Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial mediators of a theory-based resistance training maintenance intervention for prediabetic adults

Objective: Examine psychosocial mediators of the effects of high vs. low-dose resistance training (RT) maintenance interventions among older (ages 50–69), overweight and pre-diabetic adults. Design: Participants (N = 123) completed a three-month supervised RT initiation phase and were subsequently randomised (time 1) to high or low-dose six-month unsupervised RT maintenance interventions (time 2), followed by a six-month no-contact phase (time 3). Main Outcome Measures: Online measures of putative mediators and RT behaviour. Results: RT intervention condition (high vs. low dose) had significant effects on change from time 1 to time 2 in behavioural expectation, self-regulation and perceived satisfaction (f2 = .04–.08), but not outcome expectancies, RT strategies or behavioural intentions (f2 ≤ .02). Change in each of the putative mediators, except for outcome expectancies (f2 ≤ .02), had significant effects on RT behaviour at times 2 (f2 = .12–.27) and 3 (f2 = .23–.40). In a multiple mediation model, behavioural expectation (f2 = .11) and self-regulation (f2 = .06) mediated the effects of RT intervention condition on time 2 RT behaviour, whereas perceived satisfaction did not (f2 = .01). Self-regulation was a significant mediator of intervention effects on time 3 RT behaviour (f2 = .11), but behavioural expectation and perceived satisfaction were not (f2 = .04). Conclusions: Findings suggest that behavioural expectation and self-regulation are appropriate targets for RT maintenance interventions among at-risk older adults.
Association between Antidepressant Use and Prescribing of Gastric Acid Suppressants

Objective: To determine whether an increased risk of gastrointestinal events is present in younger, generally healthy adults who consume antidepressants. Method: We performed a retrospective cohort study using the pharmacy records of Canadian Forces (CF) members who received antidepressants between June 1997 and November 2002, excluding those taking bupropion for smoking cessation. The control cohort comprised members who received salbutamol. Changes in use of gastric acid–reducing agents (GARs) and incident GAR prescribing rates were compared pre- and postinitiation of target medications. We performed ogistic regression analyses to evaluate the effects of age, sex, and concomitant medication use on GAR prescribing. Results: A total of 8722 antidepressant exposures were identified among 5588 CF members. The control cohort consisted of 3059 people with 4154 salbutamol exposures. The number of incident GAR prescriptions decreased in both groups postexposure; however, the rate of decrease was significantly greater among salbutamol users (odds ratio 1.38; 95%CI, 1.12 to 1.71). Antidepressant users were significantly more likely to receive a new prescription for GAR following both short-term and long-term exposure (adjusted odds ratio 4.93; 95%CI, 2.66 to 9.21 and 2.83; 95%CI, 2.05 to 3.92, respectively). Antiplatelet agents, bisphosphonates, oral corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs were significant predictors of GAR prescription. Conclusion: Consistent with other reports, this study has identified that antidepressant use increases the risk for use of a gastric acid suppressant. Careful consideration should thus be made with regard to increased gastric event risk among antidepressant users.
A β-lactamase with reduced immunogenicity for the targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics using antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy

Antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) delivers chemotherapeutic agents in high concentration to tumor tissue while minimizing systemic drug exposure. β-Lactamases are particularly useful enzymes for ADEPT systems due to their unique substrate specificity that allows the activation of a variety of lactam-based prodrugs with minimal interference from mammalian enzymes. We evaluated the amino acid sequence of β-lactamase from Enterobacter cloacae for the presence of human T-cell epitopes using a cell-based proliferation assay using samples from 65 community donors. We observed a low background response that is consistent with a lack of preexposure to this enzyme. β-Lactamase was found to contain four CD4+ T-cell epitopes. For two of these epitopes, we identified single amino acid changes that result in significantly reduced proliferative responses while retaining stability and activity of the enzyme. The β-lactamase variant containing both changes induces significantly less proliferation in human and mouse cell assays, and 5-fold lower levels of IgG1 in mice were observed after repeat administration of β-lactamase variant with adjuvant. The β-lactamase variant should be very suitable for the construction of ADEPT fusion proteins, as it combines high activity toward lactam prodrugs, high plasma stability, a monomeric architecture, and a relatively low risk of eliciting an immune response in patients.
Lactate transport in canine red blood cells.

