Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complete characterization of SPADnet-I - a digital 8×16 SiPM array for PET applications

This paper presents the complete gamma characterization of the SPADnet-I sensor, a novel, fully digital SiPM array for PET applications. Each SPADnet-I pixel contains 720 SPADs and counting and timestamping logic, resulting in pixel dimensions of 0.6 × 0.6 mm2 and 42.6% fill-factor. Moreover, the sensor provides a real-time output of the total detected energy at up to 100 Msamples/s, which is internally used by a discriminator to distinguish gamma events from background noise. Results for the pile-up identification, crystal image and discriminator efficiency are presented. An energy resolution of 10.8% and a coincidence resolution time of 288 ps are reported.
Shear bond strength of six restorative materials.

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the shear bond strength of a conventional glass-ionomer cement, a resin modified glass-ionomer, a composite resin and three compomer restorative materials. Dentin of the occlusal surfaces from sixty extracted human permanent molars were prepared for shear bond strength testing. The specimens were randomly divided into six groups of 10 each. Dentinal surfaces were treated according to the instructions of manufacturers for each material. Each restorative material was placed inside nylon cylinders 2 mm high with an internal diameter of 3 mm, which were placed perpendicular to dentin surfaces. Shear bond strengths were determined using an Universal Testing Machine at crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min in a compression mode. Conventional glass-ionomer, Ketac-Molar aplicap showed the lowest mean shear bond strength 3.77+/-1.76 (X +/- SD MPa) and the composite resin, Heliomolar showed the highest mean shear bond strength 16.54+/-1.65 while the mean bond strength of Fuji II LC was 9.55+/-1.06. The shear bond strengths of compomer restorative materials were 12.83+/-1.42, 10.64+/-1.42 and 11.19+/-1.19 for Compoglass, Hytac and Dyract respectively. ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in the mean shear bond strengths of all groups (P<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the three compomer materials (P>0.5). Ketac-Molar and composite resin showed statistically significant difference (P<0.0005). The mode of fracture varied between materials. It is concluded that the compomer restorative materials show higher shear bond strength than conventional glass-ionomer and resin modified glass-ionomer, but less than composite resin. The fracture mode is not related to the shear bond strengths values.
Real time impedance plots with arbitrary frequency components

Temporal changes in the impedance spectra of bioelectrodes in contact with skin provide useful data for comparisons between differing electrode materials and skin preparation methods. Traditional impedance measuring systems employ swept frequency methods which will distort results in the impedance spectra of a sample which has nonstationary electrical characteristics. The system reported here obtains impedance spectra by applying a digitally constructed waveform consisting of many frequency components. This allows impedance values to be measured at a number of frequencies simultaneously. Sample data are provided and compared with data obtained using similar square wave techniques. Keywords: skin, electrode, bioimpedance, spectroscopy
Protective Effect of Ischemic Preconditioning on Cold Preservation and Reperfusion Injury Associated With Rat Intestinal Transplantation

ObjectiveTo define the protective effect of ischemic preconditioning on cold ischemia and reperfusion injury associated with intestinal transplantation, and the role of nitric oxide in this process. Summary Background DataIschemia/reperfusion injury continues to be a significant obstacle in small bowel transplantation. Preconditioning is a mechanism that protects against this injury. MethodsTo study the capacity of preconditioning to prevent cold ischemia-associated injury and the inflammatory response associated with intestinal transplantation, the authors studied a control group of animals, cold ischemia groups with or without previous preconditioning and with or without previous administration of L-NAME or NONOS, and intestinal transplantation groups with or without previous preconditioning and with or without previous administration of L-NAME or NONOS. ResultsHistologic findings and the release of lactate dehydrogenase into the preservation solution showed that preconditioning protects against cold ischemic preservation-associated injury. Preconditioning also prevented the inflammatory response associated with intestinal transplantation, measured by the above parameters and by neutrophil recruitment in the intestine. Inhibition of nitric oxide eliminates the protective effect. ConclusionsPreconditioning protects the intestinal grafts from cold preservation and reperfusion injury in the rat intestinal transplantation model. Nitric oxide is involved in this protection.
Heavy Metals Concentration in Water , Sediments and their Bioaccumulations in Some Freshwater Fishes and Mussel in Dhaleshwari River , Bangladesh

