Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Central Control of Fluid and Electrolyte Homeostasis Characterization of the effects of the vasopressin V 2 receptor on sweating , fluid balance , and performance during exercise

Hew-Butler T, Hummel J, Rider BC, Verbalis JG. Characterization of the effects of the vasopressin V2 receptor on sweating, fluid balance, and performance during exercise. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 307: R366–R375, 2014. First published June 18, 2014; doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00120.2014. —A regulatory effect of arginine vasopressin (AVP) on sweat water conservation has been hypothesized but not definitively evaluated. AVP-mediated insertion of sweat and salivary gland aquaporin-5 (AQP5) water channels through activation of the vasopressin type 2 receptor (V2R) remains an attractive, yet unexplored, mechanism that could result in a more concentrated sweat with resultant decreased water loss. Ten runners participated in a double-blind randomized control treadmill trial under three separate pharmacological conditions: a placebo, V2R agonist (0.2 mg desmopressin), or V2R antagonist (30 mg tolvaptan). After a familiarization trial, runners ran for 60 min at 60% of peak speed followed by a performance trial to volitional exhaustion. Outcome variables were collected at three exercise time points: baseline, after the steady-state run, and after the performance run. Body weight losses were 2% across all three trials. Significant pharmacological condition effects were noted for urine osmolality [F 84.98; P 0.0001] and urine sodium concentration ([Na ]) [F 38.9; P 0.0001], which verified both pharmacological activation and inhibition of the V2R at the kidney collecting duct. Plasma osmolality and [Na ] demonstrated significant exercise (F 26.0 and F 11.1; P 0.0001) and condition (F 5.1 and F 3.8; P 0.05) effects (osmolality and [Na ], respectively). No significant exercise or condition effects were noted for either sweat or salivary [Na ]. Significant exercise effects were noted for plasma [AVP] (F 22.3; P 0.0001), peak core temperature (F 103.3; P 0.0001), percent body weight change (F 6.3; P 0.02), plasma volume change (F 21.8; P 0.0001), and thirst rating (F 78.2; P 0.0001). Performance time was not altered between conditions (P 0.80). In summary, AVP acting at V2R does not appear to regulate water losses from body fluids other than renal excretion during exercise.
Assessment of the Content of Phenolics and Antioxidant Action of Inflorescences and Leaves of Selected Species from the Genus Sorbus Sensu Stricto

In order to find new sources of natural antioxidants, the antioxidant potential of 70% methanolic extracts from the inflorescences and leaves of 16 species from the genus Sorbus s.s. was evaluated using two complementary in vitro test systems: the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical-scavenging assay and the AAPH [2,2′-azobis-(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride]-induced linoleic acid (LA) peroxidation test. The radical-scavenging capacities of the extracts towards the DPPH radical were in the range of 0.25−0.86 millimolar Trolox® equivalents/g dry weight. They were significantly correlated (r = -0.8089, p < 0.001) with the results of the LA-peroxidation test, indicating the Sorbus extracts to be universal antioxidants. Significant linear correlations were also found between the different antioxidant potentials and total phenolic contents as estimated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and further verified by serial determinations of proanthocyanidins, chlorogenic acid isomers and flavonoids (|r| in the range of 0.71−0.95, p < 0.001). Cluster analysis of the data matrix identified the ten samples (inflorescences of S. aucuparia, S. pohuashanensis, S. decora, S. koehneana, S. commixta, S. gracilis, and S. sitchensis, and the leaves of S. wilfordii, S. pogonopetala, and S. gracilis) exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolic levels and therefore the greatest potential as effective sources for natural health products.
Integrating Evidence for Managing Asthma in Patients Who Smoke

Cigarette smoking among asthma patients is associated with worsening symptoms and accelerated decline in lung function. Smoking asthma is also characterized by increased levels of neutrophils and macrophages, and greater small airway remodeling, resulting in increased airflow obstruction and impaired response to corticosteroid therapy. As a result, smokers are typically excluded from asthma randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The strict inclusion/exclusion criteria used by asthma RCTs limits the extent to which their findings can be extrapolated to the routine care asthma population and to reflect the likely effectiveness of therapies in subgroups of particular clinical interest, such as smoking asthmatics. The inclusion of smokers in observational asthma studies and pragmatic trials in asthma provides a way of assessing the relative effectiveness of different treatment options for the management of this interesting clinical subgroup. Exploratory studies of possible treatment options for smoking asthma suggest potential utility in: prescribing higher-dose ICS; targeting the small airways of the lungs with extra-fine particle ICS formulations; targeting leukotreines, and possibly also combinations of these options. However, further studies are required. With the paucity of RCT data available, complementary streams of evidence (those from RCTs, pragmatic trials and observational studies) need to be combined to help guide judicious prescribing decisions in smokers with asthma.
Integrating systems thinking into IS education

