Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigations into poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) surface properties causing delayed osteoblast growth

Osteoblast proliferation is sensitive to material surface properties. In this study, the proliferation of MC3T3 E1-S14 osteoblastic cells on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) films with different surface characteristics was investigated with the aim of evaluating the cause of a lag in cell growth previously observed. The solvent-cast films were prepared using three different solvents/solvent mixtures which produced PHBV films with both a rough (at the air interface) and smooth (at the glass interface) surface. Investigation of the surface roughness by scanning electron and scanning probe microscopy revealed that the surfaces had features that were different in both average lateral size and average amplitude (R a 20–200 nm). Water contact angles showed that all surfaces were hydrophobic in nature ( A in the range 69–82°). The lateral distribution of surface crystallinity of the films was evaluated by use of micro-attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FT-IR) by determining the surface crystallinity index (CI) which was found to differ between samples. MC3T3-E1-S14 osteoblasts were cultured on the six surfaces and proliferation was determined. After 2 days, cell proliferation on all surfaces was significantly less than on the control substrate; however, after 4 days cell proliferation was optimal on three surfaces. It was concluded that the initial lag on all substrates was due to the hydrophobic nature of the substrates. The ability of the cells to recover on the materials was attributed to the degree of heterogeneity of the crystallinity and surface roughness: samples with a roughness of 80 nm were found to support cell proliferation. In addition, the lateral surface features influenced the proliferation of osteoblasts on the PHBV film surface.
Regulation of neutrophil FcγRIIIb (CD16) surface expression following delayed apoptosis in response to GM‐CSF and sodium butyrate

When neutrophils undergo apoptosis, they lose expression of the surface receptor CD16 (FcγRIIIb). Thus levels of surface CD16 are good indicators of apoptotic or non‐apoptotic neutrophils. Shedding of CD16 occurs via the activity of a metalloproteinase that cleaves the receptor from the plasma membrane. Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and sodium butyrate both stimulate neutrophil gene expression, protect these cells from apoptosis, and maintain expression of surface CD16. In this report we have investigated whether these agents maintain surface expression of CD16 via (1) decreased shedding (2) increased mobilization of the internal pool of pre‐formed CD16, or (3) via de novo biosynthesis of new receptor molecules. Although GM‐CSF and sodium butyrate both preserved surface expression of CD16, GM‐CSF actually accelerated the rate of shedding of this receptor. Maintenance of surface levels was achieved by substantial mobilization of the internal pool of CD16. Sodium butyrate, on the other hand, maintained surface expression without extensive store depletion via a mechanism that appeared to involve a decreased rate of shedding. In these experiments we could find no evidence for de novo biosynthesis of CD16 stimulated by either GM‐CSF or sodium butyrate. These experiments indicate that multiple mechanisms exist for the maintenance of surface CD16 during rescue of neutrophils from apoptosis by different agents. J. Leukoc. Biol. 65: 875–882; 1999.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Thymol: Inhibitory Effect on the Release of Human Neutrophil Elastase

Elastase, a serine proteinase released by activated human neutrophils, can degrade a wide variety of biomacromolecules including elastin, and is considered a marker of inflammatory diseases. As the logical strategy to protect tissue is to inhibit excessive elastase activity, experimental and clinical researches have concentrated on trying to find efficient elastase inhibitors. As thymol, one of the major components of thyme oil with a phenolic structure, has been credited with a series of pharmacological properties, that include antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, the aim of this study was to explore whether it can also interfere with the release of elastase by human neutrophils stimulated with the synthetic chemotactic peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). After the neutrophils were incubated with increasing amounts of thymol (2.5, 5, 10, 20 µg/ml), elastase release was initiated by fMLP and measured using MeO-Suc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val-MCA. The results showed that thymol inhibited fMLP-induced elastase release in a concentration-dependent manner, with the effects of 10 and 20 µg/ml being statistically significant. The behavior of cytosolic calcium mobilization revealed by fura-2 closely resembled that of elastase, thus suggesting that they may be related. The hydrophobic nature of thymol means that it can approach ion channel proteins through the lipid phase of the membrane, alter the local environment of calcium channels and thus inhibit capacitative calcium entry. In brief, thymol inactivates calcium channels machinery, thus triggering a corresponding reduction in elastase. The antibacterial and antimycotic activity of thymol is already well known, but our findings that it inhibits elastase extend our knowledge of the anti-inflammatory activity of this interesting molecule that is already credited with antioxidant activity. These two latter characteristics make thymol a molecule that can have helpful effects in controlling the inflammatory processes present in many infections.
Rapid Onset of Specific Diaphragm Weakness in a Healthy Murine Model of Ventilator-induced Diaphragmatic Dysfunction

