Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Connecting the Dots for Mechanochemical Transduction in Muscle

One of the most impressive adaptive physiological responses is that of muscle to high intensity exercise, as espoused by power athletes and body builders, which results in increases in muscle mass. Athletics and vanity aside, there are many reasons for wishing to know more about the mechanisms underlying this hypertrophy, not least being the possibility of pharmacologically enhancing it in sarcopenia. The work of Bolster and colleagues in this issue of The Journal of Physiology brings us nearer to a complete understanding of the relevant subcellular events occurring in response to resistance exercise by providing a time course of activities of signalling proteins involved in regulating the translational phase of muscle protein synthesis.
Displacement Behaviour Is Associated with Reduced Stress Levels among Men but Not Women

Sex differences in the ability to cope with stress may contribute to the higher prevalence of stress-related disorders among women compared to men. We recently provided evidence that displacement behaviour - activities such as scratching and face touching - represents an important strategy for coping with stressful situations: in a healthy population of men, displacement behaviour during a social stress test attenuated the relationship between anxiety experienced prior to this test, and the subsequent self-reported experience of stress. Here, we extend this work to look at physiological and cognitive (in addition to self-reported) measures of stress, and study both men and women in order to investigate whether sex moderates the link between displacement behaviour and the response to stress. In a healthy study population, we quantified displacement behaviour, heart rate and cognitive performance during the Trier Social Stress Test, and used self-report questionnaires to assess the experience of stress afterwards. Men engaged in displacement behaviour about twice as often as women, and subsequently reported lower levels of stress. Bivariate correlations revealed that for men, higher rates of displacement behaviour were associated with decreased self-reported stress, fewer mistakes in the cognitive task and a trend towards lower heart rate; no relationships between displacement behaviour and stress measures were found for women. Moreover, moderation analyses revealed that high rates of displacement behaviour were associated with lower stress levels in men but not in women, and that high displacement behaviour rates were associated with poorer cognitive performance in women, but not men. These results point to an important sex difference in coping strategies, and highlight new avenues for research into sex biases in stress-related disorders.
In Silico Modeling-based Identification of Glucose Transporter 4 (GLUT4)-selective Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy*

Background: GLUT4 is a promising target for multiple myeloma therapy. Results: In silico modeling of GLUT4, followed by virtual screening and validation, led to the identification of GLUT4-selective inhibitors. Conclusion: Despite significant homology between GLUT1 and GLUT4, we have identified GLUT4-selective inhibitors exhibiting cytotoxicity in myeloma. Significance: Potent selective GLUT4 inhibitors are promising cancer therapeutics with both cytostatic and chemosensitizing properties warranting further development. Tumor cells rely on elevated glucose consumption and metabolism for survival and proliferation. Glucose transporters mediating glucose entry are key proximal rate-limiting checkpoints. Unlike GLUT1 that is highly expressed in cancer and more ubiquitously expressed in normal tissues, GLUT4 exhibits more limited normal expression profiles. We have previously determined that insulin-responsive GLUT4 is constitutively localized on the plasma membrane of myeloma cells. Consequently, suppression of GLUT4 or inhibition of glucose transport with the HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir elicited growth arrest and/or apoptosis in multiple myeloma. GLUT4 inhibition also caused sensitization to metformin in multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia and a number of solid tumors suggesting the broader therapeutic utility of targeting GLUT4. This study sought to identify selective inhibitors of GLUT4 to develop a more potent cancer chemotherapeutic with fewer potential off-target effects. Recently, the crystal structure of GLUT1 in an inward open conformation was reported. Although this is an important achievement, a full understanding of the structural biology of facilitative glucose transport remains elusive. To date, there is no three-dimensional structure for GLUT4. We have generated a homology model for GLUT4 that we utilized to screen for drug-like compounds from a library of 18 million compounds. Despite 68% homology between GLUT1 and GLUT4, our virtual screen identified two potent compounds that were shown to target GLUT4 preferentially over GLUT1 and block glucose transport. Our results strongly bolster the utility of developing GLUT4-selective inhibitors as anti-cancer therapeutics.
Generating Constituent Order in German Clauses

