Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin Receptor Blockade Decreases Markers of Vascular Inflammation

A protective role against atherosclerosis can be attributed to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I), since they have been shown to reduce mortality in patients at cardiovascular risk. Since plasma levels of adhesion molecules are considered surrogate markers of endothelial cell activation and atherogenesis, we compared the levels of adhesion molecules after treatment with the ACE-I enalapril or the direct angiotensin- receptor antagonist losartan or placebo. In a randomized, controlled trial, 21 hypercholesterolemic volunteers received 50 mg/d losartan or 20 mg/d enalapril or placebo for twelve weeks. Plasma levels of circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (cICAM-1), vascular adhesion molecule-1 (cVCAM-1), and E-selectin (cE-SEL) were measured by ELISA. Surface expression of ICAM-1 on circulating leukocytes was determined by flow cytometry. Enalapril and losartan but not placebo induced a small but stable decrease of cICAM-1 and cVCAM-1, while cE-SEL and leukocyte expression of ICAM-1 remained unchanged. The lowering of plasma adhesion molecules may indicate an antiatherogenic effect of angiotensin II blockade in hypercholesterolemia. While such preventive effect will have to be proven in clinical trials, our results do not support a preference for either enalapril or losartan with regard to their possible vasoprotective role.
Collagen scaffold supplementation does not improve the functional properties of the repaired anterior cruciate ligament

Primary suture anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair was abandoned in favor of reconstruction due to a high rate of clinical failures. However, the insertion of a collagen scaffold loaded with platelets into the wound at the time of suture repair (“enhanced primary repair”) has been shown to improve functional healing in animal models. Our objectives were to determine if using a collagen scaffold alone (without platelets) would be sufficient to increase the structural properties of the repaired ACL and decrease postoperative knee laxity compared to suture repair without the scaffold. Eight Yucatan minipigs underwent bilateral ACL transection and suture repair. In one knee, the repair was augmented with a collagen scaffold (SCAFFOLD group) while the other had suture alone (SUTURE group). After 13 weeks of healing, knee joint laxity and the structural properties of the ACL were measured. The addition of the collagen scaffold to suture repair of a transected ACL did not significantly improve the mean anteroposterior knee laxity [SCAFFOLD vs. SUTURE: 6.1 ± 1.4 vs. 4.4 ± 2.0 mm (p = 0.07), 8.1 ± 2.0 vs. 7.6 ± 2.0 mm (p = 0.66), and 6.2 ± 1.2 vs. 6.1 ± 1.8 mm (p = 0.85) at 30°, 60°, and 90° flexion, respectively]. Likewise, there were no significant differences in the structural properties [SCAFFOLD vs. SUTURE: 367 ± 185.9 vs. 322 ± 122.0N (p = 0.66) and 90.7 ± 29.5 vs. 85.0 ± 30.3N/mm (p = 0.74) for the yield load and linear stiffness, respectively]. The use of a collagen scaffold alone to enhance suture repair of the ACL was ineffective in this animal model. Future work will be directed at stimulating biological activity in the scaffold. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:703–709, 2010
Theoretical Description of Calcium Channels in the Neuronal Membrane

Models of ionic transport processes and functioning of calcium channels in the membrane of neurones from molluscan and rat dorsal root ganglia were developed on the basis of direct measurements of the corresponding calcium currents. Ionic transport processes are considered taking into account the effect of surface potential of the external side of the neuronal membrane. The value of the binding constant for calcium ions to negatively charged groups producing this potential is evaluated as KQ, = 70 — 90 1/mol. The magnitude of the calcium current through the channel is determined mainly by the interaction energy of the corresponding cations with a carboxylic group which is located near the external mouth of the calcium channels, KCa of this group being 100 1/mol for molluscan and 20 1/mol for rat dorsal root ganglia. The theoretical description of the functioning of the calcium channels takes into account that intracellular cAMP participates in maintaining these channels in the functioning state. The optimal concentration of cAMP necessary for this process is about 10 4 —10~ 5 mol/1. It is suggested that another high-molecular factor inside the cell is also necessary for transferring the calcium channels into the functioning state.
Cardiac autonomic control and complexity during sleep are preserved after chronic sleep restriction in healthy subjects

