Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ONSET OF BLOOD LACTATE ACCUMULATION,CRITICAL VELOCITY, AND MAXIMAL LACTATE STEADY STATE IN SOCCER PLAYERS

The objective of this study was to analyze the validity of the velocity corresponding to the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) and critical velocity (CV) to determine the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) in soccer players. Twelve male soccer players (21.5 ± 1.0 years) performed an incremental treadmill test for the determination of OBLA. The velocity corresponding to OBLA (3.5 mM of blood lactate) was determined through linear interpolation. The subjects returned to the laboratory on 7 occasions for the determination of MLSS and CV. The MLSS was determined from 5 treadmill runs of up to 30-minute duration and defined as the highest velocity at which blood lactate did not increase by more than 1 mM between minutes 10 and 30 of the constant velocity runs. The CV was determined by 2 maximal running efforts of 1,500 and 3,000 m performed on a 400-m running track. The CV was calculated as the slope of the linear regression of distance run versus time. Analysis of variance revealed no significant differences between OBLA (13.6 ± 1.4 km·h-1) and MLSS (13.1 ± 1.2 km·h-1) and between OBLA and CV (14.4 ± 1.1 km·h-1). The CV was significantly higher than the MLSS. There was a significant correlation between MLSS and OBLA (r = 0.80), MLSS and CV (r = 0.90), and OBLA and CV (r = 0.80). We can conclude that the OBLA can be utilized in soccer players to estimate the MLSS. In this group of athletes, however, CV does not represent a sustainable steady-state exercise intensity.
Motivation of the Sharing Economy Users in the Middle East: The Case of Lebanon

For many reasons and in different circumstances like wars, catastrophies, difficult economic situations and scarcity, the population regroups have shared the existing resources. The sharing is evolving today from a purely ideological ideal to a more business oriented model, even if the message insists on “making good” through respecting the environment, sociability, fair trade and all other criteria that should characterize the basic spirit. The literature about this phenomenon is abundant, but the conceptual analyses lack precision because this concept is still new compared to others already studied.
Organic-inorganic hybrid material, “SUNCONNECT®” for optical interconnects

In this paper, we report on the applications, as SM optical waveguides as well as lens arrays for optical connectors, of our organic-inorganic hybrid material, “SUNCONNECT®”. With respect to waveguide application, fabrication and optical property of GI (graded-index) optical waveguide and SI (step-index) optical waveguide was explained. In addition, lens array for optical coupling was fabricated by using conventional imprint mold.
Cytoskeletal remodeling in vascular smooth muscle cells in response to angiotensin II‐induced activation of the SHP‐2 tyrosine phosphatase

Angiotensin II is an octapeptide that regulates diverse cellular responses including the actin cytoskeletal organization. In this study, stable cell lines overexpressing wild‐type or catalytically inactive SHP‐2 were employed to elucidate the signaling pathway utilized by the SHP‐2 tyrosine phosphatase that mediates an angiotensin II‐induced reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The expression of wild‐type SHP‐2 prevented an angiotensin II dependent increase in stress fiber formation. In contrast, the catalytically inactive mutant SHP‐2 increased stress fiber formation. Additional observations further established that SHP‐2 regulates the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton through RhoA‐ and Vav2‐dependent signaling pathways. The expression of wild‐type SHP‐2 caused a dephosphorylation of several focal adhesion associated proteins including paxillin, p130Cas, and tensin in VSMC. This dephosphorylation of focal adhesion associated proteins was accompanied by significantly decreased numbers of focal adhesions within cells. These results demonstrate a unique role for SHP‐2 in the regulation of the cellular architecture of VSMC, suggesting the possibility that this phosphatase might be instrumental in vascular remodeling. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of Functional Human α6β2β3* Acetylcholine Receptors in Xenopus laevis Oocytes Achieved through Subunit Chimeras and Concatamers

