Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phospholamban Inhibition by a Single Dose of Locked Nucleic Acid Antisense Oligonucleotide Improves Cardiac Contractility in Pressure Overload-Induced Systolic Dysfunction in Mice

Background: Phospholamban (PLN) inhibition enhances calcium cycling and is a potential novel therapy for heart failure (HF). Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are a promising tool for unmet medical needs. Nonviral vector use of locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified ASOs (LNA-ASOs), which shows strong binding to target RNAs and is resistant to nuclease, is considered to have a potential for use in novel therapeutics in the next decades. Thus, the efficacy of a single-dose injection of LNA-ASO for cardiac disease needs to be elucidated. We assessed the therapeutic efficacy of a single-dose LNA-ASO injection targeting PLN in pressure overload-induced cardiac dysfunction. Methods and Results: Mice intravenously injected with Cy3-labeled LNA-ASO displayed Cy3 fluorescence in the liver and heart 24 hours after injection. Subsequently, male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to sham or transverse aortic constriction surgery; after 3 weeks, these were treated with PLN-targeting LNA-ASO (0.3 mg/kg) or scrambled LNA-ASO. Cardiac function was measured by echocardiography before and 1 week after injection. Phospholamban-targeting LNA-ASO treatment significantly improved fractional shortening (FS) by 6.5%, whereas administration of the scrambled LNA-ASO decreased FS by 4.0%. Conclusion: Our study revealed that a single-dose injection of PLN-targeting LNA-ASO improved contractility in pressure overload-induced cardiac dysfunction, suggesting that LNA-ASO is a promising tool for hypertensive HF treatment.
Effects of Starch Encapsulation on Clomazone and Atrazine Movement in Soil and Clomazone Volatilization

The effects of formulation on clomazone volatilization and transport through soil were studied. After 22 days of leaching under unsaturated flow in 49-cm long intact soil cores, greater clomazone movement was observed in Plainfield sand than in Cisne silt loam or Drummer silty clay loam soils. Soil clomazone concentrations resulting in injury to oats occurred throughout Plainfield soil cores but were restricted to the upper 14 cm of Cisne and Drummer soils. In addition, clomazone was detected in the leachate from Plainfield soil only. In a similar study with Plainfield sand cores, clomazone was less mobile than atrazine; encapsulation of the herbicides in starch granules did not affect clomazone movement but greatly decreased atrazine movement from the soil surface. Similarly, starch encapsulation did not affect bioavailability of clomazone but did reduce bioavailability of atrazine. In a laboratory study with continual air flow, volatilization of clomazone applied to the soil surface was reduced by encapsulation in starch and starch/clay granules. Clomazone volatilization was not affected by soil water content within a range of 33 to 1500 kPa water tension. Following soil saturation with water, clomazone volatilization from both liquid and granular formulations increased. Granule size appeared to have a greater impact than granule composition on clomazone volatilization.
Early resistance of alien and native pines against two native generalist insect herbivores: no support for the natural enemy hypothesis

Summary 1. The natural enemy hypothesis (NEH) predicts that alien plant species might receive less pressure from natural enemies than do related coexisting native plants. However, most studies to date are based on pairs of native and alien species, and the results remain inconclusive. The level of attack by native generalist herbivores can vary considerably between plant species, depending on defensive traits and strategies. Plant defences include preformed constitutive and induced defences that are activated as plastic responses to herbivore attack. However, the efficacy of induced defences could be altered when alien species entering an area are exposed to native enemies. 2. We tested the NEH for several closely related alien and native pines to Europe by examining early anti-herbivore resistance to damage by two generalist native insect herbivores (Hylobius abietis and Thaumetopoea pityocampa); the differences in constitutive and inducible chemical defences (i.e. non-volatile resin and total phenolics in the stem and needles); and whether consumption preferences shift after induced defences have been triggered by real herbivory. 3. We did not find alien pines to be less damaged by two generalist herbivores than native pines were. The constitutive concentration of chemical defences significantly differed among pine species. The concentration of constitutive total phenolics in the stem was greater in native than in alien pines. The opposite trend was found for constitutive total phenolics in the needles. The concentration of chemical defences (non-volatile resin and total phenolics) in the stem significantly increased after herbivory by H. abietis. Moreover, the induction of total phenolics by H. abietis damage was significantly greater in native pine species than in alien pines. On the other hand, only concentrations of non-volatile resin in needles significantly increased after herbivory by T. pityocampa, but without significant differences in inducibility between alien and native pines. In cafeteria bioassays, H. abietis consumed the twigs from alien more than those from native species irrespective of prior exposure to the insect. Meanwhile, no differences among range origin were found in the T. pityocampa cafeteria bioassays. 4. Overall, we found no support for the NEH in alien pines to Europe. This suggests that alien pines, in regions where they coexist with native congeners, may be controlled by native generalist herbivores, this being one reason that invasion by alien pines is not frequent in Europe.
Income Volatility and the Psid: Past Research and New Results

The Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) has made more contributions to the study of income volatility than any other data set in the U.S. Its record of research is truly seminal. In this paper we first present the reasons that the PSID has made such major contributions to research on the topic. Then we review the major papers that have used the PSID to study income volatility and we compare their results to those using other data sets. Lastly, we present new results for male earnings volatility through 2014. We find that both gross volatility and the component consisting of only the variance of transitory shocks have experienced a large increase during the Great Recession after following similar trends to those previously established showing upward trends from the 1970s to the 1980s followed by a stable period until the Recession.
Positive and extensive intergroup contact in the past buffers against the disproportionate impact of negative contact in the present

Negative (vs positive) intergroup contact may have a disproportionately large impact on intergroup relations because of valence-salience effects, whereby negative contact causes higher category salience (Paolini, Harwood, & Rubin, 2010). One correlational and three experimental studies in three conflict areas (Northern Ireland, Arizona's border area, and Cyprus; Ns = 405, 83, 76, and 91) tested the moderation of these valence-salience effects by individuals' histories of outgroup contact. Consistent with a perceived fit principle valence-salience effects of face-to-face, television-mediated, and imagined contact held among individuals with negative or limited histories of outgroup contact; these effects were significantly reduced or nonsignificant among individuals with positive or extensive past outgroup contact. These moderation effects suggest that positive and diverse intergroup contact in the past buffers against the harmful effects of negative contact experiences in the present, thus limiting the potential for negative spiralling of intergroup relations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sustained energy intake in lactating Swiss mice: a dual modulation process

ABSTRACT Limits to sustained energy intake (SusEI) during lactation are important because they provide an upper boundary below which females must trade off competing physiological activities. To date, SusEI is thought to be limited either by the capacity of the mammary glands to produce milk (the peripheral limitation hypothesis) or by a female's ability to dissipate body heat (the heat dissipation hypothesis). In the present study, we examined the effects of litter size and ambient temperature on a set of physiological, behavioral and morphological indicators of SusEI and reproductive performance in lactating Swiss mice. Our results indicate that energy input, energy output and mammary gland mass increased with litter size, whereas pup body mass and survival rate decreased. The body temperature increased significantly, while food intake (18 g day−1 at 21°C versus 10 g day−1 at 30°C), thermal conductance (lower by 20–27% at 30°C than 21°C), litter mass and milk energy output decreased significantly in the females raising a large litter size at 30°C compared with those at 21°C. Furthermore, an interaction between ambient temperature and litter size affected females' energy budget, imposing strong constraints on SusEI. Together, our data suggest that the limitation may be caused by both mammary glands and heat dissipation, i.e. peripheral limitation is dominant at room temperature, but heat dissipation is more significant at warm temperatures. Further, the level of the heat dissipation limits may be temperature dependent, shifting down with increasing temperature. Summary: Sustained energy intake in lactating Swiss mice is modulated by both litter size and temperature.
Nylon 6,6 electrospun fibres reinforced by amino functionalised 1D and 2D carbon

Nylon 6,6 electrospun nanocomposites were prepared and reinforced with 0.1, 0.5 and 1wt. % of 1D and 2D carbon. Both carbon nanotubes and graphene were functionalised with amino groups (f-CNT and f-Ge respectively). The morphology and graphitization changes of carbon nanomaterials were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy; functional groups of modified nanomaterials was analysed by infrared spectroscopy. The mechanical response and the crystallinity of the fibres were measured by dynamical mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and wide angle x-ray diffraction. The morphology and dispersion of the nanomaterials in the nanofibres was studied by scanning electron microscopy and TEM. The storage modulus was improved by 118% for f-CNT and 116% for f-Ge. The mechanical response of the nanocomposites exhibited different behaviour upon loading of 1D and 2D carbon. This trend is consistent with the crystallinity of the nanofibres. This study showed f-CNT resulted in better mechanical properties at the lowest loading. On the other hand f-Ge showed improved reinforcing effect by increasing the filler loading. The two-dimensional structure of graphene was an important factor for the higher crystallinity in the electrospun nanofibres.
DEDALO: Application of Structural Health Monitoring Systems on UHTC Structures

