Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of an Inlet Pressure Sensor for Control in a Left Ventricular Assist Device

A Tesla type continuous flow left ventricular assist device (VAD) has been designed by Penn State and Advanced Bionics, Inc. (ABI). When a continuous flow device is used, care must be taken to limit low pressures in the ventricle, which can produce an obstruction to the inlet cannula or trigger arrhythmias. Design of an inexpensive, semiconductor strain gauge inlet pressure sensor to detect suction has been completed. The research and design analysis included finite element modeling of the sensing region. Sensitivity, step-response, temperature dependence, and hysteresis tests have been performed on prototype units. All sensors were able to withstand the maximum expected strain of 82 &mgr;m/in at 500 mm Hg internal pressure. Average sensitivity was 0.52 ± 0.24 &mgr;V/mm Hg with 0.5 V excitation (n = 5 units). Step-response time for a 0- to 90-mm Hg step change averaged 22 msec. Hysteresis was measured by applying and holding 75 mm Hg internal pressure for 4 hours, followed by a zero pressure measurement, and ranged from −15 to 4.1 mm Hg (n = 3 units). Offset drift varied between 180 and −140 mm Hg over a 4-week period (n = 2 units). Span temperature sensitivity ranged from 18 to −21 &mgr;V/°C (n = 5 units). Gain temperature sensitivity ranged from −7.4 to 4.9 &mgr;V/°C (n = 5 units). With the inherent drift, it is currently not possible to use the transducer to measure actual pressures, but it can easily be used to measure pressure changes throughout the cardiac cycle. This signal can then be used in the control system to avoid ventricular suction events.
Specification of higher cortical functions

The frontal lobes are vulnerable to head injury. Because this evolutionary advanced area has long been associated with diffuse concepts such as personality and higher cortical function, the consequences of frontal lobe injury have generally been elusive. Modern techniques applied to nonhuman primates reveal a precise role of prefrontal areas in working, conscious memory that underlies comprehension, planning, and basic thought processes.
Measurement of Hemodynamic Energy at Different Vessels in an Adult Swine Model

Extra hemodynamic energy is one of the major benefits of pulsatile flow, improving blood flow to vital organs. But most (80%) of the hemodynamic energy generated from pulsatile flow is damped by the extracorporeal circuit. Most models devised to minimize hemodynamic energy loss have been in vitro pediatric models. The purpose of this study was to measure hemodynamic energy in different vessels of different organs with an in vivo adult swine model. An extracorporeal circuit was constructed for seven Yorkshire swine using a pulsatile pump (Twin-Pulse Life Support). The mean arterial pressure (MAP), energy equivalent pressure (EEP), and surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE) at the renal artery, carotid artery, aortic cannula site, and postoxygenator site were measured simultaneously before starting the pump and at the pump rates of 25, 35, and 45 bpm. The MAP of the renal or carotid artery was 40.0%–51.2% of the postoxygenator site. The EEP and SHE of both arteries were 11.6%–13.0% and 5.5%–7.4% of the postoxygenator site, respectively. The MAP and EEP of both arteries after starting the pump were lower than at baseline. The SHE of the renal artery after starting the pump was significantly higher than at baseline. The SHE of the carotid artery increased substantially after starting the pump although not statistically significantly. There was a significant hemodynamic energy loss in both arterial sites compared with the postoxygenator site. Also, a difference in hemodynamic energy loss was observed in vessel-to-vessel or vessel-to-circuit site comparison. This difference creates a bias in studying pulsatility and its effects. Therefore, the measurement method of hemodynamic energy must be standardized and the measurement site clarified to yield accurate study results.
A New Genus of Marine Scuticociliate (Protozoa, Ciliophora) from Northern China, with a Brief Note on Its Phylogenetic Position Inferred from Small Subunit Ribosomal DNA Sequence Data