α6β2β3* acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on dopaminergic neurons are important targets for drugs to treat nicotine addiction and Parkinson's disease. However, it has not been possible to efficiently express functional α6β2β3* AChRs in oocytes or transfected cells. α6/α3 subunit chimeras permit expression of functional AChRs and reveal that parts of the α6 M1 transmembrane domain and large cytoplasmic domain impair assembly. Concatameric subunits permit assembly of functional α6β2β3* AChRs with defined subunit compositions and subunit orders. Assembly of accessory subunits is limiting in formation of mature AChRs. A single linker between the β3 accessory subunit and an α4 or α6 subunit is sufficient to permit assembly of complex β3-(α4β2)(α6β2) or β3-(α6β2)(α4β2) AChRs. Concatameric pentamers such as β3-α6-β2-α4-β2 have been functionally characterized. α6β2β3* AChRs are sensitive to activation by drugs used for smoking cessation therapy (nicotine, varenicline, and cytisine) and by sazetidine. All these are partial agonists. (α6β2)(α4β2)β3 AChRs are most sensitive to agonists. (α6β2)2β3 AChRs have the greatest Ca2+ permeability. (α4β2)(α6β2)β3 AChRs are most efficiently transported to the cell surface, whereas (α6β2)2β3 AChRs are the least efficiently transported. Dopaminergic neurons may have special chaperones for assembling accessory subunits with α6 subunits and for transporting (α6β2)2β3 AChRs to the cell surface. Concatameric pentamers and pentamers formed from combinations of trimers, dimers, and monomers exhibit similar properties, indicating that the linkers between subunits do not alter their functional properties. For the first time, these concatamers allow analysis of functional properties of α6β2β3* AChRs. These concatamers should enable selection of drugs specific for α6β2β3* AChRs.
High‐Resolution Melt as a Screening Method in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited condition caused by PKD1 and PKD2 mutations. Complete analysis of both genes is typically required in each patient. In this study, we explored the utility of High‐Resolution Melt (HRM) as a tool for mutation analysis of the PKD2 gene in ADPKD families.
Cervical and Cranial Computed Tomographic Angiography With Automated Bone Removal: Dual Energy Computed Tomography Versus Standard Computed Tomography

Objective:In supraaortic vessels, bone subtracted maximum intensity projections make the evaluation of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) datasets easier and faster. Dual energy CT can be used for bone removal without user interaction. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of conventional and dual energy-based bone removal. Materials and Methods:Dual energy CT angiography of the supraaortic vessels was acquired in 30 patients at 140 and 80 kVp tube potential simultaneously. Thick images of 0.75 mm were reconstructed from both datasets, and an additional weighted average dataset using information from both tubes was calculated. Two readers independently assessed vessel delineation, completeness of bone removal, and vessel preservation, as well as adequacy for diagnostic evaluation after dual energy-based bone removal (DEBR) and conventional bone removal (CoBR). The Student t test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were applied to test differences between data for significance. Cohen’s &kgr;-test was used to calculate the interobserver agreement. Results:Of dual energy datasets DEBR 88.3% were rated as adequate for diagnostic evaluation compared with only 6.7% with CoBR, P < 0.001. Of DEBR (35%) contained all vessels and no bony structures, whereas all diagnostic CoBR still contained residual bone and showed partial vessel truncations. Vessel delineation was rated significantly better with DEBR. DEBR profited from stronger vascular enhancement, whereas it had no significant influence on CoBR. Reading times were 173 ± 55 seconds with DEBR and 253 ± 12 seconds with CoBR, P < 0.001, which corresponds to a reduction of 32%. Comparison of dual energy CTA versus single energy CTA showed a dose reduction of 29.0% to 43.7%. Conclusions:Dual Energy-based bone removal can remove bony structures from supraaortic CTA datasets without time-consuming user interaction. This leads to a significant reduction of reading time, radiation dose and improved vessel delineation.
Hierarchical Bayes prioritization of marker associations from a genome‐wide association scan for further investigation