The spatial and temporal distribution of heavy metals in water, sediment, fish and mussel of Dhaleswari River, Bangladesh were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In water the concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu varied seasonally and spatially from 5.47-9.74, 38.25-63.28, 5.29-8.20, 378.87-501.11 and 98.37-188.08 μg/L, respectively. The sediment also showed spatial and temporal variation of Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu ranges from 135.02-231.44, 58.19-70.26, 2.11-4.14, 95.76-141.27 and 31.53-76.52 mg/kg, respectively. These variations are likely to be due to different collection spots with point and non-point sources and seasons. The concentrations of Cd, Cr and Cu were higher, while Ni and Pb were lower in water than those of sediment. In Trypauchen vagina, a bottom living fish, the concentration of Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu varied seasonally from 6.35-9.56, 6.14-8.03, 0.51-0.73, 6.92-12.23 and 5.43-9.45 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals in this fish were much lower than those of water and sediment. In Glossogobius giuris, also a bottom living fish, the concentration of Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu varied seasonally from 4.75-10.17, 4.25-8.17, 0.61-0.71, 7.15-11.92, and 5.17-7.48 mg/kg, respectively, which were slightly lower (except Cd) than those of T. vagina. In Lamellidens marginalis, a fresh water bivalve, the concentration of Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu varied seasonally from 6.07-11.32, 7.03-59.21, 0.56-7.23, 9.38-501.11 and 7.55-183.87 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of all the heavy metals studied were much higher in mussel than those of fish that indicate the greater rate of bioaccumulation in mollusc. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Differential Demands on Working Memory for Guiding a Simple Action Sequence: Evidence from Closed-head-injured Subjects

In the present study, a working memory paradigm was used to assess coordinative abilities required for the flexible control of a sequence of actions. Subjects had to maintain and recall a list of digits that functioned as an ensemble of activity cues used for guiding a sequence of forced-choice responses. In three task conditions, the demand on the selection of the activity cues was varied parametrically to manipulate the requirement of coordinating maintenance and processing operations of working memory for guiding the response sequences. A comparison between subjects suffering from severe closed head injury (CHI) and matched controls in a blocked presentation of task conditions revealed that patients, in contrast to controls, did not preplan the sequence by rearranging the ensemble of activity cues prior to execution of the action sequence. Patients' performance was more comparable to controls tested in a random presentation in which preplanning was not possible. Our results further suggest that patients are less efficient in selecting activity cues from working memory, especially in more demanding situations when activity cues have to be completely reordered for guiding a sequence of actions. These results point to an executive dysfunction in CHI subjects that may contribute to the deficits known as inflexible and rigid behavior.
Effects of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor on dopaminergic function and motor behavior during aging

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is critical in synaptic plasticity and in the survival and function of midbrain dopamine neurons. In this study, we assessed the effects of a partial genetic deletion of BDNF on motor function and dopamine (DA) neurotransmitter measures by comparing Bdnf+/− with wildtype mice (WT) at different ages. Bdnf+/− and WT mice had similar body weights until 12 months of age; however, at 21 months, Bdnf+/− mice were significantly heavier than WT mice. Horizontal and vertical motor activity was reduced for Bdnf+/− compared to WT mice, but was not influenced by age. Performance on an accelerating rotarod declined with age for both genotypes and was exacerbated for Bdnf+/− mice. Body weight did not correlate with any of the three behavioral measures studied. Dopamine neurotransmitter markers indicated no genotypic difference in striatal tyrosine hydroxylase, DA transporter (DAT) or vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) immunoreactivity at any age. However, DA transport via DAT (starting at 12 months) and VMAT2 (starting at 3 months) as well as KCl‐stimulated DA release were reduced in Bdnf+/− mice and declined with age suggesting an increasingly important role for BDNF in the release and uptake of DA with the aging process. These findings suggest that a BDNF expression deficit becomes more critical to dopaminergic dynamics and related behavioral activities with increasing age.
Chronic ethanol exposure enhances [3H]GABA release and does not affect GABAA receptor mediated 36Cl uptake

