Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tyrosine Phosphorylation and Regulation of the AMPA Receptor by Src Family Tyrosine Kinases

Phosphorylation of AMPA receptors is a major mechanism for the regulation of receptor function and underlies several forms of synaptic plasticity in the CNS. Although serine and threonine phosphorylation of AMPA receptors has been well studied, the potential role of tyrosine phosphorylation of AMPA receptors has not been investigated. Here, we show that the GluR2 subunit of AMPA receptors is tyrosine phosphorylated in vitro and in vivo by Src family tyrosine kinases on tyrosine 876 near its C terminus. In addition, GluR agonist treatment of cultured cortical neurons increased phosphorylation of tyrosine 876. The association with GluR2-interacting molecules GRIP1/2 was decreased by tyrosine phosphorylation of GluR2, whereas PICK1 interaction was not influenced. Moreover, mutation of tyrosine 876 eliminated AMPA- and NMDA-induced internalization of the GluR2 subunit. These data indicate that tyrosine phosphorylation of tyrosine 876 on the GluR2 C terminus by Src family tyrosine kinases is important for the regulation of AMPA receptor function and may be important for synaptic plasticity.
Increased cGMP phosphodiesterase activity mediates renal resistance to ANP in rats with bile duct ligation.

BACKGROUND Liver disease resulting from common bile duct ligation (CBDL) causes abnormal sodium metabolism that is manifested by resistance to the natriuretic action of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). This resistance is corrected both in vitro and in vivo by zaprinast, a selective inhibitor of a guanosine cyclic-3'-5'-monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE5). Several other PDEs with affinity for cGMP are expressed in kidney and could also be involved in this response. METHODS We measured cGMP hydrolysis in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cell homogenates from kidneys of sham-operated and CBDL rats and quantitated the amount of PDE5 protein by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation studies. We also characterized ANP responsiveness in vivo of kidneys of anesthetized sham and CBDL rats by measuring sodium excretion before and after volume expansion (VE). RESULTS Kinetic analysis of PDE5 activity in homogenates of IMCD cells isolated from kidneys of sham-operated rats indicated a Vmax of 85.3 +/- 1.7 versus 157 +/- 2.9 pmol/mg/min from CBDL rats (P < 0.01), without a difference in Km. Enzyme activity was inhibited competitively by 1,3-dimethyl-6-(2-propoxy-5-methanesulfonylamidophenyl)pyrazol[3,4d]-pyrimidin-4-(5H)-one (DMPPO), a potent and specific inhibitor of PDE5, with an apparent Ki of 4.5 +/- 0.7 and 4.9 +/- 0.7 nmol/L and an IC50 of 6.1 +/- 0.8 and 8.7 +/- 0.7 nmol/L in sham and CBDL rats, respectively (P = NS). DMPPO exhibited very poor inhibitory activity against the calcium-calmodulin-dependent PDE1 in IMCD homogenates from sham rats (Ki 1.3 +/- 0.1 micromol/L and IC50 1.9 +/- 0.2 micromol/L). Western analysis using an antiserum made against bovine lung PDE5 revealed a twofold increase in PDE5 protein in cytosolic extracts from IMCD of CBDL rat kidneys compared with sham-operated controls, and immunoprecipitation studies indicated that the increase in PDE5 protein accounted for the observed increase in cGMP hydrolysis. DMPPO (10 nmol/L) normalized the blunted ANP-dependent cGMP accumulation by IMCD cells from CBDL rats in vitro. Intrarenal infusion of DMPPO (0.5 nmol/min) in CBDL rats corrected both the impaired natriuretic response to VE and the blunted VE-related increase in urinary cGMP excretion from the infused, but not the contralateral kidney. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that renal resistance to ANP in CBDL rats is accompanied by heightened activity of PDE5, which is due largely to an increase in PDE5 protein. Other PDEs could contribute only a minor part to the enhanced cGMP hydrolysis observed in kidneys of CBDL rats. This PDE5-dependent ANP resistance may represent an important contributor to the sodium retention of liver disease.
Cue hierarchy and foraging in calanoid copepods: ecological implications of oceanographic structure

