Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sulfhydration-associated phosphodiesterase 5A dimerization mediates vasorelaxant effect of hydrogen sulfide

The study was designed to examine if the vasorelaxant effect of hydrogen sulfide was mediated by sulfhydration-associated phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5A dimerization. The thoracic aorta of rat was separated and the vasorelaxant effects were examined with in vitro vascular perfusion experiments. The dimerization and sulfhydration of PDE 5A and soluble guanylatecyclase (sGC) were measured. PDE 5A and protein kinase G (PKG) activities were tested. Intracellular cGMP content was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that NaHS relaxed isolated rat vessel rings at an EC50 of (1.79 ± 0.31)×10−5mol/L, associated with significantly increased PKG activity and cGMP content in vascular tissues. Sulfhydration of sGC β1 was increased, while the levels of sGC αβ1 dimers were apparently decreased after incubation with NaHS in vascular tissues. Moreover, PDE 5A homodimers were markedly decreased, and accordingly the PDE 5A activity demonstrated by the content of 5′-GMP was significantly decreased after incubation with NaHS or GYY4137. Mechanistically, both NaHS and GYY4137 significantly enhanced the PDE 5A sulfhydration in vascular tissues. DTT partially abolished the effects of NaHS on PDE 5A activity, cGMP content and vasorelaxation. Therefore, the present study for the first time suggested that H2S exerted vasorelaxant effect probably via sulfhydration-associated PDE 5A dimerization.
Urinary gas chromatography mass spectrometry metabolomics in asphyxiated newborns undergoing hypothermia: from the birth to the first month of life.

BACKGROUND Perinatal asphyxia is a severe clinical condition affecting around four million newborns worldwide. It consists of an impaired gas exchange leading to three biochemical components: hypoxemia, hypercapnia and metabolic acidosis. METHODS The aim of this longitudinal experimental study was to identify the urine metabolome of newborns with perinatal asphyxia and to follow changes in urine metabolic profile over time. Twelve babies with perinatal asphyxia were included in this study; three babies died on the eighth day of life. Total-body cooling for 72 hours was carried out in all the newborns. Urine samples were collected in each baby at birth, after 48 hours during hypothermia, after the end of the therapeutic treatment (72 hours), after 1 week of life, and finally after 1 month of life. Urine metabolome at birth was considered the reference against which to compare metabolic profiles in subsequent samples. Quantitative metabolic profiling in urine samples was measured by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The statistical approach was conducted by using the multivariate analysis by means of principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Pathway analysis was also performed. RESULTS The most important metabolites depicting each time collection point were identified and compared each other. At birth before starting therapeutic hypothermia (TH), urine metabolic profiles of the three babies died after 7 days of life were closely comparable each other and significantly different from those in survivors. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, a plethora of data have been extracted by comparing the urine metabolome at birth with those observed at each time point collection. The modifications over time in metabolites composition and concentration, mainly originated from the depletion of cellular energy and homeostasis, seems to constitute a fingerprint of perinatal asphyxia.
Deoxyhypusine Synthase Activity Is Essential for Cell Viability in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae *

Deoxyhypusine synthase catalyzes the first step in the posttranslational synthesis of an unusual amino acid, hypusine (N ε-(4-amino-2-hydroxybutyl)lysine), in the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A) precursor protein. The null mutation in the single copy gene, yDHS, encoding deoxyhypusine synthase results in the loss of viability in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Upon depletion of deoxyhypusine synthase, and consequently of eIF-5A, cessation of growth was accompanied by a marked enlargement of cells, suggesting a defect in cell cycle progression or in cell division. Two residues of the yeast enzyme, Lys308 and Lys350, corresponding to Lys287 and Lys329, respectively, known to be critical for the activity of the human enzyme, were targeted for site-directed mutagenesis. The chromosomal ydhs null mutation was complemented by the plasmid-borne yDHSwild-type gene, but not by mutated genes encoding inactive proteins, including that with Lys350 → Arg substitution or with substitutions at both Lys308 and Lys350. The mutated gene ydhs(K308R) encoding a protein with diminished activities (<1% of wild type) could support growth but only to a very limited extent. These findings provide strong evidence that the hypusine modification is indeed essential for the survival of S. cerevisiae and imply a vital function for eIF-5A in all eukaryotes.
Translation initiation factor 3 antagonizes authentic start codon selection on leaderless mRNAs

