Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Acute Total Sleep Loss Affects the Attending Brain: A Meta-Analysis of Neuroimaging Studies

activation in multiple regions following sleep deprivation compared to rested wakefulness, including bilateral intraparietal sulcus, bilateral insula, right prefrontal cortex, medial frontal cortex, and right parahippocampal gyrus. Increased activation was found only in bilateral thalamus after sleep deprivation compared to rested wakefulness. Conclusion: Acute total sleep deprivation decreases brain activation in the fronto-parietal attention network (prefrontal cortex and intraparietal sulcus) and in the salience network (insula and medial frontal cortex). Increased thalamic activation after sleep deprivation may reflect a complex interaction between the de-arousing effects of sleep loss and the arousing effects of task performance on thalamic activity. Citation: N, Dinges DF, Basner M, How acute total sleep loss affects the attending brain: a meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies. and knowledge accrued across different studies. Applying ALE meta-analysis on neuroimaging studies of attention following a night of acute total sleep deprivation, we observed signifi cantly reduced brain activation in multiple areas, most concen-trically in bilateral parietal lobule, which are key parts of the attention network in the human brain. In addition, functional enhancement was demonstrated in bilateral thalamic areas. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first neuroimaging-based meta-analysis on the effects of total sleep deprivation on brain function during attention, the cognitive domain most strongly affected by sleep loss. 6 The main findings are discussed below.
Sliding-mode quantized control of a class-D audio power amplifier

A quantized control law for a class-D audio power amplifier is presented. The control law consists of two feedback compensators and a sliding-mode quantizer. The feedback compensators are designed to stabilize the class-D amplifier and eliminate switching noise and harmonics in the audio band, while the sliding-mode quantizer converts a continuous control signal to a quantized one that serves as a switching command to an H-bridge power converter. The entire control system is operated in sliding mode. A practical simple approach to designing the compensators is presented, and a three-level class-D audio power amplifier with an LC output filter is built for verification. The experimental results show a high-quality signal reproduction with audio-band distortion and noise as low as 0.019 % for a 1 kHz test input.
The Exonuclease Homolog OsRAD1 Promotes Accurate Meiotic Double-Strand Break Repair by Suppressing Nonhomologous End Joining1[OPEN]

The 9-1-1 complex member RAD1 directly interacts with HUS1 and RAD9 and facilitates accurate meiotic recombination by suppressing nonhomologous end joining in rice. During meiosis, programmed double-strand breaks (DSBs) are generated to initiate homologous recombination, which is crucial for faithful chromosome segregation. In yeast, Radiation sensitive1 (RAD1) acts together with Radiation sensitive9 (RAD9) and Hydroxyurea sensitive1 (HUS1) to facilitate meiotic recombination via cell-cycle checkpoint control. However, little is known about the meiotic functions of these proteins in higher eukaryotes. Here, we characterized a RAD1 homolog in rice (Oryza sativa) and obtained evidence that O. sativa RAD1 (OsRAD1) is important for meiotic DSB repair. Loss of OsRAD1 led to abnormal chromosome association and fragmentation upon completion of homologous pairing and synapsis. These aberrant chromosome associations were independent of OsDMC1. We found that classical nonhomologous end-joining mediated by Ku70 accounted for most of the ectopic associations in Osrad1. In addition, OsRAD1 interacts directly with OsHUS1 and OsRAD9, suggesting that these proteins act as a complex to promote DSB repair during rice meiosis. Together, these findings suggest that the 9-1-1 complex facilitates accurate meiotic recombination by suppressing nonhomologous end-joining during meiosis in rice.
Effects of dexamethasone on sodium-potassium-chloride cotransport in trabecular meshwork cells.

PURPOSE Previous studies in the authors' laboratory have shown that bovine and human trabecular meshwork (TM) cells possess a robust sodium-potassium-chloride (Na-K-Cl) cotransport system that functions in regulating intracellular volume and may play a central role in modulating outflow facility across the TM. Dexamethasone, which can induce ocular hypertension, has been found to increase resistance to aqueous outflow across the TM. The current study was conducted to investigate the hypothesis that alteration of TM cell Na-K-Cl cotransport function, regulation, or both may be an underlying factor in steroid-induced glaucoma. To this end, the authors evaluated the effects of dexamethasone treatment of TM cells on Na-K-Cl cotransport activity and cotransporter protein expression. METHODS Cultured bovine and human TM cell monolayers were exposed to dexamethasone (10(-9) to 10(-6) M) for varying times, then evaluated for Na-K-Cl cotransport activity or harvested for cellular membrane proteins. Cotransport activity was assessed as bumetanide-sensitive K influx. Cotransport protein expression was evaluated by Western blot analysis of cellular proteins using a monoclonal antibody to the human colonic T84 epithelial cell Na-K-Cl cotransporter. RESULTS The authors found that 24- and 48-hour exposures of human and bovine TM cells to dexamethasone stimulates Na-K-Cl cotransport activity (10(-8) to 10(-6) M dexamethasone in human cells; 10(-8) and 10(-7) M in bovine cells). The authors also found that dexamethasone (10(-8) M) stimulates Na-K-Cl cotransport activity of TM cells with exposure times as early as 12 hours and up to 5 days. In addition, the authors found that the level of Na-K-Cl cotransport protein expressed in TM cells is modulated by dexamethasone. When bovine or human TM cells are exposed to 10(-8) or 10(-6) M dexamethasone for 2 to 5 days, cotransporter protein expression is increased. With longer exposures, however, cotransporter protein levels decrease below control levels. Finally, the authors found that TM cells exposed to dexamethasone become unresponsive to regulation by hypertonicity and vasopressin. CONCLUSIONS The authors' findings suggest that dexamethasone may be exerting its effect, at least in part, through altering Na-K-Cl cotransport function and regulation in TM cells.
Polarization Effects in Microfiber Loop and Knot Resonators

