Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of chronic alcohol consumption and aging on dopamine D1 receptors in Fischer 344 rats.

The present study examined the hypothesis that chronic alcoholism augments the age-related loss of dopamine D1 receptors. This hypothesis was investigated because previous studies reported that both aging and chronic alcoholism produce significant changes in dopaminergic systems, and because chronic alcoholism potentiates some age-related CNS losses. In addition, this study investigated the effects of aging on D1 receptors in animals 1 and 7 days after withdrawal from chronic ethanol. Quantitative autoradiography was used to measure [3H]SCH 23390 binding to D1 receptors in brain areas associated with both the nigrostriatal and mesocorticolimbic dopamine systems. Receptors were assessed in 5-, 14-, and 24-month-old male Fischer 344 rats that were pair-fed a control or 6.6% (v/v) ethanol-containing liquid diet for 6 weeks. The results of these studies demonstrated that aging is associated with a significant decline in D1 receptors in the rostral and caudal striatum, and substantia nigra of both control and ethanol-fed rats. These receptor changes in the nigrostriatal system may be associated with motor abnormalities. In addition, there was an age-related decline in D1 receptors in two brain areas of the mesocorticolimbic system: the nucleus accumbens and frontal cortex. The latter findings may be important because of the involvement of this system with the rewarding properties of ethanol and other drugs of abuse. There were no age-related differences in the response of D1 receptors to ethanol withdrawal in the caudal and rostral striatum, substantia nigra, and nucleus accumbens. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The evaluation of the radioprotective effect of chyavanaprasha (an ayurvedic rasayana drug) in mice exposed to lethal dose of γ‐radiation: a preliminary study

The effect of various doses of 50% ethanolic extract of chyavanaprasha (an Ayurvedic rejuvenating herbal preparation) was studied on the survival of mice exposed to 10 Gy of γ‐radiation. Treatment with chyavanaprasha, consecutively for ﬁve days before irradiation, delayed symptoms of radiation sickness and onset of mortality when compared with the non‐drug treated irradiated controls. All doses of chyavanaprasha provided a signiﬁcant protection against gastrointestinal (GI) death (death of animals within 10 days after exposure to radiation), however, highest protection against GI death was observed for 15 mg/kg chyavanaprasha. Chyavanaprasha also provided a signiﬁcant protection against the bone marrow death after 10 to 40 mg/kg. However, the best protection was seen for 15 mg/kg, where the highest number of survivors was observed at the end of 30 days post‐irradiation. The drug was non‐toxic up to a dose of 6 g/kg b. wt. , the highest drug dose that could be tested. Our study demonstrates that chyavanaprasha can provide good radioprotection at a very low non‐toxic dose. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CMOS bridging fault detection

The authors compare the performance of two test generation techniques, stuck fault testing and current testing, when applied to CMOS bridging faults. Accurate simulation of such faults mandated the development of several new design automation tools, including an analog-digital fault simulator. The results of this simulation are analyzed. It is shown that stuck fault test generation, while inherently incapable of directly expressing many of the likely CMOS faults, was still able to generate a set of effective test patterns. Current monitoring, however, by virtue of its more accurate model and less stringent detection criterion, was able to generate tests of measurably higher quality. It is concluded that the selection of one technique over the other becomes a cost tradeoff. Current testing produced test patterns that were consistently more effective in detecting bridging faults. This higher quality comes at higher start-up costs aid higher costs per chip design. <<ETX>>
The 1: 1 Principle in the Age of Linked Data

This paper explores the origins of the 1:1 Principle within Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI). It finds that the need for the 1:1 Principle emerged from prior work among cultural heritage professionals responsible for describing reproductions and surrogate resources using traditional cataloging methods. As the solutions to these problems encountered new ways to model semantic data that emerged outside of libraries, archives, and museums, tensions arose within DCMI community. This paper aims to fill the gaps in our understanding of the 1:1 Principle by outlining the conceptual foundations that led to its inclusion in DCMI documentation, how the Principle has been (mis)understood in practice, how violations of the Principle have been operationalized, and how the fundamental issues raised by the Principle continue to challenge us today. This discussion situates the 1:1 Principle within larger discussions about cataloging practice and emerging Linked Data approaches.
The Endplate Morphology Changes with Change in Biomechanical Environment Following Discectomy