In this study, we have examined the influence of initiation factors on translation initiation of leaderless mRNAs whose 5′‐terminal residues are the A of the AUG initiating codon. A 1:1 ratio of initiation factors to ribosomes abolished ternary complex formation at the authentic start codon of different leaderless mRNAs. Supporting this observation, in vitro translation assays using limiting ribosome concentrations with competing leaderless λcI and Escherichia coli ompA mRNAs, the latter containing a canonical ribosome binding site, revealed reduced cI synthesis relative to OmpA in the presence of added initiation factors. Using in vitro toeprinting and in vitro translation assays, we show that this effect can be attributed to IF3. Moreover, in vivo studies revealed that the translational efficiency of a leaderless reporter gene is decreased with increased IF3 levels. These studies are corroborated by the observed increased translational efficiency of a leaderless reporter construct in an infC mutant strain unable to discriminate against non‐standard start codons. These results suggest that, in the absence of a leader or a Shine–Dalgarno sequence, the function(s) of IF3 limits stable 30S ternary complex formation.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the White-throated Tinamou, Tinamus guttatus (Tinamiformes, Tinamidae)

Abstract The White-throated Tinamou, Tinamus guttatus (Tinamiformes, Tinamidae) is a species of the family Tinamidae. Herein, we firstly reported the complete mitochondrial genome of White-throated Tinamou. The length of mitogenome was 16 750 bp, and composed of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 1 putative misc-feature region. Most protein-coding genes started with a traditional ATG codon, but specially, COX1 and COX2 initiated with an infrequent start codon GTG instead, ND3 and ND5 initiated with ATA instead. Protein-coding genes terminated with the mitochondria stop codon (TAA/TAG/AGG/AGA) or a single base(A/T). The mitogenome structural organization was identical to the closely related species Tinamus major. The GC content was 42.66%. To verify the accuracy and utility of new determined mitogenome sequences, we constructed the species phylogenetic tree with the 12 protein-coding genes of Tinamus guttatus together with nine other closely species. We expected that using the full mitogenome to address taxonomic issues and study the related evolution events.
Linear-Parameter-Varying Control of an Improved Three-Degree-of-Freedom Aeroelastic Model

Aeroelasticity is a broad term that describes the often complex interactions between aerodynamics and structural mechanics. The active control of aeroelastic phenomena is of particular research interest as it can lead to a reduction in weight and an increase in performance of an airframe. For more background on the analysis and control of aeroelastic systems, the reader is referred to the article by Mukhopadhyay [1]. A two degree-of-freedom wing section that is allowed to pitch and plunge due to supporting translational and torsional springs has often been used as a testbed for novel aeroelastic control methodologies. Two such apparatus are commonly used for the experimental validation of these methodologies; the Benchmark Active Control Technologies (BACT) wing [1, 2], and the Nonlinear Aeroelastic Test Apparatus (NATA) [3, 4]. This work focusses on the NATA platform, and presents an improved dynamic model along with a dynamic-less state-feedback Linear Parameter Vary-
Wideband omnidirectional dual-polarized biconical antennas: A comparison of two approaches

Two biconical horns with different polarizer structures have been designed, fabricated, and measured, intended to achieve and develop wideband omnidirectional dual polarized antennas for spectrum monitoring applications. While one design utilizes metallic blades, the other uses a three layer Printed Circuit Board (PCB) polarizer. The two schemes have been compared from the viewpoints of radiation pattern and return loss, concluding the latter to be more appropriate for wideband applications. It has been shown that while one structure is more effective for the frequency band of 2-18 GHz, the other seems more feasible for 18-40 GHz, mostly due to fabrication considerations.
Electrogenic anion secretion in cultured rat epididymal epithelium.

