Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of simulated domestic and international air travel on sleep, performance, and recovery for team sports

The present study examined effects of simulated air travel on physical performance. In a randomized crossover design, 10 physically active males completed a simulated 5‐h domestic flight (DOM), 24‐h simulated international travel (INT), and a control trial (CON). The mild hypoxia, seating arrangements, and activity levels typically encountered during air travel were simulated in a normobaric, hypoxic altitude room. Physical performance was assessed in the afternoon of the day before (D − 1 PM) and in the morning (D + 1 AM) and afternoon (D + 1 PM) of the day following each trial. Mood states and physiological and perceptual responses to exercise were also examined at these time points, while sleep quantity and quality were monitored throughout each condition. Sleep quantity and quality were significantly reduced during INT compared with CON and DOM (P < 0.01). Yo‐Yo Intermittent Recovery level 1 test performance was significantly reduced at D + 1 PM following INT compared with CON and DOM (P < 0.01), where performance remained unchanged (P > 0.05). Compared with baseline, physiological and perceptual responses to exercise, and mood states were exacerbated following the INT trial (P < 0.05). Attenuated intermittent‐sprint performance following simulated international air travel may be due to sleep disruption during travel and the subsequent exacerbated physiological and perceptual markers of fatigue.
Temperature Dependence of Inorganic Nitrogen Uptake: Reduced Affinity for Nitrate at Suboptimal Temperatures in Both Algae and Bacteria

ABSTRACT Nitrate utilization and ammonium utilization were studied by using three algal isolates, six bacterial isolates, and a range of temperatures in chemostat and batch cultures. We quantified affinities for both substrates by determining specific affinities (specific affinity = maximum growth rate/half-saturation constant) based on estimates of kinetic parameters obtained from chemostat experiments. At suboptimal temperatures, the residual concentrations of nitrate in batch cultures and the steady-state concentrations of nitrate in chemostat cultures both increased. The specific affinity for nitrate was strongly dependent on temperature (Q10 ≈ 3, where Q10 is the proportional change with a 10°C temperature increase) and consistently decreased at temperatures below the optimum temperature. In contrast, the steady-state concentrations of ammonium remained relatively constant over the same temperature range, and the specific affinity for ammonium exhibited no clear temperature dependence. This is the first time that a consistent effect of low temperature on affinity for nitrate has been identified for psychrophilic, mesophilic, and thermophilic bacteria and algae. The different responses of nitrate uptake and ammonium uptake to temperature imply that there is increasing dependence on ammonium as an inorganic nitrogen source at low temperatures.
HTS Josephson junction devices for microwave and terahertz applications

The CSIRO Applied Superconductivity Group has a long-term effort in research and development of superconducting electronic devices and systems for various practical applications. In this paper, I will mainly describe our recent research progress in developing novel HTS Josephson devices for high frequency applications. Specifically, we have recently developed a novel HTS Josephson heterodyne gigahertz (GHz) microwave oscillator and on-chip down-converter (mixer). For even higher frequency application, we developed a HTS Josephson junction terahertz (THz) detector and applied it successfully to THz imaging. I will highlight some of the recent results and describe the on-going effort of developing an array of such detectors and associated electronics as well as system integration.
Implant-level prostheses in the edentulous maxilla: a comparison with conventional abutment-level prostheses after 5 years of use.

PURPOSE Long-term comparisons of frameworks at the implant or abutment level are not available, and knowledge of the clinical function of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy frameworks is limited. Primarily, the aim of this study was to compare the 5-year clinical performance of frameworks with or without abutment connections to implants. Secondly, the outcomes of prostheses made from Co-Cr alloy with porcelain veneers to those made of commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) with acrylic veneers were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS The test groups comprised patients treated with screw-retained fixed prostheses made at the implant level according to the Cresco method in either dental porcelain-veneered Co-Cr alloy (n = 15) or acrylic-veneered CP Ti (n = 25). A control group of 40 randomly selected patients were provided with prostheses made at the standard abutment level in CP Ti with acrylic veneers. For all patients, clinical and radiologic 5-year data were retrospectively collected and evaluated. RESULTS Five-year implant cumulative survival rates (CSRs) were 98.6% and 97.6% for test and control groups, respectively (P > .05). No major differences in bone level were demonstrated between the groups after 5 years (P > .05). Significantly more complications occurred in the test groups compared to the control group (P < .01), with the most common complications being mucositis and fracture of veneers. CONCLUSIONS After 5 years, the clinical outcomes of implant-level prostheses made of porcelain-veneered Co-Cr or acrylic-veneered CP Ti seem comparable to acrylic-veneered titanium prostheses made at the standard abutment level regarding implant CSR and bone levels. However, more complications were registered in implant-level prostheses compared to the standard abutment-level prostheses.
Modeling Frequency of Occurrence of Toxic Concentrations of Zinc and Copper in the Upper Animas River

