Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metabolic and thermodynamic responses to dehydration‐induced reductions in muscle blood flow in exercising humans

1 The present study examined whether reductions in muscle blood flow with exercise‐induced dehydration would reduce substrate delivery and metabolite and heat removal to and from active skeletal muscles during prolonged exercise in the heat. A second aim was to examine the effects of dehydration on fuel utilisation across the exercising leg and identify factors related to fatigue. 2 Seven cyclists performed two cycle ergometer exercise trials in the heat (35°C; 61 ± 2% of maximal oxygen consumption rate, V O 2,max), separated by 1 week. During the first trial (dehydration, DE), they cycled until volitional exhaustion (135 ± 4 min, mean ±s.e.m.), while developing progressive DE and hyperthermia (3.9 ± 0.3% body weight loss and 39.7 ± 0.2°C oesophageal temperature, Toes). On the second trial (control), they cycled for the same period of time maintaining euhydration by ingesting fluids and stabilising Toes at 38.2 ± 0.1°C. 3 After 20 min of exercise in both trials, leg blood flow (LBF) and leg exchange of lactate, glucose, free fatty acids (FFA) and glycerol were similar. During the 20 to 135 ± 4 min period of exercise, LBF declined significantly in DE but tended to increase in control. Therefore, after 120 and 135 ± 4 min of DE, LBF was 0.6 ± 0.2 and 1.0 ± 0.3 l min−1 lower (P < 0.05), respectively, compared with control. 4 The lower LBF after 2 h in DE did not alter glucose or FFA delivery compared with control. However, DE resulted in lower (P < 0.05) net FFA uptake and higher (P < 0.05) muscle glycogen utilisation (45%), muscle lactate accumulation (4.6‐fold) and net lactate release (52%), without altering net glycerol release or net glucose uptake. 5 In both trials, the mean convective heat transfer from the exercising legs to the body core ranged from 6.3 ± 1.7 to 7.2 ± 1.3 kJ min−1, thereby accounting for 35‐40 % of the estimated rate of heat production (∼18 kJ min−1). 6 At exhaustion in DE, blood lactate values were low whereas blood glucose and muscle glycogen levels were still high. Exhaustion coincided with high body temperature (∼40°C). 7 In conclusion, the present results demonstrate that reductions in exercising muscle blood flow with dehydration do not impair either the delivery of glucose and FFA or the removal of lactate during moderately intense prolonged exercise in the heat. However, dehydration during exercise in the heat elevates carbohydrate oxidation and lactate production. A major finding is that more than one‐half of the metabolic heat liberated in the contracting leg muscles is dissipated directly to the surrounding environment. The present results indicate that hyperthermia, rather than altered metabolism, is the main factor underlying the early fatigue with dehydration during prolonged exercise in the heat.
ON VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE, VOLUNTARY TAXES, AND SOCIAL CAPITAL

In the past year, the IRS has succeeded in attracting the attention of another group of folks interested in taxation-politicians-and out of that attention is likely to come a bill to restructure its operations. Although I like some of the directions the legislation takes, such as institutionalizing a concern for the enforceability and compliance costs of new legislation before it becomes law, other directions-such as shifting the burden of proof- trouble me, and what follows is my attempt to articulate these concerns: some ruminations about voluntary compliance, voluntary taxes, and social capital.
Rate of rise in diastolic blood pressure influences vascular sympathetic response to mental stress

Research indicates that individuals may experience a rise (positive responders) or fall (negative responders) in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) during mental stress. In this study, we examined the early blood pressure responses (including the peak, time of peak and rate of rise in blood pressure) to mental stress in positive and negative responders. Negative MSNA responders to mental stress exhibit a more rapid rise in diastolic pressure at the onset of the stressor, suggesting a baroreflex‐mediated suppression of MSNA. In positive responders there is a more sluggish rise in blood pressure during mental stress, which appears to be MSNA‐driven. This study suggests that whether MSNA has a role in the pressor response is dependent upon the reactivity of blood pressure early in the task.
Spectral Properties of Active Racetrack Semiconductor Structures With Intracavity Reflections