Primary monolayer cultures enriched with principal cells from rat cauda epididymis were grown on pervious supports until confluence was reached. The epithelia so formed were used for short‐circuit current recording. Epididymal monolayers had a transepithelial potential of 0.2 mV (apical side negative), a basal short‐circuit current of 2 microA/cm2 and a transepithelial resistance of 60‐90 omega cm2 when bathed on both sides with Krebs‐Henseleit solution at 37 degrees C and gassed with 95% O2‐5% CO2. 8‐bromo‐adenosine 3',5'‐phosphate (1 mM) and forskolin (10 microM) caused an inward‐flowing current in short‐circuited monolayers. The current was partially sensitive to acetazolamide and to frusemide, suggesting that anion secretion was responsible for the responses. In the absence of chloride in the bathing fluid the response to forskolin was sensitive to acetazolamide but not to frusemide. The peptide lysylbradykinin (LBK) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) also produced inward‐flowing currents which again appeared to be due to anion secretion. The actions of PGE2 were seen only when this agent was added to the basolateral side of the tissue, while LBK had effects from both sides. The responses to kinin, but not to PGE2, were inhibited by cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitors such as piroxicam and indomethacin. It seems the kinin effects are dependent, at least in part, upon eicosanoid formation. Responses to kinin and PGE2 were severely attenuated in chloride‐free bathing solution. Readdition of chloride‐containing solution restored the responses to both agents. Assuming electrogenic ion secretion in the epididymis is accompanied by osmotic fluid flow it is evident that the transit time of sperm in the cauda epididymis will be reduced. Possible consequences for the maturation of spermatozoa are discussed.
Complications and surgery in the inflammatory bowel diseases biological era

Purpose of review Therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has changed dramatically in recent years with a wider use of immunomodulators and the introduction of antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents. This article reviews the existing data on the long-term efficacy of biologics, that is, anti-TNF agents, for preventing complications and surgery in patients with IBD. Recent findings Anti-TNF agents are effective for preventing endoscopic and surgical recurrence after surgery for Crohn's disease. They are able to achieve fistula closure and do not increase the risk of stricture. Most randomized short-term trials also showed decreased requirement for hospitalizations and surgery in patients receiving anti-TNF. However, observational studies from referral centers or based on population have shown conflicting results. The need for surgery in Crohn's disease and the risk of colectomy in ulcerative colitis seem to be decreasing in recent years, but the specific effect of the introduction of anti-TNF agents cannot be currently evaluated. Summary Although anti-TNF agents are the most powerful drugs in IBD, their ability to decrease the need for surgery remains unclear. Conflicting results observed in observational surveys might be because of anti-TNF agents administered too late in the course of IBD.
Stable direct adaptive fuzzy control for a class of MIMO non-linear systems

Two new schemes of direct adaptive fuzzy controller for a class of multi-input multi-output non-linear systems with unknown constant gains or function gains are proposed in this paper. The design is based on a modified Lyapunov function and the approximation capability of the first type fuzzy system. The approach is able to avoid the requirement of the upper bound of the first-time derivative of the control gain, which is assumed to know a priori in some of the existing adaptive fuzzy/neural network control schemes. In addition, it is also able to avoid the controller singularity problem. By theoretical analysis, the closed-loop fuzzy control system is proven to be globally stable in the sense that all signals involved are bounded, with tracking errors converging to zero. The simulation results verify the effectiveness the proposed controllers and the theoretical discussion.
The Moderating Effect of Customer Perceived Value on Online Shopping Behaviour