IS failure has been observed and documented in various articles (Barker and Frolick, 2003; Beresford et al., 1976; Bostrom and Heinen, 1977; Bussen andMichael, 1997; Heeks, 2002; Kay et al., 1999; Kaye, 1990; Keil and Robey, 2001, Mitev, 1994). Many researchers have tried to understand the phenomenon by studying success or failure factors (Birks et al., 2003; Peterson et al., 2002; Poon and Wagner, 2001; Schmitt and Kozar, 1978; Senn, 1978) with the hope that IS professionals can learn from these lessons (Ginzberg, 1981; Lyytinen and Robey, 1999). For example, Clemons and Row (1995) found that reasons for BPR failures are unrelated to the technical ability of organizations to implement information systems, but were instead due to the organization’s inability to understand its uncertain future strategic needs and its inability to make painful and difficult changes in response to these future strategic needs. Lorenzi and Riley (2003) have shown that reasons for IS failure include problems in communication, complexity, organization, technology, and leadership. They classified IS failure into four major categories: technical shortcomings, project management shortcomings, organizational issues, and the continuing information explosion. It is our view that we need to investigate the root of the problem of IS failure: IS education. Lyytinen and Robey (1999) noted that IS professionals commonly assume that their biggest challenge is to acquire new technical knowledge, and this is one of the barriers preventing IS professionals from learning from IS failure. A systems view would provide a more useful paradigm to understand IS failure in organizations. They call for reforming IS education to make the learning process effective for IS professionals. In this paper, we argue that the problemwith many IS failures comes partly from the lack of systems thinking in the IS curriculum. We suggest the incorporation of a systems thinking component into IS education as a longterm strategy to improve IS professionals’ capacity and to deal with the IS failure problem. The paper is organized in the following manner. We first view IS in organizations as a complex system and IS as an interdisciplinary field. Thenwe discuss the nature of many current IS curricula focusing on linear thinking and a single perspective. The next section reviews current trends of systems thinking and how they
Intrinsic impaired proplatelet formation and microtubule coil assembly of megakaryocytes in a mouse model of Bernard-Soulier syndrome

Bernard-Soulier syndrome is caused by a deficiency of the platelet surface glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex resulting in a severe platelet function defect. However this is compounded by a reduction in platelet numbers and the platelets in the circulation are abnormally large. As for many other platelet disorders, recent evidence and findings of this study suggest that the defective morphology has its origins in megakaryocyte function. See related perspective article on page 756. Background Giant platelets and thrombocytopenia are invariable defects in the Bernard-Soulier syndrome caused by deficiency of the GPIb-V-IX complex, a receptor for von Willebrand factor supporting platelet adhesion to the damaged arterial wall. Various properties of this receptor may be considered potential determinants of the macrothrombocytopenia. Design and Methods To explore the underlying mechanisms of the disease, megakaryopoiesis was studied in a mouse model deficient in GPIbβ. Megakaryocytes were initially characterized in situ in the bone marrow of adult mice, after which their capacity to differentiate into proplatelet-bearing cells was evaluated in cultured fetal liver cells. Results The number of megakaryocyte progenitors, their differentiation and progressive maturation into distinct classes and their level of endoreplication were normal in GPIbβ−/− bone marrow. However, the more mature cells exhibited ultrastructural anomalies with a thicker peripheral zone and a less well developed demarcation membrane system. GPIbβ−/− megakaryocytes could be differentiated in culture from Lin− fetal liver cells in normal amounts but the proportion of cells able to extend proplatelets was decreased by 41%. Moreover, the GPIbβ−/− cells extending proplatelets displayed an abnormal morphology characterized by fewer pseudopodial extensions with thicker shaft sections and an increased diameter of the terminal coiled elements. GPIbβ−/− released platelets were larger but retained a typical discoid shape. Proplatelet formation was similarly affected in bone marrow explants from adult mice examined by videomicroscopy. The marginal microtubular ring contained twice as many tubulin fibers in GPIbβ−/− proplatelet buds in cultured and circulating platelets. Conclusions Altogether, these findings point to a role of the GPIb-V-IX complex intrinsic to megakaryocytes at the stage of proplatelet formation and suggest a functional link with the underlying microtubular cytoskeleton in platelet biogenesis.
Execution interval analysis under resource constraints

Execution intervals are commonly used in high-level synthesis systems to identify the relation between operations and the cycle steps in which they possibly can be scheduled. These intervals are normally based on the ASAP (as soon as possible) and ALAP (as late as possible) values of operations under the assumption of unlimited resources. In this paper a novel and much more accurate execution interval analysis is presented for designs on which resource constraints are imposed. The analysis prunes the search space of schedulers without limiting the solution space and therefore enhances the quality of schedulers. The method is based on a bipartite graph matching formulation and runs in polynomial time. Well-known benchmarks show the positive effects of the approach on scheduling results and run times.
Drug-Eluting Nasal Implants: Formulation, Characterization, Clinical Applications and Challenges

