Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Connexin-43 redistribution and gap junction activation during forced restraint protects against sudden arrhythmic death in rats.

BACKGROUND Connexin-43 (Cx43) expression is reduced or redistributed in heart disease. Restraint or other emotional stressors might cause sudden death in persons with such diseases, but the mechanism of death and its connection to Cx43 during restraint remain unknown. Whether Cx43 distribution or gap junction (GJ) function during restraint is involved in sudden arrhythmic death in rats is addressed in this study. METHODS AND RESULTS Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent immobilization (IMO), and individual electrocardiographic responses were monitored by telemetry. Heart sections were used to examine ventricular Cx43 distribution, and GJ intercellular communication (GJIC) activity was assessed using a dye-transfer assay. IMO induced the translocation of Cx43 into to the GJ-rich fraction, with a peak at 60 min. During IMO, Cx43 immunofluorescence was enhanced at intercalated discs, in association with GJIC activation, and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) increased. In the presence of the GJ inhibitor, carbenoxolone (0.25 mg.kg(-1). h(-1)), IMO induced lethal ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation in 21.7% of rats, in association with QRS prolongation and increased PVCs. CONCLUSIONS IMO causes Cx43 translocation to intercalated discs, thereby reducing vulnerability to lethal arrhythmias via enhancing GJ coupling.
Energy Analysis of Public-Key Cryptography on Small Wireless Devices

For many applications of small wireless devices, secure communication is an important requirement. In this paper, we quantify the energy costs of authentication and key exchange based on public-key cryptography on an 8bit microcontroller platform. We present a comparison of two public-key algorithms, RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), under two authentication scenarios. In the first scenario, an untrusted client authenticates itself to a trusted authority. This scenario applies, for example, to a contactless smart card authenticating itself to a trusted reader. In the second scenario, we consider mutual authentication and key exchange between two untrusted parties such as two nodes in a wireless sensor network. For authentication and key exchange, we use a simplified version of the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) handshake tailored to the constraints of small devices. Our measurements on an Atmel ATmega128L low-power microcontroller indicate that public-key cryptography is viable on 8-bit energy-constrained devices even if implemented in software. For single-party authentication, we found that challenge-response authentication based on ECC-160 used only 1/12 of the energy of its RSA-1024 counterpart. With a given amount of energy, we were able to perform 4.2 times the number of key exchange operations (including mutual authentication) with ECC-160 compared to RSA-1024. The benefits of ECC over RSA manifested not only in less computation, but also in the amount of data transmitted and stored. While the relative cost of public-key cryptography depends on the application, we show that for applications that require infrequent authentication and key exchanges, the energy cost of public-key cryptography is minimal, if not negligible.
SR proteins and splicing control.

Twenty years have passed since the discovery of pre-mRNA sphcing (for review, see Sharp 1994). The studies leading to this discovery were carried out on the adeno­ virus late transcript, which undergoes complex alterna­ tive splicing, and, therefore, the concept of alternative splicing is also 20 years old. In the intervening time, intervening sequences, or introns, have been found in a vast majority of higher eukaryotic genes, and a large frac­ tion of intron-containing transcripts have been shown to be subject to alternative splicing. Furthermore, modula­ tion of pre-mRNA splicing is now known to be a wide­ spread mechanism of gene control. But despite consider­ able advances in our understanding of the splicing reac­ tion per se (for review, insights into how alternative splicing is controlled have been slower to emerge. is the apparent homolog of SRp20, although it displays a similar degree of identity (-65%) to 9G8, whereas B52 (Champlin et al. 1991), which is likely Drosophila SRp55 (Roth et al. 1991), shares -65% sequence identity with human SRp55.
Isometric Handgrip Effects on Hypertension

Hypertension is estimated to affect 1 billion people worldwide, and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. The management of high blood pressure focuses on lifestyle modifications (i.e. diet, exercise, smoking cessation) and drug therapies. Despite these strategies, many patients are still unable to maintain or control their blood pressure within desired levels. Recent research has identified isometric handgrip (IHG) training as a potential therapeutic modality. Results demonstrate a hypotensive effect of IHG training in medicated and unmedicated patients. This novel therapy may be efficacious based on low associated costs and time requirements (33 min/week). The mechanisms coupled with the attenuations in resting blood pressure remain contentious. However, recent evidence has begun to suggest that beneficial modulation of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the positive changes in blood pressure. While further IHG research is required, the prospect of a novel non-pharmacological therapy for hypertension has major public health implications. This review will summarize the previous literature, discuss future research directions, and describe clinical significance.
On modeling blood flow in microfluidic devices

