Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Melatonin reduces ventricular arrhythmias and preserves capillary perfusion during ischemia‐reperfusion events in cardiomyopathic hamsters

Abstract: Earlier studies showed that melatonin has powerful antioxidative effects on ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury in healthy hamsters. In the present study, the possible protective effects of melatonin in 10‐month‐old cardiomyopathic (CM) hamsters were evaluated in a model of I/R in the cheek pouches observed by intravital microscopy. In CM (BIO 14.6) hamsters diameter, red blood cell (RBC) velocity and flow in arterioles as well as lipid peroxide and nitrite/nitrate concentrations in the systemic blood, perfused capillary length, vascular permeability, and leukocyte adhesion were measured after melatonin injection (6 mg/kg intraperitoneally daily for 3 weeks), and after I/R. The influence of melatonin on the incidence of postischemic‐reperfusion‐induced ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) were also measured. Changes in the arteriolar response to NG‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine (l‐NMMA), a nitric oxide inhibitor, norepinephrine (NE), and angiotensin II (ANG II) were studied before and after melatonin injection (10 mg/kg intravenously). In CM hamsters, melatonin restored normal arteriolar responses to l‐NMMA, NE, and ANG II. I/R elevated lipid peroxide and nitrate/nitrite levels, and vascular permeability while arteriolar diameter, RBC velocity, flow and capillary perfusion were reduced. These effects were more marked in CM versus healthy hamsters. During I/R melatonin reduced oxidative and nitrosative stress, vasoconstriction, leukocyte adhesion, and vascular permeability and increased capillary perfusion. Melatonin reduced the incidence of VT while VF during reperfusion disappeared totally. In conclusion, melatonin prevents both microvascular injury and ventricular arrhythmias during postischemic reperfusion by modulating the lipid peroxide overproduction and nitrative stress which are involved in the development of cardiomyopathy.
Connexin 32 Fused to the Green Fluorescent Protein Retains its Ability to Control the Proliferation of Thyroid Cells

Cell-to-cell exchanges of signaling molecules are thought to be involved in the control of cell proliferation. Connexins, which are encoded by a family of genes expressed in a cell type-specific manner, are considered as tumor suppressors. Thyroid epithelial cells co-express connexin 32 (Cx32) and connexin 43 (Cx43) that form distinct and delocalized gap junctions in vivo. The communication-deficient rat thyroid-derived cell lines, FRTL-5 and FRT, stably transfected with the Cx32 cDNA, have a reduced proliferation rate related to a prolonged G1 cell cycle phase. To determine whether Cx32-gap junctions exert the same regulatory role in vivo, we have undertaken a program of production of transgenic mice over-expressing Cx32 specifically in thyrocytes. To this purpose, we designed a vector in which the Cx32 cDNA was fused to the gene encoding the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and placed under the control of a strong and thyroid-specific promoter, the thyroglobulin gene promoter (pTg). In stably transfected FRTL-5 cells, the Cx32/EGFP chimeric protein forms functional gap junction channels and induces the same proliferation slowdown as native Cx32. The pTg-Cx32/EGFP construct should thus allow us to obtain the thyroid-targeted over-expression of Cx32 in the mouse to investigate the involvement of Cx32-gap junctions in thyroid growth, functional activity and propensity to form tumors.
A review of cross-layer scheduling and resource allocation for wireless mesh networks

This paper presents a review of cross-layered design approaches for scheduling and resource allocation in wireless mesh networks (WMNs). The paper compares the cross-layered approach to the traditional layered approach and gives motivations for using the cross-layered design technique. We also provide some considerations to take into account when designing a protocol using the cross-layered paradigm. Additionally, we compare different methods of cross-layering for scheduling in WMNs and outline the qualities of each method as well as providing examples of each. This review also gives some suggestions on how to keep cross-layered design simple enough to allow for good software engineering techniques while still increasing performance of the protocols. Other research initiatives where cross-layering could be applied are given and limitations of current cross-layered scheduling and resource allocation schemes are presented to motivate future research work in the area.
Interventions: Employees' Perceptions of What Reduces Stress

