Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rates of exocytosis and endocytosis in Arabidopsis root hairs and pollen tubes

Exocytosis and endocytosis are pivotal in many biological processes, but remain difficult to quantify. Here we combine a new algorithm for estimating vesicle size with a detailed morphological analysis of tip‐growing cells, in which exocytosis is highly localized and therefore more readily quantified. Cell preservation was rendered as life‐like as possible by rapid freezing. This allowed us to produce the first estimates of exocytosis rates in the root hairs and pollen tubes of the model plant Arabidopsis. To quantify exocytosis and endocytosis rates during cell growth, we measured the diameter of vesicles located in the tips of Arabidopsis root hairs and pollen tubes and the widths of cell walls and the cell lumen in longitudinal thin transmission electron microscopic sections. In addition, we measured growth velocities of Arabidopsis root hairs and pollen tubes, using video microscopy. The number of exocytotic vesicles required for cell wall expansion, and the amount of excess membrane inserted into the plasma membrane to be internalized, were estimated from the values that were obtained. The amount of excess membrane that is inserted into the plasma membrane during cell growth was estimated as 86.7% in root hairs and 79% in pollen tubes. This membrane has to be recycled by endocytosis. From counting of the total number of vesicles that is present in thin EM sections through the pollen tube tip, we estimated the average number of vesicles that is present in the tip of pollen tubes. By calculating the total amount of membrane and cell wall material that is required for continued cell growth, assuming that all vesicles are exocytotic, we estimated that pollen tubes continue to grow for 33 s when delivery of vesicles to the tip is inhibited. We arrested vesicle delivery to the tip by application of cytochalasin D. After cytochalasin D application, pollen tubes continued to grow for 30–40 s, which is in the same range as the estimated value of 33 s and shows that in this time frame, the availability of exocytotic vesicles is not a limiting factor.
Studies on effect of multiple heating/cooling cycles on the resistant starch formation in cereals, legumes and tubers

‘Resistant starch’ (RS) is defined as starch and starch degradation products that resist the action of amylolytic enzymes. The effect of multiple heating/cooling treatments on the RS content of legumes, cereals and tubers was studied. The mean RS contents of the freshly cooked legumes, cereals and tubers (4.18%, 1.86% and 1.51% dry matter basis, respectively) increased to 8.16%, 3.25% and 2.51%, respectively, after three heating/cooling cycles (P≤0.05) with a maximum increase of 114.8% in pea and a minimum of 62.1% in sweet potato (P≤0.05). Significant positive correlations were observed between the RS content and amylose (y=0.443x−5.993, r=0.829, P≤0.05, n=9) as well as between the percentage increase in RS and insoluble dietary fiber content (y=2.149x–24.787, r=0.962, P≤0.05, n=9). A differential scanning calorimeter study showed an increase in the T0, Tp, Tc and ΔH values of the repeatedly autoclaved/cooled starches. The intact granular structure was also observed disappear, as studied using scanning electron microscopy.
Self-Organized Velocity Pulses of Dense Colloidal Suspensions in Microchannel Flow.

We present a numerical study of dense colloidal suspensions in a pressure-driven microchannel flow in two dimensions. The colloids are modeled as elastic and frictional spheres suspended in a Newtonian fluid, which we simulate using the method of multiparticle collision dynamics. The model reproduces periodic velocity and density pulse trains, traveling upstream in the microchannel, which are found in experiments conducted by Isa et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 058302 (2009)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.102. 058302]. We show that colloid-wall friction and the resultant force chains are crucial for the formation of these pulses. With an increasing colloid density, first solitary jams occur, which become periodic pulse trains at intermediate densities and unstable solitary pulses at high densities. We formulate a phenomenological continuum model and show how these spatiotemporal flow and density profiles can be understood as homoclinic and periodic orbits in traveling-wave equations.
A Model for Assessing Information Retrieval and Application Skills of Medical Students