We theoretically investigate the polarization effect of three-dimensional (3-D) microfiber/nanofiber (MNF) loop resonators and knot resonators. Due to the lack of circular symmetry, the coupling at the joint regions of loop resonator and knot resonator are highly polarization-dependent. Using Jones matrices to express coupling coefficients, we suggest a matrix formula to describe the propagation of arbitrary polarized incidence through the resonator. Thereby, the polarization effect of 3-D loop resonators and knot resonators can be comprehensively investigated. We find that the polarization properties of the resonance spectrum and Q -factor are strongly dependent on the parameters of the twisted region. Results obtained in this work may serve as helpful guidelines for MNF resonator design and fabrication.
IEC 62697-2012: State of the art methods for quantification of DBDS and other corrosive sulfur compounds in unused and used insulating liquids

This article describes state of the art methods developed by IEC TC-10 WG-37 for quantitative determination of a highly corrosive sulfur compound dibenzodisulfide (DBDS) and other corrosive sulfur compounds in unused and used insulating liquids. The methods permit an objective approach for assessing corrosiveness of insulating liquids rather than subjective assessment based on color perception that is prevalent in the current standard test methods for corrosive or potentially corrosive sulfur in insulating liquids. In addition, quantification of total corrosive sulfur (TCS) in insulating liquids permits an objective ranking of sulfur compounds according to their corrosivity towards copper.
Designed protein reveals structural determinants of extreme kinetic stability

Significance Much research has focused on the molecular basis for protein thermodynamic stability; by comparison, kinetic stability is much less understood. Thermodynamics define the equilibrium fraction of unfolded protein while kinetics define the rate of unfolding; the latter can be of great practical importance for ensuring a protein remains folded under biological conditions. Using extensive experimental and modeling analyses we show that ThreeFoil, a small glycan binding protein without disulfides, exhibits outstanding kinetic stability against chemical denaturation and proteolytic degradation. We demonstrate that high kinetic stability is successfully modeled in terms of extensive long-range intramolecular interactions. These results show that topological complexity is a key determinant of kinetic stability which should help in designing proteins to withstand harsh conditions. The design of stable, functional proteins is difficult. Improved design requires a deeper knowledge of the molecular basis for design outcomes and properties. We previously used a bioinformatics and energy function method to design a symmetric superfold protein composed of repeating structural elements with multivalent carbohydrate-binding function, called ThreeFoil. This and similar methods have produced a notably high yield of stable proteins. Using a battery of experimental and computational analyses we show that despite its small size and lack of disulfide bonds, ThreeFoil has remarkably high kinetic stability and its folding is specifically chaperoned by carbohydrate binding. It is also extremely stable against thermal and chemical denaturation and proteolytic degradation. We demonstrate that the kinetic stability can be predicted and modeled using absolute contact order (ACO) and long-range order (LRO), as well as coarse-grained simulations; the stability arises from a topology that includes many long-range contacts which create a large and highly cooperative energy barrier for unfolding and folding. Extensive data from proteomic screens and other experiments reveal that a high ACO/LRO is a general feature of proteins with strong resistances to denaturation and degradation. These results provide tractable approaches for predicting resistance and designing proteins with sufficient topological complexity and long-range interactions to accommodate destabilizing functional features as well as withstand chemical and proteolytic challenge.
Mixing in gravity currents

