Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patch-Clamp Analysis of Membrane Transport in Erythrocytes

Among all the models used to study membrane transport, erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells, RBCs) have probably been the most utilised cell type. Radioisotopes fluxes, isosmotic haemolysis, ion content analysis (e.g. flame photometry), or fluorescence techniques have been widely used to characterise the various transporters present in the RBCs membrane. These techniques have allowed the description of several types of transporters such as pumps, specific solute transporters, symporters or antiporters, and even ion channels. However, the physiology of RBCs and their maintenance of homeostasis remains incompletely understood, and electrophysiology has proven, since the first single-channel recording on a human erythrocyte membrane thirty years ago, to be a very useful tool to understand more deeply RBC membrane transport. Why does one use these techniques on a small, non-excitable cell that has long been considered no more than an empty bag of haemoglobin? The diversity of transporters in the RBC membrane, including ion channels, shows that these cells are much more complex than expected. Indeed, ion channels now described in the RBC membrane (from Mammals to other Vertebrates) are implicated in important phenomena and functions throughout the cells lifespan (gas transports, cell volume regulation, differentiation and death). In this chapter, we will describe the main properties of the erythrocyte’s membrane transport system, how electrophysiological techniques can be applied, and how they have contributed to the comprehension of erythrocyte physiology with the description of the various ion channels that can be found in RBC membrane.
Enhanced-performance of AlGaN-GaN HEMTs grown on grooved sapphire substrates

We report significantly improved dc characteristics and RF performance of AlGaN-GaN HEMTs grown on grooved sapphire substrates. Grooves 60 nm deep with 2-/spl mu/m-wide ridges and 4-/spl mu/m-wide trenches were created along the <101~0> orientation of the substrate by inductively coupled-plasma reactive ion etching. Device mesas were defined over the trench regions where superior crystalline quality was observed by other characterization techniques. Compared to conventional HEMTs grown on the planar area, the devices on the grooved substrate show increased drain saturation current and peak transconductance. Their reverse gate leakage current is over three orders of magnitude lower. These devices also show increased off-state breakdown voltage with hard breakdown characteristics. For nominal 1-/spl mu/m-gate-length HEMTs, the best current gain and power gain cutoff frequencies were 15 and 54 GHz, respectively. The on-wafer output power, gain, and power-added efficiency of an unpassivated device measured at 4 GHz were 3.26 W/mm, 25.7 dB, and 55.6%. The enhanced performance is attributed to low-density mixed dislocations and high crystalline quality over the trench regions.
Antimicrobial flavonoids from Tridax procumbens

Callus culture of Tridax procumbens has been established on Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with NAA and BAP from nodal segments. Free and bound flavonoids were extracted from 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks old calli by a well-established method. These free flavonoids were then screened against Staphylococcus aureus (bacteria) and Candida albicans (yeast) for their antimicrobial potential. Minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations and total activity were also evaluated. Apigenin, quercetin and kaempferol were identified from free flavonoids of 4 weeks old callus (most active) through, thin layer chromatography, (TLC) preparative TLC, MP and IR spectral studies.
CARDIAC CONTRACTILITY AND STRUCTURE ARE NOT SIGNIFICANTLY COMPROMISED EVEN DURING THE LATE, HYPODYNAMIC STAGE OF SEPSIS

