Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occludin as a functional marker of vascular endothelial cells on tube‐forming activity

Cell therapy using endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is a promising strategy for the treatment of ischemic diseases. Two types of EPCs have been identified: early EPCs and late EPCs. Late EPCs are able to form tube structure by themselves, and have a high proliferative ability. The functional marker(s) of late EPCs, which relate to their therapeutic potential, have not been fully elucidated. Here we compared the gene expression profiles of several human cord blood derived late EPC lines which exhibit different tube formation activity, and we observed that the expression of occludin (OCLN) in these lines correlated with the tube formation ability, suggesting that OCLN is a candidate functional marker of late EPCs. When OCLN was knocked down by transfecting siRNA, the tube formation on Matrigel, the S phase + G2/M phase in the cell cycle, and the spheroid‐based sprouting of late EPCs were markedly reduced, suggesting the critical role of OCLN in tube formation, sprouting, and proliferation. These results indicated that OCLN plays a novel role in neovascularization and angiogenesis.
The Economic Life of Industrial Equipment

WHEN TO REPLACE individual units of durable equipment by similar or improved units is one of the main problems, upon which the success of industrial enterprise depends. Nevertheless, no unified presentation of its many aspects appears to have been published up to the present. The principal writers refer to replacement merely incidentally, when discussing the subject of depreciation. From the theoretical point of view, such an approach really amounts to putting the cart before the horse. ' Replacement is the basic problem, because it actually affects the composition and productivity of a plant. Calculations of depreciation are mere figures entered into books, the significance of which depends entirely on the use to which they are put. The concept of depreciation does not enter into the theory of capital value at all. In practice, on the other hand, differences in depreciation methods do to some extent influence the judgment of traders in the negotiable symbols of composite capital goods. This anomaly is due partly to defective accounting methods. A study of the replacement problem by itself must precede attempts to correct the situation. The value aspect of replacement or "economic life" arises from the familiar phenomenon that many types of "machines" outlive their usefulness. The income stream derived from their operation gradually declines, until a more attractive alternative becomes available. The theory that the economic life of a machine is a period which makes the unit cost (plus interest) of the product a minimum, appears to have been originated by Professor J. S. Taylor.2 His algebraic presentation was simplified and refined by Professor Harold Hotelling,3 who employs continuous functions for the purpose. The basic formula given by the latter writer is:4
Art and Culture in Communities: Unpacking Participation

Cultural participation is an important element of community life and an essential component of community building. But delineating the full role such participation plays in the community is dependent on capturing the range of ways in which people actually participate in creative expression. This brief presents our findings on a range of arts and cultural participation within the context of various community-building processes.
beta-Adrenergic stimulation induces acetylcholine to activate ATP-sensitive K+ current in cat atrial myocytes.

Our previous work on atrial myocytes suggested that the effect of acetylcholine (ACh) to increase K+ conductance can be potentiated by prior loading of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) with Ca2+. The present study, therefore, sought to determine whether prior exposure to isoproterenol (ISO) potentiates ACh-induced increases in K+ conductance and the underlying mechanisms. A nystatin-perforated patch whole-cell configuration was used to record from cat atrial myocytes. Voltage-clamp ramps (40 mV/s) were used to assess total membrane conductance. The experimental protocol consisted of two consecutive 30-second ACh exposures (ACh1 and ACh2) separated by a 6-minute recovery period in ACh-free solution. In general, experimental interventions, such as exposure to ISO, were imposed during the period between ACh1 and ACh2 to determine their effects on the response to ACh2 in relation to ACh1. Under control conditions, K+ conductances induced by ACh1 and ACh2 were not different from one another with or without activation of L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) during the recovery period. When 1 mumol/L ISO plus ICa,L activation was imposed during the recovery period, ACh2 induced a significantly larger increase in K+ conductance than ACh1. The ACh2-induced K+ current potentiated by ISO was time independent and selectively blocked by 10 mumol/L glibenclamide and therefore identified as ATP-sensitive K+ current (IK,ATP). The effect of ISO to induce ACh2-activated IK,ATP was mimicked by 1 mumol/L forskolin or 200 mumol/L 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP, but not by 0.5 mumol/L BAY K 8644, and was selectively abolished by (1) 5 mumol/L thapsigargin or 1 mumol/L ryanodine, agents that prevent accumulation of SR Ca2+, (2) inhibition of L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) by 1 mumol/L nisoldipine or zero external Ca2+, (3) 50 mumol/L Rp-cAMPs, an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A, or (4) 2 mumol/L propranolol. Atropine (1 mumol/L) abolished all ACh-induced currents. Moreover, ACh2-activated IK,ATP was selectively blocked by 0.2 mumol/L pirenzepine, an M1 muscarinic receptor antagonist, or 0.1 mumol/L calphostin C, a selective inhibitor of protein kinase C. AFDX116 (100 mumol/L), an M2 muscarinic receptor antagonist, blocked the conventional ACh-activated K+ current and revealed ACh2-activated IK,ATP. These results indicate that prior exposure to ISO potentiates ACh-induced increases in K+ current via ACh-activated IK,ATP. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Broadband Internet, Digital Temptations, and Sleep

