Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence for the Presence of Molecules Related to the Neuropeptide CGRP in Two Cephalopods, Sepia officinalis and Nautilus macromphalus: Comparison with Its Target Organ Distribution

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide mainly involved in brain and cardiovascular functions in mammals. We investigated its presence and potential roles in two cephalopods, Sepia officinalis and Nautilus macromphalus. CGRP-like, but not calcitonin (CT)-like, molecules were detected by specific radioimmuno- and radioreceptor assays in the brain, optic lobes, branchial heart or afferent branchial vein and kidney. Gel exclusion chromatography of cephalopod brain extracts, followed by SDS-PAGE, indicated that CGRP-like molecules had a molecular weight of around 3 kDa, close to that of human CGRP. The distribution of CGRP target organs was characterized by binding studies in cuttlefish. Specific CGRP binding sites were detected in the brain, optic lobes, and kidney, indicating potential autocrine/paracrine roles of CGRP. Specific CGRP binding sites were also detected in the gills and shell sac that do not contain the peptide itself, indicating potential endocrine roles of CGRP. Accordingly, high circulating levels of CGRP-like molecules were detected in hemolymph of both cuttlefish and nautilus, unlike the situation in mammals. CGRP binding sites were further characterized in the cuttlefish gills by the Scatchard method. Our study indicates that the brain neurotransmitter role of CGRP could represent an ancient role in metazoa, already present in cephalopods and conserved among vertebrates. In contrast, the endocrine role of CGRP, which was suggested in cephalopods and also present in teleosts, may have been lost during the evolution of the tetrapod lineage. Our data support the hypothesis that CGRP represents the ancestral molecule of the CT/CGRP family appeared in metazoa before the vertebrate emergence.
Characteristics of Mouse Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells and Therapeutic Comparisons between Syngeneic and Allogeneic Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cell Transplantation in Experimental Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Previously, we found that the intravenous administration of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells was a promising therapeutic option for autoimmune thyroiditis even when the cells were transplanted into a xenogeneic model without an immunosuppressant. Therefore, we explored the comparison between the therapeutic effects of syngeneic and allogeneic adipose tissue-derived stem cells on an experimental autoimmune thyroiditis mouse model. Experimental autoimmune thyroiditis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by immunization with porcine thyroglobulin. Adipose tissue-derived stem cells derived from C57BL/6 mice (syngeneic) or BALB/c mice (allogeneic) or saline as a vehicle control were administered intravenously four times weekly. Blood and tissue samples were collected 1 week after the last transplantation. Adipose tissue-derived stem cells from mice were able to differentiate into multiple lineages in vitro; however, mouse adipose tissue-derived stem cells did not have immunophenotypes identical to those from humans. Syngeneic and allogeneic administrations of adipose tissue-derived stem cells reduced thyroglobulin autoantibodies and the inflammatory immune response, protected against lymphocyte infiltration into the thyroid, and restored the Th1/Th2 balance without any adverse effects. However, different humoral immune responses were observed for infused cells from different stem cell sources. The strongest humoral immune response was induced by xenogeneic transplantation, followed by allogeneic and syngeneic administration, in that order. The stem cells were mostly found in the spleen, not the thyroid. This migration might be because the stem cells primarily function in systemic immune modulation, due to being given prior to disease induction. In this study, we confirmed that there were equal effects of adipose tissue-derived stem cells in treating autoimmune thyroiditis between syngeneic and allogeneic transplantations.
The Restoration Potential of the Mesopotamian Marshes of Iraq

Uncontrolled releases of Tigris and Euphrates River waters after the 2003 war have partially restored some former marsh areas in southern Iraq, but restoration is failing in others because of high soil and water salinities. Nearly 20% of the original 15,000-square-kilometer marsh area was reflooded by March 2004, but the extent of marsh restoration is unknown. High-quality water, nonsaline soils, and the densest native vegetation were found in the only remaining natural marsh, the Al-Hawizeh, located on the Iranian border. Although substantially reduced in area and under current threat of an Iranian dike, it has the potential to be a native repopulation center for the region. Rapid reestablishment, high productivity, and reproduction of native flora and fauna in reflooded former marsh areas indicate a high probability for successful restoration, provided the restored wetlands are hydraulically designed to allow sufficient flow of noncontaminated water and flushing of salts through the ecosystem.
The Development of the Cnidoblasts of Hydra