ABSTRACT Although cardiac function is depressed during endotoxic shock, it remains controversial whether the ventricular contractility and structure are altered during sepsis. To resolve this issue, rats were subjected to polymicrobial sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). At 2, 5, and 10 h after CLP (i.e., the early, hyperdynamic stage of sepsis) or 20 h after CLP (the late, hypodynamic stage of sepsis, based on the depressed tissue perfusion), in vivo left ventricular contractility parameters such as maximal rate of the left ventricular pressure increase (+dP/dtmax) and decrease (-dP/dtmax), maximal rate of “pressure-normalized” change in ventricular pressure (dP/dtmax/P), and ventricular peak systemic pressure were determined using a Digi-Med± Heart Performance Analyzer±. In additional groups of animals, ultrastructure of the cardiac muscle in the left ventricle was examined at 5, 10, or 20 h after CLP, using a transmission electron microscope. The results indicate that +dP/dtmax and dP/dtmax/P increased significantly at 2–10 h after CLP. The values of -dP/dtmax and ventricular peak systemic pressure increased significantly at 2 and 5 h after the onset of sepsis, respectively. These in vivo ventricular contractility parameters, however, were not significantly different from shams at 20 h after CLP. Ultrastructural examination showed that enlarged T-tubules were prominent during the hyperdynamic stage of sepsis, which was correlated with the increased cardiac contractility. Although focal and moderate hypertrophy as well as expanded intermyocyte junctions could be observed occasionally, myocardial cells did not appear to be compromised at 20 h after CLP. Thus, the transition from the hyperdynamic to hypodynamic circulation during sepsis does not appear to be due to any depression in myocardial function because cardiac contractility and structure are not compromised even during the late, hypodynamic stage of sepsis. However, further investigation is required to determine whether cardiac function is depressed at the terminal stage of polymicrobial sepsis.
Decentralized fault detection in Wireless Sensor Network based on function error

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have become an information collection and monitoring solution for a variety of applications. Faults occurring to sensor nodes are common due to the sensor device itself and the harsh environment where the sensor nodes are deployed. As one of the key technologies involved in WSNs, node fault detection is indispensable in most WSN applications. In this paper, a new approach for detecting faults in distributed wireless sensor network based on error function proportional to the deviation between the measurements is proposed. Besides, new coefficients to measure the difference between measurements and to do the test on the status of the node are determined in order to improve the fault detection algorithm. The result of simulations are convenient.
Risk of death and stroke associated with anticoagulation therapy after mitral valve repair

Objective Guidelines generally recommend oral anticoagulation to be considered the first 3 months after mitral valve repair based on small studies and consensus. However, in several studies no benefit of anticoagulation has been found. Methods From the national registries we identified all Danish patients who underwent mitral valve repair during the period between 1997 and 2012. Medication, hospitalisation and mortality data were studied. The association of use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) at discharge and risk of stroke/death was evaluated by means of Cox regression, landmark analyses and propensity matched models. Results 2188 patients without prior VKA use, stroke or death day 7 after discharge were included and median follow-up was 4.9 years (0–13.7). 859 (39%) were discharged on VKAs and 523 (24%) experienced death or stroke, 60 of these occurred within the first 3 months and 24 between 3 and 6 months. Compared with patients without post-discharge VKA, patients on VKA had a lower risk of death/stroke at 3 months (HR=0.28, CI (0.13 to 0.62), p=0.002) and in the time period from 3 to 6 months (HR=0.85, CI (0.35 to 2.07), p=0.72). Risk of significant bleeding complications within 3 months were comparable in the two groups with 23 (2%) among patients without VKA and 6 (1%) among VKA-treated. Conclusion VKA treatment after mitral valve repair is associated with a markedly lower risk of adverse events as stroke or death without excess major bleeding risk during the first 3 months following surgery.
Role of nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) transcription factors in skin and vascularized cardiac allograft rejection.

