Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antioxidative, Antinitrative, and Vasculoprotective Effects of a Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-&ggr; Agonist in Hypercholesterolemia

Background—Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathways have been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects and attenuate atherosclerosis formation. However, the mechanisms responsible for their anti-inflammatory and antiatherosclerotic effects remain largely unknown. The present study tested the hypothesis that a PPAR&ggr; agonist may exert significant endothelial protection by antioxidative and antinitrative effects. Methods and Results—Male New Zealand White rabbits were randomized to receive a normal (control) or a high-cholesterol diet and treated with vehicle or rosiglitazone (a PPAR&ggr; agonist) 3 mg · kg−1 · d−1 for 5 weeks beginning 3 weeks after the high-cholesterol diet. At the end of 8 weeks of a high-cholesterol diet, the rabbits were killed, and the carotid arteries were isolated. Bioactive nitric oxide was determined functionally (endothelium-dependent vasodilatation) and biochemically (the phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, or P-VASP). Vascular superoxide production, PPAR&ggr;, gp91phox, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, and vascular ONOO− formation were determined. Hypercholesterolemia caused severe endothelial dysfunction and reduced P-VASP, despite a marked increase in iNOS expression and total NOx production. Treatment with rosiglitazone enhanced PPAR&ggr; expression, improved endothelium-dependent vasodilatation, preserved P-VASP, suppressed gp91phox and iNOS expression, reduced superoxide and total NOx production, and inhibited nitrotyrosine formation. Conclusions—The PPAR&ggr; agonist rosiglitazone exerted a significant vascular protective effect in hypercholesterolemic rabbits, most likely by attenuation of oxidative and nitrative stresses. The endothelial protective effects of PPAR&ggr; agonists may reduce leukocyte accumulation in vascular walls and contribute to their antiatherosclerotic effect.
The Effect of Mucine, IgA, Urea, and Lysozyme on the Corrosion Behavior of Various Non-precious Dental Alloys and Pure Titanium in Artificial Saliva

The corrosion of dental alloys has biological, functional, and aesthetic consequences. Various studies have shown that protein solutions can inhibit the corrosion of alloys. This study is planned to determine the relationship of organic constituents of saliva and the corrosion of dental alloys. The organic constituents are IgA, mucine, urea, and lysozyme which are encountered in the highest amounts in saliva and the dental materials are titanium (Ti), Co—Cr—Mo and Ni—Cr—Mo alloys, and dental amalgam, the most often used metallic components in dentistry. In particular, the interactions between the commonest salivary proteins, IgA, mucine, urea and lysozyme, and Ti, Co—Cr—Mo, Ni—Cr—Mo and dental amalgam were investigated. Each alloy was evaluated by cyclic polarization in each medium. The general anodic and cathodic behavior during forward and reverse cycles, the corrosion and passivation current densities (μA/cm2 ), and the corrosion and the pitting potentials (mV) were determined. The results have shown that Ni—Cr—Mo and dental amalgam alloys are highly susceptible to corrosion in all the investigated media. The Co—Cr—Mo alloy has shown high passive current densities in the solution of mucine and lysozyme in artificial saliva. Titanium instead, has shown a high resistance to corrosion and a stable passive behavior in all media, especially in a solution of mucine and IgA in synthetic saliva. Mucine and IgA, as well as urea and lysozyme, appeared to enhance the formation of a passive film layer on the Ti metal surface, thus inhibiting the corrosion. Based on the study findings, and especially considering the problem of nickel allergy and toxicity of mercury released from dental amalgam, the use of Co—Cr—Mo alloys and Ti to Ni—Cr—Mo alloys is recommended and alternatives to dental amalgam should be sought for patients with impaired salivary flow.
The morphology of a population of thoracic intersegmental interneurones in the locust

A population of intersegmental interneurones with axons extending from the meso‐ to the metathoracic ganglion of the locust is described. They receive specific mechanosensory inputs from one mesothoracic leg. Their cell bodies are in group at the posterior of the mesothoracic ganglion, lying over the lateral base of each connective, and their primary neurites emerge in one of four bundles. Their mesothoracic branches are ipsilateral to the cell bodies and the leg from which they receive inputs. Each interneurone has two to six mesothoracic secondary neurites that divide and form a dense field of arborizations in specific regions of the neuropil so that each individual interneurone has a characteristic shape that is an elaboration of a basic and common plan.
High‐resolution DNA melting analysis: advancements and limitations

