Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cav 3.2 T‐type Ca2+ Channels in H2S‐Mediated Hypoxic Response of the Carotid Body

Voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) are important for carotid body O2 sensing. We recently reported that Cav 3.2 is a major T‐Type VGCC isoform expressed in the carotid body, and it contributes to hypoxia‐evoked Ca2+ influx in glomus cells. Recent studies showed that cystathionine‐γ‐lyase (CSE)‐derived hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a critical mediator of carotid body response to hypoxia. We hypothesized that Cav 3.2‐dependent carotid body response to hypoxia requires H2S. We tested this possibility in wild type (WT) and Cav 3.2 knockout (Cacna1h‐/‐) mice. In WT mice, NaHS, a H2S donor, like hypoxia, increased [Ca2+]i in glomus cells and carotid body sensory nerve activity, and these responses were markedly reduced in Cacna1h null glomus cells and carotid bodies. To assess the selective role of CSE‐derived H2S, studies were performed on WT and CSE‐/‐ mice. Hypoxia increased [Ca2+]i in glomus cells and this response was attenuated by TTA‐A2, a selective blocker of T‐type VGCC in WT but not in CSE null glomus cells. To determine whether genetic deletion of CSE impaired T‐type VGCC function, CSE null glomus cells were challenged with NaHS. In response to NaHS, [Ca2+]i increased and this effect was inhibited by TTA‐A2 in a reversible manner. Hypoxia‐evoked carotid body sensory nerve excitation was reduced by TTA‐A2 in WT, but not in CSE null carotid bodies. These results demonstrate that Cav 3.2 T‐type VGCC contribute to H2S mediated carotid body response to hypoxia. Supported by NIH HL‐90554.
Stiffness and toughness prediction of Co–Fe–Ta–B metallic glasses, alloyed with Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, W, C, N and O by ab initio molecular dynamics

Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations are used to systematically explore the influence of alloying on the stiffness and plasticity of Co–Fe–Ta–B metallic glasses. The Co43.5Ta6. 1B50.4 metallic glass studied in this work, with a Young's modulus of 295 GPa, is the stiffest metallic glass known in literature. From the analysis of the density of the states it is suggested that the very large stiffness is due to strong covalent metal to boron bonding. Furthermore it has been observed that by alloying with Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, W, C, N and O the bulk to shear modulus ratio can be varied from 2.08 to 2.82. As noted by Lewandowski et al (2005 Phil. Mag. Lett. 85 77) a brittle to plastic transition for metallic glasses can be identified in the range of 2.33 to 2.44. Hence, it is evident that the whole range from brittle to plastic behaviour can be covered, with the systems studied in this work. This evolution from brittle to plastic behaviour can be attributed to a change from predominately covalent to predominately metallic bond character.
Asbestos in extrapulmonary sites: omentum and mesentery.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Asbestos fibers have not been reported in tissues from the peritoneal cavity. Therefore, omentum, mesentery, and lung tissues from 20 individuals in whom mesothelioma was diagnosed were analyzed for asbestos bodies and asbestos fibers. DESIGN Tissue was digested and prepared filters were analyzed by light microscopy and analytical transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS Asbestos bodies were found in the lungs of 18 individuals, mesentery samples from 5, and omentum samples from 2. Uncoated asbestos fibers were found in lungs of 19 patients, 17 of whom had fibers in at least one extrapulmonary site. The most common asbestos in the omentum and mesentery was amosite. Several features of asbestos found in lung influenced the likelihood of amphibole fibers being found in the omentum or mesentery. Lung features included total amphibole fiber burden, length, aspect ratio, and ferruginous body burden. An increased total ferruginous body burden was strongly associated with increased likelihood of detecting amphiboles in the omentum (p < 0. 05). CONCLUSION Asbestos fibers reach areas in the peritoneal cavity where some mesotheliomas develop. This study suggests their presence can be predicted based on concentrations and characteristics of fiber burdens in lung tissue.
Quantification of Accelerometer Derived Impacts Associated With Competitive Games in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I College Football Players