The effects of intracavity reflections in active racetrack semiconductor resonator structures are studied. The incorporation of active material facilitates probing into effects stemming from even minute reflections, such as mode mismatching, which are almost undetectable in passive structures. The spectral response of these structures are studied by the transfer matrix method that models the racetrack resonator as a multicavity structure formed by the various optical paths induced by intracavity reflections. The signature of the structural and operational parameters on the spectral response enables the identification of the conditions for the appearance of interesting spectral properties such as mode splitting and Fano resonances.
Cost-Effective Integrated RF Power Transistor in 0.18-$muhboxm$CMOS Technology

A novel MOS power transistor with high breakdown voltage is proposed and manufactured in a standard 0.18-mum CMOS process without any additional masks or extra process steps. A "U"-type n- drift region formed with shallow trench isolation (STI) layer and n-well is adopted to improve the breakdown voltage. A MOS transistor with 11.6-V breakdown voltage, 18-GHz cutoff frequency, and 30-GHz maximum oscillation frequency has been demonstrated. In addition, it has 11.5-dB power gain, 19.3-dBm output power at 2.45 GHz with power-added efficiency (PAE) of 55%, and 8.3-dB power gain 18.7-dBm output power at 5.8 GHz with PAE of 38%. The presented RF power transistor is cost effective and can be conveniently applied in the power amplifier integration for RF SoC
Effect of process parameters on pad damage during Au and Cu ball bonding processes

Cu wire bonding is one of the hottest trends in electronic packaging due to the cost and the electrical and thermal performance advantages of Cu wire over Au wire. However, there are many challenges to Cu wire bonding, one of which is the increased stress transmitted to the bond pad during ball bonding process. This high stress is not desirable as it leads to pad damage or cratering in the silicon under the pad. Another issue is pad splash where the pad material is squeezed outside the bonded area, which in severe cases can cause Al pad thinning and depletion. This paper compares the pad stress during wire bonding for equivalent Cu and Au process using state of art piezoresistive microsensors integrated at the bonding pad. To study the root cause of the increased stress, ball bonding is performed with Au and Cu wires using the same levels of ultrasound (USG), bonding force (BF), and impact force (IF) on the microsensor test pad while measuring the pad stress signals in real time. The measured pad stress in ultrasonic direction did not show any significant difference between the Au and Cu ball bonding process. This indicates that the cause of increased stress cannot be attributed to material properties such as hardness alone, and that the differences in bondability and bonding parameters required for the Cu process might be more influential. To achieve optimal bonding results, the Cu process requires higher BF and USG. Such higher settings are the main causes of pad damage. To understand the effect of bonding parameters IF, BF, and USG on pad stress, a detailed DOE is conducted with Cu wire. In addition to conventional bonding parameters, the effect of pre-bleed USG (USG level applied during impact portion of the bonding) is investigated. One of the most important findings from the DOE is the reduction of pad damage when higher pre-bleed USG levels are used.
Aortic Insufficiency in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

A patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hypermobility of the joints, and hyperelasticity and fragility of the skin) associated with aortic regurgitation is reported. The aortic regurgitation appeared to be due to a combination of dilatation of the aortic ring and enlargement of the sinuses of Valsalva. Ehlers- Danlos syndrome is a rare cause of aortic regurgitation which occasionally, as in this patient, may be of clinical importance.
The Protein Phosphatase AtPP2CA Negatively Regulates Abscisic Acid Signal Transduction in Arabidopsis, and Effects of abh1 on AtPP2CA mRNA1[W]

To identify new loci in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, we screened a library of 35S∷cDNA Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana)-expressing lines for ABA-insensitive mutants in seed germination assays. One of the identified mutants germinated on 2.5 μm ABA, a concentration that completely inhibits wild-type seed germination. Backcrosses and F2 analyses indicated that the mutant exhibits a dominant phenotype and that the ABA insensitivity was linked to a single T-DNA insertion containing a 35S∷cDNA fusion. The inserted cDNA corresponds to a full-length cDNA of the AtPP2CA gene, encoding a protein phosphatase type 2C (PP2C). Northern-blot analyses demonstrated that the AtPP2CA transcript is indeed overexpressed in the mutant (named PP2CAox). Two independent homozygous T-DNA insertion lines, pp2ca-1 and pp2ca-2, were recovered from the Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center and shown to lack full-length AtPP2CA expression. A detailed characterization of PP2CAox and the T-DNA disruption mutants demonstrated that, whereas ectopic expression of a 35S∷AtPP2CA fusion caused ABA insensitivity in seed germination and ABA-induced stomatal closure responses, disruption mutants displayed the opposite phenotype, namely, strong ABA hypersensitivity. Thus our data demonstrate that the PP2CA protein phosphatase is a strong negative regulator of ABA signal transduction. Furthermore, it has been previously shown that the AtPP2CA transcript is down-regulated in the ABA-hypersensitive nuclear mRNA cap-binding protein mutant abh1. We show here that down-regulation of AtPP2CA in abh1 is not due to impaired RNA splicing of AtPP2CA pre-mRNA. Moreover, expression of a 35S∷AtPP2CA cDNA fusion in abh1 partially suppresses abh1 hypersensitivity, and the data further suggest that additional mechanisms contribute to ABA hypersensitivity of abh1.
Ketamine gargling and postoperative sore throat.

