Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic concentrations of digitoxin inhibit endothelial focal adhesion kinase and angiogenesis induced by different growth factors

Cardiac glycosides are Na+/K+‐ATPases inhibitors used to treat congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias. Epidemiological studies indicate that patients on digitalis therapy are more protected from cancer. Evidence of a selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells has suggested their potential use as anticancer drugs. The effect on angiogenesis of clinically used cardiac glycosides has not been extensively explored.
Actin Inhibition Increases Megakaryocyte Proplatelet Formation through an Apoptosis-Dependent Mechanism

BACKGROUND Megakaryocytes assemble and release platelets through the extension of proplatelet processes, which are cytoplasmic extensions that extrude from the megakaryocyte and form platelets at their tips. Proplatelet formation and platelet release are complex processes that require a combination of structural rearrangements. While the signals that trigger the initiation of proplatelet formation process are not completely understood, it has been shown that inhibition of cytoskeletal signaling in mature megakaryocytes induces proplatelet formation. Megakaryocyte apoptosis may also be involved in initiation of proplatelet extension, although this is controversial. This study inquires whether the proplatelet production induced by cytoskeletal signaling inhibition is dependent on activation of apoptosis. METHODS Megakaryocytes derived from human umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells were treated with the actin polymerization inhibitor latrunculin and their ploidy and proplatelet formation were quantitated. Apoptosis activation was analyzed by flow cytometry and luminescence assays. Caspase activity was inhibited by two compounds, ZVAD and QVD. Expression levels of pro-survival and pro-apoptosis genes were measured by quantitative RT-PCR. Protein levels of Bcl-XL, Bax and Bak were measured by western blot. Cell ultrastructure was analyzed by electron microscopy. RESULTS Actin inhibition resulted in increased ploidy and increased proplatelet formation in cultured umbilical cord blood-derived megakaryocytes. Actin inhibition activated apoptosis in the cultured cells. The effects of actin inhibition on proplatelet formation were blocked by caspase inhibition. Increased expression of both pro-apoptotic and pro-survival genes was observed. Pro-survival protein (Bcl-xL) levels were increased compared to levels of pro-apoptotic proteins Bak and Bax. Despite apoptosis being activated, the megakaryocytes underwent minimal ultrastructural changes during actin inhibition. CONCLUSIONS We report a correlation between increased proplatelet formation and activation of apoptosis, and that the increase in proplatelet formation in response to actin inhibition is caspase dependent. These findings support a role for apoptosis in proplatelet formation in this model.
The Impact of Organizational Ethical Climate on Reporting Behaviors in Information Systems Projects

Without accurate status information, a project manager’s ability to monitor progress, allocate resources effectively, and detect and respond to problems in a prompt fashion is greatly diminished, and this can lead to impaired project performance. Several factors can contribute to intentional misreporting of status information by project members to the project manager. In this study, the impact of organizational ethical climate was assessed through the analysis of responses from 228 project members drawn from a variety of on-going information systems (IS) projects. Our results revealed that project members who perceived themselves to be in an organization where rules are followed strictly tended to misreport less, while those operating in an environment dominated by personal self-interest tended to misreport more. Somewhat surprisingly, the existence of a team-spirited environment did not appear to have an impact on misreporting behaviors. Implications for researchers and IS project managers are discussed.
Current status of auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation for acute liver failure

Auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT) is a technique of liver transplantation (LT) where a partial liver graft is implanted in an orthotopic position after leaving behind a part of the native liver. APOLT was previously considered technically challenging with results inferior to orthotopic liver transplantation. Results of this procedure have continued to improve with improving surgical techniques and a better understanding of the natural history of acute liver failure (ALF) and liver regeneration. The procedure is being increasingly accepted as a valid treatment option for ALF—especially in children. This article reviews the historical background to this operation, advances in the technique, and its current place in the management of ALF. Liver Transplantation 22 1265–1274 2016 AASLD
Longterm renal allograft survival after sequential liver‐kidney transplantation from a single living donor

