Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Protect Against Cigarette Smoke-Induced Oxidative Stress and Vascular Dysfunction

In cigarette smokers endothelial dysfunction, measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), precedes cardiovascular disease (CVD) and can be improved by supplementation with n - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). We developed a mouse model of cigarette smoke (CS)-induced endothelial dysfunction that resembles impaired FMD observed in human cigarette smokers and investigated the mechanism by which n - 3 PUFAs mediate vasoprotection. We hypothesized that loss of nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vasodilation in CS-exposed mice would be prevented by dietary n - 3 PUFAs via a decrease in oxidative stress. C57BL/6 mice were fed a chow or n - 3 PUFA diet for 8 weeks and then exposed to mainstream CS or filtered air for 5 days, 2 h/day. Mesenteric arterioles were preconstricted with U46619 and dilated by stepwise increases in pressure (0-40 mmHg), resulting in increases in flow, ± inhibitor of NO production or antioxidant, Tempol. Markers of oxidative stress were measured in lung and heart. CS-exposed mice on a chow diet had impaired FMD, resulting from loss of NO-dependent dilation, compared with air exposed mice. Tempol restored FMD by normalizing NO-dependent dilation and increasing NO-independent dilation. CS-exposed mice on the n - 3 PUFA diet had normal FMD, resulting from a significant increase in NO-independent dilation, compared with CS-exposed mice on a chow diet. Furthermore, n - 3 PUFAs decreased two CS-induced markers of oxidative stress, 8-epiprostaglandin-F2α levels and heme oxygenase-1 mRNA, and significantly attenuated CS-induced cytochrome P4501A1 mRNA expression. These data demonstrate that dietary n - 3 PUFAs can protect against CS-induced vascular dysfunction via multiple mechanisms, including increasing NO-independent vasodilation and decreasing oxidative stress.
Extrapair Paternity and Sexual Selection in Socially Monogamous Birds: Are Tropical Birds Different?

The Auk, Vol�� 125, Number 4, pages 769–777�� ISSN 0004-8038, electronic ISSN 1938-4254��  2008 by The American Ornithologists’ Union�� All rights reserved�� Please direct all requests for permission to photocopy or reproduce article content through the University of California Press’s Rights and Permissions website, http://www��ucpressjournals�� com/reprintInfo��asp�� �OI: 10��1525/au���2008��11008 Sexually elaborate traits, such as bright plumage and courtship signals, are generally thought to evolve through sexual selection (Andersson 1994), which requires variance in male mating success to operate (Arnold 1994)�� More than 90% of all birds are socially monogamous (Lac� 1968) and, therefore, are expected to exhibit low variance in mating success and wea� sexual selection; yet, paradoxically, many socially monogamous birds show the stamp of strong sexual selection in such traits as exaggerated plumage ornamentation and courtship displays�� Although �arwin (1871) suggested alternatives (Webster et al�� 2007), numerous recent genetic studies have suggested that extrapair paternity (EPP) may be the most li�ely resolution of this apparent paradox: if copulations outside of the pair bond are common, then variance in mating success may be far larger, and sexual selection much stronger, than suggested by social pairing success alone (Webster et al�� 1995)�� Indeed, <25% of birds studied to date are genetically monogamous (Griffith et al�� 2002), and studies have shown that EPP can generate strong sexual selection in socially monogamous systems (e��g��, Albrecht et al�� 2007, Webster et al�� 2007)�� However, despite two decades of wor�, we have only rudimentary understanding of the factors that lead to variation in EPP rates across populations (Griffith et al�� 2002, Westneat and Stewart 2003, Neudorf 2004)�� Conclusions regarding the role of EPP in sexual selection, however, must be ta�en with a large and important caveat, the so-called “temperate zone bias” (Stutchbury and Morton 2001): most studies have focused on temperate-zone birds, only a handful loo�ing at tropical species�� Given that most birds, by far, live and breed in the tropics, this omission is critical (see Martin 1996, 2004)�� Without a better understanding of the prevalence of factors contributing to EPP in tropical species, our ability to generalize about EPP and its role in sexual selection among socially monogamous species will remain limited�� �espite the widely recognized lac� of empirical data, tropical species are generally considered to have lower rates of EPP than temperate species�� For example, Stutchbury and Morton “Studies of temperate species
PET-MRI: a review of challenges and solutions in the development of integrated multimodality imaging