We investigate the factors which determine constituent order in German clauses and propose an algorithm which performs the task in two steps: First, the best candidate for the initial sentence position is chosen. Then, the order for the remaining constituents is determined. The rst task is more difcult than the second one because of properties of the German sentence-initial position. Experiments show a signicant improvement over competing approaches. Our algorithm is also more efcient than these.
Enhanced diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis with use of the Binax NOW immunochromatographic test of Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen: a multisite study.

BACKGROUND Accurate etiological diagnosis of meningitis in developing countries is needed, to improve clinical care and to optimize disease-prevention strategies. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and latex agglutination testing are currently the standard diagnostic methods but lack sensitivity. METHODS We prospectively assessed the utility of an immunochromatographic test (ICT) of pneumococcal antigen (NOW Streptococcus pneumoniae Antigen Test; Binax), compared with culture, in 5 countries that are conducting bacterial meningitis surveillance in Africa and Asia. Most CSF samples were collected from patients aged 1-59 months. RESULTS A total of 1173 CSF samples from suspected meningitis cases were included. The ICT results were positive for 68 (99%) of the 69 culture-confirmed pneumococcal meningitis cases and negative for 124 (99%) of 125 culture-confirmed bacterial meningitis cases caused by other pathogens. By use of culture and latex agglutination testing alone, pneumococci were detected in samples from 7.4% of patients in Asia and 15.6% in Africa. The ICT increased pneumococcal detection, resulting in similar identification rates across sites, ranging from 16.2% in Nigeria to 20% in Bangladesh. ICT detection in specimens from culture-negative cases varied according to region (8.5% in Africa vs. 18.8% in Asia; P< .001), prior antibiotic use (24.2% with prior antibiotic use vs. 12.2% without; P< .001), and WBC count (9.0% for WBC count of 10-99 cells/mL, 22.1% for 100-999 cells/mL, and 25.4% for >or=1000 cells/mL; P< .001 by test for trend). CONCLUSIONS The ICT provided substantial benefit over the latex agglutination test and culture at Asian sites but not at African sites. With the addition of the ICT, the proportion of meningitis cases attributable to pneumococci was determined to be similar in Asia and Africa. These results suggest that previous studies have underestimated the proportion of pediatric bacterial meningitis cases caused by pneumococci.
Development of an SSR-based identification key for Tunisian local almonds

Ten simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci were used to study polymorphism in 54 almond genotypes. All genotypes used in this study originated from almond-growing areas in Tunisia with different climatic conditions ranging from the sub-humid to the arid and are preserved in the national collection at Sidi Bouzid. Using ten SSR, 130 alleles and 250 genotypes were revealed. In order to develop an identification key for each accession, the data were analysed separately for each microsatellite marker. The most polymorphic microsatellite (CPDCT042) was used as a first marker. Two microsatellite loci (CPDCT042 and CPDCT025) were sufficient to discriminate among all accessions studied. Neighbour-joining clustering and principal coordinate analysis were performed to arrange the genotypes according to their genetic relationships and origin. The results are discussed in the context of almond collection management, conformity checks, identification of homonyms, and screening of the local almond germplasm. Furthermore, this microsatellite-based key is a first step toward a marker-assisted identification almond database.
Transient Changes in Cerebral Vascular Resistance During the Valsalva Maneuver in Man

