Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of sirtuins in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis in skeletal muscle

Purpose of reviewTo discuss recent findings regarding the role of the histone deacetylase sirtuin SirT1 in anabolic and catabolic signaling pathways in skeletal muscle. Recent findingsSince its discovery as a regulator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor &ggr;-coactivator 1&agr; transcriptional activity, SirT1 has received much attention for its role in the regulation of tissue-specific and whole body regulation of metabolic processes. Although these early seminal discoveries identified SirT1 as a central player in metabolism, it is only more recently that we have begun to understand the complexities of SirT1 signaling. In addition to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorgamma-coactivator 1&agr;, SirT1 has been found to regulate the activity and/or transcription of protein kinase B, mammalian target of rapamycin, forkhead box O 1 and 3a and myogenic determination factor, all of which are central players in the regulation of energy status in skeletal muscle, via actions on catabolic and anabolic signaling. SummarySirT1-mediated regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism (and indeed, whole body metabolism) likely occurs at numerous levels, from cell membrane receptors to transcription factors and histones. The end result of these regulatory actions of SirT1 is to maintain cellular homeostasis.
CALL FOR PAPERS Innovative and Emerging Technologies in GI Physiology and Disease Esophageal wall blood perfusion during contraction and transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in humans

Jiang Y, Bhargava V, Kim YS, Mittal RK. Esophageal wall blood perfusion during contraction and transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in humans. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 303: G529–G535, 2012. First published July 12, 2012; doi:10.1152/ajpgi.00200. 2012. —We recently reported that esophageal contraction reduces esophageal wall perfusion in an animal study. Our aim was to determine esophageal wall blood perfusion (EWBP) during esophageal contraction and transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) in humans. We studied 12 healthy volunteers. A custom-designed laser Doppler probe was anchored to the esophageal wall, 4–6 cm above the LES, by use of the Bravo pH system so that the laser light beam stay directed toward the esophageal mucosa. A high-resolution manometry equipped with impedance electrodes recorded esophageal pressures and reflux events. Synchronized pressure, impedance, pH, and EWBP recordings were obtained during dry and wet swallows and following a meal. Stable recordings of laser Doppler EWBP were only recorded when the laser Doppler probe was firmly anchored to the esophageal wall. Esophageal contractions induced by dry and wet swallows resulted in 46 9% and 60 10% reduction in the EWBP, respectively (compared to baseline). Reduction in EWBP was directly related to the amplitude (curvilinear fit) and duration of esophageal contraction. Atropine reduced the esophageal contraction amplitude and decreased the EWBP reduction associated with esophageal contraction. TLESRs were also associated with reduction in the EWBP, albeit of smaller amplitude (29 3%) but longer duration (19 2 s) compared with swallow-induced esophageal contractions. We report 1) an innovative technique to record EWBP for extended time periods in humans and 2) contraction of circular and longitudinal muscle during peristalsis and selective longitudinal muscle contraction during TLESR causes reduction in the EWBP; 3) using our innovative technique, future studies may determine whether esophageal wall ischemia is the cause of esophageal pain/heartburn.
Fusion of ANN and SVM classifiers for network attack detection

With the progressive increase of network application and electronic devices (computer, mobile phones, android, etc), attack and intrusion detection is becoming a very challenging task in cybercrime detection area. In this context, most of existing approaches of attack detection rely mainly on a finite set of attacks. However, these solutions are vulnerable, that is, they fail in detecting some attacks when sources of informations are ambiguous or imperfect. But, few approaches started investigating toward this direction. Following this trends, this paper investigates the role of machine learning approach (ANN, SVM)in detecting TCP connection traffic as normal or suspicious one. But, using ANN and SVM is an expensive technique individually. In this paper, combining two classifiers has been proposed, where artificial neural network (ANN) classifier and support vector machine (SVM) were employed. Additionally, our proposed solution allows to visualize obtained classification results. Accuracy of the proposed solution has been compared with other classifier results. Experiments have been conducted with different network connection selected from NSL-KDD DARPA dataset. Empirical results show that combining ANN and SVM techniques for attack detection is a promising direction.
Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhance Cryopreserved Trachea Allograft Epithelium Regeneration and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression

Background. Epithelium regeneration and revascularization of tracheal implants are challenging issues to be solved in tracheal transplantation research. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can migrate to the damaged tissue and promote functional restoration. Here, we applied intravenous transplantation of BMSCs combined with a cryopreserved allograft to investigate the role of BMSCs in enhancing implant survival, tracheal epithelium regeneration and revascularization. Methods. After transplantation with cryopreserved allografts, PKH-26 labeled 3 to 5 passage BMSCs were injected into recipient rats through the tail vein. Rats in the control groups were injected with a comparable amount of phosphate-buffered saline. We observed the histology of the tracheal allograft and measured vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein levels in the epithelium to evaluate the effect of BMSCs on epithelium regeneration and revascularization. Results. Histologic observation of the rats from the BMSCs injection groups showed that the tracheal lumen was covered by pseudostriated ciliated columnar epithelium. The cartilage structure was intact. There were no signs of denaturation or necrosis. PKH-26 labeled BMSCs migrated to the implant site and exhibited red fluorescence, with the brightest red fluorescence at the anastomotic site. VEGF protein levels in the allograft epithelium of the BMSCs injection group were higher than the levels in the phosphate-buffered saline injection group. Conclusions. Our results indicate that given systemic administration, BMSCs may enhance epithelium regeneration and revascularization by upregulating VEGF expression.
Long‐term melatonin administration reduces hyperinsulinemia and improves the altered fatty‐acid compositions in type 2 diabetic rats via the restoration of Δ‐5 desaturase activity

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of long‐term melatonin administration on plasma levels of triglycerides, insulin and leptin, and on the fatty‐acid metabolism of plasma and hepatic lipids in type 2 diabetic rats. Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats, an animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus, were divided into two groups: one untreated (n=6), and one implanted with time‐releasing melatonin pellets (1.1 mg/day for 30 wk) under the abdominal skin (n=6). Age‐matched Long‐Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats (n=6) were used as healthy controls. The untreated diabetic rats had the increased plasma levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, insulin and leptin at 35 wk, as compared with the healthy control rats (n=6). The diabetic rats also had augmented ratios of 20:3n‐6/20:4n‐6 fatty acids, owing to diminished activity of Δ‐5 desaturase, an insulin‐permissive enzyme, in the liver. Melatonin administration to OLETF rats reduced the hypertriglyceridemia (−39%, P < 0.05), hyperinsulinemia (−33%, P < 0.01) and hyperleptinemia (–43%, P < 0.01), and restored hepatic Δ‐5 desaturase activity (148%, P < 0.005). This resulted in a return to normal ratios of 20:3n‐6/20:4n‐6 fatty acids in plasma and hepatic lipids. There was a significant correlation (r=0.64, P < 0.005) between plasma levels of insulin and the ratios of 20:3n‐6/20:4n‐6 in plasma phospholipids of all rats in the three groups. Thus, subcutaneous implantation of a melatonin‐releasing pellet thus resulted in improved lipid metabolism in diabetic rats, probably through restored insulin resistance.ALP, alkaline phosphataseGOT, glutamic oxalacetic transaminaseGPT, glutamic pyruvic transaminaseHPLC, high performance liquid chromatographyLETO rats, Long‐Evans Tokushima Otsuka ratsMUFA, monounsaturated fatty acidOLETF rats, Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty ratsPUFA, polyunsaturated fatty acidVLDL, very low density lipoprotein
Origin of Heat‐Induced Accelerated Junctional Rhythm

Accelerated Junctional Rhythm. Introduction: The application of high‐frequency current to the AV junctional area results in a temperature rise in the myocardium and may cause accelerated junctional rhythm (AJR). The aim of the study was to characterize heat‐induced AJR in an in vitro animal model.
The POF1B candidate gene for premature ovarian failure regulates epithelial polarity