Fine-scale water column structure was mimicked in a laboratory plane jet flume to examine responses of the calanoid copepods Temora longicornis and Acartia tonsa to layers consist- ing of a velocity gradient, density gradient, phytoplankton exudates and food (phytoplankton). Cope- pods were exposed to isolated layers and combinations of cues as defined by in situ conditions. Behaviors elicited by the velocity gradient and chemical exudate layers included increased swim- ming speed and turn frequency consistent with excited area-restricted search behavior, which led to increased proportional residence time in the layers. Both species had significant responses to isolated layers of velocity gradients and chemical exudates, with T. longicornis responding more intensely to chemical cues than velocity gradients and A. tonsa responding equally to both. Combined fluid mechanical and chemical cues elicited species-specific responses. For T. longicornis, chemical pres- ence induced responses that strengthened or cancelled initial reactions to the velocity gradient. These results suggest a cue hierarchy where a velocity gradient acts as an initial cue for narrowing search regions, and chemical cues and food presence determine consequent responses. For A. tonsa, combining velocity gradient and chemical cues had the same effect on copepod behavior as the indi- vidual cues, which suggests both cues are equal sources of information but are not closely associated. In both species, physical contact with particles or cells initiated feeding behavior, resulting in lower swimming speeds. Fluid density had a potentially aversive effect, as neither species responded with an area-restricted search response and individuals rarely crossed a strong density gradient. Observed behaviors may lead to aggregation, especially when superimposed on rhythmic move- ments such as diel vertical migration.
Determination of biodegradability of phenolic compounds, characteristic to wastewater of the oil-shale chemical industry, on activated sludge by oxygen uptake measurement

The aim of this study was to investigate the biodegradation of phenol, o-cresol and p-cresol individually and as bi-substrate mixtures at low initial substrate concentrations. Activated sludge was taken from the Kohtla-Järve wastewater treatment plant, Estonia, which is also treating phenolic wastewater from the oil-shale chemical industry and is considered to be acclimated to the phenolic compounds. Respirometric data have been used for evaluation of the kinetic parameters describing the bio-oxidation of substrates. Activated sludge was able to degrade phenol and p-cresol faster than o-cresol, showing better affinity to p-cresol. However, at higher concentrations, phenol and p-cresol exhibited also an inhibitory effect to the microorganisms. The highest values for maximum rate of oxygen uptake ( ) were obtained for the bi-substrate system of phenol–p-cresol among the mixtures containing both substrates at equal concentrations from 0.005 mM to 0.050 mM. Concerning the systems containing one substrate at 0.1 mM and the other substrate varied in the abovementioned range, the highest values were found for phenol–o-cresol(0.1 mM). The interaction parameters indicated that phenol had a stronger inhibition effect on the biodegradation of p-cresol than p-cresol had on the biodegradation of phenol. However, the obtained interaction parameters for systems of phenol–o-cresol indicated that o-cresol had a stronger inhibition effect on the biodegradation of phenol, which in turn had a mild inhibition or even enhancing effect on the biodegradation of o-cresol. In the case of a 1:1 mixture, phenol and o-cresol had a similar mild inhibition effect on each other's biodegradation.
Deriving the reference value from the circadian motor active patterns in the “non-dementia” population, compared to the “dementia” population: What is the amount of physical activity conducive to the good circadian rhythm

