Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stable Redox-Cycling Nitroxide Tempol Inhibits NET Formation

To prevent the spread of pathogens neutrophils as the first line of defense are able to release Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs), a recently discovered form of immune response. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to be essential for many different induction routes of NET formation. Therefore, pharmacological inhibition of ROS generation has implications for research and medicine related to NETs. The application of diphenylene iodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase activity, is limited due to its toxicity to host cells as well as microbes. Therefore, we investigated the effect of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (Tempol) a membrane-permeable radical scavenger on NET formation triggered by phorbol esters and Candida albicans. We quantified the amount of NETs with two complementary methods, using a microscopic analysis and an online fluorescence-based assay. In line with removal of ROS, Tempol reduced the amount of NET formation by neutrophils challenged with those stimuli significantly. Since Tempol efficiently blocks NET formation in vitro, it might be promising to test the effect of Tempol in experimental models of disorders in which NETs probably have hazardous effects.
Association of TRAF 2 with the short form of cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein prevents TNFR 1-mediated apoptosis

Background: We have previously shown that c-FLIPL is a more potent inhibitor than c-FLIPS of Fas ligand-induced apoptosis and that c-FLIPL physically binds to Daxx, an alternative Fas-signaling adaptor. Here we examined whether c-FLIPS effectively inhibits TNFR1-mediated apoptosis and triggers JNK activation through its interaction with TRAF2. Results: Some cancer cell lines, such as DU145, AGS, and PC3, have higher levels of c-FLIPS than other cell lines, such as SNU-719 and T24. The expression of c-FLIPS correlated with the susceptibility to TNFR1-mediated apoptosis. In contrast to DU145 and PC3, which are resistant to TNFR1-mediated apoptosis, T24 and SNU719 were sensitive to TNF-α treatment. To address the role of c-FLIPS in TNFR1-mediated apoptosis, we examined the molecular interaction between cFLIPS and TRAF2. As expected, western blot analysis revealed that TRAF2 antibody immunoprecipitated a greater amount of c-FLIPS than c-FLIPL. Also, we measured the involvement of c-FLIPS in TNF-α-induced JNK activation and apoptosis by comparing these in TNF-α-resistant and TNF-α-sensitive cell lines. Treatment with TNF-α increased the phosphorylated JNK level in SNU719 and T24 cells, whereas DU145 and AGS cells were resistant to TNF-α-mediated apoptosis. Conclusion: We now report that the short form of c-FLIPS is a more efficient inhibitor of TNFreceptor 1-mediated apoptosis signaling than the long form of the protein. Background Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) exhibits diverse activities inducing apoptosis and activating transcription factor NF-κB, which lead to the induction of a number of anti-apoptotic factors. After the components of the deathinducing signaling complex of the related death receptor CD95 (APO-1/Fas) [1] were identified, it was widely assumed that TNFR1 also recruits both the FADD adaptor and caspase 8 upon binding of its ligand, TNF-α, resulting in the subsequent initiation of apoptosis. However, all attempts to demonstrate a direct physical association of FADD and caspase 8 with TNFR1 have so far been unsuccessful [2], whereas the anti-apoptotic components of the signaling complex containing TNF-α receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), TNFR1-associated death domain protein (TRADD) and c-IAP1 are readily detectable [3]. In contrast to our understanding of the FAS and TRAIL receptors, the molecular mechanisms underlying TNFR1induced cell death remain poorly defined, despite extenPublished: 14 January 2008 Journal of Molecular Signaling 2008, 3:2 doi:10.1186/1750-2187-3-2 Received: 5 September 2007 Accepted: 14 January 2008 This article is available from: http://www.jmolecularsignaling. com/content/3/1/2 © 2008 Kim et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Distinct Characteristics of Two 2-Cys Peroxiredoxins of Vibrio vulnificus Suggesting Differential Roles in Detoxifying Oxidative Stress*