The integration of positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been an ongoing research topic for the last 20 years. This paper gives an overview of the different developments and the technical problems associated with combining PET and MRI in one system. After explaining the different detector concepts for integrating PET-MRI and minimising interference the limitations and advantages of different solutions for the detector and system are described for preclinical and clinical imaging systems. The different integrated PET-MRI systems are described in detail. Besides detector concepts and system integration the challenges and proposed solutions for attenuation correction and the potential for motion correction and resolution recovery are also discussed in this topical review.
Thermal degradation modeling for single-shear nailed connections

ABSTRACT The load-carrying capacity of a timber structure is highly dependent on the strength of its connections. Very limited information exists on the thermal degradation, or the properties at elevated temperatures, of such connections. This insufficient information is one of the major impediments for modeling elevated temperature performance for wood-frame structures. The objective of this study was to characterize thermal degradation of yield load capacity of single-shear nailed connections between wood and oriented strand board (OSB) as a function of time and temperature. The mechanism of degradation was explained using first order kinetics. Using the principles of time–temperature superposition (TTS), predictive models for connection capacity degradation were developed. A total of 450 wood-to-OSB connections were tested laterally after exposure to nine different elevated temperature regimes. The degradation of yield load strength over time occurred at a constant linear rate. Temperature dependence of this rate was modeled using the Arrhenius activation energy theory. Using Arrhenius activation energy theory and principles of TTS, a master curve was developed to predict the performance of connections after exposure to a temperature of 150°C. The predictions matched well with independent experimental observations. The master curve developed using TTS provides predictive estimates of residual capacity in a connection as well as its failure times.
Principles of start codon recognition in eukaryotic translation initiation

Selection of the correct start codon during initiation of translation on the ribosome is a key event in protein synthesis. In eukaryotic initiation, several factors have to function in concert to ensure that the initiator tRNA finds the cognate AUG start codon during mRNA scanning. The two initiation factors eIF1 and eIF1A are known to provide important functions for the initiation process and codon selection. Here, we have used molecular dynamics free energy calculations to evaluate the energetics of initiator tRNA binding to different near-cognate codons on the yeast 40S ribosomal subunit, in the presence and absence of these two initiation factors. The results show that eIF1 and eIF1A together cause a relatively uniform and high discrimination against near-cognate codons. This works such that eIF1 boosts the discrimination against a first position near-cognate G-U mismatch, and also against a second position A-A base pair, while eIF1A mainly acts on third codon position. The computer simulations further reveal the structural basis of the increased discriminatory effect caused by binding of eIF1 and eIF1A to the 40S ribosomal subunit.
Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Pregnant Women — United States, 2013–14 Influenza Season

Pregnant women and infants are at increased risk for influenza-related complications and hospitalization. Influenza vaccination among pregnant women can reduce their risk for respiratory illness and reduce the risk for influenza in their infants aged <6 months. Since 2004, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have recommended influenza vaccination for all women who are or will be pregnant during the influenza season, regardless of trimester. To assess influenza vaccination coverage among pregnant women during the 2013-14 influenza season, CDC analyzed data from an Internet panel survey conducted March 31-April 11, 2014. Among 1,619 survey respondents pregnant at any time during October 2013-January 2014, 52.2% reported vaccination before or during pregnancy (17.6% before and 34.6% during pregnancy), similar to the coverage in the preceding season. Overall, 65.1% of women reported receiving a clinician recommendation and offer of influenza vaccination, 15.1% received a clinician recommendation but no offer of vaccination, and 19.8% received no clinician recommendation or offer. Vaccination coverage among these women was 70.5%, 32.0%, and 9.7%, respectively. Continued efforts are needed to encourage clinicians to strongly recommend and offer influenza vaccination to their pregnant patients.
Cc2d1a Loss of Function Disrupts Functional and Morphological Development in Forebrain Neurons Leading to Cognitive and Social Deficits

