Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional Reduction and Associated Cellular Rearrangement in SHRSP Rat Basilar Arteries Are Affected by Salt Load and Calcium Antagonist Treatment

The stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP) is a strain with high incidence of cerebrovascular accidents increased by salt-rich diet and decreased by calcium-antagonist treatment. In the SHRSP rat basilar artery the authors have previously shown reduced contractility and altered structure including regions of smooth muscle cell (SMC) disorganization, The aims of this study have been to analyze (I) the morphology of these abnormal regions, (2) the structural modifications responsible for the reduced function, and (3) the effect of salt and calcium-antagonist treatment on vascular structure and function, Wistar Kyoto and SHRSP rats, untreated or treated from week 8 through 14 with 1% NaCl or 1% NaCl + 1 ·kg−1·d−1 lacidipine, were used, Function was studied with wire myography, Structure was analyzed in fixed intact arteries with confocal microscopy, Basilar arteries from SHRSP rat showed (1) reduced contractility, (2) discrete foci of SMC disarray with altered proportion of adventitia to SMC, and (3) decreased SMC and increased adventitial cell number. Arteries from salt-loaded SHRSP rats showed a higher degree of SMC disarray and further reduction in contractility, Lacidipine treatment of salt-loaded rats significantly improved structure and function, These data suggest that vascular remodeling can provide an explanation for the observed reduction in vascular contractility of SHRSP rat basilar arteries and might show light on the effects of salt load and calcium-channel blockers in life span and the incidence of cerebrovascular accidents in SHRSP rats.
Magnetic Resonance and Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Pediatric White Matter Diseases

The central nervous system undergoes profound and predictable developmental changes during the first few years of life that provide the structural and functional elements necessary for normal neurological development. The establishment and maturation of white matter pathways is a critical component of the developing nervous system. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) offers a noninvasive and quantitative means for the evaluation of white matter changes. DTI has contributed to the evaluation of a number of childhood leukoencephalopathies; it has also been used to follow brain maturation in abnormal states, such as premature birth or early brain injury. Furthermore, it has helped characterize the relation between white matter integrity and cognitive abilities. In the future, DTI is expected to play an increasingly large role in defining developmental abnormalities at an early age and in assessing therapies for pediatric disorders such as leukodystrophies.
Adipokines and Coronary Vasomotor Dysfunction

Research in the last 10–15 years has shown that fat cells (adipocytes) produce and release proteins with specific biologic activities. These proteins, termed adipokines, include the hormones leptin, adiponectin, and resistin. Adipose tissue is now recognized as an active endocrine organ. With the obesity pandemic swelling in the Western world, ongoing research is aimed at determining the biologic links between obesity and cardiovascular disease. This review presents basic historical background information on the major adipokines, introduces findings from clinical studies associating adipokines with cardiovascular disease, and summarizes results from recent basic science research studies of mechanisms of adipokine-induced cardiovascular dysfunction. Particular emphasis is placed on the action of adipokines in the coronary circulation—especially effects of adipokines on endothelial function, as endothelial damage is likely a critical event initiating atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.
Implementation of Congenital Heart Diseases Screening at the Bihac Cantonal Hospital

Introduction: Congenital heart defects (CHD) were the most common birth defects, and the most common cause of death in infants with congenital anomalies in developed countries. Early detection of these anomalies would greatly enhance the effect of therapeutic procedures and the final outcome. Lately, pulse oximetry (PO) is used for the purpose of screening the cyanotic congenital heart defects. PO in combination with the clinical examination has greater diagnostic sensitivity in detection of CHD. Objective: Application of PO screening in combination with a novel clinical examination methodology of cardiovascular system in neonate towards earlier detection of CHD. Patients and methods: Study included newborn children in Bihac Cantonal Hospital in the year 2012. The sample included 1,865 children. A total of 29 children with congenital heart disease was diagnosed during the neonatal period. Conclusion: Modern algorithm for early detection can significantly improve the diagnosis of congenital heart anomalies. Early detection allows optimal care for these children. This concept is simple, inexpensive and reproducible in most maternity wards.
CORDIC-Based Azimuth Calculation and Obstacle Tracing via Optimal Sensor Placement on a Mobile Robot

