Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ABPM-FIT and CV-SORT: an easy-to-use software package for detailed analysis of data from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

We describe a non-profit software package for the computerized analysis of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) recordings, in order to make it available to researchers in cardiovascular physiology, pharmacology and medicine. The first program, ABPM-FIT, can load data from several ABPM devices directly as they are stored on disk, making complicated data conversion steps unnecessary. The program performs conventional linear analyses of ABPM data automatically by calculation of mean, SD, load (the percentage of data above a chosen limit), and highest and lowest readings in user-defisned day and night periods. In addition, the area under the parameter-time curve (AUC) and the weighted mean (AUC/time) is calculated for all parameters monitored. In a second step, ABPM-FIT performs a rhythm analysis by fitting partial Fourier series to the data. Only those hormonics are included which significantly reduce the residual variance of the fit. The parameters of these functions (mesor, amplitudes, acrophases), values derived from the composed curves (maximum and minimum, AUC) and their slopes (e.g. maximal increase and decrease) are calculated automatically and, if desired, saved on disk. The second program, CV-SORT, loads groups of result files saved by ABPM-FIT, allows the extraction of parameters of interest for further analyses and creates spreadsheets containing the selected values from groups of patients. In addition, CV-SORT performs simple statistics, and calculates group mean circadian blood pressure and heart rate profiles from individual Fourier curves, with SD, confidence intervals or percentiles. The features of both programs are shown in exemplary analyses of ABPM recordings.
Parathyroid Hormone‐Related Protein Regulates Extracellular Matrix Gene Expression in Cementoblasts and Inhibits Cementoblast‐Mediated Mineralization In Vitro

Parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) has been implicated in regulating tooth eruption and/or development. Formation of cementum, a mineralized tissue covering the tooth root surface, is a critical biological event for tooth root development. To test the hypothesis that PTHrP targets cementoblasts (CMs) and acts to regulate cementogenesis, CM cell lines were established and their responsiveness to PTHrP stimulation was determined, in vitro. First, subclones were derived from two immortalized murine cell populations that contained CMs; SV‐CM/periodontal ligament (PDL) cells were obtained from the root surface of first mandibular molars of CD‐1 mice and immortalized with SV40 T‐antigen (TAg), and OC‐CM cell population was established from OC‐TAg transgenic mice in which their cells harbor an osteocalcin (OC and/or OCN) promoter‐driving immortal gene SV40 TAg. Based on our previous in situ studies, CM subclones were identified as cells expressing bone sialoprotein (BSP) and OCN transcripts, while PDL cell lines were designated as cells lacking BSP and OCN messenger RNA (mRNA). CMs exhibited a cuboidal appearance and promoted biomineralization, both in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, PDL cells (PDL subclones) displayed a spindle‐shaped morphology and lacked the ability to promote mineralized nodule formation, both in vitro and in vivo. Next, using these subclones, the effect of PTHrP on cementogenesis was studied. CMs, not PDL cells, expressed PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA and exhibited PTHrP‐mediated elevation in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and c‐fos gene induction. PTHrP stimulation repressed mRNA expression of BSP and OCN in CMs and blocked CM‐mediated mineralization, in vitro. Collectively, these data suggest that CMs possess PTH/PTHrP receptors and, thus, are direct targets for PTHrP action during cementogenesis and that PTHrP may serve as an important regulator of cementogenesis.
Simple closed-form formula for the impedance of printed dipole

Printed dipoles are studied analytically and simple closed-form formulas for the real and imaginary impedance are presented. The formulas explain the printed dipole impedance as a function of the thickness and the permittivity of the substrate. The results of this simple formulation show a good agreement with the numerical and experimental ones.
Tetraspanin12 regulates ADAM10‐dependent cleavage of amyloid precursor protein

Using mass spectrometry, we identified ADAM10 (a membrane‐associated metalloproteinase) as a partner for TSPAN12, a tetraspanin protein. TSPAN12‐ADAM10 interaction was confirmed by reciprocal coimmunoprecipitation in multiple tumor cell lines. TSPAN12, to a greater extent than other tet‐raspanins (CD81, CD151, CD9, and CD82), associated with ADAM10 but not with ADAM17. Overexpression of TSPAN12 enhanced ADAM10‐dependent shedding of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in MCF7 (breast cancer) and SH‐SY5Y (neuroblastoma) cell lines. Conversely, siRNA ablation of endogenous TSPAN12 mark‐edly diminished APP proteolysis in both cell lines. Furthermore, TSPAN12 overexpression enhanced ADAM10 prodomain maturation, whereas TSPAN12 ablation diminished ADAM10 maturation. A palmitoylation‐deficient TSPAN12 mutant failed to associate with ADAM10, inhibited ADAM10‐dependent proteolysis of APP, and inhibited ADAM10 maturation, most likely by interfering with endogenous wild‐type TSPAN12. In conclusion, TSPAN12 serves as a novel and robust partner for ADAM10 and promotes ADAM10 maturation, thereby facilitating ADAM10‐dependent proteolysis of APP. This novel mode of regulating APP cleavage is of relevance to Alzheimer's disease therapy. —Xu, D. , Sharma, C. , Hemler, M. E. Tetraspanin12 regulates ADAM10‐dependent cleavage of amyloid precursor protein. FASEB J. 23, 3674‐3681 (2009). www.fasebj. org
Reduction of All-trans-retinal in Vertebrate Rod Photoreceptors Requires the Combined Action of RDH8 and RDH12*