The general histological organization of Hydra is reviewed and electron microscopic observations are presented which bear upon the nature of the mesoglea, the mode of attachment of the contractile processes of the musculo-epithelial cells, and the cytomorphosis of the cnidoblasts. Particular attention is devoted to the changes in form and distribution of the cytoplasmic organelles in the course of nematocyst formation. The undifferentiated interstitial cell is characterized by a small Golgi complex, few mitochondria, virtual absence of the endoplasmic reticulum, and a cytoplasmic matrix crowded with fine granules presumed to be ribonucleoprotein. These cytological characteristics persist through the early part of the period of interstitial cell proliferation which leads to formation of clusters of cnidoblasts. With the initiation of nematocyst formation in the cnidoblasts, numerous membrane-bounded vesicles appear in their cytoplasm. These later coalesce to form a typical endoplasmic reticulum with associated ribonucleoprotein granules. During the ensuing period of rapid growth of the nematocyst the reticulum becomes very extensive and highly organized. Finally, when the nematocyst has attained its full size, the reticulum breaks up again into isolated vesicles. The Golgi complex remains closely applied to the apical pole of the nematocyst throughout its development and apparently contributes to its enlargement by segregating formative material in vacuoles whose contents are subsequently incorporated in the nematocyst. The elaboration of this complex cell product appears to require the cooperative participation of the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex. Their respective roles in the formative process are discussed.
Profile-based data diffusion in mobile environments

People on the move often are interested in information about their close proximity. This information can either be retrieved from static nodes or other mobile nodes spreading information via wireless technologies. This approach to data diffusion potentially overloads the mobile device if no filtering is applied. Filtering mechanisms, however, cannot rely on the existence of a common information model among the peers. We present an approach for profile-based filtering which does not require shared knowledge among the nodes. Instead, our system can translate between competing taxonomies. It uses synonyms and a tolerant search algorithm to cope with morphological and lexical variations and structural differences of the taxonomies. A prototype of our approach was implemented and successfully tested.
Leiter-R versus developmental quotient for estimating cognitive function in preschoolers with pervasive developmental disorders

The utility of the developmental quotient (DQ) obtained with the Psychoeducational Profile Revised (PEP-R) was assessed as a means of estimating cognitive ability in young children with pervasive developmental disorders. Data from the PEP-R were analysed in a sample of 44 children aged from 2.0 to 5.9 years (mean 3.46 ± 1), 13 with an autistic disorder and 31 with a pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. DQ scores were compared with scores from the Leiter International Performance Scale Revised-Visualization and Reasoning Battery (Leiter-R) in the same 44 children. Overall and domain DQs on the PEP-R were significantly correlated with Leiter-R scores. This study suggests that DQ scores obtained from the PEP-R in preschool children with pervasive developmental disorders may be a viable alternative to the Leiter-R as an assessment tool.
An Evidence‐Based Analysis of Simultaneous Pancreas‐Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation Alone

While pancreas transplantation has evolved within two decades from a frustrating and poorly‐accepted therapeutic option to a highly successful procedure, the respective benefits of the successive surgical and immunosuppressive developments have remained unclear. The aim of this study was to determine using an evidence‐based methodology, which novel approaches have contributed to the current results and whether pancreas transplantation is cost‐effective. Out of 2481 articles, 102 analyzed either surgical or immunosuppressive aspects of pancreas transplantation. Urological complications were more frequent in bladder over enteric drainage (range: 62–63% vs. 12–20%, p = 0.0001), but without significant difference in patient or graft survival. Portal drainage was associated with a trend toward fewer complications and better hyperinsulinemia control over systemic drainage in retrospective studies. Immunosuppression combining induction therapy, a calcineurin inhibitor, mycophenolate mophetil (MMF) and corticosteroids were associated with a 40% decreased incidence of rejection (p = 0.01) and an increase in graft survival above 90% at 1 year (p < 0.05). Pancreas transplantation is highly cost‐effective compared to conservative alternatives. We conclude that despite a paucity of large studies, enteric drainage should be recommended but the benefits of portal venous drainage remain debated. Quadruple immunosuppression protocols including induction therapy should be the standard regimen.
Gastric stimulation in obese subjects activates the hippocampus and other regions involved in brain reward circuitry

