Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of integrins in the maintenance of endothelial monolayer integrity

This paper shows that, in confluent human umbilical vein endothelial cell (EC) monolayers, the integrin heterodimers alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1, but not other members of the beta 1 subfamily, are located at cell-cell contact borders and not at cellular free edges. Also the alpha v chain, but not its most common partner beta 3, that is widely expressed in EC cell-matrix junctions, is found at cell-cell borders. In EC monolayers, the putative ligands of alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 receptors, i.e., laminin, collagen type IV, and fibronectin, are also organized in strands corresponding to cell-cell borders. The location of the above integrin receptors is not an artifact of in vitro culture since it has been noted also in explanted islets of the native umbilical vein endothelium. The integrins alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 play a role in the maintenance of endothelial monolayer continuity in vitro. Indeed, specific antibodies to alpha 2 beta 1, alpha 5 beta 1, and the synthetic peptide GRGDSP alter its continuity without any initial cell detachment. Moreover, antibodies to alpha 5 beta 1 increase the permeation of macromolecules across confluent EC monolayers. In contrast beta 3 antibodies were ineffective. It is suggested that the relocation of integrins to cell- cell borders is a feature of cells programmed to form polarized monolayers since integrins have a different distribution in nonpolar confluent dermal fibroblasts. The conclusion is that some members of the integrin superfamily collaborate with other intercellular molecules to form lateral junctions and to control both the monolayer integrity and the permeability properties of the vascular endothelial lining. This also suggest that integrins are adhesion molecules provided with a unique biochemical adaptability to different biological functions.
N-Glycosylation of ß4 Integrin Controls the Adhesion and Motility of Keratinocytes

α6ß4 integrin is an essential component of hemidesmosomes and modulates cell migration in wound healing and cancer invasion. To elucidate the role of N-glycosylation on ß4 integrin, we investigated keratinocyte adhesion and migration through the re-expression of wild-type or N-glycosylation-defective ß4 integrin (ΔNß4) in ß4 integrin null keratinocytes. N-glycosylation of ß4 integrin was not essential for the heterodimer formation of ß4 integrin with α6 integrin and its expression on a cell surface, but N-glycosylation was required for integrin-mediated cell adhesion and migration. Concomitantly with the reduction of ß4 integrin in the membrane microdomain, the intracellular signals of Akt and ERK activation were decreased in cells expressing ΔNß4 integrin. Forced cross-linking of ß4 integrin rescued the decreased ERK activation in ΔNß4 integrin-expressing cells to a similar extent in wild-type ß4 integrin-expressing cells. Surprisingly, compared with cells expressing wild-type ß4 integrin, an alternation in N-glycan structures expressed on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and the induction of a stronger association between EGFR and ß4 integrin were observed in ΔNß4 integrin-expressing cells. These results clearly demonstrated that N-glycosylation on ß4 integrin plays an essential role in keratinocyte cellular function by allowing the appropriate complex formation on cell surfaces.
CONSTRAINING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ORGANISATION AND REPRESENTATION OF CONCEPTUAL KNOWLEDGE

In this article we assume a domain-specific organisation of conceptual knowledge and consider two questions: How does this architecture constrain further assumptions that might be made regarding (1) the organisation of conceptual knowledge in the brain, and (2) the representation of conceptual knowledge in the brain? Data from category-specific semantic deficits, functional neuroimaging, and apraxia are recruited in attempt to clarify these questions. It is shown that the domain-specific hypothesis can account for the extant facts. Furthermore, we outline one possible theoretical framework that imposes empirical constraints on proposals that might be advanced in response to the two questions raised above.
Remodeling of extracellular matrix of the lamina propria in the uninvolved human rectal mucosa 10 and 20 cm away from the malignant tumor

In recent years, it has been demonstrated that malignancy arises and advances through the molecular interplay between tumor cells and non-malignant elements of the tumor stroma, that is, fibroblasts and extracellular matrix. However, in contrast to the mounting evidence about the role of tumor stroma in the genesis and progression of the malignant disease, there are very few data regarding the uninvolved stromal tissue in the remote surrounding of the tumor. Using the objective morphometric approach in patients with adenocarcinoma, we demonstrate the remodeling of extracellular matrix of the lamina propria in the uninvolved rectal mucosa 10 and 20 cm away from the neoplasm. We show that the representation of basic extracellular matrix constituents (reticular and collagen fibers and ground substance) is decreased. Also, the diameter of empty spaces that appear within the extracellular matrix of the lamina propria is increased. These spaces do not represent the blood or lymphatic vessel elements. Very likely, they reflect the development of tissue edema in the remote, uninvolved lamina propria of the mucosa in patients with the malignant tumor of the rectum. We hypothesize that the remodeling of extracellular matrix in lamina propria of the rectal mucosa may increase its stiffness, modulating the mechano-signal transduction, and thus promote the progression of the malignant disease.
Who is Writing? Author Affiliation across Peer-Reviewed Journals of Emotional or Behavioral Disorders, 2000–2011

