Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in protein kinase C in early cardiomyopathy and in gracilis muscle in the BB / Wor diabetic rat

Giles, Thomas D. , Jie Ouyang, E. Kenneth Kerut, Michael B. Given, Gayle Eileen Allen, Elizabeth F. McIlwain, and Stan S. Greenberg. Changes in protein kinase C in early cardiomyopathy and in gracilis muscle in the BB/Wor diabetic rat. Am. J. Physiol. 274 (Heart Circ. Physiol. 43): H295–H307, 1998. —Hyperglycemia can upregulate protein kinase C (PKC), which may be an important mediator of the progression from normal heart and muscle function to diabetic myopathy in the myocardium and skeletal muscle in type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDM). We evaluated this possibility during the early stage of IDM in BB/Wor diabetic (D) rats and age-matched BB/Wor diabetes-resistant (DR) rats. Interventricular septal thickness, E wave peak velocity of tricuspid inflow (both minimum and maximum), and left ventricular (LV) weight index were increased, and the rate of change in LV pressure (LV dP/dt) decreased in D rats subjected to M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography and hemodynamic recording of heart rate, LV pressure (LVP), 1LV dP/dt, 2LV dP/dt, and LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in vivo and in vitro 41 days after the onset of hyperglycemia. Whole ventricle basal PKC activity was increased by 44.4 and 18.4% in the particulate and soluble fractions, respectively, from D rats compared with that from DR rats using r-32P phosphorylation of appropriate peptide substrates. When measured by Western blot gel densitometry, particulate PKC-a and PKC-d content increased by 89 and 24%, respectively, but soluble PKC-b and soluble and particulate PKC-e were unchanged compared with that of DR rats. Similarly, gracilis muscle PKC activity and PKC-a and PKC-d were elevated in the gracilis muscle, whereas that of the circulating neutrophil did not differ between the D and DR rats. Thus, in vivo, the early diabetic cardiomyopathy of the D rat is characterized by a restrictive LV with increased septal thickness and is associated with elevated PKC activity and increased amounts of myocardial particulate PKC-a and PKC-d, which are also seen in the skeletal muscle. We conclude that increased PKC isozymes may play a pivotal role during IDM in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy and skeletal muscle myopathy.
Near-IR photometry of disk galaxies: Search for nuclear isophotal twist and double bars

We present a near-IR, mainly H band, photometry of 72 nearby ( Mpc) disk galaxies. The main goal of the survey was to search for isophotal twist inside their nuclear regions. As the twist can be due in some cases to projection effects, rather than resulting from a dynamical phenomenon, we deproject – under the simplifying assumption of a 2D geometry – all galaxies whose disk position angle and inclination are known, the latter not exceeding . We show the ellipticity, position angle and surface brightness radial profiles, and discuss how a projection of 2D and 3D bars can distort the isophotes, give an illusion of a non-existing double bar or mask a real one. We report 15 new double-barred galaxies and confirm 2 detected previously. We identify 14 additional twists not known before and we also find nuclear triaxial structures in three SA galaxies. The frequency of Seyferts among galaxies with nuclear bars or twists is high. Since these observations are part of a larger survey, the interpretation of the results will be given in a future paper, as soon as the number of objects grows enough to permit meaningful statistics. As a secondary product, we publish structural parameters (length and axis ratio) of large-scale bars in order to extend still scarce data on bars in the near-IR.
Bactericidal activity and killing rate of serum in volunteers receiving teicoplanin alone or in combination with oral or intravenous rifampin