Purpose To develop and evaluate a model for assessing information retrieval and application skills, and to compare the performances on the assessment exercises of students who were and were not instructed in these skills. Method The authors developed a set of four examination stations, each with multiple subtasks, and administered the exams to students at two medical schools. Students at one school had intensive instruction in literature searching and filtering skills for information quality (instructed group), and those at the other school had minimal instruction in these areas (uninstructed group). The stations addressed pediatrics content and the skills of searching Medline and the World Wide Web, evaluating research articles, evaluating the accuracy of information from the Web, and using the information to make recommendations to patients. The authors determined the psychometric characteristics of the stations and compared the performances of the two groups of students. Results Students in the instructed group performed significantly better and with less variability than the uninstructed group on four tasks and no differently on seven tasks. There was no task on which the uninstructed group performed significantly better than the instructed group. Conclusion The prototype stations showed predictable differences across curricula, indicating that they have promise as assessment tools for the essential skills of information retrieval and application.
Treating the Whole Patient for Optimal Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Considerations for Insulin Therapy

Primary care physicians are responsible for providing healthcare to most patients with type 2 diabetes. In this role, it is critical that physicians utilize a whole-patient treatment approach that includes lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy aimed to achieve glycemic control, in addition to the management of any comorbid conditions or risk factors for cardiovascular complications of diabetes. Due to the progressive nature of the disease, most patients with type 2 diabetes will eventually require insulin to achieve and maintain glycemic control, because of both increased insulin resistance and diminished secretory capacity of the pancreatic β cells. Thus, physicians need to be knowledgeable about and comfortable with the use of insulin, as well as with educating patients and discussing any potential barriers to insulin therapy. The use of a stepwise approach—beginning with basal insulin therapy and adding prandial insulin if necessary—is simple, effective, and appropriate for use in many patients.
[Nitric oxide and reflectory regulation of blood circulation in rats].

In acute experiments on anaesthetized with urethane normotensive rats we studied the ways of participation of nitric oxide (NO) in reflector control of the cardiovascular system by the medullary neurons within n.tractus solitarii (NTS), dorsal nucleus of the vagus nerve (DNV), n. ambiguus (AMB), and the lateral reticular nucleus (LRN). Modulations of the activities of neuronal NO-synthase (nNOS) in the populations of the cardiovascular neurons within the medullary nuclei which are involved in the reflector cardiovascular control were induced by intramedullary injections of sodium nitroprusside as NO donor, L-arginine as NO precursor, L-NNA as an inhibitor of NOS, as well as by intraperetoneal injections of 7-nitroindazol (nNOS inhibitor). We have determined that stimulation of nNOS activity in the populations of the medullary neurons resulted in both remarkable shifts in the SAP level and in inhibiting the chemoreceptor reflector responses. After preliminary inhibiting nNOS chemoreceptor reflexes induced by epinephrine were found to be enhanced in most experiments.
Joint variational Bayesian extended Kalman filter for the estimation of the metabolic/hemodynamic model

This paper deals with a state space approach based on metabolic hemodynamic model (MHM) for Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) signal measured using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). The proposed approach is based on the extended Kalman filter to infer the hidden states and parameters. Furthermore The extended kalman filter is enhanced by variational Bayesian approach for the estimation of the measurement noise.
Progressive spinal cord atrophy in manifest and premanifest Huntington’s disease

Increasing evidence suggests a multisystem character of the neuropathology in Huntington’s disease (HD) with different areas of involvement, such as the brainstem, cerebellum or regional cortical areas.1 As recently shown by Muhlau et al , the spinal cord (SC) might be an additional site involved by neurodegenerative processes in HD.2 As such the diverse locations of neuronal degeneration in relevant functional central nervous system (CNS) pathways have contributed to a better understanding of the diversified clinical scene including clinical symptoms such as dysfunctions of two-point discrimination, vibratory sensation and sensation of temperature and pain. However, it has not been studied so far if such degenerative processes can be detected in the preclinical stages of HD, or whether there is a dynamic change of SC atrophy over time. The current study therefore aims at the confirmation of SC atrophy in manifest HD, as well as at the prevalence and longitudinal course SC atrophy in the early premanifest stages of disease. We examined 17 patients with manifest HD (mHD, classified according to the Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS)),3 27 patients with genetically proven premanifest HD (pmHD) and 30 healthy subjects. Subgroups were matched for age and gender. Clinical and paraclinical examinations including UHDRS, tapping task, pegboard tests, CAG repeat length and the disease burden score (DBS) were assessed for all HD subjects. For pmHD, the estimated time to disease onset (years to onset; YTO) was surveyed and a follow-up examination (MRI and clinical assessment, n=23 patients) was performed after approximately 23 months. Refer to online supplementary material for further details. Written informed consent was …
Evaluation of Ceramic and Membrane Diffusers under Operating Conditions with the Dynamic Offgas Method