The importance of practitioner participation in identifying and maintaining use of best educational practice is well established; however, little is known about the ways in which practitioners contribute to the development and dissemination of those practices within the field of emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD). This review examines patterns of authorship affiliation across journals with a primary audience of direct service providers working with students with EBD published from January 2000 through December 2010. Authors associated with institutions of higher education represented 79.8% (n = 2590) of affiliations, with practitioners comprising only 5.1% (n = 164) of all listed affiliations. Practitioners were most likely to be authors or coauthors on informative articles or reports. The implications of these findings for policy and practice are discussed.
Perceived norms and alcohol use among first-year college student-athletes' different types of friends

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe first-year college student-athletes' friendship contexts and test whether their perceptions of alcohol use and approval by different types of friends are associated with their own alcohol use. Participants: First-year student-athletes (N = 2,622) from 47 colleges and universities participating in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sports during February–March 2013. Methods: Student-athletes completed online surveys during the baseline assessment of an alcohol and other drug prevention program evaluation. Analyses tested whether perceptions of friends' alcohol use (descriptive norms) and perceptions of friends' approval of alcohol use (injunctive norms) predicted their alcohol use. Results: Both use and approval perceptions by upperclassmen, same-team, and most influential friends significantly predicted alcohol use. By contrast, only perceived use by first-year, nonteam, and less influential friends significantly predicted alcohol use. Conclusions: Athletics departments' alcohol policies and prevention programming for first-year student-athletes should address the potential influence of different types of friends on alcohol use.
[West Nile fever].

Reviews the data on the history, distribution, ecology, epidemiology, and clinical picture of West Nile (WN) fever and the ecology of the virus (Flaviviridae, Flavivirus, Japanese encephalitis complex). Analyzes the causes of sudden epidemic outbreaks with high mortality in Rumania in 1996, in European Southern Russia, and in New York and its environs in 1999. Offers recommendations on decreasing the damage inflicted by new and emerging infections leading to epidemic emergencies.
The effects of social support and cohesion on compliance behaviour in a health-related exercise setting

Although social support and group cohesion have been linked to adherence in the volitional exercise setting, this relationship has not been examined in the nonvolitional or exercise compliance setting. The main purpose of the present study was to examine the roles of social support and group cohesion in the compliance behavior of individuals required to exercise for health-related reasons. Compliance behavior was assessed in two ways attendance (i.e., highattended more than 88% of the classes versus lowattended less than 61% of the classes) and drop-out behavior (graduate versus program drop-out). Participants (N = 70) drawn from a clinical exercise group completed modified versions of the Group Environment Questionnaire (Carron, Widmeyer and Brawley, 1985) to assess cohesion and the Social Provisions Scale (Cutrona and Russell, 1987) to assess social support. The results revealed that discriminant function analysis was able to discriminate between high and low attenders (Wilks' lambda= .636, X(3) = 7.93, p = . 05) as well as between drop-outs and graduates (Wilks' lambda= .826, X(3) = 12.68, p = . 005). Specifically, those participants reporting high scores on the social support provision of reassurance of worth and the cohesion factor of A TG-Task, along with low scores on the social support provision of guidance were more likely to attend a higher proportion of classes. In terms of drop-outs, the results revealed that those participants with higher scores on the social support provisions of reliable alliance and opportunity for nurturance combined with low scores on the social support provision of guidance were more likely to be graduates of the exercise program than drop-outs. These results partially supported the hypothesized positive relationship
The Syndrome of Severe Mitral Regurgitation with Normal Left Atrial Pressure

