Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation in expression of the outer hair cell P2X receptor conductance along the guinea‐pig cochlea.

1. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings were used to determine the variation in the P2X receptor conductance, activated by extracellular ATP, in outer hair cells (OHCs) isolated from each of the four turns of the guinea‐pig cochlea. 2. In standard solution (containing 1.5 mM Ca2+) slope conductances were determined in OHCs of known origin from current‐voltage relationships obtained from voltage ramps applied between ‐100 and +50 mV. Membrane conductance throughout this voltage range was greatest in OHCs originating from the basal (high frequency encoding) region of the cochlea. This gradient in OHC conductance from apex to base of the cochlea can be attributed to variation in expression of both a negatively activated K+ conductance and a TEA‐sensitive outwardly rectifying K+ conductance. OHC slope conductance measured about a membrane potential of ‐75 mV increased from a mean of 33.5 nS in the apical region (turn 4) to 96.8 nS in the basal region (turn 1) of the cochlea. 3. Removal of external Ca2+ reduced OHC conductance by an average of 25%, reflecting a Ca2+ dependence of the background conductances in these cells. In zero external Ca2+ the mean slope conductance measured at ‐75 mV in the apical turn was 25.0 nS compared with 73.8 nS in the basal turn. 4. In Ca(2+)‐free solution both 2 mM and 4 microM ATP produced inward currents that were progressively larger in OHCs originating from more basal regions of the cochlea. The steady‐state inward current elicited by 2 mM extracellular ATP increased from ‐1.44 to ‐3.26 nA for turns 4 and 1, respectively. 5. The P2X receptor conductance was determined between ‐100 and +50 mV by comparing voltage ramps in the presence and absence of extracellular ATP in Ca(2+)‐free solution. The conductance was inwardly rectifying with a reversal potential close to 0 mV. Measured close to the resting membrane potential of the cells (‐75 mV), 2 mM ATP elicited an average 300% increase in conductance in parallel with the systematic increase in background conductance which occurs in OHCs originating from the more basal regions of the cochlea. The conductance at ‐75 mV activated by 2 mM ATP increased from a mean of 59.6 nS in turn 4 OHCs to a mean of 166.2 nS in turn 1 OHCs. The conductance activated by 4 microM ATP was also greater in the basal turn OHCs (45.3 nS) than in the apical region OHCs (5.9 nS). 6. The number of ATP‐gated ion channels on individual OHCs, presumed to be localized to the stereocilia, increases from approximately 6000 in turn 4 cells to 16,500 in turn 1 cells, based on estimates of unitary conductance and average maximum ATP‐activated OHC conductance (2 mM ATP).
Genome‐wide association analysis of actigraphic sleep phenotypes in the LIFE Adult Study

The genetic basis of sleep is still poorly understood. Despite the moderate to high heritability of sleep‐related phenotypes, known genetic variants explain only a small proportion of the phenotypical variance. However, most previous studies were based solely upon self‐report measures. The present study aimed to conduct the first genome‐wide association (GWA) of actigraphic sleep phenotypes. The analyses included 956 middle‐ to older‐aged subjects (40–79 years) from the LIFE Adult Study. The SenseWear Pro 3 Armband was used to collect 11 actigraphic parameters of night‐ and daytime sleep and three parameters of rest (lying down). The parameters comprised measures of sleep timing, quantity and quality. A total of 7 141 204 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analysed after imputation and quality control. We identified several variants below the significance threshold of P ≤ 5× 10−8 (not corrected for analysis of multiple traits). The most significant was a hit near UFL1 associated with sleep efficiency on weekdays (P = 1.39 × 10−8). Further SNPs were close to significance, including an association between sleep latency and a variant in CSNK2A1 (P = 8.20 × 10−8), a gene known to be involved in the regulation of circadian rhythm. In summary, our GWAS identified novel candidate genes with biological plausibility being promising candidates for replication and further follow‐up studies.
Neuroblastoma cell death in response to docosahexaenoic acid: Sensitization to chemotherapy and arsenic‐induced oxidative stress