There is a growing concern that the widespread use of computers, mobile phones and other digital devices before bedtime disrupts our sleep with detrimental effects on our health and cognitive performance. High-speed Internet promotes the use of electronic devices, video games and Internet addiction (e.g., online games and cyberloafing). Exposure to artificial light from tablets and PCs can alterate individuals’ sleep patterns. However, there is little empirical evidence on the causal relationship between technology use near bedtime and sleep. This paper studies the causal effects of access to high-speed Internet on sleep. We first show that playing video games, using PC or smartphones, watching TV or movies are correlated with shorter sleep duration. Second, we exploit historical differences in pre-existing telephone infrastructure that affected the deployment of high-speed Internet across Germany (see Falck et al., 2014) to identify a source of plausibly exogenous variation in access to Broadband. Using this instrumental variable strategy, we find that DSL access reduces sleep duration and sleep satisfaction.
Strategic Orientation,Dynamic Capability and Technological Innovation: Moderating Role of Environmental Uncertainty

It aimed to examine the influence of strategic orientation,including market orientation and entrepreneurship orientation,on technological innovation. Based on resource-based view and core competitiveness theory,it further explored the mediating effect of dynamic capacity and the moderating effect of environmental uncertainty on the relationship between dynamic capability and technological innovation. Using a survey of 193 high-tech companies in Guangzhou,Beijing and Xiamen,it found that market orientation was positively related to technological innovation,and dynamic capability fully mediated the relationship between market orientation and technological innovation; entrepreneurial orientation was positively related to technological innovation,and dynamic capability partly mediated the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and technological innovation; environmental uncertainty positively moderated the relationship between dynamic capability and technological innovation.
Blood Fibrinolysis and the Response to Desmopressin in Glomerulonephritis

Summary Fibrinolytic parameters and von Willebrand factor (VWF) antigen were measured in 22 patients with glomerulonephritis (GN) who underwent renal biopsy after desmopressin (DDAVP) infusion. Blood was collected immediately before and after DDAVP infusion, after one week, and 3–6 months later. The main abnormalities on admission were the following: the mean baseline levels of t-PA antigen and VWF were significantly higher in GN patients than in 22 healthy controls; the median t-PA activity and the mean scu-PA level were significantly lower than normal . The t-PA response to DDAVP was impaired in 7 patients (32%), the response of VWF in 9 patients (41%), and the u-PA: Ag response in 11 patients (50%). When the patients were stratified according to creatinine clearance rate, significant differences between the subgroups with severely and moderately impaired renal function were noted: the baseline levels of PAI activity and VWF were higher in patients with severe renal failure and the VWF response to DDAVP was significantly lower. The response of u-PA (not of t-PA or VWF) to DDAVP appeared to correlate with urine flow during the first 24 h, suggesting the dependence of u-PA release on intact nephrons. A series of 18 patients with adult-type polycystic kidney disease (APKD) with creatinine clearance rates in the same abnormal range as the GN patients, had lower mean PAI and a significantly higher mean scu-PA level. Normalization of scu-PA and t-PA:Ag levels during follow-up despite impaired renal function in GN, and the absence of depressed scu-PA levels in APKD suggest that the fibrinolytic abnormalities are independent of the impaired renal function per se, but associated with the acute stage of nephritis.
Time-scale domain characterization of nonstationary wideband vehicle-to-vehicle propagation channel

The design and deployment of efficient vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications systems require the knowledge of the propagation channel in which it will operate. Due to the mobility of the transmitter/receiver terminals as well as the existence of dynamic scatterers, the V2V channel is nonstationary. To account for the nonstationarity, channel characterization methods that employs the non wide-sense stationary uncorrelated scattering (non-WSSUS) approach are often desired. More also the inadequacy of the Doppler shift operator to properly account for frequency variation effects by the wideband channel operator implies that the time-frequency characterization methods that employ the Doppler shift operator are not appropriate for wideband V2V channels. In this paper we present the time-scale domain characterization of the non-WSSUS channel which employs time scaling operator to account for frequency variation and also emphasizes on the non-stationary property of the channel. The non-WSSUS statistical property termed local sense stationary uncorrelated scattering (LSSUS) is employed. The effect of the channel nonstationarity on the channel capacity is also addressed. From the simulated example, it is inferred that the assumption of ergodic capacity depend on the number of available independent fades which invariably depend on the degree of the V2V channel nonstationarity.
Lack of tolerance to a 24-hour infusion of S-nitroso N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) in conscious rabbits.

