Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Where, with whom, and how much alcohol is consumed on drinking events involving aggression? Event-level associations in a Canadian national survey of university students.

BACKGROUND Epidemiological research using event-level data can provide a better understanding of the association between alcohol consumption, characteristics of drinking contexts, and the likelihood of aggressive behavior. The present research assessed whether alcohol intake and characteristics of the drinking context were associated with the likelihood of aggression within individuals across 3 drinking events based on a national sample of university students, taking into account individual characteristics and university level variables. Additionally, we determined whether individual characteristics, particularly drinking pattern, were associated with alcohol-related aggression controlling for drinking event characteristics, and whether relations of aggression to alcohol and drinking contexts differed by gender. METHODS Secondary analyses of the 2004 Canadian Campus Survey (CCS), a national survey of 6,282 university students (41% response rate) at 40 Canadian universities, were conducted. Respondents were asked about their three most recent drinking events, including whether they were in an argument or fight with someone, number of drinks consumed, and characteristics of the drinking context as well as their usual drinking frequency and heavy episodic drinking. We used multi-level analyses to account for the nested structure of the data (i.e., drinking events nested within individuals who were nested within universities). RESULTS The number of drinks consumed was positively associated with aggression. Drinking contexts found to be positively associated with aggression included being at a party, at a fraternity/sorority and/or residence, at three or more drinking places (versus 1 or 2), and having a partner present whereas having a meal reduced the likelihood of aggression. A significant interaction was found between gender and being at a party, with a significant effect found for women but not for men. CONCLUSIONS These results support experimental evidence indicating a direct role of alcohol in aggression and point to characteristics of the drinking context that might be targeted in future prevention initiatives.
Learning and Teaching with Technology: Technological Pedagogy and Teacher Practice

teacher learning and classroom practice. We define and discuss technologyrich environments, which encompass a complex combination of tools, curricula, contexts, and teachers. We will point out that technocentrist approaches (see discussion in Papert, 1990) persist in the classroom and note their counterproductive nature. We then conceptualize technological pedagogy within the framework of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) (Koehler & Mishra, 2009), which presents a useful way to situate technology and teacher knowledge. Finally, we broaden our view to examine technological contexts across a number of settings and the impact of sociocultural factors on the use of technology and the enactment of technological pedagogy. In exploring varied teaching contexts, we identify emerging characteristics that support or hinder teacher learning of technological pedagogy and implementation of high quality instruction. In particular, we examine barriers that teachers and schools are likely to confront in developing teacher technological pedagogy and practice. We consider both pre-service teacher education programs and in-service teacher professional development (PD), and their roles in promoting teacher technological pedagogy and improved classroom practice. We look at affordances in existing pre-service and in-service programs, and make recommendations for productive approaches to improve teacher technological pedagogy. 33
Upregulation of CCR3 by age-related stresses promotes choroidal endothelial cell migration via VEGF-dependent and -independent signaling.

PURPOSE To explore the molecular mechanisms by which the C-C chemokine receptor type 3 (CCR3) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 11 (CCL11) regulate choroidal endothelial cell (CEC) migration and the interactions with the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. METHODS Human retinal sections from young and aged donor normal eyes were immunolabeled. By real-time PCR, CCR3 mRNA was measured in retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE)/choroids obtained from young and aged human donor eyes and in cultured CECs exposed to hydrogen peroxide. CCR3 ligand and CCL11- or VEGF-stimulated CEC migration was also measured in the presence of the CCR3 inhibitor or control using fluorescence microscopy. Activation of Rac1, phosphorylated Akt as a readout for phosphoinositol 3-kinase signaling, and VEGFR2 activation were measured in CECs incubated with CCL11, VEGF, or combined CCL11/VEGF. RESULTS CCR3 was expressed to a greater level in older compared with that in younger human retinas or RPE/choroids. Ligand-activated CCR3 increased CEC migration, which was inhibited by the CCR3 inhibitor. Rac1 activity, p-Akt, and p-VEGFR2 were significantly increased in CECs incubated with CCL11. The CCR3 inhibitor prevented VEGF-induced CEC migration and Rac1 activation in CECs. Rac1 activity was additively increased in CECs treated with CCL11 and VEGF compared with that in cells with CCL11 or VEGF treatment alone. Ligand-activated CCR3 caused VEGFR2 phosphorylation and coimmunoprecipitation of VEGFR2 and CCR3. CONCLUSIONS Activated CCR3 promotes CEC migration and Rac1 activation and causes an association with and activation of VEGFR2. Cross-talk between CCR3 and VEGF signaling exists and may be important in choroidal neovascularization in human age-related macular degeneration.
Specific and Modular Binding Code for Cytosine Recognition in Pumilio/FBF (PUF) RNA-binding Domains*♦