OBJECTIVE To detect monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) in canine RBC membranes and to determine the distribution of lactate between plasma and RBCs. SAMPLE POPULATION Blood samples obtained from 6 purpose-bred Beagles. PROCEDURES Monocarboxylate transporter isoforms 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8 and CD147 were evaluated in canine RBCs by use of western blot analysis. Lactate influx into RBCs was measured as incorporation of radioactive lactate. RESULTS 2 MCT isoforms, MCT1 and MCT7, were detected in canine RBC membranes on western blot analysis, whereas anti-MCT2, anti-MCT4, anti-MCT6, and anti-MCT8 antibodies resulted in no signal. No correlation was found between the amount of MCT1 or MCT7 and lactate transport activity, but the ancillary protein CD147 that is needed for the activity of MCT1 had a positive linear correlation with the rate of lactate influx. The apparent Michael is constant for the lactate influx in canine RBCs was 8.8 +/- 0.9mM. Results of in vitro incubation studies revealed that at lactate concentrations of 5 to 15mM, equilibrium of lactate was rapidly obtained between plasma and RBCs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results indicated that at least half of the lactate transport in canine RBCs occurs via MCT1, whereas MCT7 may be responsible for the rest, although an additional transporter was not ruled out. For practical purposes, the rapid equilibration of lactate between plasma and RBCs indicated that blood lactate concentrations may be estimated from plasma lactate concentrations.
Role for the kinase SGK1 in stress, depression, and glucocorticoid effects on hippocampal neurogenesis

Stress and glucocorticoid hormones regulate hippocampal neurogenesis, but the molecular mechanisms mediating these effects are poorly understood. Here we identify the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) target gene, serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1), as one such mechanism. Using a human hippocampal progenitor cell line, we found that a small molecule inhibitor for SGK1, GSK650394, counteracted the cortisol-induced reduction in neurogenesis. Moreover, gene expression and pathway analysis showed that inhibition of the neurogenic Hedgehog pathway by cortisol was SGK1-dependent. SGK1 also potentiated and maintained GR activation in the presence of cortisol, and even after cortisol withdrawal, by increasing GR phosphorylation and GR nuclear translocation. Experiments combining the inhibitor for SGK1, GSK650394, with the GR antagonist, RU486, demonstrated that SGK1 was involved in the cortisol-induced reduction in progenitor proliferation both downstream of GR, by regulating relevant target genes, and upstream of GR, by increasing GR function. Corroborating the relevance of these findings in clinical and rodent settings, we also observed a significant increase of SGK1 mRNA in peripheral blood of drug-free depressed patients, as well as in the hippocampus of rats subjected to either unpredictable chronic mild stress or prenatal stress. Our findings identify SGK1 as a mediator for the effects of cortisol on neurogenesis and GR function, with particular relevance to stress and depression.
A laminar analysis of the number of round‐asymmetrical and flat‐symmetrical synapses on spines, dendritic trunks, and cell bodies in area 17 of the cat