In order to design a means to preclude the development of nitrate tolerance, an in vivo model of nitroglycerin (GTN) tolerance was developed in the rabbit to examine the tolerance potential of S-nitroso vasodilators. Three separate studies were performed with 54 male New Zealand white rabbits which were instrumented for chronic infusion of vehicle or of either S-nitroso N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) or GTN (n = 6/group). Each vasodilator was infused for 24 hr at a dose rate of 60 nmol/kg/min. Three and 24 hr after the end of the infusion, each rabbit was anesthetized with pentobarbital and instrumented to monitor blood pressure, and dose-response curves were performed using SNAP or GTN. The dose-response curves were analyzed to determine the degree of displacement of the treated rabbit's dose-response curves compared to that of the vehicle-treated rabbit. Relative to the vehicle group, the GTN dose-response curve for systolic blood pressure in the GTN-infused rabbits was dextrally shifted 25.0-fold (P less than .05); 24 hr later the dextral shift was 0.9. The corresponding shifts in the SNAP dose-response curves were 2.7- and 0.5-fold, respectively. When SNAP was infused for 24 hr, the corresponding 3- and 24-hr dextral shifts for GTN were: 7.8- (P less than .05) and 0.7-fold; for SNAP they were: 1.9- and 0.6-fold. In a third study, N-acetylcysteine was coinfused (0.14 mg/kg/min, 200 mg/kg cumulative dose) with GTN over 24 hr. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Use of electrical stimulation to enhance recovery of quadriceps femoris muscle force production in patients following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Electrical stimulation has been shown to be effective in aiding the recovery of quadriceps femoris muscle force production after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The actual dosage of stimulation (training intensity) has not been well described. The purpose of this investigation was to establish a dose-response curve for electrical stimulation regimens designed to improve quadriceps femoris muscle recovery in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We analyzed data from a subsample (n = 52) of patients receiving electrical stimulation (N = 110) who were involved in a large, multicenter randomized clinical trial investigating treatment strategies designed to enhance quadriceps femoris muscle recovery. Fifty-two subjects (40 male, 12 female), with an age range of 15 to 43 years (mean = 25, SD = 7), participated in 4 weeks of quadriceps femoris muscle training using either portable, battery-powered home stimulators or console stimulators designed for clinical use. Training intensities were monitored by logging the electrically elicited knee extension torque and expressing this torque as a percentage of the uninvolved quadriceps femoris muscles' maximal voluntary contraction force. After the 4 weeks of training, isometric muscle torque was assessed and a dose-response curve was generated. The relationship between training intensity and quadriceps femoris muscle torque was assessed with Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficients. RESULTS A significant, linear correlation was found between training intensity and quadriceps femoris muscle torque. Subjects training with console, clinical generators trained at higher intensities than those training with portable, battery-operated generators; such training resulted in higher quadriceps femoris muscle torque. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION These results support the use of high-intensity electrical stimulation and do not support the use of low-intensity or battery-powered stimulators when the goal is recovery of quadriceps femoris muscle force production in the early phases of rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament surgery. [Snyder-Mackler L, Delitto A, Stralka SW, Bailey SL. Use of electrical stimulation to enhance recovery of quadriceps femoris muscle force production in patients following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
High-Intensity Small-Sided Games versus Repeated Sprint Training in Junior Soccer Players

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high-intensity small-sided games training (SSGT) versus repeated-sprint training (RST) on repeated-sprint ability (RSA), soccer specific endurance performance and short passing ability among junior soccer players. The junior soccer players were recruited from of a professional team (age 16.9 ± 1.1 years). The tests included the repeated-shuttle-sprint ability test (RSSAT), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) and Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). Nineteen participants were randomly assigned to either the small-sided games training (SSGTG) (n = 10) or repeated-sprint training group (RSTG) (n = 9). Small-sided games or repeated-sprint training were added to the regular training sessions for two days of the regular practice week. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine differences in groups and training effects. A time x training group effect was found in the improvement of short-passing ability for the smallsided games training group which showed significantly better scores than the repeated-sprint training group (p ≤ 0.05). Both groups showed similar improvements in RSAdecrement (p < 0.05). Only the repeated-sprint training group improved in the Yo-Yo IR1 (p < 0.05). This study clearly shows that high-intensity small-sided games training can be used as an effective training mode to enhance both repeated sprint ability and short-passing ability.
EphA2 Activation Promotes the Endothelial Cell Inflammatory Response: A Potential Role in Atherosclerosis