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of e‐service quality, customer perceived value, and customer satisfaction on customer loyalty in an online shopping environment.Design/methodology/approach – There were two studies performed in this research. Study 1 validated the self‐regulating processes; Study 2 tested the moderating effects of customer perceived value between satisfaction and loyalty. Structural equation modelling techniques and linear hierarchical regression models were used to test the causal model.Findings – The study demonstrated that e‐service quality and customer perceived value influence customer satisfaction, and then influence customer loyalty. In addition this study found that customers with a high perceived value have a stronger relationship between satisfaction and customer loyalty than customers with a low perceived value.Research limitations/implications – We found that there are emotional and rational routes influencing customer loyalty in the online shoppi.
1. Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a common cause of facial pain. It has a significant impact on the quality of life and the socioeconomic functioning of the patient. The aim of this review is to provide recommendations for medical management of trigeminal neuralgia based on current evidence. Based upon the analyses of the literature combined with experience in pain management, symptoms, assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment possibilities of trigeminal neuralgia are described and discussed. Recommendations for pain management are given and are displayed in a clinical practice algorithm. Treatment should be multidisciplinary. Various treatment options and their risks should be discussed with the patient. The first treatment of choice is carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine. In younger patients, the first choice of invasive treatment is probably microvascular decompression. For elderly patients, radiofrequency treatment of Gasserian ganglion is recommended and the technique is described in detail.
Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Urban Runoff Samples from the “Le Marais” Experimental Catchment in Paris Centre

Abstract A study for assessing the sources and fate of pollutants during their transport within urban catchment was camed out in the central Paris district, “Le Marais”. 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were assessed, according to the EPA list, in different types of runoff from a town centre and wet weather waste waters at the outlet of the catchment. PAHs were found predominantly in particulate phase whatever the sample. The median levels found in the different runoffs ranged from below the detection limit (i.e. 1 ng.L−1) to 215 ng.L−1. For the combined sewer outlet, it was 204 ng.L−1. Phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene and pyrene were the most observed compounds. The PAH runoff contents were compared to the combined sewer outlet during wet weather and the total atmospheric fallout. The results show the major role of the atmosphere as a pollution vector as well as the high contribution of the sewer network.
Reduction of the multiple pregnancy rate in a preimplantation genetic diagnosis programme after introduction of single blastocyst transfer and cryopreservation of blastocysts biopsied on day 3.

BACKGROUND An elective single-embryo transfer (SET) policy has not been applied to preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for inherited genetic disorders because of concerns regarding post-thaw survival of biopsied embryos. Our objective was to evaluate the survival and pregnancy potential of embryos biopsied for PGD at the cleavage stage and cryopreserved at the blastocyst stage and its contribution to the overall success of an elective SET policy in a PGD programme. METHODS From January 2006, all couples who had two or more transferable PGD blastocysts biopsied on Day 3 of culture were offered single-blastocyst transfer (SBT) and cryopreservation of surplus blastocyst(s) using a slow-freezing technique. We compared the outcome of 32 cryo-thawed PGD cycles with that of 191 cryo-thawed conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles performed between January 2006 and July 2008. We also compared the outcome of all fresh PGD cycles performed before and after January 2006. RESULTS The cryo-thawed blastocyst survival rate was similar between the PGD and IVF/ICSI groups (87% versus 88%, P = 0.94). There was no significant difference in the implantation and clinical pregnancy rates between the two groups (35% versus 29%, P = 0.45 and 34% versus 36%, P = 0.77, respectively). During the same period, the multiple pregnancy rate in the fresh PGD programme dropped from 36% to 10% (OR = 0.20, 95% CI 0.08-0.48, P < 0.001) with no reduction in pregnancy rates. CONCLUSIONS The survival and implantation potential of biopsied PGD embryos cryopreserved at the blastocyst stage is comparable to that of non-biopsied IVF/ICSI cryopreserved blastocysts. Elective SBT and cryopreservation of surplus blastocysts for later use should extend to include PGD for inherited genetic disorders.
Unexpected expansions of CD8-bearing cells in old mice.