INTRODUCTION Tracheal intubation is a foremost cause of trauma to the airway mucosa, resulting in postoperative sorethroat (POST). The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of ketamine gargle with placebo in preventing POST after endotracheal intubation. METHODS Forty patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia were enrolled in this randomized, control trial. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 20 patients each: Group C, gargling with drinking water 30 ml; Group K, gargling with ketamine 50 mg in drinking water 30 ml for 30 s, 5 min before induction of anaesthesia. POST was graded at 4, 8, and 24 hours respectively after operation on a four- point scale (0-3). RESULTS POST occurred more frequently in Group C, when compared with Group K at 4, 8, and 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS Ketamine gargle reduces the incidence of POST after endotracheal intubation.
Molecular cloning, expression and modelling of cat allergen, cystatin (Fel d 3), a cysteine protease inhibitor

Background Cats are an important source of indoor allergens. However, only two cat allergens, Fel d 1 and albumin, have been cloned and sequenced. IgE antibodies to Fel d 1 and albumin do not fully account for IgE responses to cat and there is good immunochemical evidence that cats produce other allergens.
Angiotensin-(1–7) Reduces Renal Angiotensin II Receptors through a Cyclooxygenase-Dependent Mechanism

In the kidney, angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)] exhibits diuretic and natriuretic properties associated with an increase in prostaglandin production. The prohypertensive effects of Ang II are attenuated in rats infused with Ang-(1–7), consistent with recent work showing that Ang-(1–7) downregulates AT1 receptors in Chinese hamster ovary–AT1A or vascular smooth muscle cells. To determine whether exposure to Ang-(1–7) reduces AT1 receptors in the kidney through an increase in prostaglandin production, kidney slices from Sprague-Dawley rats were incubated with 10 n M–1 &mgr;M Ang-(1–7) in the presence or absence of 5 &mgr;M meclofenamate, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. Following these treatments, the kidney slices were retrieved, frozen, and sectioned for determination of [125I]-Ang II binding using in vitro receptor autoradiography. Greater than 90% of the specific binding was competed for by losartan, indicating that the majority of binding was to the AT1 receptor. Incubation of kidney slices with 1 &mgr;M Ang-(1–7) caused a 20% reduction in [125I]-Ang II binding (n = 8) in the cortical tubulointerstitium, which was prevented when Ang-(1–7)-treated slices were incubated in the presence of 5 &mgr;M meclofenamate (1 ± 2% increase, n = 8; p < 0.05). Incubation with 5 &mgr;M meclofenamate alone had no effect on [125I]-Ang II binding (−3 ± 3%). The decrease in [125I]-Ang II binding with Ang-(1–7) was also blocked by the Ang-(1–7) antagonist [d-Ala7]-Ang-(1–7). Treatment with 1 &mgr;M [d-Ala7]-Ang-(1–7) alone had no effect on [125I]-Ang II binding (−3 ± 6% of control). Pretreatment with 1 &mgr;M Ang II caused a similar reduction in [125I]-Ang II binding in the cortical tubulointerstitium. Neither Ang-(1–7) nor Ang II had any effect on [125I]-Ang II binding in the glomeruli and the area of the vasa recta of the kidney. These original findings suggest that prior exposure to Ang-(1–7) or Ang II causes a modest decrease in the number of AT1 receptors in the cortical tubulointerstitial area of the kidney. The reduction in Ang II binding by Ang-(1–7) was blocked by meclofenamate and [d-Ala7]-Ang-(1–7), suggesting that cyclooxygenase products released through activation of a novel receptor participate in this effect.
The effect of microgravity on morphology and gene expression of osteoblasts in vitro

