Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, TC-PTP, SHP1, and SHP2, Cooperate in Rapid Dephosphorylation of Stat3 in Keratinocytes Following UVB Irradiation

Stat3 is initially dephosphorylated in murine keratinocytes in response to UVB irradiation. Treatment with Na3VO4 desensitized keratinocytes to UVB-induced apoptosis with the recovery of phosphorylated Stat3 protein levels, implying that a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) is involved in this mechanism. In the current work, we report that three PTPs including TC45 (the nuclear form of TC-PTP), SHP1, and SHP2 are involved in this rapid dephosphorylation of Stat3 in keratinocytes induced by UVB irradiation. Dephosphorylation of Stat3 was increased rapidly after UVB irradiation of cultured keratinocytes. Knockdown of TC-PTP, SHP1, or SHP2 using RNAi showed that these PTPs are likely responsible for most of the rapid Stat3 dephosphorylation observed following UVB irradiation. The level of phosphorylated Stat3 was significantly higher in keratinocytes transfected with TC-PTP, SHP1, or SHP2 siRNA in the presence or absence of UVB compared with keratinocytes transfected with control siRNA. TC45 was mainly localized in the cytoplasm of keratinocytes and translocated from cytoplasm to nucleus upon UVB irradiation. Stat3 dephosphorylation was associated with nuclear translocation of TC45. Further studies revealed that knockdown of all three phosphatases, using RNAi, prevented the rapid dephosphorylation of Stat3 following UVB irradiation. In mouse epidermis, the level of phosphorylated Stat3 was initially decreased, followed by a significant increase at later time points after UVB exposure. The levels of Stat3 target genes, such as cyclin D1 and c-Myc, followed the changes in activated Stat3 in response to UVB irradiation. Collectively, these results suggest that three phosphatases, TC45, SHP1, and SHP2, are primarily responsible for UVB-mediated Stat3 dephosphorylation and may serve as part of an initial protective mechanism against UV skin carcinogenesis.
ff ects of two low-flux cellulose acetate dialysers on plasma lipids and lipoproteins — a cross-over trial

Key words: apolipoprotein; cellulose acetate; dialysis; lipids; lipoprotein lipase Background. Studies have shown a beneficial effect of high-flux dialysis on lipids, lipoproteins and lipoprotein lipase (Lpl) activity. This has been attributed to improved clearance of Lpl-inhibitory molecules of Introduction middle molecular weight, but differences in flux or biocompatibility have not been addressed. We con-It is well established that chronic haemodialysis ducted a blinded cross-over trial of two cellulose patients experience excessive cardiovascular mortality acetate dialysers (AN140, Althin Medical Inc. and when compared with the general population [1,2]. CA210, Baxter Inc.) of similar flux (11 ml/h/mmHg Lipid abnormalities have been demonstrated in this transmembrane pressure) but with different clearances population for >25 years [3], most consistently eleva-of larger molecules [AN140 sieving coefficient at mol. tions in triglyceride and decrements in high density wt 11 000 Da (b 2-microglobulin) 0.6; CA210 sieving lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations [4,5]. Uraemic coefficient negligible]. serum has been shown to impair lipoprotein lipase Methods. Sixteen patients were divided into two (Lpl) activation [6 ], and manoeuvres that increase Lpl groups to receive dialysis with AN140 for 1 week activity, such as exercise [7] and fibric acid medications followed by CA210 or vice versa. Before and after the [8] were found to ameliorate these lipid abnormalities. third dialysis with each membrane, plasma lipid and Apolipoprotein (apo) concentrations have also been lipoprotein concentrations were measured. Post-found to differ in uraemic [9] and dialysis patients on dialysis post-heparin lipase activity was measured in either haemo-or peritoneal dialysis [10], although the six patients. atherogenicity of lipoprotein profiles in peritoneal dia-Results. Fifteen patients completed the study. No lysis patients has been suggested to be greater than difference between dialysers was found for apolipo-that of haemodialysis patients [11]. Both uraemic and protein (apo) A1, B or total cholesterol measurements. dialysis populations display lower levels of apos AI, The rise in triglyceride post-dialysis was attenuated by AII and E in concert with markedly elevated values AN140 (rise 0.05±0.4 mmol/l vs CA210 0.44± for apoCIII [12,13]. Markedly increased apoCIII:apo-0.54mmol/l, P=0.03), while high density lipoprotein CII and apoCIII:apoE ratios in heparin-precipitatable (HDL) cholesterol was increased by AN140 (rise particles (primarily very low density lipoproteins; 0.18±0.12 mmol/l vs CA210 0.06±0.14 mmol/l, VLDL) have also been reported [12,14]. P<0.02). ApoE rose with AN140 during dialysis but There has been some recent interest in the effects of declined with CA210 (1.10±1.06 mg/dl and −0.77± different dialysis membranes on these lipid …
Big Five Personality Traits, Pathological Personality Traits, and Psychological Dysregulation: Predicting Aggression and Antisocial Behaviors in Detained Adolescents