The neurobiological mechanisms underlying overeating in obesity are not understood. Here, we assessed the neurobiological responses to an Implantable Gastric Stimulator (IGS), which induces stomach expansion via electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve to identify the brain circuits responsible for its effects in decreasing food intake. Brain metabolism was measured with positron emission tomography and 2-deoxy-2[18F]fluoro-d-glucose in seven obese subjects who had the IGS implanted for 1–2 years. Brain metabolism was evaluated twice during activation (on) and during deactivation (off) of the IGS. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire was obtained to measure the behavioral components of eating (cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating). The largest difference was in the right hippocampus, where metabolism was 18% higher (P < 0.01) during the “on” than “off” condition, and these changes were associated with scores on “emotional eating,” which was lower during the on than off condition and with “uncontrolled eating,” which did not differ between conditions. Metabolism also was significantly higher in right anterior cerebellum, orbitofrontal cortex, and striatum during the on condition. These findings corroborate the role of the vagus nerve in regulating hippocampal activity and the importance of the hippocampus in modulating eating behaviors linked to emotional eating and lack of control. IGS-induced activation of regions previously shown to be involved in drug craving in addicted subjects (orbitofrontal cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and striatum) suggests that similar brain circuits underlie the enhanced motivational drive for food and drugs seen in obese and drug-addicted subjects, respectively.
Cardiac Aldosterone Production in Genetically Hypertensive Rats

Aldosterone is synthesized in extra-adrenal tissues, both blood vessels and brain. We undertook the present study to determine whether the rat heart produces aldosterone and to investigate the effects of adrenalectomy, ACE inhibition, and angiotensin II on aldosterone synthesis in the heart. To clarify the pathophysiological role of cardiac aldosterone in the hypertensive heart, we compared the synthesis of aldosterone in the hearts of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) with that in Wistar-Kyoto rats. The effects of the aldosterone antagonist spironolactone on myocardial hypertrophy in adrenalectomized SHRSP were also studied. Isolated rat hearts were perfused for 2 hours, and the perfusate was analyzed with HPLC and mass spectrometry. The activity of aldosterone synthase was estimated on the basis of the conversion of [14C]deoxycorticosterone to [14C]aldosterone. The levels of aldosterone synthase gene (CYP11B2) mRNA were determined with competitive polymerase chain reaction. Aldosterone production, the activity of aldosterone synthase, and the expression of CYP11B2 mRNA were increased in hearts from adrenalectomized rats and rats treated with angiotensin II. ACE inhibitors decreased cardiac aldosterone synthesis. Cardiac aldosterone, aldosterone synthase activity, and CYP11B2 mRNA levels in hearts from 2- and 4-week-old SHRSP were significantly greater than those of age-matched Wistar-Kyoto rats. Spironolactone prevented cardiac hypertrophy in adrenalectomized SHRSP. These results suggest that the rat heart produces aldosterone and that endogenous cardiac aldosterone may affect cardiac function and hypertrophy in hypertension in rats.
Sol–Gel‐Derived Amorphous‐MgNb2O6 Thin Films for Transparent Microelectronics

