Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
INTERACTION OF THROMBIN WITH PLATELETS: PURIFICATION OF THE THROMBIN SUBSTRATE *

The molecular mechanism by which a-thrombin activates platelets remains an essentially unsolved problem in hemostasis. Interaction of thrombin with the platelet plasma membrane is sufficient to trigger this event since a-thrombin covalently coupled to agarose beads will activate plate1ets.l The active site of thrombin plays a critical role since active-site-inhibited thrombin (by diisopropyl fluorophosphate [DFP], phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride [PMSF], and l-chloro3-tosylarnido-7-amino-~-Zheptanone [TLCK]) will not activate platelet^. ^-^ Further, a number of proteases, such as trypsin,zo papain,s and thrombocytin,? , 8 whose cleavage specificity overlaps that of a-thrombin, will activate platelets. Our working hypothesis for identification of the thrombin receptor on platelets is that interaction of thrombin with its receptor involves a hydrolytic event. Despite the evidence for a simple hydrolytic mechanism, other aspects of thrombin-platelet interaction suggest a classical agonist-receptor equilibrium 8 . 9 in that the amount of dense body secretion is proportional to thrombin concent r a t i ~ n . ~ , lo Binding analyses employing 1251-labeled a-thrombin indicate -500 high-affinity binding sites with a K,% of -1 nM and -50,000 low-affinity binding sites with a K, of -100 nM.34, 11-13 Although the precise relationship between the two types of binding sites remains ~ n c l e a r , ~ . l4 binding to both classes of sites is freely reversible with koff 2 S ~ C ' . ~ . l5 In contrast, if thrombin is reacted with an excess of platelets, the rate of appearance of catalytically active thrombin may be calculated from the data of Detwiler and Feinman to occur with a first-order rate constant of ~ e c l . ~ Binding analyses using lZ5Ilabeled, active-site-inhibited a-thrombin (by DFP, PMSF and TLCK) yield the same number of binding sites and binding affinities as observed with native a-thr~mbin. ~. 4, l 6 This competition for binding is not reflected in the functional response of platelets, since inhibited thrombin, even in a 1000-fold excess, is without effect on, or enhances, the subsequent response of platelets to catalytically active thr~mbin . ~ , 5 . 6
Development of a motion training support system for hemiplegic upper extremity

The purpose of this study is to develop a system to support early rehabilitation training and home-based training. The subject is the rehabilitation training for hemiplegic upper extremities. During the rehabilitation training, motion training for the hemiplegic parts is carried out. The training also encompasses another hand (non-hemiplegic hand) to replace the function of the hemiplegic hand. Some patients are frustrated with operating small tools during the training. Some also want to carry out voluntary training in the patient room or at home under the guidance of occupational therapist. Thus, we developed a prototype system in which patients can conduct motion training of upper extremity while having fun. Our experience of developing the system is described in this article.
Configuration of Transforming Deoxyribonucleic Acid During Entry into Bacillus subtilis

Strauss, Norman (Yale University, New Haven, Conn.). Configuration of transforming deoxyribonucleic acid during entry into Bacillus subtilis. J. Bacteriol. 89:288–293. 1965. —A correlation was obtained between map distance and the length of the lag period preceding the appearance of pairs of genetic traits after the addition of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to a competent culture of Bacillus subtilis. The results are taken to indicate that DNA enters competent cells in lengthwise fashion. The smallest length of transforming DNA which can participate in a recombination event, and the number of nucleotide pairs which enter the cell per unit time, have been estimated. The evidence indicates that only part of the lag period is devoted to the transport of DNA into the cell. The significance of these results with respect to the mechanism of entry of DNA into the cell is discussed.
Bioelectric Medicine and Devices for the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury

Recovery of motor control is paramount for patients living with paralysis following spinal cord injury (SCI). While a cure or regenerative intervention remains on the horizon for the treatment of SCI, a number of neuroprosthetic devices have been employed to treat and mitigate the symptoms of paralysis associated with injuries to the spinal column and associated comorbidities. The recent success of epidural stimulation to restore voluntary motor function in the lower limbs of a small cohort of patients has breathed new life into the promise of electric-based medicine. Recently, a number of new organic and inorganic electronic devices have been developed for brain-computer interfaces to bypass the injury, for neurorehabilitation, bladder and bowel control, and the restoration of motor or sensory control. Herein, we discuss the recent advances in neuroprosthetic devices for treating SCI and highlight future design needs for closed-loop device systems.
Visualization and quantitative analysis of human erythrocyte phagocytosis †