Pumilio/fem-3 mRNA-binding factor (PUF) proteins possess a recognition code for bases A, U, and G, allowing designed RNA sequence specificity of their modular Pumilio (PUM) repeats. However, recognition side chains in a PUM repeat for cytosine are unknown. Here we report identification of a cytosine-recognition code by screening random amino acid combinations at conserved RNA recognition positions using a yeast three-hybrid system. This C-recognition code is specific and modular as specificity can be transferred to different positions in the RNA recognition sequence. A crystal structure of a modified PUF domain reveals specific contacts between an arginine side chain and the cytosine base. We applied the C-recognition code to design PUF domains that recognize targets with multiple cytosines and to generate engineered splicing factors that modulate alternative splicing. Finally, we identified a divergent yeast PUF protein, Nop9p, that may recognize natural target RNAs with cytosine. This work deepens our understanding of natural PUF protein target recognition and expands the ability to engineer PUF domains to recognize any RNA sequence.
The effect of surface roughness of silicone-based resilient liner materials on the adherence of Candida albicans and inhibition of Candida albicans with different disinfectants.

PURPOSE The objective of the present study was to evaluate surface roughness and adherence of Candida albicans and to determine the effectiveness of denture cleansers in the disinfection of silicone-based soft lining materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two types of silicone-based soft lining materials (four room temperature polymerised soft lining materials [RTPSLM]: Ufi Gel P, Ufi Gel C, Mollosil and Soft-Liner; and two high temperature polymerised soft lining materials [HTPSLM]: Moloplast B and Luci Soft) and seven denture cleansers (Efferdent, Polident, Steradent, Corega, Denclen, Klorhex and Axion) were tested in the present study. For each soft lining material, 56 samples (10 mm x 10 mm x 3 mm) were prepared. Surface roughness measurements were made using a profilometer with an optical scanner probe. All samples were ultrasonically cleaned in water for 15 s, autoclave sterilised and contaminated with C. albicans solutions for adherence assay evaluation. After the evaluation, the samples were immersed in seven different denture cleansers. The results were expressed as the ratio of cells remaining after each cleanser in comparison with the control group. RESULTS HTPSLM showed a lower surface roughness value (2.21 +/- 0.30 lm) than RTPSLM (2.39 +/- 0.40 lm), but these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Also, HTPSLM showed lower adhesion of C. albicans (mean ranks 136.35) than RTPSLM (mean ranks 138.64), but the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05, one- or two-way analysis of variance). In the C. albicans removal test, all denture cleansers showed a strong effect on both silicone-based soft lining materials. HTPSLM showed lower removal activity (mean ranks 30.01) than RTPSLM (mean ranks 25.86), but these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Although there were no significant differences between disinfectants on both silicone-based soft lining materials, Axion was found to be the most effective disinfectant. Corega, Polident, Denclen, Steradent and Efferdent showed the most effective cleansing, respectively. CONCLUSIONS RTPSLM and HTPSLM did not show significant differences in the surface roughness value; also they showed no significant differences in the adhesion rate of C. albicans. All tested silicone-based soft lining materials showed adherence of C. albicans after contamination procedures, and removal activity for C. albicans was observed in all tested silicone-based soft lining materials after disinfection procedures.
Molecular and cellular events of dopamine D1 receptor‐mediated tau phosphorylation in SK‐N‐MC cells