Objective To build upon research evaluating stress interventions, this qualitative study tests the framework of the extended Job Demands-Resources model to investigate employees' perceptions of the stress-reduction measures implemented at 13 Australian universities. Methods In a cross-sectional survey design, tenured and contract staff indicated whether their overall level of stress had changed during the previous three-four years, and, if so, they described the major causes. A total of 462 staff reported that their level of stress had decreased; the study examines commentary from 115 academic and 304 nonacademic staff who provided details of what they perceived to be effective in reducing stress. Results Thematic analyses show that the key perceived causes were changes in job or work role, new heads of departments or supervisors, and the use of organizational strategies to reduce or manage stress. A higher percentage of academic staff reported reduced stress due to using protective coping strategies or their increased recognition and/or success, whereas a higher percentage of nonacademic staff reported reduced stress due to increases in staffing resources and/or systems. Conclusion These results identify the importance of implementing multilevel strategies to enhance employees' well-being. Nonacademic staff, in particular, specified a variety of organizational stress-reduction interventions.
Genetic risk factors for nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in a Brazilian population with high African ancestry

Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL ± P) is the most common orofacial birth defect, exhibiting variable prevalence around the world, often attributed to ethnic and environmental differences. Linkage analyses and genome‐wide association studies have identified several genomic susceptibility regions for NSCL ± P, mostly in European‐derived or Asian populations. Genetic predisposition to NSCL ± P is ethnicity‐dependent, and the genetic basis of susceptibility to NSCL ± P likely varies among populations. The population of Brazil is highly admixed, with highly variable ancestry; thus, the genetic determinants of NSCL ± P susceptibility may be quite different. This study tested association of 8 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), previously identified by genome‐wide studies in other populations, with NSCL ± P in a Brazilian population with high African ancestry. SNPs rs560426, rs642961, rs1530300, rs987525, rs3758249, rs7078160, rs17085106, and rs13041247 were genotyped in 293 Brazilian patients with NSCL ± P and 352 unaffected Brazilian controls. Each sample was also genotyped for 40 biallelic short insertion/deletion polymorphic markers to characterize genetic ancestry. The average African ancestry background was 31.1% for the NSCL ± P group and 36.7% for the control group. After adjustment for ancestry and multiple testing, the minor alleles of rs3758249 (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.25–2.01, P = 0.0001) and rs7078160 (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.21–2.07, P = 0.0002) were significantly associated with risk of NSCL ± P. Polymorphisms located in IRF6 (rs642961) and 8q24 (rs1530300 and rs987525) showed marginal associations in this Brazilian population with high African ancestry. These results indicate that rs3758249 at 9q22 and rs7078160 at 10q25.3 represent risk loci for NSCL ± P in the Brazilian population with high African ancestry. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bacterial DNA evokes epithelial IL‐8 production by a MAPK‐dependent, NFκB‐independent pathway

Recognition of bacterial products by the innate immune system is dependent on pattern‐recognition receptors: toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR‐9) in the case of bacterial DNA. We hypothesized that bacterial DNA can directly affect enteric epithelial cells. RT‐PCR revealed constitutive TLR‐9 mRNA expression in three human colonic epithelial cell lines (T84, HT‐29, Caco‐2) and THP‐1 monocytes. Epithelial cells, in six‐well culture plates or on filter supports, were exposed to E. coli DNA (1–50 µg/ml), synthetic CpG‐rich oligonucleotides, or calf thymus DNA for 6–48 h. Exposure to E. coli DNA resulted in an increase in IL‐8 mRNA, and a time‐and dose‐dependent increase in IL‐8 secretion. Also, CpG oligonucleotides induced epithelial IL‐8 production, whereas calf thymus DNA did not. Exposure to E. coli DNA resulted in phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 MAPK and inhibitors of ERK activity (PD98059, UO126) significantly reduced the evoked IL‐8 production. In contrast, inhibitors of NFκB activity (PDTC, SN50) did not block E. coli DNA‐induced IL‐8 production. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that E. coli DNA stimulated epithelial AP‐1 but not NFκB activation. The barrier (i.e., transepithelial resistance) and ion transport parameters of epithelial monolayers (assessed in Ussing chambers) were unaltered following E. coli DNA exposure. Thus model gut epithelia express TLR‐9 mRNA and, while maintaining their barrier function, can respond to E. coli DNA by increased IL‐8 production.
Stock Price Informativeness and Capital Allocation Efficiency of Corporate