The complex problem of simulating the attributes and abilities of microfluidic chambers can be divided into several interconnected areas like modelling the flow through chambers of various shapes, elastic models of particles, the interaction of fluid flow and the particles, modelling the adhesion on the surface of the devices, estimating the necessary degree of accuracy of utilized models, mastering and realization of computing-intensive simulations. In contrary to detailed results in each of this specific areas, in this paper we are going to outline the overall picture of our research, as well as of other research we know of, in the way we have become acquainted with it in the course of the past few years.
Cryptosporidiosis and Proliferative Ileitis in a Hamster

Cryptosporidiurn sp. are coccidian parasites of the family Cryptosporidiidae and were first recognized in the gastric glands of mice by Tyzzer in 1907.9 Since that time, cryptosporidiosis has been reported in a wide variety of vertebrates. Several reports have been published describing cryptosporidiosis in animals and humans with other concurrent disease processes including canine distemper in a dog,4 rotavirus and coronavirus infection in calves,6 generalized toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus infection in humans,*Jo and specific immunologic deficiencies of horses and human^. ^,^ This communication describes cryptosporidiosis in a weanling male Golden hamster that had concurrent lesions of proliferative ileitis. The hamster died without clinical signs. Several hamsters from the same group had died previously with clinical signs and intestinal lesions compatible with proliferative ileitis. The animals were obtained from a commercial supplier and were housed in conventional stainless steel cages. They were maintained on a diet of commercial pelleted hamster ration and given water ad libitum. No experimental manipulations had been done. Grossly, the hamster was thin and markedly dehydrated. There was moderate to marked thickening and reddening of the distal ileum and proximal colon. Multiple yellow foci that often extended transmurally were visible from the serosa of the colon. Sections of ileum and colon were fixed in 10% formalin and processed routinely for light microscopy. Several formalin-fixed sections of colon were also post-fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde and processed for transmission electron microscopy. Intestinal lesions similar to those described previously for proliferative ileitis] were seen by light microscopy both in the ileum and colon but were most severe in the colon. These changes included hyperplasia of crypt and villous epithelial cells and formation of false diverticula that extended transmurally. Bacteria in large numbers were seen within the apical cytoplasm of enterocytes in epon-embedded, toluidine blue-stained, 1 pm histosections. Many round basophilic organisms (1 to 3 pm in diameter), compatible with Cryptosporidiurn sp. , were visible along the enterocyte microvillous borders (Fig. 1). It was not possible to clearly demonstrate lesions that may have resulted from Ctyptosporidiurn sp. infection because of the more prominent manifestations of proliferative ileitis. Ultrastructurally, Cryptosporidiurn sp. in various endogenous stages were present embedded in or lying above the microvillous surface of enterocytes (Fig. 2). Stages observed included trophozoites, first and second generation schizonts, macrogametes, microgametes, and oocysts. Numerous bacterial profiles were present within the apical cytoplasm of
Educational mismatches versus skill mismatches: effects on wages, job satisfaction, and on-the-job search

Education-job mismatches are reported to have serious effects on wages and other labour market outcomes. Such results are often cited in support of assignment theory, but can also be explained by institutional and human capital models. To test the assignment explanation, we examine the relation between educational mismatches and skill mismatches. In line with earlier research, educational mismatches affect wages strongly. Contrary to the assumptions of assignment theory, this effect is not explained by skill mismatches. Conversely, skill mismatches are much better predictors of job satisfaction and on-the-job search than are educational mismatches. Copyright 2001 by Oxford University Press.
Achievable Casimirs and its implications on control of port-Hamiltonian systems

In this paper we extend results on interconnections of port-Hamiltonian systems to infinite-dimensional port-Hamiltonian systems and to mixed finite and infinite dimensional port-Hamiltonian systems. The problem of achievable Dirac structures is now studied for systems with dissipation, in the finite-dimensional, infinite-dimensional and the mixed finite and infinite-dimensional case. We also characterize the set of achievable Casimirs and study its application for the control of port-Hamiltonian systems.
Some observations on the occurance of Legg-Calvé-Perthes' disease (coxaplana) in the dog, and an evaluation of excision arthroplasty as a method of treatment.

