Importance of the Na -K pump. The ion gradients across muscle membranes undergo pronounced perturbations during intense muscle activity. These activity-induced changes in ion distribution affect excitability and may lead to impairment of force development (muscle fatigue). The Na -K -ATPase (Na -K pump) counteracts changes in ion gradients due to muscle activity. Regulation of the Na -K -ATPase...

This paper discusses the feasibility of using artificial neural networks (ANNs), together with a high precision scanning optical profiler, to measure very fine track widths that are considerably below the conventional diffraction limit of a conventional optical microscope. The ANN is trained using optical profiles obtained from tracks of known widths, the network is then assessed by applying it...

Inulinases are hydrolysis enzymes that act on the β-2,1 linkage of inulin, resulting fructose, glucose and inulooligosaccharides as reaction products. Microorganisms are the best sources for inulinases production, as they are easy to be cultivated and produce high yields of enzymes. Inulinases have a molecular weight over 50.0 kDa, an optimal pH between 4.5-7.0 and an optimal temperature betwee...

A new generation of 0.3 numerical aperture prototype EUV optical systems is now being produced to provide an opportunity for early learning at 20-nm feature size. Achieving diffraction limited performance from these two-mirror, annular projection optics poses a challenge for every aspect of the fabrication process, including final alignment and interferometric qualification. A new phase-shiftin...

Rechargeable aqueous metal-ion batteries made from non-flammable and low-cost materials offer promising opportunities in large-scale utility grid applications, yet low voltage and energy output, as well as limited cycle life remain critical drawbacks in their electrochemical operation. Here we develop a series of high-voltage aqueous metal-ion batteries based on 'M(+)/N(+)-dual shuttles' to ove...

Materials: Chemicals were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich BV and used as received: the surfactants, sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulphosuccinate (Na-AOT, 99%) and 4(1,1,3,3-Tetramethylbutyl)phenyl-polyethylene glycol (Triton-X 100, 99.999%); the solvents, n-heptane (99.9%) and toluene (≥99.5%); the metal precursors, chloroplatinic acid hydrate (99.9%), iron chloride (≥99%), cobalt acetate tetrahydrate ...

We report InAs/InGaAs quantum dot (QD) waveguide photodetectors (PD) monolithically grown on silicon substrates. A high-crystalline quality GaAs-on-Si template was achieved by aspect ratio trapping together with the combined effects of cyclic thermal annealing and strain-balancing layer stacks. An ultra-low dark current of 0.8 nA and an internal responsivity of 0.9 A/W were measured in the O ba...

We present a novel extended-focus optical coherence microscope (OCM) attaining 0.7 μm axial and 0.4 μm lateral resolution maintained over a depth of 40 μm, while preserving the advantages of Fourier domain OCM. Our system uses an ultra-broad spectrum from a supercontinuum laser source. As the spectrum spans from near-infrared to visible wavelengths (240 nm in bandwidth), we call the system visO...

introduction: in the kindling-induced seizure model, low and repeated electrical or chemical stimulations, can elevate the neural network excitability and induce epileptiform seizures. opioid receptors are widely distributed in different areas of the brain. on the other hand, morphine has paradoxical effects and induces elevation or alleviation of the pain sensation and excitability, at differe...