Measurements of cerebral spinal fluid pressure, arterial pressure, and internal carotid artery blood flow were obtained in a series of patients during a Valsalva maneuver. During straining (phase II), an 11% reduction in mean arterial pressure was associated with a 21 % decrease in internal carotid flow from control values; and following release (phase IV), the 19% increase in mean arterial pressure produced a 22% increase in internal carotid artery flow. Perfusion pressure computed as the mean arterial pressure minus cerebral spinal fluid pressure and internal carotid artery blood flow were used to calculate an index of cerebral vascular resistance. The data indicate that a modest but significant decrease in vascular resistance occurred during phases II and III followed by return to control levels during phase IV. These changes in vascular resistance were not rapid enough or of sufficient magnitude to maintain constant cerebral perfusion during the Valsalva maneuver. Stroke Vol 15, No I, 1984
Perceptions of Supervisory Relationship Influences on Cognitive Complexity Development During Practicum Supervision: A Qualitative Study

ii Acknowledgements iii List of Tables vi Chapter I: Introduction 1 Purpose Of The Study 8 Significance Of The Study 9 Research Question 11 Definition Of Terms 12 Chapter II: Review of Literature 14 Reflective Practitioner 16 Developmental Models Of Supervision 19 Intervention Strategies 29 Cognitive Complexity 33 Metacognition 41 Chapter III: Methodology 45 Research Method 45 Participants 47 Data Collection 49 Data Analysis 51
Web-based and Mailed Questionnaires: A Comparison of Response Rates and Compliance

Background: We assessed response rates and compliance for a printed questionnaire and a Web questionnaire in a Swedish population-based study and explored the influence of adding personalized feedback to the Web questionnaire. Methods: We assigned 875 subjects to 1 of 3 groups: printed questionnaire, plain Web questionnaire, or Web questionnaire with personalized feedback. The questionnaire had 2 parts, first a general section and then a dietary section. Results: The response rate for the general section was 64% for the printed questionnaire, compared with 50% for the Web questionnaire with feedback. For the dietary questionnaire, the rates were reversed, resulting in a total response rate for the dietary questionnaire that did not differ between printed and web questionnaire with feedback. Conclusions: Interactivity in the Web questionnaire increased compliance in completion of the second section of the questionnaire. Web questionnaires can be useful for research purposes in settings in which Internet access is high.
Association of Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) Gene Polymorphisms and of Serum NAMPT Levels with Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Chinese Population

