Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cell cycle‐dependent expression of potassium channels and cell proliferation in rat mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow

Abstract. Objective: Recently, our team has demonstrated that voltage‐gated delayed rectifier K+ current (IKDR) and Ca2+‐activated K+ current (IKCa) are present in rat bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells; however, little is known of their physiological roles. The present study was designed to investigate whether functional expression of IKDR and IKCa would change with cell cycle progression, and whether they could regulate proliferation in undifferentiated rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Materials and Methods: Membrane potentials and ionic currents were recorded using whole‐cell patch clamp technique, cell cycling was analysed by flow cytometry, cell proliferation was assayed with DNA incorporation method and the related genes were down‐regulated by RNA interference (RNAi) and examined using RT‐PCR. Results: It was found that membrane potential hyperpolarized, and cell size increased during the cell cycle. In addition, IKDR decreased, while IKCa increased during progress from G1 to S phase. RT‐PCR revealed that the mRNA levels of Kv1.2 and Kv2.1 (likely responsible for IKDR) reduced, whereas the mRNA level of KCa3.1 (responsible for intermediate‐conductance IKCa) increased with the cell cycle progression. Down‐regulation of Kv1.2, Kv2.1 or KCa3.1 with the specific RNAi, targeted to corresponding gene inhibited proliferation of rat MSCs. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that membrane potential, IKDR and IKCa channels change with cell cycle progression and corresponding alteration of gene expression. IKDR and intermediate‐conductance IKCa play an important role in maintaining membrane potential and they participate in modulation of proliferation in rat MSCs.
Confidence Domains in the Analysis of Noise-Induced Transition to Chaos for Goodwin Model of Business Cycles

Stochastically forced Goodwin model of business cycles is considered. In a multistable zone, we study the phenomena of noise-induced transitions and chaotization. To clarify a probabilistic mechanism of these phenomena found numerically, we apply a semi-analytical method based on the stochastic sensitivity function technique and confidence domains. Using elaborated method, we estimate a critical value of the noise intensity corresponding to the onset of chaos.
Fluid replacement and glucose infusion during exercise prevent cardiovascular drift.

This study examined the influence of both hydration and blood glucose concentration on cardiovascular drift during exercise. We first determined if the prevention of dehydration during exercise by full fluid replacement prevents the decline in stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) during prolonged exercise. On two occasions, 10 endurance-trained subjects cycled an ergometer in a 22 degrees C room for 2 h, beginning at 70 +/- 1% maximal O2 uptake (VO2max) and in a euhydrated state. During one trial, no fluid (NF) replacement was provided and the subject's body weight declined 2.09 +/- 0.19 kg or 2.9%. During the fluid replacement trial (FR), water was ingested at a rate that prevented body weight from declining after 2 h of exercise (i.e., 2.34 +/- 0.17 1/2 h). SV declined 15% and CO declined 7% during the 20- to 120-min period of the NF trial while heart rate (HR) increased 10% and O2 uptake (VO2) increased 6% (all P less than 0.05). In contrast, SV was maintained during the 20- to 120-min period of FR while HR increased 5% and thus CO actually increased 7% (all P less than 0.05). Rectal temperature, SV, and HR were similar during the 1st h of exercise during NF and FR. However, after 2 h of exercise, rectal temperature was 0.6 degree C higher (P less than 0.05) and SV and CO were 11-16% lower (P less than 0.05) during NF compared with FR. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Fluoride concentrations in saliva after single oral doses and their relation to plasma fluoride.

The saliva and plasma fluoride (F) concentrations following intake of different doses of fluoride tablets were studied in six subjects. There was a close relationship between saliva F and plasma F and the ratio was 0.64 +/- 0.01 (s.e.). The plasma half life of F was 4-16 h. This results indicate that saliva F may be a useful substitute for blood sampling in studies concerning the pharmacokinetics of fluoride.
Psas : a means for influencing college-aged young adulTs

The over-consumption of alcohol by college-aged adults continues to be a societal problem. This study analyzed the effect of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) designed to counteract alcohol advertisements on the behavior of college-aged consumers of alcohol. The researcher conducted a review of the literature as a means of discussing the issue. The aim of this research was to find the most effective means for discouraging alcohol overconsumption, specifically binge drinking, in college-aged adults, and for encouraging the responsible use of alcohol. The researcher examined media elements in relation to two theoretical frameworks as a means of conducting the research. This research contributes to continuing research efforts that recognize the need for PSAs to produce effective behavioral changes among young adult audiences. The alcohol industry has reached billions of consumers—many of them college-aged adults—with the assistance of advertising corporations. It is of crucial importance that social marketing groups also employ advertising techniques through public service announcements (PSAs) to counteract the messages conveyed by alcohol advertisements. These pro-health campaigns, however, often face an uphill battle, since sporting and music events that attract large numbers of young adults are often sponsored by alcoholicbeverage companies (Andsager, Austin, & Pinkleton, 2001; Wagenaar, Toomey, & Lenk, 2004). The previous information has allowed this researcher to, thus, present the question of how has alcohol-related public service announcements (PSAs) have been effective in inciting a behavioral change among college-aged young adult consumers of alcohol?
Window Ca2+ current and its modulation by Ca2+ release in hypertrophied cardiac myocytes from dogs with chronic atrioventricular block