POF1B is a candidate gene for premature ovarian failure (POF); it is mainly expressed in polarised epithelial tissues, but its function in these tissues and the relationship with the disorder are unknown. Here we show colocalisation of POF1B with markers of both adherens and tight junctions in human jejunum. The tight junction localisation was maintained by the human POF1B stably expressed in the MDCK polarised epithelial cell line, whereas it was lost by the POF1B R329Q variant associated with POF. Localisation of apico-basal polarity markers and ultrastructure of the tight junctions were maintained in cells expressing the mutant. However, tight junction assembly was altered, cells were dysmorphic and the monolayer organisation was also altered in three-dimensional culture systems. Moreover, cells expressing the POF1B R329Q variant showed defects in ciliogenesis and cystogenesis as a result of misorientation of primary cilia and mitotic division. All of these defects were explained by interference of the mutant with the content and organisation of F-actin at the junctions. A role for POF1B in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton was further verified by shRNA silencing of the endogenous protein in human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Taken together, these data indicate that localisation of POF1B to tight junctions has a key role in the organisation of epithelial monolayers by regulating the actin cytoskeleton.
The laryngeal mask airway

A new form of airway has recently been described, which is introduced blindly into the hypopharynx to form a seal around the larynx, so permitting spontaneous or positive pressure ventilation without penetration of the larynx or oesophagus. The further development of this new airway is described and the results of 18 months' clinical experience are presented. The airway was used successfully in 118 patients, 17 of whom received controlled ventilation of their lungs. It was used in place of the facemask in routine anaesthesia, and was of particular value in ophthalmic, dental and ear, nose and throat procedures and where difficulties with the airway were expected. The incidence of sore throat and other problems was low. Experience of more than 500 cases suggests that the laryngeal mask airway may have a valuable rôle to play in all types of inhalational anaesthesia, while its proven value in some cases of difficult intubation indicates that it may contribute significantly to the safety of general anaesthesia.
Theoretical Investigation of Random Noise-Limited Signal-to-Noise Ratio in MR-Based Electrical Properties Tomography

In magnetic resonance imaging-based electrical properties tomography (MREPT), tissue electrical properties (EPs) are derived from the spatial variation of the transmit RF field (B1+). Here we derive theoretically the relationship between the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the electrical properties obtained by MREPT and the SNR of the input B1+ data, under the assumption that the latter is much greater than unity, and the noise in B1+ at different voxels is statistically independent. It is shown that for a given B1+ data, the SNR of both electrical conductivity and relative permittivity is proportional to the square of the linear dimension of the region of interest (ROI) over which the EPs are determined, and to the square root of the number of voxels in the ROI. The relationship also shows how the SNR varies with the main magnetic field (B0) strength. The predicted SNR is verified through numerical simulations on a cylindrical phantom with an analytically calculated B1+ map, and is found to provide explanation of certain aspects of previous experimental results in the literature. Our SNR formula can be used to estimate minimum input data SNR and ROI size required to obtain tissue EP maps of desired quality.
Design of a multi-band frequency reconfigurable planar monopole antenna using truncated ground plane for Wi-Fi, WLAN and WiMAX applications

