Flow dynamics control the effect of sphingosine-1-phosphate on endothelial permeability in a microfluidic vessel bifurcation model

Blood vessels are lined by endothelial cells that form a semipermeable barrier to restrict fluid flow across the vessel wall. The endothelial barrier is known to respond to various molecular mechanisms, but the effects of mechanical signals that arise due to blood flow remain poorly understood. Here, we report a microfluidic model that mimics the flow conditions and endothelial/extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture of a vessel bifurcation to enable systematic investigation of how flow dynamics that arise within bifurcating vessels guides the endothelial response to biochemical signals. Applying the strengths of our system, we further investigate the endothelial response to sphingosine-1-phosphate, a bioactive lipid that has demonstrated flow-dependent regulation of vascular permeability. We demonstrate that bifurcated fluid flow (BFF) that arises at the base of vessel bifurcations and laminar shear stress (LSS) that arises along downstream vessel walls induce a decrease in endothelial permeability. Furthermore, we identify that flow-dynamics and chaperone proteins regulate the endothelial response to S1P. Through pharmacological inhibition of S1P receptors 1 and 2, we report ligand-independent mechanical activation of S1P receptors 1 and 2, providing support for the role of G protein-coupled receptors as mechanosensors. These findings introduce BFF as an important regulator of vascular permeability, and establish flow dynamics as a determinant of the endothelial response to S1P.Pelotonia Fellowship ProgramBarry M. Goldwater Excellence in Education FoundationThe Ohio State University College of EngineeringA one-year embargo was granted for this item.Academic Major: Biomedical Engineerin

Economic Situation and Development Perspectives of Farms in Poland - An Analysis Based on Survey Data from Selected Polish Voivodships and a Comparison with German Farms

The aim of this paper is to present an analysis of farm-level data collected in a survey of 464 Polish farms in 2000. Performance indicators of farms in three Polish voivodships are compared with farm accountancy data from two German Länder. The results show that Polish farms are much less profitable than their German counterparts. The gap in income levels is much higher between persons employed in the agricultural sector than between average working persons in the two countries. Living standards of the Polish farm population in the north-west exceed those in the south-east of the country. The analysis suggests that the lower profitability of farms has two major reasons. First, farms in the German regions receive much higher levels of subsidies. Second, there are pronounced structural deficiencies due to a quite unfavourable workforce-land ratio on Polish farms. These farms are less productive and less specialized than the German farms analysed. There is a generally conservative attitude among Polish farmers that prefers the continuation of farming over leaving the sector. Nevertheless, income from agriculture is to a substantial extent complemented by off-farm employment in the southern regions. Our overall conclusion is that Polish farms currently are in the midst of a regional, economic, and social differentiation process fuelled by severe imbalances in terms of income levels between rural and urban population groups. This process is however seriously slowed down or even halted by a number of effective institutional barriers, particularly with regard to rural labour markets. These barriers should be properly addressed by a formulation of future policies in order to avoid further social frictions in the course of the Polish EU accession.agriculture, farm performance, survey data, Poland, Germany, International Development,

The need for teaching about quality and spreading quality culture at the stage of school education

The article concerns the need for teaching about the quality, as well as building pro-quality attitudes already at the school stage. The author presents quality issues, complications associated with its divergent understanding and its historical conditioning in Poland and also a brief explanation of the need of learning about quality since early childhood. TQM philosophy is described, as well as an overview of examples of building quality culture and education about quality in various countries of the world, together with their noticeable positive results. The current status of education on quality in Poland and quality issues affecting skills desired by employers is discussed

Selected features of Polish farmers

The paper presents results of the research carried out among farm owners in Wielkopolskie voivodeship referring to selected features of social capital. The author identifies and estimates impact of some socio-professional factors on social capital quality and derives statistical conclusion. As a result there is a list of economic policy measures facilitating rural areas development in this aspect. The level of education, civic activity and tendency for collective activity are main conditions of social capital quality in Polish rural areas

The Implementation of a Two-Way Dual Language Program And The Impact On Teaching And Learning

Dual language programs satisfy the requirement of mandated bilingual programs for English Language Learners in the state of Illinois. This qualitative program evaluation focused on a school district that entered into an adaptive change process with respect to creating a two-way dual language immersion program that would increase student language acquisition in English and Spanish as well as increase cultural competency and professional development for teachers. The program evaluation provided the opportunity to diagnose the system through an examination of the challenges and the quality of the current state of the district leading to the identification of the 4c’s; context, conditions, cultures, and competencies. In designing this evaluation, early literacy instruction and the connection with teaching and learning in both languages was closely monitored. The need for more professional development in the area of teaching the Spanish language and bridging the two languages became apparent. The findings from this program evaluation revealed a need for a review of teacher certification programs specifically for dual language learners, better assessments to triangulate data in both languages, and the importance of learning about cultural competency to the community