It has been generally thought that significant elevations of the left atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures occur in patients with mitral regurgitation of sufficient severity to produce serious disability and gross enlargement of the left atrium. Ten patients with severe mitral regurgitation have been encountered in whom gross left atrial enlargement was accompanied by normal left atrial and pulmonary artery pressures. These patients ranged in age from 8 to 49 years, all were in functional classes III or IV, and the average duration of symptoms was 7.3 years. Nine patients had rheumatic mitral regurgitation while one had a congenital lesion. Atrial fibrillation and the physical findings of pure mitral regurgitation were present in all patients, as was striking left atrial enlargement on their roentgenograms. Left atrial pressure, determined by left heart catheterization, averaged 9.1 mm. Hg and did not exceed 12 mm. Hg in any patient, and the V wave was not particularly prominent. The cardiac index was markedly depressed and averaged 2.0 L. /min./M.2 B.S.A.The observed discrepancy between left atrial size and pressure must reflect a disturbance in the compliance of the left atrial wall. It is suggested that long-standing mitral regurgitation may modify the mechanical characteristics of the atrial wall and that the presence of a normal left atrial pressure must not be assumed to exclude the presence of severe mitral regurgitation. The manner in which variations in left atrial compliance affect the clinical picture of mitral regurgitation and the selection of patients for operative intervention are discussed.
On design and deployment of fuzzy-based metric for routing in low-power and lossy networks

Minimizing the energy consumption and hence extending the network lifetime is a key requirement when designing an efficient sensor network protocol. QoS-aware routing in Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), aims to take into account other networks performance aspects as minimizing end-to-end delay (as well as jitter), reducing packet loss rate and minimizing the energy consumption of the network during data transmission. These objectives are sometimes conflicting therefore tradeoffs must be made between energy conservation and QoS considerations. The general problem can be reformulated as a Multi-Constrained Optimal Path problem (MCOP) which is known as NP-complete. The latter raises a real challenge as sensor nodes are very limited in resources capabilities. We propose to use fuzzy inference mechanism to seek a good tradeoff between all given metrics and constraints. This paper discusses the implementation of combining several routing metric using fuzzy logic to design a RPL objective function, the routing standard for the Internet of Things. The proposal is integrated on Contiki operating system, the deployment was performed on a real world indoor WSN. Obtained results show improvements compared to the common implementation of the RPL protocol and demonstrate relevance of our contribution.
An open study of the effectiveness of a multi-component weight-loss intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities and obesity

Adults with intellectual disabilities experience high rates of obesity. Despite this higher risk, there is little evidence on the effectiveness of weight-loss interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities and obesity. The present study examined the effectiveness of the TAKE 5 multi-component weight-loss intervention. Adults with obesity were invited using specialist intellectual disability services to participate in the study. Obesity was defined as a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater. TAKE 5 included a daily energy-deficit diet of 2510 kJ (600 kcal), achieved via a personalised dietary prescription. Participants' body weight, BMI, waist circumference and levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour were measured before and after the intervention. A total of fifty-four individuals consented to participate, of which forty-seven (87 %) completed the intervention in the study period. There was a significant decrease in body weight (mean difference − 4·47 (95 % CI − 5·91, − 3·03) kg; P < 0·0001), BMI ( − 1·82 (95 % CI − 2·36, − 1·29) kg/m2; P < 0·0001), waist circumference ( − 6·29 (95 % CI − 7·85, − 4·73) cm; P < 0·0001) and daily sedentary behaviour of participants ( − 41·40 (95 % CI − 62·45, − 20·35) min; P = 0·00 034). Of the participants who completed the intervention, seventeen (36·2 %) lost 5 % or more of their initial body weight. Findings from the study suggest that TAKE 5 is an effective weight-loss intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities and obesity. The effectiveness of TAKE 5 should be examined further in a controlled study.
Motion-blur-free exposure fusion

We present a novel approach to HDR (high-dynamic-range) image fusion that copes with image blur degradation often present in long-exposed images. The proposed approach can deal with both camera and object motion blur in a computationally efficient manner suitable for implementation on a mobile device. The main idea is to exploit the differences between the image degradations that affect images captured for HDR fusion. Short-exposed images are mainly affected by sensor noise and less affected by motion blur, whereas longer exposed images are less noisy but potentially blurry due to motion during their exposure. Our approach consists of two steps. First we calculate an HDR representation of the scene by applying a typical HDR fusion approach. This representation could be blurry if some of the input images with long exposure time are blurry. We then fuse the HDR result with a photometrically modified version of the image with the shortest exposure time, which allows us to retain the sharpness of the short-exposed image and the noise-free characteristics of the HDR-fused image. The method does not assume an invariant blur PSF over any of the input images, and hence it can solve both for local and global blur, due to object or camera motion, respectively. We demonstrate the algorithm through a series of experiments and comparisons on natural images.
Numerical and Experimental Study on the Savonius Rotor Performance with The Gap Width Variations of Ventilation in Middle Blades