Autonomous robots are currently engaged in emergency informatics and participate in operations such as search and rescue. Real-time data collection is a key requirement while there are constraints on the space, height and weight of the hardware on-board with such robots. In this paper, we investigate the amount and sophistication of sensing and processing hardware needed by a mobile robot for performing high-level tasks in real time. In particular, we consider two tasks, namely azimuth calculation and dynamic obstacle tracing and show that one ultrasonic sensor along with a coordinate rotation digital computer processor are adequate for azimuth calculation while one more ultrasonic sensor is required for dynamic obstacle tracing. For dynamic obstacle tracing, we also study a related problem of optimal placement of a pair of ultrasonic sensors. Experiments with a field programmable gate array-based robot equipped with ultrasonic sensors are presented to support the theory.
Peer observation of teaching: enhancing academic engagement for new participants

This research aims to uncover key motivations, barriers and outcomes associated with first-time users of peer observation of teaching within an Irish higher level academic context. Following preliminary research, a peer observation process was piloted on five self-selected peer observation faculty pairs involving peer observation training and focused in-depth pre- and post-observation interviews. Key themes which emerged included effective peer relationships, enhanced teaching and academic engagement. It is recommended that a successful peer observation system aimed particularly at novices should be voluntary, involving peer self-selection and mutual trust and collaboration between participants. An effective and tailored peer observation system should also lead to enhanced teaching and learning which is both valued by faculty and formally recognised by university management.
α2-Chimaerin, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5/p35, and Its Target Collapsin Response Mediator Protein-2 Are Essential Components in Semaphorin 3A-Induced Growth-Cone Collapse

Neurite outgrowth is influenced by positive and negative signals that include the semaphorins, an important family of axonal outgrowth inhibitors. Here we report that the Rac GTPase activating protein (GAP)α2-chimaerin is involved in Semaphorin 3A (Sema 3A) signaling. In dorsal root ganglion neurons, Sema 3A-induced growth cone collapse was inhibited by α2-chimaerin mutated to eliminate GAP activity or interaction with phosphotyrosine. Activation of α2-chimaerin by phorbol ester caused growth cone collapse. Active α2-chimaerin interacts with collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP-2) and cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 5/p35 kinase through its SH2 and GAP domains, respectively. Cdk5 phosphorylates CRMP-2 at serine 522, possibly facilitating phosphorylation of serine 518 and threonine 514 by glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), a kinase previously implicated in Sema 3A signaling. Phosphorylation of CRMP-2 serine 522 was essential for Sema 3A-induced growth cone collapse, which is dependent on Cdk5 but not Rho kinase activity. α2-chimaerin, like CRMP-2, can associate with the Sema 3A receptor. These results indicate that active α2-chimaerin Rac GAP, Cdk5/p35, and its substrate CRMP-2, are implicated in the dynamics of growth cone guidance initiated through Sema 3A signaling.
Prion protein codon 129 polymorphism and risk of Alzheimer disease

The authors investigated the PRNP Met129Val polymorphism in 1,393 subjects including 482 patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) and two independent control groups. In patients, PRNP Met homozygosity conferred increasing risk with decreasing age at onset (onset: 61 to 70 years, n = 151, p = 0.02, odds ratio [OR] = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.2 to 2.53; onset: ≤60 years, n = 138, p = 0.013, OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.31 to 2.87), whereas no association was obtained in patients with onset at older than 70 years. The results suggest involvement of the prion protein in the pathogenesis of early-onset AD.
Characterization of the Ultrathin  $\hbox{HfO}_{2}$ and Hf-Silicate Films Grown by Atomic Layer Deposition

The physical properties of HfO<sub>2</sub> and Hf-silicate layers grown by the atomic layer chemical vapor deposition are characterized as a function of the Hf concentration and the annealing temperature. The peaks of Fourier transform infrared spectra at 960, 900, and 820 cm<sub>-1</sub> originate from Hf-O-Si chemical bonds, revealing that a Hf-silicate interfacial layer began to form at the HfO<sub>2</sub>/SiO <sub>2</sub> interface after post deposition annealing process at 600 degC for 1 min. Moreover, the intensity of the peak at 750 cm<sup>-1 </sup> can indicate the degree of crystallization of HfO<sub>2</sub>. The formed Hf-silicate layer between HfO<sup>2</sup> and SiO<sup>2</sup> is also confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Brainstem pathways responsible for oesophageal control of gastric motility and tone in the rat