ABSTRACT Background: The circadian rhythm in older adults is commonly known to change with a decrease in physical activity. However, the association between circadian rhythm metrics and physical activity remains unclear. The objective of this study was to examine circadian activity patterns in older people with and without dementia and to determine the amount of physical activity conducive to a good circadian measurement. Method: Circadian parameters were collected from 117 older community-dwelling people (66 subjects without dementia and 52 subjects with dementia); the parameters were measured continuously using actigraphy for 7 days. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to determine reference values for the circadian rhythm parameters, consisting of interdaily stability (IS), intradaily variability (IV), and relative amplitude (RA), in older subjects. Results: The ROC curve revealed reference values of 0.55 for IS, 1.10 for IV, and 0.82 for RA. In addition, as a result of the ROC curve in the moderate-to-vigorous physical Activity (MVPA) conducive to the reference value of the Non-parametric Circadian Rhythm Analysis per day, the optimal reference values were 51 minutes for IV and 55 minutes for RA. However, the IS had no classification accuracy. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated the reference values derived from the circadian parameters of older Japanese population with or without dementia. Also, we determined the MVPA conducive to a good circadian rest–active pattern. This reference value for physical activity conducive to a good circadian rhythm might be useful for developing a new index for health promotion in the older community-dwelling population.
A survey of the petroleum solvent inhalation exposure in Detroit dry cleaning plants.

Abstract A survey was conducted on a random sample of 30 out of a total of 140 dry cleaning plants operating in the City of Detroit and using petroleum solvents. Solvent in air concentrations were measured during various portions of the dry cleaning cycle and found to be below the proposed Threshold Limit Value of 200 ppm. The weighted exposure for a complete dry cleaning cycle was found to be 65 ppm for the solvent with a flash point of 105°F. , 47 ppm for the solvent with a flash point of 120°F. , and 25 ppm for a solvent with a flash point of 140°F. In Detroit, actual dry cleaning operations approximated four hours per 8-hour day. Accordingly, the weighted 8-hour exposure was 35 ppm, 25 ppm and 15 ppm respectively.
Thermal Contact Conductance at Low Contact Pressures

New correlations are presented for the truncated Gaussian (TG) thermal contact conductance model during first loading. The TG model is also incorporated into existing models for the hysteresis effect of thermal contact conductance and for the plastic contact pressure. The TG models, as well as the existing fully Gaussian models, are compared against new experimental data collected at very low contact pressures. Comparison between the models and the data shows that the fully Gaussian model underpredicts data at low contact pressures, as already extensively reported in the literature. The first-loading TG model predicts the experiments very well over the entire range of the contact pressures tested. The hysteresis effect model proved to be accurate only for contact pressure above 400 kPa, in general. The TG model requires a surface roughness parameter, the level of truncation of the probability density function of surface heights, which cannot be obtained accurately from ordinary surface profilometry. The most accurate and straightforward way to estimate this surface geometry parameter is from thermal tests. The levels of truncation of bead-blasted stainless steel 304 and Ni 200 are obtained and presented.
The Effect of Theory-Based HIV/AIDS Educational Program on Preventive Behaviors Among Female Adolescents in Tehran: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Adolescents are increasingly at risks of HIV infection through high-risk sexual behaviors. This paper aimed to assess the effectiveness of a HIV/AIDS educational intervention among female adolescents in Tehran. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among high school girls aged 12–16 years studying in Tehran in 2016–17. The sample was selected using multistage random cluster sampling. Four schools per district were randomly selected using probability-proportional to size. Adolescents were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=289) and the control (n=289) groups. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) was the basis of both the intervention and the evaluation phase. Both experimental and control groups completed a questionnaire designed for HIV related behaviors for female adolescents (HBQFA) at baseline and after six months follow up. A theory-based educational program was implemented for the experimental group. Results: The mean age of participants was 14.1 years (SD=0.96). In the experimental group, significant improvements were shown in adolescents’ HIV knowledge (31.9%, 95% CI: 28.8–35.0), attitudes towards HIV (16.6%, 95% CI=14.4–18.8), subjective norm (16.8%, 95% CI=12.9–20.6) and perceived behavioral control (19.1%, 95% CI=16.2–22.1), perceived parental support (17%, 95% CI=13.8–20.2), behavioral intention to prevent HIV (19%, 95% CI=16.3–21.6), and HIV preventive behavior (17.3%, 95% CI=13.9–20.6) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Theory-based educational intervention on HIV/AIDS prevention can significantly protect adolescents from misconceptions, wrong attitudes and risky behaviors and unsupportive social environment that expose them to greater HIV risk. Health policy -makers are advised to consider effective training programs related to HIV/AIDS prevention behaviors in the school system.
Emerging Role of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 in Autoimmune Disease

Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP4), originally identified as an aminopeptidase in 1960s, is an ubiquitously expressed protease presented as either a membrane-bound or soluble form. DPP4 cleaves dipeptide off from the N-terminal of its substrates, altering the bioactivity of its substrates. Subsequent studies reveal that DPP4 is also involved in various cellular processes by directly binding to a number of ligands, including adenosine deaminase, CD45, fibronectin, plasminogen, and caveolin-1. In recent years, many novel functions of DPP4, such as promoting fibrosis and mediating virus entry, have been discovered. Due to its implication in fibrotic response and immunoregulation, increasing studies are focusing on the potential role of DPP4 in inflammatory disorders. As a moonlighting protein, DPP4 possesses multiple functions in different types of cells, including both enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions. However, most of the review articles on the role of DPP4 in autoimmune disease were focused on the association between DPP4 enzymatic inhibitors and the risk of autoimmune disease. An updated comprehensive summary of DPP4’s immunoregulatory actions including both enzymatic dependent and independent functions is needed. In this article, we will review the recent advances of DPP4 in immune regulation and autoimmune rheumatic disease.
Termination and pausing of RNA polymerase II downstream of yeast polyadenylation sites

Little is known about the transcriptional events which occur downstream of polyadenylation sites. Although the polyadenylation site of a gene can be easily identified, it has been difficult to determine the site of transcription termination in vivo because of the rapid processing of pre-mRNAs. Using an in vitro approach, we have shown that sequences from the 3' ends of two different Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes, ADH2 and GAL7, direct transcription termination and/or polymerase pausing in yeast nuclear extracts. In the case of the ADH2 sequence, the RNA synthesized in vitro ends approximately 50 to 150 nucleotides downstream of the poly(A) site. This RNA is not polyadenylated and may represent the primary transcript. A similarly sized nonpolyadenylated [poly(A)-] transcript can be detected in vivo from the same transcriptional template. A GAL7 template also directs the in vitro synthesis of an RNA which extends a short distance past the poly(A) site. However, a significant amount of the GAL7 RNA is polyadenylated at or close to the in vivo poly(A) site. Mutations of GAL7 or ADH2 poly(A) signals prevent polyadenylation but do not affect the in vitro synthesis of the extended poly(A)- transcript. Since transcription of the mutant template continues through this region in vivo, it is likely that a strong RNA polymerase II pause site lies within the 3'-end sequences. Our data support the hypothesis that the coupling of this pause site to a functional polyadenylation signal results in transcription termination.
Clinical Relevance of Sleep Duration: Results from a Cross-Sectional Analysis Using NHANES.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To assess the clinical relevance of sleep duration, hours slept were compared by health status, presence of insomnia, and presence of depression, and the association of sleep duration with BMI and cardiovascular risk was quantified. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of subjects in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys using adjusted linear and logistic regressions. RESULTS A total of 22,281 adults were included, 37% slept ≤ 6 hours, 36% were obese, and 45% reported cardiovascular conditions. Mean sleep duration was 6.87 hours. Better health was associated with more hours of sleep. Subjects with poor health reported sleeping 46 min, (95% CI -56.85 to -35.67) less than subjects with excellent health. Individuals with depression (vs. not depressed) reported 40 min less sleep, (95% CI -47.14 to -32.85). Individuals with insomnia (vs. without insomnia) reported 39 min less sleep, (95% CI -56.24 to -22.45). Duration of sleep was inversely related to BMI; for every additional hour of sleep, there was a decrease of 0.18 kg/m(2) in BMI, (95% CI -0.30 to -0.06). The odds of reporting cardiovascular problems were 6.0% lower for every hour of sleep (odds ratio = 0.94, 95% CI [0.91 to 0.97]). Compared with subjects who slept ≤ 6 h, subjects who slept more had lower odds of reporting cardiovascular problems, with the exception of subjects ≥ 55 years old who slept ≥ 9 hours. CONCLUSIONS Long sleep duration is associated with better health. The fewer the hours of sleep, the greater the BMI and reported cardiovascular disease. A difference of 30 minutes of sleep is associated with substantive impact on clinical well-being.
POSITIVE AFFECT AND ADJUSTMENT TO PERCEIVED RACISM