ABSTRACT. The morphology, infraciliature, and silverline system of a new marine scuticociliate, Wilbertia typica n. g. , n. sp. , collected from coastal waters off northern China, were investigated. The new genus Wilbertia is characterized as follows: sculptured and dorso‐ventrally flattened body; dominant buccal field that is almost completely surrounded by the paroral membrane; three apically positioned long membranelles, arranged in parallel; membranelle (M)1 and M2 prominent, M3 small; reticulate silverline system. The type species W. typica n. sp. is defined by having a conspicuous anterior beak‐like protrusion; five to eight caudal cilia; M1 four‐rowed, M2 two‐rowed; M3, single‐rowed, bipartite; 15 or 16 somatic kineties; contractile vacuole positioned just posterior to the buccal field; globular macronucleus. The small subunit ribosomal DNA sequence of W. typica is 98.5% similar to the similar morphotype, Eurystomatella sinica. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Wilbertia groups with Eurystomatella sinica forming a branch that diverges at a deep level from all other pleuronematid scuticociliates. The molecular and morphological data indicate that Wilbertia should be placed within the family Eurystomatidae, which is closely related to the well‐known Cyclidiidae.
Contrasting developmental axon regrowth and neurite sprouting of Drosophila mushroom body neurons reveals shared and unique molecular mechanisms

The molecular mechanisms regulating intrinsic axon growth potential during development or following injury remain largely unknown despite their vast importance. Here, we have established a neurite sprouting assay of primary cultured mushroom body (MB) neurons. We used the MARCM technique to both mark and manipulate MB neurons, enabling us to quantify the sprouting abilities of single WT and mutant neurons originating from flies at different developmental stages. Sprouting of dissociated MB neurons was dependent on wnd, the DLK ortholog, a conserved gene that is required for axon regeneration. Next, and as expected, we found that the sprouting ability of adult MB neurons was significantly decreased. In contrast, and to our surprise, we found that pupal‐derived neurons exhibit increased sprouting compared with neurons derived from larvae, suggesting the existence of an elevated growth potential state. We then contrasted the molecular requirements of neurite sprouting to developmental axon regrowth of MB ɣ neurons, a process that we have previously shown requires the nuclear receptor UNF acting via the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway. Strikingly, we found that while TOR was required for neurite sprouting, UNF was not. In contrast, we found that PTEN inhibits sprouting in adult neurons, suggesting that TOR is regulated by the PI3K/PTEN pathway during sprouting and by UNF during developmental regrowth. Interestingly, the PI3K pathway as well as Wnd were not required for developmental regrowth nor for initial axon outgrowth suggesting that axon growth during circuit formation, remodeling, and regeneration share some molecular components but differ in others. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 262–276, 2016
Mathematical Modeling of the Glucose-Insulin System During Peritoneal Dialysis With Glucose-Based Fluids

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of peritoneal dialysis with glucose-based solution on plasma glucose and insulin responses in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), describe the glucose-insulin system using a mathematical model, and identify abnormalities in this system. Six-hour dwell studies—using glucose 3.86% solution with a volume marker—were performed in 13 stable, fasting, nondiabetic CAPD patients. We used a mathematical model based on the previous works of Stolwijk and Hardy (1974) and Tolic et al (2000) to estimate the parameters of glucose-insulin system, insulin sensitivity index (Sl), and glucose effectiveness at basal (SG) and zero (GEZI) insulin. The individual peaks in plasma glucose and insulin concentrations occurred after 30–60 minutes of the dwell, with the average increase of 52% and 168% over the initial values, respectively. Increased insulin resistance was found in most of these patients. Both clinical and simulation results demonstrated a high interpatient variability in glucose and insulin kinetics and glucose-insulin system parameters in the patients. We demonstrated a successful control of increasing plasma glucose by insulin, despite an increased insulin resistance, during CAPD.
Turbulence Characteristics Downstream of a New Trileaflet Mechanical Heart Valve

