Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electrical properties of the nexal membrane studied in rat ventricular cell pairs.

Cell pairs isolated from adult rat ventricles were used to characterize the electrical properties of the nexal membrane located between the cells. Each cell of a cell pair was connected to a suction pipette so as to enable whole‐cell recordings. A double voltage‐clamp method was employed which allowed the voltage gradient across the nexal membrane to be controlled. The current‐voltage relationship of the nexal membrane was found to be linear over a broad range of transnexal voltages ( +/‐ 50 mV). The measurements revealed a mean value for the apparent nexal membrane resistance, rn(app), of 3.4 M omega. Taking into account the contribution of an uncompensated series resistance (access resistance), the effective nexal resistance, rn(eff), amounts to 1.7 M omega, approximately. The nexal membrane resistance was found to be insensitive to the sarcolemmal membrane potential, Vm (voltage range tested: ‐90 mV to +30 mV). The nexal membrane showed no rectifying property, i.e. it allows impulse transmission in both directions equally well. The connexons of the nexal membrane exhibited no time‐dependent gating behaviour (time range investigated: 0.1‐10 s).
Assessment of platelet function in healthy sedated cats using three whole blood platelet function tests

The objectives of this study were to establish feline references intervals for 3 commercial whole blood platelet function test analyzer systems: Multiplate analyzer (MP; Roche Diagnostics International Ltd., Rotkreuz, Switzerland), Platelet Function Analyzer-100 (PF: Siemens Canada, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada), and Plateletworks Combo-25 kit (PW; Helena Laboratories, Beaumont, TX). Venipuncture was performed on 55 healthy sedated cats, and platelet aggregation in response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen (COL), and arachidonic acid (AA; MP only) was assessed using citrated blood. For the MP analyzer, median (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) area under curve (Units) for ADP, COL, and AA agonists were 87 (11–176), 81 (32–129), and 91 (59–129), respectively. For the PF analyzer, median (95% CIs) closure time, using COL–ADP cartridges, was 69 (46–89) sec. For the PW assay, median (95% CIs) percent aggregations for ADP and COL agonists were 71 (18–92) and 49 (9–96), respectively, using impedance hematology analyzer platelet counts, and 94 (25–98) and 68 (14–119), respectively, using flow cytometry hematology analyzer platelet counts. There were low correlations between the PF analyzer (COL–ADP cartridge) and MP analyzer (COL agonist; ρ = 0.11), and between the PF analyzer (COL–ADP cartridge) and PW assay (COL agonist using impedance platelet counts; ρ = 0.14). The PW assay percent aggregations using impedance and flow cytometric platelet counts were correlated for both ADP (ρ = 0.64) and COL (ρ = 0.64) agonists. Platelet function testing using these tests are feasible in cats, but 95% CIs are wide, so single results may be difficult to interpret. Platelet counting by impedance or flow cytometry may be used for the PW assay but are not interchangeable.
Smart home — Automation and security system based on sensing mechanism

Today's life rolls around the concept of automation and the things that are automated are said to be of next generation because they reduce the interference of human beings. The home automation system technology is unique from other systems which give ability to the user to control the system from any location around the world through an internet connection. The existing system describes implementation of a security system that uses Android mobile devices with the use of Blue tooth as a wireless connection protocol. These systems allow users to lock and unlock a door, sense the temperature and humidity, controlling light switches from a remote location. The new generation is based on smart humans using smart technology. A smart technology makes human life easy and updated. The proposed system is designed for home automation with some increased functionalities and using Wi-Fi as an Internet connection protocol. The increased functionalities include Alarm based smart lock, controlling household appliances from remote Location, Mosquito sensing, Smart water tank. By making use of the proposed system diseases caused due to mosquitoes can be prevented. Also this system helps in reducing the human efforts as it is automated.
Feasibility of PBGA packaging for high random vibration applications