1 Previous anatomical studies indicate that the nucleus of the solitary tract, pars centralis (NSTc) contains the neurones which receive vagal afferent input from the oesophagus. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the NSTc circuits in the medulla that may be responsible for oesophageal control of gastric motility. 2 Moderate balloon distension of the oesophagus of the rat (14–18 mmHg) provoked a significant reduction in gastric motility and tone recorded with strain gauges. This receptive relaxation effect was eliminated by bilateral lesions centred on the NSTc. 3 NSTc cells activated by oesophageal distension were labelled extracellularly and juxtacellularly with neurobiotin. NSTc neurones send axonal projections throughout the entire rostral‐caudal extent of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMN). These NSTc‐DMN connections were confirmed by retrograde transport of neurobiotin from DMN to NSTc. NSTc neurones were observed with dendrites arborizing within the ependymal lining of the fourth ventricles. Thus, NSTc neurones may be in position to monitor blood‐borne or ventricular agents and to alter the function of gastric‐vago‐vagal reflexes in response to these stimuli. 4 Neurophysiological recordings identified two subpopulations of DMN neurones which may be either activated or inhibited by oesophageal distension. Neurones excited by oesophageal distension were located mainly lateral and caudal in the DMN; neurones inhibited by oesophageal stimulation were located in medial and rostral DMN. 5 Our neurobiotin tracing results verified earlier studies showing that the NSTc projects to the intermediate reticular nucleus and the compact division of the nucleus ambiguus. Additionally, we found that the NSTc may be involved in reciprocal connections with the anterior, rostrolateral NST. 6 These results suggest that the gastric relaxation evoked by oesophageal distension is critically dependent on intact brainstem vago‐vagal circuits. The NSTc, the recipient of oesophageal afferent projections from the vagus nerve, sends axons to the entire DMN, the source of parasympathetic control of the stomach. DMN neurones respond differentially to oesophageal distension, reinforcing the view that oesophageal afferents may provoke gastric relaxation by activating a vagal inhibitory pathway while simultaneously inhibiting a vagal excitatory pathway.
A top‐down proteomics approach for differentiating thermal resistant strains of Enterobacter sakazakii

Thermal tolerance has been identified as an important factor relevant to the pathogenicity of Enterobacter sakazakii in human neonates. To identify a biomarker specific for this phenotypic trait, intact protein expression profiles of 12 strains of E. sakazakii were obtained using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Proteins were extracted from the bacterial cells, separated by reversed‐phase liquid chromatography and mass analyzed. At the end of the chromatography run, the uncharged masses of the multiply charged proteins were determined via automated software routines. The resulting data provided an accurate mass expression profile of the proteins found in the individual strains. From the individual expression profiles, it was possible to identify unique proteins corresponding to strains with thermal resistance. One protein found only in the thermal tolerant strains was sequenced and identified as homologous to a hypothetical protein found in the thermal tolerant bacteria, Methylobacillus flagellatus KT. The protein sequence of this protein was then used to reverse‐engineer PCR primers for the gene sequence associated with the protein. In all cases, only thermal tolerant strains of E. sakazakii produced amplified PCR products, demonstrating the specificity of this biomarker.
In vivo long-term imaging and radioiodine therapy by sodium-iodide symporter gene expression using a lentiviral system containing ubiquitin C promoter

