Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arterial stiffening is a heritable trait associated with arterial dilation but not wall thickening: a longitudinal study in the twins UK cohort

Aims Vascular ageing is characterized by arterial stiffening, dilation, and arterial wall thickening. We investigated the extent to which these changes are related and their heritability during 5 year follow-up in the Twins UK cohort. Methods and results Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWVcf), carotid diameter, carotid distensibility, and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were measured in 762 female twins (mean age 57.9 ± 8.6 years) at two time-points over an average follow-up of 4.9 ± 1.5 years. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in a sub-sample of 38 women to measure aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVaorta), diameter, and wall thickness. Heritability of changes in arterial wall properties was estimated using structural equation modelling. Annual increases in PWVcf, carotid diameter, distensibility, and IMT were 0.139 m/s, 0.028 mm, -0.4 kPa-1, and 0.011 mm per year, respectively. In regression analysis, predictors of progression in PWVcf included age, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) at baseline, and progression in MAP, HR, and body mass index (BMI). Predictors of progression in IMT included progression in MAP, BMI, and triglyceride levels. Progression of PWV and distensibility correlated with progression in carotid diameter but not with IMT. Heritability of progression of PWVcf, diameter, and IMT was 55%, 21%, and 8%, respectively. In a sub-sample of women that underwent MRI, aortic wall thickness increased by 0.19 mm/year, but aortic wall thickening was not correlated with an increase in lumen diameter or PWVaorta. Conclusion Arterial stiffening, as measured by PWVcf, and dilation are heritable but independent of arterial wall thickening. Genetic and cardiovascular risk factors contribute differently to progression of PWV and IMT.
Depressor and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers in Metabolic and/or Hypertensive Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Randomized, Prospective Study (DIAMOND Study)

Background We compared the efficacy and safety of azilsartan to those of olmesartan in a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Methods Forty-four hypertensive patients who had coronary artery disease (CAD) were enrolled. We randomly assigned patients to changeover from their prior angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to either azilsartan or olmesartan, and followed the patients for 12 weeks. Results Office systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the azilsartan group was significantly decreased after 12 weeks. SBP and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) after 12 weeks in the azilsartan group were significantly lower than those in the olmesartan group. The percentage of patients who reached the target BP at 12 weeks (78%) in the azilsartan group was significantly higher than that at 12 weeks (45%) in the olmesartan group. There were no significant changes in pentraxin-3, high-sensitively C-reactive protein or adiponectin in blood after 12 weeks in either group. Although serum levels of creatinine (Cr) in the azilsartan group significantly increased, these changes were within the respective normal range. Conclusion In conclusion, the ability of azilsartan to reduce BP may be superior to that of prior ARBs with equivalent safety in hypertensive patients with CAD.
Regulation of biological nitrogen fixation.

Biological nitrogen fixation, a process found only in some prokaryotes, is catalyzed by the nitrogenase enzyme complex. Bacteria containing nitrogenase occupy an indispensable ecological niche, supplying fixed nitrogen to the global nitrogen cycle. Due to this inceptive role in the nitrogen cycle, diazotrophs are present in virtually all ecosystems, with representatives in environments as varied as aerobic soils (e.g., Azotobacter species), the ocean surface layer (Trichodesmium) and specialized nodules in legume roots (Rhizobium). In any ecosystem, diazotrophs must respond to varied environmental conditions to regulate the tremendously taxing nitrogen fixation process. All characterized diazotrophs regulate nitrogenase at the transcriptional level. A smaller set also possesses a fast-acting post-translational regulation system. Although there is little apparent variation in the sequences and structures of nitrogenases, there appear to be almost as many nitrogenase-regulating schemes as there are nitrogen-fixing species. Herein are described the paradigms of nitrogenase function, transcriptional control and post-translational regulation, as well as the variations on these schemes, described in various nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Regulation is described on a molecular basis, focusing on the functional and structural characteristics of the proteins responsible for control of nitrogen fixation.
Comparison of self-reported with objectively assessed energy expenditure in black and white women before and after weight loss.