Chronic ethanol treatment (CET) produces a permanent reduction in hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP). The CET produced reduction of LTP can be eliminated acutely by Pharmacological blockade of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergicA synaptic transmission with the specific antagonist, bicuculline methiodide. Since LTP induction is normally modulated by activation of GABAergic synaptic transmission, we hypothesized that CET reduced LTP by enhancing either postsynaptic GABAA channel function or GABA release from presynaptic terminals. In the present study, we examined the long term effects of CET on GABAA channel function by measuring the efficacy of GABA to stimulate and bicuculline to antagonize GABA‐stimulated 36Cl− uptake in hippocampal and cortical membrane preparations. CET did not affect basal uptake of chloride or the efficacy or either GABA or bicuculline at the GABAA channel. We next measured the long term effects of CET on basal and stimulated GABA release. When basal and electrically‐stimulated [3H]GABA release were measured in superfused hippocampal slices, stimulated release was increased by 30% in CET rats. Basal release was unaffected. Thus it appears that CET may be reducing LTP by enhancing plasticityrelated GABA release from presynaptic terminals. © 1994 Wiley‐Lisa, Inc.
High leptin concentrations in serum of very obese children are further stimulated by dexamethasone.

Serum leptin concentrations and the levels of ob mRNA in adipocytes in obese humans are elevated. Hyperphagia and obesity are characteristics of hypercortisolism. We have therefore asked whether or not leptin levels were elevated in very obese children, and whether or not dexamethasone would increase leptin levels in obese children. A single dose dexamethasone suppression test was performed in ten obese children (5 girls, 5 boys; age 6 to 16 yrs, mean 12 +/- 1, median 12 yrs) to rule out hypercortisolism. Body mass index (BMI) in the ten children was calculated to be 27-45 kg/m2. Venous blood was sampled before dexamethasone was given in the evening and at 9.00 a.m. the following morning. Endogenous cortisol production was suppressed in all patients. Leptin levels, as measured by a newly developed specific radioimmunoassay, were 31.6 +/- 12.9 microg/l, range 19.2-59.9 microg/l before dexamethasone and 39.9 +/- 16.5 microg/l, range 26.3-80.3 microg/l after dexamethasone in the obese children (ANOVA, p = 0.01). Simple regression analysis revealed that serum levels correlated significantly with body mass index (r = 0.82, p < 0.001). Non-obese children (BMI < 27 kg/m2) had leptin levels between 0.1 and 33.3 microg/l, median 2.2 microg/l (N = 713). Girls (5.5 +/- 4.6 microg/l) (N = 401) had significantly higher leptin levels than boys (1.7 +/- 2.1 microg/l (N = 312) (p < 0.0001). We conclude that 1) high serum leptin concentrations are present in obese children. 2) A single dose of dexamethasone significantly increases the high leptin serum levels in these children. We hypothesize that glucocorticosteroids up-regulate leptin levels in the human.
Microsatellite variation for phylogenetic, phylogeographic and population-genetic studies in Lomatia (Proteaceae)

Abstract. Lomatia R.Br. is a genus of 12 species in South America and eastern Australia. Hybridisation is extensive in the Australian species and molecular work is required to understand phylogenetic relationships and examine potential gene flow among species. We developed a library of microsatellite markers for Lomatia silaifolia (Sm.) R.Br. These markers were tested across population samples of L. silaifolia and L. myricoides (C.F.Gaertn.) Domin, assessed for cross amplification across all 12 species of Lomatia, sequenced and inspected for variation in the microsatellite flanking region (MFR), and utilised for phylogeographic and phylogenetic analysis. Nineteen microsatellite markers were tested, 13 of which were polymorphic in size analysis. Four of the markers amplified consistently within Lomatia and the MFR had equivalent to or more sequence variation than the three universal markers (psbA–trnH intergenic spacer, PHYA, ITS). Variation within five individuals of L. silaifolia indicated that MFR could be phylogeographically informative. Combined phylogenetic analysis of Lomatia using universal markers and MFR resulted in a well supported tree; however, phylogenetic analysis of only MFR suggested non-monophyly of the species. Phylogenetic trees supported South American species as being diverged from the Australian species but paraphyletic with respect to the Australian lineage. Relationships among Australian species of Lomatia are correlated with geography rather than morphology. We found that microsatellite markers designed for Lomatia and the flanking regions can be informative at population, phylogenetic and phylogeographic levels.
Predictions of Relatives ’ Risk for Attention Deficit Disorder ( ADD ) and Anxiety Disorders According to Six Hypotheses and Their Risk According to Study Findings

