Role of glucose in daily torpor of Djungarian hamsters (): challenge of continuous in vivo blood glucose measurements.

Djungarian hamsters use daily torpor to save energy during winter. This metabolic downstate is part of their acclimatization strategy in response to short photoperiod and expressed spontaneously without energy challenges. During acute energy shortage, torpor incidence, depth, and duration can be modulated.

Long-term in vitro stability assessment of polycarbonate urethane micro catheters: resistance to oxidation and stress cracking.

Micro catheter tubes were prepared from poly (carbonate urethane) (PCU, Bionate) and poly (ether urethane) (PEU, Pellethane) and their stability was investigated in vitro under applied strain. The tubes were stretched to an elongation of 200% or 300% and exposed to hydrogen peroxide/cobalt chloride (H(2)O(2)/CoCl(2)) solution for specific periods of time (up to 10 months). The samples were observed for surface degradation via scanning electron microscopy, the bulk erosion via the weight difference, and the changes in molecular weight using gel permeation chromatography.