Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Caspase activation, inhibition, and reactivation: A mechanistic view

Caspases, a unique family of cysteine proteases, execute programmed cell death (apoptosis). Caspases exist as inactive zymogens in cells and undergo a cascade of catalytic activation at the onset of apoptosis. The activated caspases are subject to inhibition by the inhibitor‐of‐apoptosis (IAP) family of proteins. This inhibition can be effectively removed by diverse proteins that share an IAP‐binding tetrapeptide motif. Recent structural and biochemical studies have revealed the underlying molecular mechanisms for these processes in mammals and in Drosophila. This paper reviews these latest advances.
Pleiotropic Effects of Pasteurella multocida Toxin Are Mediated by Gq-dependent and -independent Mechanisms

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) is a highly potent mitogen for a variety of cell types. PMT has been shown to induce various cellular signaling processes, and it has been suggested to function through the heterotrimeric G-proteins Gq/G11. To analyze the role of Gq/G11 in the action of PMT, we have studied the effect of the toxin in Gαq/Gα11double-deficient fibroblasts as well as in fibroblasts lacking only Gαq or Gα11. Interestingly, formation of inositol phosphates in response to PMT was exclusively dependent on Gαq but not on the closely related Gα11. Although Gαq/Gα11 double-deficient and Gαq-deficient cells did not respond with any production of inositol phosphates to PMT, PMT was still able to induce various other cellular effects in these cells, including the activation of Rho, the Rho-dependent formation of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions, as well as the stimulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. These data show that PMT leads to a variety of cellular effects that are mediated only in part by the heterotrimeric G-protein Gq.
Understanding Surface Treatment and ALD AlOx Thickness Induced Surface Passivation Quality of c-Si Cz Wafers

In this paper, the passivation quality of crystalline silicon (c-Si) wafers, when passivated by atomic layer deposited aluminum oxide (ALD AlO<italic><sub>x</sub></italic>), is investigated. Specifically, we investigated the effect of surface modification of the c-Si interface prior to the ALD AlO<italic><sub>x</sub></italic> deposition (via −H and −OH termination of the c-Si wafer) over a large range of AlO<italic><sub>x</sub></italic> thicknesses (0.4–80 nm). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies confirmed the presence of −H and −OH termination on c-Si surface. In general, surface passivation on −OH terminated wafers was found to be better than their −H terminated counterparts, which is consistent with correspondingly measured density of interface defects, and density of fixed interface charge. In all cases, the formation of an additional interfacial SiO <italic><sub>x</sub></italic> layer between the c-Si/AlO<italic><sub>x</sub></italic> interface was revealed. The corresponding Si-oxide peaks, as measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were found to be stronger for −OH terminated c-Si surfaces. The thickness of the interfacial SiO<italic><sub>x</sub></italic> layer was measured by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Thus, despite the superior surface passivation of −OH terminated c-Si wafers, for the ALD AlO<italic><sub>x</sub></italic> tunnel layers of 0.4–2 nm (i.e., on the order necessary to form passivated contacts for solar cells), there is a trade-off between the better passivation achieved by the thicker SiO<italic><sub>x</sub></italic> interfacial layers (–OH termination), and the correspondingly higher tunneling resistance due to the overall larger effective tunnel layer thickness.
Functional Inhibition of Aquaporin‐3 With a Gold‐Based Compound Induces Blockage of Cell Proliferation

AQP3 has been correlated with higher transport of glycerol, increment of ATP content, and larger proliferation capacity. Recently, we described the gold(III) complex Auphen as a very selective and potent inhibitor of AQP3's glycerol permeability (Pgly). Here we evaluated Auphen effect on the proliferation of various mammalian cell lines differing in AQP3 expression level: no expression (PC12), moderate (NIH/3T3) or high (A431) endogenous expression, cells stably expressing AQP3 (PC12‐AQP3), and human HEK293T cells transiently transfected (HEK‐AQP3) for AQP3 expression. Proliferation was evaluated in the absence or presence of Auphen (5 μM) by counting number of viable cells and analyzing 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. Auphen reduced ≈50% the proliferation in A431 and PC12‐AQP3, ≈15% in HEK‐AQP3 and had no effect in PC12‐wt and NIH/3T3. Strong arrest in the S‐G2/M phases of the cell cycle, supported by analysis of cyclins (A, B1, D1, E) levels, was observed in AQP3‐expressing cells treated with Auphen. Flow‐cytometry of propidium iodide incorporation and measurements of mitochondrial dehydrogenases activity confirmed absence of cytotoxic effect of the drug. Functional studies evidenced ≈50% inhibition of A431 Pgly by Auphen, showing that the compound’s antiproliferative effect correlates with its ability to inhibit AQP3 Pgly. Role of Cys‐40 on AQP3 permeability blockage by Auphen was confirmed by analyzing the mutated protein (AQP3‐Ser‐40). Accordingly, cells transfected with mutated AQP3 gained resistance to the antiproliferative effect of Auphen. These results highlight an Auphen inhibitory effect on proliferation of cells expressing AQP3 and suggest a targeted therapeutic effect on carcinomas with large AQP3 expression. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1787–1801, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long-term risk for depressive symptoms after a medical diagnosis.

