Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cooling inhibits exocytosis in single mouse pancreatic B‐cells by suppression of granule mobilization.

1. The mechanisms by which cooling inhibits insulin secretion were investigated by capacitance measurements of exocytosis in single mouse pancreatic B‐cells maintained in short‐term tissue culture. 2. A reduction of the bath temperature from 34 to 24 degrees C produced a gradual inhibition of exocytosis. Inhibition of exocytosis was use dependent rather than time dependent. The steady‐state inhibition amounted to 90%, which was paralleled by a 30% reduction of the peak Ca2+ current. 3. The Q10 values (between 27 and 37 degrees C) for inhibition of exocytosis and the peak Ca2+ current amplitude were determined as > 5 and 1.6, respectively. From the temperature dependence of exocytosis, an energy of activation was estimated as 145 kJ mol‐1. 4. Suppression of exocytosis was not the result of a reduction of Ca2+ influx. When the Ca2+ currents were blocked by 30% (comparable to that produced by cooling) by using a low concentration of Co2+, exocytosis was reduced by < 25%. 5. Elevation of cytoplasmic free Ca2+, by photorelease of ‘caged’ Ca2+ from Ca(2+)‐nitrophenyl‐EGTA preloaded into the B‐cell, was equally effective at eliciting exocytosis at 24 and 34 degrees C. 6. Cooling produced 70% inhibition of exocytosis evoked by infusion of Ca2+ through the recording electrode. Omission of either MgATP or cAMP from the electrode solution resulted in a comparable reduction of exocytosis. Cooling had no additional inhibitory effect when exocytosis was already suppressed by removal of cytoplasmic MgATP. 7. Our data indicate that exocytosis of granules already docked beneath the membrane is little affected by cooling in the B‐cell. Instead, the high overall temperature sensitivity of insulin secretion arises because the replenishment of the readily releasable pool is temperature dependent.
Codebook Size Design for RVQ-Based Tomlinson–Harashima Precoded MIMO Broadcast Channels

In this paper, we study the codebook size design strategies in the multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) broadcast channel (BC) systems. We adopt the nonlinear Tomlinson-Harashima precoder (THP), which is designed by the imperfect channel direction information (CDI) acquired from the random vector quantization (RVQ) feedback mechanism. Under the limitation of the total feedback rate, we flexibly allocate the size of each user's codebook so that the overall channel capacity is maximized. Since the design problem is not convex, directly finding out the optimum allocation of codebook size is not attainable. However, by sophisticatedly using the discrete majorization theory, we can derive the codebook size allocation strategies for the high- and the low-signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) regions. Interestingly, the results show that the equal size codebook is preferable in the low-SNR region, whereas the codebook allocates the whole available codebook size to a single user in the high-SNR region. Simulations certify the theoretical result of our design.
Statistics on Applied Voltages in Schottky Barrier Diodes at Same Forward Current in a Fabrication Process

A batch of Al/n-Si Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) have been manufactured in the same fabrication process and the forward bias current–voltage (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${I}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>–<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) characteristics of SBDs in the same fabrication process are measured at 300 K. After the forward-bias <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${I}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>–<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> characteristics of 1300 SBSs are measured, the statistics histogram on the applied voltages in 1300 SBDs are presented at forward bias currents of 1, 10, 50, and 150 mA, respectively. The applied voltage fluctuations of SBDs at the same forward bias current are given. The positive skewed distribution of the applied voltages at forward currents of 10, 50, and 150 mA are found, respectively, whereas the normal distribution of applied voltage at a forward bias current of 1 mA is given. It is also shown that not only the range of applied voltage is enlarged but also the difference between the average voltage and the median applied voltage increased with the forward bias current. This may be due to the variation of series resistance in SBDs at high forward bias current levels.
Annualized Incidence and Spectrum of Illness from an Outbreak Investigation of Bell’s Palsy

