Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NH4OH Treatment for an Optimum Morphological Trade-off to Hydrothermal Ga-Doped n-ZnO/p-Si Heterostructure Characteristics

Previous studies on Ga-doped ZnO nanorods (GZRs) have failed to address the change in GZR morphology with increased doping concentration. The morphology-change affects the GZR surface-to-volume ratio and the real essence of doping is not exploited for heterostructure optoelectronic characteristics. We present NH4OH treatment to provide an optimum morphological trade-off to n-GZR/p-Si heterostructure characteristics. The GZRs were grown via one of the most eminent and facile hydrothermal method with an increase in Ga concentration from 1% to 5%. The supplementary OH− ion concentration was effectively controlled by the addition of an optimum amount of NH4OH to synchronize GZR aspect and surface-to-volume ratio. Hence, the probed results show only the effects of Ga-doping, rather than the changed morphology, on the optoelectronic characteristics of n-GZR/p-Si heterostructures. The doped nanostructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, Hall-effect measurement, and Keithley 2410 measurement systems. GZRs had identical morphology and dimensions with a typical wurtzite phase. As the GZR carrier concentration increased, the PL response showed a blue shift because of Burstein-Moss effect. Also, the heterostructure current levels increased linearly with doping concentration. We believe that the presented GZRs with optimized morphology have great potential for field-effect transistors, light-emitting diodes, ultraviolet sensors, and laser diodes.
Additive Manufacturing Techniques for the Reconstruction of 3D Fetal Faces

This paper deals with additive manufacturing techniques for the creation of 3D fetal face models starting from routine 3D ultrasound data. In particular, two distinct themes are addressed. First, a method for processing and building 3D models based on the use of medical image processing techniques is proposed. Second, the preliminary results of a questionnaire distributed to future parents consider the use of these reconstructions both from an emotional and an affective point of view. In particular, the study focuses on the enhancement of the perception of maternity or paternity and the improvement in the relationship between parents and physicians in case of fetal malformations, in particular facial or cleft lip diseases.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma presenting as bilateral endobronchial tumor in a young boy

A 15-year-old boy presented to us with a 4-month history of fever with worsening dyspnea since 1 month. His contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the thorax showed bilateral endobronchial lesions with complete collapse-consolidation of the left lung and partial collapse of the right lower lobe. His fiberoptic bronchoscopy guided biopsy had been reported in outside hospital as a neuroendocrine tumor. Due to worsening breathlessness, he had to be intubated. We repeated the endobronchial biopsy and combined with outside slides and blocks, was diagnosed to have an anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1 positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). We started the patient on chemotherapy to which he had a dramatic response radiologically and clinically. ALCL presenting as endobronchial mass is an extremely rare occurrence and it presenting with bilateral endobronchial masses has not been reported yet in literature. Pathologists and clinicians should be aware of this presentation as prompt diagnosis and treatment give promising results.
Characterization and mapping of melatonin receptors in the brain of three mammalian species: rabbit, horse and sheep. A comparative in vitro binding study.

Melatonin receptors were characterized in the brains of three mammals (rabbit, horse and sheep) by an in vitro binding technique, using 2-[125I]iodomelatonin as labelled ligand. Although binding sites for melatonin have been described recently in several vertebrate species (including the sheep), the rabbit and the horse have not been the subject of investigation so far. Apart from characterization, the present report describes receptor distribution in a number of brain regions, thus allowing for direct interspecies comparison under the same methodological conditions. 2-[125I]iodomelatonin labelled high-affinity binding sites in crude membrane preparations from these species. A series of kinetic and saturation experiments revealed that the binding was rapid, stable, saturable, reversible, of high affinity (Kd in the low picomolar range) and low capacity (Bmax between 1 and 20 fmol/mg protein). The competition studies showed that the relative order of potency of a variety of indoles for inhibition of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding was as follows: 2-iodomelatonin greater than 6-chloromelatonin greater than melatonin much much greater than 5-methoxytryptophol greater than 5-methoxytryptamine, and that it was similar in the different brain regions. Prazosin, which has been reported as an extremely potent melatonin analog in the hamster brain, possessed no potency in all preparations from different regions in the three species under investigation. The regional distribution of the receptor showed insignificant species differences. Highest density was always recorded in the median eminence/pars tuberalis (ME/PT) area. Other regions (SCN, POA and certain cortical areas), showed lower, but significant, receptor content. Saturation and competition studies revealed that these binding sites were also of high affinity, low capacity and high specificity. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Downregulation of protein kinase C levels leads to inhibition of GnRH-stimulated gonadotropin secretion from dispersed pituitary cells of goldfish.