Background: Peroxiredoxins are ubiquitous antioxidant enzymes reducing toxic peroxides. Results: Two 2-Cys peroxiredoxins of Vibrio vulnificus are different in expression patterns, sensitivities to overoxidation, and kinetic properties. Conclusion: The two peroxiredoxins are optimized for detoxifying different ranges of H2O2. Significance: This study is the first report on the coexistence of the two peroxiredoxins along with their distinct roles in a single bacterium. Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are ubiquitous antioxidant enzymes reducing toxic peroxides. Two distinct 2-Cys Prxs, Prx1 and Prx2, were identified in Vibrio vulnificus, a facultative aerobic pathogen. Both Prxs have two conserved catalytic cysteines, CP and CR, but Prx2 is more homologous in amino acid sequences to eukaryotic Prx than to Prx1. Prx2 utilized thioredoxin A as a reductant, whereas Prx1 required AhpF. Prx2 contained GGIG and FL motifs similar to the motifs conserved in sensitive Prxs and exhibited sensitivity to overoxidation. MS analysis and CP-SO3H specific immunoblotting demonstrated overoxidation of CP to CP-SO2H (or CP-SO3H) in vitro and in vivo, respectively. In contrast, Prx1 was robust and CP was not overoxidized. Discrete expression of the Prxs implied that Prx2 is induced by trace amounts of H2O2 and thereby residential in cells grown aerobically. In contrast, Prx1 was occasionally expressed only in cells exposed to high levels of H2O2. A mutagenesis study indicated that lack of Prx2 accumulated sufficient H2O2 to induce Prx1. Kinetic properties indicated that Prx2 effectively scavenges low levels of peroxides because of its high affinity to H2O2, whereas Prx1 quickly degrades higher levels of peroxides because of its high turnover rate and more efficient reactivation. This study revealed that the two Prxs are differentially optimized for detoxifying distinct ranges of H2O2, and proposed that Prx2 is a residential scavenger of peroxides endogenously generated, whereas Prx1 is an occasional scavenger of peroxides exogenously encountered. Furthermore, genome sequence database search predicted widespread coexistence of the two Prxs among bacteria.
Effect of microsomal enzyme inducers on the biliary excretion of triiodothyronine (T(3)) and its metabolites.

It has been postulated that inducers of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) decrease circulating thyroid hormone concentrations by increasing their biliary excretion. The inducers pregnenolone-16 alpha-carbonitrile (PCN), 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC), and Aroclor 1254 (PCB) are each effective at reducing serum thyroxine concentrations. However, only PCN treatment produces a marked increase in serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), whereas 3MC and PCB cause little to no increase in TSH. Excessive TSH elevation is considered the primary stimulus for thyroid tumor development in rats, yet the mechanism by which enzyme induction leads to TSH elevation is not fully understood. Whereas PCN, 3MC, and PCB all increase microsomal UGT activity toward T(4), only PCN causes an increase in T(3)-UGT activity in vitro. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PCN, which increases serum TSH, causes an increase in the glucuronidation and biliary excretion of T(3) in vivo. Male rats were fed control diet or diet containing PCN (1000 ppm), 3MC (250 ppm), or PCB (100 ppm) for 7 days. Animals were then given [(125)I]-T(3), i.v. , and bile was collected for 2 h. Radiolabeled metabolites in bile were analyzed by reverse-phase HPLC with gamma-detection. The biliary excretion of total radioactivity was increased up to 75% by PCN, but not by 3MC or PCB. Of the T(3) excreted into bile, approximately 75% was recovered as T(3)-glucuronide, with remaining amounts represented as T(3)-sulfate, T(2)-sulfate, T(3), and T(2). Biliary excretion of T(3)-glucuronide was increased up to 66% by PCN, while neither 3MC nor PCB altered T(3)-glucuronide excretion. These findings indicate that PCN increases the glucuronidation and biliary excretion of T(3) in vivo, and suggest that enhanced elimination of T(3) may be the mechanism responsible for the increases in serum TSH caused by PCN.
The psychological effects of commuting in Dublin

The study involves an investigation of the problems that commuters in Dublin face everyday, and attempts to shed further light on our understanding of how individual differences (e.g., gender & perceived control) moderate the effects of commuting in terms of the individual's stress and mood outcomes. Four modes of transport were investigated; those who commuted to work by car, bus, train, and walking. The survey sample was 187 worker-commuters employed in a number of banks located in Dublin's IFSC. The study indicates that nearly 80% of respondents reported their daily commute as a stressful experience, those who travelled by train-Dart experienced highest levels of stress and most negative moods on reaching their workplace. They were followed by car and bus commuters with walkers reporting least stress and most positive moods. The level of experienced impedance impacted on levels of stress with commuters who had experienced a high impedance commute recording higher stress and more negative moods than those who had a less eventful commute. Some gender differences were also recorded.
A 12-bit CMOS Dual-ladder Resistor String D / A Converter Integrated with Self-adjusted Reference Circuit