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid vital for the developing nervous system and significantly decreased in neuroblastoma cells compared to nontransformed nervous tissue. We investigated whether supplementation of DHA affects the susceptibility of neuroblastoma cells to oxidative stress generated endogenously and in response to cytotoxic therapy. DHA, but not the monounsaturated oleic acid (OA), induced dose‐ and time‐dependent neuroblastoma cell death. DHA supplementation was associated with depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and accumulation of DNA in sub‐G1 phase of the cell cycle. The antioxidant, vitamin E, inhibited mitochondrial depolarization and subsequent cell death induced by DHA, whereas, the mitochondrial pore inhibitor, cyclosporin A, partly inhibited DHA‐induced neuroblastoma cell death. Depletion of glutathione by L‐buthionine‐sulfoximine significantly enhanced the cytotoxic effects of DHA. Nontransformed fibroblasts were not substantially affected by DHA. DHA, but not OA, significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of cisplatin, doxorubicin and irinotecan both in chemosensitive and in multidrug‐resistant neuroblastoma cells. DHA potently sensitized neuroblastoma cells to a clinically relevant concentration (1 μM) of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) and enhanced the effect of the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac. These findings provide experimental evidence that the ω‐3 fatty acid, DHA, is cytotoxic to drug‐resistant neuroblastoma. The potent action of DHA with arsenic trioxide, NSAID and chemotherapeutic agents suggests clinical testing of this therapeutic concept in children with neuroblastoma. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pharmacogenetic association study of warfarin safety endpoints in Puerto Ricans.

OBJECTIVE This study was intended to determine the incidence rate of warfarin-related adverse events (e.g., bleeding) in Puerto Ricans and whether a genetic association between warfarin pharmacogenes and any of these adverse events was observed over the initiation period (i.e., the first 90 days of therapy). METHODS We conducted an observational, retrospective cohort study of pharmacogenetic association in 122 warfarin-treated, male, Puerto Rican patients (69.9 +/- 9.6 years) from the Veterans Affair Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS) who consented to participate. Genotyping was performed using the CYP2C9 and VKORC1 assays by Luminex. Event-free survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed by log-rank test. Cox regression models were constructed and hazard ratios (HR) calculated. RESULTS Carriers of functional CYP2C9 and VKORC1 polymorphisms demonstrated a higher incidence rate of multiple adverse events (i.e., 5.2 vs. 1.0 cases per 100 patient-months; RR = 4.8, p = 0.12) than did wild types. A significant association was observed between multiple adverse events and carrier status (HR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.0-6.3, p = 0.04). However, no significant associations between genotypes and individual outcomes over the first 90 days of therapy were found. CONCLUSION The association of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotypes and risks for adverse events due to exposure to warfarin was examined for the first time in Puerto Ricans. Despite a lack of association with individual events in this study population, our findings revealed a potential utility of genotyping for the prevention of multiple adverse events during warfarin therapy.
CMOS/SOS 4K RAMs Hardened to 100 Krads(Si)

Two CMOS/SOS 4K memories were fabricated with a recently developed, hardened SOS process. Memory functionality after radiation doses well in excess of 100 Krads(Si) was demonstrated. The critical device processing steps were identified. The radiation-induced failure mode of the memories is understood in terms of the circuit organization and the radiation behavior of the individual transistors in the memories.
Nonexpansive Immediate Breast Reconstruction Using Human Acellular Tissue Matrix Graft (AlloDerm)

Immediate breast reconstruction has become a standard of care following mastectomy for cancer, largely due to improved esthetic and psychologic outcomes achieved with this technique. However, the current historical standards—transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap reconstruction and expander-implant surgery—still have limitations as regards patient morbidity, short-term body-image improvements, and even cost. To address these shortcomings, we employ a novel concept of human tissue replacement to enhance breast shape and provide total coverage, enabling immediate mound reconstruction without the need for breast expansion prior to permanent implant placement. AlloDerm (human acellular tissue matrix) is a human-derived graft tissue with extensive experience in various settings of skin and soft tissue replacement surgery. This report describes the success using acellular tissue matrix to provide total coverage over the prosthesis in immediate reconstruction, with limited muscle dissection. In this population, 49 patients (76 breasts) successfully underwent the acellular tissue matrix-based immediate reconstruction, resulting in durable breast reconstruction with good symmetry. These findings may predict that acellular tissue matrix–supplemented immediate breast reconstruction will become a new technique for the immediate reconstruction of the postmastectomy breast.
Reassessing the Effects of Unemployment Insurance Generosity on Search Intensity: New Evidence from Earnings Histories