We describe a hierarchical regression modeling approach to selection of a subset of markers from the first stage of a genomewide association scan to carry forward to subsequent stages for testing on an independent set of subjects. Rather than simply selecting a subset of most significant marker‐disease associations at some cutoff chosen to maximize the cost efficiency of a multistage design, we propose a prior model for the true noncentrality parameters of these associations composed of a large mass at zero and a continuous distribution of nonzero values. The prior probability of nonzero values and their prior means can be functions of various covariates characterizing each marker, such as their location relative to genes or evolutionary conserved regions, or prior linkage or association data. We propose to take the top ranked posterior expectations of the noncentrality parameters for confirmation in later stages of a genomewide scan. The statistical performance of this approach is compared with the traditional p‐value ranking by simulation studies. We show that the ranking by posterior expectations performs better at selecting the true positive association than a simple ranking of p‐values if at least some of the prior covariates have predictive value. Genet. Epidemiol. 31, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypervariable prophage WO sequences describe an unexpected high number of Wolbachia variants in the mosquito Culex pipiens

Wolbachia are maternally inherited endosymbiotic bacteria that infect many arthropod species and may induce cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) resulting in abortive embryonic development. Among all the described host species, mosquitoes of the Culex pipiens complex display the highest variability of CI crossing types. Paradoxically, searches for polymorphism in Wolbachia infecting strains and field populations hitherto failed or produced very few markers. Here, we show that an abundant source of the long-sought polymorphism lies in WO prophage sequences present in multiple copies dispersed in the genome of Wolbachia infecting C. pipiens (wPip). We identified up to 66 different Wolbachia variants in C. pipiens strains and field populations and no occurrence of superinfection was observed. At least 49 different Wolbachia occurred in Southern Europe C. pipiens populations, and up to 10 different Wolbachia were even detected in a single population. This is in sharp contrast with North African and Cretan samples, which exhibited only six variants. The WO polymorphism appeared stable over time, and was exclusively transferred maternally. Interestingly, we found that the CI pattern previously described correlates with the variability of Gp15, a prophage protein similar to a bacterial virulence protein. WO prophage sequences thus represent variable markers that now open routes for approaching the molecular basis of CI, the host effects, the structure and dynamics of Wolbachia populations.
Eigen-flame image-based robust recognition of burning states for sintering process control of rotary kiln

Recognition of burning states is a critical issue in sintering process control of rotary kiln, and the recognition is usually based on the temperatures of burning zone. Recently, flame image-based burning states recognition has received much attention. However, most of the methods reported involve image segmentation, which is a very challenging problem due to the poor quality of flame images of rotary kiln, and the recognition accuracy is hard to guarantee. In this study, we propose a new method for burning states recognition without demanding image segmentation. The basic idea of this new method is to extract features from eigen-flame images to classify these flame images using probabilistic neural network. The advantages of the new method are threefold. Firstly, the new method is computationally more efficient than image segmentation-based methods. Once the eigen-flame images are obtained off-line, feature extraction is simply a process of correlating an image with each of the eigen-flame images. Secondly, the eigen-flame image-based features capture the global characteristics of an image and hence can lead to more accurate recognition. Thirdly, the new method is robust and is able to deal with images with poor quality. The proposed new method is validated through extensive experimental studies, to show that the new method improves recognition accuracy substantially compared with image segmentation-based methods and temperature-based methods. It is expected that more consistent product quality, higher yield and lower energy consumption can be achieved if the new burning state recognizer is incorporated into our previously developed hybrid control system for rotary kiln.
Glucose Tolerance and Insulin Release, A Mathematical Approach: II. Approximation of the Peripheral Insulin Resistance After Oral Glucose Loading

A parameter of peripheral insulin activity (A = 10(4)/IpGp) can be obtained after oral glucose loading by simple calcuation using insulin and glucose levels at the glucose peak. In combination with a glucose-independent parameter of beta-cell function (CIR = 100· I/G(G-70) a parameter of glucose tolerance (GT = A · CIR) is defined. The parameters allow one to separate the contributions of beta-cell function and peripheral insulin resistance to the glucose tolerance observed after glucose loading. Examples, based on the literature and our own work, illustrate the increase of A and GT by cortisone acetate premedication as well as long-term oral contraceptive medication.
Physical activity among employee women based on transtheoretical model