Design limitations of current mechanical heart valves cause blood flow to separate at the leaflet edges and annular valve base, forming downstream vortex mixing and high turbulent shear stresses. The closing behavior of a bileaflet valve is associated with reverse flow and may lead to cavitation phenomenon. The new trileaflet (TRI) design opens similar to a physiologic valve with central flow and closes primarily due to the vortices in the aortic sinus. In this study, we measured the St. Jude Medical 27 mm and the TRI 27 mm valves in the aortic position of a pulsatile circulatory mock loop under physiologic conditions with digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV). Our results showed the major principal Reynolds shear stresses were <100 N/m2 for both valves, and turbulent viscous shear stresses were smaller than 15 N/m2. The TRI valve closed more slowly than the St. Jude Medical valve. As the magnitudes of the shear stresses were similar, the closing velocity of the valves should be considered as an important factor and might reduce the risks of thrombosis and thromboembolism.
Distinct intracellular signaling mediates C‐MET regulation of dendritic growth and synaptogenesis

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) activation of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase influences multiple neurodevelopmental processes. Evidence from human imaging and mouse models shows that, in the forebrain, disruptions in MET signaling alter circuit formation and function. One likely means of modulation is by controlling neuron maturation. Here, we examined the signaling mechanisms through which MET exerts developmental effects in the neocortex. In situ hybridization revealed that hgf is located near MET‐expressing neurons, including deep neocortical layers and periventricular zones. Western blot analyses of neocortical crude membranes demonstrated that HGF‐induced MET autophosphorylation peaks during synaptogenesis, with a striking reduction in activation between P14 and P17 just before pruning. In vitro analysis of postnatal neocortical neurons assessed the roles of intracellular signaling following MET activation. There is rapid, HGF‐induced phosphorylation of MET, ERK1/2, and Akt that is accompanied by two major morphological changes: increases in total dendritic growth and synapse density. Selective inhibition of each signaling pathway altered only one of the two distinct events. MAPK/ERK pathway inhibition significantly reduced the HGF‐induced increase in dendritic length, but had no effect on synapse density. In contrast, inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway reduced HGF‐induced increases in synapse density, with no effect on dendritic length. The data reveal a key role for MET activation during the period of neocortical neuron growth and synaptogenesis, with distinct biological outcomes mediated via discrete MET‐linked intracellular signaling pathways in the same neurons. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 1160–1181, 2016
Cooperation and crosstalk in axon guidance cue integration: Additivity, synergy, and fine‐tuning in combinatorial signaling

Neural circuit development involves the coordinated growth and guidance of axons to their targets. Following the identification of many guidance cue molecules, recent experiments have focused on the interactions of their signaling cascades, which can be generally classified as additive or non‐additive depending on the signal convergence point. While additive (parallel) signaling suggests limited molecular interaction between the pathways, non‐additive signaling involves crosstalk between pathways and includes more complex synergistic, hierarchical, and permissive guidance cue relationships. Here the authors have attempted to classify recent studies that describe axon guidance signal integration according to these divisions. They also discuss the mechanistic implications of such interactions, as well as general ideas relating signal integration to the generation of diversity of axon guidance responses. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 891–904, 2017
Isolation and characterization of phenol utilizing bacteria from industrial effluent-contaminated soil and kinetic evaluation of their biodegradation potential