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) has crucial roles for myocardial development, cardiomyocyte energy metabolism and cell death/survival by regulating NAD+-dependent sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) deacetylase. This study aimed to determine if the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the NAMPT gene may affect the susceptibility and prognosis for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and to describe the association of serum NAMPT levels with clinical features of DCM. Three SNPs (rs61330082, rs2505568, and rs9034) were analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method in a case-control study of 394 DCM patients and 395 controls from China. Serum NAMPT levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The homozygote for the minor allele at rs2505568 and rs9034 could not be detected in this study. Rs9034 T allele and CT genotype were associated with increased DCM risk (OR: 1.63, 95% CI = 1.16–2.27, p = 0.005 and OR: 1.72, 95% CI = 1.20–2.50, p = 0.0027, respectively). Nominally significant decreased DCM risk was found to be associated with the A allele and AT genotype of rs2505568 (OR: 0.48, 95% CI = 0.35–0.67, p < 0.0001 and OR: 0.44, 95% CI = 0.31–0.62, p < 0.0001, respectively), but it should be interpreted with caution because of Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium in the control group. Of five haplotypes constructed, TAC (rs61330082-rs2505568-rs9034) was a protective haplotype to DCM (OR: 0.22, 95% CI = 0.13–0.39, p = 1.84 × 10−8). The Cox multivariate survival analysis indicated that the rs9034 CT genotype (hazard ratio (HR): 0.59, 95% CI = 0.37–0.96, p = 0.03) was an independently multivariate predictor for longer overall survival in DCM patients. Serum NAMPT levels were significantly higher in the DCM group than controls (p < 0.0001) and gradually increased with the increase of New York Heart Association grade in DCM patients. However, there was a lack of association of the three SNPs with serum NAMPT levels. Spearman correlation test revealed that the NAMPT level was positively associated with brain natriuretic peptide (r = 0.56, p = 0.001), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (r = 0.293, p = 0.011) and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (r = 0.294, p = 0.011). Our study suggested that NAMPT may play an important role in the development of DCM.
Factors associated with weight loss after gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND Gastric bypass (GBP) is the most common operation performed in the United States for morbid obesity. However, weight loss is poor in 10% to 15% of patients. We sought to determine the independent factors associated with poor weight loss after GBP. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. We examined demographic, operative, and follow-up data by means of multivariate analysis. Variables investigated were age, sex, race, marital and insurance status, initial weight and body mass index (BMI) (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, joint disease, sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, and psychiatric disease), laparoscopic vs open surgery, gastric pouch area, gastrojejunostomy technique, and alimentary limb length. SETTING University tertiary referral center. PATIENTS All patients at our institution who underwent GBP from January 1, 2003, through July 30, 2006. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Weight loss at 12 months defined as poor (< or =40% excess weight loss) or good (>40% excess weight loss). RESULTS Follow-up data at 12 months were available for 310 of the 361 patients (85.9%) undergoing GBP during the study period. Mean preoperative BMI was 52 (range, 36-108). Mean BMI and excess weight loss at follow-up were 34 (range, 17-74) and 60% (range, 8%-117%), respectively. Thirty-eight patients (12.3%) had poor weight loss. Of the 4 variables associated with poor weight loss in the univariate analysis (greater initial weight, diabetes, open approach, and larger pouch size), only diabetes (odds ratio, 3.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-7.09 [P = .007]) and larger pouch size (odds ratio, 2.77;95% confidence interval, 1.81-4.22 [P <.001]) remained after the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Gastric bypass results in substantial weight loss in most patients. Diabetes and larger pouch size are independently associated with poor weight loss after GBP.
A Localized Negative Genetic Correlation Constrains Microevolution of Coat Color in Wild Sheep

The evolutionary changes that occur over a small number of generations in natural populations often run counter to what is expected on the basis of the heritability of traits and the selective forces acting upon them. In Soay sheep, dark coat color is associated with large size, which is heritable and positively correlated with fitness, yet the frequency of dark sheep has decreased. This unexpected microevolutionary trend is explained by genetic linkage between the causal mutation underlying the color polymorphism and quantitative trait loci with antagonistic effects on size and fitness. As a consequence, homozygous dark sheep are large, but have reduced fitness relative to phenotypically indistinguishable dark heterozygotes and light sheep. This result demonstrates the importance of understanding the genetic basis of fitness variation when making predictions about the microevolutionary consequences of selection.
Did we test our changes? Assessing alignment between tests and development in practice

Testing and development are increasingly performed by different organizations, often in different countries and time zones. Since their distance complicates communication, close alignment between development and testing becomes increasingly challenging. Unfortunately, poor alignment between the two threatens to decrease test effectiveness or increases costs. In this paper, we propose a conceptually simple approach to assess test alignment by uncovering methods that were changed but never executed during testing. The paper's contribution is a large industrial case study that analyzes development changes, test service activity and field faults of an industrial business information system over 14 months. It demonstrates that the approach is suitable to produce meaningful data and supports test alignment in practice.
Informing the Discussion on Evaluator Training

This classification study examines evaluators’ coursework training as a way of understanding evaluation practice. Data regarding courses that span methods and evaluation topics were collected from evaluation practitioners. Using latent class analysis, we establish four distinct classes of evaluator course-taking patterns: quantitative, evaluation/qualitative, general research/quantitative, and general research. Results highlight the importance of professional development as a mode for learning evaluation-specific information.
Bacterial activity of a new antiulcer agent, ecabet sodium, against Helicobacter pylori under acidic conditions