This paper presents a 12 bit dual-ladder resistor string digital to analog converter (DAC) with the power supply of ±5V which adopts a self-adjusted reference circuit and a class-AB output buffer. A selfadjusted reference circuit is used to provide differential reference voltages for obtaining better accuracy and symmetry. The DAC reuses the resistors of the differential reference voltages circuit as the dual-ladder resistor string, which saves a considerable chip area. Class-AB output stage is employed to reduce the setup time and enhance the load-driving capability. The 12 bit DAC is fabricated in a standard 0. 5μm CMOS process. The measured results show that the integral non-linearity (INL) and differential non-linearity (DNL) are less than 2 LSB and 0.25 LSB, respectively. The proposed DAC features the characteristics of high precision, good monotonicity and excellent symmetry. Key-Words: digital-to-analog converter; DAC; dual-ladder; class-AB; INL; DNL; self-adjusted reference circuit.
Internet banking in Jordan: an Arabic instrument validation process

Internet banking is booming in Jordan and it is time for banks and customers to reap the benefits from such technology. Bank customers’ propensity to use internet banking is dependent on their attitudes towards such technology. This work validates an Arabic technology acceptance instrument through a rigorous process so that banks can better understand the factors that affect the customer’s intention to use the internet banking technology. The work utilized the backward translation method and developed an Arabic instrument for eleven constructs that yielded an acceptable level of reliability. Conclusions, implications and future work are provided at the end of the paper.
Jóvenes universitarias musulmanas en Madrid: Identidad y convivencia (Young muslim university students from Madrid. Identity and coexistance)

Esta investigacion se ha llevado a cabo durante el curso academico 2008-2009. Desde una perspectiva pedagogica, y tomando como base la ciencia de la Educacion Comparada, tiene el objetivo de estudiar la identidad y la convivencia de jovenes universitarias musulmanas: espanolas de origen arabe, hijas de matrimonios mixtos y finalmente, jovenes residentes extranjeras desde antes de acceder a la universidad, con la sociedad en la que han nacido y crecido. A traves de una metodologia principalmente cualitativa, complementada por el metodo cuantitativo, se busca conocer: ? que elementos incluyen estas jovenes a la hora de autodefinirse? Que estrategia de adaptacion del modelo de Berry escogeran? Estan de acuerdo con la imagen que los medios de comunicacion presentan de su religion? Las respuestas las intento extraer de los discursos de las propias protagonistas. This research was conducted during the academic year 2008-2009.From a pedagogical perspective, and based on the methodology of Comparative Education, it explores the identity and integration of Muslim women university students in Spain, according to three sub-groups: Spanish students born in Spain of two Arabic parents; those from mixed marriages(with one Spanish and one Arabic parent) and those born abroad but partially raised in Spain.Through a primarily qualitative methodology, complemented by the quantitative method, the research investigates which elements these young women will choose to include in their identity, which adaptation strategy (following the Berry model) they have selected, and whether or not they agree with the images that the media project of their religion. The primary data is taken from personal one-on-one interviews, group discussion sessions and surveys.
Species-Specific Vulnerability of Benthic Marine Embryos of Congeneric Snails (Haminoea spp.) to Ultraviolet Radiation and Other Intertidal Stressors

We used field surveys and multi-factorial experiments to examine synergistic effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and low tide conditions on the embryonic mortality of two bubble-shell snail species that deposit gelatinous egg masses in intertidal mudflats: Haminoea zelandiae from New Zealand, and Haminoea vesicula from Washington, USA. Egg masses of both species were predominantly found in shallow pools at low tide, and a substantial proportion of both were found in sunny as well as shaded microhabitats. Both exposure to sun and desiccation led to increased embryonic mortality for naturally deposited egg masses of H. zelandiae compared to those that were shaded or submerged. For H. vesicula, although mortality was double for embryos within desiccated egg masses, there was no additional mortality due to sun exposure. In manipulative experiments, UVR and low tide conditions increased embryonic mortality for both species; however, H. zelandiae appeared to be more vulnerable to UVR, whereas H. vesicula was particularly vulnerable to desiccation. Simulated tidal pool conditions significantly increased mortality only for H. vesicula. These results suggest an important role of species-specific differences in vulnerability to different stressors, even for ecologically similar congeners; here, these differences may be related to development time or egg mass characteristics.
Solid‐type RCC originating from native kidneys in renal transplant recipients should be monitored cautiously