The aeration systems of two full‐scale, activated‐sludge basins were compared during a period of three years, under the same operating conditions, using dynamic offgas testing. Only the material of the diffuser was different (membrane versus ceramic‐tube diffusers). The investigation has shown that, although the membrane diffusers have higher initial standard‐oxygen‐transfer efficiency (αSOTE) and standard‐aeration efficiency (αSAE), these decreased over time, while the αSAE of the ceramic diffusers started lower, but increased slightly over the whole period. A cost comparison makes clear how important it is to evaluate the aeration system under process conditions. The operating costs were the dominant factor (∼10× higher than capital costs), and operating costs were approximately 20% higher for membrane versus ceramic diffusers. The poor performance of the membrane‐tube diffusers under process conditions could be explained on the basis of the actual αAE values in the basin, not the standardized values.
All-optical switching in a laterally coupled microring resonator by carrier injection

We demonstrate all-optical switching in a laterally coupled GaAs-AlGaAs microring resonator by carriers injections. The ring waveguide is optically pumped just above its bandgap energy, which results in a temporal tuning of the microring resonant wavelengths by the refractive index change due to the induced carriers. A switching window of 20 ps could be obtained and is only limited by the carrier recombination time. A switching energy of a few tens of picojoules per pulse is used and has resulted in a 1.2-nm wavelength shift of the microring resonance.
An X-band dual-mode antenna using substrate integrated waveguide cavity for simultaneous satellite and terrestrial links

In this work, we present a simple method to realize a dual band antenna with pattern diversity using substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity at X -band. The proposed antenna operates at around 10 GHz and 12.5 GHz. Making uses of the first two fundamental modes of waveguide cavity, i.e., TE101 and TE102, we can realize a monopole-like radiation pattern for the lower band and a broadside radiation pattern for the higher band. The proposed antenna is very suitable to be used in the communication systems where both satellite and terrestrial links are needed.
A comparison of six different ballast water treatment systems based on UV radiation, electrochlorination and chlorine dioxide

The spread of aquatic invasive species through ballast water is a major ecological and economical threat. Because of this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) set limits to the concentrations of organisms allowed in ballast water. To meet these limits, ballast water treatment systems (BWTSs) were developed. The main techniques used for ballast water treatment are ultraviolet (UV) radiation and electrochlorination (EC). In this study, phytoplankton regrowth after treatment was followed for six BWTSs. Natural plankton communities were treated and incubated for 20 days. Growth, photosystem II efficiency and species composition were followed. The three UV systems all showed similar patterns of decrease in phytoplankton concentrations followed by regrowth. The two EC and the chlorine dioxide systems showed comparable results. However, UV- and chlorine-based treatment systems showed significantly different responses. Overall, all BWTSs reduced phytoplankton concentrations to below the IMO limits, which represents a reduced risk of aquatic invasions through ballast water.
Voltage control of induction generator powered distributed system using a new reactive power compensator SVC-MERS

Distributed power system has attracted great interest in terms of renewable energy use and new generation technology. Induction generator is one of the most widely used energy conversion means due to its low cost, robustness and simple control. This paper proposes a distributed system which is powered by squirrel cage induction generators (SCIG). Different from the synchronous generator, SCIG has to get exciting current from outer device at normal operation. Furthermore, voltage instability problem exists at the load change when it is excited with fixed capacitor bank. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a new technology named Static VAR Compensation Magnetic Energy Recovery Switch (SVC-MERS) for the induction generators. The SVC-MERS aims to stabilize the generator voltage by providing continues variable reactive power. The operation principle is further developed in order to get a broader operating range. It is confirmed by simulation results. Then, voltage control of induction generator is experimented and the SVC-MERS is proved to stabilize the generator voltage with quick response. Compared to the STATCOM, the SVC-MERS has advantage in line frequency switching and small dc-capacitor.
Sex and Racial/Ethnic Differences in Premature Mortality Due to HIV: Florida, 2000–2009