Since the erythrophagocytosis of opsonized erythrocytes is investigated mainly by calculating the phagocytic index using subjective light microscopy evaluation, we present methods for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of human cell erythrophagocytosis. Erythrocytes from two storage periods were used. Using Imaris software, we were able to create a three-dimensional model of erythrophagocytosis. The use of microscopy instead of cytometry revealed a significantly higher number of monocytes and erythrocytes that appeared active in phagocytosis. Spatial reconstruction allowed for detailed analysis of the process by precisely locating erythrocytes in phagocytes. Additionally, a technique of sequential image registration using Nis Elements software allowed for observation of the course of phagocytosis over a range of time intervals. This in vitro research may be helpful for understanding the cellular interactions between monocytes and erythrocytes. The cytometric method ‒ being relatively rapid, sensitive, and specific ‒ can serve as an alternative technique to microscopy in the quantitative analysis of erythrophagocytosis. This allows us to avoid counting the erythrocytes nonspecifically attached to monocytes and gives objective results.
Prevention of Nosocomial Influenza

Abstract Objective: To study compliance with preventive strategies at a university hospital during an outbreak of nosocomial influenza A during the winter of 1988, and the rates of vaccination of healthcare workers and of nosocomial influenza following changes in vaccine practices after the outbreak. Design: Retrospective review of employee health, hospital epidemiology, hospital computing, and clinical microbiology records. Setting: A university hospital. Interventions: Unvaccinated personnel with exposure within the previous 72 hours to an unisolated case of influenza were offered influenza vaccine and 14 days of amantadine hydrochloride prophylaxis. Personnel with exposure more than 72 hours before evaluation were offered vaccine. A mobile cart was introduced for vaccinating personnel after the 1988 outbreak. Results: An outbreak of influenza with 10 nosocomial cases occurred in 1988. Only 4% of exposed employees had been vaccinated previously and 23% of exposed, unvaccinated employees agreed to take vaccine, amantadine, or both. A mobile-cart vaccination program was instituted, and annual vaccination rates steadily increased from 26.3% in 1989 to 1990 to 38% in 1993 to 1994 (P<.0001). The relative frequency of documented cases of influenza in employees with symptoms of influenza decreased significantly during this period (P=.025), but nosocomial influenza rates among patients did not change significantly. Conclusion: A mobile-cart influenza vaccination program was associated with a significant increase in compliance among healthcare workers, but a majority still remained unvaccinated. The rate of nosocomial influenza among patients was not reduced by the modest increase in the vaccination rate, but influenza rates remained acceptably low, perhaps due to respiratory isolation of patients and furlough of employees with influenza.
Genetic potential of interfacial guided osteogenesis in implant devices.

The purpose of this review is to summarise recent advances in the design and composition of bioactive surface layers of implantabile biomaterials, and thus the genetic potential of osteoprogenitor cells to recognize and respond to these diverse implanted biomaterials. Changes applied to a biomaterial's surface, in general, could improve its biocompatibility, osseointegration and durability properties, which are required for long-term implantation in the living body. In this review, the implant-bone interface was evaluated and interpreted on the basis of osteoblast cell cultures, i.e., on the genetic potential of osteoblasts to express different phenotype markers depending on the type of biomaterials used. The interface formed by in vitro-grown osteoblasts may be used to identify components of the in vivo implant-bone interface. Over the years, a large number of implant systems consisting of many different biomaterials have been introduced in dentistry and orthopaedics. This paper discusses the performance of currently used metals and other biomaterials, by focusing on the events which occur immediately after implantation and on their impact on the bone-implant interface. The review demonstrates that continuous improvements in composition, surface modality and design of implants may benefit osseointegration and clinical longevity of such implants. No load-bearing conditions or clinical status are discussed. Titanium (Ti) and calcium phosphate ceramics are regarded as the most biocompatible synthetic substances known to be used in hard tissue implantation. These biomaterials are osteoconductive, and do not induce ectopic bone formation. Nonetheless, they provide a physical matrix which is suitable for the deposition of new bone and may guide both the growth and extension of the bone. Comparative investigation evaluated that Ti implant systems appear to be apposed by more bone than ceramic systems, although alternatives concerning the type of Ti alloy and bioactive surface layer engineering, generate extremely diverse osseointegration results. Manufacturers have created an extensive range of inorganic or ceramic coatings on Ti implants in order to achieve better bone healing and osteoconduction. Biologically active molecules, added to the implant surface, represent breakthroughs in guided interfacial osteogenesis. This methodology offers an enormous potential of genetic controlling and promoting osteogenesis. The bone growth factors are not fully understood, but most researchers agree that the contact between the bioactive surface layer of the implant and bone is not static but dynamic and that the above factors may maximise the implant osseointegration.
Estimating pollen flow using SSR markers and paternity exclusion: accounting for mistyping