The fungal metabolites cyclosporine A and tacrolimus (FK506) are among the most potent immunosuppressive drugs available today (1). As inhibitors of the calcium-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase calcineurin, these drugs inhibit the dephosphorylation of the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), a process that is essential for the nuclear localization of the cytoplasmic components of the NFAT transcription complex. Currently, five different NFAT family members have been identified: NFAT1 (also known as NFATp/NFATc2), NFAT2 (NFATc1), NFAT3 (NFATc4), NFAT4 (NFATx/NFATc3), and NFAT5 (2). Our collaborator has previously demonstrated a preferential T helper 2 (Th2) differentiation and modulated T-cell receptor responsiveness of naive T cells in mice deficient in NFATc2 and NFATc3 (NFATc2/c3 double deficient [DKO] mice: BALB/c (H-2) background) (3). Moreover, several studies of one or two NFAT family members have attempted to address the role of NFAT in regulation of CD4 Th1/Th2 differentiation (4 – 8). Although NFAT family members play crucial roles in the development and function of the immune system, little work seems to have addressed their direct role in transplantation. In this study, we sought to explore the role of these molecules in both skin and cardiac transplantation models using allografts from BALB.B (H-2) donors. Allograft survival was slightly but significantly prolonged in mice deficient in NFATc2 and NFATc3 (DKO) recipients of skin grafts (18 days vs. 12.5 days, P 0.0001) (Fig. 1b) and in recipients of heart allografts (14 days vs. 8 days, P 0.0004) (Fig. 1a). Our in vitro studies showed that alloantigen proliferative responses are unaffected in DKO recipients by mixed lymphocyte reaction (data not shown). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) showed that interFIGURE 1. Allograft survival in DKO recipients; (a and b) Allograft survival was significantly prolonged in DKO recipients of skin grafts (b) and somewhat less prolonged in recipients of heart allografts (a). Th2 cytokine generation was enhanced by NFATc2/c3 deficiency; (c) production of the Th1 cytokine IFNwas significantly lower in the NFATc2and NFATc3-deficient (DKO) mice. DKO mice enhanced their production of IL-4. Data are representative of three independent experiments using at least n 3 mice per group. Allograft survival in TKO recipients; (d and e) TKO mice rejected both skin (e) and cardiac allografts (d) as promptly as wild-type BALB/c controls. Data from the figure (a and b): allograft survival in control and DKO is also used in the figure (d and e). **P less than 0.001; ***P less than 0.0001. DKO, NFATc2/c3 double-deficient; NFAT, nuclear factor of activated T cells; IL, interleukin; TKO, NFATc2/c3 and IL-4 triple-deficient.
Adaptive vision system for high velocity tooling machines

The work we present here is a diagnostic task, which must be solved for high velocity industrial tooling machines URANE-20. Due to environment degraded conditions, direct measurements are not possible, also for rapidity of the machine, human intervention is not possible in case of position fault. Therefore, an oriented vision solution is proposed. Degraded conditions are vibrations, dazzling, water and chips of metal projections. In this case, the once method cannot achieve a diagnostic problem: is it the right piece at the right place? That is why complementary methods presented in this paper are proposed in an adaptive way to solve this diagnostic problem. Image processing methods allow us to find image parameters. After a data analysis, image parameters are reduced. Then, using Bayesian approach and neural approach, it is possible to ensure the diagnostic result. With these two methods, we obtain encouraging results and we show that it is possible to improve the results by combining different classifiers approaches.
Robust Distributed Power Control for Cognitive Radio based Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks

Cognitive radio sensor network (CRSN) has emerged as a promising solution to address the spectrum-related challenges of wire- less sensor networks (WSN). Moreover, cognitive radio (CR) gives us a possibility to maximize the utilization efficiency of limited spectrum re- sources. In this paper, we propose an intelligent power control scheme to address the communication requirements in cognitive radio based indus- trial wireless sensor networks (CR-IWSN). Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks (CRSN) was considered as a promising tech- nique to overcome similar challenges observed in traditional wireless sensor net- works (2), and has been integrated in current and future radio access networks through recent literatures (3). Power allocation plays important role in multiuser spectrum sharing cognitive radio based industrial wireless sensor networks be- cause of the channel interference in radio transmission and interference temper- ature regulation. Therefore, how to allocate the transmit power to sensor nodes with a view to satisfying the interference threshold and maximizing the SUs' utilities is an important task in the implementation of cognitive radio based industrial wireless sensor networks. In this paper, we consider the underlay CR-IWSN where SUs and PUs com- municate with their SBSs and PBSs, respectively. Our objective is to optimizing the throughput of SUs and energy efficiency that can be supported, subject to the following constrains: - R1: Each SUs' required normalized SINR must be above a predefined thresh- old.
A CASE OF IMPAIRED KNOWLEDGE FOR FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