Microbial degradation of phenol by pure bacterial species is a well-known approach towards alleviation of environmental pollution. In this study, five phenol-degrading bacterial species designated as CUPS-1 to CUPS-5 were isolated from the oil-effluent dumped sites of Haldia Industrial area of West Bengal, India. Detailed morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization identified CUPS-3 as a novel strain- Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (GU358076), while the others could be identified as Pseudomonas (CUPS-2, 5), Delftia (CUPS-1) and Micrococcus (CUPS-4) genera, respectively. Although all of these strains utilized phenol as their sole carbon source supporting growth, three among them, CUPS-2, CUPS-3 and CUPS-5 proved potential phenol degraders and hence used for further biodegradation studies. Degradation experiments were carried out for several initial phenol concentrations of 500 mg/L, 750 mg/L, 1000 mg/L, 1250 mg/L and 1500 mg/L. The novel strain, CUPS-3 could completely degrade 500 mg/L phenol within 48 h, with 0.0937/h substrate degradation rate and 16.34 mg/L/h substrate consumption rate. The strains degraded phenol via meta-cleavage pathway. Prediction of kinetic parameters of the biodegradation was accomplished Haldane model using the experimental data of degradation rate and phenol concentration as function of time.
Wnt and Shh signals regulate neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation in the optic tectum of adult zebrafish

Adult neurogenesis occurs more commonly in teleosts, represented by zebrafish, than in mammals. Zebrafish is therefore considered a suitable model to study adult neurogenesis, for which the regulatory molecular mechanisms remain little known. Our previous study revealed that neuroepithelial‐like neural stem cells (NSCs) are located at the edge of the dorsomedial region. We also showed that Notch signaling inhibits NSC proliferation in this region. In the present study, we reported the expression of Wnt and Shh signaling components in this region of the optic tectum. Moreover, inhibitors of Wnt and Shh signaling suppressed NSC proliferation, suggesting that these pathways promote NSC proliferation. Shh is particularly required for maintaining Sox2‐positive NSCs. Our experimental data also indicate the involvement of these signaling pathways in neural differentiation from NSCs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 1206–1220, 2017
Insights Into Knowledge Representation: The Influence of Amodal and Perceptual Variables on Event Knowledge Retrieval From Memory

Event sequences or scripts are the conceptual representations of activities in memory. Traditional views hold that events are represented in amodal networks and are retrieved by associative strategies. The embodied cognition approach holds that knowledge is grounded in perception and retrieved by mental simulation. We used a script generation task where event sequences of activities had to be produced. Activities varied in their degree of familiarity. In a regressional design we investigated whether amodal or perceptual variables best predicted knowledge retrieval to gain insight into the underlying representation. Retrieval depended on the familiarity of the activity. While novel activities mainly relied on perception-based simulation and to a lesser extent on associative strategies, moderately familiar activities showed the opposite pattern, and events of familiar activities were retrieved by association alone. We conclude that amodal structures exist in all representations that become stronger with increasing frequency and finally prevail over perceptual structures.
Program for Effective Teaching: A Model to Guide Educational Programs in Strength and Conditioning

GREAT STRIDES HAVE BEEN MADE IN IDENTIFYING THE EXPERTISE NEEDED BY STRENGTH COACHES TO BE COMPETENT IN THEIR JOBS. AS OUR PROFESSION MOVES FORWARD, WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO REFINE AND STANDARDIZE THE KNOWLEDGE BASE OF THE FIELD. A METHOD HELPFUL IN ACCOMPLISHING THIS OUTCOME WOULD BE TO DEVELOP A MODEL TO GUIDE OUR EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS. THE MODEL BEING PUT FORTH IS KNOWN AS THE “PROGRAM FOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING”. THIS MODEL COULD SERVE AS A FRAMEWORK FOR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN THE PROFESSION WHILE AT THE SAME TIME BEING A STANDARD TO ASPIRE TO BY THOSE PROVIDING DIRECT SERVICES TO ATHLETES.
Impact of an estrogenic sewage treatment plant effluent on life-history traits of the freshwater amphipod Gammarus pulex