Chronic inflammation and infection of the nasal sinuses, also referred to as Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS), severely affects patients’ quality of life. Adhesions, ostial stenosis, infection and inflammation relapses complicate chronic sinusitis treatment strategies. Drug-eluting stents, packings or implants have been suggested as reasonable alternatives for addressing these concerns. This article reviewed potential drug candidates for nasal implants, formulation methods/optimization and characterization methods. Clinical applications and important considerations were also addressed. Clinically-approved implants (Propel™ implant, the Relieva stratus™ MicroFlow spacer, and the Sinu-Foam™ spacer) for CRS treatment was an important focus. The advantages and limitations, as well as future considerations, challenges and the need for additional research in the field of nasal drug implant development, were discussed.
A Survey of Caregivers' Knowledge About Caring for Stroke Patients

Objective To investigate how much formal caregivers know about caring for stroke patients, and whether they adequately provide it. Methods Formal caregivers, who worked for stroke patients at 8 hospitals (including 4 university hospitals, 2 rehabilitation hospitals, and 2 convalescent hospitals) participated in this study. The survey was based on a self-report questionnaire, with 6 categories containing a total of 48 questions about the specific care of stroke patients: the demographic characteristics of the caregivers, bed positioning, the provision of meals, position changes and transfers, the range of motion exercises, and caregiver training. Results A total of 217 caregivers were surveyed, and they were distributed as follows: 41% came from the university hospitals, 35% came from the rehabilitation hospitals, and 24% came from the convalescent hospitals. The percentages of correct answers were distributed as follows: 64.3% for bed positioning, 74.3% for providing meals, and 62.4% for position change and transfer. The total and subscale scores of the caregivers working at convalescent hospitals were significantly lower than those of the caregivers working at the other types of hospitals (p<0.05). Only 7.8% of the total participants received training on a regular basis. The caregivers obtained most of the information from caregiver associations (58.1%), and the majority of the caregivers (65.4%) were willing to receive training. Conclusion About one third (33.8%) of caregivers did not have adequate knowledge of how to properly care for stroke patients; in fact, a significant number of caregivers demonstrated inappropriate and insufficient knowledge in several areas. It is assumed that the provision of regular training, by rehabilitation experts, will improve the professionalism and knowledge of the caregivers, and positively affect patient outcomes.
The effect of correlation coefficients on communities of recommenders

Recommendation systems, based on collaborative filtering, offer a means of sifting through the enourmous amounts of content on the web by composing user ratings in order to generate predicted ratings for other users. These kinds of systems can be viewed as a network of interacting peers, where each user is a node and the links to all other nodes are weighted according to how similar the corresponding users are. Predicted ratings are generated for a user for unknown items by requesting and aggregating rating information from the surrounding neighbors. However, the different methods of computing user similarity, or weighting the network links, very often do not agree with each other, and, as a result, the structure of the network of recommenders changes completely. In this work we perform an analysis of a range of similarity measures, comparing their performance in terms of prediction accuracy and coverage. This allows us to understand the effect that similarity measures have on predicted ratings. Based on the obtained results, we argue that user-similarity may not sufficiently capture the relationships that recommenders could otherwise share in order to maximise the utility of these communities.
Some factors affecting tannase production by Aspergillus niger Van Tieghem

One variable at a time procedure was used to evaluate the effect of qualitative variables on the production of tannase from Aspergillus niger Van Tieghem. These variables including: fermentation technique, agitation condition, tannins source, adding carbohydrates incorporation with tannic acid, nitrogen source type and divalent cations. Submerged fermentation under intermittent shaking gave the highest total tannase activity. Maximum extracellular tannase activity (305 units/50 mL) was attained in medium containing tannic acid as tannins source and sodium nitrate as nitrogen source at 30 °C for 96 h. All added carbohydrates showed significant adverse effects on the production of tannase. All tested divalent cations significantly decreased tannase production. Moreover, split plot design was carried out to study the effect of fermentation temperature and fermentation time on tannase production. The results indicated maximum tannase production (312.7 units/50 mL) at 35 °C for 96 h. In other words, increasing fermentation temperature from 30 °C to 35 °C resulted in increasing tannase production.
Education Inequalities in Health Among Older European Men and Women: The Role of Active Aging