To establish stable and long-term gene expression in vitro and in vivo, we developed a lentiviral vector system carrying sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) gene under UbC promoter, and transfected this into a colon cancer cell line. The in vitro and in vivo kinetics of radioiodine and [99mTc]-pertechnetate were then investigated, and the therapeutic effect of I-131 was evaluated in this system. The hNIS gene was transferred into CT26 cells using lentivirus containing UbC promoter. In vitro iodide uptake and efflux were measured in CT26-hNIS cells at various time points. In addition, scintigraphic images were acquired at 30 min after injecting [99mTc]-pertechnetate i.p. into Balb/C mice for 27 days after CT26-hNIS induction. Biodistribution studies were performed at 10 and 30 min and at 1.5, 6, and 24 h after [99mTc]-pertechnetate injections, and the therapeutic effects of radioiodine were investigated by measuring tumor size using a caliper or by quantifying tumor radioactivity levels in scintigraphic images. The iodide uptakes of CT26-hNIS tumors were 10-fold greater than those of CT26 tumors. In addition, iodide uptake was completely blocked by 100 μM potassium perchlorate. The accumulation of [99mTc]-pertechnetate in hNIS expressing tumor cells was found to be positively related to tumor growth. In biodistribution studies, the %ID/g values of CT26-hNIS were 84.0±4.5 at 1.5 h and 40.8±3.9 at 24 h and these were approximately 60 times greater than those of CT26 at these time points. Tumor growth in mice treated with 131I was retarded until 46 days post-tumor challenge. The devised lentiviral vector system carrying hNIS controlled by UbC promoter was found to be suitable for the long-term monitoring and radionuclide therapy of cancer in living organism.
A DPLL Method Applied to Clock Steering

Several closed-loop control methods have dealt with clock steering problems, but parameters for these methods are not easy to choose. In this paper, we propose a new clock steering method, which uses a second-order type-2 digital phase-locked loop (DPLL) equivalent to a two-state Kalman filter with a delay. We derive the approximate expressions of the steady-state Kalman gains, which are equivalent to the DPLL gains. Then, we derive the transfer functions of the approximate DPLL. A brief and effective approach to choosing a parameter is also proposed. Simulation results show that the performance of the time steering error and the frequency stability is quite desirable, and can meet the requirements of generating a local representation of coordinated universal time or a global navigation satellite system time.
Upregulation of Ghrelin expression in the stomach upon fasting, insulin-induced hypoglycemia, and leptin administration.

Ghrelin is a novel gut-brain peptide that binds to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), thereby functioning in the regulation of growth hormone (GH) release and food intake. Ghrelin-producing cells are most abundant in the oxyntic glands of the stomach. The regulatory mechanism that governs the biosynthesis and secretion of ghrelin has not been clarified. We report that ghrelin mRNA expression in the gastric fundus was increased, but that ghrelin peptide content decreased after a 48-h fast. Both values returned to control levels after refeeding. The ghrelin plasma concentration in the gastric vein and systemic venous blood increased after 24- and 48-h fasts. Furthermore, des-octanoylated ghrelin and n-octanoylated ghrelin were found in rat stomach, with the ratio of des-octanoylated ghrelin to n-octanoylated ghrelin markedly increased after fasting. The ghrelin mRNA level in the stomach also increased after administration of insulin and leptin. Conversely, db/db mice, which are deficient in the leptin receptor, had lower ghrelin mRNA levels than control mice. These findings suggest that this novel gastrointestinal hormone plays a role in the regulation of energy balance.
Function of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) in plant development and under biotic/abiotic stress

During the last decade, it was established that the class III alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH3) enzyme, also known as glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FALDH; EC 1.2.1.1), catalyzes the NADH-dependent reduction of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and therefore was also designated as GSNO reductase. This finding has opened new aspects in the metabolism of nitric oxide (NO) and NO-derived molecules where GSNO is a key component. In this article, current knowledge of the involvement and potential function of this enzyme during plant development and under biotic/abiotic stress is briefly reviewed.
Coupling Aging Immunity with a Sedentary Lifestyle: Has the Damage Already Been Done? – A Mini-Review