Abstract Loss‐of‐function (LOF) mutations in CC2D1A cause a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and seizures, identifying a critical role for this gene in cognitive and social development. CC2D1A regulates intracellular signaling processes that are critical for neuronal function, but previous attempts to model the human LOF phenotypes have been prevented by perinatal lethality in Cc2d1a‐deficient mice. To overcome this challenge, we generated a floxed Cc2d1a allele for conditional removal of Cc2d1a in the brain using Cre recombinase. While removal of Cc2d1a in neuronal progenitors using Cre expressed from the Nestin promoter still causes death at birth, conditional postnatal removal of Cc2d1a in the forebrain via calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II‐alpha (CamKIIa) promoter‐driven Cre generates animals that are viable and fertile with grossly normal anatomy. Analysis of neuronal morphology identified abnormal cortical dendrite organization and a reduction in dendritic spine density. These animals display deficits in neuronal plasticity and in spatial learning and memory that are accompanied by reduced sociability, hyperactivity, anxiety, and excessive grooming. Cc2d1a conditional knockout mice therefore recapitulate features of both cognitive and social impairment caused by human CC2D1A mutation, and represent a model that could provide much needed insights into the developmental mechanisms underlying nonsyndromic neurodevelopmental disorders.
Mapping Circumstellar Matter with Polarized Light: The Case of Supernova 2014J in M82

Optical polarimetry is an effective way of probing the environment of a supernova for dust. We acquired linear HST ACS/WFC polarimetry in bands , , and of the supernova (SN) 2014J in M82 at six epochs from ∼277 days to ∼1181 days after the B-band maximum. The polarization measured at day 277 shows conspicuous deviations from other epochs. These differences can be attributed to at least ∼ of circumstellar dust located at a distance of from the SN. The scattering dust grains revealed by these observations seem to be aligned with the dust in the interstellar medium that is responsible for the large reddening toward the supernova. The presence of this circumstellar dust sets strong constraints on the progenitor system that led to the explosion of SN 2014J; however, it cannot discriminate between single- and double-degenerate models.
Multipoint pacing via a quadripolar left-ventricular lead: preliminary results from the Italian registry on multipoint left-ventricular pacing in cardiac resynchronization therapy (IRON-MPP)

Abstract Aims This registry was created to describe the experience of 76 Italian centres with a large cohort of recipients of multipoint pacing (MPP) capable cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. Methods and results A total of 507 patients in whom these devices had been successfully implanted were enrolled between August 2013 and May 2015. We analysed: (i) current clinical practices for the management of such patients, and (ii) the impact of MPP on heart failure clinical composite response and on the absolute change in ejection fraction (EF) at 6 months. Multipoint pacing was programmed to ‘ON’ in 46% of patients before discharge. Methods of optimizing MPP programming were most commonly based on either the greatest narrowing of the QRS complex (38%) or the electrical delays between the electrodes (34%). Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up data were evaluated in 232 patients. These patients were divided into two groups according to whether MPP was programmed to ‘ON’ (n = 94) or ‘OFF’ (n = 138) at the time of discharge. At 6 months, EF was significantly higher in the MPP group than in the biventricular-pacing group (39.1 ± 9.6 vs. 34.7 ± 7.6%; P < 0.001). Even after adjustments, early MPP activation remained an independent predictor of absolute increase in LVEF of ≥5% (odds ratio 2.5; P = 0.001). At 6 months, an improvement in clinical composite score was recorded in a greater proportion of patients with MPP-ON than in controls (56 vs. 38%; P = 0.009). On comparing optimal MPP and conventional vectors, QRS was also seen to have decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Conclusion This study provides information that is essential in order to deal with the expected increase in the number of patients receiving MPP devices in the coming years. The results revealed different practices among centres, and establishing the optimal programming that can maximize the benefit of MPP remains a challenging issue. Compared with conventional CRT, MPP improved clinical status and resulted in an additional increase in EF. Clinical Trial Registration http://www.clinicaltrial. gov/. Unique identifier: NCT02606071.
Relaxation Time at Glass Transition Temperature Measured by Simplex Thermo Stimulated Depolarisation Current