In this work, transparent amorphous-MgNb2O6 thin films were fabricated on ITO/glass substrates using the sol–gel method. The change in the chemical states, as well as the optical and dielectric properties of MgNb2O6 films at various annealing temperatures is investigated. In this study, MgNb2O6 films exhibited the amorphous phase when the annealing temperature was below 600°C. From X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the major parts of the films' chemical states can be indexed as Mg2+, Nb5+, Nb4+, and O2−. Furthermore, the Nb4+ element can be reduced at higher annealing temperatures. The average transmission percentage in the visible range (λ = 400–800 nm) is over 80% for all MgNb2O6/ITO/glass samples, whereas the optical band gap (Eg) for all samples is estimated at ~4 eV. In addition, the dielectric constant was calculated to be higher than 20 under a 1 MHz AC electric field, with a leakage current density below 2 × 10−7 A/cm2 at 1 V. In this study, the fabrication procedure and experiment results of MgNb2O6 films are introduced for transparent microelectronics.
High-Resolution Crystal Structures Elucidate the Molecular Basis of Cholera Blood Group Dependence

Cholera is the prime example of blood-group-dependent diseases, with individuals of blood group O experiencing the most severe symptoms. The cholera toxin is the main suspect to cause this relationship. We report the high-resolution crystal structures (1.1–1.6 Å) of the native cholera toxin B-pentamer for both classical and El Tor biotypes, in complexes with relevant blood group determinants and a fragment of its primary receptor, the GM1 ganglioside. The blood group A determinant binds in the opposite orientation compared to previously published structures of the cholera toxin, whereas the blood group H determinant, characteristic of blood group O, binds in both orientations. H-determinants bind with higher affinity than A-determinants, as shown by surface plasmon resonance. Together, these findings suggest why blood group O is a risk factor for severe cholera.
A Divergent Transcription Factor TFIIB in Trypanosomes Is Required for RNA Polymerase II-Dependent Spliced Leader RNA Transcription and Cell Viability

ABSTRACT Transcription by RNA polymerase II in trypanosomes deviates from the standard eukaryotic paradigm. Genes are transcribed polycistronically and subsequently cleaved into functional mRNAs, requiring trans splicing of a capped 39-nucleotide leader RNA derived from a short transcript, the spliced leader (SL) RNA. The only identified trypanosome RNA polymerase II promoter is that of the SL RNA gene. We have previously shown that transcription of SL RNA requires divergent trypanosome homologs of RNA polymerase II, TATA binding protein, and the small nuclear RNA (snRNA)-activating protein complex. In other eukaryotes, TFIIB is an additional key component of transcription for both mRNAs and polymerase II-dependent snRNAs. We have identified a divergent homolog of the usually highly conserved basal transcription factor, TFIIB, from the pathogenic parasite Trypanosoma brucei. T. brucei TFIIB (TbTFIIB) interacted directly with the trypanosome TATA binding protein and RNA polymerase II, confirming its identity. Functionally, in vitro transcription studies demonstrated that TbTFIIB is indispensable in SL RNA gene transcription. RNA interference (RNAi) studies corroborated the essential nature of TbTFIIB, as depletion of this protein led to growth arrest of parasites. Furthermore, nuclear extracts prepared from parasites depleted of TbTFIIB, after the induction of RNAi, required recombinant TbTFIIB to support spliced leader transcription. The information gleaned from TbTFIIB studies furthers our understanding of SL RNA gene transcription and the elusive overall transcriptional processes in trypanosomes.
Activation of Cdc42 is necessary for sustained oscillations of Ca2+ and PIP2 stimulated by antigen in RBL mast cells

ABSTRACT Antigen stimulation of mast cells via Fc&egr;RI, the high-affinity receptor for IgE, triggers a signaling cascade that requires Ca2+ mobilization for exocytosis of secretory granules during the allergic response. To characterize the role of Rho GTPases in Fc&egr;RI signaling, we utilized a mutant RBL cell line, B6A4C1, that is deficient in antigen-stimulated Cdc42 activation important for these processes. Recently the importance of stimulated intracellular oscillations has emerged, and we find that B6A4C1 cells exhibit severely attenuated Ca2+ oscillations in response to antigen, which are restored to wild-type RBL-2H3 levels by expression of constitutively active Cdc42 G12V or by a GEF for Cdc42, DOCK7, but not when the C-terminal di-arginine motif of active Cdc42 is mutated to di-glutamine. We found that antigen-stimulated Fc&egr;RI endocytosis, which occurs independently of Ca2+ mobilization, is also defective in B6A4C1 cells, and Cdc42 G12V reconstitutes this response as well. Thus, activation of Cdc42 occurs prior to and is critical for antigen-stimulated pathways leading separately to both Ca2+ mobilization and receptor endocytosis. Accounting for these downstream functional consequences, we show that Cdc42 G12V reconstitutes antigen-stimulated oscillations of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) at the plasma membrane in mutant B6A4C1 cells, pointing to Cdc42 participation in the regulation of stimulated PIP2 synthesis.
Cognitive Control in the Controllable Connectome