Combined liver‐kidney transplantation (CLKT) is well established as a definitive therapy with the potential to provide complete recovery for certain liver‐kidney diseases, although the results might be contingent on the cause of transplantation. The purposes of the present study were to review the longterm outcome of renal allografts in CLKT patients from single living donors and to investigate the beneficial factors, compared with solitary renal transplantation. Thirteen patients underwent sequential liver transplantation (LT) and kidney transplantation (KT) from single living donors. The indications for KT were oxaluria (n = 7), autosomal recessive polycystic disease (n = 3), and others (n = 3). The same immunosuppressive regimen used after LT was also used after KT. KT was performed between 1.7 and 47.0 months after the LT. The overall patient survival rate was 92.3% at 10 years. In 12 of the 13 surviving patients, the renal allografts were found to be functioning in 11 patients after a mean follow‐up period of 103.6 months. The death‐censored renal allograft survival rate at 10 years was 100%, which was better than that of KT alone (84.9%) in Japan. Immunological protection conferred by the preceding liver allograft may have contributed to the longterm outcomes of the renal allografts. In addition, the donation of double organs from a single living and related donor may have a favorable impact on the graft survival rate. In the future, investigations of factors affecting the longterm outcome of renal allografts, including details of the involvement of de novo donor‐specific antibody, will be needed. Liver Transplantation 23 315–323 2017 AASLD.
A closed-form expression for coverage probability of random cellular network in composite Rayleigh-Lognormal fading channels

Poisson point process (PPP) network model in which base stations (BSs) and users have Poisson distributions has been recently used to replace grid model for analyzing the performance of cellular networks. The closed-form for the coverage probability of a typical user that connects to the closest base station (BS), however, is only found in case of high transmission signal-to-noise (SNR) and only in Rayleigh fading. This paper derives a closed-form expression for the network coverage probability in composite Rayleigh-Lognormal for both low and high SNR. The analytical results show that the coverage probability is proportional to path loss exponent coefficient, and inversely proportional to exponential function of 1 over SNR. The analytical results are also verified by Monte Carlo simulations.
Sequential changes in the signal transduction responses of skeletal muscle following food deprivation

Coping with reduced energy sources entails drastic morphological and functional changes in skeletal muscle, but the sequence of events required classification. We found that gastrocnemius muscle from food‐deprived rats shows acute rises in peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) γ coactivator (PGC) −1α/PPAR δ nuclear protein and myosin heavy chain (MHC) Ib protein, while type I fibers accumulate and the muscle tissue appears redder. AMP levels, phosphorylation of both AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its downstream target acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) are induced within 6 h. Rapidly increased MyoD mRNA levels are followed by an increase in uncoupling protein (UCP) 3 (UCP3) transcription. Increased serum fatty acid levels coincide with increases in mitochondrial UCP3 protein levels and fatty acid oxidation. Accompanying this is a decrease in AMPK phophorylation, reversible upon nicotinic acid treatment, indicating that fatty acids may modulate this kinase's activity after the metabolic challenges posed by food deprivation. —de Lange, P., Farina, P., Moreno, M. , Ragni, M. , Lombardi, A. , Silvestri, E. , Burrone, L. , Lanni, A. , Goglia, F. Sequential changes in the signal transduction responses of skeletal muscle following food deprivation. FASEB J. 20, E2015–E2025 (2006)
Measuring Occupational Stress among Management Information Systems Workers and Users in the Financial Services Sector: The Case of Bahraini Bankers

Occupational stress is considered to be a main health problem for both individuals and organizations. This study has investigated the measurement of occupational stress among Management Information Systems (MIS) Users in different banks in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Furthermore, to identify their high job stressor factors and increase understanding of the impact of individuals differences in occupational stress. A descriptive, cross sectional survey was performed in five banks. Using quota sampling, MIS users' from different divisions were asked to complete questionnaires- including demographic data, job stress and stressor factors. Six main stress factors were identified among MIS users banker staff: 1) intrinsic work characteristics (job design); 2) work culture and function; 3) managerial role; 4) career development; 5) relationships at work and 6) home-work interface. A total of 250 self-administrated questionnaires were distributed (hand delivery) to the banks divisions. The overall response rate was 80.8% (202/250) and the result suggested that over a third of MIS users in banks reported that their jobs were highly stressful. The bankers are exposed to high job stressors such as job design (overload, long working hours, deadlines and time pressure, repetitive task and lack of variety, and shortages of staff); and career development (under promotion and working at a level below their level of abilities and skills). However, the result of this research can be applied for improving sources of occupational stress and further, precluding severe stress and concern was expressed that such findings should be considered when delivering stress management programs.
Micro-CT Study of Rhynchonkos stovalli (Lepospondyli, Recumbirostra), with Description of Two New Genera