We have previously shown that the abilities of the two native goldfish GnRHs, salmon GnRH (sGnRH) and chicken GnRH II (cGnRH II), to stimulate gonadotropin (GtH) secretion and elevate intracellular Ca2+ levels are mimicked by the protein kinase C (PKC) stimulators, 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol (DiC8) and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). The ability of PKC inhibitors to attenuate GnRH-stimulated GtH secretion was also demonstrated. In the present study, the involvement of PKC was examined through the reduction of cellular PKC levels by prolonged preincubation of the cells with TPA (TPA desensitization). TPA pretreatment reduced the levels of PKC in fish pituitary cells as measured by immunoblotting (Western blot). Pretreatment of dispersed goldfish pituitary cells in static culture with TPA abolished the GtH responses to sGnRH, cGnRH II and ionomycin, and drastically reduced TPA- and DiC8-stimulated GtH release, but had no major effect on forskolin-induced GtH release. TPA pretreatment also reduces the cell content of GtH in goldfish pituitary cells. Interestingly, treatment with all of the pharmacological secretagogues tested led to a decrease in cellular contents of GtH, however, the two native GnRHs had no such effect. In rapid column perifusion experiments (1-min fractions), the GtH responses induced by both native GnRHs were characterized by an initial acute increase in hormone secretion followed by a 'plateau' phase which is smaller in magnitude relative to the initial phase. TPA pretreatment of perifused cells greatly reduced both the peak and plateau phases of sGnRH- and cGnRHII-stimulated GtH secretion;TPA-induced GtH release is also greatly attenuated. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
An Evaluation of a Lyme Disease Prevention Program in a Working Population

Purpose. Lyme disease vaccine was offered to New York State Department of Health employees considered at risk for Lyme disease because of their job duties. This evaluation was conducted to assess (1) attitudes that affected employees' decisions to accept or decline the vaccine, (2) preventive behaviors among employees who received the vaccine, and (3) effectiveness of the educational modalities offered in improving knowledge of Lyme disease and Lyme disease vaccine. Methods. A total of 190 eligible employees were identified and were offered two educational modalities before deciding whether to receive the vaccine. The subsequent evaluation involved three telephone interviews, one pre-education and two posteducation-vaccination, to assess factors affecting the decision about vaccination and attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge among vaccine recipients (N = 30) and nonrecipients (N = 160). Results. This evaluation indicated that the majority of vaccine recipients decided to receive the vaccine because of an anticipated risk of tick exposure. For employees who declined vaccination, many were concerned about the safety (64%), novelty (56%), or efficacy (48%) of the vaccine. Posteducation knowledge of Lyme disease vaccine significantly improved among those who attended an education session compared with those who did not and was retained 1 year later. Discussion. The results suggest that when a vaccine-related disease-prevention program is undertaken, (1) attitudes about disease risks and vaccine risks influence decisions to accept vaccination, and (2) in-person education should be a mandatory element of the program.
Functional Expression of an Osmosensitive Cation Channel, Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4, in Rat Vestibular Ganglia

Transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 4 is a nonselective cation channel expressed in sensory neurons such as those in the dorsal root and trigeminal ganglia, kidney, and inner ear. TRPV4 is activated by mechanical stress, heat, low osmotic pressure, low pH, and phorbol derivatives such as 4α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4α-PDD). We investigated the expression of TRPV4 in rat vestibular ganglion (VG) neurons. The TRPV4 gene was successfully amplified from VG neuron mRNA using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, immunoblotting showed positive expression of TRPV4 protein in VG neurons. Immunohistochemistry indicated that TRPV4 was localized predominantly on the plasma membrane of VG neurons. Calcium (Ca2+) imaging of VG neurons showed that 4α-PDD and/or hypotonic stimuli caused an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) that was almost completely inhibited by ruthenium red, a selective antagonist of TRPV channels. Interestingly, a [Ca2+]i increase was evoked by both hypotonic stimuli and 4α-PDD in approximately 38% of VG neurons. These data indicate that TRPV4 is functionally expressed in VG neurons as an ion channel and that TRPV4 likely participates in VG neurons for vestibular neurotransmission as an osmoreceptor and/or mechanoreceptor.
Mechanical ventilation strategies alter cardiovascular biomarkers in an infant rat model

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is routinely used in pediatric general anesthesia and critical care, but may adversely affect the cardiocirculatory system. Biomarkers are increasingly measured to assess cardiovascular status and improve clinical treatment decision‐making. As the impact of mechanical ventilation strategies on cardiovascular biomarkers in ventilated infants is largely unknown, we conducted this retrospective study in a healthy in vivo infant rat ventilation model using 14‐days old Wistar rats. We hypothesized that 2 h of mechanical ventilation with high and low positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP), hyperoxemia, hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and hypocapnia would significantly impact B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1). We found BNP to be driven by both high (9 cmH2O) and low (1 cmH2O) PEEP compared to ventilated control animals (P < 0.05). VEGF concentrations were associated with high PEEP, hyperoxemia, hypoxemia, and hypocapnia (P < 0.05), whereas ET‐1 levels were changed only in response to hypoxemia (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the mode of mechanical ventilation alters plasma biomarker concentrations. Moreover, BNP and VEGF might serve as surrogate parameters for ventilation induced cardiovascular compromise and lung tissue damage. Furthermore, our data support the hypothesis, that sudden onset of hyperoxemia may trigger a quick VEGF release as a possible cellular survival reflex.
Bacillus Calmette–Guérin Perfusion Therapy for the Treatment of Transitional Cell Carcinoma in situ of the Upper Urinary Tract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrarenal bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) instillation as a treatment for transitional cell carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the upper urinary tract.Methods: Diagnostic criteria of upper urinary tract CIS were (1) positive urinary cytology, (2) negative multiple random biopsy of the bladder and prostatic urethra, (3) negative radiographic findings in the upper urinary tract and (4) two serial positive cytologies in selective ipsilateral urine sampling from the pyeloureteral system. Eleven patients diagnosed as having upper urinary tract CIS were enrolled in this study. Thus, 11 renal units were treated with BCG instillation. After placing a 6–french Double–J stent, BCG (80 mg) in 40 ml saline was instilled into the bladder weekly, 6 times in total as one course.Results: At the end of one course, 9 cases showed negative urinary cytology. Among these 9 cases, 2 showed recurrence in the upper urinary tract after 4 months and 8 months of disease–free interval, respectively. These 2 cases have received an additional course of BCG instillation, but the urinary cytology did not normalize. Mean recurrence–free time was 19.6 months. Of the other 7 cases who responded to the first course of instillation, 6 cases were alive with no evidence of the disease. The remaining patient died of rectal cancer with no evidence of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Of the 2 cases who showed positive urinary cytology even after the first course, 1 underwent nephroureterectomy. The other case was diagnosed as having malignant lymphoma 3 months after the end of this instillation therapy, and he died of malignant lymphoma. As side effects, 8 cases (72.7%) showed bladder irritability, and 4 presented fever higher than 38°C. However, no patient needed antitubercular treatment.Conclusion: As for the short–term response, BCG instillation for the treatment of upper urinary tract CIS is considered to be effective and safe. Longer follow–up and further experience with this treatment are required.
Altered Repolarization Reserve in Failing Rabbit Ventricular Myocytes: Calcium and &bgr;-Adrenergic Effects on Delayed- and Inward-Rectifier Potassium Currents