Background: Retinoid dehydrogenases/reductases (RDHs) reduce retinal in rod photoreceptors. Results: In single rod cells, RDH8 reduces retinal generated in outer segments; RDH12 reduces retinal that escapes to inner segments. Conclusion: By detoxifying stray retinal, RDH12 acts as a barrier against intracellular aldehyde diffusion. Significance: This protective role is consistent with the severe pathology resulting from RDH12 mutations in human disease. In vertebrate rod cells, retinoid dehydrogenases/reductases (RDHs) are critical for reducing the reactive aldehyde all-trans-retinal that is released by photoactivated rhodopsin, to all-trans-retinol (vitamin A). Previous studies have shown that RDH8 localizes to photoreceptor outer segments and is a strong candidate for performing this role. However, RDH12 function in the photoreceptor inner segments is also key, because loss of function mutations cause retinal degeneration in some forms of Leber congenital amaurosis. To investigate the in vivo roles of RDH8 and RDH12, we used fluorescence imaging to examine all-trans-retinol production in single isolated rod cells from wild-type mice and knock-out mice lacking either one or both RDHs. Outer segments of rods deficient in Rdh8 failed to reduce all-trans-retinal, but those deficient in Rdh12 were unaffected. Following exposure to light, a leak of retinoids from outer to inner segments was detected in rods from both wild-type and knock-out mice. In cells lacking Rdh8 or Rdh12, this leak was mainly all-trans-retinal. Wild-type rods incubated with all-trans-retinal reduced moderate loads of retinal within the cell interior, but this ability was lost by cells deficient in Rdh8 or Rdh12. Our findings are consistent with localization of RDH8 to the outer segment where it provides most of the activity needed to reduce all-trans-retinal generated by the light response. In contrast, RDH12 in inner segments can protect vital cell organelles against aldehyde toxicity caused by an intracellular leak of all-trans-retinal, as well as other aldehydes originating both inside and outside the cell.
Fibrosis inhibition and muscle histopathology improvement in laminin‐α2‐deficient mice

In muscular dystrophies (MD) the loss of muscle and its ability to function are associated with fibrosis. We evaluated the efficacy of halofuginone in reducing fibrosis in the dy2J/dy2J mouse model of congenital MD. Mice were injected intraperitoneally with 5 μg of halofuginone 3 times a week for 5 or 15 weeks, starting at the age of 3 weeks. Halofuginone caused a reduction in collagen synthesis in hindlimb muscles. This was associated with reductions in the degenerated area, in cell proliferation, in the number of myofibers with central nuclei, with increased myofiber diameter, and with enhanced motor coordination and balance. Halofuginone caused a reduction in infiltrating fibroblasts that were located close to centrally nucleated myofibers. Our results suggest that halofuginone reduced the deleterious effects of fibrosis, thus improving muscle integrity. Halofuginone meets the criteria for a novel antifibrotic therapy for MD patients. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Impact of an Electronic Meeting System on the Group Decision‐Making Process

Traditional face-to-face meetings are effective for many meeting formats; however, there are occasions when communication needs to be conducted in a more open, anonymous style. When the discussion centers on controversial and/or emotional issues, such as curriculum planning, the need for a nontraditional style may even be greater. Our nursing program decided to utilize a new campus resource called the Group Decision Center to facilitate undergraduate curriculum planning. The Group Decision Center is an electronic meeting system in which the discussion takes place in a face-to-face electronic format. The advantages of an electronic meeting system format include participant anonymity, equal and increased participation by group members, increased productivity and efficiency, automated record keeping, group synergy, and a more structured meeting. The disadvantages include the potential for inappropriate or hostile conversations, loss of acknowledgment for individual idea generation, breakdown of linear conversation, and lack of the nonverbal communication that often influences the meaning within a traditional conversation. The process of developing, planning, and participating in the electronic meeting and the automated record are discussed.
Retrospective Evaluation of Whole Body Computed Tomography for Tumor Staging in Dogs with Primary Appendicular Osteosarcoma