Abstract Wellman, AD, Coad, SC, Goulet, GC, and McLellan, CP. Quantification of accelerometer derived impacts associated with competitive games in National Collegiate Athletic Association division I college football players. J Strength Cond Res 31(2): 330–338, 2017—The aims of the present study were to (a) examine positional impact profiles of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) division I college football players using global positioning system (GPS) and integrated accelerometry (IA) technology and (b) determine if positional differences in impact profiles during competition exist within offensive and defensive teams. Thirty-three NCAA division I Football Bowl Subdivision players were monitored using GPS and IA (GPSports) during 12 regular season games throughout the 2014 season. Individual player data sets (n = 294) were divided into offensive and defensive teams, and positional subgroups. The intensity, number, and distribution of impact forces experienced by players during competition were recorded. Positional differences were found for the distribution of impacts within offensive and defensive teams. Wide receivers sustained more very light and light to moderate (5–6.5 G force) impacts than other position groups, whereas the running backs were involved in more severe (>10 G force) impacts than all offensive position groups, with the exception of the quarterbacks (p ⩽ 0.05). The defensive back and linebacker groups were subject to more very light (5.0–6.0 G force) impacts, and the defensive tackle group sustained more heavy and very heavy (7.1–10 G force) impacts than other defensive positions (p ⩽ 0.05). Data from the present study provide novel quantification of positional impact profiles related to the physical demands of college football games and highlight the need for position-specific monitoring and training in the preparation for the impact loads experienced during NCAA division I football competition.
An Asset Pricing Approach to Testing General Term Structure Models

We develop a new empirical approach to term structure analysis that allows testing for time-varying risk premiums and arbitrage opportunities in models with both unobservable factors and factors identified as the innovations to observed macroeconomic variables. Factors can play double roles as both covariance-generating common shocks driving yields and determinants of market prices of risk in cross-sectional pricing. The evidence favors time-varying risk prices significantly related to the second Stock–Watson principal component of macroeconomic variables and to changes in the industrial production index. Our preferred specification includes these two observable and two unobservable factors, with the no-arbitrage condition imposed.
No Humble Pie: The Origins and Usage of a Statistical Chart

William Playfair’s pie chart is more than 200 years old and yet its intellectual origins remain obscure. The inspiration likely derived from the logic diagrams of Llull, Bruno, Leibniz, and Euler, which were familiar to William because of the instruction of his mathematician brother John. The pie chart is broadly popular but—despite its common appeal—most experts have not been seduced, and the academy has advised avoidance; nonetheless, the masses have chosen to ignore this advice. This commentary discusses the origins of the pie chart and the appropriate uses of the form.
Spectroscopic investigations on the binding of an iodinated chlorin p_6-copper complex to human serum albumin