Reconfigurable or switchable antennas are potential candidates for modern wireless and portable devices to operate at more than one frequency bands, polarizations and scanning radiation patterns in accordance with user requirements. This paper describes the design of multi-band frequency reconfigurable 7-shaped planar monopole antenna, employing 1.6 mm thicker FR4 as a substrate material and a truncated metal ground plane. The antenna operates in single as well as dual-band frequency modes depending on the state of the switch used. The proposed antenna operate in the dual frequency mode (Wi-Fi at 2.45 GHz and WLAN at 5.4 GHz) and single frequency mode (WiMAX at 3.5 GHz) when the optical switch is in ON and OFF states respectively. The bandwidths achieved are 20, 39 and 9.3% centered at 2.4, 3.5 and 5.4 GHz, frequencies respectively. The antenna is impedance matched (i.e. input impedance=51~54 Ω) resulting in VSWR<; 1.3 for the three frequency bands. Satisfactory gains of 1.92, 2.41 and 3.02 dBi and efficiencies of 86.5, 85 and 74.6% are attained at 2.45, 3.5 and 5.4 GHz frequencies respectively. Printed monopole reconfigured antennas are small, low profile and light-weight which can be used in portable electronics (mobile phones, iPads, PDAs and laptops) and wearable applications (safety and rescue operations). The antenna scattering and far-field parameters are evaluated using a numerical Finite Integration Technique (FIT) and Finite Element Method (FEM) employed in CST MWS and HFSS, respectively.
Mass Spectrometry-based Footprinting Reveals Structural Dynamics of Loop E of the Chlorophyll-binding Protein CP43 during Photosystem II Assembly in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis 6803*

Background: The mechanism for association and dissociation of Psb27 and CP43 is poorly understood. Results: Loop E of CP43 undergoes significant conformational change upon D1 processing. Conclusion: D1 processing initiates the dissociation of Psb27 from CP43. Significance: The structural dynamics of the lumenal domain of CP43 plays a critical role in the assembly of functional Photosystem II centers. The PSII repair cycle is required for sustainable photosynthesis in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms. In cyanobacteria and higher plants, proteolysis of the precursor D1 protein (pD1) to expose a C-terminal carboxylate group is an essential step leading to coordination of the Mn4CaO5 cluster, the site of water oxidation. Psb27 appears to associate with both pD1- and D1-containing PSII assembly intermediates by closely interacting with CP43. Here, we report that reduced binding affinity between CP43 and Psb27 is triggered by the removal of the C-terminal extension of the pD1 protein. A mass spectrometry-based footprinting strategy was adopted to probe solvent-exposed aspartic and glutamic acid residues on the CP43 protein. By comparing the extent of footprinting between HT3ΔctpAΔ27PSII and HT3ΔctpAPSII, two genetically modified PSII assembly complexes, we found that Psb27 binds to CP43 on the side of Loop E distal to the pseudo-symmetrical D1-D2 axis. By comparing a second pair of PSII assembly complexes, we discovered that Loop E of CP43 undergoes a significant conformational rearrangement due to the removal of the pD1 C-terminal extension, altering the Psb27-CP43 binding interface. The significance of this conformational rearrangement is discussed in the context of recruitment of the PSII lumenal extrinsic proteins and Mn4CaO5 cluster assembly. In addition to CP43's previously known function as one of the core PSII antenna proteins, this work demonstrates that Loop E of CP43 plays an important role in the functional assembly of the Water Oxidizing Center (WOC) during PSII biogenesis.
Nuclear Localization Destabilizes the Stress-regulated Transcription Factor Msn2*♦

The transcriptional program of yeast cells undergoes dramatic changes during the shift from fermentative growth to respiratory growth. A large part of this response is mediated by the stress responsive transcription factor Msn2. During glucose exhaustion, Msn2 is activated and concentrated in the nucleus. Simultaneously, Msn2 protein levels also drop significantly under this condition. Here we show that the decrease in Msn2 concentration is due to its increased degradation. Moreover, Msn2 levels are also reduced under chronic stress or low protein kinase A (PKA) activity, both conditions that cause a predominant nuclear localization of Msn2. Similar effects were found in msn5 mutant cells that block Msn2 nuclear export. To approximate the effect of low PKA activity on Msn2, we generated a mutant form with alanine substitutions in PKA phosphorylation sites. High expression of this Msn2 mutant is detrimental for growth, suggesting that the increased degradation of nuclear Msn2 might be necessary to adapt cells to low PKA conditions after the diauxic shift or to allow growth under chronic stress conditions.
Discrimination and the incidence of psychotic disorders among ethnic minorities in The Netherlands.

