Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene expression profile of endoscopically active and inactive ulcerative colitis: preliminary data.

AIM Multiple cytokines and chemokines related to immune response, apoptosis and inflammation have been identified as molecules implicated in ulcerative colitis (UC) pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to identify the differences at gene expression level of a panel of candidate genes in mucosa from patients with active UC (UCA), patients in remission (UCR), and normal controls. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS Eleven individuals were enrolled in the study: eight UC patients (four with active lesions, four with mucosal healing) and three controls without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) seen on endoscopy. All the individuals underwent mucosal biopsy during colonoscopy. Gene expression profile was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array, investigating 84 genes implicated in apoptosis, inflammation, immune response, cellular adhesion, tissue remodeling and mucous secretion. RESULTS Seventeen and three genes out of 84 were found significantly differentially expressed in UCA and UCR compared to controls, respectively. In particular, REG1A and CHI3L1 genes reported an up-regulation in UCA with a fold difference above 200. In UCR patients, the levels of CASP1, LYZ and ISG15 were different compared to controls. However, since a significant up-regulation of both CASP1 and LYZ was observed also in the UCA group, only ISG15 levels remained associated to the remission state. CONCLUSIONS ISG15, that plays a key role in the innate immune response, seemed to be specifically associated to the UC remission state. These preliminary data represent a starting point for defining the gene profile of UC in different stages in Romanian population. Identification of genes implicated in UC pathogenesis could be useful to select new therapeutic targets.
Not as Ubiquitous as We Thought: Taxonomic Crypsis, Hidden Diversity and Cryptic Speciation in the Cosmopolitan Fungus Thelonectria discophora (Nectriaceae, Hypocreales, Ascomycota)

The distribution of microbial species, including fungi, has long been considered cosmopolitan. Recently, this perception has been challenged by molecular studies in historical biogeography, phylogeny and population genetics. Here we explore this issue using the fungal morphological species Thelonectria discophora, one of the most common species of fungi in the family Nectriaceae, encountered in almost all geographic regions and considered as a cosmopolitan taxon. In order to determine if T. discophora is a single cosmopolitan species or an assemblage of sibling species, we conducted various phylogenetic analyses, including standard gene concatenation, Bayesian concordance methods, and coalescent-based species tree reconstruction on isolates collected from a wide geographic range. Results show that diversity among isolates referred as T. discophora is greatly underestimated and that it represents a species complex. Within this complex, sixteen distinct highly supported lineages were recovered, each of which has a restricted geographic distribution and ecology. The taxonomic status of isolates regarded as T. discophora is reconsidered, and the assumed cosmopolitan distribution of this species is rejected. We discuss how assumptions about geographically widespread species have implications regarding their taxonomy, true diversity, biological diversity conservation, and ecological functions.
Microcellular Extrusion-Foaming of Polylactide with Chain-Extender

The effects of adding epoxy-functionalized chain-extender (CE) and processing conditions such as die temperature on the cell morphology, volume expansion ratio (VER), open cell content (OCC), and crystallization of microcellular extruded polylactide (PLA) were investigated. When compared with pure PLA, the addition of talc decreased the average cell size and increased the cell density. Moreover, the simultaneous addition of talc and CE led to denser and more uniform cell structure up until 1.0% CE content. In general, the volume expansion ratio and open cell content of all the formulations decreased with the die temperature. The addition of talc decreased both VER and OCC, whereas the addition of CE increased both. The die temperature did not affect the degree of crystallinity significantly. The addition of talc increased the crystallinity, but the addition of CE decreased it. Finally, the molecular weight of PLA increased significantly with the addition of CE. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
An anti-interference cooperative spectrum sharing strategy with full-duplex

In this paper, we propose an anti-interference cooperative spectrum sharing strategy in cognitive two-phase full-duplex relaying networks, in which the secondary system acts as a decode-and-forward relay to assist the primary system achieve the target transmission rate. As a reward, the secondary system can gain access to the licensed primary spectrum to transmit its own signal in both two phases. Since the two systems use different bandwidth to transmit their signals, there will be no interference effect between primary and secondary systems. We study the joint optimization of the two-phase bandwidth allocation to maximize the received rate of the secondary system. Simulation results are given to verify our analysis and illustrate the advantages of the proposed strategy.
Emergency Medicine Resident Perceptions About the Need for Increased Training in Communicating Diagnostic Uncertainty