Recent advances in fluorescent dyes, methods, instruments and software for DNA melting analysis have created versatile new tools for variant scanning and genotyping. High resolution melting analysis (HRM or HRMA) is faster, simpler, and less expensive than alternative approaches requiring separations or labeled probes. With the addition of a saturating dye before PCR followed by rapid melting analysis of the PCR products, the sensitivity of heterozygote scanning approaches 100%. Specificity can be increased by identifying common polymorphisms with small amplicon melting, unlabeled probes or snapback primers to decrease the sequencing burden. However, some homozygotes require mixing for identification. Furthermore, different heterozygotes may produce melting curves so similar to each other that, although they clearly vary from homozygous variants, they are not differentiated from each other. Nevertheless, the experimental return for minimal effort is great. This focus issue of Human Mutation includes a concise, timely review on high resolution melting, a comparison to denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, integration with qPCR for copy number assessment, combined amplicon scanning and unlabeled probe genotyping from a single melting curve, and applications to the mitochondrial genome and to BRCA1. Hum Mutat 30, 857–859, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimization of ACM algorithms over Q/V-band satellite channels with the Alphasat Aldo Paraboni P/L

Future satellite communication systems providing broadband access to Internet require high throughput connectivity in the order of hundreds of Gbps or Tbps. Radical changes in technologies are needed to support these demanding requirements. One of the most important changes is the use of Q/V band frequencies which offer larger bandwidths with respect to the Ka band. However, Q/V band communication suffers from highly variable propagation losses and the use of Propagation Impairment Mitigation Techniques (PIMTs) is mandatory for an efficient use of radio resources such as power and bandwidth. In this paper we describe the first Q/V band satellite communication experiments that have been performed through the Alphasat “Aldo Paraboni” hosted payload. In particular, experimental results on ACM optimization will be presented.
Microcompartments for B12-Dependent 1,2-Propanediol Degradation Provide Protection from DNA and Cellular Damage by a Reactive Metabolic Intermediate

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica grows on 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PD) in a coenzyme B12-dependent fashion. Prior studies showed that a bacterial microcompartment (MCP) is involved in this process and that an MCP-minus mutant undergoes a 20-h period of growth arrest during 1,2-PD degradation. It was previously proposed that growth arrest resulted from propionaldehyde toxicity, but no direct evidence was presented. Here, high-pressure liquid chromatography analyses of culture medium were used to show that the major products of aerobic 1,2-PD degradation are propionaldehyde, propionate, and 1-propanol. A MCP-minus mutant accumulated a level of propionaldehyde 10-fold higher than that of the wild type (1.6 mM compared to 15.7 mM), associating this compound with growth arrest. The addition of propionaldehyde to cultures of S. enterica caused growth arrest from 8 to 20 mM, but not at 4 mM, providing direct evidence for propionaldehyde toxicity. Studies also indicated that propionaldehyde was toxic due to the inhibition of respiratory processes, and the growth arrest ended when propionaldehyde was depleted primarily by conversion to propionate and 1-propanol and secondarily due to volatility. The Ames test was used to show that propionaldehyde is a mutagen and that mutation frequencies are increased in MCP-minus mutants during 1,2-PD degradation. We propose that a primary function of the MCPs involved in 1,2-PD degradation is the mitigation of toxicity and DNA damage by propionaldehyde.
A Novel Approach for Performance Assessment in Mobile Commerce

This study applies an evidential reasoning (ER) approach for risk evaluation in Mobile Commerce (MC) development. The evidential reasoning (ER) methodology is used to model the uncertainties inherent in MC risk evaluation and to aggregate the assessments of MC risk elements and components. At last, an example is solved to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the suggested model. The empirical study has demonstrated how the approach can be used for the risk evaluation in MC development.
Annulus Fissures Are Mechanically and Chemically Conducive to the Ingrowth of Nerves and Blood Vessels