Microtubules are involved in the formation of axons and dendrites, maintenance of neuronal morphology, and cellular trafficking. Recent studies suggest that drugs affecting dopamine activity in the brain can induce cytoskeletal modifications. For instance, we have demonstrated in acute rat brain slices a molecular chain of events connecting dopamine D1 receptor to aberrant phosphorylation of the microtubule‐associated protein tau. However, the molecular and cellular effects of tau phosphorylated by means of the activation of dopamine receptors were unexplored. Here we used SK‐N‐MC cells, which express endogenously functional D1 receptors, to demonstrate that levels of phosphorylated tau at serines 199–202 or 214 are increased by a calcium‐dependent pathway subsequent to D1 receptor stimulation. Using selective pharmacological tools, we showed that enhanced intracellular calcium lead to cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (cdk5) activation, by calpain proteolysis of p35 to p25, as well as glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) activation, by its phosphorylation at tyrosine 216. Interestingly, while the activation of protein kinase A (PKA) led directly to the phosphorylation of tau at serine 214, tau phosphorylation at serines 199–202 was independent of PKA. In addition, inhibition of cdk5 or GSK3β prevented the decrease in cell viability induced by D1 receptor stimulation whereas PKA inhibition had no influence. Our data demonstrate that activation of cdk5 and GSK3β following D1 receptor stimulation could have profound influence on both the neuronal cytoskeletal constituent tau and cell survival in SK‐N‐MC cells. Synapse 65:69–76, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phylogenetic diversity of subsurface marine microbial communities from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

The extent of the diversity of marine prokaryotes is not well known, primarily because of poor cultivability. However, new techniques permit the characterization of such organisms without culturing, via 16S rRNA sequences obtained directly from biomass. We performed such an analysis by polymerase chain reaction amplification with universal primers on five oligotrophic open-ocean samples: from 100-m (three samples) and 500-m depths in the western California Current (Pacific Ocean) and from a 10-m depth in the Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda. Of 61 clones, 90% were in clusters of two or more related marine clones obtained by ourselves or others. We report 15 clones related to clone SAR 11 found earlier near Bermuda (S. J. Giovannoni, T. B. Britschgi, C. L. Moyer, and K. G. Field, Nature [London] 345:60-63, 1990), 11 related to marine cyanobacteria, 9 clustered in a group affiliated with gram-positive bacteria, 9 in an archaeal cluster we recently described (mostly from the 500-m sample), 4 in a novel gamma-proteobacterial cluster, and 6 in three two-membered clusters (including other archaea). One clone was related to flavobacteria. Only the cyanobacteria plus one other clone, related to Roseobacter denitrificans (formerly Erythrobacter longus Och114), were within 10% sequence identity to any previously sequenced cultured organism in a major data base. We never found more than two occurrences of the same sequence in a sample, although four times we found identical sequences between samples, two of which were between oceans; one of these sequences was also identical to SAR 11. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Alternative C-Terminal Helix Orientation Alters Chemokine Function

Background: CXCL4L1 is a highly potent anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor chemokine, and its structural information is unknown. Results: CXCL4L1 x-ray structure is determined, and it reveals a previously unrecognized chemokine structure adopting a novel C-terminal helix conformation. Conclusion: The alternative helix conformation enhances the anti-angiogenic activity of CXCL4L1 by reducing the glycosaminoglycan binding ability. Significance: Chemokine C-terminal helix orientation is critical in regulating their functions. Chemokines, a subfamily of cytokines, are small, secreted proteins that mediate a variety of biological processes. Various chemokines adopt remarkable conserved tertiary structure comprising an anti-parallel β-sheet core domain followed by a C-terminal helix that packs onto the β-sheet. The conserved structural feature has been considered critical for chemokine function, including binding to cell surface receptor. The recently isolated variant, CXCL4L1, is a homologue of CXCL4 chemokine (or platelet factor 4) with potent anti-angiogenic activity and differed only in three amino acid residues of P58L, K66E, and L67H. In this study we show by x-ray structural determination that CXCL4L1 adopts a previously unrecognized structure at its C terminus. The orientation of the C-terminal helix protrudes into the aqueous space to expose the entire helix. The alternative helix orientation modifies the overall chemokine shape and surface properties. The L67H mutation is mainly responsible for the swing-out effect of the helix, whereas mutations of P58L and K66E only act secondarily. This is the first observation that reports an open conformation of the C-terminal helix in a chemokine. This change leads to a decrease of its glycosaminoglycan binding properties and to an enhancement of its anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor effects. This unique structure is recent in evolution and has allowed CXCL4L1 to gain novel functional properties.
Induction of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways in the human leukemic MOLT-4 cell line by terpinen-4-ol.