Introduction Diagnostic uncertainty is common in healthcare encounters. Effective communication is important to help patients and providers navigate diagnostic uncertainty, especially at transitions of care. This study sought to assess the experience and training of emergency medicine (EM) residents with communication of diagnostic uncertainty. Methods This was a survey study of a national sample of EM residents. The survey questions elicited quantitative and qualitative responses about experiences with and educational preparation for communication with patients in the setting of diagnostic uncertainty. Results A sample of 263 emergency medicine residents who had trained at over 87 medical schools and 37 residency programs responded to the survey. Nearly half of participants noted they frequently encountered challenges with these conversations; 63% reported having been “somewhat” or less trained to have these conversations during residency, and 51% expressed a strong desire for more training in how to approach these discussions. Survey respondents reported that prior educational experiences in the communication of diagnostic uncertainty were largely informal and that many residents experience frustration in clinical encounters due to inability to meet patients’ expectations of reaching a diagnosis at the time of discharge. Conclusion This study found that emergency medicine residents frequently struggle in communicating with patients when there is diagnostic uncertainty upon emergency department discharge and perceived the need for training in how to communicate in these situations. The development of targeted educational strategies for improving communication in the setting of diagnostic uncertainty is consistent with emergency medicine core competencies and may improve patient and provider satisfaction with these clinical encounters.
Evaluation and Analysis of Thermal Control Materials under Ground Simulation Test for Space Environment Effects

Thermal control materials such as white paint comprising silicone resin matrix (NASDA-1049/101-S), black paint comprising urethane resin matrix (NASDA-1049/201-U-I), aluminized polyimide adhesive tape (Sheldahl G408810) and silver-backed fluorinated ethylene propylene (silvered FEP) adhesive tape (Sheldahl G402500) were exposed to electron beam (EB), proton (H+), iron ion (Fe5+), ultraviolet (UV) and atomic oxygen (AO) radiation with ground simulation test facilities. Combined irradiation of EB → UV and another combined irradiation of EB → AO, where EB was irradiated at first and then UV or AO was irradiated, were also examined for white paint and black paint. Irradiation energies were 0.5 and 1.9 MeV for EB; 1, 3 and 10 MeV for H+; 15 MeV for Fe5+; equal to or larger than 3.1 eV for UV; and 5 eV for AO. Fluences of EB, H+ and Fe5+ were selected to simulate the environment of geostationary orbit (GEO) for 10 years. UV irradiation was equal to 300 equivalent solar days. AO fluence corresponded to the environment of low Earth orbit (LEO) for about 1 year. The solar absorptance (αS) and normal infrared emittance (εN) of the examined materials both before and after irradiation were acquired. The durability of the materials against each irradiation treatment was judged by evaluating the changes in αS and εN. White paint and black paint were strongly affected by AO, EB → UV, EB → AO and UV irradiation. White paint was also affected by EB and weakly by H+ and Fe5+. Aluminized polyimide and silvered FEP were degraded most by AO and EB. EB had a stronger effect than ions (H+,Fe5+) in all the samples, the reason for which can be explained by the larger absorbed dose with EB compared with ions. The mass loss caused by the irradiation treatment was also measured for white paint and black paint. Analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were applied to identify morphology and composition of the materials to obtain a deeper understanding of the mechanism of space environment effects on the materials.
LGBTQ+ Latinx young adults’ health autonomy in resisting cultural stigma

Abstract Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) young people of colour are exposed to intersecting dynamics of social prejudice and discrimination related to sexuality and gender as well as race/ethnicity. In particular, Latinx-identifying LGBTQ+ young people face unique challenges in their lives, due to cultural stressors that stigmatise expansive gender and sexual identities. While it is crucial to examine the effects of multiple stressors on the well-being of LGBTQ+ young people of colour, this risk-based focus can overshadow the resilient capacities of multiply marginalised groups. Guided by an intersectional minority stress resilience framework, we asked: how do self-identified LGBTQ+ Latinx young adults manage cultural messages of prejudice and discrimination in relation to their health? Findings underscore how LGBTQ+ Latinx young adults established a strong sense of health autonomy to resist cultural stigma related to their intersecting identities. Young people actively educated themselves on health-related concerns, engaged in health-promoting tactics, and practised cultural negativity management to effectively navigate exposure to prejudice and discrimination.
Bidirectional interplay of HSF1 degradation and UPR activation promotes tau hyperphosphorylation