In aerospace applications the development of a reliable method of structural health monitoring (SHM) is one of the most important keys in maintaining the integrity and safety of structures, preventing catastrophic failure. The research program DEDALO aims at developing a real size UHTC-based prototype with a complex shape equipped with a SHM system for damage detection. A multidisciplinary approach has been adopted involving mechanical design, materials science, manufacturing processes and development of optical devices to detect strain and temperature on the as-produced UHTC articles. Former activities merged into the manufacturing of a prototype hot structure supplied with optical sensing nodes to perform a functional test at high temperature. This communication describes the preliminary findings of the project. A series of ZrB2-SiC based compositions was studied adjusting type, concentration and granulometry of reinforcing phases and additives to further identify the optimal composition for the hot structure. The pressureless sintering technique was selected privileging a near-net-shape approach to reduce the manufacturing costs. A SHM system was developed using commercial high temperature Fiber optic Bragg Grating (FBG), for thermal monitoring, and custom silica-sapphire fiber optic strain sensor, based on Fabry-Perot configuration, allowing simultaneous and real time measurement of temperature and structural loads applied on the structure under investigation. A ceramic flexible structure was developed to ease sensor installation procedure on complex shape test articles. The fiber optic sensors interrogation system was developed based on a tunable laser source. Thermal and mechanical tests showed sensor robustness at high temperature and 0,6 μ￻ as accuracy on strain measurement 0 togliere up to 800°C. Tile-shaped hot structures were manufactured, equipped with the prototype Structural Health Monitoring System (SHMS) and functionally tested at high temperature. The project will undergo a second iterative loop which foresees investigation on the final test article: a ZrB2-SiC based composite hollow tip.
Effects of different rapid maxillary expansion appliances on facial soft tissues using three-dimensional imaging.

OBJECTIVE To determine three-dimensional (3D) effects of three different rapid maxillary expansion (RME) appliances on facial soft tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-two children (18 boys, 24 girls) who required RME treatment were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into three equal groups: banded RME, acrylic splint RME, and modified acrylic splint RME. For each patient, 3D images were obtained before treatment (T1) and at the end of the 3-month retention (T2) with the 3dMD system. RESULTS When three RME appliances were compared in terms of the effects on the facial soft tissues, there were no significant differences among them. The mouth and nasal width showed a significant increase in all groups. Although the effect of the acrylic splint RME appliances on total face height was less than that of the banded RME, there was no significant difference between the appliances. The effect of the modified acrylic splint appliance on the upper lip was significant according to the volumetric measurements (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS There were no significant differences among three RME appliances on the facial soft tissues. The modified acrylic splint RME produced a more protrusive effect on the upper lip.
Characterization of αX I-Domain Binding to Receptors for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE)

The β2 integrins are cell surface transmembrane proteins regulating leukocyte functions, such as adhesion and migration. Two members of β2 integrin, αMβ2 and αXβ2, share the leukocyte distribution profile and integrin αXβ2 is involved in antigen presentation in dendritic cells and transendothelial migration of monocytes and macrophages to atherosclerotic lesions. Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), a member of cell adhesion molecules, plays an important role in chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis. Although RAGE and αXβ2 play an important role in inflammatory response and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the nature of their interaction and structure involved in the binding remain poorly defined. In this study, using I-domain as a ligand binding motif of αXβ2, we characterize the binding nature and the interacting moieties of αX I-domain and RAGE. Their binding requires divalent cations (Mg2+ and Mn2+) and shows an affinity on the sub-micro molar level: the dissociation constant of αX I-domains binding to RAGE being 0.49 μM. Furthermore, the αX I-domains recognize the V-domain, but not the C1 and C2-domains of RAGE. The acidic amino acid substitutions on the ligand binding site of αX I-domain significantly reduce the I-domain binding activity to soluble RAGE and the alanine substitutions of basic amino acids on the flat surface of the V-domain prevent the V-domain binding to αX I-domain. In conclusion, the main mechanism of αX I-domain binding to RAGE is a charge interaction, in which the acidic moieties of αX I-domains, including E244, and D249, recognize the basic residues on the RAGE V-domain encompassing K39, K43, K44, R104, and K107.
Posttraumatic Growth and Depreciation as Independent Experiences and Predictors of Well-Being

Positive changes (posttraumatic growth [PTG]) and negative changes (posttraumatic depreciation [PTD]) were assessed using the PTGI-42 with persons reporting changes from a stressful event. PTG and PTD were uncorrelated, and PTG was much greater than PTD. PTG was positively related to disruption of core beliefs and recent deliberate rumination and negatively related to recent intrusive rumination. PTD was positively related to intrusive rumination. Quality of life and meaning in one's life were positively related to PTG, negatively related to PTD, and an interaction indicated that PTG moderated the impact of PTD on both, indicating that PTG and PTD may separately contribute to current well-being.
Population Differentiation in Dromedarian Camel: A Comparative Study of Camel Inhabiting Extremes of Geographical Distribution