Stock price informativeness,on behalf of the stock market′s information efficiency,is closely correlated with the capital allocation efficiency.Taking the synchronicity of stock price variation as the index of stock price informativeness,this paper constructed free cash flow,overinvestment and underinvestment according to Richardson model.From the overinvestment and underinvestment perspective,this paper studied the relationship between stock price informativeness and the capital allocation efficiency on a sample of China′s listed companies in manufacturing industry from the year 2001 to 2008.Empirical results show that,with the increasing stock price informativeness,the behavior of corporate abuse of free cash flow to overinvestment can be effectively restrained,and the behavior of company′s underinvestment can be effectively alleviated.The increase of the market information efficiency can improve the capital allocation efficiency from the perspective of coporate investment efficiency.Research conclusion will help us in better understanding the microscopic mechanism of stock price informativeness promoting the capital allocation efficiency.
Novel Poly(L-lactide) PLLA/SWNTs Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications: Material Characterization and Biocompatibility Evaluation

Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA)/single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) nanocomposite films were produced using the solvent casting method, and morphological, thermal and mechanical properties were investigated. Biocompatibility was evaluated by using human bone cells, performing adhesion and proliferation studies. The role of single-walled nanotube incorporation and functionalization on PLLA bio-polymers was investigated. Pristine (SWNTs) and carboxylated (SWNTs–COOH) carbon nanotubes were considered in order to control the interaction between PLLA and nanotubes. SWNTs and SWNTs–COOH showed a good dispersion in the polymer matrix and improved the PLLA crystallinity. Thermal, morphological and dynamic-mechanical analyses revealed that carboxylic groups on the tube sidewalls increased compatibility between PLLA and nanostructures. Mechanical properties demonstrated an enhancement related to introduction and functionalization of carbon nanotubes. Biological investigations showed osteoblasts cultured on PLLA/SWNTs–COOH nanocomposites has higher cell adhesion and proliferation than osteoblasts cultured on PLLA and PLLA/SWNTs nanocomposites. These studies suggest that combination of biodegradable polymers and SWNTs opens a new perspective in the self-assembly of nanomaterials and nanodevices for biomedical applications with tunable properties.
Development of the Mucosal Vascular System in the Distal Colon of the Fetal Mouse

The formation of the crypt in the distal colon of the mouse was investigated in association with the development of vascular networks. For histological observation, 1‐μm cross‐sections were made from the distal colon of fetal mice in 13 to 18 days of gestation. Three‐dimensional distributions of vascular networks in the organ were observed after perfusing fetuses with rhodamine isothiocyanate‐labeled gelatin and immunostaining for laminin to examine the boundary between the epithelium and the mesenchyme. At 13 days of gestation, the distal colon and its epithelium formed a cylindrical tube and a loose primary plexus of vessels was built in the mesenchyme. In the distal colon of 15 days of gestation, the caudal portion began to form the crypt and the vascular plexus built up from a few layers was situated apart from the boundary between the epithelium and the mesenchyme. As the development proceeded, the formation of the crypt occurred in the caudorostral direction. The developing crypt advanced into the vascular plexus, so that a few vessels situated in the mesenchyme between crypts. As the crypt elongated, these vessels formed a small plexus situated perpendicular to the primary plexus, while the primary plexus became monolayered and loosened. The new plexus was composed of ascending vessels and traversing ones, but the regular honeycomb‐like plexuses around openings of crypts have not established yet even in 18 days of gestation. The vascular system as well as the crypt in the distal colon will take further a few postnatal weeks to be completed. Anat Rec, 291:65–73, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protein ‐ Protein Interactions in the Eubacterial Replisome