The unfolded protein response (UPR) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the cytoplasmic heat stress response are two major stress response systems necessary for maintaining proteostasis for cellular health. Failure of either of these systems, such as in sustained UPR activation or in insufficient heat shock response activation, can lead to the development of neurodegeneration. Alleviation of ER stress and enhancement of heat shock response through heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) activation have previously been considered as attractive potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease (AD)—a prevalent and devastating tauopathy. Understanding the interplay of the two aforementioned systems and their cooperative role in AD remain elusive. Here we report studies in human brain and tau pathogenic mouse models (rTg4510, PS19, and rTg21221), identifying HSF1 degradation and UPR activation as precursors of aberrant tau pathogenesis. We demonstrate that chemical ER stress inducers caused autophagy-lysosomal HSF1 degradation, resulting in tau hyperphosphorylation in rat primary neurons. In addition, permanent HSF1 loss reversely causes chronic UPR activation, leading to aberrant tau phosphorylation and aggregation in the hippocampus of aged HSF1 heterozygous knock-out mice. The deleterious interplay of UPR activation and HSF1 loss is exacerbated in N2a cells stably overexpressing a pro-aggregation mutant TauRD ΔK280 (N2a-TauRD ΔK280). We provide evidence of how these two stress response systems are intrinsically interweaved by showing that the gene encoding C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) activation in the UPR apoptotic pathway facilitates HSF1 degradation, which likely further contributes to prolonged UPR via ER chaperone HSP70 a5 (BiP/GRP78) suppression. Upregulating HSF1 relieves the tau toxicity in N2a-TauRD ΔK280 by reducing CHOP and increasing HSP70 a5 (BiP/GRP78). Our work reveals how the bidirectional crosstalk between the two stress response systems promotes early tau pathology and identifies HSF1 being one likely key player in both systems.
Primary Auditory Cortex is Required for Anticipatory Motor Response

The ability of the brain to predict future events based on the pattern of recent sensory experience is critical for guiding animal's behavior. Neocortical circuits for ongoing processing of sensory stimuli are extensively studied, but their contributions to the anticipation of upcoming sensory stimuli remain less understood. We, therefore, used in vivo cellular imaging and fiber photometry to record mouse primary auditory cortex to elucidate its role in processing anticipated stimulation. We found neuronal ensembles in layers 2/3, 4, and 5 which were activated in relationship to anticipated sound events following rhythmic stimulation. These neuronal activities correlated with the occurrence of anticipatory motor responses in an auditory learning task. Optogenetic manipulation experiments revealed an essential role of such neuronal activities in producing the anticipatory behavior. These results strongly suggest that the neural circuits of primary sensory cortex are critical for coding predictive information and transforming it into anticipatory motor behavior.
Maternal Investment in the Swordtail Fish Xiphophorus multilineatus: Support for the Differential Allocation Hypothesis

The differential allocation hypothesis predicts that reproductive investment will be influenced by mate attractiveness, given a cost to reproduction and a tradeoff between current and future reproduction. We tested the differential allocation hypothesis in the swordtail fish Xiphophorus multilineatus, where males have genetically influenced (patroclinous inheritance) alternative mating tactics (ARTs) maintained by a tradeoff between being more attractive to females (mature later as larger courting males) and a higher probability of reaching sexual maturity (mature earlier as smaller sneaker males). Males in X. multilineatus do not provide parental care or other resources to the offspring. Allelic variation and copy number of the Mc4R gene on the Y-chromosome influences the size differences between males, however there is no variation in this gene on the X-chromosome. Therefore, to determine if mothers invested more in offspring of the larger courter males, we examined age to sexual maturity for daughters. We confirmed a tradeoff between number of offspring and female offspring’s age to sexual maturity, corroborating that there is a cost to reproduction. In addition, the ART of their fathers significantly influenced the age at which daughters reached sexual maturity, suggesting increased maternal investment to daughters of courter males. The differential allocation we detected was influenced by how long the wild-caught mother had been in the laboratory, as there was a brood order by father genotype (ART) interaction. These results suggest that females can adjust their reproductive investment strategy, and that differential allocation is context specific. We hypothesize that one of two aspects of laboratory conditions produced this shift: increased female condition due to higher quality diet, and/or assessment of future mating opportunities due to isolation from males.
Mitochondrial Phylogenomics of Modern and Ancient Equids

The genus Equus is richly represented in the fossil record, yet our understanding of taxonomic relationships within this genus remains limited. To estimate the phylogenetic relationships among modern horses, zebras, asses and donkeys, we generated the first data set including complete mitochondrial sequences from all seven extant lineages within the genus Equus. Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic inference confirms that zebras are monophyletic within the genus, and the Plains and Grevy’s zebras form a well-supported monophyletic group. Using ancient DNA techniques, we further characterize the complete mitochondrial genomes of three extinct equid lineages (the New World stilt-legged horses, NWSLH; the subgenus Sussemionus; and the Quagga, Equus quagga quagga). Comparisons with extant taxa confirm the NWSLH as being part of the caballines, and the Quagga and Plains zebras as being conspecific. However, the evolutionary relationships among the non-caballine lineages, including the now-extinct subgenus Sussemionus, remain unresolved, most likely due to extremely rapid radiation within this group. The closest living outgroups (rhinos and tapirs) were found to be too phylogenetically distant to calibrate reliable molecular clocks. Additional mitochondrial genome sequence data, including radiocarbon dated ancient equids, will be required before revisiting the exact timing of the lineage radiation leading up to modern equids, which for now were found to have possibly shared a common ancestor as far as up to 4 Million years ago (Mya).
Mechanical properties of composite materials containing embedded fiber-optic sensors