Objective. This study aimed to characterize premature mortality among people diagnosed with HIV infection from 2000 to 2009 in Florida, by sex and race/ethnicity, to estimate differences in premature mortality that could be prevented by linkage to HIV care and treatment. Methods. Florida surveillance data for HIV diagnoses (excluding concurrent AIDS diagnoses) were linked with vital records data to ascertain deaths through 2011. Years of potential life lost (YPLL) were obtained from the expected number of remaining years of life at a given age from the U.S. sex-specific period life tables. Results. Among 41,565 people diagnosed with HIV infection during the study period, 5,249 died, and 2,563 (48.8%) deaths were due to HIV/AIDS. Age-standardized YPLL (aYPLL) due to HIV/AIDS per 1,000 person-years was significantly higher for females than males (372.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 349.8, 396.2 vs. 295.2, 95% CI 278.4, 312.5); for non-Hispanic black (NHB) females than non-Hispanic white (NHW) and Hispanic females (388.2, 95% CI 360.7, 416.9; 294.3, 95% CI 239.8, 354.9; and 295.0, 95% CI 242.9, 352.5, respectively); and for NHB males compared with NHW and Hispanic males (378.7, 95% CI 353.7, 404.7; 210.6, 95% CI 174.3, 250.8; and 240.9, 95% CI 204.8, 280.2, respectively). In multilevel modeling controlling for individual factors, NHB race was associated with YPLL due to HIV/AIDS for women (p=0.04) and men (p<0.001). Conclusion. Among people diagnosed with HIV infection, females and NHB people had a disproportionately high premature mortality from HIV/AIDS, suggesting the need for enhanced efforts to improve linkage to and retention in care and medication adherence for these groups.
THE LAPLACIAN SPECTRUM OF CORONA OF TWO GRAPHS

Let G1,G2 be two connected graphs. Denote the corona and the edge corona of G1, G2 by G1 ◦ G2 and G = G1 G2, respectively. In this paper, we compute the Laplacian spectrum of the corona G◦H of two arbitrary graphs G and H and the edge corona of a connected regular graph G1 and an arbitrary graph G2.
IN‐SEASON RESISTANCE TRAINING AND DETRAINING IN PROFESSIONAL TEAM HANDBALL PLAYERS

The object of this study was to investigate the changes in physical parameters produced during an in-season resistance training (RT) and detraining (DT, or RT cessation) in 16 high level team handball players (THPs). Apart from normal practice sessions, THPs underwent 12 weeks of RT. Subjects performed 3 sets of 3–6 reps with a load of 70–85% concentric 1 repetition maximum bench press (1RMBP), 3 sets of 3–6 reps with a load of 70–95% of 4 repetition maximum parallel squats (4RMPS), plus vertical jumps and sprints. The 1RMBP, 4RMPS, speed over 30 m (S30), jump (countermovement jump height [CMJ]; CMJ with additional weights [20kg and 40kg], and ball throw velocity (BTv) were tested before the experimental period (T1), after 6 weeks (T2), and after the 12-week experimental period (T3). Immediately after these 12 weeks, THPs started a 7-week DT period, maintained normal practices. The CMJ and the BTv were the only parameters evaluated during DT. The most important gains (p < 0.001) in S30 were obtained between T1-T2 and T1-T3. The BTv improved significantly (p < 0.001) only between T1-T2 and T1-T3. The most relevant increases (p < 0.001) in jumping performance took place between T1-T2 and T1-T3. The 1RMBP showed significant increases (p < 0.001) only between T1-T2 and T1-T3. The 4RMPS increased significantly between all testing trials. After the DT, THPs showed no significant losses in CMJ performance. However, they declined significantly in BTv (p = 0.023). The results suggest that elite THPs can optimize important physical parameters over 12 weeks in-season and that 7 weeks of DT, although insufficient to produce significant decreases in CMJ, are sufficient to induce significant decreases in BTv. It is concluded that after RT cessation THPs reduced BTv performance.
ECL cell histamine mobilization studied by gastric submucosal microdialysis in awake rats: methodological considerations.