Highly informative genetic markers, such as simple sequence repeats (SSRs), can be used to directly measure pollen flow by parentage analysis. However, mistyping (i.e. false inference of genotypes caused by the occurrence of null alleles, mutations, and detection errors) can lead to substantial biases in the estimates obtained. Using computer simulations, we evaluated a direct method for estimating pollen immigration using SSR markers and a paternity exclusion approach. This method accounts for mistyping and does not rely on assumptions about the distribution of male reproductive success. If ignored, even minor rates of mistyping (1.5%) resulted in overestimating pollen immigration by up to 150%. When we required at least two mismatching loci before excluding candidate fathers from paternity, the resulting pollen immigration estimates had small biases for rates of mistyping up to 4.5%. Requiring at least three mismatches for exclusion was needed to minimize the upward biases of pollen immigration caused by rates of mistyping up to 10.5%. The minimum number of highly variable SSR loci needed to minimize cryptic gene flow and obtain reliable estimates of pollen immigration varied from five to seven for a sampling scheme applicable to most conifers (i.e. when paternal haplotypes can be unambiguously determined). Between five and nine highly variable SSR loci were needed for a more general sampling scheme that is applicable to all diploid seed plants. With moderately variable SSR markers, consistently accurate estimates of pollen immigration could be obtained only for rates of mistyping up to 4.5%. We developed the pollen flow (pfl) computer program which can be used to obtain unbiased and precise estimates of pollen immigration under a wide range of conditions, including population sizes as large as 600 parents and mistyping rates as high as 10.5%.
Preparing Latino Students for Life After High School: The Important Role of School Counselors and School Psychologists

Latinos represent a significant percentage of the U.S. population; yet, they continue to experience substantial educational challenges in society. The purpose of this paper is to explore the barriers Latino students face in pursuit of educational opportunity and the important role school counselors and school psychologists can play in preparing them for life after high school, whether it be participation in the workforce or attendance at a postsecondary institution. Policy recommendations are provided for educators and policymakers at the secondary and postsecondary levels. Moreover, practice recommendations are offered for school counselors and school psychologists at the secondary level.
Adult age differences in learning from positive and negative probabilistic feedback.

OBJECTIVE Past research has investigated age differences in frontal-based decision making, but few studies have focused on the behavioral effects of striatal-based changes in healthy aging. Feedback learning has been found to vary with dopamine levels; increases in dopamine facilitate learning from positive feedback, whereas decreases facilitate learning from negative feedback. Given previous evidence of striatal dopamine depletion in healthy aging, we investigated behavioral differences between college-aged and healthy older adults using a feedback learning task that is sensitive to both frontal and striatal processes. METHOD Seventeen college-aged (M = 18.9 years) and 24 healthy, older adults (M = 70.3 years) completed the Probabilistic Selection task, in which participants are trained on probabilistic stimulus-outcome information and then tested to determine whether they learned more from positive or negative feedback. RESULTS As a group, the older adults learned equally well from positive and negative feedback, whereas the college-aged group learned more from positive than negative feedback, F(1, 39) = 4.10, p < . 05, r(effect) = . 3. However, these group differences were not due to older individuals being more balanced learners. Most individuals of both ages were balanced learners, but while all of the remaining young learners had a positive bias, the remaining older learners were split between those with positive and negative learning biases (chi(2)(2) = 6.12, p < . 047). CONCLUSIONS These behavioral results are consistent with the dopamine theory of striatal aging, and suggest there might be adult age differences in the kinds of information people use when faced with a current choice.
The potential unlimited programme: an outdoor experiential education and group work approach that facilitates adjustment to brain injury

Two pilot Potential Unlimited Programmes (PUPs) were examined to determine participant outcomes related to adjustment to acquired brain injury (ABI) and to investigate the contribution of the group work component of the programme. A mixed qualitative and quantitative longitudinal design was employed with 14 participants and a demographically matched comparison group of eight respondents. Results showed significant and sustained improvement in participants’ subjective quality of life. Analysis of interview data provided insights into how the programmes provided opportunities for participants to engage in key tasks of adjustment to injury. Participants who regularly attended the follow-up group stages of the programmes made significantly greater gains than non-attendees. In conclusion, the combination of outdoor experiential education with extensive group work found in the PUPs is likely to represent a unique and powerful approach for addressing many of the issues associated with the process of psychosocial adjustment to injury and restoring quality of life, following ABI.
[Effect of early exposure to allergen on rat asthmatic model].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of early exposure to allergen (ovalbumin, OVA) on rat asthmatic models. METHODS Neonate rats were randomly divided into negative control group, asthmatic model group, low dose group and high dose group, with 8 in each. The rats of low dose group and high dose group were injected subcutaneously with 2 g/L OVA 0.1 mL and 10 g/L OVA 0.1 mL separately on the 1st day. OVA was given in asthmatic model group, low dose group and high dose group for allergization 6 weeks later and then asthmatic models were made. The pathologic changes of lung tissue, cell count and differentiation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), OVA-specific IgE and OVA-specific IgG were observed. RESULTS The airway inflammation in both low dose group and high dose group was less severe than that in asthmatic model group. Total cell count of BALF and the ratio of eosinophil and neutrophil of both groups were decreased significantly compared with asthmatic model group. IL-4 and OVA-specific IgE were markedly decreased, while IFN-gamma was significantly increased in both low dose group and high dose group compared with asthmatic model group respectively. There was no significant difference in IL-4, IFN-gamma and OVA-specific IgE between high dose group and control group. The serum OVA-specific IgG was elevated significantly in asthmatic model group, low dose group and high dose group compared with control group, and it was higher in high dose group than in asthmatic model group. CONCLUSION Early exposure to OVA after birth could inhibit the airway inflammation and OVA-specific IgE increasing induced by OVA in grown-up rats, and the mechanisms might be related to formation of immunology tolerance.
Self-Care, Productivity, and Leisure, or Dimensions of Occupational Experience? Rethinking Occupational “Categories”