Background: Controlled mechanical ventilation is associated with ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction, which impedes weaning from mechanical ventilation. To design future clinical trials in humans, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms using knockout models, which exist only in the mouse, is needed. The aims of this study were to ascertain the feasibility of developing a murine model of ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction and to determine whether atrophy, sarcolemmal injury, and the main proteolysis systems are activated under these conditions. Methods: Healthy adult male C57/BL6 mice were assigned to three groups: (1) mechanical ventilation with end-expiratory positive pressure of 2–4 cm H2O for 6 h (n = 6), (2) spontaneous breathing with continuous positive airway pressure of 2–4 cm H2O for 6 h (n = 6), and (3) controls with no specific intervention (n = 6). Airway pressure and hemodynamic parameters were monitored. Upon euthanasia, arterial blood gases and isometric contractile properties of the diaphragm and extensor digitorum longus were evaluated. Histology and immunoblotting for the main proteolysis pathways were performed. Results: Hemodynamic parameters and arterial blood gases were comparable between groups and within normal physiologic ranges. Diaphragmatic but not extensor digitorum longus force production declined in the mechanical ventilation group (maximal force decreased by approximately 40%) compared with the control and continuous positive airway pressure groups. No histologic difference was found between groups. In opposition with the calpains, caspase 3 was activated in the mechanical ventilation group. Conclusion: Controlled mechanical ventilation for 6 h in the mouse is associated with significant diaphragmatic but not limb muscle weakness without atrophy or sarcolemmal injury and activates proteolysis.
TNF Receptor 1 Deficiency Increases Regulatory T Cell Function in Nonobese Diabetic Mice

TNF has been implicated in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. When administered early in life, TNF accelerates and increases diabetes in NOD mice. However, when administered late, TNF decreases diabetes incidence and delays onset. TNFR1-deficient NOD mice were fully protected from diabetes and only showed mild peri-insulitis. To further dissect how TNFR1 deficiency affects type 1 diabetes, these mice were crossed to β cell-specific, highly diabetogenic TCR transgenic I-Ag7–restricted NOD4.1 mice and Kd-restricted NOD8.3 mice. TNFR1-deficient NOD4.1 and NOD8.3 mice were protected from diabetes and had significantly less insulitis compared with wild type NOD4.1 and NOD8.3 controls. Diabetic NOD4.1 mice rejected TNFR1-deficient islet grafts as efficiently as control islets, confirming that TNFR1 signaling is not directly required for β cell destruction. Flow cytometric analysis showed a significant increase in the number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells in TNFR1-deficient mice. TNFR1-deficient T regulatory cells were functionally better at suppressing effector cells than were wild type T regulatory cells both in vitro and in vivo. This study suggests that blocking TNF signaling may be beneficial in increasing the function of T regulatory cells and suppression of type 1 diabetes.
Implementation of Washington State's Zero Tolerance Law: Patterns of Arrests, Dispositions, and Recidivism

Objectives. Zero tolerance (ZT) laws have been effective in reducing alcohol-related crashes among underage drivers. However, enforcement in some states has not been rigorous, and ZT offenses may not be viewed as serious offenses. On July 1, 1994, the state of Washington implemented a ZT law that allowed police to request a test for alcohol on suspicion of either a ZT or driving-under-the-influence (DUI) offense. The present study examined effects of the ZT law on arrests and case dispositions among underage offenders as a function of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and post-law patterns of recidivism. Methods. Times-series analyses examined the effects of the ZT law on trends in arrests of underage drivers between 1991 and 1999. Based on arrest records matched with driver's license records, the effects of the law on dispositions of alcohol-related offenses among underage drivers were examined, and rates of recidivism among underage offenders were examined for the period following the ZT law. Results. There was a substantial increase in arrests of underage drivers beginning immediately after implementation of the ZT law, especially among drivers with low BACs. The types of court or administrative dispositions received by underage offenders changed markedly after the ZT law was implemented. Underage offenders with lower BACs became far more likely to receive alcohol-related convictions and/or license suspensions. However, the percentage of underage offenders with higher BACs receiving DUI convictions declined as some of these offenders received the lesser ZT disposition. After the ZT law, underage offenders with BACs of 0.10 g/dL or higher were more likely to recidivate than those with lower BACs, but appreciable proportions of drivers were re-arrested for another alcohol offense, whatever the BAC and however they were penalized. Conclusions. Implementation of Washington's law indicates that a ZT law can increase the likelihood that an underage person will be sanctioned for drinking and driving. However, recidivism remains an issue as more than one in four underage drivers arrested with low BACs subsequently were re-arrested.
Exchange Rate Volatility and Agricultural Commodity Trade