In this paper, we report the case of RS, a brain-damaged patient presenting with a disproportionate conceptual impairment for fruit and vegetables in comparison to animals and artefacts. We argue that such a finer-grained category-specific deficit than the living/nonliving dichotomy provides a source of critical evidence for assessing current alternative theories of conceptual organisation in the brain. The case study was designed to evaluate distinct expectations derived from the categorical and the knowledge-specific accounts for category-specific semantic deficits. In particular, the integrity of object-colour knowledge has been assessed in order to determine whether the patient's deficit for fruit and vegetables was associated with a deficit for that kind of knowledge, which has been claimed to be highly diagnostic for fruit and vegetables. The results showed that the patient's pattern of performance is consistent with theories assuming a topographical category-like organisation of conceptual knowledge in the brain.
Evaluation of a formalized encryption library for safety-critical embedded systems

Complex safety-critical devices require dependable communication. Dependability includes confidentiality and integrity as much as safety. Encrypting gateways with demilitarized zones, Multiple Independent Levels of Security architectures and the infamous Air Gap are diverse integration patterns for safety-critical infrastructure. Though resource restricted embedded safety devices still lack simple, certifiable, and efficient cryptography implementations. Following the recommended formal methods approach for safety-critical devices, we have implemented proven cryptography algorithms in the qualified model based language Scade as the Safety Leveraged Implementation of Data Encryption (SLIDE) library. Optimization for the synchronous dataflow language is discussed in the paper. The implementation for public-key based encryption and authentication is evaluated for real-world performance. The feasibility is shown by execution time benchmarks on an industrial safety microcontroller platform running a train control safety application.
Patient reported outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes on basal insulin randomized to addition of mealtime pramlintide or rapid-acting insulin analogs

Abstract Objective: To determine whether treatment satisfaction and quality of life were affected by adding mealtime pramlintide or rapid-acting insulin analogs (RAIAs) to basal insulin therapy for patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes. Research design and methods: In this 24-week open-label, multicenter study of adults with type 2 diabetes, mealtime pramlintide (PRAM) (120 μg fixed dose; n = 56) or titrated RAIAs (n = 56) was added to basal insulin therapy with or without oral antidiabetic medications. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT00467649 Main outcome measures: Quality of life (Diabetes Distress Scale – DDS, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index – PSQI), and treatment satisfaction (Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire – DTSQ, and Pramlintide Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire – PRAM-TSQ) were assessed at baseline and week 24. Mixed-effect models estimated mean group changes from baseline to week 24 (adjusted for baseline scores) in patient reported outcomes. Results: PRAM patients experienced significant improvement in total diabetes distress, while RAIA patients did not; both groups experienced significant improvement in regimen-related distress and physician-related distress. Between-group differences in DDS measures were not significant. PRAM patients experienced significant improvement in sleep latency and daytime dysfunction, while RAIA patients did not; the difference between groups was significant for daytime dysfunction. Both treatment groups experienced significant improvement in most individual DTSQ items and total diabetes treatment satisfaction, while only PRAM patients experienced significant improvement in perceived hypoglycemia. Between-group differences in DTSQ measures were not significant. Both treatment groups experienced significant improvement in most individual PRAM-TSQ items and total treatment satisfaction; RAIA patients experienced increased eating flexibility and reduced perceived weight control. PRAM patients experienced significantly better perceived weight and appetite control than RAIA patients. Limitations: The sample size was relatively small and there were few non-white subjects. The schedule for implementation of change in therapy may have affected study outcomes. Conclusions: Adding pramlintide on a background of basal insulin improved some aspects of treatment satisfaction and quality of life relative to adding rapid-acting insulin analogs.
CONFINED PLACENTAL MOSAICISM FOR TRISOMIES 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 16, AND 22: THEIR INCIDENCE, LIKELY ORIGINS, AND MECHANISMS FOR CELL LINEAGE COMPARTMENTALIZATION