The number of synapses per unit volume of tissue (Nv) has been estimated in individual laminae of the binocular and monocular regions of area 17 in six adult cats by using a method of size‐frequency distribution. Separate estimates were obtained for RA synapses (containing round vesicles associated with asymmetric membrane differentiations) and for FS synapses (containing flat vesicles associated with symmetric membrane differentiations). For the total cortical thickness, the Nv of all synapses is not statistically different between binocular (286 million per mml3) and monocular (281 million) regions, nor is it different between the two regions for any of the laminae. Eighty‐four percent of synapses are of the RA type. of those, 79% are found on dendritic spines, 21% on dendritic trunks, 0.1% on somata. FS synapses represent 16% of the total, with 31% of them on spines, 62% on dendritic trunks, and 7% on somata. The ratio of RA to FS synapses is kept relatively constant throughout the layers. A two‐way analysis of variance shows no difference in the Nv of either RA or FS synapses in the two regions nor in the Nv of RA synapses between cats. It does, however, clearly demonstrate (p < 0.001) interindividual differences for FS synapses. These variations between individual cats may be due to differences in age, breed, or environmental factors. In contrast to the relative uniformity of the Nv of synapses between regions, the number of each type under 1 mm2 of cortical surface is 33% higher in the binocular region. This is due mainly to the greater thickness of the binocular region.
Coexistence-aware dynamic channel allocation for 3.5 GHz shared spectrum systems

The paradigm of shared spectrum allows secondary devices to opportunistically access spectrum bands underutilized by primary owners. As the first step, the FCC targeted sharing the 3.5 GHz (3550–3700 MHz) federal spectrum with commercial systems. The proposed rules require a Spectrum Access System to implement a three-tiered spectrum management framework, and one of its key functions is dynamic channel allocation (CA) for secondary devices. In this paper, we introduce coexistence-aware radio-channel-pair conflict graphs to capture pairwise interference, spatial channel availability variations, channel contiguity, and coexistence opportunities. We develop a super-radio formation algorithm to identify valid super-radios, i.e., a set of radios that can coexist on the same channel(s) via WiFi-like carrier-sensing mechanisms. With the proposed generic graph representation, we formulate CA as conflict-free max-demand CA with a min-demand constraint, and develop algorithms based on maximum weighted independent set. Preliminary results demonstrate good performance of proposed algorithms and benefits of coexistence.
A Frequency-Control Approach by Photovoltaic Generator in a PV–Diesel Hybrid Power System

A photovoltaic (PV) system's output power fluctuates according to the weather conditions. Fluctuating PV power causes frequency deviations in the power utilities when the penetration is large. Usually, an energy storage system (ESS) is used to smooth the PV output power fluctuations and then the smoothed power is supplied to the utility. In this paper, a simple fuzzy-based frequency-control method is proposed for the PV generator in a PV-diesel hybrid system without the smoothing of PV output power fluctuations. By means of the proposed method, output power control of a PV generator considering the conditions of power utilities and the maximizing of energy capture are achieved. Here, fuzzy control is used to generate the PV output power command. This fuzzy control has average insolation, change of insolation, and frequency deviation as inputs. The proposed method is compared with a maximum power point tracking control-based method and with an ESS-based conventional control method. The numerical simulation results show that the proposed method is effective in providing frequency control and also delivers power near the maximum PV power level.
VERTEBRATE HOST SPECIFICITY AND EXPERIMENTAL VECTORS OF PLASMODIUM (NOVYELLA) KEMPI SP. N. FROM THE EASTERN WILD TURKEY IN IOWA