The ECL cells are endocrine/paracrine cells in the acid-producing part of the stomach. They secrete histamine in response to circulating gastrin. Gastric submucosal microdialysis has been used to study ECL-cell histamine mobilization in awake rats. In the present study we assess the usefulness and limitations of the technique. Microdialysis probes were implanted in the gastric submucosa. Histological analysis of the stomach wall around the probe revealed a moderate, local inflammatory reaction 1-2 days after implantation; the inflammation persisted for at least 10 days. Experiments were conducted 3 days after the implantation. The "true" submucosal histamine concentration was determined by perfusing at different rates (the zero flow method) or with different concentrations of histamine at a constant rate (the no-net-flux method): in fasted rats it was calculated to be 87+/-5 (means+/-S.E.M.) nmol/l and 76+/-9 nmol/l, respectively. The corresponding histamine concentrations in fed rats were 93+/-5 and 102+/-8 nmol/l, respectively. With a perfusion rate of 74 microl/hr the recovery of submucosal histamine was 49%, at 34 microl/hr the recovery increased to 83%. At a perfusion rate below 20 microl/hr the microdialysate histamine concentration was close to the actual concentration in the submucosa. The ECL-cell histamine mobilization was independent of the concentrations of Ca2+ in the perfusion medium (0-3.4 mmol/l Ca2+). In one experiment, histamine mobilization in response to gastrin (10 nmol/kg/hr subcutaneously) was monitored in rats pretreated with prednisolone (60 mg/kg) or indomethacin (15 mg/kg). The two antiinflammatory agents failed to affect the concentration of histamine in the microdialysate either before or during the gastrin challenge, which was in accord with the observation that the inflammatory reaction was modest and that inflammatory cells were relatively few around the probe and in the wall of the probe. In another experiment, rats were given aminoguanidine (10 mg/kg) or metoprine (10 mg/kg) 4 hr before the start of gastrin infusion (5 nmol/kg/hr intravenously). Metoprine (inhibitor of histamine N-methyl transferase) did not affect the microdialysate histamine concentration, while aminoguanidine (inhibitor of diamine oxidase) raised both basal and gastrin-stimulated histamine concentrations. We conclude that microdialysis can be used to monitor changes in the concentration of histamine in the submucosa of the stomach, and that the inflammatory reaction to the probe is moderate and does not affect the submucosal histamine mobilization.
Impending necrosis after injection of hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite fillers: report of 2 cases treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Dermal fillers provide a nonsurgical means of facial rejuvenation and, thus, have become increasingly popular in the past decade. The most common complications include local injection site reactions (i.e., erythema, tenderness, swelling, and bruising). Severe complications such as injection necrosis are rare and result from injury of a vessel, compression of the area around the vessel, or intravascular obstruction of the vessels by filler material. Several recommendations have been described in the literature for the treatment of filler-induced impending necrosis, which include immediate discontinuation of injection and treatment with hyaluronidase, warm compresses, nitroglycerin paste, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), blood thinners, antibiotics, and local wound care, among others. In severe cases of skin necrosis, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) should also be considered.
Knowledge characerisics of jobs and the empirical testing

Knowledge work productivity is the biggest challenge in the 21st century. But until now, there is still no effective way to define knowledge work, the basic problem of knowledge work productivity. Through the analysis of typical jobs in enterprises, the author intends to work on the knowledge work and discusses the measurement of knowledge content of jobs. For this purpose, the author sets up an analytical model of jobspsila knowledge characteristics, and abstracts an effetive index system to token the knowledge content. From the result of statistics we can see it is effective and provides us a method and standard to define knowledge work.