Scientists participating in the USGS Abandoned Minelands Initiative have quantified metal concentrations and loadings from mining-related and natural background sources in the upper Animas River of southwestern Colorado, with the goal of guiding remediation decisions by federal landmanagement agencies. We have compared site-specific toxicity thresholds with frequencies of dissolved metal concentrations in stream water to evaluate the contributions of zinc and copper to toxic effects in fish and aquatic invertebrates in the upper Animas. Median lethal concentrations (LC50s) of zinc and copper were determined for fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas, and amphipods, Hyalella azteca, from seven-day toxicity tests under water quality conditions typical of the upper Animas. Frequency analysis based on hysteresis models was used to predict seasonal occurrence and daily probabilities of dissolved zinc and copper concentrations at two gaging stations near Silverton, Colorado. Results of these analyses indicate that dissolved zinc concentrations at both locations frequently exceed 7-day LC50s for amphipods, and occasionally exceed zinc LC50s for fathead minnows. In contrast, copper concentrations rarely approach lethal levels for either species. Model results are consistent with recent on-site toxicity tests with these two species. Comparison of modeled zinc and copper concentrations with published toxicity thresholds for brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, suggest that both zinc and copper contribute to chronic toxicity in resident trout in the upper Animas.
Initial specification of the epibranchial placode in zebrafish embryos depends on the fibroblast growth factor signal

In vertebrates, cranial sensory ganglia are mainly derived from ectodermal placodes, which are focal thickenings at characteristic positions in the embryonic head. Here, we provide the first description of the early development of the epibranchial placode in zebrafish embryos using sox3 as a molecular marker. By the one‐somite stage, we saw a pair of single sox3‐expressing domains appear lateral to the future hindbrain. The sox3 domain, which is referred to here as the early lateral placode, is segregated during the early phase of segmentation to form a pax2a‐positive medial area and a pax2a‐negative lateral area. The medial area subsequently developed to form the otic placode, while the lateral area was further segregated along the anteroposterior axis, giving rise to four sox3‐positive subdomains by 26 hr postfertilization. Given their spatial relationship with the expression of the markers for the epibranchial ganglion, as well as their positions and temporal changes, we propose that these four domains correspond to the facial, glossopharyngeal, vagal, and posterior lateral line placodes in an anterior‐to‐posterior order. The expression of sox3 in the early lateral placode was absent in mutants lacking functional fgf8, while implantation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) beads restored the sox3 expression. Using SU5402, which inhibits the FGF signal, we were able to demonstrate that formation of both the early lateral domains and later epibranchial placodes depends on the FGF signal operating at the beginning of somitogenesis. Together, these data provide evidence for the essential role of FGF signals in the development of the epibranchial placodes. Developmental Dynamics 236:564–571, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thalamic Activation in a Disc Herniation Model

Study Design. A novel approach combining a rodent disc herniation model with electrophysiologic recordings of thalamic evoked responses. Objective. To assess short-term effects of nucleus pulposus (NP) application on dorsal root ganglions (DRG) on high threshold afferent fiber evoked activation in the thalamus. Summary of Background Data. Epidural application of NP in combination with mechanical compression induces pain related behavior in rats associated with enhanced activity of pain-processing neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. However, possible effects on neuronal activity in the pain processing ventral posterior lateral (VPL) thalamic nucleus following NP application on DRG have not been investigated. Methods. Responses in the contralateral VPL evoked by electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve and of the fourth lumbar (L4) DRG were recorded in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Records were obtained before and during application (5, 10, and 20 minutes) of NP or of adipose tissue (AT) to the L4 DRG. AT was used as control for mechanical effects of NP application. Results. Application of NP resulted in an increase of evoked thalamic responses to 138% ± 10% of control after 20 minutes (P < 0.01), whereas AT application for 20 minutes resulted in a reduction of evoked responses to 77% ± 4% (P < 0.05). Recordings in control animals (i.e., with no application) demonstrated stable evoked neuronal thalamic activity for up to 40 minutes. Conclusion. The study demonstrates that NP application onto DRG increases afferent fiber evoked responses in the thalamus and in view of the opposite effects of AT application suggests that these effects may be specific for NP. The results show that NP affects sensory transmitting pathways within a few minutes, possibly due to rapid and reversible alterations in the neuronal excitability. The study thus introduces a rodent model for studying sensory afferent evoked thalamic activity related to DRG injury which may be used to evaluate analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs used for pain relief in disc herniation and neuropathic pain patients.
9 Balance and Gait Rehabilitation in Patients with Parkinson ’ s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cardinal features resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural difficulties which are thought to arise primarily from the loss of dopamine producing neurons and subsequent dysfunction of the basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical pathway (Konczak et al., 2009). Patients with PD have difficulties in performing various motor tasks, such as walking, writing and speaking. Furthermore, PD leads to abnormalities in two main components of postural control: orientation (maintaining a normal postural arrangement and alignment) and stabilization (maintaining equilibrium) (Vaugoyeau & Azulay, 2010). Postural instability (PI) is a disabling disorder, which is associated with sudden falls, progressive loss of independence, immobility and high costs for healthcare systems (Grimbergen et al., 2004). It usually occurs at the later stages of the disease and, unlike gait disorders, responds poorly to medication. Marked alteration of gait is common in advanced PD, although there is evidence suggesting that initial impairment in gait can be detected even early in the course of the disease (Stolze et al., 2005; Baltadjieva et al., 2006). Gait disorders, along with turning and balance disturbances, are the most important determinants of falls, which are recognized to be a major problem among people with PD. Falls occur despite maximal treatment with levodopa, confirming that axial disability in late stage PD is largely dopa-resistant (likely due to extranigral and non-dopaminergic brain lesions). Falls often have dramatic consequences, such as traumas and fractures. The high risk of fractures was demonstrated in a large case control study (Vestergaard et al., 2007), which showed that patients with parkinsonism (not just PD) had a more than two-fold increased risk of sustaining a fallrelated fracture. It has been established that PD has a negative impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients (Diamond & Jankovic, 2005). Interestingly, in PD, non-motor symptoms such as depression and cognitive impairment are major predictors of QoL (Martinez-Martin, 1998). Although investigators have examined the effect of specific PD symptoms such as tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia (Peto et al., 1995), medication-related complications (Chapuis et al., 2005), insomnia (Caap-Ahlgren & Dehlin, 2001), fatigue (Herlofson & Larsen, 2003) and sweating (Swinn et al., 2003), their relative contributions to the patient’s QoL have
Effects of ingested steak and infused leucine on forelimb metabolism in man and the fate of the carbon skeletons and amino groups of branched-chain amino acids.