Replication of genomic DNA is a universal process that proceeds in distinct stages, from initiation to elongation and finally to termination. Each stage involves multiple stable or transient interactions between protein subunits with functions that are more or less conserved in all organisms. In Escherichia coli, initiation of bidirectional replication at the origin (oriC) occurs through the concerted actions of the DnaA replication initiator protein, the hexameric DnaB helicase, the DnaC helicase loading partner and the DnaG primase, leading to establishment of two replication forks. Elongation of RNA primers at each fork proceeds simultaneously on both strands by actions of the multimeric replicase, DNA polymerase III holoenzyme. The fork that arrives first in the terminus region is halted by its encounter with a correctly‐oriented complex of the Tus replication terminator protein bound at one of several Ter sites, where it is trapped until the other fork arrives. We summarize current understanding of interactions among the various proteins that act in the different stages of replication of the chromosome of E. coli, and make some comparisons with the analogous proteins in Bacillus subtilis and the coliphages T4 and T7. IUBMB Life, 57: 5‐12, 2005
The N-terminal extension of S12 influences small ribosomal subunit assembly in Escherichia coli

Ribosomal proteins often consist of a globular domain as well as a nonglobular extension region that snakes its way into the subunit to stabilize the tightly packed RNA. The functionally important S12 protein of the small subunit has a globular C-terminal domain that binds near the decoding center and an N-terminal extension that traverses from the solvent to the interface surface of the subunit. Here the authors examine the role of this extension domain in SSU assembly and function using both in vivo and in vitro approaches. Partial N-terminal deletions of S12 result in slow growth and cold sensitivity; at a molecular level, these strains have increased levels of free SSUs and immature 16S rRNA, both hallmarks of a defect in SSU biogenesis.
Patterning of thin-film high-T/sub c/ circuits by the laser-writing method

The authors report studies on a laser-based 2-D patterning technique that implements a focused beam from a continuous-wave (CW) Ar-ion laser to locally heat up an epitaxial Y-Ba-Cu-O film in a controlled (oxygen-rich or oxygen-poor) atmosphere. It is shown that the laser-writing method enables a reproducible fabrication in the same film of oxygen-depleted (semiconducting) regions next to enriched ones (superconducting), in a manner similar to n- and p-type diffusion regions in semiconductors. A number of test structures, laser-written in initially oxygen-rich or oxygen-poor films deposited on MgO, SrTiO/sub 3/, and LaAlO/sub 3/ single crystals, have been measured. The best, very homogeneous superconducting (oxygen-rich) circuits were patterned in oxygen-depleted YBCO deposited in the LaAlO/sub 3/ substrates. The structures exhibited a 0.5-K-wide superconducting transition, T/sub c0/=89.5 K, and J/sub c/ above 10/sup 5/ A/cm/sup 2/. <<ETX>>
Assessment of the fitness impacts on Escherichia coli of acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes encoded by different types of genetic element.

OBJECTIVES Little is known of the fitness cost that antibiotic resistance exerts on wild-type bacteria, especially in their natural environments. We therefore examined the fitness costs that several antibiotic resistance elements imposed on a wild-type Escherichia coli isolate, both in the laboratory and in a pig gut colonization model. METHODS Plasmid R46, Tn1 and Tn7 and a K42R RpsL substitution were separately introduced into E. coli 345-2 RifC, a rifampicin-resistant derivative of a recent porcine isolate. The insertion site of Tn1 was determined by DNA sequencing. The fitness cost of each resistance element was assessed in vitro by pairwise growth competition and in vivo by regularly monitoring the recovery of strains from faeces for 21 days following oral inoculation of organic piglets. Each derivative of 345-2 RifC carrying a resistance element was grown in antibiotic-free broth for 200 generations and the experiments to assess fitness were repeated. RESULTS RpsL K42R was found to impose a small fitness cost on E. coli 345-2 RifC in vitro but did not compromise survival in vivo. R46 imposed a cost both before and after laboratory passage in vitro, but only the pre-passage strain was at a disadvantage in vivo. The post-passage isolate had an advantage in pigs. Acquisition of Tn7 had no impact on the fitness of E. coli 345-2 RifC. Two derivatives containing Tn1 were isolated and, in both cases, the transposon inserted into the same cryptic chromosomal sequence. Acquisition of Tn1 improved fitness of E. coli 345-2 RifC in vitro and in vivo in the case of the first derivative, but in the case of a second, independent derivative, Tn1 had a neutral effect on fitness. CONCLUSIONS The fitness impact imposed on E. coli 345-2 RifC by carriage of antibiotic resistance elements was generally low or non-existent, suggesting that once established, resistance may be difficult to eliminate through reduction in prescribing alone.
Tunable optical resonators by manipulating polystyrene microspheres through image-controlled dielectrophoretic force