Bone is a dynamic structure and is known to respond to changes in the load over time, in accordance with Wolff’s law. It states that the bone changes its shape and internal architecture in response to stresses acting on it [1]. Therefore, any structural changes in the spine may lead to bone remodeling due to changes in the optimal stress pattern. The changes in apparent density and thickness of the endplates following discectomy of varying amounts were analyzed. The study design coupled a bone remodeling algorithm based on strain energy density theory of adaptive remodeling with an experimentally validated 3D ligamentous finite element model of the spine. The apparent density and thickness of the index level endplates decreased above and below the region of discectomy. On the other hand, these parameters showed increases at the remaining regions of the endplate. There were no correlations between the amount of nucleus removed and the average percentage changes in apparent density and thickness of endplate above and below the discectomy region. However, the average percentage changes in apparent density and thickness at endplate in the other region increased with increase in amount of nucleus removed. These predictions are in agreement with the clinical observations [2-6].
Molecular Basis of Pterygium Development

Abstract Pterygium pathogenesis is mainly related to UV light exposure. However, the exact mechanisms by which it is formed have not been elucidated. Clinical advances in surgical treatment use conjunctival autografts and amniotic membranes in combination with adjuvant therapies, including mitomycin C, β-radiation, and 5-fluoroacil, to reduce recurrence. Several studies aim to unveil the molecular mechanisms underlying pterygium growth and proliferation. They demonstrate the role of different factors, such as viruses, oxidative stress, DNA methylation, apoptotic and oncogenic proteins, loss of heterozygosity, microsatellite instability, inflammatory mediators, extracellular matrix modulators, lymphangiogenesis, cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and alterations in cholesterol metabolism in pterygium development. Understanding the molecular basis of pterygium provides new potential therapeutic targets for its prevention and elimination. This review focuses on providing a broad overview of what is currently known regarding molecular mechanisms of pterygium pathogenesis.
2 Interactions Between Muscle Glycogen and Blood Glucose during Exercise

Muscle glycogen and blood glucose are important substrates for contracting skeletal muscle during exercise. The possibility exists for considerable interaction between muscle glycogen and blood glucose and their effects on muscle glucose uptake and glycogenolysis, respectively. Increases in blood glucose availability have little effect on net muscle glycogen utilization during prolonged, strenuous cycling exercise, but this may be dependent upon the mode and intensity of exercise. No data exist on the direct effect of reduced blood glucose levels on muscle glycogen metabolism. In rats, studies using the perfused hindlimb suggest an inverse relationship between muscle glycogen levels and glucose uptake. A similar conclusion can be drawn from a number of human studies albeit, on occasion, from indirect evidence. The influence of muscle glycogen on glucose uptake involves effects on both membrane glucose transport and intracellular glucose metabolism. Such a relationship would, under conditions of adequate muscle glycogen availability, limit muscle glucose uptake, thereby preserving the relatively small blood glucose supply for the brain, nerves, and blood cells, which are dependent on it for their energy metabolism.
The Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E5 Oncoprotein Inhibits Epidermal Growth Factor Trafficking Independently of Endosome Acidification