Acute sleep deprivation (SD) alters cardiovascular autonomic control (CAC) and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders. However, the effects of partial SD on CAC are unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of partial SD on CAC during sleep. We randomized seventeen healthy subjects to a restriction group (RES, n = 8, subjects slept two‐thirds of normal sleep time based on individual habitual sleep duration for 8 days and 8 nights) or a Control group (CON, n = 9, subjects were allowed to sleep their usual sleep time). Attended polysomnographic (PSG) studies were performed every night; a subset of them was selected for the analysis at baseline (day 3‐D3), the first night after sleep restriction (day 5‐D5), at the end of sleep restriction period (day 11‐D11), and at the end of recovery phase (day 14‐D14). We extracted electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiration from the PSG and divided into wakefulness (W), nonrapid eye movements (REM) sleep (N2 and N3) and REM sleep. CAC was evaluated by means of linear spectral analysis, nonlinear symbolic analysis and complexity indexes. In both RES and CON groups, sympathetic modulation decreased and parasympathetic modulation increased during N2 and N3 compared to W and REM at D3, D5, D11, D14. Complexity analysis revealed a reduction in complexity during REM compared to NREM sleep in both DEP and CON. After 8 days of moderate SD, cardiac autonomic dynamics, characterized by decreased sympathetic, and increased parasympathetic modulation, and higher cardiac complexity during NREM sleep, compared to W and REM, are preserved.
Climate response to the increase in tropospheric ozone since preindustrial times: A comparison between ozone and equivalent CO2 forcings

[1] We examine the characteristics of the climate response to anthropogenic changes in tropospheric ozone. Using a general circulation model, we have carried out a pair of equilibrium climate simulations with realistic present-day and preindustrial ozone distributions. We find that the instantaneous radiative forcing of 0.49 W m−2 due to the increase in tropospheric ozone since preindustrial times results in an increase in global mean surface temperature of 0.28°C. The increase is nearly 0.4°C in the Northern Hemisphere and about 0.2°C in the Southern Hemisphere. The largest increases (>0.8°C) are downwind of Europe and Asia and over the North American interior in summer. In the lower stratosphere, global mean temperatures decrease by about 0.2°C due to the diminished upward flux of radiation at 9.6 μm. The largest stratospheric cooling, up to 1.0°C, occurs over high northern latitudes in winter, with possibly important implications for the formation of polar stratospheric clouds. To identify the characteristics of climate forcing unique to tropospheric ozone, we have conducted two additional climate equilibrium simulations: one in which preindustrial tropospheric ozone concentrations were increased everywhere by 18 ppb, producing the same global radiative forcing as present-day ozone but without the heterogeneity; and one in which CO2 was decreased by 25 ppm relative to present day, with ozone at present-day values, to again produce the same global radiative forcing but with the spectral signature of CO2 rather than ozone. In the first simulation (uniform increase of ozone), the global mean surface temperature increases by 0.25°C, with an interhemispheric difference of only 0.03°C, as compared with nearly 0.2°C for the heterogeneous ozone increase. In the second simulation (equivalent CO2), the global mean surface temperature increases by 0.36°C, 30% higher than the increase from tropospheric ozone. The stronger surface warming from CO2 is in part because CO2 forcing (obscured by water vapor) is shifted relatively poleward where the positive ice-albedo feedback amplifies the climate response and in part because the magnitude of the CO2 forcing in the midtroposphere is double that of ozone. However, we find that CO2 is far less effective than tropospheric ozone in driving lower stratospheric cooling at high northern latitudes in winter.
The Money Multiplier and Asset Returns

In this paper I study the relationship between aggregate money balances and subsequent stock and bond returns. I find that levels of broad money multipliers (the ratios of broad money to narrow money) forecast future returns with a negative sign, while changes in these multipliers forecast returns with a positive sign. These findings indicate that levels of multipliers are pro-cyclical: like the P/D ratio, they tend to be high at times of low expected returns. The dynamics of these multipliers may also indicate changes in the volume of financial intermediation and the level of net leverage, consistent with credit-cycle theories of macroeconomic fluctuations.
Molecular cloning and characterization of CHM1L, a novel membrane molecule similar to chondromodulin-I.