BACKGROUND It is well established now that the incidence of schizophrenia is extremely high for several ethnic minority groups in western Europe, but there is considerable variation among groups. We investigated whether the increased risk among these groups depends upon the degree to which they perceive discrimination based on race or ethnicity. METHODS We studied the incidence of psychotic disorders over 7 years in The Hague, a city with a large and diverse population of ethnic minorities. To compare the incidence of schizophrenic disorders (DSM IV: schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder) in each ethnic minority group with the incidence in native Dutch, we computed incidence rate ratios (IRRs). Based on a population study and on rates of reported incidents of discrimination in The Hague, the degree of perceived discrimination of ethnic minority groups was rated: high (Morocco), medium (Netherlands-Antilles, Surinam and 'other non-western countries'), low (Turkey) or very low ('western or westernized countries'). RESULTS The age- and gender-adjusted IRRs of schizophrenic disorders for ethnic minority groups exposed to high, medium, low, and very low discrimination were 4.00 (95% CI 3.00-5.35), 1.99 (1.58-2.51), 1.58 (1.10-2.27), and 1.20 (0.81-1.90), respectively. When not only schizophrenic, but all psychotic disorders were included in the analysis, the results were similar. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that discrimination perceived by ethnic minority groups in western Europe, or some factor closely related to it, may contribute to their increased risk of schizophrenia.
Alignment of probe antennas for spatial channel emulator

OTA (Over-The-Air) performance of MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) mobile terminals employing multi-antennas must be evaluated using the spatial channel emulator which reproduces the multi-path propagation environment around the mobile terminal. Antenna properties of an antenna correlation in addition to the branch power should be adequately evaluated in the spatial channel emulator. In this paper, we investigate based on the calculation the alignment of probe antennas for a spatial channel emulator considering the power angular spectrum of cluster model taking an antenna correlation that has a substantial impact on MIMO performance as the criterion and we clarify that probe antennas should be appropriately aligned, in terms of spacing and numbers, depending on an intended angular spread of arriving waves.
The Malawi government gazette

Under the provisions of section 9 of the Administrator General Act, the Administrator General hereby gives notice of his intention to apply to the High Court of Malawi, for letters of administration in respect of the Estates of the Deceased persons whose particulars are given hereunder. All claimants who are indebted to the below mentioned deceased estates or those who have anything in their possession which forms part of the said deceased persons estates, should account the same to the Administrator General, Private Bag 218, Lilongwe, within fourteen (14) days of the date of this notice after which date the deceased estates will be distributed by the Administrator General having regard only to those claims of which he shall have received written particulars.
Ceramide‐induced apoptosis of D283 medulloblastoma cells requires mitochondrial respiratory chain activity but occurs independently of caspases and is not sensitive to Bcl‐xL overexpression

Ceramides are potent lipid second messengers that are involved in apoptotic and hypoxic/ischaemic neurone death. We investigated the role of mitochondria and the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in ceramide‐induced cell death using human D283 medulloblastoma cells with a reduced mitochondrial DNA copy number (ρ– cells) and a corresponding defect in mitochondrial respiration. Treatment with the complex I inhibitor rotenone, C2‐ or C8‐ceramide induced cell death in D283 control cells, while ρ– cells were significantly protected. In contrast, activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by transient overexpression of the pro‐apoptotic Bax protein or exposure to the kinase inhibitor staurosporine induced apoptosis to a similar extent in control and ρ– cells. Overexpression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐xL failed to inhibit the toxic effect of C2‐ceramide in D283 control cells, and no significant increase in caspase‐3‐like protease activity could be detected during the death process. Despite this, C2‐ceramide induced significant chromatin condensation and cell shrinkage in D283 control cells, reminiscent of apoptosis. These morphological alterations were associated with the activation of calpains. Both apoptotic morphology and calpain activation were attenuated in ρ– cells. Our data indicate that the apoptosis‐inducing effect of C2‐ceramide may require mitochondrial respiratory chain activity and can occur independently of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, but involves the activation of calpains.