Background: There are limited clinical and epidemiological data on patients diagnosed with Bell’s palsy. While investigating an apparent clustering of Bell’s palsy, we sought to characterize the spectrum of illness in patients with this diagnosis. Methods: A telephone survey of persons with idiopathic facial (Bell’s) palsy in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA, population = 4.99 million) and Nova Scotia (population = 0.93 million) from August 1 to November 15, 1997 collected information on subject demographics, neurological symptoms, constitutional symptoms, medical investigation and management. Information regarding potential risks for exposure to infectious agents, past medical history, and family history of Bell’s palsy was also collected. Subjects with other secondary causes of facial palsy were excluded. Results: In the GTA and Nova Scotia, 222 and 36 patients were diagnosed with idiopathic facial (Bell’s) palsy, respectively. The crude annualized incidence of Bell’s palsy was 15.2 and 13.1 per 100,000 population in the GTA and Nova Scotia, respectively. There was no temporal or geographical clustering, and symptomatology did not differ significantly between the two samples. The mean age was 45 years, with 55% of subjects being female. The most common symptoms accompanying Bell’s palsy were increased tearing (63%), pain in or around the ear (63%), and taste abnormalities (52%). A significant number of patients reported neurological symptoms not attributable to the facial nerve. Conclusion: No clustering of cases of Bell’s palsy was observed to support an infectious etiology for the condition. Misdiagnosis of the etiology of facial weakness is common. Patients diagnosed with Bell’s palsy have a variety of neurological symptoms, many of which cannot be attributed to a facial nerve disorder.
Pamidronate infusion in patients with systemic sclerosis results in changes in blood mononuclear cell cytokine profiles

A single infusion of pamidronate was given to patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc) to assess effects on cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and lymphocyte subsets. Eighteen patients with SSc received a single intravenous dose of 60 mg of pamidronate and were followed for 6 months. Assessment of cytokine production [interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐10, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and IL‐4] by PBMC and lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry was carried out before and after the pamidronate infusion. Unstimulated PBMC produced increased amounts of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α and reduced levels of TGF‐β1 for up to 24 weeks after the infusion. γδ T cells from patients with SSc were activated in vitro and produced increased IFN‐γ. The effects of pamidronate on modulation of cytokine profiles in patients with SSc may merit future study.
Endogenous dopamine release after pharmacological challenges in Parkinson's disease

Using 11C‐raclopride positron emission tomography after methamphetamine challenge, we have evaluated regional brain changes in synaptic dopamine (DA) levels in six volunteers and six advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. The pharmacological challenge induced significant release of endogenous DA in putamen not only in the normal subjects, as reflected by a 25.2% reduction in 11C‐raclopride binding potential as compared with placebo, but also in the PD patients (6.8%). In individual PD patients, we found a correlation between putamen DA release and DA storage, as measured by 18F‐dopa uptake. Localization of significant changes in 11C‐raclopride binding after methamphetamine at a voxel level with statistical parametric mapping identified striatal and prefrontal DA release in both cohorts. Statistical comparisons between normal subjects and PD confirmed significantly reduced DA release in striatal areas in PD, but normal levels of prefrontal DA release. In conclusion, significant endogenous DA release can still be induced by pharmacological challenges in the putamen of advanced PD patients, and this release correlates with residual DA storage capacity. Our data also show that the capacity to release normal DA levels in prefrontal areas after a pharmacological challenge is preserved in severe stages of the disease. Ann Neurol 2003
Predictors of one‐year pretransplant survival in patients with cirrhosis