A total of 10 volunteers, in two groups of 5 each, received the following on separate days: group 1,200 mg of teicoplanin intravenously (i.v.), 600 mg of rifampin orally, or teicoplanin-rifampin; group 2,400 mg of teicoplanin i.v. , 300 mg of rifampin i.v. in 60 min, or teicoplanin-rifampin. Blood samples were obtained before, at the end, and at 1 and 6 h after the administration of the antibiotics. Bactericidal activity in serum (SBA) was measured in microtiter plates against 20 clinical isolates (five strains each) of oxacillin-susceptible and-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The endpoint of the SBA corresponded to 99.9% killing. Killing rates were measured in serum obtained at 1 and 6 h. The concentrations of each antibiotic were measured by bioassay. The antibiotic concentrations in serum obtained at the peak and at 1 and 6 h after the end of administration were as follows: group 1, teicoplanin, 26, 15.6, and 8.4 mg/liter; rifampin, not determined, 8.3, and 3.8 mg/liter; group 2, teicoplanin, 66, 29.4, and 11.5 mg/liter; rifampin, 14.8, 3.8, and 1.2 mg/liter. Higher median SBAs were obtained after treatment with rifampin than after that with teicoplanin. No interaction was observed between rifampin and teicoplanin. This was confirmed by determination of the killing rate in serum. Teicoplanin killed more slowly than rifampin. The combination had the same killing rate as rifampin alone. Rifampin neither improved nor antagonized the bactericidal activity of teicoplanin, as determined by the SBAs or the rate of killing.
Ultralarge von Willebrand Factor Fibers Mediate Luminal Staphylococcus aureus Adhesion to an Intact Endothelial Cell Layer Under Shear Stress

Background— During pathogenesis of infective endocarditis, Staphylococcus aureus adherence often occurs without identifiable preexisting heart disease. However, molecular mechanisms mediating initial bacterial adhesion to morphologically intact endocardium are largely unknown. Methods and Results— Perfusion of activated human endothelial cells with fluorescent bacteria under high-shear-rate conditions revealed 95% attachment of the S aureus by ultralarge von Willebrand factor (ULVWF). Flow experiments with VWF deletion mutants and heparin indicate a contribution of the A-type domains of VWF to bacterial binding. In this context, analyses of different bacterial deletion mutants suggest the involvement of wall teichoic acid but not of staphylococcal protein A. The presence of inactivated platelets and serum increased significantly ULVWF-mediated bacterial adherence. ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 13) caused a dose-dependent reduction of bacterial binding and a reduced length of ULVWF, but single cocci were still tethered by ULVWF at physiological levels of ADAMTS13. To further prove the role of VWF in vivo, we compared wild-type mice with VWF knockout mice. Binding of fluorescent bacteria was followed in tumor necrosis factor-&agr;–stimulated tissue by intravital microscopy applying the dorsal skinfold chamber model. Compared with wild-type mice (n=6), we found less bacteria in postcapillary (60±6 versus 32±5 bacteria) and collecting venules (48±5 versus 18±4 bacteria; P<0.05) of VWF knockout mice (n=5). Conclusions— Our data provide the first evidence that ULVWF contributes to the initial pathogenic step of S aureus–induced endocarditis in patients with an apparently intact endothelium. An intervention reducing the ULVWF formation with heparin or ADAMTS13 suggests novel therapeutic options to prevent infective endocarditis.
Geroprotectors as a therapeutic strategy for COPD – where are we now?

Although current therapies in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) improve the quality of life, they do not satisfactorily reduce disease progression or mortality. There are still many gaps in knowledge about the cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms contributing to pathobiology of this disease. However, increasing evidence suggests that accelerated aging, chronic systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress play major roles in pathogenesis in COPD, thus opening new opportunities in therapy. Therefore, the aim of our review was to describe and discuss some of the most widely used therapeutics that affect the root cause of aging and oxidative stress (metformin, melatonin, sirolimus, statins, vitamin D, and testosterone) in context of COPD therapy.
A Study of Reduction of Anxiety in Graduate Students in an Introductory Educational Research Course.