— A survey of the cases of Legg-Calve-Perthes' Disease (L.C.P.) in the dog seen at the Glasgow University Veterinary Hospital over a period of 13 years (1955–1968) is reported. Breed, sex and leg incidence are recorded, and the age at which clinical signs were first noted, were assessed. An evaluation of the results of treatment of 50 cases treated medically and 65 cases treated by excision arthroplasty is presented. These results indicate surgical treatment achieves significantly better results, together with a much shorter recovery period. Resume— On presente une revue des cas de Maladie de LEGG-CALVE-PERTHES (coxa plana) chez le chien, qui ont ete observes a I'Hopital Veterinaire de 1'Universite de Glasgow pendant une periode de 13 ans (1955–1968). On a relevE la frequence en fonction de la race, du sexe et du membre atteint, ainsi que l'âge auquel les signes cliniques ont ete notes pour la premiere fois. On presente une appreciation des resultats du traitement de 50 cas traites medicalement, et de 65 cas traites par exerese suivie d'une arthroplastie. Ces resultats indiquent que le traitement chirurgical permet d'obtenir des resultats significativement meilleurs en meme temps qu'une guerison plus rapide. Zusammenfassung— Es wird eine Ubersicht der Falle von Legg-Calve-Perthesscher Krankheit (LCP) beim Hunde gegeben, die in einem Zeitraum von dreizehn Jahren (1955–1968) im Veterinary Hospital der Glasgow University beobachtet wurden. Rasse, Geschlecht und Haufigkeit werden angefuhrt, ebenso das Alter, in dem klinische Anzeichen zuerst auftraten. Die Ergebnisse von 50 Fallen konservativer Behandlung und von 65 Fallen von Excisionsarthro-plasie werden mitgeteilt. Diese Ergebnisse zeigen, dass mit der chirurgischen Behandlung wesentlich bessere Resultate erzielt werden und die Wiederherstellungszeit bedeutend verkurzt wird.
Policies and Practices for Improving Student Bus Behavior: A Delphi Study

Students’ behavior on buses continues to be an issue that requires administrators to spend significant time investigating and applying consequences for the behavior (Neatrour, 1994; Pattington, 1945; Putnam, Handler, Ramirez-Plat, & Luiselli, 2003). The purpose of this study was to identify policies and practices that may improve student bus behavior. Two research questions were addressed: (a) What policies could school districts implement to facilitate the improvement of student bus behavior? (b) What practices could school districts implement to facilitate the improvement of student bus behavior? A three-round Delphi technique was used to conduct the research. The goal was to obtain consensus among experts on the policies and practices that school districts could implement to improve student bus behavior. A panel of 22 experts on student bus behavior participated in one or more rounds of the study. Panelists were selected based on their involvement with and knowledge of student bus behavior and their geographic location, using the five-region structure of the National Association for Pupil Transportation. This process resulted in a broad representation of experts on student bus behavior throughout the United States. The panel of experts included superintendents, directors of transportation, principals or assistant principals, bus drivers, presidents of out-sourced school transportation companies, authors, researchers, and members of the National Association for Pupil Transportation Board of Directors. Panelists recommended 19 policies and 284 practices for school districts to implement to improve student bus behavior. Based on the consensus of the panelists, student bus behavior could be improved if polices were enacted in eight areas: bus driver responsibility, stakeholder training, bus driver evaluation through observation, student consequences for assaulting a bus driver, bus ridership, bus surveillance technology, bus routes for special education students, and a district-wide universal transportation system with supporting programs. Panelists indicated that student bus behavior could be improved if practices were implemented in nine areas: stakeholder communication, bus driver knowledge, stakeholder training content, stakeholder
Iohexol and Meglumine Iothalamate in Shoulder Arthrography

The first clinical experience with the new contrast medium, iohexol, in shoulder arthrography is reported. A double-blind comparison of iohexol and meglumine iothalamate, a conventional medium in standard use for arthrography, was carried out in a consecutive series of 60 adult patients forming two groups of 30 subjects each. No difference in the radiographic quality was seen immediately after contrast injection but in exposures at 20 min iohexol gave a significantly better arthrographic quality. Practically no adverse effects occurred during the examinations. Although minor side effects were numerous in both groups during the two days following arthrography, they were somewhat more frequent in patients given iothalamate
Nucleotide sequence of spinach cDNA encoding phosphoribulokinase.