Background and Method: This study tested hypotheses about patterns of familial association between attention deficit disorder (ADD) and anxiety disorders among 356 first-degree relatives of 73 clinically referred children with ADD and 26 normal comparison children. Through structured diagnostic interviews with trained raters, relatives were assessed for adult and childhood psychopathology. After stratifying the sample of ADD probands into those with anxiety disorders and those without, the authors examined patterns of aggregation ofADD and anxiety disorders in the relatives ofthese probands as well as in the relatives of the normal comparison subjects. Results: Familial risk analyses revealed that 1) familial risk for anxiety disorders was higher among all ADD probands than among the normal subjects; 2) familial risk for ADD was similar in the relatives of the ADD probands and of the probands with ADD and anxiety disorder; 3) the relatives of the ADD probands with and without anxiety disorders were at greater risk for ADD than the relatives of the normal subjects; 4) the risk for anxiety disorders was two times higher in the relatives of the probands who had ADD with anxiety disorder than in those of the ADD probands without anxiety disorders; and 5) there was a tendency for ADD probands’ relatives who themselves had ADD to have a higher risk for anxiety disorders than ADD probands’ relatives who did not have ADD (cosegregation). Conclusions: The results were most consistent with the hypotheses indicating that ADD and anxiety disorders segregate independently in families. (Am J Psychiatry 1991; 148:251-256)
Wave energy converters and their impact on power systems

The objective of this paper is to give an introduction into ocean wave energy converters and their impact on power systems. The potential of wave energy is very large. There are a lot of different methods and systems for converting this power into electrical power, such as oscillating water columns, hinged contour devices as the Pelamis, overtopping devices as the wave dragon and the Archimedes wave swing. The main characteristics of these wave energy converters are discussed. A lot of research, development and engineering work is necessary to develop the experimental systems into reliable and cost-effective power stations. The wide variety of systems makes it difficult to say general things about power quality. However, the large variations of output power are a common problem. Whether this can be solved by using wave farms has to be investigated further
Demonstration of a Metabolically Active Glucose-6-phosphate Pool in the Lumen of Liver Microsomal Vesicles*

Glucose-6-phosphate transport was investigated in rat or human liver microsomal vesicles using rapid filtration and light-scattering methods. Upon addition of glucose-6-phosphate, rat liver microsomes accumulated the radioactive tracer, reaching a steady-state level of uptake. In this phase, the majority of the accumulated tracer was glucose, but a significant intraluminal glucose-6-phosphate pool could also be observed. The extent of the intravesicular glucose pool was proportional with glucose-6-phosphatase activity. The relative size of the intravesicular glucose-6-phosphate pool (irrespective of the concentration of the extravesicular concentration of added glucose-6-phosphate) expressed as the apparent intravesicular space of the hexose phosphate was inversely dependent on glucose-6-phosphatase activity. The increase of hydrolysis by elevating the extravesicular glucose-6-phosphate concentration or temperature resulted in lower apparent intravesicular glucose-6-phosphate spaces and, thus, in a higher transmembrane gradient of glucose-6-phosphate concentrations. In contrast, inhibition of glucose-6-phosphate hydrolysis by vanadate, inactivation of glucose-6-phosphatase by acidic pH, or genetically determined low or absent glucose-6-phosphatase activity in human hepatic microsomes of patients suffering from glycogen storage disease type 1a led to relatively high intravesicular glucose-6-phosphate levels. Glucose-6-phosphate transport investigated by light-scattering technique resulted in similar traces in control and vanadate-treated rat microsomes as well as in microsomes from human patients with glycogen storage disease type 1a. It is concluded that liver microsomes take up glucose-6-phosphate, constituting a pool directly accessible to intraluminal glucose-6-phosphatase activity. In addition, normal glucose-6-phosphate uptake can take place in the absence of the glucose-6-phosphatase enzyme protein, confirming the existence of separate transport proteins.
Drugdrug interactions involving membrane transporters in the human kidney

