We compare alternative definitions of undirected graphical models for discrete, finite variables. Lauritzen \cite{Lauritzen:1996} provides several definitions of such models and describes their relationships. He shows that the definitions agree only when joint distributions represented by the models are limited to strictly positive distributions. Heckerman et al. \cite{Heckerman_et_al:2000}, in their paper on dependency networks, describe another definition of undirected graphical models for strictly positive distributions. They show that this definition agrees with those of Lauritzen \cite{Lauritzen:1996} again when distributions are strictly positive. In this paper, we extend the definition of Heckerman et al. \cite{Heckerman_et_al:2000} to arbitrary distributions and show how this definition relates to those of Lauritzen \cite{Lauritzen:1996} in the general case.
Idempotent slim groupoids are groupoids satisfying $xx\=x$ and $x(yz)\=xz$. We prove that the variety of idempotent slim groupoids has uncountably many subvarieties. We find a four-element, inherently nonfinitely based idempotent slim groupoid; the variety generated by this groupoid has only finitely many subvarieties. We investigate free objects in some varieties of idempotent slim groupoids determined by permutational equations.
A-kinase interacting protein 1 (AKIP1) has been shown to interact
with a broad range of proteins involved in various cellular
processes, including apoptosis, tumorigenesis, and oxidative
stress suggesting it might have multiple cellular functions. In this
study, we used an epitope-tagged AKIP1 and by combination of
immunochemical approaches, microscopic methods and reporter
assays we studied its properties. Here, we show that various
levels of AKIP1 overexpression in HEK-293 cells affected not only
its subcellular localization but also resulted in aggregation. While
highly expressed AKIP1 accumulated in electron-dense
aggregates both in the nucleus and cytosol, low expression of
AKIP1 resulted in its localization within the nucleus as a free,
non-aggregated protein. Even though AKIP1 was shown to
interact with p65 subunit of NF-κB and activate this transcription
factor, we did not observe any effect on NF-κB activation
regardless of various AKIP1 expression level.
The main role of research in medicine is to provide relevant knowledge which, after successful translation to clinical practice, improves the quality of healthcare. The sex bias which is still present in the majority of research disciplines prefers male subjects despite legislation changes in the US grant agencies and European research programme Horizon 2020. Male subjects (cells, animals) still dominate in preclinical research and it has detrimental consequences for women’s health and the quality of science. Opposite bias exists for data obtained mainly in animal models utilizing female subjects (e.g. research in multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis) with skewed outcomes for men affected by these diseases. Either way, scientists are producing results which compromise half of the population. Assumptions that females as cohorts are more variable and another assumption that the oestrous cycle should be tracked in case the females are enrolled in preclinical studies were proven wrong. Variability of male versus female cohorts are comparable and do not only stem from hormonal levels. The widespread prevalence of sex differences in human diseases ultimately requires detailed experiments performed on both sexes, unless the studies are specifically addressing reproduction or sex-related behaviors.
Paper deals with derivation of mathematical relationships of dry friction force versus relative velocity in friction contact of two bodies. It is focused on such main types of dry friction characteristics, which frequently occur in dynamic mechanical systems. New models of modified Coulomb friction law and spring - friction elements are determined. For easy application in computing programs used in technical practice and based on linear equations, the equivalent linear stiffness and damping expressions are formulated and analysed in detail. and Obsahuje seznam literatury
Cíl práce: Podat přehled o diagnostických metodách a doporučených postupech pro vcestné cévy (vasa praevia) v těhotenství. Typ studie: Souhrnný článek. Metodika: Analýza dostupných literárních zdrojů. Závěr: Vasa praevia patří mezi závažné těhotenské komplikace s nízkou incidencí. Pokud nejsou vcestné cévy diagnostikovány prenatálně, představují vysoké riziko pro plod. Včasná prenatálně stanovená diagnóza významně snižuje perinatální morbiditu a mortalitu novorozence. Diagnostickou metodou volby je ultrasonografické vyšetření s použitím barevného dopplerovského zobrazení. V případě stanovení diagnózy vasa praevia prenatálně je doporučováno ukončení těhotenství elektivním císařským řezem dříve, než dojde k nástupu porodní činnosti nebo odtoku plodové vody., Objective: To report up–to date knowledge on diagnostic methods and recommended practices for vasa praevia in pregnancy. Study design: Review. Methods: Analysis of available literature resources. Conclusion: Vasa praevia is among the major pregnancy complications with a low incidence. If they are not diagnosed prenatally, pose a high risk to the fetus. Early prenatally established diagnosis significantly decrease perinatal morbidity and mortality of the newborn. The diagnostic method of choice is ultrasound scan using colour Doppler image. In the case of diagnosis of vasa praevia prenatally, it is recommended termination of the pregnancy by elective cesarean section before the onset of labor activity or rupture of membranes., and Andrea Galčíková
Present study investigated the effect of red wine polyphenolic compounds (ProvinolsTM) on blood pressure (BP), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and vascular function in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats exposed to chronic social stress produced by crowding. Adult male rats were divided into four groups: control (480 cm2/rat), ProvinolsTM-treated (20 mg/kg/day, 480 cm2/rat), crowded (200 cm2/rat) and crowded treated with Provinols
TM (20 mg/kg/day, 200 cm2/rat) for 8 weeks. No differences in BP were observed among the groups at the end of experiment, however, reduced BP was observed in ProvinolsTM-treated rats after 3 weeks of treatment. NOS activity in the aorta was significantly elevated in crowded rats, while ProvinolsTM alone had no effect on nitric oxide (NO) production. Acetylcholine-induced relaxation of the femoral artery was significantly improved in stressed and ProvinolsTM-treated rats vs. control, without significant changes in their noradrenaline-induced vasoconstriction. Interestingly, ProvinolsTM blunted the elevation of NO production and vasorelaxation during crowding. Increased endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and NO synthesis in crowded rats may represent the adaptation mechanisms, resulting in unaltered blood pressure in stress-exposed normotensive rats. This study further demonstrated that elevated release of NO during chronic stress may be prevented by ProvinolsTM. Thus, Provino TM might maintain equilibrium between endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor and vasodilator factors in stress.
The purpose of this study was to determine the role of lipotoxicity in vascular smooth muscle (VSM). C1-BODIPY 500/510 C12 used to assess the ability of VSM A7r5 cells to transport long-chain fatty acids showed that lipid transport did not appear to limit metabolism. Thin layer chromatography revealed that storage of transported fatty acid occurred primarily as mono- and diglycerides and fatty acids but not as triglycerides. We used lipid-induced apoptosis as a measure of lipotoxicity and found that 1.5 mM palmitate (6.8:1) bound to albumin resulted in a 15-fold increase in the number of apoptotic cells compared to the control at 24 hours. This apoptosis did not seem to be due to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) since VSM cells incubated in palmitate showed less ROS production than cells incubated in albumin only. Similar exposure to oleate did not significantly increase the number of apoptotic cells compared to the control. Oleate actually significantly attenuated the apoptosis induced by palmitate, suggesting that unsaturated fatty acids have a protective effect on cells undergoing palmitate-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that vascular smooth muscle is vulnerable to lipotoxicity and that this lipotoxicity may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis., H. M. Mattern, C. D. Hardin., and Obsahuje bibliografii a bibliografické odkazy