Summary The aim of this work is to propose a reliable approach to estimate values of the relaxation time constant of polymers at the glass transition temperature. This approach consists of using a new thermo stimulated depolarisation current TSDC protocol which analyzes the relaxation current kinetics obtained after submitting the sample to an electrical field shock at constant temperature. The measurements have been performed on a series of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETg) samples. Different temperatures were needed to explore the range of the glass transition domain of each polymer. The results compared to calorimetric and dielectric data show a good agreement. So we confirm that the value τms = 100 s often used for characterizing the molecular dynamic of the liquid glass former at Tg is not universal.
Identification of NRAS isoform 2 overexpression as a mechanism facilitating BRAF inhibitor resistance in malignant melanoma

Significance This study indicates that one of the isoforms of NRAS, specifically NRAS isoform 2, plays a role in BRAF inhibitor resistance by facilitating alternative survival signaling through the PI3K pathway in the presence of MAPK pathway inhibition. Targeting NRAS isoform 2 may be a beneficial treatment strategy in the prevention and management of BRAF inhibitor resistance in melanoma. Activating mutations in BRAF are found in 50% of melanomas and although treatment with BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) is effective, resistance often develops. We now show that recently discovered NRAS isoform 2 is up-regulated in the setting of BRAF inhibitor resistance in melanoma, in both cell lines and patient tumor tissues. When isoform 2 was overexpressed in BRAF mutant melanoma cell lines, melanoma cell proliferation and in vivo tumor growth were significantly increased in the presence of BRAFi treatment. shRNA-mediated knockdown of isoform 2 in BRAFi resistant cells restored sensitivity to BRAFi compared with controls. Signaling analysis indicated decreased mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway signaling and increased phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway signaling in isoform 2 overexpressing cells compared with isoform 1 overexpressing cells. Immunoprecipitation of isoform 2 validated a binding affinity of this isoform to both PI3K and BRAF/RAF1. The addition of an AKT inhibitor to BRAFi treatment resulted in a partial restoration of BRAFi sensitivity in cells expressing high levels of isoform 2. NRAS isoform 2 may contribute to resistance to BRAFi by facilitating PI3K pathway activation.
Effects of Chrysotile Exposure in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells: Insights into the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Asbestos-Related Diseases

Background: Chrysotile asbestos accounts for > 90% of the asbestos used worldwide, and exposure is associated with asbestosis (asbestos-related fibrosis) and other malignancies; however, the molecular mechanisms involved are not fully understood. A common pathogenic mechanism for these malignancies is represented by epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), through which epithelial cells undergo a morphological transformation to assume a mesenchymal phenotype. In the present work, we propose that chrysotile asbestos induces EMT through a mechanism involving a signaling pathway mediated by tranforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Objectives: We investigated the role of chrysotile asbestos in inducing EMT in order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in this event. Methods: Human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were incubated with 1 μg/cm2 chrysotile asbestos for ≤ 72 hr, and several markers of EMT were investigated. Experiments with specific inhibitors for TGF-β, glycogen synthase kinase–3β (GSK-3β), and Akt were performed to confirm their involvement in asbestos-induced EMT. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blotting, and gelatin zymography were performed to detect mRNA and protein level changes for these markers. Results: Chrysotile asbestos activated a TGF-β–mediated signaling pathway, implicating the contributions of Akt, GSK-3β, and SNAIL-1. The activation of this pathway in BEAS-2B cells was associated with a decrease in epithelial markers (E-cadherin and β-catenin) and an increase in mesenchymal markers (α-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, metalloproteinases, and fibronectin). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that chrysotile asbestos induces EMT, a common event in asbestos-related diseases, at least in part by eliciting the TGF-β–mediated Akt/GSK-3β/SNAIL-1 pathway. Citation: Gulino GR, Polimeni M, Prato M, Gazzano E, Kopecka J, Colombatto S, Ghigo D, Aldieri E. 2016. Effects of chrysotile exposure in human bronchial epithelial cells: insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of asbestos-related diseases. Environ Health Perspect 124:776–784; http://dx.doi. org/10.1289/ehp.1409627
Aspiration-based Perturbed Learning Automata