Introduction: Today, many jobs are associated with the inactivity or sedentary lifestyle. Employees’ health will be affected by their depriving of the benefits of physical activity (PA). Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the PA among employee women in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences based on the transtheoretical model. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study has been performed in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences employee women (2013). A convenience sample of 100 women was selected. Data were collected by validated and reliable questionnaire in three parts (demographics information, PA scale, and TTM constructs). Data were analyzed by SPSS SPSS (version 16.0; SPSS, IBM, Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) and descriptive and analytical statistics such as ANOVA and independent t-test were used. A two-tailed P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean of PA was 21.17 ± 27.30 min in a day. Weekly heavy, moderate, and light exercise mean was 0.72 ± 1.81, 0.89 ± 1.87 and 0.57 ± 1.57 days, respectively. In this study, 26% of women were in contemplation, 22% in contemplation, 20% in preparation, 13% in action, and 19% in the maintenance stage. Furthermore, there were significant differences between consciousness raising, dramatic relief, counter-conditioning, stimulus control, helping relationships, reinforcement management, and self-liberation with stages of change constructs. Conclusion: Because of a significant relationship between cognitive and behavioral processes and PA in this group, designing and implementing an educational program based on the transtheoretical model may be useful in promoting PA of a female employee.
Diffusion tensor imaging in SPG11- and SPG4-linked hereditary spastic paraplegia

The aim of this study was to identify potential diagnostic markers of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP). We investigated the white matter features of spastic gait (SPG)11- and SPG4-linked HSP, using diffusion tensor imaging performed with a 3-Tesla (3T) scanner. We examined four patients with SPG11 mutations, three with SPG4 mutations, and 26 healthy controls. We obtained maps of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), which we analyzed through both region of interest -based approach and tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS). Compared with healthy controls, SPG11 patients presented increased MD and decreased FA in the semioval centers, frontal and peritrigonal white matter, posterior limb of the internal capsule, and throughout the corpus callosum. Similar alterations were seen in the SPG4 patients at the levels of the semioval centers, the posterior limb of the internal capsule, the left cerebral pedicle, the genu and trunk of the corpus callosum, and the peritrigonal white matter on the left. No MD or FA alterations were observed in the cerebellar white matter. In a direct comparison, white matter alterations were more pronounced and widespread in HSP-SPG11 than in HSP-SPG4 patients. Joint TBSS analysis of all three groups confirmed significant widespread alterations of FA and MD values in the supratentorial white matter. This noninvasive study documented the presence of altered diffusivity in white matter in both forms of HSP, which could represent an important diagnostic marker of HSP. The association of reduced FA and increased MD in this patient population supports the interpretation of HPG as a neurodegenerative disorder.
Set7/9 Impacts COL2A1 Expression Through Binding and Repression of SirT1 Histone Deacetylation

