Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of propranolol on sympathetically mediated leg vasoconstriction in humans

Sympatho‐excitatory manoeuvres are used to study vascular responsiveness in humans, but it is unclear if circulating adrenaline attenuates peripheral vasoconstriction during these manoeuvres. We hypothesized that vasoconstrictor responses to three manoeuvres (neck pressure, unilateral thigh‐cuff release and isometric handgrip) would be greater after the administration of the β‐adrenergic blocker propranolol. Seven men and six women underwent these manoeuvres while beat‐by‐beat arterial pressure (finger photoplethysmography), femoral mean blood velocity (Doppler ultrasound) and femoral artery diameter (edge‐detection software) were measured. Femoral vascular conductance was calculated as flow/pressure. Propranolol had no effect on baseline femoral vascular conductance (P > 0.05). As a result of neck pressure, femoral vascular conductance was reduced 23.9 ± 3.5% before vs. 33.2 ± 3.2% after infusion of propranolol (P= 0.033). After thigh‐cuff release, femoral vascular conductance declined 50.2 ± 5.8% before vs. 57.4 ± 9.6% after propranolol infusion (P= 0.496). During handgrip, femoral vascular conductance was reduced 47.2 ± 9.6% before vs. 55.2 ± 9.2% after propranolol administration (P= 0.447). After handgrip, women had a greater rise in conductance than men (women: 153 ± 16.2%; men: 36.4 ± 10.6%; P < 0.001), which was blunted by 54.8% by propranolol (P < 0.001 vs. control), but unaffected by propranolol in men (P= 0.355 vs. control). The finding that β‐adrenergic receptor‐mediated vasodilatation minimally affects vascular responses to these sympatho‐excitatory manoeuvres reinforces their utility in the investigation of sympathetic vascular regulation in humans. Interestingly, post‐handgrip hyperaemia is greater in women than men and is, in part, β‐adrenergic receptor mediated.
Population Growth and Economic Development

The analysis of population growth in connection with economic development can be divided into at least three aspects: first, the determinants and consequences of the changing age distribution; second, the determinants and consequences of the changing size of the population; and third, the determinants and consequences of the changing quality of the population. The list is roughly in the order of difficulty of analysis. While it is far from easy to assess any of these elements of the problem, it is more difficult to do so with respect to the changing size of the population, and it is most difficult of all to analyze the quality aspect. The book under review by Coale and Hoover deals mostly with the consequences of the changing age distribution that is likely to ensue in the course of the economic development of a country--particularly, the economic development of India. The authors do attempt to say something about all of the aspects of population growth, but it is quite clear that their main and most definite results are in connection with potential age distributions and their con-
ANALISIS RASIO KEUANGAN TERHADAP TINGKAT EFISIENSI BANK UMUM SYARIAH (TWO STAGE SFA)