1. The effects of ingested grilled beef steak (250 g raw weight of lean meat) and infusion of leucine (3.8 g) on human forelimb metabolism were studied by monitoring the concentrations of various metabolites in arterial (A) and venous (V) blood of four overnight fasted and rested men. 2. The mean basal A—V for branched-chain 2-oxo acid (BCOA) was small (−3.6 μmol/l). After ingestion of steak or administration of leucine there were large positive increases in the A—V for branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) but increase in the negative A—V for BCOA was relatively small. 3. Within 2 h of ingestion of steak, BCAA accounted for approx. 50% of those amino acids with a positive A—V and glutamine for up to 75% of those with a negative A—V; the negative A—V for alanine decreased to 10% of its basal value. Infusion of leucine produced a large positive A—V for leucine by forelimb, a doubling in the negative A—V for glutamine and a rise in the blood glutamine concentration; the negative A—V for alanine was virtually unchanged and the blood alanine concentration showed a late significant decrease. 4. After ingestion of steak there was a two- to three-fold rise in the arterial insulin concentration, little change in the positive A—V for glucose and a decreased negative A—V for ‘glycolytic products’ (alanine + lactate + pyruvate), suggesting increased utilization of glucose carbon. Infusion of leucine doubled the arterial insulin concentration; the A—V for glucose decreased, that for lactate, pyruvate and alanine remained unchanged, suggesting decreased utilization of glucose carbon. 5. Circulating BCOA was distributed almost entirely in the plasma space. 6. in a variety of clinical conditions (insulin-dependent diabetes, cirrhosis, muscular dystrophy and starvation), the basal plasma concentrations of BCOA correlated well with those of BCAA ( r = 0.989). Infusion of leucine increased the plasma BCAA/BCOA ratio to the same extent (about 40%) in each clinical condition despite considerable variations in the rate of leucine clearance. 7. The observations indicate that both ingested steak and infused leucine produce important changes in the selection of respiratory fuels by the human forelimb, that BCOA is preferentially oxidized rather than released from human limb tissues, and that glutamine, not alanine, is the major amino group carrier leaving the forelimb both after a protein meal and after leucine administration. Changes in cellular uptake or transamination of leucine appear not to be responsible for the varied rates of leucine clearance in a variety of clinical conditions.
Differential Internalization of Somatostatin in COS-7 Cells Transfected with SST1 and SST2 Receptor Subtypes: A Confocal Microscopic Study Using Novel Fluorescent Somatostatin Derivatives1.