The elderly population is at an unprecedented risk of infectious diseases and malignancy due to apparently inevitable age-related declines in immunity. The ‘immune risk profile’ (IRP) is an array of biomarkers that has been used to predict morbidity and mortality in older adults. As it is generally accepted that middle-aged and elderly individuals who habitually participate in moderate-intensity exercise are less likely to incur an infection than their sedentary counterparts, this review addresses current knowledge on the effects of regular exercise on aspects of adaptive immunity as they relate to the IRP. Findings from cross-sectional studies mostly show enhanced immunity in physically active compared to sedentary older adults. These include greater T-cell responsiveness to mitogens in vitro, a reduced frequency of antigen-experienced and senescent T-cells (i.e. CD45RO+/KLRG1+/CD57+/CD28–), enhanced IL-2 production and T-lymphocyte expression of the IL-2 receptor, longer chromosome telomere lengths in blood leukocytes and in vivo immune responses to vaccines and recall antigens. In contrast, the evidence from the available longitudinal studies that have used an exercise training intervention in previously sedentary elderly to improve similar immune responses is less compelling. Although this might indicate that exercise has limited immune restorative properties in previously sedentary elderly, there are still relatively few studies that have addressed specific IRP criteria and the large variation in experimental design among the longitudinal studies complicates the juxtaposition of these results. It is clear that a more substantial and focused research approach is required before physical exercise can be used in earnest as an effective immune restorative strategy in the elderly. This mini-review summarizes the major findings of these studies and proposes future avenues of research to investigate the effects of regular exercise on aspects of adaptive immunity in the elderly as they relate to the IRP.
Purification of Chalcone Synthase from Tulip Anthers and Comparison with the Synthase from Cosmos Petals

Abstract Chalcone synthase was isolated from both anthers of Tulipa cv. “Apeldoorn” and petals of Cosmos sulphureus Cav. After certain prepurification steps, the enzymes were further purified using gel chromatography on Sephadex G-200 followed by repeated hydroxylapatite absorption chromatography. Both the enzymes showed the same chromatographic properties. After gel chromatography as well as after the first hydroxylapatite fractionation, the reaction products appeared as flavanones. However, after the second hydroxylapatite step, production of chalcones was observed. Like the enzyme from tulip anthers, the synthase from Cosmos petals produced the correspondingly substituted chalcones when p-coumaroyl-CoA, caffeoyl-CoA and feruloyl-CoA, respectively, were used as substractes. In both the cases, the ratios of the different chalcones produced were found to be about the same. The appearance of chalcone synthesis in this in vitro assay is caused by the complete elimination of chalcone isomerase in the purification procedure. The importance of the isomerase for flavonoid biosynthesis, particularly in plant systems which are accumulating chalcones, is discussed.
10 Temperature Evolution of the Double Umbrella Magnetic Structure in Terbium Iron

The rare earth iron garnets RE3Fe5O12 (REIG hereafter) have been discovered at Grenoble (France) (Bertaut & Forrat, 1956; Bertaut et al., 1956) then independently at Murray Hill (USA) (Geller & Gilleo, 1957a, 1957b). These most studied ferrimagnetic materials have a general formula {RE3+3}[Fe3+2](Fe3+3)O12 where RE3+ can be any trivalent rare earth ion or the Yttrium Y3+. The crystal structure is described by the cubic space group Ia 3 d-( 10 Oh ) No. 230. Three type of brackets are used to indicate the different coordinations of the cations with respect to the oxygen O2– ions situated in the general positions x, y, z of the sites 96h(1) (Fig. 1). The RE3+ ions are located in the dodecahedral sites {24c}(222) whereas the two Fe3+ ions are distributed in the octahedral [16a]( 3 ) and tetrahedral (24d)( 4 ) sites.
Do parents of obese children use ineffective parenting strategies?

Research has shown mixed findings about the relationship between parenting style and child lifestyle outcomes. This paper describes a cross-sectional study that aimed to clarify the relationship between ineffective parenting and childhood obesity by using multiple measures of child and family functioning. Sixty-two families with an obese child (aged four to 11 years) were matched with 62 families with a healthy weight child on key sociodemographic variables. Significant differences were found on several measures, including general parenting style, domain-specific parenting practices, and parenting self-efficacy (d = .53 to 1.96). Parents of obese children were more likely to use permissive and coercive discipline techniques, and to lack confidence in managing children’s lifestyle behaviour. In contrast, parents of healthy weight children were more likely to implement specific strategies for promoting a healthy lifestyle.