Abstract We study entrainment in lock-release gravity currents using highly spatially resolved optical transmission experiments and quantitative analysis of the available potential energy of the flow. The principal results provide a resolution to the debate regarding the mechanism and degree of mixing in the head of a gravity current during the slumping phase. The nature of the complex internal mixing structure changes as a bore propagates from the tail to the head of the current during the slumping phase and overtakes its leading edge. We use quantitative methods to identify the connection between dynamics and entrainment and show that its manifestation as examined using different methodologies is the cause of previous contradictory experimental findings. Therefore, we conclude that the two main perspectives previously considered at odds are in accord.
Detection of Cardiovascular Disease in Elite Athletes Using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract Purpose: Sudden cardiac death [SCD] in competitive athletes is caused by a diverse set of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy [HCM/DCM], myocarditis, coronary anomalies or even coronary artery disease. In order to identify potential risk factors responsible for SCD, elite athletes underwent cardiac magnetic resonance [CMR] imaging. Materials and Methods: 73 male [M] and 22 female [F] athletes (mean age 35.2 ± 11.4 years) underwent CMR imaging. ECG-gated breath-hold cine SSFP sequences were used for the evaluation of wall motion abnormalities and myocardial hypertrophy as well as for quantitative analysis (left and right ventricular [LV, RV] end-diastolic and end-systolic volume [EDV, ESV], stroke volume [SV], ejection fraction [EF] and myocardial mass [MM]). Furthermore, left and right atrial sizes were assessed by planimetry and delayed enhancement imaging was performed 10 minutes after the application of contrast agent. Coronary arteries were depicted using free-breathing Flash-3 D MR angiography. Results: The quantitative analyses showed eccentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle (remodeling index [MM/LV-EDV]: M 0.75, F 0.665), enlargement of the RV volumes (RV-EDV: M 122.6 ± 19.0 ml/m², F 99.9 ± 7.2 ml/m²) and an increased SV (LV-SV: M 64.7 ± 10.0 ml/m², F 56.5 ± 5.7 ml/m²; RV-SV; M 66.7 ± 10.4 ml/m², F 54.2 ± 7.1 ml/m²). Abnormal findings were detected in 6 athletes (6.3 %) including one benign variant of coronary anomaly and abnormal late gadolinium enhancement in 2 cases. None of the athletes showed wall motion abnormalities or signs of myocardial ischemia. Conclusion: CMR imaging of endurance athletes revealed abnormal findings in more than 5 % of the athletes. However, the prognostic significance remains unclear. Thus, cardiac MRI cannot be recommended as a routine examination in the care of athletes. Key points: CMR imaging helps clinicians to detect cardiovascular diseases in elite athletes. Differentiation between physiological adaptations and DCM/HCM can be a challenging task. Routine cardiac MRI examinations of endurance athletes cannot be recommended. Citation Format: Mangold S, Kramer U, FranzenE et al. Detection of Cardiovascular Disease in Elite Athletes Using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2013; 185: 1167 – 1174
Use of clinical practice guidelines by dentists: findings from the Japanese dental practice‐based research network

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to: (1) examine differences in the use of dental clinical practice guidelines among Japanese dentists, and (2) identify characteristics associated with the number of guidelines used by participating dentists. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study consisting of a questionnaire survey in Japan between July 2014 and May 2015. The study queried dentists working in outpatient dental practices who are affiliated with the Dental Practice-Based Research Network Japan (n = 148). They were asked whether they have used each of 15 Japanese dental clinical guidelines. Associations between the number of guidelines used by participants and specific characteristics were analysed via negative binomial regression analysis. RESULTS The mean number of guidelines used by participating dentists was 2.5 ± 2.9 [standard deviation (SD)]. Rate of use of guidelines showed substantial variation, from 5% to 34% among dentists. The proportion of dentists that used guidelines was the highest among oral medicine specialists, who had the highest proportion for 10 of 15 guidelines. Negative binomial regression analysis identified three factors significantly associated with the number of guidelines used: 'years since graduation from dental school', 'specialty practice' and 'practice busyness'. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the use of clinical practice guidelines by Japanese dentists may still be inadequate. Training in the use of the guidelines could be given to dental students as undergraduate education and to young clinicians as continuing education.
Determination of vancomycin in human serum by high-pressure liquid chromatography

A rapid, accurate, reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatographic procedure for vancomycin quantitation in human serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and peritoneal fluid was developed. This procedure involves a simple chemical extraction of the antibiotic and is suitable for each of these body fluids. The column and mobile phase used provided a good resolution of the vancomycin peak with a retention time of 6.1 min. The precision of the assay was within the requirement for a daily routine clinical application. Coefficients of variation for within-day reproducibility were 5.80 and 6.28%, respectively, for samples at 50 and 25 micrograms/ml, and for between-day reproducibility they were 11.4 and 11.1%, respectively. No interference was found with respect to beta-lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotics and many other currently used drugs, indicating a good specificity for the procedure. The detection limit of 100 ng/ml has proven to be sufficient for monitoring drug levels in serum obtained after usual dosages. Drug levels in 112 clinical serum specimens assayed by high-pressure liquid chromatography were regressed against the levels obtained for the same samples by radioimmunoassay and fluorescent polarization immunoassay. Correlation coefficients were 0.945 and 0.967, respectively, and were highly significant (alpha less than 0.001).
Multiple attacks of hepatitis in drug addicts: biochemical, immunochemical, and morphologic characteristics.