In this study, the solder joint reliability of plastic ball grid array under harsh random vibration and thermal loadings was investigated. The chips were assembled on the daisy chained circuit boards for the test samples preparation, and part of the samples was processed for underfill to investigate the underfill effects on the solder failures. Two consequential steps of the random vibrations, named as the qualification and acceptance levels, were applied by pneumatic shaker. Overall controlled RMS of the power spectrum densities of the steps were 22.7 Grms and 32 Grms, respectively. Then the samples were undergone to thermal cycling tests. It was found that the samples survived without any solder failure during the test requirements, demonstrating the robustness of the packaging structure for potential avionics and space applications.
The influence of transportation stress on selected nutritional parameters to establish the necessary minimum period for adaptation in rat feeding studies

The optimal length of the adaptation period after transportation of rats, to be used in nutritional studies, was investigated in this study. After intracontinental transportation of rats by car and by air to and from the laboratory for a total period of 15 h, measurements were carried out for a period of 3 weeks after transport. Control and transported animals were housed in the same laboratory before and after transportation. During transport the animals had access to food and water. As blood collection could also cause stress, a factorial design was carried out with transport and blood collection as main factors. Transport or blood collection did not cause significant effects on the following parameters: body weight, growth, clinical observation, and blood enzyme activities of LDH and ASAT. Water intake was significantly increased after transport. Food intake did not show consistent effects after transport or blood collection. Unexpectedly, blood corticosterone levels were significantly lower in the transported animals at day 1 after transport. After 3 days these levels were back to normal. Blood glucose, blood free fatty acids and blood urea nitrogen concentrations were incidentally decreased, whereas total cholesterol levels showed an incidental rise in the transported rats. The open-field behaviour test revealed no clear-cut results concerning the effects of transport or blood collection on faeces production, rearing and ambulation. Our results indicate that after intracontinental transport, an adaptation period of 3 days appears to be sufficient for rats to be used in nutritional studies.
Foliar temperature-respiration response functions for broad-leaved tree species in the southern Appalachians.

We measured leaf respiration in 18 eastern deciduous forest tree species to determine if there were differences in temperature-respiration response functions among species or among canopy positions. Leaf respiration rates were measured in situ and on detached branches for Acer pensylvanicum L. , A. rubrum L. , Betula spp. (B. alleghaniensis Britt. and B. lenta L.), Carya glabra (Mill.) Sweet, Cornus florida L. , Fraxinus spp. (primarily F. americana L.), Liriodendron tulipifera L. , Magnolia fraseri Walt. , Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. , Oxydendrum arboreum L. , Platanus occidentalis L. , Quercus alba L. , Q. coccinea Muenchh. , Q. prinus L. , Q. rubra L. , Rhododendron maximum L. , Robinia psuedoacacia L. , and Tilia americana L. in the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA. Dark respiration was measured on fully expanded leaves at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 degrees C with an infrared gas analyzer equipped with a temperature-controlled cuvette. Temperature-respiration response functions were fit for each leaf. There were significant differences in response functions among species and by canopy position within species. These differences were observed when respiration was expressed on a mass, nitrogen, or area basis. Cumulative nighttime leaf respiration was calculated and averaged over ten randomly selected nights for each leaf. Differences in mean cumulative nighttime respiration were statistically significant among canopy positions and species. We conclude that effects of canopy position and species on temperature-respiration response functions may need to be considered when making estimates of whole-tree or canopy respiration.
Unequivocal delineation of clinicogenetic subgroups and development of a new model for improved outcome prediction in neuroblastoma.

PURPOSE Neuroblastoma is a genetically heterogeneous pediatric tumor with a remarkably variable clinical behavior ranging from widely disseminated disease to spontaneous regression. In this study, we aimed for comprehensive genetic subgroup discovery and assessment of independent prognostic markers based on genome-wide aberrations detected by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). MATERIALS AND METHODS Published CGH data from 231 primary untreated neuroblastomas were converted to a digitized format suitable for global data mining, subgroup discovery, and multivariate survival analyses. RESULTS In contrast to previous reports, which included only a few genetic parameters, we present here for the first time a strategy that allows unbiased evaluation of all genetic imbalances detected by CGH. The presented approach firmly established the existence of three different clinicogenetic subgroups and indicated that chromosome 17 status and tumor stage were the only independent significant predictors for patient outcome. Important new findings were: (1) a normal chromosome 17 status as a delineator of a subgroup of presumed favorable-stage tumors with highly increased risk; (2) the recognition of a survivor signature conferring 100% 5-year survival for stage 1, 2, and 4S tumors presenting with whole chromosome 17 gain; and (3) the identification of 3p deletion as a hallmark of older age at diagnosis. CONCLUSION We propose a new regression model for improved patient outcome prediction, incorporating tumor stage, chromosome 17, and amplification/deletion status. These findings may prove highly valuable with respect to more reliable risk assessment, evaluation of clinical results, and optimization of current treatment protocols.
Prevalence of Carcinomatous Foci in Oral Leukoplakia: A Clinicopathologic Study of 546 Indian Samples.