The mass and architecture of the skeletal system adapt, to some extent, to their mechanical environment. A site‐specific bone loss of 1–2% is observed in astronauts and in‐flight animals after 1 month of spaceflight. Biochemical data of astronauts and histomorphometric analysis of rat bones show that the change in bone mass is a result of decreased bone formation in association with normal (or increased) bone resorption. The changes in bone formation appear to be due in part to decreased osteoblast differentiation, matrix maturation, and mineralization. Recent data show that spaceflight alters the mRNA level for several bone‐specific proteins in rat bone, suggesting that the characteristics of osteoblasts are altered during spaceflight. A possible underlying mechanism is that osteoblasts themselves are sensitive to altered gravity levels as suggested by several studies investigating the effect of microgravity on osteoblasts in vitro. Changes in cell and nuclear morphology were observed as well as alterations in the expression of growth factors (interleukin‐6 and insulin‐like growth factor binding proteins) and matrix proteins (collagen type I and osteocalcin). Taken together, this altered cellular function in combination with differences in local or systemic factors may mediate the effects of spaceflight on bone physiology. —Carmeliet, G. , Bouillon, R. The effect of microgravity on morphology and gene expression of osteoblasts in vitro. FASEB J. 13 (Suppl.), S129–S134 (1999)
Cost effectiveness of thromboprophylaxis with a low-molecular-weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin in acutely ill medical inpatients.

OBJECTIVE To compare the cost effectiveness of prophylaxis with a low-molecular-weight heparin with that of prophylaxis with unfractionated heparin for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in acutely ill medical inpatients. STUDY DESIGN Cost-effectiveness analysis based on decision-tree model. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS A hypothetical cohort of 10 000 patients was assumed to receive either (1) prophylaxis with enoxaparin, a low-molecular-weight heparin, 40 mg daily; (2) prophylaxis with unfractionated heparin, 5000 IU twice daily; or (3) no prophylaxis. We developed a decision-analytic model with parameter estimates derived from published clinical trials and other secondary sources. Then, for each strategy, we estimated the risks of venous thromboembolism, complications of prophylaxis and treatment (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and bleeding), mortality, and costs of prophylaxis and treatment within a 30-day period. RESULTS In a hypothetical cohort of 10 000 inpatients, expected numbers of deaths attributable to venous thromboembolism or drug complications related to both prophylaxis for and treatment of VTE over a 30-day period were 37 with enoxaparin prophylaxis, 53 with unfractionated heparin prophylaxis, and 81 with no prophylaxis. In 2001, corresponding expected costs of prevention, diagnosis, and management of VTE were $3 502 000 for enoxaparin, $3 772 000 for unfractionated heparin, and $3 105 000 for no prophylaxis. The incremental cost per death averted with enoxaparin prophylaxis versus no prophylaxis was $9100. Enoxaparin dominated unfractionated heparin by being both more effective and less costly in the base-case analysis, as well as in sensitivity analyses in which equal efficacy and equal risks of bleeding were assumed. CONCLUSIONS Thromboprophylaxis with this low-molecular-weight heparin represents a cost-effective use of healthcare resources in acutely ill medical inpatients and dominates thromboprophylaxis with unfractionated heparin.
Mental and Physical Practice Schedules in Acquisition and Retention of Novel Timing Skills

Research has indicated that random physical practice of a motor skill enhances effects of long-term learning more than blocked practice. Moreover, the use of mental rehearsal coupled with physical practice has been shown to accelerate motor skill acquisition in many different contexts and is better than no practice at all. Others have found that some mental rehearsal strategies are better than others for maximizing performance. This study examined how combinations of mental and physical practice schedules affected the learning of a coincidence timing task. 30 college students were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups involving combinations of imagery and physical practice. Three tasks were utilized, each involving a particular speed (slow, medium, fast) on the Bassin Anticipation Timer. Conclusions were based on a three-way analysis of variance, using type of mental practice, type of physical practice, and sex as between-group factors, conducted separately for acquisition and retention trials. Type of physical practice was significantly related to performance. On the acquisition trials, random practice was associated with larger mean errors than blocked practice; however, the reverse was true for retention trials. There was no significant effect of type of mental practice in either the acquisition or retention phase. Sex was significantly related to performance for the retention trials only, where the 15 men made smaller errors than the 15 women.
Effect of microsomal enzyme inducers on the biliary excretion of cardiac glycosides.