Three different types of immunochemical response were noted in association with recurrent attacks of jaundice in 27 addicts who used amphetamine iv. Type I was characterized by high levels of IgM in serum but no demonstrable hepatitis B antigen (HB Ag) in serum, while another type (II) was associated with this antigen in serum. Both types were associated with the classical histopathologic picture of viral hepatitis. According to results of previous studies on immunoglobulins in viral hepatitis, type I is assumed to represent hepatitis A, while the presence of HB Ag in serum (type II) is considered indicative of hepatitis B. The third type of immunochemical response (III) was characterized by almost normal levels of IgM and no demonstrable HB Ag in serum. This type of reaction had a different pattern in the results of certain biochemical tests for liver function and was also associated with a different histopathologic picture, including Kupffer-cell reaction and lobular infiltration of groups of mononuclear inflammatory cells, but no obvious damage to the parenchymal cells.
Banking Crises and Short and Medium Term Output Losses in Developing Countries: The Role of Structural and Policy Variables

The aim of this work is to assess the short and medium term impact of banking crises on developing economies. Using an unbalanced panel of 159 countries from 1970 to 2006, the paper shows that banking crises produce significant output losses, both in the short and in the medium term. The effect depends on structural and policy variables. Output losses are larger for relatively more wealthy economies, characterized by a higher level of financial deepening and larger current account imbalances. Flexible exchange rates, fiscal and monetary policy have been found to be efficient tools to attenuate the effect of the crises. Among banking intervention policies, liquidity support resulted to be the one associated with lower output losses.
SELECTION OF POTENTIAL YY MALES OF NILE TILAPIA Oreochromis niloticus (LINNAEUS, 1758) AND EVALUATION OF THE PERCENTAGE OF MALES OBTAINED

Successful development of YY technology depends not only in the identification of YY males (YYM), but also on the evaluation of the percentage of males obtained from them. The progeny of selected potential YYM was evaluated individually in order to determine its genetic status. In total, 12 potential YYM and 12 normal females (XX) were selected. Potential YYM were selected taking into account external color, shape of the genital papillae and size. After individual crossing, a confirmed YYM was crossed consecutively with three XX females and three XY females to further assess the variation in the percentage of males obtained. A significant deviation from the 1:1 sex ratio expected for normal males (XY) was observed for ten of the twelve potential YYM that were evaluated, confirming YY status. Variation ranking between 88 to 93% in the percentage of males was observed in crosses between YYM and XX females. Finally, failure to obtain only 100% males was observed in crosses between YYM and XY females. This variation could be the result of the interaction of minor genetic parental factors or the water temperature during fry period. External parameter used for selection of potential YYM need to be optimized in further work.
Pharyngeal plexus neurectomy for alaryngeal speech rehabilitation

Pharyngeal constrictor and cricopharyngeal spasm have been implicated as deterrants to esophageal speech acquisition as well as tracheoesophageal phonation. Recent efforts to reduce the resultant hypertonicity include pharyngeal constrictor myotomies and modifications of pharyngeal reconstruction during laryngectomy. Investigation of the innervation of the muscular wall of the pharynx led to the development of a pharyngeal plexus neurectomy technique to alter the tonicity of the pharynx without myotomy. The resultant alaryngeal speech is fluent, and acoustic parameters compare favorably to esophageal speech.
Demographic Determinants of Tanzanian Graduates’ Entrepreneurial Entry Intentions: The Case of University of Dar-Es-Salaam

The main purpose of this paper is to identify the demographic determinants of entrepreneurial entry decisions amongst Tanzanian graduates. A cross-sectional design was used in gathering information, where a semi-structured questionnaire was applied. Systematic random sampling was employed to get the required sample size. Cross tabulation was used to compare the entrepreneurial entry intention between graduates who had studied entrepreneurship and those who had not studied entrepreneurship. Logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the impact of demographic factors on entrepreneurial entry. The study found that graduates’ sex, age, birth order position and marital status significantly contributed in predicting graduates’ entrepreneurial entry decisions. It was further found that marital status had greatest contribution than all four significant factors implying that, married graduates had stronger aspiration of becoming entrepreneurs than singles. The results were statistically significant at p < 0.05. Organizations intending to make any intervention on graduate entrepreneurship in Tanzania are urged to focus on married graduates. A study on joint venture creation among graduates is required. Researchers should focus on the contribution of joint venture in counterbalancing negative effects of age differences as well as the harmful effects of birth order positions due to their inborn or upbringings weaknesses.