Terpinen-4-ol is a terpene found in the rhizome of Plai (Zingiber montanum (Koenig) Link ex Dietr. ). In this study apoptogenic activity and mechanisms of cell death induced by terpinen-4-ol were investigated in the human leukemic MOLT-4 cell line. Terpinen-4-ol exhibited cytotoxicity in MOLT-4 cells, with characteristic morphological features of apoptosis by Wright's staining. The mode of cell death was confirmed to be apoptosis by flow cytometric analysis after staining with annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide. A sub-G1 peak in DNA histograms of cell cycle assays was observed. Terpinen-4-ol induced-MOLT-4 cell apoptosis mediated through an intrinsic pathway involving the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP) and release of cytochrome c into the cytosol. In addition, terpinen-4-ol also induced apoptosis via an extrinsic pathway by caspase-8 activation resulting in the cleavage of cytosolic Bid. Truncated-Bid (tBid) translocated to mitochondria and activated the mitochondrial pathway in conjunction with down-regulation of Bcl-2 protein expression. Caspase-3 activity also increased. In conclusion, terpinen-4-ol can induce human leukemic MOLT-4 cell apoptosis via both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.
Deep endometriosis infiltrating the recto-sigmoid: critical factors to consider before management.

BACKGROUND Deep endometriosis invading the bowel constitutes a major challenge for the gynecologist. In addition to the greater impact on pain, the high incidence of surgical morbidity involved with bowel endometriosis poses a therapeutic dilemma for the surgeon. Intestinal involvement by deep endometriotic nodules has been estimated to occur in 8-12% of women with endometriosis. Individual and clinical factors, pre-operative morphologic characteristics from imaging, surgical considerations and impact on quality of life are critical variables that should be considered in determining the best therapeutic strategy for a patient with deep endometriosis involving the sigmoid and/or the rectum. Pre-operative planning is fundamental for defining the optimal therapeutic strategy; patient counseling of treatment options, and when surgery is indicated, involvement of a multidisciplinary surgical team is required. METHODS The PubMed and Cochrane database were searched for all original and review articles published in English, French and Italian, until June 2014. Search terms included 'deep endometriosis', 'surgical and clinical approach', 'bowel disease', 'quality of life', 'management of deep endometriosis'. Special attention was paid to articles comparing features of discoid and segmental resection. RESULTS The rationale for the best therapeutic options for patients with deep endometriosis has been shown and an evidence-based treatment algorithm for determining when and which surgical intervention may be required is proposed. In deciding the best treatment option for patients with deep endometriosis involving the sigmoid and rectum, it is important to understand how the different clinical factors and pre-operative morphologic imaging affect the algorithm. Surgery is not indicated in all patients with deep endometriosis, but, when surgery is chosen, a complete resection by the most appropriate surgical team is required in order to achieve the best patient outcome. CONCLUSION In women with deep endometriosis, surgery is the therapy of choice for symptomatic patients when deep lesions do not improve with a medical treatment.
Red Stars, Black Shirts: Symbols, Commemorations, and Contested Histories of World War Two in Croatia