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Solvent effects on the polar network of ionic liquid solutions

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to probe mixtures of ionic liquids (ILs) with common molecular solvents. Four types of systems were considered: (i) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide plus benzene, hexafluorobenzene or 1,2-difluorobenzene mixtures; (ii) choline-based ILs plus ether mixtures (iii) choline-based ILs plus n-alkanol mixtures; and (iv) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate aqueous mixtures. The results produced a wealth of structural and aggregation information that highlight the resilience of the polar network of the ILs (formed by clusters of alternating ions and counter-ions) to the addition of different types of molecular solvent. The analysis of the MD data also shows that the intricate balance between different types of interaction (electrostatic, van der Waals, H-bond-like) between the different species present in the mixtures has a profound effect on the morphology of the mixtures at a mesoscopic scale. In the case of the IL aqueous solutions, the present results suggest an alternative interpretation for very recently published x-ray and neutron diffraction data on similar systems.
Is it a (fe)male pain? Portuguese nurses' and laypeople's gendered representations of common pains

Although many studies have explored gender role expectations of pain behaviours in different cultures, only a few authors have tried to explore whether certain pains are more associated with the typical man or woman. Hence, this study aimed at exploring, among Portuguese laypeople and nurses, patterns of common pains more strongly associated with the typical man or woman, and their relationship with health‐care training and personal pain experiences.
Distributed Inter-Network Interference Coordination for Wireless Body Area Networks

In this paper we consider the inter-network interference problem in Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs). We propose a distributed inter-network interference aware power control algorithm motivated by game theory. A power control game is formulated considering both interference between nearby networks and energy efficiency of WBANs. We derive a distributed power control algorithm called ProActive Power Update (PAPU), which can efficiently find the Nash Equilibrium representing the best tradeoff between energy and network utility. A realistic power control procedure is proposed assuming limited cooperation between WBANs. We compare our algorithm with the ADP algorithm where users are punished for interfering with others and we show that our solution can utilize energy much more efficiently by only sacrificing a small amount of network utility. In addition, we show that by adjusting the energy price, PAPU provides a methodology for application scenarios where WBANs have different energy constraints and quality of service requirements.
Stability of coagulation factors in thawed, solvent/detergent-treated plasma during storage at 4 degrees C for 6 days.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Transfusion of fresh-frozen plasma is still a pillar in emergency medicine for using to prevent dilutional coagulopathy or disseminated intravascular coagulation after severe blood loss, but thawing procedures can delay its availability. On the other hand, the wastage of plasma, once thawed and not transfused within a defined time-period, represents an inefficient handling of economic resources and is contradictory to blood donor intentions. In this study we investigated the stability of coagulation factor activities and plasma protein levels during 6 days of storage of thawed solvent/detergent (S/D)-treated plasma at +4 degrees C. Our results may form the basis for reconsideration of expiry times of thawed S/D-treated plasma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five units of S/D-treated plasma (Octaplas) were thawed and warmed to 20 degrees C, then recooled and stored at +4 degrees C for 6 days. The activities of coagulation factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI and XII, fibrinogen, antithrombin (AT), protein C, protein S and von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag) were measured on days 0, 1, 2, 3 and 6. RESULTS Except for protein S, the activities of all coagulation factors and inhibitors were at least 0.5 U/ml during storage at 4 degrees C for 6 days. The mean levels, during storage, of factors IX, X, XI and XII, vWF:Ag, fibrinogen and protein C were at least 94%, and of factors II, V and VIII, and AT at least 78%, of the levels immediately after thawing; the activity of factor VII decreased to 83% and of protein S to 43% of the baseline values. CONCLUSIONS Thawed S/D-treated plasma stored at +4 degrees C for up to 6 days still contains sufficient coagulation activities and plasma proteins to be regarded as suitable for transfusion in the established indications.
Electrophysiological Properties of HBI-3000: A New Antiarrhythmic Agent With Multiple-channel Blocking Properties in Human Ventricular Myocytes