Background: Electrophysiological remodeling and increased susceptibility for cardiac arrhythmias are hallmarks of heart failure (HF). Ventricular action potential duration (APD) is typically prolonged in HF, with reduced repolarization reserve. However, underlying K+ current changes are often measured in nonphysiological conditions (voltage clamp, low pacing rates, cytosolic Ca2+ buffers). Methods and Results: We measured the major K+ currents (IKr, IKs, and IK1) and their Ca2+- and &bgr;-adrenergic dependence in rabbit ventricular myocytes in chronic pressure/volume overload–induced HF (versus age-matched controls). APD was significantly prolonged only at lower pacing rates (0.2–1 Hz) in HF under physiological ionic conditions and temperature. However, when cytosolic Ca2+ was buffered, APD prolongation in HF was also significant at higher pacing rates. Beat-to-beat variability of APD was also significantly increased in HF. Both IKr and IKs were significantly upregulated in HF under action potential clamp, but only when cytosolic Ca2+ was not buffered. CaMKII (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II) inhibition abolished IKs upregulation in HF, but it did not affect IKr. IKs response to &bgr;-adrenergic stimulation was also significantly diminished in HF. IK1 was also decreased in HF regardless of Ca2+ buffering, CaMKII inhibition, or &bgr;-adrenergic stimulation. Conclusions: At baseline Ca2+-dependent upregulation of IKr and IKs in HF counterbalances the reduced IK1, maintaining repolarization reserve (especially at higher heart rates) in physiological conditions, unlike conditions of strong cytosolic Ca2+ buffering. However, under &bgr;-adrenergic stimulation, reduced IKs responsiveness severely limits integrated repolarizing K+ current and repolarization reserve in HF. This would increase arrhythmia propensity in HF, especially during adrenergic stress.
Changes in growth rates of oral jaw elements produce evolutionary novelty in bahamian pupfish

To understand the origins of novelty and the evolution of biological diversity, it is important to investigate the processes that generate phenotypic variation from genotypic variation. A number of path‐breaking studies have revealed the genetic basis for phenotypic differences between distantly related taxa, but how qualitative change is produced during the early stages of divergence is largely unexplored. Here, we focus on striking differences in jaw morphology exhibited by three closely related sympatric pupfish species (genus Cyprinodon) from San Salvador Island, Bahamas as a basis for investigating the genetic sources of morphological variation in recently diverged species. San Salvador Island pupfish are trophically diverse and display derived jaw morphologies distinct from any other species in the genus. We illustrate these qualitative morphological differences between species with 3D‐reconstructed CT‐images and camera lucida drawings of the skulls of wild‐caught fish. Quantitative data representing the size of individual bony skull elements in wild fish show how qualitatively novel morphologies arise as a consequence of changes to the size and shape of individual skull elements, particularly the dentary, premaxilla, and maxilla bones associated with the oral jaws. Consistent with these comparative data is that the growth rate of individual bony skull elements, measured on a developmental time series of lab‐reared fish, differs between species. Our data provide a critical foundation for future studies developing San Salvador Cyprinodon pupfishes as a model system to understand the evolution and development of novel morphologies at the species level. J. Morphol. 277:935–947, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Random Sample (DOPPS) versus Census-Based (Registry) Approaches to Kidney Disease Research

This review describes advantages and limitations of registries that base their analyses on the census of all patients. Registries may utilize the random sample approach to enrich their data for more detailed and informative research. The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Pattern Study (DOPPS) and its random sample approach is discussed here in detail, with examples on the value of this method. The DOPPS is currently being expanded to allow for even more valuable studies. This methodology can also be applied to large countries that do not have an existing registry, as it is an effective way of collecting detailed information at a relatively low cost that is representative of the country or population as a whole.
Gut Epithelial Vitamin D Receptor Regulates Microbiota-Dependent Mucosal Inflammation by Suppressing Intestinal Epithelial Cell Apoptosis