This paper provides the first nationally representative estimates of how unemployment insurance (UI) generosity in the United States affects the search intensity of unemployed individuals using individual level variation in UI generosity. The paper expands the current literature through fully simulating monetary eligibility and entitlement to unemployment insurance at the individual level where past studies have been unable to examine monetary eligibility and have relied on state variations in the maximum weekly benefit amount which can differ significantly from an individual’s actual benefit amount. To simulate monetary eligibility and entitlement, work histories of unemployed respondents were obtained through fully matching American Time Use Survey respondents to all of their observations in the Current Population Survey, the population from which they are drawn. The results suggest that higher replacement rates are associated with large reductions in time spent searching for a job during normal economic conditions with elasticity estimates ranging from -2.2 to -5.8. However, the results are more mitigated during the Great Recession and post recession period with higher replacement rates being associated with small and statistically insignificant effects on time spent searching for a job, although these results appear to be partially driven by the years 2009 and 2010 which were at the height of the labor market decline. The results also suggest that variations in potential weeks of benefits remaining do not appear to affect search times, although for the 2003-2007 period measurement error could be driving this result. JEL Classification: J64, J65
Analysis of glottal stops using pitch synchronous integrated linear prediction residual

This work analyzes excitation source to characterize glottal stops using integrated linear prediction (ILP) residual, derived by pitch-synchronous (PS) approach. The glottal stop consonant is produced due to laryngeal gesture in the form of constricted glottis. This pressed glottal configuration, leads to period to period irregularities, aperiodicity, and asymmetry. Normalized crosscorrelation coefficient (NCC) between two successive glottal cycles is computed to capture the dissimilarity between adjacent glottal cycles. Also to characterize the variation in the abruptness of glottal pulses, ratio between strength of excitation (SoE) at two consecutive epoch locations and temporal energy distribution using waveform peak factor (WPF) are computed. To capture the asymmetric behavior of each glottal cycle, higher order statistics (HOS) measures are evaluated. These features show discrimination between glottal stop and other adjacent sounds and can therefore be used for spotting glottal stops in continuous speech.
Quantitative assessment on the orientation and distribution of carbon fibers in a conductive polymer composite using high-frequency ultrasound

Conductive polymer composites, typically fabricated from a mix of conductive fillers and a polymer substrate, are commonly applied as bipolar plates in a fuel cell stack. Electrical conductivity is a crucial property that greatly depends on the distribution and orientation of the fillers. In this study, a 50-MHz ultrasound imaging system and analysis techniques capable of nondestructively assessing the properties of carbon fibers (CFs) in conductive polymer composites were developed. Composite materials containing a mix of polycarbonate substrates and 0 to 0.3 wt% of CFs were prepared using an injection molding technique. Ultrasonic A-line signals and C-scan images were acquired from each composite sample in regions at a depth of 0.15 mm beneath the sample surface (region A) and those at a depth of 0.3 mm (region B). The integrated backscatter (IB) and the Nakagami statistical parameter were calculated to quantitatively assess the samples. The area ratio, defined as the percentage of areas composed of CF images normalized by that of the whole C-scan image, was applied to further quantify the orientation of CFs perpendicular to the sample surface. Corresponding to the increase in CF concentrations from 0.1 to 0.3 wt%, the average IB and Nakagami parameter (m) of the composite samples increased from -78.10 ± 2.20 (mean ± standard deviation) to -72.66 ± 1.40 dB and from 0.024 ± 0.012 to 0.048 ± 0.011, respectively. The corresponding area ratios were respectively estimated to be 0.78 ± 0.35%, 2.33 ± 0.66%, and 2.20 ± 0.60% in region A of the samples; those of CFs with a perpendicular orientation were 0.04 ± 0.03%, 0.08 ± 0.02%, and 0.12 ± 0.05%. The area ratios in region B of the samples were calculated to be 1.19 ± 0.54%, 2.81 ± 0.42%, and 2.64 ± 0.76%, and those of CFs with a perpendicular orientation were 0.07 ± 0.04%, 0.12 ± 0.04%, and 0.14 ± 0.03%. According to the results of the orientations and ultrasonic images, CFs tended to distribute more uniformly in the deeper regions of the samples. This study validates that the distribution and orientation of CFs in conductive polymer composites could be sensitively and quantitatively assessed by high-frequency ultrasound in conjunction with current analysis methods.
A Study to Identify the Knowledge Sources Used by Nine Elementary School Principals in Virginia