An image-controlled dielectrophoretic (ODEP) optofluidic system is demonstrated to manipulate microsphere resonators in an aqueous medium. Through this platform we can freely position the microshere resonator near a waveguide to manage the coupling condition. The spectral analysis shows the microsphere resonator can be operated in the under-coupling, critical coupling and over-coupling regimes.
Infection of Common Marmosets with GB Virus B Chimeric Virus Encoding the Major Nonstructural Proteins NS2 to NS4A of Hepatitis C Virus

ABSTRACT A lack of immunocompetent-small-primate models has been an obstacle for developing hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccines and affordable antiviral drugs. In this study, HCV/GB virus B (GBV-B) chimeric virus carrying the major nonstructural proteins NS2 to NS4A (HCV NS2 to -4A chimera) was produced and used to infect common marmosets, since HCV NS2 to NS4A proteins are critical proteases and major antigens. Seven marmosets were inoculated intrahepatically with HCV NS2 to -4A chimera RNA for primary infection or intravenously injected with chimera-containing serum for passage infection. Three animals used as controls were injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or GBV-B, respectively. Six of seven HCV NS2 to -4A chimera-infected marmosets exhibited consistent viremia and one showed transient viremia during the course of follow-up detection. All six infected animals with persistent circulating viremia presented characteristics typical of viral hepatitis, including viral RNA and proteins in hepatocytes and histopathological changes in liver tissue. Viremia was consistently detected for 5 to 54 weeks of follow-up. FK506 immunosuppression facilitated the establishment of persistent chimera infection in marmosets. An animal with chimera infection spontaneously cleared the virus in blood 7 weeks following the first inoculation, but viral-RNA persistence, low-level viral protein, and mild necroinflammation remained in liver tissue. The specific antibody and T-cell response to HCV NS3 in this viremia-resolved marmoset was boosted by rechallenging, but no viremia was detected during 57 weeks of follow-up. The chimera-infected marmosets described can be used as a suitable small-primate animal model for studying novel antiviral drugs and T-cell-based vaccines against HCV infection. IMPORTANCE HCV infection causes approximately 70% of chronic hepatitis and is frequently associated with primary liver cancer globally. Chimpanzees have been used as a reliable primate model for HCV infection, but ethical considerations have restricted their utility in biomedical research. GB virus B (GBV-B) is a flavivirus related to HCV. It can infect common marmosets, a New World small primate, and induces viral hepatitis similar to HCV infection in humans. To minimize differences between GBV-B and HCV, we generated HCV NS2 to -4A/GBV-B chimeric viruses and established a chimera-infected marmoset model. HCV NS2 to -4A chimera-infected marmosets provide a small-animal model for evaluating novel antiviral drugs targeting HCV NS3-NS4A protease and T-cell-based HCV vaccines.
E2A and E2-2 are subunits of B-cell-specific E2-box DNA-binding proteins

A class of helix-loop-helix (HLH) proteins, including E2A (E12 and E47), E2-2, and HEB, that bind in vitro to DNA sequences present in the immunoglobulin (Ig) enhancers has recently been identified. E12, E47, E2-2, and HEB are each present in B cells. The presence of many different HLH proteins raises the question of which of the HLH proteins actually binds the Ig enhancer elements in B cells. Using monoclonal antibodies specific for both E2A and E2-2, we show that both E2-2 and E2A polypeptides are present in B-cell-specific Ig enhancer-binding complexes. E2-box-binding complexes in pre-B cells contain both E2-2 and E2A HLH subunits, whereas in mature B cells only E2A gene products are present. We show that the difference in E2-box-binding complexes in pre-B and mature B cells may be caused by differential expression of E2A and E2-2.