BACKGROUND Weight maintenance is less successful in black women than in white women after weight loss. OBJECTIVE We compared objectively assessed total energy expenditure (TEE) with estimates of energy expenditure (EE) from self-reported physical activity (PA) in overweight black and white women before and after weight loss. We also compared those values with values in never-overweight control subjects. DESIGN A total of 20 white and 21 black premenopausal women were evaluated while overweight and weight reduced; 20 white and 14 black control subjects (matched with women in the weight-reduced state) were evaluated once. Weight loss of >/=10 kg was achieved by energy restriction in the overweight subjects. The evaluations were as follows: body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), free-living TEE (doubly labeled water), Tecumseh Occupational Activity Questionnaire, Minnesota Leisure Time PA Questionnaire, and Baecke Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS Questionnaire estimates of TEE were overestimated when compared with TEE (P < 0.001). Overweight women overestimated TEE 49% more than did never-overweight control subjects. After weight loss, white women reduced overestimation of EE 48% (P < 0.05), so that their overestimation of EE was not different from that of black and white control subjects. Black women overestimated to the same extent both before and after weight loss. CONCLUSIONS Premenopausal women overestimate PA estimates on questionnaires. Overestimation of PA in weight-reduced black women is greater than in weight-reduced white women and never-overweight black and white women.
Dimensional stability and mechanical properties of oriented strandboard with microwave-dried flakes in the surface layers

The behavior of oriented strandboards manufactured with flakes dried to various moisture contents using microwave energy was examined. Boards manufactured with surface layers of microwave-dried flakes had slightly greater mean thickness swell than boards with untreated flakes, but this difference was proven to be statistically insignificant. Density profiles of boards with microwaved flakes in the surface layers matched the profiles of the boards with untreated flakes. Internal bond strength, as well as tension, compression and bending strength, and modulus of elasticity were not significantly affected when boards were manufactured using microwave-dried flakes. The moisture content to which the flakes were dried with the microwave did not affect board behavior or performance. This response is notably different compared to solid wood, where it has been shown that microwave drying of relatively thick specimens has considerable adverse effects on tensile strength.
A CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR THE CORROSION OF GALVANIZED STEEL REINFORCEMENT IN CONCRETE

A conceptual model for the behaviour of galvanized steel reinforcement in concrete is presented. Based on traditional service life models which include both initiation and propagation stages for the corrosion of steel, the model incorporates an additional stage, namely the protection stage, between initiation and propagation. (A) For the covering abstract see IRRD 867793.
Cytoplasmic polyadenylation-mediated translational control of maternal mRNAs directs maternal-to-zygotic transition

ABSTRACT In the earliest stages of animal development following fertilization, maternally deposited mRNAs direct biological processes to the point of zygotic genome activation (ZGA). These maternal mRNAs undergo cytoplasmic polyadenylation (CPA), suggesting translational control of their activation. To elucidate the biological role of CPA during embryogenesis, we performed genome-wide polysome profiling at several stages of zebrafish development. Our analysis revealed a correlation between CPA and polysome-association dynamics, demonstrating a coupling of translation to the CPA of maternal mRNAs. Pan-embryonic CPA inhibition disrupted the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT), causing a failure of developmental progression beyond the mid-blastula transition and changes in global gene expression that indicated a failure of ZGA and maternal mRNA clearance. Among the genes that were differentially expressed were those encoding chromatin modifiers and key transcription factors involved in ZGA, including nanog, pou5f3 and sox19b, which have distinct CPA dynamics. Our results establish the necessity of CPA for ensuring progression of the MZT. The RNA-seq data generated in this study represent a valuable zebrafish resource for the discovery of novel elements of the early embryonic transcriptome. Summary: Genome-wide polysome profiling reveals that developmental progression through the maternal-to-zygotic transition in zebrafish depends on the precise translational activation of a subset of maternal mRNAs by cytoplasmic polyadenylation.
Anthropometric assessment of 10-y changes in body composition in the elderly.