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whole body computed tomography (CT) for staging canine appendicular osteosarcoma. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS Client-owned dogs diagnosed with appendicular osteosarcoma (n=39). METHODS Medical records for client-owned dogs diagnosed with appendicular osteosarcoma from August 2008 to July 2014 were reviewed. Dogs were included if they had a confirmed diagnosis of appendicular osteosarcoma and were staged using whole body CT. Data collected included signalment, body weight, primary tumor location, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, findings on 3-view thoracic radiographs, cytologic or histologic results, and findings on CT. RESULTS Thirty-nine dogs (median age 8.5 years; median body weight 37 kg) had osteosarcoma of the distal radius (n=17), proximal humerus (11) and other sites. Serum ALP activity was elevated in 14 dogs. Bone metastasis was not detected in any dog on whole body CT. Pulmonary metastasis was considered definitive on CT based on board certified radiologist assessment in 2/39 dogs (5%). Two additional dogs (2/39, 5%) had soft tissue masses diagnosed on CT, consistent with concurrent, non-metastatic malignancies. CONCLUSION Bone metastases were not identified in any dog with whole body CT. Thoracic and abdominal CT detected lung lesions and concurrent neoplasia in dogs with primary appendicular osteosarcoma. Whole body CT may be a useful adjunct to other screening tests for disseminated malignancy.
Ligand‐Directed Immobilization of Proteins through an Esterase 2 Fusion Tag Studied by Atomic Force Microscopy

Atomically flat mica surfaces were chemically modified with an alkyl trifluoromethyl ketone, a covalent inhibitor of esterase 2 from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius, which served as a tag for ligand‐directed immobilization of esterase‐linked proteins. Purified NADH oxidase from Thermus thermophilus and human exportin‐t from cell lysates were anchored on the modified surfaces. The immobilization effectiveness of the proteins was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was shown that ligand–esterase interaction allowed specific attachment of exportin‐t and resulted in high‐resolution images and coverage patterns that were comparable with immobilized purified protein. Moreover, the biological functionality of immobilized human exportin‐t in forming a quaternary complex with tRNA and the GTPase Ran‐GTP, and the dimension changes before and after complex formation were also determined by AFM.
Time Preferences and Mortgage Choice

Mortgage decisions have important consequences for consumers, lenders, and the state of the economy more generally. Mortgage decisions are also prototypical of consumer financial choices that involve a stream of expenditures and consumption occurring across time. The authors use heterogeneity in time preferences for both immediate (present bias) and long-term outcomes to explain a sequence of mortgage decisions, including mortgage choice and the decision to abandon a mortgage. The authors employ an analytic model and a survey of mortgaged households augmented by zip code–level house price and foreclosure data. The model suggests and data confirm that consumers with greater present bias and long-term discounting tend to choose mortgages that minimize up-front costs. However, greater present bias decreases homeowners' willingness to abandon a mortgage, locking them into the contract. Long-term patience increases mortgage abandonment. This reversal across mortgage decisions is difficult for alternative accounts to explain. These results suggest that a two-parameter model of time preferences is helpful for understanding how homeowners make mortgage decisions.
Lipoxygenase6-Dependent Oxylipin Synthesis in Roots Is Required for Abiotic and Biotic Stress Resistance of Arabidopsis1[C][W]

A defect in lipoxygenase6 abolishes production of jasmonates in roots and renders plants more susceptible to drought and crustacean feeding. Jasmonates are oxylipin signals that play important roles in the development of fertile flowers and in defense against pathogens and herbivores in leaves. The aim of this work was to understand the synthesis and function of jasmonates in roots. Grafting experiments with a jasmonate-deficient mutant demonstrated that roots produce jasmonates independently of leaves, despite low expression of biosynthetic enzymes. Levels of 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid, jasmonic acid, and its isoleucine derivative increased in roots upon osmotic and drought stress. Wounding resulted in a decrease of preformed 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid concomitant with an increase of jasmonic acid and jasmonoyl-isoleucine. 13-Lipoxygenases catalyze the first step of lipid oxidation leading to jasmonate production. Analysis of 13-lipoxygenase-deficient mutant lines showed that only one of the four 13-lipoxygenases, LOX6, is responsible and essential for stress-induced jasmonate accumulation in roots. In addition, LOX6 was required for production of basal 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid in leaves and roots. Loss-of-function mutants of LOX6 were more attractive to a detritivorous crustacean and more sensitive to drought, indicating that LOX6-derived oxylipins are important for the responses to abiotic and biotic factors.
Long-Term Evaluation of Basiliximab Induction Therapy in Live Donor Kidney Transplantation: A Five-Year Prospective Randomized Study