Incidental hemodialysis‐related renal cell carcinoma (id‐RCC) has been reported to have a good prognosis. However, we have observed rapid progression of id‐RCC in some renal transplant patients. Operative indications for id‐RCC detected via computed tomography (CT) immediately before renal transplantation (RTx) remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of immunosuppression on the progression of solid‐type RCC (s‐RCC) and cystic‐type RCC (c‐RCC). We divided 202 patients with id‐RCC into four groups as follows: Group 1, s‐RCC with RTx (n = 17); Group 2, c‐RCC with RTx (n = 27); Group 3, s‐RCC without RTx (n = 53); and Group 4, c‐RCC without RTx (n = 105). Five‐year cancer specific survival (CSS) rates were significantly worse in Group 1 than Group 3 (79.6% and 100%, respectively, P = 0.012), as were non‐recurrence rates (NRRs) (59.2 and 100%, respectively, P < 0.001). In contrast, 5‐year CSS rates were similar in Group 2 and Group 4 (100% and 95.7%, respectively, P = 0.295) as were NRR (100% and 98.7%, respectively, P = 0.230). Solid‐type RCC should be removed immediately after RTx, and more carefully monitored for recurrence during follow‐up.
Convolutions on compact groups and Fourier algebras of coset spaces

In this note we study two related questions. (1) For a compact group G, what are the ranges of the convolution maps on A(GXG) given for u,v in A(G) by $u X v |-> u*v' ($v'(s)=v(s^{-1})$) and $u X v |-> u*v$? (2) For a locally compact group G and a compact subgroup K, what are the amenability properties of the Fourier algebra of the coset space A(G/K)? The algebra A(G/K) was defined and studied by the first named author. In answering the first question, we obtain for compact groups which do not admit an abelian subgroup of finite index, some new subalgebras of A(G). Using those algebras we can find many instances in which A(G/K) fails the most rudimentary amenability property: operator weak amenability. However, using different techniques, we show that if the connected component of the identity of G is abelian, then A(G/K) always satisfies the stronger property that it is hyper-Tauberian, which is a concept developed by the second named author. We also establish a criterion which characterises operator amenability of A(G/K) for a class of groups which includes the maximally almost periodic groups.
Controlled study comparing CAM treatment with occlusion therapy.

The treatment of amblyopia is centuries old. A systematic description of occlusion therapy was provided by Leclerc' in 1743, and to this day the method has by and large remained unchanged. Although occlusion often leads to beneficial results,23 there are cases where it is unacceptable to the child and frustrating for the parents. When occlusion has failed other methods have been tried. " Dazzling or after-image stimulation of the foveola requires active co-operation from the child and therefore is often applied in a very late stage of the visually immature period. The success rate is poor. Penalisation,8 another alternative, works best in cases of amblyopia combined with hyperopia and/or nystagmus. In one of their earlier papers Hubel and Wiesel9 showed that there are cell clusters in the visual cortex that only respond to rectangular stimuli with a specific orientation. Thus different clusters respond to different angles of orientation. This forms the basis of the latest addition to the amblyopia therapy arsenal -the CAM stimulator. In 1978 when Banks et al.'° " described the method and the instrument, reporting improvement in 38 of 40 cases, the method seemed very promising. This led us to initiate this study in which CAM treatment was compared with occlusion on equally large randomly allocated groups. Since then others'2 13 have reported that CAM is not only as efficient as occlusion but also produces results sooner and therefore should be the treatment of choice.
Asymptomatic Hemorrhage After Thrombolysis May Not Be Benign: Prognosis by Hemorrhage Type in the Canadian Alteplase for Stroke Effectiveness Study Registry