This paper examines how various commemorative events have taken on new meanings and significance in post-communist Croatia. Politicized rituals at various “sites of memory” (Pierre Nora’s lieux de memoire) symbolize the divided social memory and contested histories of World War Two. The nationalization of victims, and the manipulation of the number of victims, particularly at the emotionally powerful sites of Jasenovac and Bleiburg, characterizes the commemorations and debates surrounding them. In the context of Croatia’s painful postcommunist transition, bloody war for independence, and challenging democratization process, World War Two commemorations have been illustrative of how political rituals reflect (as well as influence) Croatian society’s understanding of the recent past and national identity. The challenge for ensuring a stable democracy in Croatia is in building a consensus regarding the past, or at least creating an atmosphere of open dialogue rather than the violence seen throughout the twentieth century.
Innovative chemotherapeutical treatment options for alveolar and cystic echinococcosis

SUMMARY Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis are cestode parasites, of which the metacestode (larval) stages cause the diseases cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE), respectively. Albendazole and mebendazole are presently used for chemotherapeutical treatment. However, these benzimidazoles do not appear to be parasiticidal in vivo against AE. In addition, failures in drug treatments as well as the occurrence of side-effects have been reported. New drugs are needed to cure AE and CE, which are considered to be neglected diseases. Strategies currently being implemented to identify novel chemotherapeutical treatment options include (i) conventional primary in vitro testing of broad-spectrum anti-infective drugs, either in parallel with, or followed by, animal experimentation; (ii) studies of drugs which interfere with the proliferation of cancer cells and of Echinococcus metacestodes; (iii) exploitation of the similarities between the parasite and mammalian signalling machineries, with a special focus on targeting specific signalling receptors; (iv) in silico approaches, employing the current Echinococcus genomic database information to search for suitable targets for compounds with known modes of action. In the present article, we review the efforts toward obtaining better anti-parasitic compounds which have been undertaken to improve chemotherapeutical treatment of echinococcosis, and summarize the achievements in the field of host-parasite interactions which may also lead to new immuno-therapeutical options.
THE EFFECTS OF ACUTE CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION ON MULTIPLE SPRINT CYCLING AND RUNNING PERFORMANCE IN RUGBY PLAYERS

The benefits of creatine (CR) supplementation are well documented, particularly during repeated bouts of high-intensity muscular activity. Most published experiments use mass-supported (cycle ergometry) activities as a means of evaluating creatine's efficacy, therefore minimizing any possible adverse effects of increased body mass associated with CR supplementation. This study aims to use both mass-supported and mass-dependent activities to assess the effectiveness of acute CR supplementation on a group of highly trained rugby players. A randomized, double-blind, crossover research design was utilized, with subjects receiving 20 g·d-1 3 5dof both CR and a glucose placebo (PL). Subjects were assessed via 10 3 6-second Wingate test and a 10 X 40-m sprint test on separate days, presupplementation and postsupplementation. A 28-d washout period separated the two treatments. No significant treatment (p > 0.05) or treatment by test interaction effects (p > 0.05) were observed for peak or minimum power output (W), peak or minimum running velocity (m·s1), or fatigue index (%). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found postsupplementation for body mass and percentage body fat. Although statistical significance was not achieved for any of the measured parameters, there were small improvements in performance that may be of benefit to rugby players.
Intracellular Anions as the Voltage Sensor of Prestin, the Outer Hair Cell Motor Protein

Outer hair cells (OHCs) of the mammalian cochlea actively change their cell length in response to changes in membrane potential. This electromotility, thought to be the basis of cochlear amplification, is mediated by a voltage-sensitive motor molecule recently identified as the membrane protein prestin. Here, we show that voltage sensitivity is conferred to prestin by the intracellular anions chloride and bicarbonate. Removal of these anions abolished fast voltage-dependent motility, as well as the characteristic nonlinear charge movement (“gating currents”) driving the underlying structural rearrangements of the protein. The results support a model in which anions act as extrinsic voltage sensors, which bind to the prestin molecule and thus trigger the conformational changes required for motility of OHCs.