The aim of this prospective study was to examine the usefulness of flow‐dependent dynamic liver function tests and conventional methods of evaluating liver function as predictors of pretransplant survival in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation within the follow‐up period of 365 days were excluded. One hundred one patients with histologically confirmed cirrhosis were studied. Fifty‐eight patients had post‐hepatitic cirrhosis, 13 had cryptogenic cirrhosis and 30 had biliary cirrhosis. During follow‐up, 28 patients died of their liver diseases. At entry, we recorded indocyanine green half‐life, monoethylglycinexylidide formation from lidocaine, bilirubin and albumin serum concentrations, activities of cholinesterase and alkaline phosphatase, prothrombin time, clinical complications of ascites and encephalopathy and the Pugh score. These variables were subjected as covariates to a stepwise survival analysis by use of the Cox proportional‐hazards model. At the final step, Pugh score, monoethylglycinexylidide formation and indocyanine green half‐life were found to be the only independent variables significantly related to 1‐yr survival. The parallel combination of Pugh score and monoethylglycinexylidide test yielded the highest prognostic sensitivity (82%). The series approach combining either the Pugh score and indocyanine green test or the monoethylglycinexylidide and indocyanine green tests was associated with the highest specificity (96%/97%) and high predictive values of a positive result (81%/82%). These findings suggest that appropriate combinations of the studied flow‐dependent dynamic liver function tests and the Pugh score could be useful in improving transplant candidate selection and the timing of transplantation. (HEPATOLOGY 1991;14:1029–1034.)
Infusion of CD4+ donor lymphocytes induces the expansion of CD8+ donor T cells with cytolytic activity directed against recipient hematopoietic cells.

PURPOSE Donor lymphocyte infusions (DLIs) provide effectivetherapy for patients with relapsed chronic myeloid leukemia after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Previous studies have suggested that depletion of CD8+ T cells from the infused donor lymphocytes can reduce the incidence of graft-versus-host disease associated with DLI without reducing antileukemia activity. In this situation however, the immune effector cells responsible for tumor rejection have not been identified. The goal of this study was to characterize these effector populations. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We studied three representative patients with relapsed chronic myeloid leukemia who achieved complete molecular remission after receiving CD8+ T-cell-depleted DLI from HLA-identical sibling donors. Effector T cells were characterized in patient samples after in vitro stimulation and functional assessment. T-cell clones relevant to the immune response were then isolated and further characterized. RESULTS Analysis of peripheral blood samples collected after DLI indicated the presence of a high frequency of circulating host-reactive cytolytic CD8+ T cells secreting IFN-gamma. These HLA class I-restricted CTLs were specific for recipient minor histocompatibility antigens (mHAs) because they did not recognize target cells of donor origin. One CTL clone was further expanded in vitro and shown to recognize a broadly expressed mHA presented by HLA-B5701. Using a molecular approach, we demonstrated that this clone was expanded in peripheral blood and marrow after DLI. It was not detected before DLI. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that CD4+ DLI elicits a potent allogeneic response mediated by mHA-specific CD8+ T cells.
Visual, real-time monitoring system for remote operation of electrical substations

CTEEP - Transmissão Paulista actually operates 105 substations geographically distributed across São Paulo State. These substations are remotely operated by two Operating Centers - Transmission Operating Center (COT - Centro de Operação da Transmissão), Bom Jardim - SP, and Back-end Operating Center (COR - Centro de Operação Retaguarda), Cabreúva - SP.
Fixed threshold modeling of an adjustable threshold integrate-and-fire neuronal model

An action potential is generated when the membrane potential of a spiking neuron reaches a certain threshold. Although it is well-known that the threshold level of a neuron is not a fixed value and changes with time and neuronal parameters, its variation is often ignored in neuronal modeling due to the complexity of the analysis. Assuming a fixed threshold level, however, may produce non-realistic results. If we find a model to incorporate the impact of the variation of the threshold in a fixed threshold model we can benefit from the simplicity of the existing fixed-threshold models yet obtain more realistic results. It is shown here that, with some approximations, we can create a fixed threshold model for an integrate-and-fire neuronal model from an adjustable threshold model by some simple operations. Both models generate the same spike (action potential) pattern.
Blood Flow Assessment by Ultrasound‐Induced Destruction of Echocontrast Agents Using Harmonic Power Doppler Imaging: Which Parameters Determine Contrast Replenishment Curves?

