Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serotoninergic varicosities make synaptic contacts with pleural sensory neurons of Aplysia

Serotonin is a modulatory neurotransmitter that produces many of the cellular changes associated with sensitization of reflexes in Aplysia. These changes have been carefully documented in sensory neurons located in the abdominal ganglion that mediate the gill‐siphon withdrawal reflex and in sensory neurons located in the pleural ganglion that mediate the tail‐siphon withdrawal reflex. Although serotonin appears to be necessary for sensitization, there is no direct evidence that serotoninergic neurons make synaptic contacts with sensory neurons. In this study, the immunoperoxidase technique was used to label serotonin‐immunoreactive neurites surrounding the cell bodies of sensory neurons in the pleural ganglion. Serotonin‐immunoreactive neurites had varicosities whose mean short axis diameter was 1.1 ± 0.6 μm (mean ± S.D.). The shape of the size distribution was skewed toward larger sizes, however, suggesting that there were multiple subpopulations of varicosities. One subpopulation was that of varicosities located at branch points whose average short axis diameter was larger than normal (1.7 ± 0.5 μm). Serotonin‐immunoreactive varicosities were directly apposed to the sensory neurons without intervening glial cells. In most contacts, serotonin‐immunoreactive neurites invaginated into the plasma membranes of the sensory neurons. There were also a few contacts onto spinelike processes, but these were flat rather than invaginated. Serotoninergic neurons whose activity produces changes in the electrophysiological properties of sensory neurons have been identified, but this study provides the first direct evidence for synaptic connections between serotoninergic neurons and sensory neurons in Aplysia.
High-frequency characterization of embedded active components in printed circuit boards

A number of three dimensional packaging solutions have emerged in recent years. Embedding active components in the build-up layers of a printed circuit board is a cost-effective technology, providing a high degree of integration for future packaging requirements. Since this technology offers clear advantages for high-speed applications, a high-frequency characterization is essential. This paper studies the influence of embedded chips on high-speed interconnects running on top. A similar geometry found in integrated circuits is used as a start for the research. Investigation of this metal-insulator-semiconductor transmission line reveals three propagating modes, depending on frequency and silicon conductivity: a dielectric mode, the skin-effect mode and the slow-wave mode. A mode analysis of the parallel-plate approximation is used to formulate detailed expressions describing the frequency dependent behavior of the real and imaginary part of the effective dielectric constant. 3D electromagnetic simulations confirm that this model gives a good description of the behavior of embedded dies, but needs some adjustments to accurately predict the results. The parameters extracted from the measurement show a good correspondence to the model as far as the real part of the dielectric constant is concerned. Due to the limitations of the available test structures, an accurate quantitative analysis of the losses is not possible; however the overall behavior matches with the model. The specific geometry of substrates with embedded components requires adaptations to the formulae predicted by the parallel-plate approach. Especially the presence of a die bonding adhesive layer and the high track thickness needs to be taken into account. This paper shows that the MIS model can act as a good starting point for an in depth characterization of microstrips running on top of embedded components.
(Metallo)porphyrins as potent phototoxic anti-cancer agents after irradiation with red light.

Novel photoactive (metallo)porphyrins were synthesised and characterised. When irradiated with light at a wavelength greater than 600 nm, these porphyrins act as photosensitisers and show high cytotoxicity towards two different human cancer cell lines with IC50 values down to 0.4 μM. A paramagnetic copper(II) porphyrin is the first photosensitiser to display excellent phototoxicity, explained by the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin trapping of hydroxy radicals and experimentally confirmed by the discovery of elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside A2780 cells after irradiation with red light. This finding indicates that paramagnetic compounds should be considered for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Furthermore, an additive effect of cisplatin and a zinc porphyrin, both at subtherapeutic concentrations of 0.22 μM, was observed.
[Incidence of lower extremity amputations in diabetics].