Chondromodulin-I (ChM-I) is a cartilage-specific glycoprotein that stimulates the growth of chondrocytes and inhibits the tube formation of endothelial cells. In the present study, we identified a novel ChM-I like molecule, designated ChM1L. Cloning of full length cDNAs of human, mouse, and rat ChM1L revealed that ChM1L encodes 317 amino acids novel type II transmembrane protein. ChM1L protein was expressed on the cell surface as N-glycosylated and non-N-glycosylated protein with molecular mass of 45 and 40 kDa, respectively. In adult mouse tissues, ChM1L mRNA was highly expressed in eye, skeletal muscle, and whole rib. The temporal pattern of ChM1L mRNA was examined using whole embryo at day 10 to 19 of gestation. After day 11, ChM1L mRNA was detected and its level was progressively elevated in association with development of mouse embryo. These data suggest that ChM1L is a novel membrane molecule which is similar to ChM-I that plays a regulatory role in eye, skeletal muscle, and development of embryo.
Attitudes of Bolivian pharmacists in dealing with diarrhea cases

To help learn about the recommendations made by Bolivian pharmacists dealing with diarrhea cases 498 pharmacies in three Bolivian cities (Cochabamba El Alto and La Paz) were visited by female interviewers who indicated they were seeking treatment for a child with diarrhea. 98 of the Cochabamba pharmacies were also visited by a male interviewer who indicated he was suffering from diarrhea and was seeking treatment. In response fewer than 2% of the pharmacists recommended using oral rehydration salts (ORS) increasing fluid intake or consulting with a physician. Most recommended antimicrobials antidiarrheals or some combination of the two. At 329 (66%) of the pharmacies ORS were unavailable and those that did have such salts rarely offered them to customers. At the time of the survey pharmacists were not integrated into the Bolivian National Health Secretariats training program for control of diarrheal diseases. Steps have since been taken to resolve this matter. (authors)
Homeomorphic smoothing splines: a new tool for monotonizing an unconstrained estimator in nonparametric regression

In this paper we focus on nonparametric estimation of a monotone regression function using general spline smoothing techniques. We propose to construct a new class of monotone splines by using some tools that have been recently developed in the context of image warping to compute smooth and bijective deformations. Our idea is to adapt these tools to construct a monotone spline that can be used to monotonize any unconstrained estimator of a regression function. We show that under mild conditions, this monotone smoother inherits the convergence properties of the unconstrained estimator. Our estimator is defined as the solution of an ordinary differential equation governed by an appropriate time-dependent vector field depending on the unconstrained estimate. Unlike some classical spline smoothing techniques under shape constraints, our method does not require the use of quadratic programming techniques under linear constraints and has therefore a low computational cost. We illustrate its finite sample performance via a simulation study, and we also compare it with a recently proposed constrained estimator. An illustration to some real data is given.
The Recursive Nature of Institutional Change

In this essay, we propose a recursive model of institutional change building on the Annales School, one of the 20th century’s most influential streams of historical research. Our model builds upon three concepts from the Annales—mentalities, levels of time, and critical events—to explore how critical events affect different dimensions of institutional logics and exert short- or long-range influences. On these bases, organizations make choices, from decoupling to radical shifts in logics, leading to severe institutional changes that become the matter of history. As much as organizations are influenced by events and the prevalent institutional logics, their choices trigger macro-level changes in a recursive manner. More broadly, we comment on how fruitful is our approach to historicize organization studies.
The comfort assessment of wearable computers

This paper presents a tool to measure the comfort of wearable computers. The comfort rating scales (CRS) measure wearable comfort across 6 dimensions. These dimensions are Emotion, Attachment, Harm, Perceived change, Movement and Anxiety. This paper also presents two studies in which the CRS have been used to assess the comfort of two types of wearable technology currently being developed at the University of Birmingham, these are the SensVest and the /spl chi//sup 3/. The results of the studies show that the CRS can be used to aid designers and manufacturers focus on what modifications are needed to wearable computer design to make them more comfortable. They also show that assessments of wearable computer comfort must be made in situations and environments to which the computer will ultimately be introduced.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding: incidence, etiology and outcomes in a population-based setting