Torsades de pointes (TdP) ventricular tachycardia typically occurs in the setting of early afterdepolarizations; it contributes to arrhythmias and sudden death in congenital and acquired heart disease. Window L‐type Ca2+ current (ICaL) has a central role in the arrhythmogenesis and may be particularly important under β‐adrenergic stimulation. We studied the properties of ICaL in myocytes from the dog with chronic atrioventricular block (cAVB) that has cardiac hypertrophy and an increased susceptibility to TdP. Peak ICaL densities at baseline (K+‐ and Na+‐free solutions, 10 mmol l−1[EGTA]pip) in cAVB were comparable to control, but inactivation was shifted to the right, resulting in a larger window current area in cAVB. Under β‐adrenergic stimulation, the window current area was increased and shifted to the left, but less so in cAVB (maximum at −27 mV, versus−32 mV in control). ICaL during a step to −35 mV showed a transient reduction immediately after the peak. Test steps to 0 mV, simultaneous recording of [Ca2+]i and manipulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release showed that this resulted from inhibition and fast recovery of ICaL with SR Ca2+ release. The extent of this dynamic modulation was larger in cAVB than in control (23 ± 2% of the initially available current, versus 13 ± 3%; P < 0.05). Early afterdepolarizations (EADs) in cAVB myocytes under β‐adrenergic stimulation typically occurred in the window current voltage range and after decline of [Ca2+]i. In conclusion, in cAVB, the larger window current, its rightward shift and enhanced dynamic modulation by SR Ca2+ release may contribute to an increased incidence of EADs in cAVB under β‐adrenergic stimulation.
Form Factor Calculation: a New Expression with Implementations on a Parallel T.Node Computer

The radiosity technique uses the heat transfer theory to define a view‐independent illumination model. For complex scenes, calculation of this model is very time‐intensive, due largely to the determination of a geometric factor, defined with a double area integral, and named form factor. This paper presents a new expression of the form factor, which can be reformulated, in a computationally more efficient manner, as a simple line integral for planar polygonal convex surfaces that are perfectly diffuse.
Fluorescein angiography for predicting healing of foot ulcers.

Fluorescein angiography (FA) was performed on 83 patients (68 diabetics) with foot ulcer or gangrene. Densitometric measurements were made on the FA images, and different FA parameters were defined. These parameters, as well as systolic ankle and toe blood pressures, were evaluated for predicting the future course, i.e., whether healing would occur or whether major amputation below or above the knee had to be performed. The toe slope (i.e., the rate of increase of fluorescence on the big toe during the first 10 seconds after its appearance on the toe) predicted healing correctly in 0.83 and major amputation in 0.88. The ankle and toe pressures had only slightly lower predictive value. The combination of ankle pressure and toe slope predicted healing correctly in 0.91 and major amputation in 0.88. When ankle pressure cannot be measured, FA is the method of choice. Further, FA provides information on regional blood flow unobtainable by any other method.
Identification of a recombinant live attenuated respiratory syncytial virus vaccine candidate that is highly attenuated in infants.

BACKGROUND Recombination technology can be used to create live attenuated respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines that contain combinations of known attenuating mutations. METHODS Two live attenuated, recombinantly derived RSV vaccine candidates, rA2cp248/404 Delta SH and rA2cp248/404/1030 Delta SH, were evaluated in 31 adults and in 95 children >/=6 months old. rA2cp248/404/1030 Delta SH was subsequently evaluated in 44 infants 1-2 months old. These vaccine candidates share 4 attenuating genetic elements and differ only in a missense mutation (1030) in the polymerase gene. RESULTS Both vaccines were highly attenuated in adults and RSV-seropositive children and were well tolerated and immunogenic in RSV-seronegative children. Compared with that of rA2cp248/404 Delta SH, replication of rA2cp248/404/1030 Delta SH was restricted in RSV-seronegative children (mean peak titer, 10(4.3) vs. 10(2.5) plaque-forming units [pfu]/mL), indicating that the 1030 mutation had a potent attenuating effect. Although rA2cp248/404/1030 Delta SH was well tolerated in infants, only 44% of infants who received two 10(5.3)-pfu doses of vaccine had detectable antibody responses. However, replication after administration of the second dose was highly restricted, indicating that protective immunity was induced. At least 4 of 5 attenuating genetic elements were retained in recovered vaccine viruses. CONCLUSIONS rA2cp248/404/1030 Delta SH is the first RSV vaccine candidate to be sufficiently attenuated in young infants. Additional studies are needed to determine whether rA2cp248/404/1030 Delta SH can induce protective immunity against wild-type RSV.
Adenosine Deaminase 1 rs73598374 Genetic Polymorphism and Activity in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