The insertion of suitable metals or high Z elements in tumour-avid tetrapyrrole compounds is a promising approach to obtain potential agents for multimodal cancer therapeutics and tumour imaging. Using chlorin p _6, a chlorophyll derivative, we synthesized a novel iodinated chlorin p _6-copper complex (IC p _6-Cu) that can be applied to the photodynamic therapy and photon activation therapy of cancer. In the present study, we investigated the interaction of IC p _6-Cu with human serum albumin (HSA) using UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The addition of HSA to IC p _6-Cu at physiological pH led to a ~7 nm red shift in its Soret and Q band absorption. The binding constant ( K _b) and the number of binding sites ( n )of IC p _6-Cu obtained from the quenching of the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA were 2.9 × 10^6 M^−1 and 1.2 respectively. The distance between the Trp-214 residue and IC p _6-Cu computed from Förster non-radiative energy transfer (FRET) theory was 3.1 nm. The emission of the IC p _6-Cu fluorescence when excited at the protein’s Trp absorption (295 nm) further substantiated the FRET between the Trp residue and IC p _6-Cu. Synchronous spectroscopy revealed that the quenching of protein Trp fluorescence was higher than that of Tyr with no significant shift in peak position. Results suggested that HSA acts as a carrier protein for IC p _6-Cu with a high probability that the binding of IC p _6-Cu occurred at subdomain IIA and the binding had no effect on the conformation of HSA.
The role of CD4+CD25+ T cells in autoantibody production in murine lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the loss of tolerance to self‐antigen. Because it is currently not known if regulatory T (Treg) cells are involved in the pathogenesis, we determined the frequency of CD4+CD25+ T cells and assayed the related gene expression levels in CD4+CD25+ T cells isolated from both lupus mice (NZB/NZW F1) and normal control mice (DBA2/NZW F1). The results showed that the frequency of CD4+CD25+ T cells in lupus mice was lower than that of normal mice. Except for the high expression level of interleukin (IL)‐10 mRNA, CD4+CD25+ T cells from lupus mice expressed normal forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β mRNA, and exerted suppressive functions. Furthermore, we depleted CD25+ Treg cells of non‐autoimmune mice with anti‐CD25 antibody and broke their tolerance with apoptotic cell‐pulsed dendritic cells for the follow‐up of autoantibody levels. The mice in the CD25+ cell‐depleted group had higher titres of anti‐double‐strand/single‐strand DNA antibodies than those of the isotype control antibody‐treated group. These findings indicated that CD4+CD25+ T cells might be involved in the regulatory mechanism of autoantibody production.
Self-Deprecating Humor Versus Other-Deprecating Humor in Health Messages

Humor is sometimes used in health messages. However, little is known about contingencies under which different types of humor may or may not be effective. This experiment crossed humorous versus nonhumorous and self- versus other-deprecating messages about binge drinking, and tested how differences in personal investment in alcohol use moderates the effects of such messages on college binge drinkers. Results showed significant 3-way interaction effects on subjective norms and behavioral intentions largely consistent with hypotheses. Assessment of significant differences in the interactions indicated that for binge drinkers who were not high in personal investment in alcohol use, other-deprecating humor tended to reduce their perceived subjective norms about the acceptability of binge drinking behavior and their behavioral intentions. The effect of the experimental manipulation on subjective norms among these binge drinkers was shown to mediate the effect on intentions to binge drink in the future. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Lack of Improvement in Renal Allograft Survival Despite a Marked Decrease in Acute Rejection Rates Over the Most Recent Era

Acute rejection is known to have a strong impact on graft survival. Many studies suggest that very low acute rejection rates can be achieved with current immunosuppressive protocols. We wanted to investigate how acute rejection rates have evolved on a national level in the U.S. and how this has impacted graft survival in the most recent era of kidney transplantation. For this purpose, we analyzed data provided by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients regarding all adult first renal transplants between 1995 and 2000.
Human brain metabolic response to caffeine and the effects of tolerance.

OBJECTIVE Since there is limited information concerning caffeine's metabolic effects on the human brain, the authors applied a rapid proton echo-planar spectroscopic imaging technique to dynamically measure regional brain metabolic responses to caffeine ingestion. They specifically measured changes in brain lactate due to the combined effects of caffeine's stimulation of glycolysis and reduction of cerebral blood flow. METHOD Nine heavy caffeine users and nine caffeine-intolerant individuals, who had previously discontinued or substantially curtailed use of caffeinated products because of associated anxiety and discomforting physiological arousal, were studied at baseline and then during 1 hour following ingestion of caffeine citrate (10 mg/kg). To assess state-trait contributions and the effects of caffeine tolerance, five of the caffeine users were restudied after a 1- to 2-month caffeine holiday. RESULTS The caffeine-intolerant individuals, but not the regular caffeine users, experienced substantial psychological and physiological distress in response to caffeine ingestion. Significant increases in global and regionally specific brain lactate were observed only among the caffeine-intolerant subjects. Reexposure of the regular caffeine users to caffeine after a caffeine holiday resulted in little or no adverse clinical reaction but significant rises in brain lactate which were of a magnitude similar to that observed for the caffeine-intolerant group. CONCLUSIONS These results provide direct evidence for the loss of caffeine tolerance in the human brain subsequent to caffeine discontinuation and suggest mechanisms for the phenomenon of caffeine intolerance other than its metabolic effects on elevating brain lactate.
Relation between physical growth and information processing in infants born in India.