Despite efforts to upgrade sewage treatment plants (STPs) in the last decades, STPs are still a major source for the contamination of surface waters, including emerging pollutants such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Because many of these substances are not completely removed in conventional STPs they are regularly detected in surface waters where they have the potential to affect local macroinvertebrate communities. The objective of the current work was to investigate the impact of an estrogenic wastewater effluent on the key life-history traits of the freshwater amphipod Gammarus pulex. G. pulex was exposed in artificial indoor flow-channels under constant conditions to different wastewater concentrations (0%, 33%, 66%, 100%). In parallel the estrogenic activity of wastewater samples was determined using the yeast estrogen screen (YES). Estrogenic activities in the STP effluent were up to 38.6 ng/L estradiol equivalents (EEQ). Amphipods exhibited an increasing body length with increasing wastewater concentrations. Furthermore, we observed a shift of the sex ratio in favour of females, a significantly increased fraction of brooding females and increased fecundity indices with increasing wastewater concentrations. The increased body length is likely to be attributed to the additional nutrient supply while the occurrence of EDCs in the wastewater is the probable cause for the altered sex ratio and fecundity in exposed Gammarus cohorts.
Effects of &agr;2‐adrenoceptor agonists on tetrodotoxin‐resistant Na+ channels in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons*

Background and objective: When intrathecally or epidurally administered, &agr;2‐adrenoceptor agonists produce potent antinociception by affecting the activity of primary afferent fibres and spinal cord neurons. Recent reports have indicated that in dorsal root ganglion neurons, tetrodotoxin‐resistant Na+ channels play important roles in the conduction of nociceptive sensation. We therefore investigated the effects of &agr;2‐adrenoceptor agonists on tetrodotoxin‐resistant Na+ currents. Methods: Using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique, we recorded tetrodotoxin‐resistant Na+ currents from rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Results: Both clonidine and dexmedetomidine reduced the peak amplitude of the tetrodotoxin‐resistant Na+ current concentration‐ and use‐dependently. The concentration required for a half‐maximal effect was significantly lower for dexmedetomidine (58.0 ± 10.2 &mgr;mol) than for clonidine (257.2 ± 30.9 &mgr;mol) at holding potential −70 mV. The current inhibitions induced by these agonists were not prevented by 1 &mgr;mol yohimbine, an &agr;2‐adrenoceptor antagonist. Both clonidine and dexmedetomidine shifted the inactivation curve for the tetrodotoxin‐resistant Na+ current in the hyperpolarizing direction. The combinations clonidine with lidocaine and dexmedetomidine with lidocaine produced an additive blockade‐type interaction on the tetrodotoxin‐resistant Na+ current. Conclusions: The results suggest that a direct inhibition of tetrodotoxin‐resistant Na+ channels may contribute to the antinociceptive effects of clonidine and dexmedetomidine when used as additives to regional anaesthesia.
Vitamin D: Two Indications for the Price of One?

C P J / R P C • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 7 • V O L 1 4 0 , N O 6 In the last decade, claims have been made regarding the efficacy of vitamin D for different indications. Data from various trials suggest that vitamin D is associated with a lower risk of multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis. Sources of vitamin D include dairy products and supplements; however, the primary supply for humans results from the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol through photosynthesis in the skin. Due to reduced sun exposure, the elderly population in the northern hemisphere have the highest risk for vitamin D deficiency. The elderly are also at higher risk for osteoporosis and cancer. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) Canadian Consensus Conference on Menopause, 2006 Update, recommends 800 IU of vitamin D per day as adjunct therapy for patients taking medication to prevent osteoporotic fractures, while new information (2007) from the Canadian Cancer Society suggests a daily dose of 1000 IU during the fall and winter months for all adults and year-round for adults at higher risk for lower vitamin D levels (e.g., individuals who are older, have dark skin, or less frequent sun exposure). On the other hand, Health Canada continues to recommend a daily supplement of vitamin D 400 IU for people over the age of 50. Until consistent recommendations are made, pharmacists may question whether older patients should receive higher doses of vitamin D to decrease their risk of both osteoporotic fractures and cancer. This article reviews the mechanism of action of vitamin D in osteoporosis and in cancer prevention, and summarizes the evidence for the efficacy of vitamin D in both of these indications (Table 1).