Efisiensi merupakan perbandingan input dan output. Pada tahap pertama (one stage) penelitain ini akan mengukur tingkat efisiensi Bank Umum Syariah di Indonesia periode 2011 – 2014 dengan membandingkan input dan output nya. input di proksikan dengan Total Simpanan, Aset Tetap dan Biaya Tenaga Kerja sedangkan outputnya di proksikan dengan Pembiayaan. Selanjutnya pada tahap kedua (two stage) akan di bahas mengenai faktor – faktor yang mempangaruhi tingkat efisiensi bank umum syariah di Indonesia. Faktor – faktor yang diduga berpengaruh antara lain ROA, CAR, FDR, BOPO, PPAP dan NPF. Populasi penelitian ini adalah bank umum syariah yang terdaftar pada Bank Indonesia pada periode 2011 kuartal I hingga 2014 Kuartal III, pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan purposive random samping dengan sampel 8 bank umum syariah dan unit analisis berjumlah 120. Metode analisis data pada penelitian ini menggunakan SFA dan analisis regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan FDR memiliki hubungan positif dan signifikan terhadap tingkat efisiensi. Sedangkan ROA, CAR, BOPO, PPAP dan NPF terbukti tidak berpengaruh terdadap tingkat efisiensi. Saran untuk peneliti selanjutnya yaitu mengembangkan model, dikarnakan model penelitian ini termasuk penelitian baru. Menambah ataupun mengganti variabel lain diluar rasio keuangan dan terahkir menambah rentang waktu periode penelitian agar lebih bisa menggambarkan kondisi efisiensi BUS yang sebenarnya. Efficiency is the ratio between input and output. In the first stage (one stage), this research will measure the efficiency of Islamic Banks in Indonesia period 2011-2014 by comparing the input and output. The input is proxied with Deposits Total, Fixed Assets and Labor Cost and the output is proxied with the financing. In the second stage (two stage), will include discussions regarding factors that influence the efficiency level of Islamic Banks in Indonesia. The factors that affects the efficiency level of Islamic Banks in Indonesia are ROA, CAR, FDR, BOPO, PPAP dan NPF. The population of this research are Islamic Banks that registered in Indonesia Central Bank register between the period of 2011 first quarter to 2014 third quarter, the sampling is done by using purposive random samping method with 8 islamic banks as a sample with 120 analysis unit. The methods of data analysis in this research using the Stochastic Frontier Appproach (SFA) and Multiple Linear Regression analysis. The result of this research shows that FDR has significant positive relationship to the efficiency level. ROA, CAR, BOPO, PPAP and NPF are proven to have no influence to the efficiency level. For the upcoming researcher, it is advised to develop the method this study because this research is newly investigated. It can be done by complementing or replacing other variables besides financial ratio and increasing the research period range in order to describe the condition of BUS efficiency in more realistic way.
Effects of axillary blockade on regional cerebral blood flow during dynamic hand contractions.

Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured at orbitomeatal (OM) plane +5.0 and +9.0 cm in 10 subjects at rest and during dynamic hand contractions before and after axillary blockade. Handgrip strength was significantly reduced, and rating of perceived exertion increased after blockade. During hand contractions before blockade, contralateral hemispheric cerebral blood flow (CBF) at OM +9.0 increased from a resting value of 58 (49-75) to 63 (52-82) ml.100 g-1.min-1; contralateral motor sensory rCBF at OM +9 from 58 (50-77) to 71 (64-84); motor sensory rCBF at OM +5 from 67 (54-76) to 77 (64-87) and 70 (62-84) contralaterally and ipsilaterally, respectively; and supplementary motor area (SM) rCBF from 64 (53-69) to 75 (67-88) ml.100 g-1.min-1. During dynamic hand contractions after axillary blockade, CBF did not increase at OM +5 or in the SM. Furthermore, contralateral motor sensory rCBF at OM +9 increased much less. Axillary blockade had no effect on resting CBF, rCBF, or increases in the two during hand contractions of the opposite hand. Thus neural feedback from the contracting muscle is necessary for the increases in SM bilateral OM +5 motor sensory rCBF and the maximal increase in contralateral OM +9 motor sensory rCBF during dynamic hand contractions.
A Role for c-fos/Activator Protein 1 in B Lymphocyte Terminal Differentiation1

Expression of B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 (Blimp-1) transcription factor is essential for promoting B cell differentiation into plasma cells. However, a critical transcription factor for Blimp-1 expression in activated B cells is unclear. When splenic B cells were stimulated with CD40 ligand (CD40L) and IL-4, terminal differentiation was induced in the B cells from c-fos transgenic (H2-c-fos) mice but barely in those from control littermates and from c-fos-deficient mice. AP-1 family and Blimp-1 mRNAs were transiently induced in the control B cells, and overexpression of c-Fos induced a sufficient amount of Blimp-1 for terminal differentiation in the H2-c-fos B cells. When normal and c-fos-deficient B cells were stimulated with LPS, a sufficient amount of Blimp-1 for terminal differentiation was induced in those B cells. However, expression of c-fos/AP-1 family mRNAs in LPS-stimulated normal B cells was similar to that of normal B cells stimulated with CD40L and IL-4. EMSA and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays using the AP-1-binding DNA sequence in the murine Blimp-1 promoter region demonstrated that AP-1-binding activity in nuclear protein of LPS-stimulated normal B cells was prolonged more than that in normal B cells stimulated with CD40L and IL-4. Furthermore, the percentage of CD138+ B cells within germinal center B cells in the spleen and the number of Ab-forming cells in the bone marrow of H2-c-fos mice was larger than that of control mice 12 days after immunization. Thus, although c-Fos is not essential for Blimp-1 expression, c-Fos/AP-1 positively regulates Blimp-1 expression and terminal differentiation of activated B cells.
A multicenter experience with novel implantable cardioverter defibrillator configurations in the pediatric and congenital heart disease population.