INTRODUCTION Oral Leukoplakia (OL), the most common potentially malignant disorder, is diagnosed clinically on the basis of exclusion of other lesions. In a country like India, where prevalence of oral cancer is very high, the issue of carcinomatous foci within OL at the time of initial diagnosis of leukoplakia has never been addressed before. AIM To estimate the prevalence and risk factors for epithelial dysplasia as well as carcinoma within OL lesions at the time of initial clinical presentation in an Indian population with high prevalence of tobacco use. MATERIALS AND METHODS Clinical and pathologic data (age, sex, lesion location and histopathologic grading) of 546 cases of leukoplakia were analyzed. The prevalence rate of dysplasia and carcinoma in 546 oral leukoplakia cases was calculated. Univariate analysis was performed to examine risk factors associated with the presence of carcinoma and dysplasia within the lesions. RESULTS The male to female ratio in this study was 2:1. Majority of the patients irrespective of sex had a history of tobacco use. Of the total 85% of non-homogeneous lesions and 70% for the homogeneous lesions were illustrating, features of epithelial dysplasia. The prevalence rate of carcinoma was 11.9%. In univariate analysis it was found that lesion site, clinical appearance, tobacco use were strongly correlated with the presence of carcinoma within OL. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that majority of leukoplakia irrespective of its clinical appearance contain a dysplastic component and significant proportion contains carcinomatous foci. Lesions with certain features are more prone to have carcinomatous foci. However there is always a chance of finding foci of carcinoma in OL anywhere in the oral cavity. Therefore, excision biopsy is always mandatory before long term follow-up and treatment is planned.
PHOENIX: A randomized controlled trial of peginterferon alfa‐2a plus ribavirin as a prophylactic treatment after liver transplantation for hepatitis C virus

The efficacy, tolerability, and safety of the prophylactic treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation (LT) with peginterferon alfa‐2a and ribavirin are not known. LT recipients with HCV were randomized to peginterferon alfa‐2a/ribavirin treatment or observation 10 to 26 weeks post‐LT. Prophylaxis patients received peginterferon alfa‐2a (135 μg/week for 4 weeks and then 180 μg/week for 44 weeks) plus ribavirin (the initial dose of 400 mg/day was escalated to 1200 mg/day). Observation patients received the same regimen only upon significant HCV recurrence (histological activity index ≥ 3 and/or fibrosis score ≥ 2). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with histological evidence of significant HCV recurrence 120 weeks after randomization. In all, 115 patients were randomized (prophylaxis arm, n = 55; observation arm, n = 60). Sustained virological response was achieved by 12 of 54 prophylaxis patients (22.2%) and by 3 of 14 observation patients who switched to treatment (21.4%). On an intent‐to‐treat basis, significant HCV recurrence at 120 weeks was similar in the prophylaxis (61.8%) and observation arms (65.0%, P = 0.725). The patient and graft survival rates and the rates of biopsy‐proven acute cellular rejection were similar in the 2 study arms. Approximately 70% of the treated patients in both arms had at least one dose reduction for safety reasons. The most common adverse event leading to treatment withdrawal was anemia. Because of the safety profile of peginterferon alfa‐2a/ribavirin and the lack of a clear benefit in terms of HCV recurrence and patient or graft survival, this study does not support the routine use of prophylactic antiviral therapy. Liver Transpl 17:528‐538, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Pathophysiological mechanisms of impaired limb use and repair strategies for motor systems after unilateral injury of the developing brain