A programme of mechanical testing has been carried out to determine the effect of a variety of embedded optical fibres on the properties of carbon/epoxide composite systems. The properties of interest were longitudinal and transverse tension, longitudinal compression, inter- laminar and in-plane shear. The variables investigated included the diameter of the silica cladding and the thickness and type of jacketing material. It was found that both the polyimide and acrylate coated fibres with diameters of approximately 100 micrometers had little adverse effect on the mechanical properties of any of the composites, except in longitudinal compression where up to 26% reduction in strength was seen in some systems.
Indigofera tinctoria leaf extract mediated green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles and assessment of their anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant and catalytic properties

Abstract This study reports the synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles, namely silver and gold from their respective salt by leaf extract of a medicinal plant Indigofera tinctoria. This leaf extract plays a dual role as stabilizing and reducing agent for the formation of nanoparticles. The synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis. spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, EDX and AFM analysis. All these techniques confirm the formation of crystalline nanoparticles. The cytotoxic effect of I. tinctoria leaf extract and the nanoparticles were studied on lung cancer cell line A549. It was shown that the cell viability decreases with increasing concentration and nanoparticles has more toxic effect on cancer cell than the pure leaf extract. IC50 value of I. tinctoria leaf extract, AuNP and AgNP respectively, are 71.92 ± 0.76 μg/ml, 59.33 ± 0.57 μg/ml and 56.62 ± 0.86 μg/ml. Antimicrobial activities were tested against both bacterial and fungal strains by agar well diffusion method. The synthesized nanoparticles show high antimicrobial activities towards all tested microbial strains with varying degree. The antioxidant activities of synthesized nanoparticles were analysed by using DPPH method and found that nanoparticles show higher antioxidant activities than the leaf extract. Outstanding catalytic activities of nanoparticles were demonstrated by employing the reduction reactions of o/p-niroanilines by NaBH4.
Predation Limits Spread of Didemnum vexillum into Natural Habitats from Refuges on Anthropogenic Structures

Non-indigenous species can dominate fouling assemblages on artificial structures in marine environments; however, the extent to which infected structures act as reservoirs for subsequent spread to natural habitats is poorly understood. Didemnum vexillum is one of few colonial ascidian species that is widely reported to be highly invasive in natural ecosystems, but which in New Zealand proliferates only on suspended structures. Experimental work revealed that D. vexillum established equally well on suspended artificial and natural substrata, and was able to overgrow suspended settlement plates that were completely covered in other cosmopolitan fouling species. Fragmentation led to a level of D. vexillum cover that was significantly greater than was achieved as a result of ambient larval recruitment. The species failed to establish following fragment transplants onto seabed cobbles and into beds of macroalgae. The establishment success of D. vexillum was greatest in summer compared with autumn, and on the underside of experimental settlement plates that were suspended off the seabed to avoid benthic predators. Where benthic predation pressure was reduced by caging, D. vexillum establishment success was broadly comparable to suspended treatments; by contrast, the species did not establish on the face-up aspect of uncaged plates. This study provides compelling evidence that benthic predation was a key mechanism that prevented D. vexillum’s establishment in the cobble habitats of the study region. The widespread occurrence of D. vexillum on suspended anthropogenic structures is consistent with evidence for other sessile invertebrates that such habitats provide a refuge from benthic predation. For invasive species generally, anthropogenic structures are likely to be most important as propagule reservoirs for spread to natural habitats in situations where predation and other mechanisms do not limit their subsequent proliferation.
Rheological Properties of Mineral Filler-Asphalt Mastics and Its Importance to Pavement Performance

The rheological and failure properties of eight asphalt-filler mastics were characterized using new testing techniques being developed within the SHRP program for testing asphalt binders. The mastics were prepared using four SHRP core asphalts and two fillers (calcite and quartz). The rheological measurements were used to construct rheological master curves and temperature shift functions. The failure properties were measured at different temperatures and strain rates and were shifted using time- temperature superposition to construct stress and strain-to- failure master curves. A subset of the mastics was also tested after oxidative aging with the pressure aging vessel (PAV) and after isothermal aging at low temperatures. The properties of the mastics were compared with the asphalt binder properties to describe the changes resulting from adding the fillers. The fillers were found to change the shape of the rheological master curves and to significantly increase the failure stress at all combinations of temperatures and loading times. The effects of mineral fillers upon relative stiffness, oxidative aging, hardening, low temperature cracking fatigue and rutting resistance are discussed. For the covering abstract see IRRD 858225.