In previous research, the use of ventilation at 15° from the outer end of the blade Savonius was able to increase the efficiency of Savonius windmill. This study aims to determine how the influence of the fixed ventilation on middle of the blade towards a performance of the Savonius windmill. There are one model of the conventional Savonius windmill and three models of the ventilated Savonius windmill that simulated by CFD and tested in the wind tunnels. Simulation variabels used are variations for ventilation width and the rotation angle position of the rotor. Experimental variables were variations for the gap width of ventilation and wind speed. The ventilated Savonius with ventilation position in the middle of the rotor blades turns out to have the average power coefficient (Cp) lower than the conventional Savonius windmill. The wider the gap from the ventilation will further reduce the performance of the ventilated Savonius rotor. In this study, the SV65-10 model produced the worst performance. This power coefficient of the SV65-10 model is 29% lower than a conventional Savonius rotor.
Credit Contagion between Financial Systems

We examine contagion from a number of financial systems to the German financial system using the information content of CDS prices in a GARCH model. After controlling for common factors which may cause comovement in security prices, we find evidence for contagion from the US and European financial systems. Our results additionally confirm that the set up of the financial rescue scheme in Germany partially shielded German banks but not insurance companies from contagion. Overall, our results suggest that contagion from dealer banks have the most prominent effect on the German financial system. While dealer banks impact on German banks and insurance companies in a similar way, a deterioration in the CDS spreads of dealer banks has a particularly pronounced effect on German dealer banks.
The Christie Hospital adjuvant tamoxifen trial.

A clinical trial was carried out at The Christie Hospital, Manchester, England, between November 1976 and June 1982. Following surgery, patients with clinical stage T1-T3a, N1-N2b, M0 tumors were randomly allocated in the following way: premenopausal women to either tamoxifen 20 mg/day for 1 year or to an irradiation-induced menopause; postmenopausal women to either tamoxifen for 1 year or no further treatment (controls). In the node-negative subgroup, an analysis at a median follow-up of 10 years shows no statistically significant difference in overall or disease-free survival between tamoxifen-treated patients and irradiation-induced menopause and control patients. Side effects were few, and compliance was excellent. There was no significant increase of second primary tumors in target endocrine organs in the tamoxifen-treated patients. For the whole series of 961 patients, a log-rank analysis of events, allowing for node status, still shows a statistically significant benefit for tamoxifen-treated patients (P = .04).
Implicit Category Priming Capacity

Implicit Category Priming Capacity by Edward P. Hahn M.S., Walden University, 2010 B.S., University of Maryland, 1986 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University September 2014 Abstract Past research has shown that accessing a memory allows faster subsequent access to the memory activated as well as to related information (priming). There has been much research devoted to implicit category priming (unintentional priming of a category of information), but this research has not determined the number of categories that can be implicitly primed simultaneously. The goal of the present quantitative study was toPast research has shown that accessing a memory allows faster subsequent access to the memory activated as well as to related information (priming). There has been much research devoted to implicit category priming (unintentional priming of a category of information), but this research has not determined the number of categories that can be implicitly primed simultaneously. The goal of the present quantitative study was to address that gap. Twenty participants (ages 27-54 years, M=44 years), who volunteered through an online participant pool, were presented with 2 tasks over the Internet. A scrambled phrase task implicitly primed 5 unrelated categories and a lexical decision (LD) task measured the priming (mean time between tasks = 42 seconds). Resulting primed and unprimed LD response latency distributions were strongly, positively skewed, which obscured individual priming effects. Gaussian parameters were extracted to overcome this skew, and the distributions were created for analysis. Dunnett’s multiple comparisons post-hoc test following a 1-way ANOVA showed that 2 of the 5 categories remained significantly primed. Follow-up research should determine the reliability of this value. This value, and its range (to be identified in follow-up studies) would provide a means for comparing lesson efficacy and teacher performance. The results of this research also replicate previous research demonstrating long-term implicit category priming. Implicit Category Priming Capacity by Edward P. Hahn M.S., Walden University, 2010 B.S., University of Maryland, 1986 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University September 2014 Acknowledgements This research project was made possible by the patience and continued positive feedback, support, contributions, and critiques of the Ph.D. Committee members, Committee Chairman, Dr. James Carroll and Committee Methods Expert, Dr. Thomas Edman, and by the comments and critiques of the University Research Reviewer (URR): Dr. Joanna Bissell-Havran and in Form & Style, Dr. Kelly Chermack. These were always helpful, welcomed, and much appreciated.