ABSTRACT The human papillomavirus type 16 E5 oncoprotein (16E5) enhances acute, ligand-dependent activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and concomitantly alkalinizes endosomes, presumably by binding to the 16-kDa “c” subunit of the V-ATPase proton pump (16K) and inhibiting V-ATPase function. However, the relationship between 16K binding, endosome alkalinization, and altered EGFR signaling remains unclear. Using an antibody that we generated against 16K, we found that 16E5 associated with only a small fraction of endogenous 16K in keratinocytes, suggesting that it was unlikely that E5 could significantly affect V-ATPase function by direct inhibition. Nevertheless, E5 inhibited the acidification of endosomes, as determined by a new assay using a biologically active, pH-sensitive fluorescent EGF conjugate. Since we also found that 16E5 did not alter cell surface EGF binding, the number of EGFRs on the cell surface, or the endocytosis of prebound EGF, we postulated that it might be blocking the fusion of early endosomes with acidified vesicles. Our studies with pH-sensitive and -insensitive fluorescent EGF conjugates and fluorescent dextran confirmed that E5 prevented endosome maturation (acidification and enlargement) by inhibiting endosome fusion. The E5-dependent defect in vesicle fusion was not due to detectable disruption of actin, tubulin, vimentin, or cytokeratin filaments, suggesting that membrane fusion was being directly affected rather than vesicle transport. Perhaps most importantly, while bafilomycin A1 (like E5) binds to 16K and inhibits endosome acidification, it did not mimic the ability of E5 to inhibit endosome enlargement or the trafficking of EGF. Thus, 16E5 alters EGF endocytic trafficking via a pH-independent inhibition of vesicle fusion.
Antenna-Diversity Techniques in Cars for FM-Radio, TV and Cellular Phone

Car producers prefer multi antenna scanning diversity systems to improve FM and TV reception quality. These systems are highly efficient and cost effective to reduce distortions going along with multipath propagation. A criterion for the diversity effectiveness of a multi-antenna arrangement on a car is derived. This number of equivalent decorrelated antennas being effective is evaluated by turntable antenna measurements as a basis for computer simulated virtual drives in a Rayleigh wave propagation scenario. The comparison of different antenna arrangements shows that even compact antenna systems integrated on one single car window provide high diversity effectiveness. Even mobile phone reception quality for GSM can be increased.
CYP2D6- and CYP3A-Dependent Enantioselective Plasma Concentrations of Ondansetron in Postanesthesia Care

BACKGROUND: An influence of polymorphic cytochromes P450 (CYP) 2D6 genetic variants on antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron has been suggested. However, the role of CYP3A in ondansetron metabolism and efficacy has been unclear. In this study, we evaluated the hypothesis that genotype-dependent CYP2D6 and CYP3A activity selectively influences plasma concentrations of ondansetron enantiomers. Additionally, the effects of doubling the ondansetron dose on genotype-dependent plasma concentrations were investigated. METHODS: Patients received IV ondansetron 4 or 8 mg for emesis prophylaxis before emergence from anesthesia. The CYP2D6-dependent activity score representing no, decreased, normal, or increased CYP2D6 enzyme activity as well as CYP3A low (CYP3A5*3/*3) and high expressor status (CYP3A5 wt/wt or wt/*3) were determined. Plasma concentrations of R- and S-ondansetron enantiomers were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Area under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUCs) of R- and S-ondansetron were associated with CYP2D6 and CYP3A5 genotype-dependent enzyme activity. RESULTS: Complete data of 141 subjects were analyzed. Concentrations of S-ondansetron differed between CYP2D6 activity groups (P = 0.01) with highest values in patients with no CYP2D6 activity (mean [95% confidence interval]: 362.5 [238.3/486.7] h · ng/mL) and lowest values in those with increased activity (149.6 [114.5/184.8] h · ng/mL) compared with subjects displaying genotypes resulting in reduced or normal CYP2D6 activity (263.6 [228.8/298.8], 255.4 [228.2/282.7] h · ng/mL). AUC of R-ondansetron was 2 times higher in CYP3A5 low expressors compared with high expressors (281.5 [248.6/314.3] vs 142.5 [92.4/192.7] h · ng/mL; P = 0.003). Doubling the ondansetron dose increased plasma concentrations only in individuals with low CYP3A activity, but not in individuals with high enzyme activity (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The metabolism of ondansetron seems to be enantioselective. In this postoperative setting, CYP2D6 activity scores correlated with concentrations of S-ondansetron, whereas CYP3A5 expressor status mainly influenced concentrations of R-ondansetron. Genetically and environmentally determined CYP2D6 and CYP3A enzyme activity might have implications for antiemetic efficacy.
Improving Testing of Complex Software Models through Evolutionary Test Generation