The relation between physical growth and cognitive development in infants growing up in India was examined in this study. Subjects were 183 5-12-month-olds. Weight and length, two anthropometric measures commonly used to index nutritional status in developing countries, related to infant measures of visual recognition memory and tactual-visual cross-modal transfer. Underweight infants performed relatively poorly on both cognitive measures and failed to show the clear age-related improvements in speed of processing found among the heavier infants. Weight and length correlated with both measures of infant cognition, r = . 25 to r = . 45, as did, to a lesser degree, head circumference. Although birthweight, previous illness, and parental education were also related to development, the relations between infant growth and cognition remained significant even after these variables were statistically controlled.
Anti-ulcer activity of leguminosae plants.

CONTEXT Ulcer is the most common gastrointestinal disturbance resulting from an inadequate gastric mucosal defense. Several drugs are available in the market to address the disease; however, these drugs are associated with unnecessary side effects. OBJECTIVES Previous research have confirmed the efficacy of plant extracts for possible treatment of the disease. This research aims to evaluate the anti-ulcer properties of medicinal plants. METHODS Methanol extracts from the leaves of Intsia bijuga, Cynometra ramiflora, Tamarindus indica, Cassia javanica, Cassia fistula, Bauhini purpurea, Senna spectabilis, Senna siamea and Saraca thaipingensis were evaluated for their anti-ulcer activity using HCl-ethanol as ulcerogen. RESULTS All extracts showed inhibitory activity with I. bijuga, T. indica, S. spectabilis and S. thaipingensis exhibiting more than 50% inhibition. S. thaipingensis showed the highest activity at 80%. S. spectabilis and S. thaipingensis were partitioned further into hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions. The aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions of S. spectabilis showed significant increased in its activity while the hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of S. thaipingensis gave higher activity than its aqueous portions. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that plant extracts are potential sources of new anti-ulcer agents.
Critical care medicine in the United States 2000–2005: An analysis of bed numbers, occupancy rates, payer mix, and costs*

Objectives:To analyze the evolving role, patterns of use, and costs of critical care medicine in the United States from 2000 to 2005. Design:Retrospective study of data from the Hospital Cost Report Information System (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Baltimore, Maryland). Setting:Nonfederal, acute care hospitals with critical care medicine beds in the United States. Subjects:None. Interventions:None. Measurements and Main Results:We analyzed hospital and critical care medicine beds, bed types, days, occupancy rates, payer mix (Medicare and Medicaid), and costs. Critical care medicine costs were compared with national cost indexes. Between 2000 and 2005, the total number of U.S. hospitals with critical care medicine beds decreased by 12.2% (from 3,586 to 3,150). Although the number of hospital beds decreased by 4.2% (from 655,785 to 628,409), both hospital days and occupancy rates increased by 5.1% (from 145.1 to 152.5 million) and 13.7% (from 59% to 67%), respectively. Critical care medicine beds increased by 6.5% (from 88,252 to 93,955), days by 10.6% (from 21.0 to 23.2 million), and occupancy rates by 4.5% (from 65% to 68%). The majority (90%) of critical care medicine beds were classified as intensive care, premature/neonatal, and coronary care unit beds. The percentage of critical care medicine days used by Medicare decreased by 3.8% (from 37.9% to 36.5%) compared with an increase of 15.5% (from 14.5% to 16.8%) by Medicaid. From 2000 to 2005, critical care medicine costs per day increased by 30.4% (from $2698 to $3518). Although annual critical care medicine costs increased by 44.2% (from $56.6 to $81.7 billion), the proportion of hospital costs and national health expenditures allocated to critical care medicine decreased by 1.6% and 1.8%, respectively. However, the proportion of the gross domestic product used by critical care medicine increased by 13.7%. In 2005, critical care medicine costs represented 13.4% of hospital costs, 4.1% of national health expenditures, and 0.66% of the gross domestic product. Conclusions:Critical care medicine continues to grow in a shrinking U.S. hospital system. The critical care medicine payer mix is evolving, with Medicaid increasing in its percentage of critical care medicine use. Critical care medicine is more cost controlled than other healthcare indexes, but is still using an increasing percentage of the gross domestic product. Our updated and comprehensive critical care medicine use and cost analysis provides a contemporary benchmark for the strategic planning of critical care medicine services within the U.S. healthcare system.
Using web‐based animations to teach histology