Vertebrate host specificity, experimental laboratory vectors, and a description of Plasmodium (Novyella) kempi sp. n. from eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris Vieillot) in Iowa are presented. Plasmodium kempi is infective for domestic turkeys, bobwhites (Colinus virginianus), chukars (Alectoris graeca), guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). peacocks (Pavo cristatus), and canaries (Serinus canaria), produces a transient infection in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and domestic geese (Anser anser), but will not infect ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), pigeons (Columba livia), Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix), leghorn white chickens (Gallus gallus), or starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Oocysts and (or) sporozoites were recovered from 68% (84/124) and 98% (60/61) of the Culex pipiens pipiens and C. tarsalis examined, respectively. Oocysts developed faster and sporozoites invaded the salivary glands sooner in C. tarsalis (6 days) than in C. p. pipiens (7 days). Culex tarsalis transmitted P. kempi more effectively than C. p. pipiens, although both species were capable of transmitting the parasite by natural feeding. Oocysts developed and sporozoites also were produced in C. restuans, but its ability to transmit the parasite was not determined. Aedes aegypti (Rockefeller strain) and A. triseriatus were refractive to P. kempi. Plasmodium kempi produces trophozoites with large refractile globules and fine cytoplasmic extensions, mature schizonts in the form of a condensed fan containing four to eight nuclei (usually 5), and elongate gametocytes with irregular borders. All stages are confined almost exclusively to mature erythrocytes, with no effect on host cell size or position of host cell nucleus. Plasmodium kempi is most similar morphologically to P. (Novyella) hexamerium and P. (Sovyella) vaughani. It differs from P. hexamerium in having large refractile globules in trophozoites and immature schizonts, an inability to infect starlings, an absence of phanerozoites in capillary endothelium of the brain, and the ability to develop in C. pipiens mosquitoes. Plasmodium kempi is more like P. vaughani morphologically, but differs by infecting turkeys and ducks (transient), by its inability to infect starlings, its lack of morphological variation even when in different hosts, and its ability to develop in C. pipiens and C. tarsalis.
The Phenotype of Inflammatory Macrophages Is Stimulus Dependent: Implications for the Nature of the Inflammatory Response1

Many diseases are characterized by inflammatory reactions involving both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. Thioglycolate medium (TM) injection into the peritoneal cavity has long been used as a stimulus for eliciting inflammatory macrophages for study and for determining the importance of a particular mediator in inflammation. However, the response to this irritant may not be relevant to many inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we have developed an Ag-specific peritonitis model using methylated BSA (mBSA) as the stimulus. Priming mice intradermally with mBSA in adjuvant and boosting 14 days later, followed by an i.p. challenge with mBSA after an additional 7 days, led to an inflammatory reaction equivalent in magnitude to that induced with TM as judged by the number of exudate cells. The inflammatory macrophages elicited by the mBSA protocol differed, being smaller and less vacuolated than TM-elicited macrophages. Also, macrophages from 4-day mBSA-induced exudates expressed more MHC class II than TM-induced exudates, were able to stimulate allogeneic T lymphocytes, and upon in vitro stimulation with LPS secreted greater levels of IL-6 and IL-1β. Macrophages from 4-day TM-induced exudates, on the other hand, expressed Ly6C and ER-MP58, immature myeloid markers. The inflammatory response elicited using the Ag mBSA may be more relevant for studying the inflammatory responses in many diseases, such as those of autoimmune origin and those involving an acquired immune response.
Organosilane-functionalization of nanostructured indium tin oxide films

Fabrication and organosilane-functionalization and characterization of nanostructured ITO electrodes are reported. Nanostructured ITO electrodes were obtained by electron beam evaporation, and a subsequent annealing treatment was selectively performed to modify their crystalline state. An increase in geometrical surface area in comparison with thin-film electrodes area was observed by atomic force microscopy, implying higher electroactive surface area for nanostructured ITO electrodes and thus higher detection levels. To investigate the increase in detectability, chemical organosilane-functionalization of nanostructured ITO electrodes was performed. The formation of 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GOPTS) layers was detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. As an indirect method to confirm the presence of organosilane molecules on the ITO substrates, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were also carried out. Cyclic voltammograms of functionalized ITO electrodes presented lower reduction-oxidation peak currents compared with non-functionalized ITO electrodes. These results demonstrate the presence of the epoxysilane coating on the ITO surface. EIS showed that organosilane-functionalized electrodes present higher polarization resistance, acting as an electronic barrier for the electron transfer between the conductive solution and the ITO electrode. The results of these electrochemical measurements, together with the significant difference in the X-ray spectra between bare ITO and organosilane-functionalized ITO substrates, may point to a new exploitable oxide-based nanostructured material for biosensing applications. As a first step towards sensing, rapid functionalization of such substrates and their application to electrochemical analysis is tested in this work. Interestingly, oxide-based materials are highly integrable with the silicon chip technology, which would permit the easy adaptation of such sensors into lab-on-a-chip configurations, providing benefits such as reduced size and weight to facilitate on-chip integration, and leading to low-cost mass production of microanalysis systems.
Highways, Market Access, and Spatial Sorting