Anxiety about statistics can result in impaired performance, mental anguish, and avoidance of statistics courses needed for professional advancement. In this study, 53 graduate students enrolled in an introductory course in educational research were administered the Statistical Anxiety Rating Scale (STARS) (A. Onwuegbuzie, 1998). During the 7 weeks of the course, the instructor employed strategies noted in the literature as possibly helpful in alleviating anxiety in statistics classes: addressing the anxiety, using humor, applying statistics to real-world situations, reducing fear of evaluation, and encouraging students to work in cooperative groups. STARS was administered as a posttest at the final course session. A paired-samples t-test was used to compare the means of the pretest and posttest scores. Differences in the total score and five of six factors (worth of statistics, interpretation anxiety, test and class anxiety, fear of asking for help, and fear of the statistics teacher) were significant at the 0.001 level. Difference in one factor (computation self-concept) was significant at the 0.01 level. All mean scores were reduced, denoting a reduction in anxiety from the pretest to the posttest. It appears it is possible to reduce statistics anxiety in graduate education students by using specific instructional strategies. (Contains 2 tables and 19 references.) (Author/SLD) ******************************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * ******************************************************************************** Reducing Statistics Anxiety I Running Head: REDUCING STATISTICS ANXIETY A Study of Reduction of Anxiety in Graduate Students in an Introductory Educational Research Course
CMOS Electrochemical Instrumentation for Biosensor Microsystems: A Review

Modern biosensors play a critical role in healthcare and have a quickly growing commercial market. Compared to traditional optical-based sensing, electrochemical biosensors are attractive due to superior performance in response time, cost, complexity and potential for miniaturization. To address the shortcomings of traditional benchtop electrochemical instruments, in recent years, many complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) instrumentation circuits have been reported for electrochemical biosensors. This paper provides a review and analysis of CMOS electrochemical instrumentation circuits. First, important concepts in electrochemical sensing are presented from an instrumentation point of view. Then, electrochemical instrumentation circuits are organized into functional classes, and reported CMOS circuits are reviewed and analyzed to illuminate design options and performance tradeoffs. Finally, recent trends and challenges toward on-CMOS sensor integration that could enable highly miniaturized electrochemical biosensor microsystems are discussed. The information in the paper can guide next generation electrochemical sensor design.
Application of model predictive control in wireless sensor networks

Recent advance in integrated circuit design enables the steady development of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and fast microprocessors are being equipped on senor nodes. Consequently, computational capacity of a sensor node increases, and it allows for the adoption of sophisticated optimization algorithms. This motivates us to investigate the applicability of model predictive control (MPC) in the context of WSNs. In this paper, first we attempt to summarize the on-going effort of applying MPC-based optimization in WSN-related research topics and then study an example of MPC-based power control in WSNs. Simulation results show that MPC-based power control algorithm is a promising candidate for applications in WSNs.
The Pathogenic Transforming Growth Factor-β Overdrive Hypothesis in Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections

For >10 years ago, an unexpected role for the transforming growth factor-β cytokine pathway has been put forward in driving thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. Here, we reassess the evidence for a detrimental transforming growth factor-β overdrive in thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. In our view, most of the available mechanistic data argue against this theory. Syndromic thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAADs) develop in patients with connective tissue disorders because of genetic mutations that affect structural components of the extracellular matrix and the cell contractile machinery. Early pathogenic hypotheses attributed the aortopathy to structural failure of the aortic tissue. Over 14 years ago, Neptune et al,1 Habashi et al,2 and Lindsay and Dietz3 proposed a novel hypothesis to explain how fibrillin-1 ( FBN1 ) mutations in Marfan syndrome (MFS) lead to pulmonary emphysema and aortic aneurysm and pointed to increased transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) activation as the culprit mechanism. This constituted a major paradigm shift, and a new hope emerged that the life-threatening manifestations of MFS might be prevented by a simple medical treatment, losartan, shown to prevent the disease in mice through its TGFβ-antagonizing properties.2 In 2010, we serendipitously discovered that TGFβ neutralization in mice treated with AngII (angiotensin II) unexpectedly induced fatal aortic dissections.4 Despite differences in the mouse models, the critical vasculoprotective role of TGFβ in our experiments highly contrasted with the reported pathogenic role of TGFβ in MFS and Loeys–Dietz syndrome (LDS), leading us to question the validity of the previous assumptions. Moreover, recent clinical testing of the concept in MFS patients failed to show any benefit of losartan over placebo or β-blockade.5 Thus, the time has come for a reassessment of the scientific evidence that supports a causal role for increased TGFβ signaling in TAADs. ### Marfan Syndrome The paradigm stipulates that FBN1 …
Affine manifolds, log structures, and mirror symmetry