BACKGROUND This study examines the risk of development of significant depressive symptoms after a new diagnosis of cancer, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, chronic lung disease, or stroke. METHODS The study used 5 biennial waves (1992-2000) of the Health and Retirement Study to follow a sample of 8387 adults (aged 51 to 61 years and without significant depressive symptoms in 1992) from 1994 to 2000. Time-dependent Cox regression models estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for an episode of significant depressive symptoms after a new diagnosis for each of the 7 medical conditions. RESULTS Within 2 years of initial diagnosis, subjects with cancer had the highest hazard of depressive symptoms (HR, 3.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.79-4.52), followed by subjects with chronic lung disease (HR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.64-2.79) and heart disease (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.09-1.93). The hazard for depressive symptoms for most of these diseases decreased over time; however, subjects with heart disease continued to have a higher risk for depressive symptoms even 2 to 4 years and 4 to 8 years after diagnosis, and a significantly higher hazard for depressive symptoms developed for persons with arthritis 2 to 4 years after diagnosis (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.11-1.92). CONCLUSION The findings identify several high-risk patient groups who might benefit from depression screening and monitoring to improve health outcomes in this vulnerable population facing new medical illnesses.
Vanadium-induced Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells Activation through Hydrogen Peroxide*

The present study investigated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), a pivotal transcription factor responsible for regulation of cytokines, by vanadium in mouse embryo fibroblast PW cells or mouse epidermal Cl 41 cells. Exposure of cells to vanadium led to the transactivation of NFAT in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Scavenging of vanadium-induced H2O2 withN-acety-l-cyteine (a general antioxidant) or catalase (a specific H2O2 inhibitor) or the chelation of vanadate with deferoxamine, resulted in inhibition of NFAT activation. In contrast, an increase in H2O2generation by the addition of superoxide dismutase or NADPH enhanced vanadium-induced NFAT activation. This vanadate-mediated H2O2 generation was verified by both electron spin resonance and fluorescence staining assay. These results demonstrate that H2O2 plays an important role in vanadium-induced NFAT transactivation in two different cell types. Furthermore, pretreatment of cells with nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, inhibited vanadium-induced NFAT activation, whereas A23187 and ionomycin, two calcium ionophores, had synergistic effects with vanadium for NFAT induction. Incubation of cells with cyclosporin A (CsA), a pharmacological inhibitor of the phosphatase calcineurin, blocked vanadium-induced NFAT activation. All data show that vanadium induces NFAT activation not only through a calcium-dependent and CsA-sensitive pathway but also involved H2O2 generation, suggesting that H2O2 may be involved in activation of calcium-calcineurin pathways for NFAT activation caused by vanadium exposure.
Sporadic versus inflammatory bowel disease-related colorectal adenocarcinoma: lessons learned from a single institution experience.

PURPOSE Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) - related colorectal adenocarcinoma (CAC) is known to impose a less favorable prognosis than its sporadic counterpart. The determining factor in the prognosis of IBD patients is the early endoscopic detection of commonly occult pre-cancerous lesions. This retrospective study attempted to highlight the distinctive features of IBD-related CAC, as well as the importance of implementing an acceptable surveillance protocol in IBD patients. METHODS The medical records and biopsies of all IBD patients undergoing surgery and of surgical patients with sporadic CAC, admitted in the 5-year period 2010-2014, were examined. Overall, 26 clinicopathological parameters were collected and compared between the two groups. RESULTS A total of 370 patients with sporadic CAC and 103 patients with IBD were included in the study, of which 8.7% (9/103) proved to have CAC. Cancer in IBD patients appeared at a younger age, had a larger maximum diameter and was more likely to have multiple synchronous locations and a signet-ring cell differentiation (p<0.05). Only 25% of IBD patients with CAC had previously followed correct surveillance. CONCLUSIONS The aggressive features of IBD-related CAC, as well as the rising incidence of poorly-surveilled IBD patients that eventually progress to cancer, reflect the necessity of establishing dedicated IBD centers for their optimal follow-up.
Intussusceptive angiogenesis: pillars against the blood flow