INTRODUCTION In pediatric and congenital heart disease patients, transvenous ICD implantation may be limited secondary to patient size, venous, or cardiac anatomy. Epicardial patches require a thoracotomy, and may lead to a restrictive pericardial process. Because of these issues, we have explored novel ICD configurations. METHODS Retrospective review at 10 centers implanting ICDs without a transvenous shocking coil or epicardial patches. RESULTS Twenty-two patients underwent implant at a mean age of 8.9 years (range: 0.3-43.5), with a mean weight of 25.5 kg (range: 5.2-70). Diagnoses included complex CHD, intracardiac tumors, cardiomyopathy, idiopathic VT, LV noncompaction, and long QT syndrome. Three configurations were used: subcutaneous array, a transvenous design ICD lead placed on the epicardium, or a transvenous design ICD lead placed subcutaneously. Difficulties were found at implant in 8 patients: 4 had difficulty inducing VT/VF, and 4 had high DFTs. Over a mean follow-up of 2.2 years (range: 0.2-10.5), 7 patients had appropriate shocks. Inappropriate shocks occurred in 4 patients. System revisions were required in 7 patients: 2 generator changes (in 1 patient), 3 pace-sense lead replacement, 1 additional subcutaneous coil placement due to increased DFT, 1 upgrade to a transvenous system, and 1 revision to epicardial patch system. CONCLUSIONS ICD implantation can be performed without epicardial patches or transvenous high-energy leads in this population, using individualized techniques. This will allow ICD use in patients who have intracardiac shunting or are deemed too small for transvenous ICD leads. The long-term outcome and possible complications are as yet unknown in this population, and they should be monitored closely with follow-up DFTs.
Particle filter joint state and parameter estimation of dynamic power systems

Intermittent renewable energy sources in distributed generation will increase the chance of sudden unpredictable changes in the system states and parameters of dynamic power systems. To track the changes of the power systems, system state and parameter estimation methods that can track the near real-time dynamics of the power systems are needed. Power system operators still employ simulation studies using off-line models that are built based on prior knowledge gained through information via simulated typical scenarios which does not make use of posterior knowledge of neither parameter space nor state space of the dynamics of the power systems. Dynamic models of a power system has increasingly more important role in power system operations since they impact the operational conditions of dynamical power system. In this study, we propose a particle filter based state and parameter estimation method to improve modelling accuracy, which determines the best set of model parameters using real-time measurement data. This can be achieved via measurements by Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) or Remote Terminal Units (RTU) that can capture the system dynamic responses in real time. In addition, parameters of the system can also be estimated. Herein the load will be the parameter of the system that needs to be estimated jointly with the states. Joint state and parameter estimation for power systems via employing Bayesian particle filter is being introduced in this study.
Synthesis, construction, and evaluation of self-assembled nano-bacitracin A as an efficient antibacterial agent in vitro and in vivo