BACKGROUND An increased central distribution of fat with advancing age is associated with chronic metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities. Little is known about the magnitude or pattern of fat distribution and its association with healthy aging. OBJECTIVE This study describes approximately 10-y changes in body composition at 11 anthropometric sites in elderly persons and the metabolic and physical activity factors associated with these changes. DESIGN Skinfold thicknesses, girths, body fat by hydrodensitometry, physical activity by questionnaire, and metabolic variables were examined twice, 9.4 +/- 1.4 y apart, in 54 men and 75 women aged 60.4 +/- 7.8 y at baseline. RESULTS Subcutaneous fat declined (-17.2%; P < 0.001), whereas total fat mass increased (7.2%; P < 0.05). Waist and hip circumference changes were the best anthropometric predictors of total fat mass change (r(2) = 0.40-0.65, P < 0.0001). Thigh girth change was more strongly associated with fat-free mass change (r(2) = 0.22, P < 0.01) than with fat mass change (r(2) = 0.07, P < 0.05) in women. An increase in physical activity was associated with an attenuation of thigh girth decline in men and women (F ratio = 5.13, P < 0.007). Traditional metabolic markers of visceral adiposity (triacylglycerol, glucose, and total cholesterol) were not significantly related to the change in waist circumference. CONCLUSIONS Skinfold thicknesses cannot be used to assess changes in body fat mass because of age-related fat redistribution. Higher levels of physical activity can attenuate the decline in appendicular lean tissue expected over 10 y. Waist and thigh girths, rather than skinfold thicknesses, should be considered for use in longitudinal studies in the elderly because the changes in these girths capture increased abdominal adiposity and sarcopenia, respectively.
Identification of midbrain floor plate radial glia‐like cells as dopaminergic progenitors

The floor plate (FP), a signaling center and a structure rich in radial glia‐like cells, has been traditionally thought to be devoid of neurons and neuronal progenitors. However, in the midbrain, the FP contains neurons of the dopaminergic (DA) lineage that require contact with radial glia‐like cells for their induction. We, therefore, decided to explore the interaction relationship between radial glia and neurons during DA neurogenesis. Taking advantage of a novel FP radial glia‐like cell culture system and retroviruses, DA neurons were lineage traced in vitro. In utero BrdU pulse‐chases extensively labeled the midbrain FP and traced DA neurons both in vivo and in FP cultures. Moreover, from E9.5 to E13.5 the midbrain FP contained dividing cells only in the most apical part of the neuroepithelium, in cells identified as radial glia‐like cells. We, therefore, hypothesized that midbrain FP radial glia‐like cells could be DA progenitors and tested our hypothesis in vivo. Lineage tracing of DA progenitors with EGFP in Tis21‐EGFP knock‐in mice, and genetic fate mapping in GLAST::CreERT2/ZEG mice identified the neuroepithelium of the midbrain FP, and specifically, GLAST+ radial glia‐like cells as DA progenitors. Combined, our experiments support the concept that the midbrain FP differs from other FP regions and demonstrate that FP radial glia‐like cells in the midbrain are neurogenic and give rise to midbrain DA neurons. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microstructural characterization and effective viscoelastic behavior of magnetorheological elastomers with varying acetone contents

Magnetorheological elastomers (MREs), a class of polymer-based composites with dispersed ferromagnetic micro-particles, fall in the class of smart materials, because their macroscopic or effective rheological properties can be continuously, rapidly, and reversibly changed with the application of a magnetic field. Conventional magnetorheological elastomers exhibit poor mechanical properties and magnetorheological effect as a result of their matrix materials and the particle-matrix interfaces. Here, we investigate the effect of acetone contents on the magnetorheological elastomer microstructure at the interfacial regions using the scanning electron microscope and the three-dimensional nano-CT imaging, as well as determining the overall or effective mechanical properties of magnetorheological elastomers. It is shown that acetone increases both the overall storage modulus and loss factor along with the magnetorheological effect due to acetone’s reaction on the interface as well as its effect on iron particle alignment.
Hydrothermal synthesis of mixed cobalt-nickel ferrite nanoparticles