Adaptation of vascular networks to functional demands needs vessel growth, vessel regression and vascular remodelling. Biomechanical forces resulting from blood flow play a key role in these processes. It is well‐known that metabolic stimuli, mechanical forces and flow patterns can affect gene expression and remodelling of vascular networks in different ways. For instance, in the sprouting type of angiogenesis related to hypoxia, there is no blood flow in the rising capillary sprout. In contrast, it has been shown that an increase of wall shear stress initiates the splitting type of angiogenesis in skeletal muscle. Otherwise, during development, both sprouting and intussusception act in parallel in building the vascular network, although with differences in spatiotemporal distribution. Thereby, in addition to regulatory molecules, flow dynamics support the patterning and remodelling of the rising vascular tree. Herewith, we present an overview of angiogenic processes with respect to intussusceptive angiogenesis as related to local haemodynamics.
Tutorial on Remote Sensing Using GNSS Bistatic Radar of Opportunity

In traditional GNSS applications, signals arriving at a receiver's antenna from nearby reflecting surfaces (multipath) interfere with the signals received directly from the satellites which can often result in a reduction of positioning accuracy. About two decades ago researchers produced an idea to use reflected GNSS signals for remote-sensing applications. In this new concept a GNSS transmitter together with a receiver capable of processing GNSS scattered signals of opportunity becomes bistatic radar. By properly processing the scattered signal, this system can be configured either as an altimeter, or a scatterometer allowing us to estimate such characteristics of land or ocean surface as height, roughness, or dielectric properties of the underlying media. From there, using various methods the geophysical parameters can be estimated such as mesoscale ocean topography, ocean surface winds, soil moisture, vegetation, snowpack, and sea ice. Depending on the platform of the GNSS receiver (stationary, airborne, or spaceborne), the capabilities of this technique and specific methods for processing of the reflected signals may vary. In this tutorial, we describe this new remotesensing technique, discuss some of the interesting results that have been already obtained, and give an overview of current and planned spacecraft missions.
The Thr715Pro variant impairs terminal glycosylation of P-selectin

Summary P-selectin variant 715Pro is associated with lower concentrations of plasma P-selectin and reduced risk for thrombosis. We examined the influence of 715Pro on P-selectin synthesis, post-translational processing, surface expression and function using HEK293 cells, which do not express endogenous P-selectin. Mass spectrometry revealed that HEK293 cells produced recombinant P-selectin which has a glycosylation pattern comparable to platelet P-selectin. Compared to wild-type transfectants, 715Pro transfectants have ~50% less terminally glycosylated P-selectin and accumulate more immature P-selectin in Golgi. Following Brefeldin A treatment, the majority of 715Pro P-selectin is not modified by Golgi enzymes, while wild-type P-selectin undergoes complete modification. Flow cytometry revealed that 715Pro transfectants have ~20% less P-selectin on the cell surface compared to wild-type transfectants. Secretion of P-selectin by 715Pro transfectants was about 38% lower compared to wild-type transfectants. Binding of HL-60 cells to 715Pro transfectants was ~29% lower than to wild-type transfectants. This observation was confirmed by the presence of fewer platelet-monocyte aggregates (PMA) in the blood of healthy individuals and patients with angiographically proven atherosclerosis, carrying 715Pro P-selectin compared to individuals with wild-type P-selectin. We conclude that the 715Pro variant impairs terminal glycosylation of P-selectin in Golgi, leading to reduced amounts of mature P-selectin and subsequently less surface expression and secretion of P-selectin. The reduced surface expression of 715Pro P-selectin contributes to inefficient adhesion to HL-60 cells or monocytes.
Large CO2 effluxes at night and during synoptic weather events significantly contribute to CO2 emissions from a reservoir

