Theoretical Investigation of the Steric Effects on Alkyne Semihydrogenation Catalyzed by Frustrated Lewis Pairs.

Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) have received increasing attention for offering a distinctive pathway for the activation and conversion of small molecules. Here, we employ density functional calculations to investigate the electronic and steric effects of FLPs and alkynes on the activity toward alkyne semihydrogenation, a crucial reaction in the production of pharmaceuticals and polymers. We investigated the steric effect of FLPs by replacing the LA-LB linker () of the model catalyst FLP, 1-NMe-2-B(CF)-CH (), with various linkers.

Tree size distribution as the stationary limit of an evolutionary master equation.

The diameter distribution of a given species of deciduous trees is well approximated by a Gamma distribution. Here we give new experimental evidence for this conjecture by analyzing deciduous tree size data in mature semi-natural forest and ancient, traditionally managed wood-pasture from Central Europe. These distribution functions collapse on a universal shape if the tree sizes are normalized to the mean value in the considered sample.

Genetic Deletion of FXR1 Reduces Intimal Hyperplasia and Induces Senescence in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) play a critical role in the development and pathogenesis of intimal hyperplasia indicative of restenosis and other vascular diseases. Fragile-X related protein-1 (FXR1) is a muscle-enhanced RNA binding protein whose expression is increased in injured arteries. Previous studies suggest that FXR1 negatively regulates inflammation, but its causality in vascular disease is unknown.

FXR1 regulates vascular smooth muscle cell cytoskeleton, VSMC contractility, and blood pressure by multiple mechanisms.

Appropriate cytoskeletal organization is essential for vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) conditions such as hypertension. This study identifies FXR1 as a key protein linking cytoskeletal dynamics with mRNA stability. RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-seq) in human VSMCs identifies that FXR1 binds to mRNA associated with cytoskeletal dynamics, and FXR1 depletion decreases their mRNA stability.

Deletion of LDLRAP1 Induces Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation, Insulin Resistance, and Dysregulated Insulin Response in Adipose Tissue.

Dyslipidemia, vascular inflammation, obesity, and insulin resistance often overlap and exacerbate each other. Mutations in low density lipoprotein receptor adaptor protein-1 (LDLRAP1) lead to LDLR malfunction and are associated with the autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia disorder in humans. However, direct causality on atherogenesis in a defined preclinical model has not been reported.

Investigation of the effect of anthropogenic land use on the Pănăzii Lake (Romania) catchment area using Cs-137 and Pb-210 radionuclides.

The problem of soil degradation has accentuated over recent decades. Aspects related to soil erosion and its relation to changes in land use as well as anthropogenic influence constitute a topic of great interest. The current study is focused on a soil erosion assessment in relation to land use activities in the Pănăzii Lake catchment area.

Testing polymineral post-IR IRSL and quartz SAR-OSL protocols on Middle to Late Pleistocene loess at Batajnica, Serbia.

The loess-palaeosol sequence of Batajnica (Vojvodina region, Serbia) is considered as one of the most complete and thickest terrestrial palaeoclimate archives for the Middle and Late Pleistocene. In order to achieve a numerical chronology for this profile, four sets of ages were obtained on 18 individual samples. Equivalent doses were determined using the SAR protocol on fine (4-11 μm) and coarse (63-90 μm) quartz fractions, as well as on polymineral fine grains by using two elevated temperature infrared stimulation methods, pIRIR and pIRIR .

Regulation of Stress Granule Formation by Inflammation, Vascular Injury, and Atherosclerosis.

Objective: Stress granules (SGs) are dynamic cytoplasmic aggregates containing mRNA, RNA-binding proteins, and translation factors that form in response to cellular stress. SGs have been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of several human diseases, but their role in vascular diseases is unknown. This study shows that SGs accumulate in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and macrophages during atherosclerosis.

RNA stability protein ILF3 mediates cytokine-induced angiogenesis.

Interleukin enhancer-binding factor 3 (ILF3), an RNA-binding protein, is best known for its role in innate immunity by participation in cellular antiviral responses. A role for ILF3 in angiogenesis is unreported. ILF3 expression in CD31 capillaries of hypoxic cardiac tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry.

FXR1 Is an IL-19-Responsive RNA-Binding Protein that Destabilizes Pro-inflammatory Transcripts in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.

This work identifies the fragile-X-related protein (FXR1) as a reciprocal regulator of HuR target transcripts in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). FXR1 was identified as an HuR-interacting protein by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The HuR-FXR1 interaction is abrogated in RNase-treated extracts, indicating that their association is tethered by mRNAs.

Investigation of sedimentation rates and sediment dynamics in Danube Delta lake system (Romania) by Pb dating method.

Being a dynamic environment associated with complex costal, fluvial and marine processes, only a few studies regarding the evolution of the Danube Delta and the human impacts on its ecosystem have been carried out. Being a sensible to all processes occurring in its catchment area, information is stored in the deposited sediments, which can be used as tracers for natural and anthropogenic processes. The aim of this study is to determine a detailed reconstruction of the sedimentation rates in the last century by applying the Pb dating method validated by Cs profiles.

Genetic Deletion of IL-19 (Interleukin-19) Exacerbates Atherogenesis in × Double Knockout Mice by Dysregulation of mRNA Stability Protein HuR (Human Antigen R).

Objective: To test the hypothesis that loss of IL-19 (interleukin-19) exacerbates atherosclerosis. APPROACH AND RESULTS: mice were crossed into (low-density lipoprotein receptor knock out) mice. Double knockout (dKO) mice had increased plaque burden in aortic arch and root compared with controls after 14 weeks of high-fat diet (HFD).