The Early Permian recumbirostran lepospondyl Rhynchonkos stovalli has been identified as a possible close relative of caecilians due to general similarities in skull shape as well as similar robustness of the braincase, a hypothesis that implies the polyphyly of extant lissamphibians. In order to better assess this phylogenetic hypothesis, we studied the morphology of the holotype and three specimens previously attributed to R. stovalli. With the use of micro-computed x-ray tomography (μCT) we are able to completely describe the external and internal cranial morphology of these specimens, dramatically revising our knowledge of R. stovalli and recognizing two new taxa, Aletrimyti gaskillae gen et sp. n. and Dvellacanus carrolli gen et sp. n. The braincases of R. stovalli, A. gaskillae, and D. carrolli are described in detail, demonstrating detailed braincase morphology and new information on the recumbirostran supraoccipital bone. All three taxa show fossorial adaptations in the braincase, sutural articulations of skull roof bones, and in the lower jaw, but variation in cranial morphology between these three taxa may reflect different modes of head-first burrowing behaviors and capabilities. We revisit the homology of the supraoccipital, median anterior bone, and temporal bone of recumbirostrans, and discuss implications of alternate interpretations of the homology of these elements. Finally, we evaluate the characteristics previously used to unite Rhynchonkos stovalli with caecilians in light of these new data. These proposed similarities are more ambiguous than previous descriptions suggest, and result from the composite nature of previous descriptions, ambiguities in external morphology, and functional convergence between recumbirostrans and caecilians for head-first burrowing.
Production Management Practice in New Zealand : A Survey

This paper presents a preliminary report on a postal survey of production managers in New Zealand. The respondents were asked questions about the tasks and responsibilities of production managers, and their perception of the practical relevance of production management topics commonly taught in tertiary institutions. The results presented here mainly address this issue of relevance. The motivation of the study comes from the many studies done overseas which have questioned the practical relevance of the production management curriculum. A preliminary conclusion is that although some variations exist, the situation in New Zealand is not very different from other countries.
Soybean Seed Yield Performances under Different Cultural Practices

This study was carried out to investigate the yield response of 2 soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) cultivars to different planting dates and plant populations and to examine the relationships of seed yield with leaf area index (LAI) and total dry matter (TDM) during the vegetative and reproductive periods for planting dates, plant populations, and cultivars. Two soybean cultivars, A-3127 (early maturity group, MG-III) and 1530 (late maturity group, MG-IV), were planted in 2 planting dates; mid-April and mid-May during 2005 and 2006 at high (660,000 plant ha-1) and low (330,000 plant ha-1) plant populations. Plantings in mid-April increased seed yield by about 10.0%-13.5% compared with mid-May plantings. High plant populations produced 17.7% higher seed yield than the low population. Seed yield of the late maturity cultivar was more than that of the early maturing cultivar. Significant and positive relationships between seed yield and LAI were evident for planting dates at all growth stages in 2005 and 2006. Seed yields at high and low plant populations were negatively and significantly correlated with LAI at vegetative stage (V5), but positively and closely related to LAI at reproductive stages (R4 and R6) in both experimental years. The relationships between seed yield and LAI with early and late maturity cultivars were significant and positive at all growth stages except the V5 growth stage in both 2005 and 2006. Seed yield was positively and significantly correlated with TDM at all growth stages for planting dates, plant populations, and cultivars.
Knowledge sharing and educational technology acceptance in online academic communities of practice

Purpose – Online programs rely on the use of educational technology for knowledge sharing in academic virtual communities of practice (vCoPs). This poses the question as to which factors influence technology acceptance. Previous research has investigated the inter-relationship between educational technology acceptance (ETA) and the vCoP context insufficiently. Therefore, the paper at hand aims to propose a conceptual model of ETA in the vCoP frame. Design/methodology/approach – To validate the proposed model, a correlation study was conducted in an academic vCoP at a German university. A sample of n 1⁄4 72 faculty members was surveyed regarding attitudes and perceptions towards knowledge sharing in vCoPs. Findings – A regression analysis confirms the expected correlation between technology use intention and corresponding behavior. Further, participation in a vCoP influences technology use intention, and, in turn, is influenced by participants’ experience with technology. Research limitations/implications – Against expectations, participants’ attitudes towards technology are weakly correlated with most model variables, thus warranting further research. Practical implications – Virtual mentoring in online universities can be supported relying on central vCoP participants, who may be helpful initiators of knowledge sharing. Originality/value – The proposed conceptual model enlarges the scientific understanding of technology-enhanced learning in vCoPs.
Robust modeling of constant mean curvature surfaces