Analysis of confined placental mosaicism (CPM) for trisomies 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 16, and 22, in diagnostic chorionic villus sampling procedures, demonstrates apparent incidences of CPM for individual trisomies of between 9 and 91 cases per 100 000 pregnancies, with trisomy 7 being the most common. More detailed analysis of the percentage of aneuploid cells present, and the distribution of abnormality between the cytotrophoblast and extra‐embryonic mesoderm cell lineages, shows a highly specific pattern for each chromosome. Theoretical considerations, in conjunction with direct observations, indicate that the overriding influence on the patterns of cell distribution seen in CPM is the distribution of aneuploid cells laid down during blastogenesis. This in turn reflects closely the origin of mosaicism from either correction of a trisomic conception or post‐fertilization somatic error. The pattern of aneuploid cells for each trisomy, as seen at the end of the first trimester and later in pregnancy, can therefore be used to predict the relative contribution of meiotic and mitotic errors to CPM, and hence the likely incidences of uniparental disomy from this source, upd(16)mat being the most common (1 in 10 000 continuing pregnancies). In addition, CPM for trisomies 2, 3, and 8 shows strong evidence of a non‐random distribution of aneuploid cells between the different extra‐embryonic cell lineages. Analysis of comparable data from spontaneous abortion material repeats this non‐random pattern for trisomies 2 and 3, and suggests that a similar phenomenon may also be occurring for trisomy 22. A non‐random distribution could be attributable to selection for or against, or intolerance of, particular trisomic cells in certain lineages, but is more probably a result of either cell lineage‐specific non‐disjunction or consistent uneven compartmentalization of aneuploid cells during blastocyst development.
Prevalence of Cerebral Microbleeds in Patients With Continuous‐Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Background The prevalence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in gradient echo T2*‐weighted brain MRI has a positive correlation with hemorrhagic stroke incidence. However, the prevalence of CMBs in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) has not been evaluated. We evaluated the prevalence of CMBs and the relationship with hemorrhagic stroke incidence in patients with LVADs. Method and Results We analyzed results from brain MRI in prospective examinations of 35 consecutive patients who had undergone LVAD explantation for heart transplantation or recovery since 2011. The number and distribution of CMBs were counted, then the relationship between baseline characteristics and adverse events during LVAD support were analyzed. The mean age was 37.7±12.4 years and the mean LVAD duration was 2.43±1.08 years. Thirty‐four (97%) patients had at least one CMB. Nine (26%) developed hemorrhagic stroke during LVAD support, and patients with hemorrhagic stroke had a significantly greater number of CMBs compared with patients without hemorrhagic stroke (5 [interquartile range (IQR), 4–7] versus 9 [IQR, 5–23]; odds ratio 1.14 [95% Confidence Interval (CI), 1.02–1.32], P=0.05). There was no significant relationship between age, LVAD support duration, or systolic blood pressure during LVAD. However, patients who had at least one episode of bacteremia (9 [IQR, 4–16] versus 5 [IQR, 3–7], P=0.06) and pump pocket infection (14 [IQR, 4–27] versus 5 [IQR, 3–7], P=0.08) showed a trend toward a greater number of CMBs than patients without bacteremia. Conclusions Thirty‐four (97%) patients with continuous‐flow LVAD had at least one CMB, and the number of CMBs were more prevalent in patients with hemorrhagic stroke and in patients with LVAD‐related infection.
Update on Leaf Functional Anatomy in Relation to Photosynthesis Leaf Functional Anatomy in Relation to Photosynthesis 1

Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–0033, Japan (I.T.); Center for Bioresource Field Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616–8354, Japan (Y.T.H.); Plant Systems Biology Group, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Max Planck Institute, Germany Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai 200031, China (D.T.); and Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 51014, Estonia (Ü.N.)