Background/Aims: The long-term evaluation of basiliximab induction therapy has not been addressed yet. We aim to evaluate its long-term effects in living related donor kidney transplantation. Methods: 100 adult recipients with their first kidney allograft were randomized into two treatment groups – one group received basiliximab and the second served as a control. All patients received a maintenance triple immunosuppressive therapy (steroids, cyclosporine microemulsion and azathioprine) and were closely followed for 5 years. Results: Basiliximab significantly reduced the proportion of patients who experienced an acute rejection in the first year (18/50) when compared to the control group (31/50) and in 5 years (27/50) when compared to (36/50) the controls. The cumulative steroid dose used throughout the study was significantly lower in the basiliximab group. The overall incidence of post-transplant complications was comparable between the two treatment groups. There was no significant difference in patients and graft survival; 5-year patient and graft survival were 100 and 86% for basiliximab, and 96 and 88% for the control group respectively. Conclusion: Although routine basiliximab induction significantly reduces the incidence of acute rejection, its beneficial long-term effects on graft function and patient and graft survival are not yet evident.
WHY UNFAIR BUSINESS IS BAD FOR BUSINESS

Unfair business practices appear to have become institutionalised in the construction sector, persisting for many decades despite the repeated criticisms of numerous government reports, researchers and commentators. It is argued that this intransigent culture is in part a result of no theoretical or empirical evidence to link unfair business practices with project performance. To address this problem, theories of organisational justice are used to examine how each dimension of fairness affects the behaviour of project stakeholders and to explore how this translates to overall project performance. A survey of 135 construction project participants from across the supply chain in the Australian construction industry reveals that there are three main types of unfairness in construction business relationships that are related to project performance: distributive and procedural fairness; interpersonal fairness; and informational fairness. It is significant that these categories diverge from mainstream organisational justice theory, suggesting that it needs adapting for a construction context. Based on this new evidence and refinement of mainstream justice theory, it is concluded that project managers should develop strategies to improve these three types of fairness on their projects if they wish to drive better project performance.
Associations between socio-economic status and school-day dietary intake in a sample of grade 5–8 students in Vancouver, Canada

Abstract Objective To examine associations between students’ socio-economic status (SES) and school-day dietary intake, and the roles of parents and peers in shaping these associations. Design A cross-sectional survey measured school-day intake of vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk, packaged snack foods and sugar-sweetened beverages. Logistic regression models examined associations between SES (parental education and food insecurity status) and dietary outcomes during or en route to or from school, and examined whether peer modelling or parental norms potentially mediated the associations between SES and dietary outcomes. Setting Twenty-six public schools in Vancouver, Canada in 2012. Subjects Nine hundred and fifty students in grades 5–8. Results Students whose parents completed some college, compared with those completing high school or less, were significantly more likely to consume vegetables daily (unadjusted OR=1·85; 95 % CI 1·06, 3·22) and students whose parents completed college or university were significantly less likely to consume sugar-sweetened beverages daily (unadjusted OR=0·67; 95 % CI 0·47, 0·94). Food secure students were also significantly less likely to consume sugar-sweetened beverages daily compared with food insecure students (unadjusted OR=0·52; 95 % CI 0·29, 0·92). Parental norms, but not peer modelling, emerged as a potential mediator of the association between SES and vegetable intake. SES was not significantly associated with the remaining dietary outcomes. Conclusions Higher SES was significantly associated with two of five school-day dietary outcomes and predicted higher likelihood of daily nutritious food choices at school. The present study suggests that there is room for improvement in school-day dietary quality for students from all SES backgrounds in Vancouver.
Minimizing superficial thermal injury using bilateral cryogen spray cooling during laser reshaping of composite cartilage grafts

Composite cartilage grafts were excised from New Zealand rabbit ears. Flat composite grafts (of cartilage and overlying skin graft on both surfaces) were obtained from each ear and cut into a rectangle measuring 50 mm by 25 mm (x by y) with an average thickness of approximately 1.3 mm (z), skin included. Specimens were manually deformed with a jig and maintained in this new position during laser illumination. The composite cartilage grafts were illuminated on the concave surface with an Nd:YAG laser (1,064 nm, 3 mm spot) at 10 W, 20 W, 30 W, 40 W, 50 W. Cryogen spray cooling (CSC) was applied to both exterior (convex) and interior (concave) surfaces of the tissue to reduce thermal injury to the grafts. CSC was delivered: (1) in controlled applications (cryogen released when surface reached 40°C, and (2) receiving only laser at above wattage, no CSC [representing the control group]. The specimens were maintained in a deformation for 15 minutes after illumination and serially examined for 14 days. The control group with no CSC caused injury to all specimens, ranging from minor to full thickness epidermal thermal injury. Although most levels of laser and CSC yielded a high degree of reshaping over an acute time period, after 14 days specimens exposed to 30 W, 40 W, 50 W retained shape better than those treated at 10 W and 20 W. The specimens exposed to 50 W with controlled CSC retained its new shape to the highest degree over all others, and thermal injury was minimal. In conclusion, combinations of laser and CSC parameters were effective and practical for the reshaping of composite cartilage grafts. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:477–482, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.