Considerable cognitive effort is required to write test cases for complex software and fix any defects found. As the generation of test cases using evolutionary computation has a long established track record, this paper explores whether this pedigree can be exploited to improve efficiencies in larger testing suites that typically address complex software models. A genetic algorithm has been designed and implemented with complex software models in mind, and then trialled against five real world programs that vary in scale and complexity. Results show that test case generation using an evolutionary algorithm on average can improve the number of coverage goals met by 75.83%. Therefore we conclude that even with complex models that have thousands of objects improvements can be made.
Dimensional Affect and Expression in Natural and Mediated Interaction

There is a perceived controversy as to whether the cognitive representation of affect is better modelled using a dimensional or categorical theory. This paper first suggests that these views are, in fact, compatible. The paper then discusses this theme and related issues in reference to a commonly stated application domain of research on human affect and expression: human computer interaction (HCI). The novel suggestion here is that a more realistic framing of studies of human affect in expression with reference to HCI and, particularly HCHI (Human-Computer-Human Interaction) entails some re-formulation of the approach to the basic phenomena themselves. This theme is illustrated with several examples from several recent research projects.
Distributed low‐frequency functional electrical stimulation delays muscle fatigue compared to conventional stimulation

We present a low‐frequency stimulation method via multi‐pad electrodes for delaying muscle fatigue. We compared two protocols for muscle activation of the quadriceps in paraplegics. One protocol involved a large cathode at 30 HZ (HPR, high pulse‐rate), and the other involved four smaller cathodes at 16 HZ (LPR, low pulse‐rate). The treatment included 30‐min daily sessions for 20 days. One leg was treated with the HPR protocol and the other with the LPR protocol. Knee‐joint torque was measured before and after therapy to assess the time interval before the knee‐joint torque decreased to 70% of the initial value. The HPR therapy provided greater increases in muscle endurance and force in prolonged training. Yet the LPR stimulation produced less muscle fatigue compared to the HPR stimulation. The results suggest that HPR is the favored protocol for training, and LPR is better suited for prolonged stimulation. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Breeding for resistance to scrapie: Detection of polymorphisms in the prion protein gene in German sheep breeds

Summary Scrapie is a fatal neurodegenerative disease of sheep and goats belonging to the group of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). TSEs are characterised by distinctive pathology, the involvement of a hostencoded prion protein (PrP) in disease development and genetic control of susceptibilit y. Polymorphisms in three different codons of the ovine prion protein (PrP) gene (136, 154, 171) determine the scrapie susceptibility of individual animals. In a number of countries, studies of PrP genotypes linked to scrapie revealed the resistance of homozygous prPARR /PrPARR animals and the high risk of animals carrying PrP*RQ and prpARQ alleles in scrapie-affected areas. Therefore, scrapie in sheep can be controUed by breeding for the resistant PrPARR /PrPARR genotype. We genotyped 1506 German breeding sheep from 16 different breeds in Northern Germany. At least five PrP allelic variants were found among these breeds and the greatest variability within the PrP gene was encountered in Texel sheep, where 14 different PrP genotypes were found. In important meat breeds like Suffolk, German Whiteheaded Mutton, and German Blackheaded Mutton the PrPARR allele was predominant. In these breeds the expected time of a few generations for breeding of scrapie-resistant pedigree flocks seems to be a feasible Option. For the examined Texel sheep, the German Merino, the German milk and the German land sheep breeds the frequency of the PrPARR allele was much lower. For several breeds no homozygous rams were available for breeding purposes at the time. The breeding strategy therefore depends on the number of PrP ARR heterozygous rams.
Quantitative Time-course Profiling of Parasite and Host Cell Proteins in the Human Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum*