The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of lower extremity amputations (LEAs) in diabetics in Poland as background data for comparisons over time and with other communities. This was a cross-sectional study of the incidence of any non-traumatic and non-neoplastic LEAs in the population of Krakow region (1,239,703 inhabitants in its borders before 1.1.1999). It was calculated that for this population size it was sufficient to collect data for one year. The amputees had to be inhabitants of the Krakow region between 1.1.1996 and 31.12. 1996. Data was collected from two sources: surgical wards and limb fitting centres. 290 non-traumatic and non-neoplastic LEAs were identified: 283 in the first source (hospital), of which 51 were found in the second (limb fitting centre) while 7 amputations were identified in the second source solely. 72.4% of LEAs were performed in males and this proportion tended to decrease with age, especially in diabetics. Mean age of the amputees was 64.7 years. Diabetics were significantly older (68.2 vs 61.5 years, p < 0.001). The number of amputations was growing with age reaching peak values between 65-74 years in diabetics and 55-64 in non-diabetics. 47.9% of LEAs were performed in diabetics. In 10.8% of cases diabetes was previously unknown. 88.7% of amputations were primary. The following amputation levels were identified: toe--15.5%, metatarsus--6.6%, ankle 1.0%, crus--20.0%, thigh--56.9%. In diabetics 21.6% of amputations were minor (metatarsus and below) comparing to 9.9% in non-diabetics. Incidence rates, calculated per 100,000/year and corrected using capture-recapture method, were as follows (95% confidence intervals in parentheses): 25.9 (10.2-41.6) in the whole population, 186.7 (125.3-248.1) in diabetics, 165.3 (110.5-220.0) primary in diabetics, and 14.4 (3.5-25.4) in non-diabetics. Comparing to data from the literature these were comparatively good results for diabetics of caucasian race. Like in other papers incidence rate in diabetics was almost 15 times higher than in non-diabetics, reaching 24 in females, which suggested that gender protection was reduced by diabetes. In an attempt to lower the rate of amputations several actions should be considered. They may include more active case finding, particularly by GPs, and more effective screening for a high risk diabetic foot.
Role of nitric oxide-dependent and -independent mechanisms in peristalsis and accommodation in the rabbit distal colon.

Previous findings, which have been confirmed in this study, indicate that nitric oxide (NO)-dependent and -independent (apamin-sensitive) mechanisms underlie the electrically induced non-adrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) relaxation in the circular muscle of rabbit distal colon. Based on this evidence, we further investigated whether, and to what extent, these separate NANC components participate in the maintenance of circular muscle tone, reflex relaxations evoked by localized balloon distension or during peristalsis (descending inhibition) and in the accommodation of colonic wall in response to graded intraluminal fluid delivery. NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) (10-300 microM), apamin (100 nM) and tetrodotoxin (60 nM), enhanced the spontaneous low tone and phasic activity in circular muscle strips. In experiments on peristalsis, L-NNA (30 and 300 microM) shortened the latency of peristaltic wave initiation and increased the velocity of propulsion of an intraluminally distended balloon (range, 0.1-1 ml). The latter effect was mimicked by the NO scavenger oxyhemoglobin (30 microM). Velocity of propulsion was enhanced by apamin (100 nM) at low balloon distension (0.1 and 0.2 ml), whereas it was reduced at high distension volumes (1 ml), due to disruption of descending inhibition. A combination of L-NNA (300 microM) and apamin (100 nM) blocked peristalsis, due to persisting spasms of the circular muscle. L-NNA (300 microM) did not affect the amplitude of distension-evoked ascending reflex contraction and slightly inhibited the descending reflex relaxation. By contrast, the latter reflex was virtually abolished by apamin (100 nM). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Assessment and Mitigation of Interaction Dynamics in Hybrid AC/DC Distribution Generation Systems

Hybrid ac/dc power networks are recently emerged in distribution generation (DG) systems with widespread acceptance under the smart grids environment. However, system-level dynamic interactions might be yielded due to the active control nature and tight regulation of power converters to meet load/generation requirements. This paper presents an assessment and mitigation strategies of such interactions in hybrid networks. A typical and comprehensive hybrid network composed of a DG power park, dc microgrid, islanded ac microgrid interfaced by voltage-source converter (VSC), and a grid-connected VSC is considered. Mathematical modeling and analysis of the input/output admittances of these entities are provided to evaluate the overall system stability based on the Nyquist admittance ratio criterion. It can be shown that the tight regulation of VSCs introduces incremental negative admittances reflected to the common dc link which significantly degrades the system stability. Therefore, active compensators are proposed to actively reshape the input dc-side admittance of the VSCs so that the Nyquist criterion is satisfied. Time- domain -large signal model of a typical hybrid network is implemented to validate the analytical results.
Phase II study of liposomal doxorubicin in platinum- and paclitaxel-refractory epithelial ovarian cancer.

PURPOSE Stealth liposomal doxorubicin (Alzal Corp, Palo Alto, CA) has a slower clearance rate than free doxorubicin, resulting in sustained serum levels. Liposomal encapsulation also leads to increased concentration of drug in tumor tissue. Meta-analysis of previous studies has shown that doxorubicin has activity in epithelial ovarian cancer. The current study was developed to examine the activity of Stealth liposomal doxorubicin in platinum- and paclitaxel-refractory ovarian cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients had epithelial ovarian cancer that either progressed on or recurred within 6 months of completion of platinum and paclitaxel chemotherapy. All patients had measurable disease. Stealth liposomal doxorubicin was administered at 50 mg/m(2) every 4 weeks as a 1-hour infusion. RESULTS Eighty-nine patients were treated and included in an intent-to-treat analysis. There were 82 patients who were platinum and paclitaxel refractory and met all study criteria. There was one complete response and 14 partial responses, for a total response rate of 16.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.1% to 24.6%). For platinum- and paclitaxel-refractory patients, the response rate was 18.3% (95% CI, 9.9% to 26.7%). Median time to progression was 19. 3 weeks for the entire population. Ten patients (11.2%) withdrew because of adverse events related to the drug (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia [PPE], n = 3; asthenia, n = 2; cardiac, n = 2; neutropenia, n = 1; stomatitis, n = 1; and edema, n = 1). There were no drug-related fatal events. There were only eight grade 4 adverse events attributable to the drug. Stomatitis, PPE, and skin lesions were managed with dose reductions and delays in most cases. CONCLUSION Stealth liposomal doxorubicin has activity in refractory epithelial ovarian cancer. PPE and stomatitis can usually be managed by dose adjustment. The ease of administration makes this an attractive agent.
Incubation temperature, developmental biology, and the divergence of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) within Lake Washington

Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) introduced into Lake Washington in the 1930s and 1940s now spawn at several different sites and over a period of more than 3 months. To test for evolutionary divergence within this derived lineage, embryos that would have incubated in different habitats (Cedar River or Pleasure Point Beach) or at different times (October, November, or December in the Cedar River) were reared in the laboratory at 5, 9, and 12.5°C. Some developmental variation mirrored predictions of adaptive divergence: (i) survival at 12.5°C was highest for embryos most likely to experience such temperatures in the wild (Early Cedar), (ii) development rate was fastest for progeny of late spawners (Late Cedar), and (iii) yolk conversion efficiency was matched to natural incubation temperatures. These patterns likely had a genetic basis because they were observed in a common environment and could not be attributed to differences in egg size. The absolute magnitude of divergence in development rates was mo.
[Structural characteristics of osteopontin for calcium oxalate crystal].

BACKGROUND I investigated which structural segment of osteopontin (OPN), a matrix component of urinary stones, is significantly related to the formation of urinary stones. METHODS I prepared several kinds of OPNs under various conditions and compared the effects of these OPNs on calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal using RI counts obtained by the seed crystal method and diluted urine method. Furthermore, I performed scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation of CaOx crystals used in these experiments and evaluated the effects of OPN based on morphological changes in CaOx crystals. The following OPNs were used in this study: human recombinant OPN (rOPN), human native OPN (nOPN) purified from human milk, denatured OPN (dOPN) obtained by adding organic solvent during the course of nOPN purification, and asiaro OPN (aOPN) obtained by removing sialic acid after enzymatic digestion of nOPN. RESULTS When the effects of OPNs (15 micrograms/ml) were evaluated by the seed crystal method, the following inhibitory activities were observed: nOPN (82%), aOPN (56%), dOPN (49%) and rOPN (15%). When the effects of OPNs (150 micrograms/ml) were evaluated by the undiluted urine method, the following inhibitory activities were observed: nOPN (38%), aOPN (27%), dOPN (21%) and rOPN (0%). Furthermore, using nOPN, I performed SEM observation of CaOx crystals and found that nOPN mainly inhibited CaOx crystal aggregation. CONCLUSION Since the inhibitory activity of nOPN was observed not only in the seed crystal method, but also in the undiluted urine method, it was suggested that nOPN may play an important role in the living body during the course of urinary stone formation. Moreover, the inhibitory activity of OPN was not due to its primary structure, but it was closely related to its higher-order structure and side chains including sialic acid. Furthermore, it was clarified that the inhibitory activity of OPN mainly resulted from inhibition of CaOx crystal aggregation rather than growth inhibition in these crystals.
High-Intensity Intermittent Training in Hypoxia: A Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Field Study in Youth Football Players