As mice age, spontaneous changes occur in the receptor repertoire of their T cells. The receptor repertoire of CD4+ T cells does not change with age. By contrast, however, the percentage of alpha beta+, CD8+ T cells bearing particular V elements varies considerably between individual aged mice, although it is remarkably consistent among individual young animals within a given strain. Changes of receptor V element use among CD8+ T cells in individual mice are unpredictable. However, when a large number of mice of the same strain is analyzed, strain-specific trends in V element skewing are found. Old C3H.SW and B10.BR mice have mono- or oligoclonal expansions of CD8+ T cells. These expansions of peripheral CD8+ T cells with age are probably due to deregulation of proliferation of individual CD8+ T cells after recognition of viral or environmental Ag, accompanied, perhaps, by partial transformation of particular T cell clones. Another phenomenon documented herein is the fact that the CD4/CD8 ratio drops steadily as a function of age. Shifts in CD4/CD8 ratio were not due to increased numbers of CD8+ T cells in spleen and lymph nodes, rather the CD4+ T cells disappeared from aging mice faster than CD8+ T cells.
Enforcement and Organizational Design in Informal Saving Groups ∗

Informal groups cannot rely on external enforcement to insure that members abide by their obligations. It is generally assumed that these problems are solved by ‘social sanctions’ and reputational effects. The present paper focuses on roscas, one of the most commonly found informal financial institutions in the developing world. We first show that, in the absence of an external (social) sanctioning mechanism, roscas are never sustainable, even if the defecting member is excluded from all future roscas. We then argue that the organizational structure of the rosca itself can be designed so as to address enforcement issues. The implications of our analysis are tested against first-hand evidence from rosca groups in a Kenyan slum. ∗This paper has benefited from comments and discussions with Patrick Francois, Simon Grant, David Green, John Hoddinott, Dean Karlan, Sylvie Lambert, Robert Townsend and seminar participants at the University of Copenhagen, DELTA (Paris), University of Toulouse, CSAE at Oxford, University of Namur, BREAD annual conference (Washigton) and Stanford SITE meetings. We are grateful to the CRED (Namur) and to the MacArthur Foundation for financial support, particularly for the collection of field data. We thank Jean-Philippe Platteau and Anita Abraham, both from CRED, for their participation in the group interviews and the numerous discussions that helped launch the project, and the two leading enumerators, Jane Murutu and Daniel Waweru, both from Kibera, for their enthusiasm and dedication. This work is part of the Belgian Program on Interuniversity Poles of Attraction initiated by the Belgian State, Prime Minister’s Office, Science Policy Programming.
[Videothoracoscopic sympathicolysis procedure for primary palmar hyperhidrosis in children and adolescents].

INTRODUCTION The endoscopic thoracic sympathicolysis procedure is a chirurgical technique used in the treatment of the primary palmar hyperhidrosis. POPULATION, MATERIAL AND METHODS Descriptive and retrospective study of 25 patients with diagnosis of palm and palm-axilar hyperhidrosis surgically intervened in a period of 4 years in three private institutions of Gran Buenos Aires. The age ranged between 8-18 years. In all of the cases the surgery consisted in the endoscopic thoracic sympathicolysis of the T2-T3 ganglion. The operation was made in both sides and in one surgical time. There were considered for this study the age, sex, intra- and post-surgical complications, side effects, efficacy of the procedure and the grade of patients satisfaction. RESULTS Hyperhidrosis disappeared in 98% of the patients. Besides the improvement of palmar excessive sweating, diminution of axilar perspiration was found in 16 patients, and in the feet in 6 patients. The rate of post-operating complications was 20% and all were transitory. Three patients showed a subcutaneous emphysema that resolved in 24-48 hours. One patient referred important pain 24 hours and one patient referred pain in the puncture zone that improved with common analgesic until it disappeared in three months. About the satisfaction with the procedure, 22 patients declared to be very satisfied, two were satisfied and one moderately satisfied. CONCLUSIONS The primary palmar hyperhidrosis is a pathology that entails an important reduction in the quality of life of those who suffer it. The results obtained with this technique allow recommending the endoscopic thoracic sympathicolysis procedure for the treatment of this pathology in pediatrics.