Studies of the Plasmodium falciparum transcriptome have shown that the tightly controlled progression of the parasite through the intra-erythrocytic developmental cycle (IDC) is accompanied by a continuous gene expression cascade in which most expressed genes exhibit a single transcriptional peak. Because the biochemical and cellular functions of most genes are mediated by the encoded proteins, understanding the relationship between mRNA and protein levels is crucial for inferring biological activity from transcriptional gene expression data. Although studies on other organisms show that <50% of protein abundance variation may be attributable to corresponding mRNA levels, the situation in Plasmodium is further complicated by the dynamic nature of the cyclic gene expression cascade. In this study, we simultaneously determined mRNA and protein abundance profiles for P. falciparum parasites during the IDC at 2-hour resolution based on oligonucleotide microarrays and two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis protein gels. We find that most proteins are represented by more than one isoform, presumably because of post-translational modifications. Like transcripts, most proteins exhibit cyclic abundance profiles with one peak during the IDC, whereas the presence of functionally related proteins is highly correlated. In contrast, the abundance of most parasite proteins peaks significantly later (median 11 h) than the corresponding transcripts and often decreases slowly in the second half of the IDC. Computational modeling indicates that the considerable and varied incongruence between transcript and protein abundance may largely be caused by the dynamics of translation and protein degradation. Furthermore, we present cyclic abundance profiles also for parasite-associated human proteins and confirm the presence of five human proteins with a potential role in antioxidant defense within the parasites. Together, our data provide fundamental insights into transcript-protein relationships in P. falciparum that are important for the correct interpretation of transcriptional data and that may facilitate the improvement and development of malaria diagnostics and drug therapy.
Evaluating DACs linearity and intermodulation errors through an ANOVA approach

In order to assess the performance of digital to analog converters (DAC) the attention is generally focused on the integral nonlinearity (INL). Useful diagnostic tools to detect the causes of poor linearity are the linearity and intermodulation errors, which can be evaluated from INL measurements. Linearity and intermodulation errors highlight and quantify erroneous calibration and unwanted interactions between current sources inside the DAC hardware. Unfortunately, their estimates, especially those related to high order intermodulation errors are characterized by high uncertainty. It is thus difficult assessing their relevance on the base of their very uncertain value. It is shown that by means of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) the relevance of intermodulation errors can be assessed from a limited set of INL measurements. ANOVA is in fact capable of distinguishing if the variance in INL measurements has to be addressed to active factors or noise, even if the effect of each factor is widespread upon different elements of the INL array and in different combinations with the other factors.
Power and empowerment: Critical concepts in the nurse–client relationship

Abstract Two key concepts in health promotion within the nurse–client relationship are power and empowerment. Theorists and researchers have not achieved consensus on how they are to be defined and addressed. However, both power and empowerment are recognized to occur at macro and micro levels, and as such need to be addressed at each level. Using a critical nursing perspective, this article explores these concepts – it identifies concerns that arise around power and risks that arise in empowerment practice. Nurses are challenged to develop a new way of seeing empowerment practice, and encouraged to focus on ‘being with’ clients, rather than ‘doing to’ them.
An online SSVEP-based chatting system

This paper presents a steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) based online brain-computer interface (BCI) chatting system. In this application, it helps disable subjects to chat by means of their brain signal activities. Stimuli illuminated at different frequencies are displayed on liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. The BCI system implements a chatting interface programmed in Java, and it provides a convenient and high efficient communication platform for paralyzed patients. A novel idle state detection is introduced in this proposed system, and a high transfer rate of 63.54 bits/min and 92% idle state detection accuracy are achieved.
Simultaneous electrical and thermal modeling of mm-wave FETs

This paper describes simultaneous electrical and thermal modeling of signal and noise properties of the millimeter-wave FETs (based on three coupled-line theory). For the first time, the simultaneous determination of temperature dependence of signal and noise properties of distributed FETs by means of noise wave correlation matrix and scattering matrix is proposed. The results of Gass and noise parameters variations versus working temperature and frequency are presented.