Helicobacter pylori NCTC 11637, which is nonviable at pH 3.0, became viable after addition of 10 mM urea owing to ammonia production by urease. In a buffer supplemented with urea, ecabet sodium decreased both the production of ammonia and the number of viable cells of H. pylori NCTC 11637 and changed the bacteria from the bacilliform to the horseshoe or doughnut shape in a concentration-dependent manner. In particular, ecabet sodium (2 and 4 mg/ml) decreased the number of viable cells below the control level. Benzohydroxamic acid, a urease inhibitor, also caused a decrease in ammonia production accompanied by a decrease in the number of viable cells and changed the morphological form at pH 3.0, but the number of viable cells was not lowered below the control level. In buffers at various pHs without urea, ecabet sodium showed a concentration-dependent bactericidal effect on H. pylori at pHs 4.0 and 5.0 but not at pHs 6.0 and 7.0 while benzohydroxamic acid caused only a slight decrease in the number of viable cells at pH 4.0. These results suggest that ecabet sodium has strong bactericidal activity in addition to its urease-inhibiting activity under acidic conditions.
Research of Supercapacitor Voltage Equalization Strategy on Rubber-Tyred Gantry Crane Energy Saving System

A model for supercapacitor voltage equalization strategy is analyzed, and on this basis a supercapacitor voltage equalization method for Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane (RTG) energy saving system is proposed, namely active voltage equalization method based on Buck-Boost converter. The equalizing speed of the proposed method is fast. Firstly, the working principle and process of the voltage equalization circuit is analyzed in detail. In addition, design of active voltage equalization circuit parameters and control strategy are given. Finally, simulation analysis of the series connection of supercapacitors module is performed. Results show that this method for equalizing voltage can avoid over-voltage of each cell and possess practicable and high value for supercapacitor RTG energy saving system.
Multi-Product Exporters, Variable Markups and Exchange Rate Fluctuations

In this paper we investigate how firms adjust markups across products in response to fluctuations in the real exchange rate. In a theoretical framework, we show that firms increase their markup and producer prices following a real depreciation and that this increase is greater for products with higher productivity, a consequence of local distribution costs. We estimate markups at the market-product-plant level using detailed panel production and cost data from Mexican manufacturing between 1994 and 2007. Exploiting variation in the real exchange rate in the aftermath of the peso crisis in December 1994, we provide robust empirical evidence that plants increase their markups and producer prices in response to a real depreciation and that within-firm heterogeneity is a key determinant of plants' response to exchange rate shocks. We also provide some evidence in favour of a local distribution cost channel of incomplete exchange rate pass-through.
In vitro and in vivo studies of ePTFE vascular grafts treated with P15 peptide

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of P15 cell-binding peptide treated ePTFE vascular grafts in vitro and in vivo. The P15 peptide was covalently immobilized onto ePTFE vascular grafts by an atmospheric plasma coating method. In vitro cell growth properties were studied using primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and primary human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells (HUASMCs). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and aminoacid analysis were used to analyze the surface characteristics of the peptide treated and untreated grafts. The cell growth study showed that the P15 peptide effectively promoted the adhesion and proliferation of endothelial cells. 700% more endothelial cells were proliferated on the P15-treated ePTFE grafts compared to the untreated ePTFE controls. In contrast, the P15 peptide was significantly less effective for promoting the adhesion and proliferation of smooth muscle cells than endothelial cells; only about 100% more smooth muscle cells proliferated on the P15-treated samples compared to the untreated control samples. The sheep model was used in the in vivo study. The amount of neointimal hyperplasia present at the arterial and venous sides of the anastomosis and the degree of endothelialization on the luminal surface of the grafts were assessed. Four P15-treated grafts and two control grafts were implanted as arteriovenous grafts between the femoral artery and vein or the carotid artery and jugular vein in two sheep (n = 6). The in vivo study showed that the thickness of the neointimal hyperplasia of untreated grafts was 3-times thicker than that of P15-treated grafts (P < 0.05) at the venous side of the anastomosis. P15-treated grafts also had a higher degree of endothelialization on the graft lumen.