This paper introduces a novel payoff-based learning scheme for distributed optimization in repeatedly-played strategic-form games. Standard reinforcement-based learning schemes exhibit several limitations with respect to their asymptotic stability. For example, in two-player coordination games, payoff-dominant (or efficient) Nash equilibria may not be stochastically stable. In this work, we present an extension of perturbed learning automata, namely aspiration-based perturbed learning automata (APLA) that overcomes these limitations. We provide a stochastic stability analysis of APLA in multi-player coordination games. We further show that payoff-dominant Nash equilibria are the only stochastically stable states.
Synergistic Effect of Cellulase and Xylanase on In Vitro Rumen Fermentation and Microbial Population with Rice Straw as Substrate

The in vitro gas test was conducted to investigate the effects of cellulase (CEL) and xylanase (XYL) on in vitro rumen fermentation and microbial population with rice straw as substrate. Three levels of CEL (0, 7.5 and 15 U/g of DM) and XYL (0, 15 and 30 U/g of DM) were tested in a 3×3 factorial arrangement. Addition of CEL and XYL could affect the gas production parameters. Methane emission was increased linearly by CEL addition (P<0.01), while the methane production was greater when XYL added at the intermediate dose (quadratic, P<0.01). Total volatile fatty acids (CEL, quadratic, P<0.01; XYL, linear and quadratic, P<0.05) were enhanced by either CEL or XYL addition. Ammonia nitrogen was reduced by CEL (linear and quadratic, P<0.05), while microbial protein was enhanced by addition of CEL (quadratic, P<0.01) and XYL (linear and quadratic, P<0.01). In vitro degradability of DM and NDF were increased by addition of CEL (quadratic, P<0.05) or XYL (quadratic, P<0.01). Addition of CEL increased the copy number of total bacteria (linear, P<0.01) and Fibrobacter succinogens (linear and quadratic, P<0.05). The outcome of this research indicated that the application of CEL and XYL could improve rumen fermentation, increase rice straw digestion and affect the rumen microbial population. Combination of CEL and XYL at the middle level is more effective than a single CEL or XYL.
Ultrasound Biomicroscopy and OCT Findings in Posterior Microphthalmos

Purpose Posterior microphthalmos is a rare ocular abnormality. The authors report two siblings with bilateral posterior microphthalmos. Methods Two siblings (aged 10 and 13) were admitted with a history of low degree of vision. Ophthalmologic examinations, ocular ultrasonography, ultrasonic biomicroscopy (UBM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) investigations were carried out and the results were evaluated. All results were also compared with their normal sibling. Results Two siblings with posterior microphthalmos have normal and near normal anterior segment dimensions, shortened axial lengths (smaller than 17 mm), low vision with high hyperopias, papillomacular folds, and crowded optic discs. OCT investigation showed bilateral papillomacular retinal fold and UBM examination showed that ciliary body moved behind the iris towards the pupilla and the iridocorneal angle anomalies in two siblings. These findings were not observed in the normal sibling. Conclusions Posterior microphthalmos can exist in the presence of some ocular anomalies. In this case report, UBM provided new information about the structure of iridocorneal angle and ciliary body.
Learning from Adversity?

ABSTRACT Many two-component regulatory systems, including Escherichia coli PhoRB, are positively autoregulated, so stimuli result in an increase in the concentration of signaling proteins. When the quantity of signaling proteins depends on exposure history, how do past conditions affect future responses to stimuli? Hoffer et al. (J. Bacteriol. 183:4914–4917, 2001, https://doi.org/doi:10.1128/JB.183.16.4914-4917.2001 ) previously reported that E. coli bacteria “learn” from phosphate starvation and respond more rapidly to subsequent episodes of starvation. Gao et al. (J. Bacteriol. 199:e00390-17, 2017, https://doi.org/doi:10.1128/JB.00390-17 ) describe another aspect of hysteresis in the PhoRB regulon. Phosphate starvation also leads to a global decline in transcription, counteracting the effects of positive autoregulation and resulting in a similar net pho response (homeostasis), regardless of exposure history.