In the present work we evaluated adenosine deaminase 1 (ADA1) encoding gene (ADA1) rs73598374 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and the activity of this enzyme in patients with ischemic stroke (IS) in Armenian population. A total of 98 first episode IS patients within the first 24 hours of stroke onset, and age- and sex matched 177 healthy subjects (control group) were enrolled in this study. Genomic DNA samples of study subjects were genotyped for ADA1 rs73598374 SNP using polymerase chain reaction with the sequence specific primers. ADA1 activity was determined by colorimetric assay evaluating ammonia liberated in the enzymatic reaction of adenosine deamination. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, Pearson’s Chisquare test and Student's t-test were used for evaluation of the obtained results. The obtained results demonstrated no significant differences in allele and phenotype frequencies of the selected genetic variant between study groups, thus indicating no association of ADA1 rs73598374 SNP with IS. Also, insignificant difference was detected when comparing ADA1 activity levels in the blood of IS patients and healthy subjects. In summary we concluded that alterations in ADA1 enzyme on both genetic and activity levels are not implicated in IS pathogenesis.
Benign Essential Blepharospasm: Risk Factors with Reference to Hemifacial Spasm

Background: To identify risk factors associated with benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) with reference to hemifacial spasm (HFS). Persons with BEB and HFS experience similar physical symptoms, yet the two disorders have different etiologies. Methods: Patients with BEB (n = 159) or HFS (n = 91) were identified from two large neuro-ophthalmology clinics. Demographic, medical, behavioral, and psychological characteristics were obtained from chart review and a telephonic survey questionnaire. Results: The average age of BEB and HFS was 66 years. Most patients in both groups were retired, white, and female. BEB patients were more than two times as likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder than HFS patients (odds ratio, 2.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-3.72). There was no difference between the two groups regarding demographics, smoking, a family history of dystonia, Parkinson disease, Bell palsy, Tourette disorder, obsessive compulsive symptoms, history of head trauma, alcohol use, or caffeine consumption. Conclusions: As compared to HFS, BEB was significantly more often associated with generalized anxiety disorder. Given the similarity of other clinical features of these two disorders, it is reasonable to conclude that anxiety is a cause not a consequence of BEB. Contrary to previous studies, BEB was not associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms, head trauma, Parkinson disease, Bell palsy, Tourette disorder, or lack of smoking.
RNA helicase SACY-1 is required for longevity caused by various genetic perturbations in Caenorhabditis elegans

ABSTRACT RNA helicases, which unwind RNAs, are essential for RNA metabolism and homeostasis. However, the roles of RNA helicases in specific physiological processes remain poorly understood. We recently reported that an RNA helicase, HEL-1, promotes long lifespan conferred by reduced insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling (IIS) in Caenorhabditis elegans. We also showed that HEL-1 induces the expression of longevity genes by physically interacting with Forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factor. Thus, the HEL-1 RNA helicase appears to regulate lifespan by specifically activating FOXO in IIS. In the current study, we report another longevity-promoting RNA helicase, Suppressor of ACY-4 sterility 1 (SACY-1). SACY-1 contributed to the longevity of daf-2/insulin/IGF-1 receptor mutants. Unlike HEL-1, SACY-1 was also required for the longevity due to mutations in genes involved in non-IIS pathways. Thus, SACY-1 appears to function as a general longevity factor for various signaling pathways, which is different from the specific function of HEL-1.
A novel coordinated control strategy of PV/BES system considering power smoothing

This paper presents a novel coordinated control strategy for use in a hybrid photovoltaic/battery energy storage (PV/BES) system. Different modes of operation are simulated within the PV/BES system controllers considering normal, high fluctuation and emergency conditions. When the system is grid-connected, and during hours of high fluctuation, BES regulates the fluctuated power output of a PV farm which ensures that the net injected power from PV/BES system to the utility grid is smoothed out. For such purpose, an improved dynamic BES model is proposed along with the state of charge feedback controller to ensure an efficient power output set point tracking while promoting safe operation of BES. In case of islanded operation, BES system is transferred to single master operation where frequency and voltage of the islanded microgrid are regulated at the desired level.
The first 2 years of rheumatoid arthritis: The influence of acceptance on pain, physical limitation and depression