Digitoxin (2.5 mg/kg), digoxin (7 mg/kg) or ouabain (5 mg/kg) was given i.v. to rats pretreated for 4 days with phenobarbital (PB, 50 mg/kg), pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile (PCN, 75 mg/kg), spironolactone (S, 75 mg/kg) or 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC, 20 mg/kg). Plasma disappearance and biliary excretion of the cardiac glycosides were measured for 2 hours. PCN and S increased the rate of biliary excretion of radioactivity associated with digitoxin by 1000 and 400% respectively. PB-treatment increased the excretion by only 25% and 3-MC decreased it. Similarly with 3 H-digoxin, PCN and S increased the rate of biliary excretion of tritium by 400 and 150%, respectively, whereas PB increased it by 25% and 3-MC decreased it. The excretion of radioactivity as polar metabolites in the rats given 3 H-digoxin was not increased as has been reported for digitoxin. The increased excretion was due to a more lipid-soluble metabolite, digoxin-bisdigitoxoside, and to the parent compound. PCN, S and PB increased the biliary excretion of ouabain, a cardiac glcoside that is not biotransformed before its excretion, by 150, 50 and 80%, respectively. These studies demonstrate that there is a marked difference in the ability of microsomal enzyme inducers to enhance the biliary excretion of cardiac glycosides and that the mechanism is not solely dependent on biotransformation of the glycoside to more polar metabolites.
HIV incidence and associated risk factors among young injection drug users.

Youth are important with respect to HIV/AIDS, not only because they are at risk of infection, but it is during this period that many behaviour patterns are established that will affect their risk of infection in later life. We undertook this study to determine the rates of HIV incidence and associated risk factors among young injection drug users.
PLASMA OESTRIOL IN PRE‐ECLAMPSIA

Plasma oestriol was measured serially in a group of patients considered likely to develop pre‐eclampsia. In some the plasma oestriol curve deviated from normal before clinical signs of pre‐eclampsia became apparent. Plasma oestriol values were abnormal in patients with pre‐eclampsia, particularly if the condition was severe.
New Group in the Leptospirillum Clade: Cultivation-Independent Community Genomics, Proteomics, and Transcriptomics of the New Species “Leptospirillum Group IV UBA BS”

ABSTRACT Leptospirillum spp. are widespread members of acidophilic microbial communities that catalyze ferrous iron oxidation, thereby increasing sulfide mineral dissolution rates. These bacteria play important roles in environmental acidification and are harnessed for bioleaching-based metal recovery. Known members of the Leptospirillum clade of the Nitrospira phylum are Leptospirillum ferrooxidans (group I), Leptospirillum ferriphilum and “Leptospirillum rubarum” (group II), and Leptospirillum ferrodiazotrophum (group III). In the Richmond Mine acid mine drainage (AMD) system, biofilm formation is initiated by L. rubarum; L. ferrodiazotrophum appears in later developmental stages. Here we used community metagenomic data from unusual, thick floating biofilms to identify distinguishing metabolic traits in a rare and uncultivated community member, the new species “Leptospirillum group IV UBA BS. ” These biofilms typically also contain a variety of Archaea, Actinobacteria, and a few other Leptospirillum spp. The Leptospirillum group IV UBA BS species shares 98% 16S rRNA sequence identity and 70% average amino acid identity between orthologs with its closest relative, L. ferrodiazotrophum. The presence of nitrogen fixation and reverse tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle proteins suggest an autotrophic metabolism similar to that of L. ferrodiazotrophum, while hydrogenase proteins suggest anaerobic metabolism. Community transcriptomic and proteomic analyses demonstrate expression of a multicopper oxidase unique to this species, as well as hydrogenases and core metabolic genes. Results suggest that the Leptospirillum group IV UBA BS species might play important roles in carbon fixation, nitrogen fixation, hydrogen metabolism, and iron oxidation in some acidic environments.