We design a parsimonious spatial equilibrium model featuring workers embodied with heterogeneous skills and non-homothetic preferences. In equilibrium, locations with improved commuting access become relatively more attractive to high-income earners. We empirically analyse the effects of the construction of the Swiss highway network between 1960 and 2010 on the population size and composition of municipalities. We find that the advent of a new highway access led to a long-term 24% increase in the share of top-income taxpayers and a 8% decrease in the share of low-income taxpayers, impacting segregation by income. Highways also contributed to job and residential urban sprawl.
Dynamics of Hydrogen Diffusion as a Key Component of the Photosensitivity Response of Hydrogen-Loaded Optical Fibers

We present a new model predicting the photosensitivity response of hydrogen/deuterium-loaded optical fibers used for the fabrication of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs). This model considers space- and time-dependent hydrogen concentration as a key phenomenon to explain the growth rates of strong index changes ( > 10-3). The model outputs are compared to several photosensitivity experiments made with three different fibers and different hydrogen-loading concentrations. The experimental results presented in this paper clearly show that the time interval between each step of the grating inscription has an impact on the overall photosensitivity response. Moreover, the proposed model confirms that the variations observed in the measured photosensitivity come from changes in hydrogen concentration resulting from its consumption by the photosensitivity reaction and its diffusion into the glass. This model will find application in the precise fabrication of strong FBGs by helping to predict the optimum writing conditions.
Defective generation but normal maintenance of memory T cells in old mice

The ability to maintain memory after encounter with antigen is one of the central features of the immune system. Immune memory generated during young age can be maintained well into old age. However, we know little about maintenance of immune memory generated during old age. In this study, we compared generation and maintenance of memory CD8 T cells in young (2–3‐month‐old) and aged (22–24‐month‐old) mice following acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection. We found that young mice made a more vigorous primary T cell response and generated higher levels of memory cells than old mice. However, once generated, memory CD8 T cells were maintained at stable levels in both young and old mice for more than 5 months. Interestingly, the generation of a secondary effector response in vivo was again slightly compromised in the old mice. Taken together, these results show that generation of T cell responses is compromised in old age, but maintenance of the pool ofmemory T cells is not affected by the aging process.
[Incidence of neuromedical complications during rehabilitation after stroke].

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim of the study was to examine the frequency and types of neuromedical complications in stroke rehabilitation depending on the age, sex and time from the onset of stroke. MATERIAL 498 patients after stroke (225 females, 227 males) during inpatient rehabilitation in the Rehabilitation Department at the Provincial Hospital no. 2 in Rzeszów. RESULTS At least one complication after stroke was stated in 391 (78.5%) patients. We recorded the following neurological complications: recurrent stroke (2.8%), epileptic seizures (9.8%), depression (14.7%), confusion (10.6%) and medical complications: urinary tract infections (36.9%), pneumonia (9.8%), falls (11.8%), deep vein thrombosis (2%), pulmonary embolism (1.4%) and paretic limb problems (pain -- 23.1%, edema -- 20.9%, shoulder subluxation -- 3.2%). Females were more likely to have urinary tract infections and pulmonary embolism. Patients over 80 years suffered more frequently from multiple complications. Age turned out to be a risk factor for stroke progression, pulmonary embolism, gastrointestinal bleeding and confusion. The frequency of complications was related with duration after stroke. Urinary tract infections, pneumonias, mental disorders and falls were more common up to three months from the onset of stroke, while epileptic seizures occurred more frequently over three months after stroke. CONCLUSIONS At least one medical complication is noted in most patients after stroke during their rehabilitation, careful prevention, early diagnostics and treatment of complications after stroke are necessary in order to make rehabilitation after stroke more effective.