Cs contamination over Transylvania region (Romania) after Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Accident.

Following the radionuclide releases due to Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident, various studies were completed by researchers all over the world in order to measure the surface contaminations by artificial radionuclides. The aim of this study was to evaluate Cs surface contamination and to create an inventory distribution for Transylvania region (Romania) after the Chernobyl event using γ spectrometric measurements on soil samples collected from 153 locations. The results were compared to measured data from the Danube Delta and Moldova Republic, as well as to Cs concentrations from the rest of Europe reported by literature.

Induction of MiR133a expression by IL-19 targets LDLRAP1 and reduces oxLDL uptake in VSMC.

The transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells [VSMC] into foam cells leading to increased plaque size and decreased stability is a key, yet understudied step in atherogenesis. We reported that Interleukin-19 (IL-19), a novel, anti-inflammatory cytokine, attenuates atherosclerosis by anti-inflammatory effects on VSMC. In this work we report that IL-19 induces expression of miR133a, a muscle-specific miRNA, in VSMC.

Anthropic influences on the sedimentation rates of lakes situated in different geographic areas.

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of natural and anthropic events occurring in the last 30 years in the catchment areas of four Romanian lakes (St. Anna Lake, Red Lake, Vârşolţ Lake and Matiţa Lake) originating from four different geomorphologic areas. A total of eleven sediment cores have been processed for age and sedimentation rate determination using the Pb dating method.

Interleukin-19 induces angiogenesis in the absence of hypoxia by direct and indirect immune mechanisms.

Neovascularization and inflammation are independent biological processes but are linked in response to injury. The role of inflammation-dampening cytokines in the regulation of angiogenesis remains to be clarified. The purpose of this work was to test the hypothesis that IL-19 can induce angiogenesis in the absence of tissue hypoxia and to identify potential mechanisms.

IL-19 Halts Progression of Atherosclerotic Plaque, Polarizes, and Increases Cholesterol Uptake and Efflux in Macrophages.

Atherosclerosis regression is an important clinical goal, and treatments that can reverse atherosclerotic plaque formation are actively being sought. Our aim was to determine whether administration of exogenous IL-19, a Th2 cytokine, could attenuate progression of preformed atherosclerotic plaque and to identify molecular mechanisms. LDLR(-/-) mice were fed a Western diet for 12 weeks, then administered rIL-19 or phosphate-buffered saline concomitant with Western diet for an additional 8 weeks.

Sediment dynamics and heavy metal pollution history of the Cruhlig Lake (Danube Delta, Romania).

This is the first study reporting recent sedimentation rates data (e.g. the past 120-150 years) for the Cruhlig Lake situated in the Danube Delta.

Microsecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge plasma stimulation of tissue macrophages for treatment of peripheral vascular disease.

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels and normally occurs during the process of inflammatory reactions, wound healing, tissue repair, and restoration of blood flow after injury or insult. Stimulation of angiogenesis is a promising and an important step in the treatment of peripheral artery disease. Reactive oxygen species have been shown to be involved in stimulation of this process.

Interleukin-19 increases angiogenesis in ischemic hind limbs by direct effects on both endothelial cells and macrophage polarization.

Hypoxia in ischemic limbs typically initiates angiogenic and inflammatory factors to promote angiogenesis in attempt to restore perfusion. There is a gap in our knowledge concerning the role of anti-inflammatory interleukins in angiogenesis, macrophage polarization, and endothelial cell activation. Interleukin-19 is a unique anti-inflammatory Th2 cytokine that promotes angiogenic effects in cultured endothelial cells (EC); the purpose of this study was to characterize a role for IL-19 in restoration of blood flow in hind-limb ischemia, and define potential mechanisms.

College health service capacity to support youth with chronic medical conditions.

Background And Objective: Twenty percent of US youth have a chronic medical condition and many attend college. Guidelines for transition from pediatric to adult care do not address college health services, and little is known about their capacity to identify, support, and provide care for these youth. The objective of this study was to describe college health center policies, practices, and resources for youth with chronic medical conditions (YCMC).

Long-range chemical sensitivity in the sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectra of substituted thiophenes.

Thiophenes are the simplest aromatic sulfur-containing compounds and are stable and widespread in fossil fuels. Regulation of sulfur levels in fuels and emissions has become and continues to be ever more stringent as part of governments' efforts to address negative environmental impacts of sulfur dioxide. In turn, more effective removal methods are continually being sought.

Ready, set, stop: mismatch between self-care beliefs, transition readiness skills, and transition planning among adolescents, young adults, and parents.

Health care transition (HCT) from pediatric to adult-focused systems is a key milestone for youth. Developing self-care skills and HCT planning are key elements. In a survey at 4 pediatric specialty clinics to 79 youth aged 16 to 25 years and 52 parents, skill-based HCT readiness was assessed using the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ).

IL-19 reduces ligation-mediated neointimal hyperplasia by reducing vascular smooth muscle cell activation.

We tested the hypothesis that IL-19, a putative member of the type 2 helper T-cell family of anti-inflammatory interleukins, can attenuate intimal hyperplasia and modulate the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) response to injury. Ligated carotid artery of IL-19 knockout (KO) mice demonstrated a significantly higher neointima/intima ratio compared with wild-type (WT) mice (P = 0.04).

Participatory surveillance of diabetes device safety: a social media-based complement to traditional FDA reporting.

Background And Objective: Malfunctions or poor usability of devices measuring glucose or delivering insulin are reportable to the FDA. Manufacturers submit 99.9% of these reports.