The hydrothermal synthesis of CoxNi1−xFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) from mixed FeCl3 / CoCl2 / NiCl2 precursor solution has been investigated as a function of reaction temperature, using the complementary characterisation techniques of X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and electron energy loss spectroscopy. At pH ∼ 8, the HS of Co0.5Ni0. 5Fe2O4 NPs, up to ∼ 25 nm in size, was found to proceed through the formation and dissolution of intermediate Fe(OH)3 and [FeCoNi2(OH)8]+. [Cl−. H2O]− phases.
Differential regulation of single CFTR channels by PP2C, PP2A, and other phosphatases.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channel activity declines rapidly when excised from transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) or human airway cells because of membrane-associated phosphatase activity. In the present study, we found that CFTR channels usually remained active in patches excised from baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells overexpressing CFTR. Those patches with stable channel activity were used to investigate the regulation of CFTR by exogenous protein phosphatases (PP). Adding PP2A, PP2C, or alkaline phosphatase to excised patches reduced CFTR channel activity by >90% but did not abolish it completely. PP2B caused weak deactivation, whereas PP1 had no detectable effect on open probability ( P o). Interestingly, the time course of deactivation by PP2C was identical to that of the spontaneous rundown observed in some patches after excision. PP2C and PP2A had distinct effects on channel gating; P o declined during exposure to exogenous PP2C (and during spontaneous rundown, when it was observed) without any change in mean burst duration. By contrast, deactivation by exogenous PP2A was associated with a dramatic shortening of burst duration similar to that reported previously in patches from cardiac cells during deactivation of CFTR by endogenous phosphatases. Rundown of CFTR-mediated current across intact T84 epithelial cell monolayers was insensitive to toxic levels of the PP2A inhibitor calyculin A. These results demonstrate that exogenous PP2C is a potent regulator of CFTR activity, that its effects on single-channel gating are distinct from those of PP2A but similar to those of endogenous phosphatases in CHO, BHK, and T84 epithelial cells, and that multiple protein phosphatases may be required for complete deactivation of CFTR channels.
Evaluation of adjunctive effect of low-level laser Therapy on pain, swelling and trismus after surgical removal of impacted lower third molar: A double blind randomized clinical trial.

Background and Aim Wisdom teeth remains impacted in the jaw due to several reasons and surgery of impacted wisdom teeth is one of the most common surgeries in dental clinics. Pain, swelling and trismus are the common complications after this surgery which affect quality of life. In articles, various methods are introduced to control immediate inflammatory-response associated with third-molar surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the adjunctive effect of low-level laser Therapy on pain, swelling and trismus after surgical removal of impacted lower third molar. Materials and Methods This double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted on two groups of 24 patients (age range of 18-35) that had referred to surgical ward of Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences for surgery of their mandibular third molar(2015-16). All the subjects were systemically healthy and had at least one impacted mandibular third molar. After surgery, in experimental group, the laser was applied intraorally (inside the tooth socket) and extraorally (at the insertion point of the masseter muscle) immediately after surgery in contact with the target area for 25 seconds each. The laser energy was 2.5 J per area with an energy density of 5 J/ cm2 at the surface of the probe (spot size= 0.5 cm2). In the other group, as the control group, it was pretended to radiate. Trismus, pain, and swelling were evaluated on the first and seventh days after surgery. The obtained data were evaluated using SPSS 16 software and independent samples T-test. Findings In the group where LLLT had been used, P> 0.05 was calculated for pain, swelling, and trismus on days 1 and 7 after surgery that was not statistically significant. Conclusion Under limitations of this study, using low-power laser with mentioned parameters, clinically reduces pain, swelling and trismus after surgical removal of impacted mandibular wisdom, but not statistically significant.
Completeness and Definability of a Modal Logic Interpreted over Iterated Strict Partial Orders

Any strict partial order R on a nonempty set X defines a function θR which associates to each strict partial order S ⊆ R on X the strict partial order θR(S) = R ◦ S on X. Owing to the strong relationships between Alexandroff TD derivative operators and strict partial orders, this paper firstly calls forth the links between the CantorBendixson ranks of Alexandroff TD topological spaces and the greatest fixpoints of the θ-like functions defined by strict partial orders. It secondly considers a modal logic with modal operators 2 and 2 respectively interpreted by strict partial orders and the greatest fixpoints of the θ-like functions they define. It thirdly addresses the question of the complete axiomatization of this modal logic.
Transient regulation of c-fos, αB-crystallin, and hsp70 in muscle during recovery from contractile activity.