HBI-3000 (sulcardine sulfate) has been shown to suppress various ventricular arrhythmias in animal models. The electrophysiological properties of HBI-3000 were investigated using standard microelectrode and patch-clamp techniques in single human ventricular myocytes. HBI-3000 led to concentration-dependent suppression of dofetilide-induced early afterdepolarizations in single nonfailing human ventricular myocytes and early afterdepolarizations seen in failing ventricular myocytes. The concentration-dependent prolongation of action potential duration (APD) by HBI-3000 was bell shaped with maximum response occurring around 10 μM. Interestingly, HBI-3000 at the concentration of 10 μM modestly prolonged the APD at all 3 basic cycle lengths. The slope of APD-cycle length curve of HBI-3000 was only slightly steeper than that of control (88.8 ± 7.7 ms/s vs. 78.9 ± 5.2 ms/s in control, n = 8, P > 0.05). HBI-3000 only showed a minimal use-dependent prolongation of the APD in human ventricular myocytes. HBI-3000 inhibited fast sodium current (INa-F), late sodium channel (INa-L), L-type calcium current (ICa-L), and rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr) in single human ventricular myocytes. The estimated half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of INa-F, INa-L, ICa-L, and IKr were 48.3 ± 3.8, 16.5 ± 1.4, 32.2 ± 2.9, and 22.7 ± 2.5 μM, respectively. The ion channel profile and electrophysiological properties of HBI-3000 are similar to those of ranolazine and chronic amiodarone (reduced INa-F, INa-L, ICa-L, and IKr). HBI-3000 may be a promising antiarrhythmic agent with low proarrhythmic risk.
Universal Relationship between Low-Field Mobility and High-Field Carrier Velocity in High-K and SiO2 Gate Dielectric MOSFETs

The relationships between velocity, v, and mobility, μ, are investigated to clarify the effectiveness of μ enhancement to increase v in short channel FETs with SiO<sub>2</sub> as well as high-K gate dielectric. The v-μ relationships were extracted on the basis of accurate understanding of v-μ dependence of μ; v<sub>sub</sub> dependences of μ in high-K, high N<sub>sub</sub>, and short-channel FETs were carefully studied and the deviations from the standard V<sub>sub</sub> dependence were found in each case. It was found that v-μ relationship is universal, namely independent of gate dielectrics, in Si nFETs with L<sub>eff</sub> of down to 80 nm. Due to lower μ and resultant weaker v saturation in high-K FETs, μ booster technologies more significantly contribute to v and I<sub>on </sub> enhancements in short-channel high-K FETs than in SiO<sub>2</sub> FETs
Do Healthy Potential Kidney Donors in India Have an Average Glomerular Filtration Rate of 81.4 ml/min?