Abstract Objective. The authors aimed to investigate the incidence and outcomes of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) and to examine the role of drugs potentially associated with AUGIB. Methods. The study was prospective, population-based and consisted of all patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE), during the year of 2010 at the National University Hospital of Iceland. Drug intake of NSAIDs, low-dose aspirin (LDA), warfarin, SSRIs and bisphosphonates prior to GIB was prospectively registered and also checked in a Pharmaceutical Database covering all prescriptions in Iceland. An age- and gender-matched control group consisted of patients who underwent UGE during the study period and were without GIB. Results. A total of 1731 patients underwent 2058 UGEs. Overall, 156 patients had AUGIB. The crude incidence for AUGIB was 87/100,000 inhabitants per year. The most common etiologies were duodenal (21%) and gastric ulcers (15%). Use of LDA (40% vs. 30%), NSAIDs (20% vs. 8%), warfarin (15% vs. 7%), combination of NSAIDs + LDA (8% vs. 1%) and SSRIs + LDA (8% vs. 3%) were significantly more common among bleeders than non-bleeders. Three patients (1.9%) had emergency surgery and two patients died of AUGIB. Independent predictors of clinically significant bleeding were gastric ulcer (OR 6.6, p = 0.012) and NSAIDs (OR 6.6, p = 0.004). Conclusions. LDA, NSAIDs and warfarin play an important role in AUGIB etiology and particularly combinations of drugs. Gastric ulcer and NSAIDs were independent predictors of severe bleeding. Mortality and the need for surgery during hospitalization was low in this population-based setting.
Broadband four-way power divider for active antenna array application

A novel four-way power divider based on substrate integrated waveguide is presented. Broadband performance is obtained by using a stepped coaxial line transformer together with tapered substrate integrated waveguides. Simulated and measured results show that good performance of insertion loss and impedance matching is achieved over a broad bandwidth from 4 GHz to 11 GHz. When the proposed power divider is applied for active antenna array, it can be shown that by using appropriate matching networks, gain fluctuation caused by non-ideal return loss and isolation can be alleviated.
CLEARING THE DILEMMA OF MYELOPATHY CAUSED BY DEGENERATIVE DORSAL DISC DISEASE , DEFINITION OF THE " SPONDYLITIC SPINOVASCULAR DISORDERS " AS AN EMERGING NEW CONCEPT

In the present study 11 surgically confirmed patients with the clinico-radiological diagnosis of degenerative dorsal disc herniation are included. All patient were subjected to (1) full clinical examination (2) study of some haemorheological parameters and vascular risk factors (3) plain x ray dorsal spine (4) Myelography with postmyelography CT scan of the dorsal spine (5) MRI examination of the dorso-lumbar spine. Both MRI and CT myelography were done according to the suspected clinical spinal levels of each patient. Standard T1,T2 and proton density weighted images were used in MRI examination. All patients were subjected to both MRI and CT myelography. The cardinal clinical signs and symptoms of dorsal disc herniations, in this study, were "a mainly motor presentation", the presence of remissions and exacerbations of myelopathy and the presence of two levels in every single patient ( one at the conus-epiconus and anther sensory level at D6-D7 spinal segments). History of spinal trauma was characteristically absent and dorsal pain was minor and present in only 4 cases (36%). A CLEARING THE DILEMMA OF MYELOPATHY CAUSED BY DEGENERATIVE DORSAL DISC DISEASE, DEFINITION OF THE "SPONDYLITIC SPINOVASCULAR DISORDERS" AS AN EMERGING NEW CONCEPT
Cocaine Cues and Dopamine in Dorsal Striatum: Mechanism of Craving in Cocaine Addiction