Objective: We assessed whether education inequalities in health among older people can be partially explained by different levels of active aging among educational groups. Method: We applied logistic regression and the Karlson, Holm, & Breen (KHB) decomposition method using the 2010 and 2012 waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe on individuals aged 50+ years (N = 27,579). Active aging included social participation, paid work, and provision of grandchild care. Health was measured by good self-perceived health, low number of depressive symptoms, and absence of limitations because of health in activities people usually do. Results: We found a positive educational gradient for each of the three health measures. Up to a third of the health gaps between high and low educated were associated with differences in engagement in active aging activities. Discussion: Policies devoted at stimulating an active participation in society among older people should be particularly focused on lower educated groups.
Excitonics of colloidal nanocrystals for next-generation optoelectronics

EXCITONICS OF COLLOIDAL NANOCRYSTALS FOR NEXT-GENERATION OPTOELECTRONICS Burak Güzeltürk Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Advisor: Hilmi Volkan Demir May 2016 Owing to the tremendous progress in the past decade, semiconductor nanocrystals that are grown by low-temperature solution-phase epitaxy have evolved into highly promising material systems for optoelectronics with ever increasing interest from the industry. However, fundamental challenges exist in conventional nanocrystals hampering their energy-efficient optoelectronic devices. In this thesis, we addressed important scientific problems and overcome various technological hurdles through optical physics discoveries and innovative nanomaterial processing. Specifically, we have proposed, designed and developed next generation of nanocrystals that exhibit superior optical and material properties than those of the conventional nanocrystals. Mastering intraand inter-particle excitonic processes in these nanocrystals and their hybrids empowered us to control and tailor the desired photonic response. Our key achievements include demonstration of record high modal gain coefficients and giant nonlinear absorption cross-section in atomically-flat nanocrystals, ultralow-threshold all-solution processed quantum dot lasers and unprecedentedly strong exciton transport in self-assembled nanocrystals.
Complex Formation between the Postsynaptic Scaffolding Protein Gephyrin, Profilin, and Mena: A Possible Link to the Microfilament System

Gephyrin is an essential component of the postsynaptic cortical protein network of inhibitory synapses. Gephyrin-based scaffolds participate in the assembly as well as the dynamics of receptor clusters by connecting the cytoplasmic domains of glycine and GABAA receptor polypeptides to two cytoskeletal systems, microtubules and microfilaments. Although there is evidence for a physical linkage between gephyrin and microtubules, the interaction between gephyrin and microfilaments is not well understood so far. Here, we show that neuronal gephyrin interacts directly with key regulators of microfilament dynamics, profilin I and neuronal profilin IIa, and with microfilament adaptors of the mammalian enabled (Mena)/vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) family, including neuronal Mena. Profilin and Mena/VASP coprecipitate with gephyrin from tissue and cells, and complex formation requires the E-domain of gephyrin, not the proline-rich central domain. Consequently, gephyrin is not a ligand for the proline-binding motif of profilins, as suspected previously. Instead, it competes with G-actin and phospholipids for the same binding site on profilin. Gephyrin, profilin, and Mena/VASP colocalize at synapses of rat spinal cord and cultivated neurons and in gephyrin clusters expressed in transfected cells. Thus, Mena/VASP and profilin can contribute to the postulated linkage between receptors, gephyrin scaffolds, and the microfilament system and may regulate the microfilament-dependent receptor packing density and dynamics at inhibitory synapses.
Care pathways for dementia: current perspectives

Uncertainty appears to typify the experience of living with dementia. With an uncertain illness trajectory and unpredictable levels of deterioration and stability in symptoms, people with a diagnosis of dementia may live with uncertainty and anxiety and find it hard to make plans or decisions for their future. People with memory problems and caregivers seeking a diagnosis of dementia may also potentially find themselves navigating a labyrinth-like maze of services, practitioners, assessments, and memory tests, with limited understanding of test scores and little information about what support is available. In this context of uncertainty, the apparent clarity and certainty of a “dementia care pathway” may be attractive. However, the term “dementia care pathway” has multiple and overlapping meanings, which can potentially give rise to further confusion if these are ill-defined or a false consensus is presumed. This review distinguishes four meanings: 1) a mechanism for the management and containment of uncertainty and confusion, useful for the professional as well as the person with dementia; 2) a manual for sequencing care activities; 3) a guide to consumers, indicating eligibility for care activities, or a guide to self-management for dementia dyads, indicating the appropriateness of care activities; and 4) a manual for “walking with” the person. Examples of these approaches are presented from UK dementia services with illustrations of existing care pathways and associated time points, specifically focusing on: 1) early symptom identification and first service encounters, 2) assessment process, 3) diagnostic disclosure, 4) postdiagnostic support, and 5) appropriate interventions. We review the evidence around these themes, as well as discuss service pathways and referral routes used by some services in England and internationally. We conclude that the attraction of the term “care pathway” is seductive, but caution is needed in taking shared understandings for granted.