on psychosocial well-being outcomes. Methodology: The sample, derived from a combined data set of New York State nursing homes' Online Survey Certification and Reporting System and Minimum Data Set, included 565 nursing homes in rural and urban areas of the state. Findings: Medicaid census had no main effect on psychosocial well-being outcomes of nursing home care but had a significant interactive effect with other nursing home characteristics. High Medicaid census was associated with lower level of psychosocial symptom detection in nonprofit nursing homes and nursing homes with a higher proportion of ethnic minority residents. Practice Implications: Nursing staff training on better psychosocial well-being care, in particular, better psychosocial assessment, is important. To obtain the training resources, nursing homes with high Medicaid census can collaborate with other nursing homes or social service agencies. Considering that nursing homes with a high proportion of ethnic minority residents have lower level of detection rate for psychosocial well-being issues, culturally competent care should be a component of quality improvement plans.
Activation of Relaxin‐Related Receptors by Short, Linear Peptides Derived from a Collagen‐Containing Precursor

In a screening effort based on algorithmic predictions for novel G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) peptide activators, we were able to identify and examine two novel peptides (P59 and P74) which are short, linear, and derived from a natural, previously unidentified precursor protein containing a collagen‐like repeat. Both peptides seemed to show an apparent cAMP‐related effect on CHO‐K1 cells transiently transfected with either LGR7 or LGR8, usually after treatment with cAMP‐generating forskolin, compared to the same cells treated with forskolin plus relaxin. This activation was not found for the relaxin‐3 receptor (GPR135). In a set of follow‐up experiments, both peptides were found to stimulate cAMP production, mostly upon initial stimulation of cAMP production by 5 μM forskolin in cells transfected with either LGR7 or LGR8. In a dye‐free cell impedance GPCR activation assay, we were able to show that these peptides were also able to activate a cellular response mediated by these receptors. Although untransfected CHO‐K1 cells showed some cellular activation by both relaxin and at least one of our newly discovered peptides, both LGR7‐ and LGR8‐transfected cells showed a stronger response, indicating stimulation of a cellular pathway through activation of these receptors. In conclusion, we were able to show that these newly discovered peptides, which have no similarity to any member of the relaxin–insulin‐like peptide family, are potential ligands for the relaxin‐related family of receptors and as such might serve as novel candidates for relaxin‐related therapeutic indications. Both peptides are linear and were found to be active after being chemically synthesized.
Information Search in Decisions From Experience

Do different patterns of sampling influence the decisions people make, even when the information the decisions are based on is equivalent? Do more and less switching between options correlate with different kinds of decision policies? In past research, the correspondence between search and decision patterns has been difficult to ascertain because the information obtained has often been confounded with its consequences in an exploration-exploitation trade-off. We used a sampling task in which information is explored prior to being exploited. We found that search patterns did reveal decision policies. Individuals who transitioned more frequently between options were more likely to choose options that win most of the time in round-wise comparisons and were more likely to underweight rare, risky events. Less switching between options was associated with choosing options that win in the long run on the basis of summary comparisons—decisions consistent with expected-value maximization and linear weighting of outcomes.
Study of radiation damage induced by 12 keV X-rays in MOS structures built on high-resistivity n-type silicon.

Imaging experiments at the European X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) require silicon pixel sensors with extraordinary performance specifications: doses of up to 1 GGy of 12 keV photons, up to 10(5) 12 keV photons per 200 µm × 200 µm pixel arriving within less than 100 fs, and a time interval between XFEL pulses of 220 ns. To address these challenges, in particular the question of radiation damage, the properties of the SiO(2) layer and of the Si-SiO(2) interface, using MOS (metal-oxide-semiconductor) capacitors manufactured on high-resistivity n-type silicon irradiated to X-ray doses between 10 kGy and 1 GGy, have been studied. Measurements of capacitance/conductance-voltage (C/G-V) at different frequencies, as well as of thermal dielectric relaxation current (TDRC), have been performed. The data can be described by a dose-dependent oxide charge density and three dominant radiation-induced interface states with Gaussian-like energy distributions in the silicon band gap. It is found that the densities of the fixed oxide charges and of the three interface states increase up to dose values of approximately 10 MGy and then saturate or even decrease. The shapes and the frequency dependences of the C/G-V measurements can be quantitatively described by a simple model using the parameters extracted from the TDRC measurements.