This is an outline of work in progress concerning an algebro-geometric form of the Strominger-Yau-Zaslow conjecture. We introduce a limited type of degeneration of Calabi-Yau manifolds, which we call toric degenerations. For these, the degenerate fibre is a union of toric varieties meeting along toric strata. In addition, the total space must look locally toric outside of some singular set. This is a generalisation of both Mumford-type degenerations of abelian varieties and degenerations of Calabi-Yau hypersurfacesin toric varieties. From such a degeneration, we construct a dual intersection graph along with a singular affine structure. We also explain how to reverse this procedure, using logarithmic structures. We then use a discrete Legendre transform on these affine manifolds to recover mirror symmetry. Finally, we discuss the relationship between this construction and more classical forms of SYZ. The details of the ideas presented here will appear elsewhere.
Unusual primary location of the malignant melanoma, the cervico-vaginal region: 3 cases and literature review

Introduction: Malignant melanoma (MM) represents 1% of all cancers and has an incidence of 3% - 7% in the female genital tract, the majority of cases being reported in the vulva. The cervico-vaginal region is an unsual primary location of the malignant mela-noma. Case report: The clinical and morphologic findings of 3 MM patients with cervico-vaginal tumours mimicking cervical polyp in third case. Histologically, the neoplasia was formed by nodules of broad cytoplasmic cells with poorly defined borders with pleomorphic nuclei with prominent nucleolae. Tumor cells were positive for S-100 protein, Melan A, HMB 45 and CD117. The authors discuss three cases of cervico-vaginal melanoma and analyze clinical and prognostic aspects of this disease. Conclusion: Primary MM of the cervix should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cervical malignancies. Early diagnosis is essential in order to warrant a better prognosis, although there are no cases of cure described.
A Useful Form of the Abel Bound and Its Application to Estimator Threshold Prediction

This correspondence investigates the Abel bound in order to predict the estimators mean square error (mse) threshold effect. A tractable and computationally efficient form of this bound is derived. This form combines the Chapman-Robbins and the Crameacuter-Rao bounds. This bound is applied to a data-aided carrier frequency estimation problem for which a closed-form expression is provided. An indicator of the signal-to-noise ratio threshold is proposed. A comparison with recent results on the Barankin bound (Chapman-Robbins version) shows the superiority of the Abel-bound version to predict the mse threshold without increasing the computational complexity
Phylogenetic conservatism and trait correlates of spring phenological responses to climate change in northeast China

Abstract Climate change has resulted in major changes in plant phenology across the globe that includes leaf‐out date and flowering time. The ability of species to respond to climate change, in part, depends on their response to climate as a phenological cue in general. Species that are not phenologically responsive may suffer in the face of continued climate change. Comparative studies of phenology have found phylogeny to be a reliable predictor of mean leaf‐out date and flowering time at both the local and global scales. This is less true for flowering time response (i.e., the correlation between phenological timing and climate factors), while no study to date has explored whether the response of leaf‐out date to climate factors exhibits phylogenetic signal. We used a 52‐year observational phenological dataset for 52 woody species from the Forest Botanical Garden of Heilongjiang Province, China, to test phylogenetic signal in leaf‐out date and flowering time, as well as, the response of these two phenological traits to both temperature and winter precipitation. Leaf‐out date and flowering time were significantly responsive to temperature for most species, advancing, on average, 3.11 and 2.87 day/°C, respectively. Both leaf‐out and flowering, and their responses to temperature exhibited significant phylogenetic signals. The response of leaf‐out date to precipitation exhibited no phylogenetic signal, while flowering time response to precipitation did. Native species tended to have a weaker flowering response to temperature than non‐native species. Earlier leaf‐out species tended to have a greater response to winter precipitation. This study is the first to assess phylogenetic signal of leaf‐out response to climate change, which suggests, that climate change has the potential to shape the plant communities, not only through flowering sensitivity, but also through leaf‐out sensitivity.
Toxicity and Toxin Composition of the Greater Blue-Ringed Octopus Hapalochlaena lunulata from Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