This paper is concerned with the relationship between exchange rate volatility and agricultural commodity trade. Since the Bretton Woods system had been established in 1973, many countries have moved from a fixed exchange rate system to a floating system. The increase in volatility has provoked considerable interest both in the theoretical and empirical trade literature. I contribute to the ongoing debate on the relationship between exchange rate volatility and commodity trade by testing for a causal effect at the commodity level. My empirical results provide evidence for a significant effect of exchange rate volatility on agricultural commodity trade. I find that the higher the exchange rate volatility between two countries is, the less these countries trade with each other. The magnitude of this effect varies widely, but is strongest for differentiated commodities. Lastly, I find that the use of the end-month volatility measure masks the true effect of exchange rate volatility as the measure provides significantly lower effect estimates.
Comparison between stair-climbing test and six-minute walk test after lung resection using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy

[Purpose] Currently, the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) is used to evaluate exercise capacity in people following lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer. However, it is unclear whether the 6MWD can detect changes in cardiorespiratory fitness induced by exercise training or lung resection. Conversely, the stair-climbing test is used frequently for the preoperative evaluation of lung resection candidates. It is considered a sensitive method for detecting changes associated with training, but is not used to evaluate exercise capacity after lung resection. The purpose of this study was to compare the stair-climbing test and the six-minute walk test (6MWT) after lung resection. [Subjects and Methods] Fourteen patients undergoing lung resection completed the stair-climbing test and the 6MWT preoperatively, and one month postoperatively. The postoperative values and the percentage change in the stair-climbing test and the 6MWT were evaluated. [Results] The stair-climbing test results showed a significant deterioration at one month after lung resection; however, a significant change in the 6MWD was not observed. [Conclusion] When compared with the 6MWT, the stair-climbing test was more sensitive in detecting lung resection-induced changes in cardiorespiratory fitness.
A Novel Microsensor for Measuring Angular Distribution of Radiative Intensity

This article presents the design, construction and characterization of a novel type of light probe for measuring the angular radiance distribution of light fields. The differential acceptance angle (DAA) probe can resolve the directionality of a light field in environments with steep light gradients, such as microbial mats, without the need to remove, reorient, and reinsert the probe, a clear advantage over prior techniques. The probe consists of an inner irradiance sensor inside a concentric, moveable light‐absorbing sheath. The radiative intensity in a specific zenith direction can be calculated by comparing the irradiance onto the sensor at different acceptance angles. We used this probe to measure the angular radiance distribution of two sample light fields, and observed good agreement with a conventional radiance probe. The DAA probe will aid researchers in understanding light transfer physics in dense microbial communities and expedite validation of numerical radiative transfer models for these environments.
Aldosterone-independent regulation of the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) by vasopressin in adrenalectomized mice

The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) in the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron (ASDN) is under negative-feedback regulation by the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system in protection of sodium balance and blood pressure. We test here whether aldosterone is necessary and sufficient for ENaC expression and activity in the ASDN. Surprisingly, ENaC expression and activity are robust in adrenalectomized (Adx) mice. Exogenous mineralocorticoid increases ENaC activity equally well in control and Adx mice. Plasma [AVP] is significantly elevated in Adx vs. control mice. Vasopressin (AVP) stimulates ENaC. Inhibition of the V2 AVP receptor represses ENaC activity in Adx mice. The absence of aldosterone combined with elevated AVP release compromises normal feedback regulation of ENaC in Adx mice in response to changes in sodium intake. These results demonstrate that aldosterone is sufficient but not necessary for ENaC activity in the ASDN. Aldosterone-independent stimulation by AVP shifts the role of ENaC in the ASDN from protecting Na+ balance to promoting water reabsorption. This stimulation of ENaC likely contributes to the hyponatremia of adrenal insufficiency.
Evaluation of high sensitive C-reactive protein and 5-10 methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype in Japanese young adults

Primary objective: To carry out a preliminary evaluation of subclinical inflammation and its genetic background in young adults. Research design: Fifty-five healthy Japanese young adults aged 19–27 years (37 males and 18 females, mean age: 22.3 years), and 58 healthy Japanese adults aged 40 to 60 years (21 males and 37 females, mean age: 51.5 years) were included in this study. Methods and procedures: We measured plasma high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and screened for the C677T polymorphism of the 5-10 methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR), which is considered a genetic risk factor for atherosclerosis, by HinfI digestion. Main outcomes and results: Hs-CRP levels of the young adult group were significantly lower than the levels of the middle aged group (0.014±0.030 mg/dl vs. 0.031±0.040 mg/dl, p=0.005). The levels were significantly higher in males than in females (0.028±0.019 mg/dl vs. 0.013±0.010 mg/dl, p=0.008) among young adults. Furthermore, we evaluated the relationship of the C677T genotype and hs-CRP values, but found no association between them. Conclusions: Although the sample size is limited, our preliminary study demonstrated the profiles of hs-CRP in Japanese young adults. Further investigation will be needed to establish the guidelines for customized school health education using sensitive laboratory and genetic markers.
Non-contact coordinate measurements for robotic manipulators using laser tracking systems