We present a new method for modeling discrete constant mean curvature (CMC) surfaces, which arise frequently in nature and are highly demanded in architecture and other engineering applications. Our method is based on a novel use of the CVT (centroidal Voronoi tessellation) optimization framework. We devise a CVT-CMC energy function defined as a combination of an extended CVT energy and a volume functional. We show that minimizing the CVT-CMC energy is asymptotically equivalent to minimizing mesh surface area with a fixed volume, thus defining a discrete CMC surface. The CVT term in the energy function ensures high mesh quality throughout the evolution of a CMC surface in an interactive design process for form finding. Our method is capable of modeling CMC surfaces with fixed or free boundaries and is robust with respect to input mesh quality and topology changes. Experiments show that the new method generates discrete CMC surfaces of improved mesh quality over existing methods.
A Sparse Separable SLAM Back-End

We propose a scalable algorithm to take advantage of the separable structure of simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). Separability is an overlooked structure of SLAM that distinguishes it from a generic nonlinear least-squares problem. The standard relative-pose and relative-position measurement models in SLAM are affine with respect to robot and features' positions. Therefore, given an estimate for robot orientation, the conditionally optimal estimate for the rest of the state variables can be easily computed by solving a sparse linear least-squares problem. We propose an algorithm to exploit this intrinsic property of SLAM by stripping the problem down to its nonlinear core, while maintaining its natural sparsity. Our algorithm can be used in conjunction with any Newton-based solver and is applicable to 2-D/3-D pose-graph and feature-based SLAM. Our results suggest that iteratively solving the nonlinear core of SLAM leads to a fast and reliable convergence as compared to the state-of-the-art sparse back-ends.
The Effects of Overt Head Movements on Valenced Image Recognition and Recall in Bulgarians

Vertical and horizontal head movements (universally associated with nodding and shaking, respectively) have frequently been demonstrated to affect cognitive processes. Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that overt head movements can influence memory for valenced images. In the first experiment, participants were instructed to perform either vertical or horizontal head movements while viewing a slideshow of 76 randomized positive and negative images, which they later had to recognize from a set containing 50% of the same target images and 50% distractor images. No interaction between head movement type and image valence was obtained. In the second experiment, participants were told to remember as many images as possible from a slideshow of 60 randomized valenced images, which they were later asked to freely recall. A significant interaction was obtained, with a higher rate of recall for positive images when vertical head movements (VHM) were performed and a higher rate of recall for negative images when horizontal head movements (HHM) were performed.
Glucose but not KCl diminishes submembrane granule turnover in mouse beta-cells.

KCl depolarization is widely used to mimic the depolarization during glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Consequently, the insulin secretion elicited by KCl is often regarded as the equivalent of the first phase of glucose-induced insulin secretion. Here, the effects of both stimuli were compared by measuring the secretion of perifused mouse islets, the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration of single beta-cells and the mobility of submembrane insulin granules by TIRF microscopy of primary mouse beta-cells. Two cargo-directed granule labels were used namely insulin-EGFP and C-peptide-emGFP. The granule behaviour common to both was used to compare the effect of sequential stimulation with 40 mM KCl and 30 mM glucose and sequential stimulation with the same stimuli in reversed order. At the level of the cell secretory response, the sequential pulse protocol showed marked differences depending on the order of the two stimuli. KCl produced higher maximal secretion rates and diminished the response to the subsequent glucose stimulus, whereas glucose enhanced the response to the subsequent KCl stimulus. At the level of granule behaviour, a difference developed during the first stimulation phase in that the total number of granules, the short-term resident granules and the arriving granules, which are all parameters of granule turnover, were significantly smaller for glucose than for KCl. These differences at both the level of the cell secretory response and granule behaviour in the submembrane space are incompatible with identical initial response mechanisms to KCl and glucose stimulation.
Body Mass Index and Poor Self-Rated Health in 49 Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries, By Sex, 2002–2004

This study investigated whether the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and poor self-rated health differed by sex in low-income countries and middle-income countries. We analyzed data from the World Health Survey (2002–2004) on 160,099 participants from 49 low-income and middle-income countries by using random-intercept multilevel logistic regressions. We found a U-shaped relationship between BMI and poor self-rated health among both sexes in both low-income and middle-income countries, but the relationship differed by sex in strength and direction between low-income countries and middle-income countries. Differential perception of body weight and general health might explain some of the observed sex differences.
No-drag string configurations for steadily moving quark-antiquark pairs in a thermal bath

We investigate the behavior of stationary string configurations on a five-dimensional AdS black hole background which correspond to quark-antiquark pairs steadily moving in an = 4 super Yang-Mills thermal bath. There are many branches of solutions, depending on the quark velocity and separation as well as on whether Euclidean or Lorentzian configurations are examined.