ii List of Tables. viii List of Figures. ix Chapter I: Introduction to the Problem.1 Statement of Problem.3 Purpose of the Study . 4 Research Questions . 4 The Importance of the Principal as “Head Learner”. 4 Types of Knowledge Sources.7 Significance of the Study.16 Summary of the Study.19 Chapter II: Literature Review.20 Principals’ Effect on Achievement . 22 Schools’ Cultures.33 Teachers’ Use of Research . 35 Policy Groups’ Recognition of the Value of Research . 37 Barriers to Utilization of Knowledge Sources . 42 Summary.51 Chapter III: Methodology . 53 Theoretical Framework.54 Research Questions.55 Delimitations.55
The Fog Is Lifting; Veils of Mist Come and Go

The aim of this study was to illuminate experiences of the process of recovering from pathological dissociation. The study used data from interviews with six female participants diagnosed with pathological dissociative disturbances. All the women had a history of having been sexually abused. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Two main themes emerged in the analysis: social and relational change and self in movement. The themes mirror the interplay in the recovery process that took place both intrapsychically and with regard to the relational interplay between self and other significant people. The recovery process was dependent on an incipient sense of security in relational interaction, and this process was hindered by insecurity and ambivalence in relationships. Each patient’s relationship with her therapist also played a crucial role for the participants.
The Law of Primacy and the Utility of a Jet Transition Course.

Regional jet carriers have established Pilot Pathway Programs providing partnership opportunities with collegiate aviation programs in order to fashion pilot training at the undergraduate level. These partnerships provide aviation students early screening for employment with regional airlines and provide the university needed access to airline training material to fully prepare these students for success during regional jet carrier hire training. One of the main issues with normal FAA recommended pilot training and licensing progression is the emphasis on single pilot operations. The regionals operate aircraft requiring a cockpit crew. The challenges of the transition to a multi crew environment are discussed. Deficiencies noted during regional jet carrier new hire training are also discussed, along with traditional undergraduate aviation curriculum. The design, benefits, and goal of a jet transition course will be presented.
The Effects of Converting from Simvastatin to Atorvastatin on Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type‐1

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type‐1 (PAI‐1) is an important regulatory component of fibrinolysis and is elevated in the presence of endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction and PAI‐1 in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have been demonstrated to improve following simvastatin therapy. The effect of converting from simvastatin to atorvastatin on PAI‐1 has not been reported and may be an additional consideration when making a formulary medication switch. Fourteen adult patients with hypercholesterolemia and CAD who were receiving simvastatin fora minimum of 3 months were randomized to continue on simvastatin or be converted to atorvastatin. Doses were adjusted to achieve or sustain a low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of 100 mg/dL. A fasting lipid panel and PAI‐1 were obtained at baseline and following 10 weeks of treatment. Mean SD LDL cholesterol at baseline (95.6 13.8 vs. 87.012.3 dL, p = 0.24) and following 10 weeks of simvastatin or atorvastatin (96.6 8.9 vs. 87.4 20.3 mg/dL, p = 0.29) were similar. No differences in PAI‐1 were observed at baseline (47.7 19.3 vs. 64.6 22.2 ng/mL, p = 0.15) or at 10 weeks (51.1 32.5 vs. 63.9 26.9 ng/mL, p = 0.44). These data suggest that the conversion from simvastatin to atorvastatin does not adversely affect PAI‐1 plasma concentrations in patients with CAD.
No Evidence For an Association Between ROCK 2 Gene Thr 431 Asn Polymorphism and Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy : Preliminary Findings