Recent studies show that colonic vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling protects the mucosal epithelial barrier and suppresses colonic inflammation, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be fully understood. To investigate the implication of colonic VDR downregulation seen in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, we assessed the effect of gut epithelial VDR deletion on colonic inflammatory responses in an experimental colitis model. In a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis model, mice carrying VDR deletion in gut epithelial cells [VDRflox/flox (VDRf/f);Villin-Cre or VDRΔIEC] or in colonic epithelial cells (VDRf/f;CDX2-Cre or VDRΔCEC) developed more severe clinical colitis than VDRf/f control mice, characterized by more robust T-helper (TH)1 and TH17 responses, with greater increases in mucosal interferon (IFN)-γ+, interleukin (IL)-17+, and IFN-γ+IL-17+ T cells. Accompanying the severe mucosal inflammation was more profound colonic epithelial cell apoptosis in the mutant mice. Treatment with caspase inhibitor Q-VD-OPh dramatically reduced colitis severity and attenuated TH1 and TH17 responses in VDRΔCEC mice. The blockade of cell apoptosis also prevented the increase in mucosal CD11b+CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs), known to be critical for TH17-cell activation. Moreover, depletion of gut commensal bacteria with antibiotics eliminated the robust TH1 and TH17 responses and CD11b+CD103+ DC induction. Taken together, these observations demonstrate that gut epithelial VDR deletion aggravates epithelial cell apoptosis, resulting in increases in mucosal barrier permeability. Consequently, invading luminal bacteria activate CD11b+CD103+ DCs, which promote mucosal TH1 and TH17 responses. Therefore, gut epithelial VDR signaling controls mucosal inflammation by suppressing epithelial cell apoptosis.
Tracer diffusion in a polymer gel: simulations of static and dynamic 3D networks using spherical boundary conditions

We have investigated an alternative to the standard periodic boundary conditions for simulating the diffusion of tracer particles in a polymer gel by performing Brownian dynamics simulations using spherical boundary conditions. The gel network is constructed by randomly distributing tetravalent cross-linking nodes and connecting nearest pairs. The final gel structure is characterised by the radial distribution functions, chain lengths and end-to-end distances, and the pore size distribution. We have looked at the diffusion of tracer particles with a wide range of sizes, diffusing in both static and dynamic networks of two different volume fractions. It is quantitatively shown that the dynamical effect of the network becomes more important in facilitating the diffusional transport for larger particle sizes, and that one obtains a finite diffusion also for particle sizes well above the maximum in the pore size distribution.
On the curvature and torsion effects in one dimensional waveguides

We consider the Laplace operator in a thin tube of with a Dirichlet condition on its boundary. We study asymptotically the spectrum of such an operator as the thickness of the tube's cross section goes to zero. In particular we analyse how the energy levels depend simultaneously on the curvature of the tube's central axis and on the rotation of the cross section with respect to the Frenet frame. The main argument is a Γ -convergence theorem for a suitable sequence of quadratic energies.
Renal denervation reduces office and ambulatory heart rate in patients with uncontrolled hypertension: 12-month outcomes from the global SYMPLICITY registry

Objectives: Renal denervation (RDN) can reduce sympathetic activity and blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension. The effects on resting and ambulatory heart rate (HR), also regulated by the sympathetic nervous system, are not established. Methods: Herein, we report 12-month outcomes from the Global SYMPLICITY Registry on office and ambulatory HR and BP in patients with uncontrolled hypertension (n = 846). Results: HR declined in correlation with the HR at baseline and at 12 months, in particular, in patients in the upper tertile of HR (>74 bpm). BP reduction was similar in the tertiles of HR at baseline. Similar effects were observed when 24-h ambulatory HR and SBP were determined. Office HR was similarly decreased when patients were on a &bgr;-blocker or not. Antihypertensive treatment remained unchanged during the 12-month period of the Global SYMPLICITY Registry. Conclusion: RDN reduces BP independent from HR. A HR reduction is dependent on baseline HR and unchanged by &bgr;-blocker treatment. The effects of RDN on SBP and HR are durable up to 1 year. HR reduction might be a target for RDN in patients with high HR at baseline, which needs to be scrutinized in prospective trials.