Endurance exercise training increases the oxidative capacity of skeletal muscles, reflecting the induction of genes encoding enzymes of intermediary metabolism. To test the hypothesis that changes in gene expression may be triggered specifically during recovery from contractile activity, we quantified c-fos, αB-crystallin, 70-kDa heat shock protein (hsp70), myoglobin, and citrate synthase RNA in rabbit tibialis anterior muscle during recovery from intermittent (8 h/day), low-frequency (10 Hz) motor nerve stimulation. Recovery from a single 8-h bout of stimulation was characterized by large (>10-fold) transient increases in c-fos, αB-crystallin, and hsp70 mRNA. Similar changes were noted during recovery after 7 or 14 days of stimulation (8 h/day). Myoglobin and citrate synthase mRNA were also induced during recovery, but the changes were of lesser magnitude (2- to 2.5-fold) and were observed only following repeated bouts of muscle activity (7th or 14th day) that promoted sustained (>24 h) increases in these transcripts. These findings indicate that recovery from exercise is associated with specific transient changes in the expression of immediate early and stress protein genes, suggesting that the products of these genes may have specific roles in the remodeling process evoked by repeated bouts of contractile activity.
Persistence of Helicobacter pylori VacA toxin and vacuolating potential in cultured gastric epithelial cells.

The vacuolating toxin A (VacA) is one of the most important virulence factors in Helicobacter pylori-induced damage to human gastric epithelium. Using human gastric epithelial cells in culture and broth culture filtrate from a VacA-producing H. pylori strain, we studied 1) the delivery of VacA to cells, 2) the localization and fate of internalized toxin, and 3) the persistence of toxin inside the cell. The investigative techniques used were neutral red dye uptake, ultrastructural immunocytochemistry, quantitative immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting. We found that VacA 1) is delivered to cells in both free and membrane-bound form (i.e., as vesicles formed by the bacterial outer membrane), 2) localizes inside the endosomal-lysosomal compartment, in both free and membrane-bound form, 3) persists within the cell for at least 72 h, without loss of vacuolating power, which, however, becomes evident only when NH4Cl is added, and 4) generally does not degrade into fragments smaller than ∼90 kDa. Our findings suggest that, while accumulating inside the endosomal-lysosomal compartment, a large amount of VacA avoids the main lysosomal degradative processes and retains its apparent molecular integrity.
1 alpha-Hydroxylated cholecalciferol compounds act additively with microbial phytase to improve phosphorus, zinc and manganese utilization in chicks fed soy-based diets.

Seven experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25-(OH)2D3] and microbial phytase in improving P, Zn and Mn utilization of chicks fed P, Zn- and Mn-deficient soy protein diets containing surfeit levels of cholecalciferol. Efficacy of 1 alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol (1 alpha-OH D3) was also studied. A dose titration study indicated that supplemental phytase at 1200 units/kg diet would increase bone ash by at least 65% when added to a corn-soybean meal diet containing 0.43 g P/100 g (0.1 g nonphytate P/100 g). These responses were similar to those obtained from supplemental P (0.1 g/100 g) as KH2PO4 or from added 1,25-(OH)2D3 (10 micrograms/kg). Dietary addition of both 1200 units phytase and 10 micrograms/kg 1,25-(OH)2D3 elicited bone ash responses that were near 100%. When chicks were fed a Zn-deficient soy-concentrate diet (13 mg Zn/kg), diet supplementation with 1,25-(OH)2D3 or phytase increased growth rate by 40% and tibia Zn content by > 100%; adding 1,25-(OH)2D3 together with phytase increased tibia Zn content by 160%. Utilization of both Zn and Mn contained in the corn-soybean meal diet also was markedly enhanced by supplemental phytase, 1,25-(OH)2D3, or the combination. The cholecalciferol analog 1 alpha-OH D3 was found to improve dietary P utilization maximally (70% bone ash response) at a dose of 20 micrograms/kg diet, and effects were additive when 1 alpha-OH D3 was fed in the presence of phytase. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)