No Evidence For an Association Between ROCK2 Gene Thr431Asn Polymorphism and Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy: Preliminary Findings Remzi YİĞİTER, Hakan BOZKURT, Serdar ÖZTUZCU, Şeniz DEMİRYÜREK, Tuncer DEMİR, Samiye USLU KUZUDİŞLİ, Mustafa YILMAZ, Abdullah Tuncay DEMİRYÜREK University of Gaziantep Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Gaziantep, Türkiye University of Gaziantep Faculty of Medicine, Department of of Medical Biology and Genetics, Gaziantep, Türkiye University of Gaziantep Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Gaziantep, Türkiye University of Gaziantep Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Gaziantep, Türkiye Zirve University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Gaziantep, Türkiye
Hydrogels for in vivo‐like three‐dimensional cellular studies

Extensive efforts have been made to understand the effects of extracellular microenvironments on phenotypic activities for a wide array of stem, progenitor, and precursor cells. Hydrogels have emerged as invaluable platforms for examining the effects of extracellular matrix (ECM) properties on cell activities because of their several advantageous features. Specifically, hydrogels are unique materials that enable cell studies in three‐dimensional (3D) environments, similar to in vivo environments. Recently, there have been increasing efforts to assemble cell‐encapsulating hydrogels; however, hydrogel design strategies for 3D cell cultures have not been systematically discussed to date. Therefore, this review article summarizes current hydrogel designs for 3D cell culture studies and further discusses current challenges and potential resolutions for enhancing the controllability of hydrogel properties and microstructures. The hydrogels discussed herein include those of natural polymers (e.g., collagen, fibrinogen, alginate, and hyaluronic acids), synthetic polymers [e.g., poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and its derivatives], and mixtures of natural and synthetic polymers. We envision that hydrogels that enable 3D studies will greatly assist in the understanding of emergent cell behaviors, and ultimately become important biomedical tools for enhancing the quality of in vitro drug screening and clinical treatments. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2012 doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1174
Study on equivalent circuit of wideband BPF using groundplane windowed SRR and its realization

This paper deals with the study on equivalent circuit of wideband bandpass filter (BPF) constructed using groundplane windowed split ring resonator (SRR). The study also covers realization and characterization of wideband BPF as well as its result comparison. The proposed wideband BPF is composed of 3 cascaded groundplane windowed SRR connected with microstrip lines. The equivalent circuit comprises of lumped elements of inductor and capacitor based on its geometrical structure and is performed using EM & Circuit simulator. Meanwhile, the realization is carried out using a 0.8mm thick FR4 Epoxy dielectric substrate with the dimension of 60mm × 20mm. The characterization result shows that the realized wideband BPF has the −3dB bandwidth response of 0.81GHz in the frequency range of 1.75GHz-2.56GHz which is comparable with the simulated result of equivalent circuit.
Recognition of lysozyme using surface imprinted bacterial cellulose nanofibers

Abstract Here, we developed the lysozyme imprinted bacterial cellulose (Lyz-MIP/BC) nanofibers via the surface imprinting strategy that was designed to recognize lysozyme. This study includes the molecular imprinting method onto the surface of bacterial cellulose nanofibers in the presence of lysozyme by metal ion coordination, as well as further characterizations methods FTIR, SEM and contact angle measurements. The maximum lysozyme adsorption capacity of Lyz-MIP/BC nanofibers was found to be 71 mg/g. The Lyz-MIP/BC nanofibers showed high selectivity for lysozyme towards bovine serum albumin and cytochrome c. Overall, the Lyz-MIP/BC nanofibers hold great potential for lysozyme recognition due to the high binding capacity, significant selectivity and excellent reusability.