A growing body of evidence suggests that neuropeptide binding to G protein-linked receptors may result in internalization of receptor-ligand complexes, followed by intracellular mobilization and degradation of the ligand into its target cells. Because of discrepant results in the literature concerning the occurrence of such a mechanism for the tetradecapeptide somatostatin (SRIF), we have reinvestigated this question by comparing the binding and internalization of iodinated and fluorescent derivatives of the metabolically stable analog of SRIF,[ d-Trp8]SRIF, in COS-7 cells transfected with complementary DNA encoding the sst1 or sst2A receptor subtype. A series of fluoresceinyl and Bodipy fluorescent derivatives of[ d-Trp8]SRIF-14 was purified by HPLC, analyzed for purity by mass spectrometry, and tested for biological activity in a membrane binding assay. Of the six compounds tested, fluoresceinyl and Bodipy derivatives labeled in position α (fluo-SRIF) retained high affinity for SRIF receptors. COS-7 cel.
Arabidopsis Peptide Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase2 Prevents Cellular Oxidative Damage in Long Nights

Peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase (PMSR) is a ubiquitous enzyme that repairs oxidatively damaged proteins. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), a null mutation in PMSR2 (pmsr2-1), encoding a cytosolic isoform of the enzyme, exhibited reduced growth in short-day conditions. In wild-type plants, a diurnally regulated peak of total PMSR activity occurred at the end of the 16-h dark period that was absent in pmsr2-1 plants. This PMSR activity peak in the wild-type plant coincided with increased oxidative stress late in the dark period in the mutant. In pmsr2-1, the inability to repair proteins resulted in higher levels of their turnover, which in turn placed an increased burden on cellular metabolism. This caused increased respiration rates, leading to the observed higher levels of oxidative stress. In wild-type plants, the repair of damaged proteins by PMSR2 at the end of the night in a short-day diurnal cycle alleviates this potential burden on metabolism. Although PMSR2 is not absolutely required for viability of plants, the observation of increased damage to proteins in these long nights suggests the timing of expression of PMSR2 is an important adaptation for conservation of their resources.
The Search of Structural Changes in Mutual Fund Industry-Based On the ARMAX-GJR-GARCH Model

This study aims to examine the impacts of a bond fund segregation policy event on Taiwan mutual fund industry. In principle, mutual fund industry is a highly regulated industry. However, bond funds focus on pursuing short-term high returns and increasing their scale by investing in structured products with poor liquidity and those offered to clients and increasing the funds’ liquidity risks; this event would significantly affect the development of mutual fund industry. Accordingly, this study examines pre- and post- a bond fund segregation policy, event for verifying the impacts of this event on mutual fund industry changes. The empirical findings of mutual fund industry have significantly changed because of new regulations causing from the event. In particularly, the Bond funds and management fees from the significant relationship into does not have a significant relationship. The mutual fund industry needs to cultivate more professional managers, as well as create more types of mutual funds, and offers a wide range of financial products to meet the needs of different investors, and to strengthen the development of the mutual fund industry.
Decentralized coordination of the operation of residential heating units

This work presents an approach to decentralized coordination of electro-thermal heating systems, like Combined Heat and Power systems (CHP), Heat Pumps (HP), or Electric Heating systems (EH), each equipped with thermal storage, within a group or cluster of residential buildings. The flexibility of these thermal systems can be exploited for coordinating the heating units for a higher-level objective, like balancing power fluctuations of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). In order to assess the decentralized coordination algorithm (DCA) presented in this paper, its performance is compared with that of a centralized approach. In the centralized approach, a Mixed Integer Program (MIP) is formulated and solved, obtaining the optimal schedules for each heating system within the building cluster. In the decentralized approach, an MIP is first executed for each heating system, providing a set of schedules, which all satisfy the local constraints as well as local objectives of the building. Next, one schedule per set is selected in a way that the combination of the selected schedules facilitates the higher-level objective. The results presented in this work show that the proposed DCA can in principle balance power fluctuations as global objective, while still enabling local optimization. However, the results appear to be strongly dependent on the flexibility of the local optimization.
Type of motion and lubricant in wear simulation of polyethylene acetabular cup

Abstract The wear of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, the most commonly used bearing material in prosthetic joints, is often substantial, posing a significant clinical problem. For a long time, there has been a need for simple but still realistic wear test devices for prosthetic joint materials. The wear factors produced by earlier reciprocating and unidirectionally rotating wear test devices for polyethylene are typically two orders of magnitude too low, both in water and in serum lubrication. Wear is negligible even under multidirectional motion in water. A twelve-station, circularly translating pin-on-disc (CTPOD) device and a modification of the established biaxial rocking motion hip joint simulator were built. With these simple and inexpensive devices, and with the established three-axis hip joint simulator, realistic wear simulation was achieved. This was due to serum lubrication and to the fact that the direction of sliding constantly changed relative to the polyethylene specimen. The type and magnitude of load was found to be less important. The CTPOD tests showed that the subsurface brittle region, which results from gamma irradiation sterilization of polyethylene in air, has poor wear resistance. Phospholipid and soy protein lubrication resulted in unrealistic wear. The introduction of devices like CTPOD may boost wear studies, rendering them feasible without heavy investment.