The corticospinal tract (CST) is important for limb control. In humans, it begins developing prenatally but CST connections do not have a mature pattern until about 6 months of age and its capacity to evoke muscle contraction does not mature until mid‐adolescence. An initially bilateral projection is subsequently refined, so that most ipsilateral CST connections are eliminated. Unilateral brain damage during refinement leads to bilateral developmental impairments. The damaged side develops sparse and weak contralateral spinal connections and the non‐involved hemisphere maintains its ipsilateral projection to develop an aberrant bilateral spinal projection. In a kitten model of unilateral spastic cerebral palsy, we replicate key features of the CST circuit changes: robust bilateral CST projections from the non‐involved hemisphere, sparse contralateral connections from the affected hemisphere, and motor impairments. We discuss the role of activity‐dependent synaptic competition in development of bilateral CSTs and consider several experimental strategies for restoring a more normal pattern of CST connections from the damaged and non‐involved sides. We highlight recent results stressing the importance of combined repair of CST axons, restoration of a more normal motor cortex motor representation, and key involvement of spinal cholinergic interneurons in restoring skilled motor function.
Mapping of wafer-level plasma induced charge contour by novel on-chip in-situ recorders in advance FinFET technologies

A novel approach of monitoring wafer-level plasma induced charging contours in FinFET process is proposed. On-chip charge collectors consist of antenna coupled floating gates have been demonstrated to record plasma charging levels during BEOL processes. Data on these in-situ recorders reflect actual potential on transistor gates during plasma charging stress. Wafer maps, containing positive and negative charging levels and antenna potential contours, provides a powerful tool for future FinFET process optimization and reliability evaluations.
Determination of oestrone, 17alpha- and 17beta-oestradiol in bovine aqueous humor using gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

Perfluorotolyl (PFT)-ether and perfluorotoly-trimethylsilyl (PFT-TMS) ether derivatives of oestrone, 17alpha- and 17beta-oestradiol were prepared under phase transfer conditions. The former derivatives under negative ion chemical ionization conditions gave significant ions in the mass spectrometer but 17alpha- and 17alpha-oestradiol gave poor resolution. However, the PFT-TMS derivatives of 17alpha- and 17beta-oestradiol showed good resolution. These derivatives were used for the analysis of oestrogens in bovine aqueous humour, vitreous humour and retina. The mean (+/-SEM) concentrations of oestrone in bovine aqueous humour (n=18), vitreous humour (n=18) and bovine retina (n=4) were 0.47+/-0.11, 0.46+/-0.14 and 1.10+/-0.24 ng.ml(-1), respectively. 17alpha-Oestradiol was detected in 16 out of 18 samples of bovine aqueous humour and vitreous humour and the mean (+/-SEM) concentrations were 0.30+/-0.10 and 0.08+/-0.02 ng.ml(-1), respectively. The mean (+/-SEM) concentration of 17beta-oestradiol in aqueous humour (n=7) and vitreous homour (n=11) 0.83+/-0.26 ng ml(-1) and 0.39+/-0.09 ng ml(-1), respectively. In retina the concentrations of both steroids were below the detection limit.
Influence of diabetes on plasma pharmacokinetics and brain bioavailability of grape polyphenols and their phase II metabolites in the Zucker diabetic fatty rat.

SCOPE The effect of diabetes on the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and brain distribution of grape polyphenols and select metabolites was studied in the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat model. METHODS AND RESULTS (ZDF) rats and their lean controls (LN) were dosed with a Standardized Grape Polyphenol (SGP) Mixture consisting of grape seed extract, Concord grape juice and resveratrol (RES) by oral gavage for 10 days. An 8-h pharmacokinetic study was performed. After 24 h, a second dose of SGP was administered and 1 h later animals were sacrificed and brain tissue was harvested. Plasma, urine, and brain tissue were analyzed for grape polyphenols. ZDF rats exhibited significantly diminished Cmax for all catechin, epicatechin, quercetin and resveratrol conjugated metabolites. Bioavailability was significantly lower in ZDF rats for methylated flavan-3-ol, RES, and quercetin metabolites. Significantly lower levels of metabolites of RES, quercetin, and flavan-3-ols were found in brains of ZDF rats. There was no significant difference between ZDF and LN in anthocyanins in plasma and no anthocyanins were detectable in brain extracts. ZDF rats showed significantly higher urinary excretion for all polyphenols. CONCLUSION Diabetes may alter the overall bioavailability of some polyphenols in plasma and brain in part due to higher urinary clearance.
Near‐Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis of Hemodynamics and Mitochondrial Redox in Right Lobe Grafts in Living‐Donor Liver Transplantation

Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which enables non‐destructive evaluation of hemoglobin (Hb) oxygenation and the redox state of cytochromeoxidase (Cyt.aa3) in living tissues, has been employed during surgery to detect possible impairment of hemodynamics and mitochondrial respiration in the anterior segment of a right lobe liver graft in living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Thirty‐six patients undergoing LDLT using a right lobe graft without the middle hepatic vein (MHV) were enrolled in this study. During the course of harvesting and implantation, NIRS measurements were performed on the anterior segments of the liver grafts. In two recipients of liver grafts with Hb residue over 70% in the anterior segment after ex vivo flushing, the MHV tributary was reconstructed, while it was not reconstructed in the other 34 recipients. Of those 34 recipients, 16 recipients of liver graft with 40–70% Hb residue showed transient increase of transaminase levels after LDLT. Of those 16 recipients, six recipients who showed reduction in oxidized Cyt.aa3 in the anterior segment suffered from persistent hyperbilirubinemia after LDLT. In patients showing impairment of mitochondrial redox associated with congestion caused by deprivation of the MHV tributaries, reconstruction of the MHV tributaries might have a beneficial effect.
Alteration in left ventricular normal and shear strains evaluated by 2D‐strain echocardiography in the athlete's heart

The contraction of cardiomyocytes induces a systolic increase in left ventricular (LV) normal (radial, circumferential and longitudinal) and shear strains, whose functional consequences have not been evaluated, so far, in athletes. We used 2D ultrasound speckle tracking imaging (STI) to evaluate LV regional strain in high‐level cyclists compared to sedentary controls. Sixteen male elite cyclists and 23 sedentary controls underwent conventional, tissue Doppler, and STI echocardiography at rest. We assessed LV long and short axis normal strains and shear strains. We evaluated circumferential–longitudinal shear strain from LV torsion, and circumferential–radial shear strain from the difference between subendocardial and subepicardial torsion. Apical radial strain (42.7 ± 10.5%versus 52.2 ± 14.3%, P < 0.05) and LV torsion (6.0 ± 1.8 deg versus 9.2 ± 3.2 deg, P < 0.01) were lower in cyclists than in controls, respectively. Rotations and torsion were higher in the subendocardial than in the subepicardial region in sedentary controls, but not in cyclists. Haemodynamic and tissue Doppler based indexes of global LV diastolic and systolic functions were not different between cyclists and controls. Athlete's heart is associated with specific LV adaptation including lower apical strain and lower myocardial shear strains, with no change in global LV diastolic and systolic function. These mechanical alterations could improve the cardiovascular adjustments to exercise by increasing the radial strain and torsional (and thus untwisting) response to exercise, a key element of diastolic filling and thus of cardiac performance in athletes.
Social Support, Optimism, and Self-Efficacy Predict Physical and Emotional Well-Being After Bone Marrow Transplantation

Abstract This study examined whether three psychosocial variables (social support, self-efficacy, and optimism) assessed prior to bone marrow transplantation (BMT) predicted physical and emotional well-being one year post-BMT. Data were gathered on 87 participants enrolled in a multicenter, randomized trial examining the impact of exvivo T-cell depletion on disease-free survival in leukemia patients receiving allogeneic BMT. Social support, optimism, and selfefficacy significantly predicted emotional and physical well-being one year post-BMT, controlling for age, gender, maximum grade of acute GVHD, and treatment arm. Attention to psychosocial factors prior to BMT and during recovery appears critical for physical and mental well-being, especially considering the influence of psychosocial variables independent of medical risk factors.