Abstract Brocherie, F, Girard, O, Faiss, R, and Millet, GP. High-intensity intermittent training in hypoxia: A double-blinded, placebo-controlled field study in youth football players. J Strength Cond Res 29(1): 226–237, 2015—This study examined the effects of 5 weeks (∼60 minutes per training, 2 d·wk−1) of run-based high-intensity repeated-sprint ability (RSA) and explosive strength/agility/sprint training in either normobaric hypoxia repeated sprints in hypoxia (RSH; inspired oxygen fraction [FIO2] = 14.3%) or repeated sprints in normoxia (RSN; FIO2 = 21.0%) on physical performance in 16 highly trained, under-18 male footballers. For both RSH (n = 8) and RSN (n = 8) groups, lower-limb explosive power, sprinting (10–40 m) times, maximal aerobic speed, repeated-sprint (10 × 30 m, 30-s rest) and repeated-agility (RA) (6 × 20 m, 30-s rest) abilities were evaluated in normoxia before and after supervised training. Lower-limb explosive power (+6.5 ± 1.9% vs. +5.0 ± 7.6% for RSH and RSN, respectively; both p < 0.001) and performance during maximal sprinting increased (from −6.6 ± 2.2% vs. −4.3 ± 2.6% at 10 m to −1.7 ± 1.7% vs. −1.3 ± 2.3% at 40 m for RSH and RSN, respectively; p values ranging from <0.05 to <0.01) to a similar extent in RSH and RSN. Both groups improved best (−3.0 ± 1.7% vs. −2.3 ± 1.8%; both p ⩽ 0.05) and mean (−3.2 ± 1.7%, p < 0.01 vs. −1.9 ± 2.6%, p ⩽ 0.05 for RSH and RSN, respectively) repeated-sprint times, whereas sprint decrement did not change. Significant interactions effects (p ⩽ 0.05) between condition and time were found for RA ability–related parameters with very likely greater gains (p ⩽ 0.05) for RSH than RSN (initial sprint: 4.4 ± 1.9% vs. 2.0 ± 1.7% and cumulated times: 4.3 ± 0.6% vs. 2.4 ± 1.7%). Maximal aerobic speed remained unchanged throughout the protocol. In youth highly trained football players, the addition of 10 repeated-sprint training sessions performed in hypoxia vs. normoxia to their regular football practice over a 5-week in-season period was more efficient at enhancing RA ability (including direction changes), whereas it had no additional effect on improvements in lower-limb explosive power, maximal sprinting, and RSA performance.
The Meaning of Rehabilitation in the Home Environment After Acute Stroke From the Perspective of a Multiprofessional Team

Background and Purpose Intervention programs for home-based rehabilitation are not fully described in the literature, and rehabilitation team members' experiences and tacit understanding of working with patients after stroke in the home environment need to be further understood. The aim of this study was to identify the meaning of rehabilitation in the home environment after stroke from the perspective of members of a multiprofessional team. Subjects Thirteen members of a multiprofessional outreach team (physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and a social worker) working at a geriatric hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, participated in the study. Methods A qualitative method (the Empirical Phenomenological Psychological method) was used, with data being obtained from retrospective interviews of the team members after completing home-based rehabilitation of patients after acute stroke. Results One main theme (“supporting continuity”) and 4 subthemes (“making a journey together from hospital to home,” “enabling experiences of functioning,” “refraining from interventions—encouraging patient problem-solving skills,” and “looking for a new phase—uncertain endings”) were revealed. Discussion and Conclusion The findings suggest that contextual factors, both environmental and personal, were considered to be of great importance by the members of the multiprofessional team and were accounted for when they were working in the home environment in the rehabilitation of patients after stroke. Contextual factors detected in the home environment gave valuable information to the team members, who used the information in their strategies to assist the patients in finding continuity in their daily life and to link the past to the present and the “new body” to the “old body. ”
Setting Reaction and Hardening of an Apatitic Calcium Phosphate Cement

The combination of self-setting and biocompatibility makes calcium phosphate cements potentially useful materials for a variety of dental applications. The objective of this study was to investigate the setting and hardening mechanisms of a cement-type reaction leading to the formation of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite at low temperature. Reactants used were a-tricalcium phosphate containing 17 wt% β-tricalcium phosphate, and 2 wt% of precipitated hydroxyapatite as solid phase and an aqueous solution 2.5 wt% of disodium hydrogen phosphate as liquid phase. The transformation of the mixture was stopped at selected times by a freeze-drying technique, so that the cement properties at various stages could be studied by means of x-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Also, the compressive strength of the cement was measured as a function of time. The results showed that: (1) the cement setting was the result of the a-tricalcium phosphate hydrolysis, giving as a product calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite, while β-tricalcium phosphate did not participate in the reaction; (2) the extent of conversion of a-TCP was nearly 80% after 24 hr; (3) both the extent of conversion and the compressive strength increased initially linearly with time, subsequently reaching a saturation level, with a strong correlation observed between them, indicating that the microstructural changes taking place as the setting reaction proceeded were responsible for the mechanical behavior of the cement; and (4) the microstructure of the set cement consisted of clusters of big plates with radial or parallel orientations in a matrix of small plate-like crystals.
Hepatitis E virus and serum level aminotransferases in blood donors.

BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a self-limiting viral infection that can lead to severe complications and death. In different regions the epidemiology of this infection varies. In this study we evaluated the seroepidemiology of hepatitis E infection in Jahrom, a city in southern Iran. METHODS This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of serum samples from 477 subjects, including 30 females and 447 males. HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels were also determined. Four hundred forty-seven subjects were male and 30 were female. Subjects were classified by age and sex. RESULTS One woman (3.3%) and 25 men (5.5%) were positive for HEV antibodies (IgG and/or IgM). There was found an association between serum level of aminotransferases and seropositivity for HEV. CONCLUSION The result of this study indicates that HEV is an etiological factor for hepatitis in this area of IRAN. The cost benefit of active immunization in endemic regions should be evaluated because an outbreak could have tragic consequences.