Cognition is supported by neurophysiological processes that occur both in local anatomical neighborhoods and in distributed large-scale circuits. Recent evidence from network control theory suggests that white matter pathways linking large-scale brain regions provide a critical substrate constraining the ability of single areas to affect control on those processes. Yet, no direct evidence exists for a relationship between brain network controllability and cognitive control performance. Here, we address this gap by constructing structural brain networks from diffusion tensor imaging data acquired in 125 healthy adult individuals. We define a simplified model of brain dynamics and simulate network control to quantify modal and boundary controllability, which together describe complementary features of a region's theoretically predicted preference to drive the brain into different cognitive states. We observe that individual differences in these control features derived from structural connectivity are significantly correlated with individual differences in cognitive control performance, as measured by a continuous performance attention test, a color/shape switching task, the Stroop inhibition task, and a spatial n-back working memory task. Indeed, control hubs like anterior cingulate are distinguished from default mode and frontal association areas in terms of the relationship between their control properties and individual differences in cognitive function. These results provide the first empirical evidence that network control forms a fundamental mechanism of cognitive control.
Decay rate measurement of perylene dye molecules attached to porous silicon nanostructures

The radiative decay rates of perylene dye molecules, attached to silicon nano-rods are investigated by means of timeresolved fluorescence experiments. The decay rates of dye molecules in the vicinity of silicon nano-rods are inhibited due to their various diameters and therefore the modification of the surrounding environment. Inhibition is caused by an increased nonradiative rate due to resonant energy transfer described by the Gersten-Nitzan model.
Isolated 3D object recognition through next view planning

In many cases, a single view of an object may not contain sufficient features to recognize it unambiguously. This paper presents a new online recognition scheme based on next view planning for the identification of an isolated 3D object using simple features. The scheme uses a probabilistic reasoning framework for recognition and planning. Our knowledge representation scheme encodes feature based information about objects as well as the uncertainty in the recognition process. This is used both in the probability calculations as well as in planning the next view. Results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of our strategy for a reasonably complex experimental set.
SOME EFFECTS OF MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS ON THE METABOLISM OF γ‐AMINOBUTYRIC ACID IN RAT BRAIN

(1) The inhibitor of γ‐aminobutyrate transaminase (GABA‐T), amino‐oxyacetic acid (AOAA), drastically reduced the activity of GABA‐T to 30 per cent of the control value, with a corresponding increase of brain GABA, but had no effect on the activity of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD).
Prevention of maternal aging-associated oocyte aneuploidy and meiotic spindle defects in mice by dietary and genetic strategies

Increased meiotic spindle abnormalities and aneuploidy in oocytes of women of advanced maternal ages lead to elevated rates of infertility, miscarriage, and trisomic conceptions. Despite the significance of the problem, strategies to sustain oocyte quality with age have remained elusive. Here we report that adult female mice maintained under 40% caloric restriction (CR) did not exhibit aging-related increases in oocyte aneuploidy, chromosomal misalignment on the metaphase plate, meiotic spindle abnormalities, or mitochondrial dysfunction (aggregation, impaired ATP production), all of which occurred in oocytes of age-matched ad libitum-fed controls. The effects of CR on oocyte quality in aging females were reproduced by deletion of the metabolic regulator, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α). Thus, CR during adulthood or loss of PGC-1α function maintains female germline chromosomal stability and its proper segregation during meiosis, such that ovulated oocytes of aged female mice previously maintained on CR or lacking PGC-1α are comparable to those of young females during prime reproductive life.