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of flow determinations by contrast replenishment using harmonic power Doppler imaging (H‐PDI). Background: The application of indicator dilution principles on contrast echocardiography is limited by numerous methodical problems. Recently, a new method was introduced that relies on ultrasound‐mediated microbubble destruction and evaluation of the contrast replenishment. Methods: Definity, a perfluorocarbon‐derived contrast agent under development, was continuously infused into a steady flow phantom and H‐PDI registrations were performed within a silicone tube (d = 8 mm). Replenishment interval between destruction and imaging frame was varied from 0.04–2 seconds. Nonlinear curve fitting was performed using an exponential mathematical model. Results: Strong linear correlation between contrast dose and maximum signal intensity as well as between flow and the slope variable β of the replenishment curve was found for all settings (r > 0.96). Maximum signal intensity and contrast replenishment rate were found to be a function of emission power and were significantly influenced by depth and focus position. Conclusion: The feasibility of flow assessment using replenishment curves obtained by H‐PDI was demonstrated. However, in experimental conditions, flow analysis was severely influenced by ultrasound system settings and imaging conditions such as emission power, sound field geometry, and investigation depth. For a clinical use of this promising approach, algorithms that take specific system settings and imaging conditions into account have to be found. Imaging modalities that enable a most homogeneous scan field are best suited for the assessment of contrast replenishment.
Energy harvesting to supply moored oceanographic monitoring stations

This work aims to study a new energy harvesting device to be anchored on the ocean floor and convert any type of currents, tides or oscillation movement into electrical energy using linear electromagnetic generators. The final application is to supply energy to a set of moored monitoring sensors that collects data and allowing the system to be energetically autonomous. The proposed setup is a spherical buoy with no external moving parts, to be more biofouling proof. The maximum output power measured for a 4 Hz movement was 9.9 mW with only one linear electromagnetic generator.
Induction of the mtrCDE‐encoded efflux pump system of Neisseria gonorrhoeae requires MtrA, an AraC‐like protein

The mtr (multiple transferable resistance) gene complex in Neisseria gonorrhoeae encodes an energy‐dependent efflux pump composed of the MtrC–MtrD–MtrE cell envelope proteins that serves to export structurally diverse antimicrobial, hydrophobic agents (HAs). Many of these agents have membrane‐acting detergent activity. Using Triton X‐100 (TX‐100) as a representative HA, we found that the mtrCDE efflux pump operon could be induced to higher levels of expression when an HA‐sensitive strain was exposed to sublethal concentrations of this non‐ionic detergent and the structurally related spermicide, nonoxynol‐9. This induction was at the level of mtrCDE gene transcription and was independent of the MtrR repressor, which normally decreases mtrCDE gene expression. However, the enhanced resistance of gonococci to TX‐100 was dependent on the expression of a previously undescribed gonococcal protein that belonged to the AraC/XylS family of transcriptional activators. We have termed this protein MtrA to signify its likely role in the activation of mtrCDE gene expression. Taken together with previous studies dealing with the genetic control of mtrCDE gene expression, we propose that gonococci can modulate their resistance to HAs through both positive and negative transcriptional control processes. The action of these regulatory processes is probably of importance in determining the survival capacity of gonococci at mucosal surfaces that contain detergent‐like HAs.
[Saponins in the fruit pedicels of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen (continue)].