Abstract This research provided the first empirical investigation of the role of positive affect in moderating the relationship between perceived racism and depressive symptoms. A sample of 215 racial and ethnic minority young adults completed measures of perceived racism, daily race–related stress, positive affect, optimism, and depressive symptoms. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that positive affect and perceived racism accounted for a significant portion of the variance in depressive symptoms. Most notably, above and beyond the effects of optimism, positive affect interacted with perceived racism to weaken its influence on depression. Implications for future research directions that build on these initial findings are discussed.
Renal epoxyeicosatrienoic acid synthesis during pregnancy.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which belong to cytochrome P-450 (CYP)-derived eicosanoids, have been implicated to vasodilate renal arterioles, inhibit sodium transport in the nephron, and regulate blood pressure in several animal models. Because pregnancy is associated with changes of blood pressure, the aim of this study was to examine whether renal EET synthesis is altered and whether EETs are involved in blood pressure regulation during pregnancy in rats. Renal microsomal epoxygenase activity increased by 47, 97, and 63% on days 6, 12, and 19 of gestation, respectively. The elevation of epoxygenase activity during pregnancy was associated with an increase in CYP2C11, CYP2C23, and CYP2J2 protein expression on days 6, 12, and 19 of gestation. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis showed that renal tubular CYP2C11, CYP2C23, and CYP2J2 expression was significantly increased in pregnant rats on days 6, 12, and 19 of gestation. Administration of 6-(2-propargyloxyphenyl)hexanoic acid (PPOH), a selective epoxygenase inhibitor, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of microsomal expoxygenase activity without a significant effect on omega-hydroxylase activity in female rats. Interestingly, administration of PPOH (20 mg.kg(-1). day(-1) for 4 days starting on day 15 of pregnancy) increased blood pressure by 21 mmHg and caused a significant decrease in the body weight of fetal pups (1.3 +/- 0.08 g in control vs. 1.1 +/- 0.06 g in PPOH). Moreover, PPOH treatment significantly decreased renal microsomal epoxygenase activity and the expression of CYP2C11, CYP2C23, and CYP2J in pregnant rats. This study demonstrates that EET synthesis in the kidney is elevated during pregnancy, and CYP2C11, 2C23, and CYP2J2 are responsible for the change of renal EET synthesis. The inhibition results demonstrate that the downregulation of renal epoxygenase activity by PPOH causes hypertension in pregnant rats. This study suggests that EETs may contribute to the control of blood pressure during pregnancy.
Does smoke-free Ireland have more smoking inside the home and less in pubs than the United Kingdom? Findings from the international tobacco control policy evaluation project.

BACKGROUND In March 2004, Ireland implemented comprehensive smoke-free regulations. Some were concerned this would cause pub patrons to move their smoking and drinking from inside pubs to inside homes. This article aims to assess whether nationwide smoke-free policies are associated with more smoking or drinking inside the home. METHODS Participants were 1917 adult smokers (> 18-years old) from Ireland (n = 582), Scotland (n = 507) and the rest of the United Kingdom (n = 828), which did not have smoke-free laws at the time of the interview, who completed a random digit-dialed telephone survey in February to March 2006. The percentage of alcoholic drinks consumed in the home versus pubs was compared by country as well as the percentage of daily cigarette consumption occurring in the home after work. RESULTS Irish respondents reported a significantly lower percentage of alcoholic drinks consumed in the home compared to Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom, and cigarette consumption in the home was comparable in all three regions. CONCLUSIONS Smoking and drinking in the home was not greater in smoke-free Ireland than in the United Kingdom, where there was not a smoke-free law at the time of the survey. These findings add further support to the enactment of comprehensive smoke-free laws, as called for in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.