Laser Tracking Systems (LTSs) are adopted as high accuracy instruments to measure robot performances such as repeatability and accuracy. In this paper, a LTS is used as a sensor to measure the three-dimensional coordinates of the end-effector, estimate the link lengths, check the parallelity and perpendicularity between axes and calibrate the home positions of a robotic manipulator. In addition, by using the LTS as a position sensor, through feedback compensation, we can drive the end-effector of the robotic manipulator towards the target. Experimental results show that the proposed control system can achieve precise positioning accuracy for a robot with or without an accurate model.
Weighted Component Hashing of Binary Aggregated Descriptors for Fast Visual Search

Towards low bit rate mobile visual search, recent works have proposed to aggregate the local features and compress the aggregated descriptor (such as Fisher vector, the vector of locally aggregated descriptors) for low latency query delivery as well as moderate search complexity. Even though Hamming distance can be computed very fast, the computational cost of exhaustive linear search over the binary descriptors grows linearly with either the length of a binary descriptor or the number of database images. In this paper, we propose a novel weighted component hashing (WeCoHash) algorithm for long binary aggregated descriptors to significantly improve search efficiency over a large scale image database. Accordingly, the proposed WeCoHash has attempted to address two essential issues in Hashing algorithms: “what to hash” and “how to search. ” “What to hash” is tackled by a hybrid approach, which utilizes both image-specific component (i.e., visual word) redundancy and bit dependency within each component of a binary aggregated descriptor to produce discriminative hash values for bucketing. “How to search” is tackled by an adaptive relevance weighting based on the statistics of hash values. Extensive comparison results have shown that WeCoHash is at least 20 times faster than linear search and 10 times faster than local sensitive hash (LSH) when maintaining comparable search accuracy. In particular , the WeCoHash solution has been adopted by the emerging MPEG compact descriptor for visual search (CDVS) standard to significantly speed up the exhaustive search of the binary aggregated descriptors.
A PHENOMENOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF RURAL CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATORS' EXPERIENCES IN SUPPORTING MARGINAL SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS

The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to examine the life experiences of 11 central office administrators from rural school divisions in Virginia, and investigate their shared experiences when assisting and supporting marginal special education teachers. The four theories guiding this study were Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, Collins, Brown and Newman’s cognitive apprenticeship theory, Evans’ path-goal leadership theory, and Burns’ transformational leadership theory. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory discusses the environment of a child impacts their growth and development. Collins, Brown, and Newman’s cognitive apprenticeships theory in context of this study describes how master teachers or administrators must train marginal teachers. Evans’ path-goal leadership theory pertains to this study by encouraging administrators to provide supports to teachers to meet necessary goals. Burns’ transformational leadership theory supports the idea that administrators must provide motivation to their teaching staff in order to raise them to acceptable levels. This study used the following research questions: R1: How do central office administrators in rural school districts in Virginia describe their experiences when working with marginal special education teachers? R2: How do central office administrators describe their experiences working with marginal special education teachers that they had to terminate from their position? R3: How, if at all, do central office administrators describe supports they provided to marginal special education teachers that enabled the teachers to meet district standards? R4: How, if at all, do central office administrators respond to the barriers they experienced when working with marginal special education teachers? R5: How do participant responses compare or contrast? Data collection methods consisted of interviews conducted on 11 central office administrators and field notes. Data analysis strategies consisted of
Effects of recession versus tenotomy surgery without recession in adult rabbit extraocular muscle.

PURPOSE Surgical recession of an extraocular muscle (EOM) posterior to its original insertion is a common form of strabismus surgery, weakening the rotational force exerted by the muscle on the globe and improving eye alignment. The purpose of this study was to assess myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform expression and satellite cell activity as defined by Pax7 expression in recessed EOMs of adult rabbits compared with that in muscles tenotomized but not recessed and with that in normal control muscles. METHODS The scleral insertion of the superior rectus muscle was detached and sutured either 7 mm posterior to its original insertion site (recession surgery) or at the same site (tenotomy). One day before euthanization, the rabbits received bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) injections. After 7 and 14 days, selected EOMs from both orbits were examined for changes in fast, slow, neonatal, and developmental MyHC isoform expression, Pax7 expression, and BrdU incorporation. RESULTS Recession and tenotomy surgery resulted in similar changes in the surgical EOMs. These included a decreased proportion of fast MyHC myofibers, an increased proportion of slow MyHC myofibers, and increased BrdU-positive satellite cells. Similar changes were seen in the non-operated contralateral superior rectus muscles. The ipsilateral inferior rectus showed reciprocal changes to the surgical superior rectus muscles. CONCLUSIONS The EOMs are extremely adaptive to changes induced by recession and tenotomy surgery, responding with modulations in fiber remodeling and myosin expression. These adaptive responses could be manipulated to improve surgical success rates.