Study Design. Mechanical and biochemical analyses of cadaveric and surgically removed discs. Objective. To test the hypothesis that fissures in the annulus of degenerated human discs are mechanically and chemically conducive to the ingrowth of nerves and blood vessels. Summary of Background Data. Discogenic back pain is closely associated with fissures in the annulus fibrosus, and with the ingrowth of nerves and blood vessels. Methods. Three complementary studies were performed. First, 15 cadaveric discs that contained a major annulus fissure were subjected to 1 kN compression, while a miniature pressure transducer was pulled through the disc to obtain distributions of matrix compressive stress perpendicular to the fissure axis. Second, Safranin O staining was used to evaluate focal loss of proteoglycans from within annulus fissures in 25 surgically removed disc samples. Third, in 21 cadaveric discs, proteoglycans (sulfated glycosaminoglycans [sGAGs]) and water concentration were measured biochemically in disrupted regions of annulus containing 1 or more fissures, and in adjacent intact regions. Results. Reductions in compressive stress within annulus fissures averaged 36% to 46%, and could have been greater at the fissure axis. Stress reductions were greater in degenerated discs, and were inversely related to nucleus pressure (R2 = 47%; P = 0.005). Safranin O stain intensity indicated that proteoglycan concentration was typically reduced by 40% at a distance of 600 &mgr;m from the fissure axis, and the width of the proteoglycan-depleted zone increased with age (P < 0.006; R2 = 0.29) and with general proteoglycan loss (P < 0.001; R2 = 0.32). Disrupted regions of annulus contained 36% to 54% less proteoglycans than adjacent intact regions from the same discs, although water content was reduced only slightly. Conclusion. Annulus fissures provide a low-pressure microenvironment that allows focal proteoglycan loss, leaving a matrix that is conducive to nerve and blood vessel ingrowth.
Intrasteric Inhibition of ATP Binding Is Not Required To Prevent Unregulated Autophosphorylation or Signaling by the Insulin Receptor

ABSTRACT Receptor tyrosine kinases may use intrasteric inhibition to suppress autophosphorylation prior to growth factor stimulation. To test this hypothesis we made an Asp1161Ala mutant in the activation loop that relieved intrasteric inhibition of the unphosphorylated insulin receptor (IR) and its recombinant cytoplasmic kinase domain (IRKD) without affecting the activated state. Solution studies with the unphosphorylated mutant IRKD demonstrated conformational changes and greater catalytic efficiency from a 10-fold increase ink cat and a 15-fold-lowerK m ATP althoughK m peptide was unchanged. Kinetic parameters of the autophosphorylated mutant and wild-type kinase domains were virtually identical. The Asp1161Ala mutation increased the rate of in vitro autophosphorylation of the IRKD or IR at low ATP concentrations and in the absence of insulin. However, saturation with ATP (for the IRKD) or the presence of insulin (for the IR) yielded equivalent rates of autophosphorylation for mutant versus wild-type kinases. Despite a biochemically more active kinase domain, the mutant IR expressed in C2C12 myoblasts was not constitutively autophosphorylated. However, it displayed a 2.5-fold-lower 50% effective concentration for insulin stimulation of autophosphorylation and was dephosphorylated more slowly following withdrawal of insulin than wild-type IR. In tests of the regulation of the unphosphorylated basal state, these results demonstrate that neither intrasteric inhibition against ATP binding nor suppression of kinase activity is required to prevent premature autophosphorylation of the IR. Finally, the lower rate of dephosphorylation suggests invariant residues of the activation loop such as Asp1161 may function at multiple junctures in cellular regulation of receptor tyrosine kinases.
Influences of tobacco and alcohol use on hepatocellular carcinoma survival

Prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is generally poor. The role of modifiable lifestyle factors on HCC survival has been less studied. To examine whether prediagnosis smoking and alcohol affected HCC survival stratified by viral etiology, we conducted a prospective cohort study of 2,273 (1990 with viral hepatitis and 283 without) incident HCC cases aged 20–75 years who were enrolled between 1997 and 2004 from a Taiwanese multicenter study, and followed up through 2007. Information on habitual smoking and alcohol consumption was obtained at baseline through personal interview. After follow‐up to a maximum of 10 years, 1,757 participants died and 1,488 (84.7%) were attributed to HCC. Prediagnosis smoking and alcohol worsened prognosis independent of each other and clinical predictors. The effects of both risky behaviors were limited to viral hepatitis‐related HCC and more profound among those with early‐stage HCC. Risk for HCC‐specific mortality increased with increasing pack‐years smoked and ethanol intake (all p < 0.001 for trend), with an additive effect shown for the two habits [hazard ratio (HR) for alcohol ≥46.2 g/day and ≥10 pack‐years = 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.45–2.05]. For either habit, cessation reduced HCC‐specific mortality, but a significant mortality benefit occurred 10 years after abstinence (quitting smoking ≥10 years vs. continuing smokers: HR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.61–0.97; quitting drinking ≥10 years vs. continuing drinkers: HR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.56–0.98). In conclusion, among patients with viral hepatitis‐related HCC, prediagnosis smoking and alcohol have a deleterious effect on HCC survival. Quitting smoking or drinking alcohol could reduce the excess risk, but only after a long interval of cessation.
Effect of panretinal photocoagulation on corneal sensation and the corneal subbasal nerve plexus in diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE To assess the effects of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) for diabetic retinopathy (DR) on the human corneal subbasal nerve plexus (SBNP) and to investigate correlations between corneal subbasal nerve (SBN) density, corneal sensitivity, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. METHODS Thirty-eight subjects with at least a 10-year history of diabetes mellitus (DM) or DR were included. Subjects were assigned to a PRP group (n = 19), having undergone a treatment of retinopathy in at least one eye or a non-PRP group (n = 19), with no history of PRP. The Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) was administered to enable quantification of neuropathic symptoms. Laser scanning in vivo confocal microscopy was performed to capture images of the corneal SBNP to allow determination of SBNP density. Central corneal sensitivity (CST) was evaluated by noncontact aesthesiometry and peripheral vibration perception threshold was measured with a biothesiometer. RESULTS Mean SBNP densities were 12.27 ± 4.28 mm/mm²) in the PRP group and 12.75 ± 3.59 mm/mm² in the non-PRP group. There were no significant differences in SBNP density (P = 0.71), CST (P = 0.84), MNSI score (P = 0.19), and biothesiometry (P = 0.77) between the PRP and non-PRP groups. When data from both groups (n = 38) were combined, corneal sensitivity was modestly correlated with SBNP density (r = 0.30, P = 0.06), and peripheral biothesiometry (r = 0.26, P = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS In DM correlation of corneal sensitivity, SBNP density, and peripheral biothesiometry may have a potential role in estimating the severity of peripheral neuropathy. Corneal SBNP density and sensitivity appear to be unaffected by PRP laser treatment compared with non-PRP diabetic eyes.
Randomised trial of endoscopy with testing for Helicobacter pylori compared with non-invasive H pylori testing alone in the management of dyspepsia

Abstract Objective: To compare the efficacy of non-invasive testing for Helicobacter pylori with that of endoscopy (plus H pylori testing) in the management of patients referred for endoscopic investigation of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Design: Randomised controlled trial with follow up at 12 months. Setting: Hospital gastroenterology unit. Participants: 708 patients aged under 55 referred for endoscopic investigation of dyspepsia, randomised to non-invasive breath test for H pylori or endoscopy plus H pylori testing. Main outcome measure: Glasgow dyspepsia severity score at one year. Use of medical resources, patient oriented outcomes, and safety were also assessed. Results: In 586 patients followed up at 12 months the mean change in dyspepsia score was 4.8 in the non-invasive H pylori test group and 4.6 in the endoscopy group (95% confidence interval for difference −0.7 to 0.5, P=0.69). Only 8.2% of patients followed up who were randomised to breath test alone were referred for subsequent endoscopy. The use of non-endoscopic resources was similar in the two groups. Reassurance value, concern about missed pathology, overall patient satisfaction, and quality of life were similar in the two groups. The patients found the non-invasive breath test procedure less uncomfortable and distressing than endoscopy with or without sedation. No potentially serious pathology requiring treatment other than eradication of H pylori was missed. Conclusion: In this patient group, non-invasive testing for H pylori is as effective and safe as endoscopy and less uncomfortable and distressing for the patient. Non-invasive H pylori testing should be the preferred mode of investigation. What is already known on this topic Endoscopy is a commonly used investigation for upper gastrointestinal symptoms, but its effectiveness has been questioned Non-invasive testing for Helicobacter pylori has been shown to predict endoscopic diagnosis in patients with dyspepsia What this study adds In patients less than 55 years of age with uncomplicated dyspepsia, non-invasive testing for H pylori is as effective and as safe as endoscopy Non-invasive H pylori testing is as reassuring to the patient as endoscopy and is less uncomfortable and distressing
Food and Culture