Objective—Endothelial cell activation results in altered cell-cell interactions with adjacent endothelial cells and with infiltrating leukocytes. Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands regulate cell-cell interactions during tissue remodeling, and multiple proinflammatory mediators induce endothelial EphA receptor and ephrinA ligand expression. Therefore, we sought to elucidate the role of EphA receptors and ephrinA ligands in endothelial cell activation and atherosclerosis. Methods and Results—Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction screening for EphA/ephrinA expression in atherosclerosis-prone macrovascular endothelium identified EphA2, EphA4, and ephrinA1 as the dominant isoforms. Endothelial activation with oxidized low-density lipoprotein and proinflammatory cytokines induced EphA2 and ephrinA1 expression and sustained EphA2 activation, whereas EphA4 expression was unaffected. Atherosclerotic plaques from mice and humans showed enhanced EphA2 and ephrinA1 expression colocalizing in the endothelial cell layer. EphA2 activation with recombinant Fc-ephrinA1 induced proinflammatory gene expression (eg vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin) and stimulated monocyte adhesion, whereas inhibiting EphA2 (small interfering RNA, pharmacological inhibitors) abrogated both ephrinA1-induced and oxidized low-density lipoprotein–induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression. Conclusion—The current data suggest that enhanced EphA2 signaling during endothelial cell activation perpetuates proinflammatory gene expression. Coupled with EphA2 expression in mouse and human atherosclerotic plaques, these data implicate EphA2 as a novel proinflammatory mediator and potential regulator of atherosclerotic plaque development.
Preparation and stability of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)ylated octreotide for application to microsphere delivery

The purpose of this study was to prepare poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)ylated octreotide and investigate the stability against acylation by polyester polymers such as poly(lactic acid) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid). Octreotide was modified by reaction with monomethoxy PEG-propionaldehyde (molecular weight 5,000) in the presence of sodium cyanoborohydride. The mono-PEGylated fraction was isolated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and characterized by matrixassisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Circular dichroism demonstrated no significant secondary structural differences between mono-PEGylated octreotide (mono-PEG-octreotide) and intact octreotide. As a test system for the stability study against acylation reaction, lactic acid (LA) solutions with various concentrations and pH values were prepared with water dilution and subsequent accelerated equilibration at 90°C for 24 hours. Native octreotide was found to be acylated in all the diluted LA solutions with different concentrations (42.5%, 21.3%, and 8.5%, wt/wt) and pH values (2.25, 1.47, and 1.85, respectively). The remaining amounts of intact octreotide continuously decreased to 50% through 30 days of incubation at 37°C. MALDI-TOF MS identified the octreotide to be acylated by LA units. However, acylation reaction of mono-PEG-octreotide in LA solutions was negligible, and the remaining amounts of intact one through 30 days of incubation in LA solutions were also comparable to the initial concentration. These data suggest that mono-PEG-octreotide may prevent the acylation reaction in degrading PLA microspheres and possibly serve as a new source for somatostatin microsphere formulation.
The American Medical Association Older Driver Curriculum for Health Professionals: Changes in Trainee Confidence, Attitudes, and Practice Behavior

Few gerontology and geriatrics professionals receive training in driver fitness evaluation, state reporting of unfit drivers, or transportation mobility planning yet are often asked to address these concerns in the provision of care to older adults. The American Medical Association (AMA) developed an evidence-based, multi-media Curriculum to promote basic competences. This study evaluated reported changes in practice behaviors 3 months posttraining in 693 professionals trained via the AMA approach. Eight Teaching Teams, designated and trained by AMA staff, offered 22 training sessions across the United States in 2006 to 2007. Trainees (67% female; mean age 46) completed a pretest questionnaire and a posttest administered by mail. Physicians were the largest professional group (32%). Although many trainees acknowledged having conversations with patients about driving at pretest, few endorsed utilizing specific techniques recommended by the AMA prior to this training. The posttest response rate was 34% (n = 235). Significant improvements in reported attitudes, confidence, and practices were found across measured items. In particular, posttest data indicated new adoption of in-office screening techniques, chart documentation of driver safety concerns, and transportation alternative planning strategies. Findings suggest that a well-designed, one-time continuing education intervention can enhance health professional confidence and clinical practice concerning driver fitness evaluation and mobility planning. Targeted dissemination of this Curriculum (in-person and online) will allow more to benefit in the future.
A Multitrait—Multimethod Examination of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales in a College Sample

This study assessed trait validity of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales’ (RIAS) Verbal Index (VIX) and Nonverbal Index (NIX) scores in a group of college students. Using both observation of patterns and latent variable modeling of a multitrait—multimethod correlation/covariance matrix, the results indicate that the RIAS VIX scores behaved in a manner predicted from the theory behind their construction; namely, they related strongly to other measures of crystallized intelligence (Gc) and, together, they formed a salient Gc factor. The NIX scores, however, did not behave as predicted—showing as strong, or stronger, associations with measures of Gc than measures of fluid intelligence. Although more studies of this type are needed across different samples before making broad generalizations, the results from the present study support the use and interpretation of the RIAS VIX score, but not the NIX score.