Background: Until now, a normal reference range for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in adult Indian potential kidney donors has not been determined and values from a western population are being used as reference. Aim: To determine the reference range of GFR in healthy adult Indian potential kidney donors. Basic Procedures: GFR was measured in 610 (250 male, 360 female, average age 35.16 years) healthy potential kidney donors using the 99mTc-DTPA (diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid) two-plasma sample method of Russell. Results: The mean body surface area (BSA)-normalized GFR value of a young healthy Indian adult potential kidney donor was calculated as 81.4 ± 19.4 ml/min/1.73 m2 BSA – for males it was 82.3 ± 21.3 ml/min/1.73 m2 BSA and for females 80.8 ± 18.1 ml/min/1.73 m2 BSA. There was no significant difference between derived mean GFR values in males and females with a p value of 0.37. Conclusions: The normal GFR value for the healthy Indian adult potential kidney donor appears to be much lower than the accepted value for a western population. The mean GFR value of a young healthy Indian adult potential kidney donor is 81.4 ± 19.4 ml/min/1.73 m2 BSA, which is significantly different from the normal value of 109–125 ml/min derived from a western population. These findings might be useful in deciding on a suitable kidney donor in an Indian context.
Nutritional ecology of marine herbivorous fishes: ten years on

Summary 1. Marine herbivorous fishes are considered to be of critical importance in determining the biological structure of shallow reef environments, and by implication have key roles in carbon flux in reef ecosystems. Despite this, the nutritional processes that underpin these critical ecological roles have received comparatively little attention. 2. Here we give an overview of recent progress in the nutritional ecology of marine herbivorous fishes, and then examine two recent paradigms that we consider important in the development of the field: (i) the role of temperature in latitudinal gradients of diversity and abundance, and (ii) the impact of these fishes on coral reefs. Our aim is to illustrate how an integrative nutritional ecology approach can enrich insights gained from studies of fish herbivory, and to emphasize the distinctive differences between herbivory in marine and terrestrial systems. 3. We argue that much of the work on trophic biology in marine herbivorous fishes has focused on the ecological impacts of fishes on reefs, the deterrent properties of marine algae, and the morphological and mechanical aspects of ingestion. This has come at the expense of two of the elements necessary for an integrative understanding of feeding ecology, that is, food composition and the physiological processes involved in nutrient extraction and utilization. Together, these factors have hindered the development of the nutritional framework for analysing food resources, feeding patterns and evolutionary trends that has proved successful for terrestrial vertebrate herbivores. 4. The reef grazing and algal secondary metabolite paradigms, while both extremely productive, have failed to develop the clear predictive framework for diet choice required in broader contexts such as reef management and understanding the evolution of herbivory. The lack of a focus on nutritional factors has led to premature conclusions on the influence of temperature on algal digestion, both at the level of digestive processes and the biogeography of marine faunas. 5. Some marine herbivorous fishes appear to be bending the ‘rules’ of hindgut fermentation, especially with respect to temperature and fermentation substrates, and so the study of nutritional ecology in these animals has potential to generate novel insights for the field of vertebrate nutrition
Topical TLR7 Agonist Imiquimod Can Induce Immune-Mediated Rejection of Skin Metastases in Patients with Breast Cancer

Purpose: Skin metastases of breast cancer remain a therapeutic challenge. Toll-like receptor 7 agonist imiquimod is an immune response modifier and can induce immune-mediated rejection of primary skin malignancies when topically applied. Here we tested the hypothesis that topical imiquimod stimulates local antitumor immunity and induces the regression of breast cancer skin metastases. Experimental Design: A prospective clinical trial was designed to evaluate the local tumor response rate of breast cancer skin metastases treated with topical imiquimod, applied 5 d/wk for 8 weeks. Safety and immunologic correlates were secondary objectives. Results: Ten patients were enrolled and completed the study. Imiquimod treatment was well tolerated, with only grade 1 to 2 transient local and systemic side effects consistent with imiquimod's immunomodulatory effects. Two patients achieved a partial response [20%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3%–56%]. Responders showed histologic tumor regression with evidence of an immune-mediated response, showed by changes in the tumor lymphocytic infiltrate and locally produced cytokines. Conclusion: Topical imiquimod is a beneficial treatment modality for breast cancer metastatic to skin/chest wall and is well tolerated. Importantly, imiquimod can promote a proimmunogenic tumor microenvironment in breast cancer. Preclinical data generated by our group suggest superior results with a combination of imiquimod and ionizing radiation and we are currently testing in patients whether the combination can further improve antitumor immune and clinical responses. Clin Cancer Res; 18(24); 6748–57. ©2012 AACR.
Lymphocytes and the Adventitial Immune Response in Atherosclerosis