A 1.5 kb cDNA was isolated from a spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) cDNA li- brary (1) by screening with mouse antibodies to phosphoribulokinase (E.C.2. The cDNA contained the entire coding region of this chloroplast protein including a 51 amino acid transit peptide (cleavage site indicated below by arrow). Published amino acid sequences (residues 52-115, 277-307) of the amino terminus and tryptic peptides of the mature protein (2,3) were found to be identical to the corresponding regions deduced from the cDNA sequence. The molecular mass of the mature 351 amino acid polypeptide is 39.2 kd.
Preeclampsia is associated with an elevation of plasma sMet concentrations in the second trimester

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between anti-angiogenic factor soluble c-Met (sMet) concentrations in maternal plasma and the risk of preeclampsia. Methods: The pregnant women included in this study (1) had subsequent preeclampsia (n = 52) and were compared to normal controls (n = 104) at the time of amniocentesis (15–20 weeks); and (2) had preeclampsia (n = 63) and were compared to normal controls (n = 112) at the time of diagnosis of preeclampsia (29–40 weeks). sMet concentrations were measured by ELISA. Non-parametric statistics were used for analysis. Results: Maternal plasma sMet concentrations were significantly higher in both women with subsequent preeclampsia (median: 1372.7 ng/ml versus 1100.5 ng/ml; p = 0.036) and women with preeclampsia (median: 1651.9 ng/ml versus 1364.7 ng/ml; p < 0.001) than in the controls. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the risks of developing preeclampsia were as follows: adjusted odds ratio 2.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.2–5.2; p = 0.016) for second trimester sMet concentration with a cut-off value of 1223.5 ng/ml and 4.4 (95% confidence interval, 2.2–9.1; p < 0.001) for third trimester sMet concentration with a cut-off value of 1460.3 ng/ml. Conclusion: Elevated maternal plasma sMet concentrations were independently associated with the increased risk of preeclampsia.
Consistent sex differences in cortisol responses to psychological stress.

&NA; In four independent studies, sex differences in cortisol responses to psychological stress were investigated in healthy adolescents and adults (total n = 153). Public speaking and mental arithmetic in front of an audience (Studies 1–3) reliably induced increases in free cortisol levels in both sexes with 2‐ to 4‐fold increases above baseline levels. Mean cortisol responses were 1.5‐ to 2‐fold higher in men compared with women. In Study 3, cortisol profiles were additionally investigated after human corticotropin‐releasing hormone (h‐CRH) and bicycle ergometry until exhaustion. Here, both sexes showed very similar adrenocortical responses. Furthermore, men showed elevated cortisol levels in anticipation of the psychological stress situation without actually having to perform the tasks (Study 4). Under this condition cortisol concentration was unchanged or decreased in women. From these data we conclude that the observed sex difference does not reflect an overall lower responsiveness of the female adrenal cortex. Although these studies do not provide conclusive data, we suggest sex differences in cognitive and/or emotional responses to distressing psychosocial situations which in turn may influence cortisol secretion.
A Phase II Trial of Vinorelbine and Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin in Patients With Pretreated Metastatic Breast Cancer

The objective of the present study is to investigate the clinical efficacy and tolerance of vinorelbine and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) with prior taxane and/or anthracycline treatment. A total of 25 patients who previously received taxane- and/or anthracycline-based chemotherapy as first- and/or second-line treatment of MBC were entered into the study and were treated with 20 mg/m2 vinorelbine on day 1 and 8 and 30 mg/m2 PLD on day 1 every 3 weeks. All were evaluated for efficacy, quality of life, and tolerance. Three complete and 6 partial responses were observed in 25 patients for an objective response rate of 36% (95% confidence interval: 17–55%). Eight patients (32%) had stable disease of not less than 3 months and 8 patients (32%) had disease progression. The median progression-free survival was 6.7 months (range, 2–18 months), and the median overall survival was 13.2 months (range, 3–31 months). Severe toxicities (grade 3 or above) were neutropenia (16%) and mucositis (8%). The health-related quality of life assessed before each cycle by specific questionnaire did not differ significantly over the treatment period. The combination of vinorelbine and PLD for anthracycline- and/or taxane-pretreated patients with MBC is an active and safe regimen that does not compromise the quality of life.
Cardiovascular Drug Therapy in Women

Cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in American women; yet, until recently, there was no mandate to specifically include women in clinical trials of the major cardiovascular drugs. Despite new regulations, there is still a lack of readily available data for the clinician to use when planning drug therapy for women, as many of the drugs in use today were developed and tested prior to the new regulations being in effect. The purpose of this article is to provide advanced practice nurses with the most current information on the use of cardiovascular drugs in women. Information on the unique biological features of women is first presented to provide background material for subsequent sections. This is followed by an explanation of pharmacokinetic processes in women to include information on absorption, distribution, and clearance of drugs. A brief review of the effects of the phases of the menstrual cycle on drug therapy is given and then issues related to the profound physiologic changes in pregnancy and subsequent effects on drug therapy are reviewed. An analysis of the strength of the available evidence on drug therapies in women from the major trials on acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension is provided. Finally, implications for practice, including recommendations for drug prescription, are summarized.
Evaluation of kidney preservation with the use of hyperbaric oxygen

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