Type II collagen is a key cartilaginous extracellular protein required for normal endochondral development and cartilage homeostasis. COL2A1 gene expression is positively regulated by the NAD‐dependent protein deacetylase Sirtuin 1 (SirT1), through its ability to bind chromatin regions of the COL2A1 promoter and enhancer. Although SirT1/Sox9 binding on the enhancer site of COL2A1 was previously demonstrated, little is known about its functional role on the gene promoter site. Here, we examined the mechanism by which promoter‐associated SirT1 governs COL2A1 expression. Human chondrocytes were encapsulated in three‐dimensional (3D) alginate beads where they exhibited upregulated COL2A1 mRNA expression and increased levels of SirT1 occupancy on the promoter and enhancer regions, when compared to monolayer controls. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analyses of 3D cultures showed augmented levels of the DNA‐binding transcription factor SP1, and the histone methyltransferase Set7/9, on the COL2A1 promoter site. ChIP reChIP assays revealed that SirT1 and Set7/9 form a protein complex on the COL2A1 promoter region of 3D‐cultured chondrocytes, which also demonstrated elevated trimethylated lysine 4 on histone 3 (3MeH3K4), a hallmark of Set7/9 methyltransferase activity. Advanced passaging of chondrocytes yielded a decrease in 3MeH3K4 and Set7/9 levels on the COL2A1 promoter and reduced COL2A1 expression, suggesting that the SirT1/Set7/9 complex is preferentially formed on the COL2A1 promoter and required for gene activation. Interestingly, despite SirT1 occupancy, its deacetylation targets (ie, H3K9/14 and H4K16) were found acetylated on the COL2A1 promoter of 3D‐cultured chondrocytes. A possible explanation for this phenotype is the enrichment of the histone acetyltransferases P300 and GCN5 on the COL2A1 promoter of3 D‐cultured chondrocytes. Our study indicates that Set7/9 prevents the histone deacetylase activity of SirT1, potentiating euchromatin formation on the promoter site of COL2A1 and resulting in morphology‐dependent COL2A1 gene transactivation. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The role of cyclooxygenase products in lung injury induced by tumor necrosis factor in sheep.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) has been proposed as a mediator of endotoxin-induced lung injury. When given to sheep, TNF alpha mimics endotoxin (LPS) causing hypoxemia, pulmonary hypertension, leukopenia, reduced dynamic compliance (Cdyn), increased resistance to airflow (RL), exudation of lung lymph, and enhanced airway reactivity. TNF alpha also induces rapid release of thromboxane A2 (TxA2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and prostacyclin (PGI2). We hypothesized that the inflammatory effects of TNF alpha are due at least in part to cyclooxygenase products, and therefore cyclooxygenase inhibition would have similar effects on TNF alpha-induced lung injury as has previously been demonstrated for LPS-induced lung damage. Using awake sheep with chronic lung lymph fistulas, we measured Cdyn, RL, and FRC using a whole-body plethysmograph. Pulmonary artery (Ppa), left atrial (PLA), and systemic arterial (Psa) pressures were recorded continuously. Arterial blood gases (for calculating AaPO2), leukocyte counts, and lymph samples (for prostanoid levels) were collected every 30 min. Eleven animals underwent paired random-order experiments receiving ibuprofen (14 mg/kg) 1 h before human recombinant TNF alpha (10 micrograms/kg), or an identical dose of TNF alpha alone. Within 15 min of initiating TNF alpha, Ppa doubled and remained elevated for 4 h. Ibuprofen prevented the early rise in Ppa after TNF alpha. In the group receiving TNF alpha alone, increases in Ppa were accompanied by a 60% decline in leukocyte count and a 50% increase in AaPo2 within 30 min. Ibuprofen prevented increases in AaPo2, but it had no effect on leukopenia or late increases in lymph flow. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Spectral Shift of Fluorescent Dye FM4‐64 Reveals Distinct Microenvironment of Nuclear Envelope in Living Cells

We report a distinct microenvironment within the nuclear envelope (NE) in living cells revealed by a spectral shift of the fluorescent dye FM4‐64 (N‐(3‐triethylammoniumpropyl)‐4‐(p‐diethylaminophenylhexatrienyl)‐pyridinium 2Br). The dye readily translocated to the NE at physiological temperature where it exhibited enhanced fluorescence when excited at 620–650 nm in contrast to 480–520 nm excitation in the endocytic pathway and in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In vitro data indicated that the dye reveals an enrichment of negatively charged lipids, presumably due to local phospholipid synthesis. Dual‐excitation imaging of FM4‐64 in relation to lamina‐associated polypeptide‐1–green fluorescent protein during mitosis suggested that the disassembly of NE preserves microscale lipid complexes in the ER. Convolutions of NE in cancer or primary cells were readily visualized, and killing of tumor cells by T cells was marked by sudden loss of the long‐wavelength excited fluorescence in the NE coincident with apoptosis. This report of FM4‐64 as the first vital dye sensitive to the NE environment opens new ways for real‐time visualization and functional studies of the NE.