The kidneys play a critical role in the elimination of xenobiotics. Factors affecting the ability of the kidney to eliminate drugs may result in marked changes in the pharmacokinetics of a given compound. Drugdrug interactions due to competitive inhibition of renal organic anion or cation secretion systems have been noticed clinically for a long time. However, our understanding of the physical sites of interactions, that is, the specific transport proteins that the interacting drugs act on, has just begun very recently. This review summarises the latest progress in molecular identification and functional characterisation of major drug transporters in the human kidney. In particular, the review focuses on relating cloned renal drug transporters to clinically observed drugdrug interactions. The authors opinion on the current status and future directions of research in these areas is also offered.
An abrupt InP-GaInAs-InP DHBT

We report on the performance of abrupt InP-GaInAs-InP double heterojunction bipolar transistors (DHBTs) with a thin heavily doped n-type InP layer at the base-collector interface. The energy barrier between the base and the collector was fully eliminated by a 4-nm-thick silicon doped layer with N/sub D/=3/spl times/10/sup 19/ cm/sup -3/. The obtained f/sub T/ and f/sub MAX/ values at a current density of 1 mA//spl mu/m/sup 2/ are comparable to the values reported for DHBTs with a grade layer between the base and the collector.
Dental attendance, perceptions of cost and self-care of school year 12 and 13 students: A focus on Southland, New Zealand.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Adolescents and emerging adults can provide dentists with many challenges. Little information is available on their perceptions of dental costs once they turn 18 and dentistry is no longer State-funded. The aim of this study was to explore the use of dental care by Southland students in years 12 and 13, their perceptions of the cost of four common dental procedures, self-related oral health and dental self-care habits, time off school related to dental problems, and knowledge and views regarding fluoride. METHODS After ethical approval, a 26-question survey was conducted of all Southland students in years 12 and 13. Data were statistically analysed in SPSS version 20 with the alpha value set at 0.05. RESULTS The participation rate was 49.6%. Regular attendance for examinations was reported by 77.5% with non-attendance mainly related to attitudes around lack of importance or necessity. Reported dental attendance varied according to gender, ethnicity and decile rating of school attended. Although some were accurate in their estimations of dental costs, the standard deviation for all procedures was large. The majority thought that costs put people off going to the dentist. While 74.8% brushed their teeth at least twice daily, only 26.6% flossed regularly. Knowledge regarding fluoride was lacking. CONCLUSIONS It may be advantageous to include education regarding costs of dental care with patients of this age. This may motivate them to improve their self-care and ensure that their oral health is of a high standard before their dental needs are no longer State-funded.
Basic biology and clinical application of specific cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors.

In summary, COX-2 is a highly regulated gene product that catalyzes the local production of PGs in pathologic and physiologic situations (Figure 1). It is clear that COX-2 is the isoform responsible for production of the PGs that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. However, the role for COX-2 in normal physiology is still being defined. Specific COX-2 inhibitors represent a significant conceptual advance in therapy for patients with arthritis. Although there is no expectation of superior efficacy, clinical trials suggest that efficacy will be comparable with that of nonselective NSAIDs. Clinical trials demonstrate the potential for clinically meaningful reductions in the incidence of the most serious GI complications found with nonselective NSAIDs, i.e., ulcer, perforation, and GI bleeding. Over the next several years, treatment of large numbers of patients with specific COX-2 inhibitors will help to define the biology of COX-2. The magnitude of this advance in the therapy of rheumatic diseases is yet to be accurately determined, but the development of specific COX-2 inhibitors may afford significant new treatment options for many patients.