The ability of drugs of abuse to increase dopamine in nucleus accumbens underlies their reinforcing effects. However, preclinical studies have shown that with repeated drug exposure neutral stimuli paired with the drug (conditioned stimuli) start to increase dopamine by themselves, which is an effect that could underlie drug-seeking behavior. Here we test whether dopamine increases occur to conditioned stimuli in human subjects addicted to cocaine and whether this is associated with drug craving. We tested eighteen cocaine-addicted subjects using positron emission tomography and [11C]raclopride (dopamine D2 receptor radioligand sensitive to competition with endogenous dopamine). We measured changes in dopamine by comparing the specific binding of [11C]raclopride when subjects watched a neutral video (nature scenes) versus when they watched a cocaine-cue video (scenes of subjects smoking cocaine). The specific binding of [11C]raclopride in dorsal (caudate and putamen) but not in ventral striatum (in which nucleus accumbens is located) was significantly reduced in the cocaine-cue condition and the magnitude of this reduction correlated with self-reports of craving. Moreover, subjects with the highest scores on measures of withdrawal symptoms and of addiction severity that have been shown to predict treatment outcomes, had the largest dopamine changes in dorsal striatum. This provides evidence that dopamine in the dorsal striatum (region implicated in habit learning and in action initiation) is involved with craving and is a fundamental component of addiction. Because craving is a key contributor to relapse, strategies aimed at inhibiting dopamine increases from conditioned responses are likely to be therapeutically beneficial in cocaine addiction.
Interpretation of Public Feedback to Transportation Policy: A Qualitative Perspective

Due to inadequate funding for road maintenance and expansion, many state governments are exploring the implementation of a vehicle-miles-traveled (VMT) policy. Such a policy requires adequate communication to the public that not only informs but also communicates the issues of concern to the constituents. As part of this communication, the Nevada Department of Transportation began by conducting workshops, while local newspapers allowed Internet-based response to the basic idea of this tax. Our article takes the qualitative data obtained from these multiple sources and analyzes it via a two-pronged qualitative methodology. First, we ascertain common profiles through iterative coding, and then we use concept maps to delve into the relationships between themes within these segments. Our findings indicate that by using qualitative segmentation followed by concept mapping of open-ended customer data, public policy officials can find genres or issues of interest to large segments and address those in communication endeavors.
Delighted Consumers Buy Again

This article extends current research on the role of moderating variables in satisfaction research by examining the role of prior knowledge on repurchase intention. Knowledge level is proposed to be a moderating variable of the relationship between satisfaction and repurchase intention as well as delight and repurchase intention. An Internet survey was conducted to examine an actual purchase experience, in this case the initial purchase and the perceived performance of a flowering plant following purchase. The results revealed that knowledge level did not have a moderating effect on the delight to repurchase intention path, nor did it moderate the satisfaction to repurchase intention path. The delight to repurchase intention path, however, reveals a significant impact on repurchase intention. The satisfaction to repurchase intention path is not significant in any model. Results are consistent with existing literature, indicating that greater emphasis should be placed on delighting consumers, rather than merely satisfying them.
Antibacterial activity of the human host defence peptide LL-37 and selected synthetic cationic lipids against bacteria associated with oral and upper respiratory tract infections.

OBJECTIVES We aim to develop antibacterial peptide mimics resistant to protease degradation, with broad-spectrum activity at sites of infection. METHODS The bactericidal activities of LL-37, ceragenins CSA-13, CSA-90 and CSA-92 and the spermine-conjugated dexamethasone derivative D2S were evaluated using MIC and MBC measurements. Gingival fibroblast counting, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from keratinocytes (HaCat) were used to determine effects on cell growth, pro-inflammatory response and toxicity. RESULTS All tested cationic lipids showed stronger bactericidal activity than LL-37. Incubation of Staphylococcus aureus with half the MIC of LL-37 led to the appearance of bacteria resistant to its bactericidal effects, but identical incubations with CSA-13 or D2S did not produce resistant bacteria. Cathelicidin LL-37 significantly increased the total number of gingival fibroblasts, but ceragenins and D2S did not alter gingival fibroblast growth. Cationic lipids showed no toxicity to HaCat cells at concentrations resulting in bacterial killing. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that cationic lipids such as ceragenins warrant further testing as potential novel antibacterial agents.