Six saponins were isolated from the fruit pedicels of Panax notoginseng. Five of them were identified as gypenoside-XVII, -XV, ginsenoside-Rb1, and notoginsenoside-Fc, -Fa on the basis of chemical methods, spectroscopic analysis and comparison with authentic standards. Quantitative determination of the major saponins in fruit pedicels from the plant was made by thin layer chromatography-densitometry.
The Relationship between Environmental Factors and Purchasing Decisions in the Residential Market

The overarching aim of this study is to investigate the factors behind the relatively slow evolution of the green residential housing market in Sweden. The intention is to examine stated willingness to pay (WTP) for green and low energy apartments, and to explore which factors have a significant effect on stated WTP among apartment owners. A green building was defined as a building certified according to the environmental scheme and a low energy building as a building designed and constructed with high energy efficiency goals. Data for this study were collected through a survey conducted among occupants of comparable apartment buildings: two green and one conventional. The study applied a quasi-experimental method; survey responses regarding factors affecting purchase of apartment, stated WTP and environmental literacy have been analysed using descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney (rank sum) test and logistic models. Comments received from respondents have been used for further interpretation of results. Results indicate that environmental education has a significant effect on stated WTP. Occupants who declared higher WTP showed a higher level of environmental literacy and indicated that energy efficiency was one of the important factors that affected their decision to buy an apartment. It is concluded that growth in the green housing market in Sweden might be achieved if policymakers and developers engage in active education in the environmental labelling system. The demand for green buildings is more likely to increase when the difference between green and conventional buildings is easily understood and information is not only delivered by the estate agent, but is part of an environmental education programme.
Impact of Postoperative Complications on Long-term Survival After Resection for Rectal Cancer

BACKGROUND: The relevance of type and severity of postoperative complications after curative resection for rectal cancer on survival and recurrence rates is a matter of controversy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of postoperative complications on long-term outcome after resection for rectal cancer. DESIGN: This study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a university teaching hospital by a specialized colorectal team. PATIENTS: Between January 1984 and October 2008, 811 patients with rectal cancer underwent curative resection. Patients who experienced postoperative complications were divided into a minor complication group (grades I and II) and a major complications group (grades III and IV) according to the Clavien classification. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The influence of several pathological and clinical factors, including complications in terms of overall and disease-free survival, was tested and compared in univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Curative resection was performed in 811 patients; median age was 65 years. The Kaplan-Meier estimates (± SE) for 5- and 10-year overall cumulative survival were 70.3% ± 1.8% and 54.5% ± 2.4%; Kaplan-Meier estimates for 5- and 10-year disease-free survival were 64.0% ± 1.8% and 50.9% ± 2.3%. One hundred sixty-five patients (20.3%) had minor complications, and 103 patients (12.7%) had major complications. Twelve patients (1.48%) died within 30 days after surgery. There was no significant difference between patients with no complications, patients with minor complications, and patients with major complications in terms of overall (p = 0.41) or disease-free survival (p = 0.32). LIMITATIONS: A possible limitation of our study is that the data represent a cohort study from a single center. CONCLUSION: Following resection for rectal cancer, the severity of postoperative complications (minor or major) according to a standardized classification system does not demonstrate a statistically significant effect on either overall or disease-free survival.
MDM2 gene amplification and lack of p53 point mutations in Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg cells: results from single‐cell polymerase chain reaction and molecular cytogenetic studies

Hodgkin's disease (HD) is the most common haematological malignancy after chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, but very little is known about its pathogenesis or the genetic events that contribute to the malignant phenotype of the tumour cells. p53 is assumed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of HD, based on the observation that p53 protein is frequently accumulated in Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg (H & RS) cells. We investigated single H & RS cells from five different HD patients for point mutations at the genomic level using multiplex polymerase chain reaction amplification and subsequent sequencing. No point mutations were detected in 50 single H & RS cells analysed. Hence, accumulation of p53 protein cannot be explained by mutations within the gene. A genome‐wide screening for genomic imbalances using comparative genomic hybridization revealed gain on chromosome 12q14, i.e. the mapping position of the MDM2 gene in several HD cases. Therefore, we assessed the copy number of the MDM2 gene using fluorescence in situ hybridization. In four out of six HD cases analysed, the copy number of the MDM2 gene was found to be increased. As gene amplification is frequently associated with protein overexpression, the observed accumulation of p53 in the nuclei of H & RS cells could be as a result of elevated MDM2 protein levels resulting in stabilization of p53 protein.