Bacitracin A (BA) is an excellent polypeptide antibiotic that is active against gram-positive bacteria without triggering multidrug resistance. However, BA is inactive against gram-negative bacteria because of its inability to cross the outer membrane of these cells, and it has strong nephrotoxicity, thus limiting its clinical applications. Nanoantibiotics can effectively localize antibiotics to the periplasmic space of bacteria while decreasing the adverse effects of antibiotics. In this study, biodegradable hydrophobic copolymers of poly (d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) were attached to the N-termini of BA to design a novel class of self-assembled nano-bacitracin A (nano-BAs), and their potential as antibacterial agents was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Nano-BAs had a core-shell structure with a mean diameter <150 nm. Impressively, nano-BAs had strong antibacterial properties against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and the distribution of antibacterial activity as a function of PLGA block length was skewed toward longer PLGA chains. No cytotoxicity against HK-2 cells or human red blood cells (hRBCs) was observed in vitro, suggesting good biocompatibility. A high local density of BA mass on the surface promoted endocytotic cellular uptake, and hydrophobic interactions between the PLGA block and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) facilitated the uptake of nano-BAs, thereby leading to greater antibacterial activities. In addition, Nano-BA5K was found to be effective in vivo, and it served as an anti-infective agent for wound healing. Collectively, this study provides a cost-effective means of developing self-assembling nano-polypeptide antibiotic candidates with a broader antibacterial spectrum and a lower toxicity than commercially available peptide antibiotics, owing to their modification with biodegradable copolymers.
Effects of professional rehabilitation training on the recovery of neurological function in young stroke patients

Young stroke patients have a strong desire to return to the society, but few studies have been conducted on their rehabilitation training items, intensity, and prognosis. We analyzed clinical data of young and middle-aged/older stroke patients hospitalized in the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Capital Medical University, China from February 2014 to May 2015. Results demonstrated that hemorrhagic stroke (59.6%) was the primary stroke type found in the young group, while ischemic stroke (60.0%) was the main type detected in the middle-aged/older group. Compared with older stroke patients, education level and incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia were higher in younger stroke patients, whereas, incidences of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease were lower. The average length of hospital stay was longer in the young group than in the middle-aged/older group. The main risk factors observed in the young stroke patients were hypertension, drinking, smoking, hyperlipidemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, diabetes, previous history of stroke, and heart disease. The most accepted rehabilitation program consisted of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, acupuncture and moxibustion. Average rehabilitation training time was 2.5 hours/day. Barthel Index and modified Rankin Scale scores were increased at discharge. Six months after discharge, the degree of occupational and economic satisfaction declined, and there were no changes in family life satisfaction. The degrees of other life satisfaction (such as friendship) improved. The degree of disability and functional status improved significantly in young stroke patients after professional rehabilitation, but the number of patients who returned to society within 6 months after stroke was still small.
Finite-element calculations of elastic fields within flip-chip solder bumps and Cu-pillar bumps under the influences of thermal stresses and joule heating

In this paper, finite-element models were developed to calculate the elastic fields within both solder and Cu-pillar bumps under the influences of thermal stresses and Joule heating. First, a steady-state equation of the electric potential is solved to determine the electric field and thus, the effect of Joule heating. Then, the temperature field is obtained by solving a steady-state equation of thermal conduction under the influence of Joule heating. Finally, the elastic displacements are determined by solving the quasi-stationary Cauchy-Navier equations subjecting to the effects of thermal stresses. Using our finite element models, the elastic stresses are obtained and then the von Mises stress is calculated to indicate the magnitude of elastic distortion within the bumps. Modeling results show that: (1) under the influences of external stresses only and with the same magnitude of the applied external stresses, the maximums of Mises stresses in solder bumps are much higher than those in Cu-pillar bumps, moreover, within both solder and Cu-pillar bumps, the shearing stress tends to results in a higher maximum of Mises stress than the tensile stress; (2) for both bumps at service, the thermal stresses becomes dominant, especially at the lower external stresses, and furthermore, within both bumps, the maximum of Mises stresses decreases as the tensile stress increases while it increases as the shearing stresses increases; (3) the maximum of the Mises stresses increases linearly as the average temperature of the bumps increases with that in the Cu-pillar bump a bit higher, and in addition, the increase in current densities has a stronger influence on the maximum of the Mises stresses in the solder bump than that in the Cu-pillar bump.
NK T Cells Contribute to Expansion of CD8+ T Cells and Amplification of Antiviral Immune Responses to Respiratory Syncytial Virus