The camel has not been subject to selective pressures and is not differentiated. The present study was undertaken to evaluate differentiation of camels inhabiting the extreme geographical habitats for the species. In this paper we compared the camel populations of India and Southern region of Africa to adjudge the differentiation between the two populations. Utilizing 12 microsatellite loci it has been demonstrated that the populations i.e., of India and South Africa are very well differentiated. The camel population of India shows differentiation among themselves owing to selection pressure and breeding for specific economic traits/parameters like carting, baggage, riding etc. The differentiation among the two camel populations was 23% while that of among population, within the two groups was 11%. A small group of Bactrian camel exhibited closeness to hill camels. Based on the published literature and in the present study it is evident that there is a general trend of increased population differentiation from South region of Africa to Indian subcontinent with India having highly differentiated populations.
Carboxymethyl chitosan coating to block photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles

In order to lower photocatalytic degradation of TiO2 on skin and textiles, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCH) was used to coat TiO2 nanoparticles. The polymer (CMCH) not only acted as the blocking agent of photocatalytic activity, but also dispersed TiO2 nanoparticles better to prohibit them from congregation by anchoring them. The structure of as-prepared nanocomposites was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The TiO2/CMCH nanocomposites were coated onto cotton fabrics by a dip-pad—drycure process. The treated cotton fabrics demonstrated lower photocatalytic activity in comparison to cotton fabrics treated by pure TiO2 in a typical photocatalytic test. The treated cotton showed a combination of bactericidal activity of TiO2 and CMCH, and excellent protection against UV radiation.
Newly developed and validated eosinophilic esophagitis histology scoring system and evidence that it outperforms peak eosinophil count for disease diagnosis and monitoring.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is diagnosed by symptoms, and at least 15 intraepithelial eosinophils per high power field in an esophageal biopsy. Other pathologic features have not been emphasized. We developed a histology scoring system for esophageal biopsies that evaluates eight features: eosinophil density, basal zone hyperplasia, eosinophil abscesses, eosinophil surface layering, dilated intercellular spaces (DIS), surface epithelial alteration, dyskeratotic epithelial cells, and lamina propria fibrosis. Severity (grade) and extent (stage) of abnormalities were scored using a 4-point scale (0 normal; 3 maximum change). Reliability was demonstrated by strong to moderate agreement among three pathologists who scored biopsies independently (P ≤ 0.008). Several features were often abnormal in 201 biopsies (101 distal, 100 proximal) from 104 subjects (34 untreated, 167 treated). Median grade and stage scores were significantly higher in untreated compared with treated subjects (P ≤ 0.0062). Grade scores for features independent of eosinophil counts were significantly higher in biopsies from untreated compared with treated subjects (basal zone hyperplasia P ≤ 0.024 and DIS P ≤ 0.005), and were strongly correlated (R-square >0.67). Principal components analysis identified three principal components that explained 78.2% of the variation in the features. In logistic regression models, two principal components more closely associated with treatment status than log distal peak eosinophil count (PEC) (R-square 17, area under the curve (AUC) 77.8 vs. R-square 9, AUC 69.8). In summary, the EoE histology scoring system provides a method to objectively assess histologic changes in the esophagus beyond eosinophil number. Importantly, it discriminates treated from untreated patients, uses features commonly found in such biopsies, and is utilizable by pathologists after minimal training. These data provide rationales and a method to evaluate esophageal biopsies for features in addition to PEC.
Suspended Gold Nanowires: Ballistic Transport of Electrons

Gold nanowires a few atomic diameters wide are observed by ultra-high vacuum transmission electron microscopy, and their conductance measured simultaneously using a scanning tunneling microscope built into the electron microscope. A strand of gold atoms suspended between electrodes is directly observed to have a conductance of 2e2/h (=(12.9 kΩ )-1), where e is the electron charge and h is Planck’s constant. This conductance quantization results from ballistic transport of electrons through a conduction channel of the strand.
Growth mechanism of shear mode fatigue crack of age-hardened al alloy

In order to investigate the growth mechanism of a shear mode fatigue crack in an extruded bar of an age-hardened Al alloy 7075-T6, rotating bending fatigue tests were carried out using plain specimens of the alloy in environments of controlled relative humidity of 25%, 50%, 75% and 85%, distilled water and nitrogen gas. Fatigue strength was decreased by high humidity. The growth mechanism of a fatigue crack was different depending on environment and stress level. Although most of fractures occurred by the growth of a tensile mode crack, a crack propagated in a shear mode accompanying with slip planes and voids at high stress levels in high humidity and at all stress levels tested in nitrogen gas. The shear mode crack was related to the marked texture of the alloy. Growth rates of the shear mode crack were higher in high humidity than in nitrogen gas. Growth mechanisms of the shear mode crack were different between environments in nitrogen gas and in high humidity. That is, the reason for the growth of a shear mode crack in nitrogen gas was the suppression to growth of a tensile mode crack by reversible slip due to absence of oxide film. On the other hand, in high humidity, the growth of a shear mode crack was promoted by the formation and coalescence of voids, suggesting that the acceleration of the growth rate of a crack may be assisted by hydrogen accumulated around precipitated particles on glide planes.