Although much of the research on atherosclerosis has focused on the intimal accumulation of lipids and inflammatory cells, there is an increasing amount of interest in the role of the adventitia in coordinating the immune response in atherosclerosis. In this review of the contributions of the adventitia and adventitial lymphocytes to the development of atherosclerosis, we discuss recent research on the formation and structural nature of adventitial immune aggregates, potential mechanisms of crosstalk between the intima, media, and adventitia, specific contributions of B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes, and the role of the vasa vasorum and surrounding perivascular adipose tissue. Furthermore, we highlight techniques for the imaging of lymphocytes in the vasculature.
Determinants of Tax Compliance: A Review of Factors and Conceptualizations

This paper aims at providing a review of the factors that determine taxpayer compliance from a social marketing point of view. Data was obtained from 18 empirical studies published between 1985 and 2012 from across the globe. The findings made several revelations. First, too many and different explanatory factors have been proposed in the literature making comparison of findings across several studies difficult. Second, several researchers proceed without a theoretical framework to help guide the selection of independent factors. Since the use of theory enhances understanding of the major factors that affect a phenomenon, this deficiency has left the tax literature without a meaningful convergence on the key determinants. Third, aggregate analysis showed that attitudinal, normative and subjective control variables were on the overall good predictors of tax compliance. The findings suggest the following implications for research and policy action. First, it is recommended that future studies should seek to develop a few theory based set of relevant determinants of tax compliance that can yield accurate predictions. Second, tax policy makers are advised to desist from exclusive use of the conventional coercive methods (subjective control factors) normally used to compel tax compliance; instead they should take a balanced approach to tax enforcement that will also encourage voluntary compliance through change of attitudes and norms.
Developing a systemic approach to teacher education in sub-Saharan Africa: emerging lessons from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda

While many countries in Eastern and Southern Africa are on track for meeting the Education for All targets, there is a growing recognition of the need to improve the quality of basic education and that a focus on pedagogy and its training implications needs to be at the heart of this commitment. By drawing on three East African countries, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, which are at different stages of development with regard to the reforming of teacher education, this paper explores the challenges and the lessons learned from each of the countries with regard to the development and strengthening of pre- and in-service training. The tension between quality, breadth and cost-effectiveness is explored together with a broader discussion of key principles to be taken into account when enhancing teacher education in the region as a whole.
Timing-Driven Placement for Heterogeneous Field Programmable Gate Array

In this paper, a new timing-driven placement algorithm is proposed to handle complicated placement requirements inherent in FPGAs with heterogeneous resources (dedicated logic block, memory block). The new algorithm employs a multi-layer density system with each layer modeling a drastically different architectural resource. By introducing the multi-layer density system, a heterogeneous placement task is translated to a set of homogeneous ones, with each of them being handled at a different density layer. We also present a new iterative timing optimization scheme which is seamlessly integrated in the placement process. The tight interaction between the placement and timing optimization produces superior timing results for industrial designs
Gross rearrangements of the MECP2 gene are found in both classical and atypical Rett syndrome patients

MECP2 mutations are identifiable in ∼80% of classic Rett syndrome (RTT), but less frequently in atypical RTT. We recruited 110 patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for Rett syndrome and were referred to Cardiff for molecular analysis, but in whom an MECP2 mutation was not identifiable. Dosage analysis of MECP2 was carried out using multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification or quantitative fluorescent PCR. Large deletions were identified in 37.8% (14/37) of classic and 7.5% (4/53) of atypical RTT patients. Most large deletions contained a breakpoint in the deletion prone region of exon 4. The clinical phenotype was ascertained in all 18 of the deleted cases and in four further cases with large deletions identified in Goettingen. Five patients with large deletions had additional congenital anomalies, which was significantly more than in RTT patients with other MECP2 mutations (2/193; p<0.0001). Quantitative analysis should be included in molecular diagnostic strategies in both classic and atypical RTT.