Background. Critics contend that occupational therapy's theories of occupation are culturally specific, class-bound, and ableist, and that the division of all occupations into three simplistic categories of self-care, productivity, and leisure is arbitrary, lacks supportive evidence, and promotes a doctrine of individualism. Purpose. To add to the work of critics who advocate a fundamental rethinking of occupational therapy's conceptualizations of occupation in terms of subjective qualities of experience that address intrinsic needs. Key issues. This paper suggests that if categories of occupation were informed by the ways in which people experience their occupations, these might be labelled as restorative, as ways to connect and contribute, as engagement in doing, and as ways to connect the past and present to a hopeful future. Implications. If occupational therapists enabled diverse clients' perspectives to inform occupational categories, perhaps relationships between occupations and well-being might more easily be identified in theory and addressed in practice.
Problem-Based Learning at the University of Colorado at Denver

Three field-oriented, problem-based programs at UCD have provided opportunities and challenges for professors, practitioners and students that differ importantly from traditional, classroom-based administrator preparation. Among the opportunities are involvement of students in planning and conducting their own learning, collaboration among professor-practitioner-student teams in solving difficult problems of practice, employment of multiple modes of instruction and learning, and use of performance-based learning outcomes and portfolio assessments. The challenges include changing professorial roles and relations with the field, implementing new ways of learning and teaching, and developing alternative methods of assessing learning outcomes.
Buckthorn Neuropathy in Vitro: Evidence for a Primary Neuronal Effect

The neuropathy produced by toxins isolated from the buckthorn shrub (Karwinskia humboldtiana) has previously been proposed as a model for primary PNS demyelination in vivo. These toxins have been suggested to act through a metabolic effect on the Schwann cell. The aim of the present study was to use myelinated organotypic cultures of nervous tissue to dissect further the pathologic effects of these compounds. Combination cultures of mouse spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia were exposed to buckthorn toxins T/496 or T/544 at doses of 1 - 5 µg/ml for periods of 48 hours (h) to 14 days. Ultrastructural findings from toxin-treated cultures indicated a primary effect upon the PNS axon, both myelinated and unmyelinated. The effect was expressed mainly as a widening of the periaxonal space, and also as a redistribution of most axonal organelles to a marginal position within the axon or to their close association with stacks of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, leaving more central regions occupied largely by neurofilaments. These changes were followed by focal axonal swelling, floccular disruption of the axoplasm and, ultimately, Wallerian degeneration. Myelin degeneration and chromatolytic changes in ganglion cell bodies appeared to be secondary to axonal alterations. This tissue culture model reproduces many of the features of buckthorn intoxication in vivo. However, the present results suggest that the toxic effect is primarily upon the axon rather than the Schwann cell, and would appear to be consistent with an abnormality in axoplasmic transport
p62 degradation by autophagy: Another way for cancer cells to survive under hypoxia

Hypoxia is a common feature of advanced solid tumors causing cancer progression and resistance to treatment. Hypoxia activates mitophagy as well as macroautophagy that regulate carcinoma cell survival. p62/SQSTM1, a multi-functional protein that targets proteins to degradation by proteasomes and autophagy, is itself downregulated by hypoxia-activated autophagy in carcinoma cells. The hypoxic degradation of p62 is seen across several carcinoma cell lines. In contrast to hypoxic activation of mitochondrial autophagy, the hypoxia-induced degradation of p62 occurs partially independently from the HIF pathway. The finding argues that in addition to transcriptional gene regulation through HIF, autophagy has a central role in the regulation of hypoxic cancer cell survival responses.