The toxicity of the greater blue-ringed octopus Hapalochlaena lunulata, whose bite is fatal to humans, was examined to better understand and prevent deaths from accidental bites. Living specimens were collected from tide pools on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, in November and December of 2015, 2016, and 2017. The specimens were examined for the anatomical distribution of the toxicity, which was expressed in terms of mouse units (MU), by the standard bioassay method for tetrodotoxin (TTX) in Japan. Paralytic toxicity to mice was detected in all of the soft parts. The posterior salivary glands exhibited the highest toxicity score with a maximum level of 9276 MU/g, which was classified as “strongly toxic” (more than 1000 MU/g tissue) according to the classification of toxicity established by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan, followed by the hepatopancreas (21.1 to 734.3 MU/g), gonads (not detectable to 167.6 MU/g), arms (5.3 to 130.2 MU/g), and other body areas (17.3 to 107.4 MU/g). Next, the toxin from the salivary glands was partially purified by a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge and an Amicon Ultra Centrifugal Filter with a 3000-Da cut-off, and analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) equipped with a φ2. 0 × 150-mm (5 μm) TSKgel Amide-80 column (Tosoh, Tokyo, Japan) with a mixture of 16 mM ammonium formate buffer (pH 5.5) and acetonitrile (ratio 3:7, v/v) as a mobile phase. This study aimed to clarify the toxicity and the composition of TTX and its derivatives in this toxic octopus. The main toxin in this toxic octopus was identified as TTX, along with 4-epi TTX, 4, 9-anhydroTTX and 6-epi TTX. Further, the toxicity of this species is also significant from a food hygiene point of view.
Attainable and Relevant Moral Exemplars Are More Effective than Extraordinary Exemplars in Promoting Voluntary Service Engagement

The present study aimed to develop effective moral educational interventions based on social psychology by using stories of moral exemplars. We tested whether motivation to engage in voluntary service as a form of moral behavior was better promoted by attainable and relevant exemplars or by unattainable and irrelevant exemplars. First, experiment 1, conducted in a lab, showed that stories of attainable exemplars more effectively promoted voluntary service activity engagement among undergraduate students compared with stories of unattainable exemplars and non-moral stories. Second, experiment 2, a middle school classroom-level experiment with a quasi-experimental design, demonstrated that peer exemplars, who are perceived to be attainable and relevant to students, better promoted service engagement compared with historic figures in moral education classes.
Heritability of metabolic syndrome traits in a large population-based sample[S]

Heritability estimates of metabolic syndrome traits vary widely across studies. Some studies have suggested that the contribution of genes may vary with age or sex. We estimated the heritability of 11 metabolic syndrome-related traits and height as a function of age and sex in a large population-based sample of twin families (N = 2,792–27,021, for different traits). A moderate-to-high heritability was found for all traits [from H2 = 0.47 (insulin) to H2 = 0.78 (BMI)]. The broad-sense heritability (H2) showed little variation between age groups in women; it differed somewhat more in men (e.g., for glucose, H2 = 0.61 in young females, H2 = 0.56 in older females, H2 = 0.64 in young males, and H2= 0.27 in older males). While nonadditive genetic effects explained little variation in the younger subjects, nonadditive genetic effects became more important at a greater age. Our findings show that in an unselected sample (age range, ∼18–98 years), the genetic contribution to individual differences in metabolic syndrome traits is moderate to large in both sexes and across age. Although the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome has greatly increased in the past decades due to lifestyle changes, our study indicates that most of the variation in metabolic syndrome traits between individuals is due to genetic differences.
Importance of bacterial growth phase in determining minimal bactericidal concentrations of penicillin and methicillin

The minimal inhibitory concentrations of penicillin against 96 strains of group B streptococci and of methicillin against 10 strains of Staphylococcus aureus were unrelated to the growth phase of test bacteria. However, the minimal bactericidal concentrations were significantly higher in the stationary phase than the logarithmic phase for both organisms (P less than 0.001 and less than 0.05, respectively).