The influence of acceptance in the progression of pain, physical limitation and depression was explored in the first 2 years of rheumatoid arthritis. Latent growth curve models showed significant increases in pain, physical limitation and depression. Besides that, the levels of pain and physical limitation at the baseline were associated with acceptance but not its progression across time. Therefore, patients with higher scores of acceptance reported less pain and physical limitation. The progression of depression was associated with acceptance; higher acceptance patients had slower growth rates of depression across time, even when pain and physical limitations increased. The inclusion of pain acceptance in clinical practice is discussed.
Electromyographic analysis of trunk and hip muscles during resisted lateral band walking

The purpose of this study was to simultaneously quantify bilateral activation/recruitment levels (% maximum voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) for trunk and hip musculature on both moving and stance lower limbs during resisted lateral band walking. Differential electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded in neutral, internal, and external hip rotation in 21 healthy participants. EMG signals were collected with DE-3.1 double-differential surface electrodes at a sampling frequency of 1,000 Hz during three consecutive lateral steps. Gluteus medius average EMG activation was greater (p = 0.001) for the stance limb (52 SD 18% MVIC) than moving limb (35 SD 16% MVIC). Gluteus maximus EMG activation was greater (p = 0.002) for the stance limb (19 SD 13% MVIC) than moving limb (13 SD 9% MVIC). Erector spinae activation was greater (p = 0.007) in hip internal rotation (30 SD 13% MVIC) than neutral rotation (26 SD 10% MVIC) and the moving limb (31 SD 15% MVIC) was greater (p = 0.039) than the stance limb (23 SD 11% MVIC). Gluteus medius and maximus muscle activation were greater on the stance limb than moving limb during resisted lateral band walking. Therefore, clinicians may wish to consider using the involved limb as the stance limb during resisted lateral band walking exercise.
The Use of Proof Planning for Co-operative Theorem Proving

We describebarnacle: a co-operative interface to theclaminductive theorem proving system. For the foreseeable future, there will be theorems which cannot be proved completely automatically, so the ability to allow human intervention is desirable; for this intervention to be productive the problem of orienting the user in the proof attempt must be overcome. There are many semi-automatic theorem provers: we call our style of theorem provingco-operative, in that the skills of both human and automaton are used each to their best advantage, and used together may find a proof where other methods fail. The co-operative nature of thebarnacleinterface is made possible by the proof planning technique underpinningclam. Our claim is that proof planning makes new kinds of user interaction possible.Proof planning is a technique for guiding the search for a proof in automatic theorem proving. Common patterns of reasoning in proofs are identified and represented computationally as proof plans, which can then be used to guide the search for proofs of new conjectures. We have harnessed the explanatory power of proof planning to enable the user to understand where the automatic prover got to and why it is stuck. A user can analyse the failed proof in terms ofclam's specification language, and hence override the prover to force or prevent the application of a tactic, or discover a proof patch. This patch might be to apply further rules or tactics to bridge the gap between the effects of previous tactics and the preconditions needed by a currently inapplicable tactic.
Childhood Abuse and Its Association with Mid-Aged Women's Sexual Functioning

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of recalled childhood sexual and physical abuse with current sexual functioning in mid-life. The sample was participants in the longitudinal population-based cohort of mid-aged women, The Melbourne Women's Midlife Health Project. Three hundred sixty two of the women (92% of the available cohort) were administered the Violence Questionnaire in the sixth year of follow-up. This included questions on physical abuse and sexual abuse experienced in childhood. We used the Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire (Dennerstein, Anderson-Hunt, & Dudley, 2002) to assess current sexual functioning. Forty eight percent of the women had no experience of childhood sexual abuse, 42% had experienced noncontact sexual abuse, 36% had experienced contact sexual abuse, and 7% had experienced penetrative sexual abuse. Nine percent of the women had experienced physical abuse in childhood. Women who had experienced penetrative childhood sexual abuse were significantly more likely to have fewer children (median 2) than women who had not experienced penetrative childhood sexual abuse (median 3) (P < 0.05). The only area of sexual or relational functioning significantly affected by childhood sexual abuse was that of feelings for partner (P < 0.05). Those who experienced penetrative childhood sexual abuse had, on average, significantly shorter current relationships (P < 0.05). Women who had experienced both childhood sexual and physical abuse reported a lower frequency of current sexual activities (P < 0.05). This study of mid-aged women found that the major impact of childhood sexual abuse is on the quality of relationship with the partner.