Background and Purpose— There is ongoing controversy about the impact of hemorrhagic transformation after thrombolysis on long-term functional outcome. We sought to study the relation between the type of hemorrhagic transformation on CT scans and functional outcome. Methods— Data were obtained from the Canadian Alteplase for Stroke Effectiveness Study. This study was established as a registry to prospectively collect data for acute stroke patients receiving intravenous alteplase within 3 hours from stroke onset between February 1999 and June 2001. Follow-up was completed at 90 days, and good functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 or 1. Copies of head CT scans obtained at 24 to 48 hours after starting treatment were read in consensus by a central reading panel consisting of 1 neuroradiologist and 1 stroke neurologist. According to European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study criteria, hemorrhagic transformation was classified as none, hemorrhagic infarction (HI-1 and HI-2), or parenchymal hematoma (PH-1 and PH-2). We compared outcome across groups and performed a multivariable analysis including previously determined important predictors of good outcome in acute ischemic stroke. Results— From 1135 patients enrolled at 60 centers across Canada, 954 follow-up CT scans were assessable. We observed some hemorrhagic transformation in 259 of 954 (27.1%) patients (110 HI-1, 57 HI-2, 48 PH-1, and 44 PH-2). Proportions of patients with good outcome were 41% with no hemorrhagic transformation, 30% with HI-1, 17% with HI-2, 15% with PH-1, and 7% with PH-2 (P<0.0001, &khgr;2 test). After adjustment for age, baseline serum glucose, baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score, and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, HI-1 was not a predictor of outcome. However, HI-2 (odds ratio=0.38, 95% CI=0.17 to 0.83), PH-1 (odds ratio=0.32, 95% CI=0.12 to 0.80), and PH-2 (odds ratio=0.14, 95% CI=0.04 to 0.48) were all negative predictors of outcome. Conclusions— The likelihood of a poor outcome after thrombolysis was proportional to the extent of hemorrhage on CT scans. HI grades of hemorrhagic transformation may not be benign.
Heparin binding by the HIV‐1 tat protein transduction domain

The protein transduction domain from the HIV‐1 tat protein (termed PTD‐tat) has been fused to the C‐terminus of a model cargo protein, the IgG binding domain of streptococcal protein G. We demonstrate that PG‐Ctat (PTD‐tat fused to the C‐terminus of protein G) binds to a heparin affinity column. PG‐Ctat binds with relatively high affinity, as shown by its elution at 1.6 M NaCl. The heparin binding properties of PTD‐tat are consistent with the idea that heparan sulfate, an analog of heparin found at the cell surface, plays a role in the translocation of PTD‐tat fusions. We suggest that the heparin‐binding properties of PTD‐tat can be exploited for purification of PTD‐tat fusions in the absence of affinity tags.
Photoferrotrophs thrive in an Archean Ocean analogue

Considerable discussion surrounds the potential role of anoxygenic phototrophic Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria in both the genesis of Banded Iron Formations (BIFs) and early marine productivity. However, anoxygenic phototrophs have yet to be identified in modern environments with comparable chemistry and physical structure to the ancient Fe(II)-rich (ferruginous) oceans from which BIFs deposited. Lake Matano, Indonesia, the eighth deepest lake in the world, is such an environment. Here, sulfate is scarce (<20 μmol·liter−1), and it is completely removed by sulfate reduction within the deep, Fe(II)-rich chemocline. The sulfide produced is efficiently scavenged by the formation and precipitation of FeS, thereby maintaining very low sulfide concentrations within the chemocline and the deep ferruginous bottom waters. Low productivity in the surface water allows sunlight to penetrate to the >100-m-deep chemocline. Within this sulfide-poor, Fe(II)-rich, illuminated chemocline, we find a populous assemblage of anoxygenic phototrophic green sulfur bacteria (GSB). These GSB represent a large component of the Lake Matano phototrophic community, and bacteriochlorophyll e, a pigment produced by low-light-adapted GSB, is nearly as abundant as chlorophyll a in the lake's euphotic surface waters. The dearth of sulfide in the chemocline requires that the GSB are sustained by phototrophic oxidation of Fe(II), which is in abundant supply. By analogy, we propose that similar microbial communities, including populations of sulfate reducers and photoferrotrophic GSB, likely populated the chemoclines of ancient ferruginous oceans, driving the genesis of BIFs and fueling early marine productivity.