We have been experimenting with the use of animations to teach histology as part of an interactive multimedia program we are developing to replace the traditional lecture/laboratory‐based histology course in our medical and dental curricula. This program, called HistoQuest, uses animations to illustrate basic histologic principles, explain dynamic processes, integrate histologic structure with physiological function, and assist students in forming mental models with which to organize and integrate new information into their learning. With this article, we first briefly discuss the theory of mental modeling, principles of visual presentation, and how mental modeling and visual presentation can be integrated to create effective animations. We then discuss the major Web‐based animation technologies that are currently available and their suitability for different visual styles and navigational structures. Finally, we describe the process we use to produce animations for our program. The approach described in this study can be used by other developers to create animations for delivery over the Internet for the teaching of histology. Anat Rec (New Anat) 269:11–19, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spatiotemporal Distribution of PAX6 and MEIS2 Expression and Total Cell Numbers in the Ganglionic Eminence in the Early Developing Human Forebrain

The development of the human neocortex is a complex and highly regulated process involving a time-related expression of many transcription factors including the homeobox genes Pax6 and Meis2. During early development, Pax6 is expressed in nuclei of radial glia cells in the neocortical proliferative zones and controls the differentiation and neurogenetic fate of these cells in the dorsal telencephalon in rodents. Animal studies on the Meis2 gene have revealed expression in the developing telencephalon and Meis2 is known to regulate the expression of Pax6 in the eye and pancreas. Because of this functional relation between Pax6 and Meis2, we studied the spatial and temporal expression of PAX6, and MEIS2 using a developmental series of human fetal brains at 7–19 postconceptional weeks with emphasis on the forebrain to investigate whether the two genes are expressed in the same regions and zones in the same time window. We demonstrate by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry that the two homeobox genes are expressed during early fetal brain development in humans. PAX6 mRNA and protein were located in the proliferative zones of the neocortex and in single cells in the cortical preplate at 7 fetal weeks and in the developing cortical plate from 8 or 9 to 19 fetal weeks. The expression of PAX6 expanded into the ganglionic eminence just prior to the stage at which a stereological estimation showed an exponential rise in total cell number in this area. The MEIS2 gene was also present in the proliferative zones of the human fetal neocortex and a higher expression of MEIS2 than PAX6 was observed in these areas at 9 fetal weeks. Further, MEIS2 was expressed at a very high level in the developing ganglionic eminence and at a more moderate level in the cortical plate.
Predictors of maternal identity of Korean primiparas.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing maternal identity of Korean primiparas. METHODS The data were collected by a self-report questionnaire in 2006. The participants were 210 healthy primiparous women who delivered at one of three medical centers and revisited the outpatient department for follow up between 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth. Data were analyzed using the SPSS WIN 17.0 program with descriptive statistics, t-test, one way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS Maternal identity was significantly correlated with Taekyo accomplishment, the culturally based prenatal preparation (p<.001). Transitional gratification to motherhood (p<.001), postpartum depression (p<.001), childcare stress (p<.001), infant temperament (p<.001), and social support (p<.001) were also significantly correlated with maternal identity. The stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that maternal identity was significantly predicted by transitional gratification to motherhood, infant temperament, childcare stress, and Taekyo accomplishment. These variables explained 31.0% of the variance of maternal identity. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that postpartum nursing interventions to promote maternal identity should focus on reinforcing education and support for reducing childcare stress and infant difficulty, and increasing transitional gratification to motherhood. Also, prenatal encouragement and education for improving Taekyo accomplishment may be helpful to promote maternal identity after birth.