ABSTRACT CD1d-deficient mice have normal numbers of T lymphocytes and natural killer cells but lack Vα14+ natural killer T cells. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunopathogenesis was evaluated in 129×C57BL/6, C57BL/6, and BALB/c CD1d−/− mice. CD8+ T lymphocytes were reduced in CD1d−/− mice of all strains, as shown by cell surface staining and major histocompatibility complex class I tetramer analysis, and resulted in strain-specific alterations in illness, viral clearance, and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production. Transient activation of NK T cells in CD1d+/+ mice by α-GalCer resulted in reduced illness and delayed viral clearance. These data suggest that early IFN-γ production and efficient induction of CD8+-T-cell responses during primary RSV infection require CD1d-dependent events. We also tested the ability of α-GalCer as an adjuvant to modulate the type 2 immune responses induced by RSV glycoprotein G or formalin-inactivated RSV immunization. However, immunized CD1-deficient or α-GalCer-treated wild-type mice did not exhibit diminished disease following RSV challenge. Rather, some disease parameters, including cytokine production, eosinophilia, and viral clearance, were increased. These findings indicate that CD1d-dependent NK T cells play a role in expansion of CD8+ T cells and amplification of antiviral responses to RSV.
Valuation by Capitalization: A Review of Comments by International Practitioners

Through a small-sample practitioner survey conducted in four world cities during late 1992, the similarities in the state of the respective prime CBD office investment property markets at that time were found to be paralleled by a consistency of trends in the valuation methodology adopted by practitioners for such property and in both the source of and relative importance of determinants of the capitalization rate.
The 36-kilodalton embryonic-type cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein in Xenopus laevis is ElrA, a member of the ELAV family of RNA-binding proteins

The translational activation of several maternal mRNAs in Xenopus laevis is dependent on cytoplasmic poly(A) elongation. Messages harboring the UUUUUAU-type cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE) in their 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) undergo polyadenylation and translation during oocyte maturation. This CPE is bound by the protein CPEB, which is essential for polyadenylation. mRNAs that have the poly(U)12-27 embryonic-type CPE (eCPE) in their 3' UTRs undergo polyadenylation and translation during the early cleavage and blastula stages. A 36-kDa eCPE-binding protein in oocytes and embryos has been identified by UV cross-linking. We now report that this 36-kDa protein is ElrA, a member of the ELAV family of RNA-binding proteins. The proteins are identical in size, antibody directed against ElrA immunoprecipitates the 36-kDa protein, and the two proteins have the same RNA binding specificity in vitro. C12 and activin receptor mRNAs, both of which contain eCPEs, are detected in immunoprecipitated ElrA-mRNP complexes from eggs and embryos. In addition, this in vivo interaction requires the eCPE. Although a number of experiments failed to define a role for ElrA in cytoplasmic polyadenylation, the expression of a dominant negative ElrA protein in embryos results in an exogastrulation phenotype. The possible functions of ElrA in gastrulation are discussed.
Middle Ear Disease in Children with Congenital Velopharyngeal Insufficiency

Objective To examine the incidence and natural history of middle ear disease in children with congenital velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) without cleft palate. Setting and Subjects Children with congenital VPI attending the combined cleft clinic at a tertiary cleft center. The diagnosis of congenital VPI in all cases was confirmed be the observation of hypernasality, nasal air escape, or both by a speech and language therapist and the demonstration of incompetence of the velopharyngeal sphincter by means of nasoendoscopy or videofluoroscopy. Children with overt cleft palate or postsurgical VPI were excluded. Design The children's medical records were reviewed, and a questionnaire regarding history of ear problems was sent to all parents. Children were divided into those with Pruzansky type I VPI (showing bifid uvula, midline diastasis of soft palate, or submucous cleft of the hard palate) and Pruzansky type II VPI (no visible stigmata). Main Outcome Measures Incidence of reported ear problems, ear infections, hearing loss, and surgical intervention for middle ear disease in the whole group and in each of the subgroups. Results Seventy-one parents returned completed questionnaires. The overall incidence of middle ear disease was 63%, with 28% reported to have below-normal hearing. There was no significant difference between children with Pruzansky types I and II VPI with respect to incidence of otopathology or hearing loss. Conclusions Irrespective of the presence of any visible palatal abnormalities, children with congenital VPI showed a substantial incidence of otopathology and should thus be closely monitored.