Food touches everything.Food is the foundation of every economy.It is a central pawn in political strategies of states and households.Food marks social differences, boundaries, bonds, and contradictions.Eating is an endlessly evolving enactment of gender, family and community relationships . we see how food‐sharing creates solidarity, and how food scarcity damages the human community and the human spirit . Food is both a scholarly concern and a real‐life concern.
Head involution in Drosophila: Genetic and morphogenetic connections to dorsal closure

Dorsal closure and head involution are complex morphogenetic processes that occur nearly simultaneously, midway through Drosophila embryonic development. While dorsal closure has been studied extensively in terms of both its morphology and genetics, head involution has not been described comprehensively. A thorough review of the literature nonetheless reveals considerable information regarding the genetic components of head involution. In several instances, authors have made explicit references to head involution in regard to mutant phenotypes; in others, we have made this connection. Here we collect, catalogue, and discuss published head involution studies. In considering and integrating the data, an enhanced appreciation of the molecular mechanisms underlying head involution and its molecular kinship with dorsal closure has emerged. Developmental Dynamics 237:28–38, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Do Physicists Use Case Studies? Thoughts on Public Administration Research

Is the case study approach an appropriate methodology in public administration research? In contrast to the views of McCurdy and Cleary (1984), White (1986b), and others, Mary Timney Bailey posits that case study methods are central to the work ofphysics, chemistry, and other "hard" sciences which those critics seek to emulate in the study of Public Administration. She argues that properly structured case studies will live up to the scientific standards of rigor, including generalizability, transferability, and replicatability. In addition, Bailey addresses the argument against the practitionerfocused research by reasserting Dwight Waldo's contention that a bond exists between theory and practice in public administration. Research methods in public administration have been the subject of ongoing discussion in Public Administration Review in recent years. Articles on this subject include McCurdy and Cleary's (1984) study of doctoral dissertations in public administration, White's (1986b) replication and enhancement of their study, and Stallings's (1986) assessment of doctoral programs in public administration from the perspective of an outsider. White (1986a) also examined the theory-building potential of interpretive and critical research, and Kraemer and Perry (1989) studied the institutional setting for academic research in public administration.
Na+ cotransport by metabolizable and nonmetabolizable amino acids stimulates a glucose-regulated insulin-secretory response.

The involvement of Na+ in insulin-secretory responses to metabolizable and nonmetabolizable amino acids known to be cotransported with Na+, were examined using islet-derived BRIN-BD11 cells. At stimulatory (16.7 mM) glucose, 10 mM of l-alanine, alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) or l-proline stimulated 1.3- to 10. 4-fold (p < 0.01) insulin-secretory responses. In each case, these effects were significantly greater than those observed at nonstimulatory (1.1 mM) glucose (p < 0.01). While, tetrodotoxin blockade of voltage-dependent Na+ channels exerted no significant effect on insulin release, Na/K pump blockade with ouabain significantly promoted the amino acid-induced effects (p < 0.05). Replacement of extracellular Na+ with equimolar N-methyl-d-glucamine+ and omission of extracellular K+ or Ca2+ were all effective in removing the actions of each amino acid, confirming the critical role of ionic fluxes in the secretory responses to these amino acids. Collectively these results demonstrate that metabolizable and nonmetabolizable amino acids can induce glucose-dependent insulin-secretory responses by modulating electrogenic Na+ transport.