Depression in Athletes: From Etiology to Intervention

Introduction: Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide.  It’s affecting approximately 280 million people across the globe with the highest rate between 20 and 40. It’s estimated that women are diagnosed twice as many times as men. Ethology is complex and multifactorial including genetic, psychological, social, endocrine, and immune factors, which results in abnormal biochemical changes and incorrect neurotransmission in the brain. Recent data points that physical activity reduces the risk of depression and its associated symptoms regardless of age or geographical location.  Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to analyze the available literature to examine the prevalence of depression among athletes and the unique risk factors contributing to it. Materials and methods: Comprehensive review of the literature available on PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus database by searching the keywords “depression”, “depressive disorder”, “physical activity”, “sport”, “athletes “. Results and conclusion: Athletes are just as susceptible to depression as the general population. However, many athletes hide their symptoms and do not seek help due to stigma, fears of career repercussions and concerns about being perceived as weak. Regular screening for early signs of depression and providing access to specialized psychological support during critical stages of their careers could significantly improve depression detection and facilitate timely intervention. Destigmatizing mental health problems in the sports community is crucial to solve detection, treatment and prevention problems of depression in athletes

Qualitätsprodukt Erziehungsberatung. Empfehlungen zu Leistungen, Qualitätsmerkmalen und Kennziffern

Neben einer Beschreibung der Leistung Erziehungs- und Familienberatung - Beratung und Therapie, präventive Angebote und Vernetzungsaktivitäten - werden ihre Qualitätsmerkmale - gegliedert nach Struktur-, Prozess- und Ergebnisqualität - ausführlich dargestellt und Kennziffern zu ihrer quantitativen Erfassung vorgeschlagen. Der Anhang enthält u.a. eine Kurzfassung der vorliegenden Empfehlungen zu Leistungen, Qualitätsmerkmalen und Kennziffern. (DIPF/Autor

Drivers of Intermodal Rail Freight Growth in North America

Intermodal rail freight service, in the form of semi-trailers and containers carried by rail in coordination with connecting road and water transport operators, emerged in North America on a few railways during the 1920s and 1930s. Experience gained from these early ventures inspired widespread introduction of intermodal service offerings after 1950. Between 1990 and 2005, rail intermodal traffic grew 87.7 percent, from 6.2 million to 11.7 containers and trailers, and now holds a significant position in the aggregate traffic base of the major North American rail freight carriers. Previous research and other sources of data and information are drawn upon to identify key drivers of this growth within the context of a conceptual model. The driving forces include changes in transport providers’ business policies and practices, government deregulation of pricing and other commercial actions by firms in rail and competing modes of transport, advancements in rail intermodal technology, and changes in supply chain management processes by shippers and consignees that have intensified demand for freight service of higher quality and lower cost. Comments on transferability to Europe of lessons learned from intermodal business experience in North America are provided in the concluding section

COVID-19 Sequelae: Long-Term Impairments in Physical Performance

Introduction: Five years ago, the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapidly spreading disease necessitated extensive research by scientists and physicians on symptom progression, therapeutic options, and, most importantly, complications associated with the infection. Some of the most common post-COVID-19 complications affect the ability to return to physical activity and subsequent physical performance. Although the acute phase of infection tends to present with mild symptoms in physically active individuals, the resulting complications can be far more disruptive, significantly impairing the recovery process and the ability to resume training. Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to review the available literature to analyze potential COVID-19 complications and their impact on physical performance and return to play (RTP). Materials and methods: A comprehensive review of the literature available across reputable databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase and Cochrane Library. The study was conducted using a systematic search of keywords, including "COVID-19", “post- COVID”, “return to play”, "myocarditis", "athletes," "long COVID-19", "physical performance", “Fatigue” and “exercise tolerance”. Results and conclusion: Physically active individuals tend to experience a milder acute phase of infection; however, they are also affected by complications resulting from the disease. Cardiovascular and respiratory complications, along with chronic long-COVID syndrome, reduce physical performance and delay the return to peak fitness. It is crucial to reintroduce training gradually and conduct thorough monitoring of the patient's condition, despite the desire for a rapid return to exercise

Socio-cultural factors shaping the attitude of Generation Z and Generation Alpha youth towards quality

Purpose: The primary objective of this paper is to analyze the socio-cultural factors that shape the attitudes of Generation Z and Generation Alpha towards quality in products and services. Methodology: The paper employs a multi-disciplinary approach, integrating insights from sociology, cultural studies, and consumer behavior. It examines the influence of media, family, and social groups on forming quality-conscious attitudes among young people. Results: The research reveals that media can both promote and undermine quality consciousness, depending on the nature and quality of the content. Family background, particularly parents’ education level, significantly influences young people’s awareness and understanding of quality. Social groups can reinforce or challenge family values and set high-quality standards if linked to shared hobbies, activities, or goals. Theoretical Contribution: This paper contributes to the literature on consumer behavior and quality consciousness by comprehensively analysing the socio-cultural factors influencing young people’s attitudes towards quality. It introduces the concept of quality-conscious attitudes as a three-component model encompassing knowledge about quality, feelings of desirability and legitimacy, and developed habits. Practical Implications: The findings of this research have practical implications for marketers, educators, and policy-makers. They highlight the need for quality education and awareness campaigns targeting young people and underscore the role of media, family, and social groups in shaping attitudes towards quality