CO2 emissions from inland waters are commonly determined by indirect methods that are based on the product of a gas transfer coefficient and the concentration gradient at the air water interface (e.g., wind-based gas transfer models). The measurements of concentration gradient are typically collected during the day in fair weather throughout the course of a year. Direct measurements of eddy covariance CO2 fluxes from a large inland water body (Ross Barnett reservoir, Mississippi, USA) show that CO2 effluxes at night are approximately 70% greater than those during the day. At longer time scales, frequent synoptic weather events associated with extratropical cyclones induce CO2 flux pulses, resulting in further increase in annual CO2 effluxes by 16%. Therefore, CO2 emission rates from this reservoir, if these diel and synoptic processes are under-sampled, are likely to be underestimated by approximately 40%. Our results also indicate that the CO2 emission rates from global inland waters reported in the literature, when based on indirect methods, are likely underestimated. Field samplings and indirect modeling frameworks that estimate CO2 emissions should account for both daytime–nighttime efflux difference and enhanced emissions during synoptic weather events. The analysis here can guide carbon emission sampling to improve regional carbon estimates.
The Reaction of Coffee Futures Price Volatility to Crop Reports

ABSTRACT Analysis of prices and volatility plays an important role in coffee market, especially for developing countries, whose small producers and economies rely heavily on income generated by coffee trade. This study explores the impact of coffee crop reports on price volatility for coffee futures contracts during 2004–2014. Overall, results indicate that crop reports generally affect price volatility. The impact is particularly stronger when they provide information following the flowering periods in Colombia, Brazil, and Vietnam, world’s major producers.
Evaluation of virtual shopping in the VMall: Comparison of post-stroke participants to healthy control groups

Objective. To investigate the potential use of the VMall as an evaluation tool for rehabilitation by (1) describing its use with 14 post-stroke participants and (2) by comparing performance within the VMall of the post-stroke participants to healthy control participants. Design. Criterion standard. Setting. University of Haifa and the Chaim Sheba Medical Center. Participants. Fourteen post-stroke participants and 93 healthy participants from three age groups (children, young adults and older adults). Procedure. The participants experienced the VMall and shopped for four grocery items and then completed feedback questionnaires. Main outcome measures. The experience of the stroke participants is described in detail. The duration and number of mistakes made during a four-item shopping task within the VMall, overall feedback, and perceived exertion. Results. Significant differences were found between each of the three healthy groups and the stroke group for the mean total time to shop (F(3,97) = 23.28, P < 0.000). The participants' overall feedback on the VMall was positive with no differences between the groups. Conclusions. The VMall as used with the four-item shopping task was found to significantly differentiate between healthy to stroke participants. The shopping task was challenging for the stroke participants which have positive implications for treatment effectiveness.
The FITS model office ergonomics program: a model for best practice.

BACKGROUD An effective office ergonomics program can predict positive results in reducing musculoskeletal injury rates, enhancing productivity, and improving staff well-being and job satisfaction. OBJECTIVE Its objective is to provide a systematic solution to manage the potential risk of musculoskeletal disorders among computer users in an office setting. A FITS Model office ergonomics program is developed. METHODS The FITS Model Office Ergonomics Program has been developed which draws on the legislative requirements for promoting the health and safety of workers using computers for extended periods as well as previous research findings. The Model is developed according to the practical industrial knowledge in ergonomics, occupational health and safety management, and human resources management in Hong Kong and overseas. RESULTS This paper proposes a comprehensive office ergonomics program, the FITS Model, which considers (1) Furniture Evaluation and Selection; (2) Individual Workstation Assessment; (3) Training and Education; (4) Stretching Exercises and Rest Break as elements of an effective program. CONCLUSION An experienced ergonomics practitioner should be included in the program design and implementation. Through the FITS Model Office Ergonomics Program, the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among computer users can be eliminated or minimized, and workplace health and safety and employees' wellness enhanced.
Mother, Child, and Family Factors Related to Employment of Single Mothers With LBW Preschoolers

The purpose of this study was to identify maternal, child, and family factors related to the employment status and employment history of single mothers of low-birth-weight (LBW) and full-term preschoolers. A sample of 121 female-headed, single-parent families with 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old LBW and full-term children was recruited through admission records to three Level III neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and birth records of two normal newborn nurseries. Results show that the birth of an LBW infant was not related to employment status, number of hours employed per week, or employment history for single mothers. Employed mothers had significantly more education and more positive attitudes toward employment. Controlling for other factors, never being married, and having more children, more federal income, and less positive employment attitudes were predictive of nonemployment. Both employed and nonemployed women expressed preference for employment.
Margin of safety for discharge after apnea in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE Most neonatologists include an apnea-free period in the criteria for the discharge of preterm infants. However, the length of time one should wait after the cessation of apnea before sending an infant home without a monitor is debated. We undertook this study in an attempt to define a minimal and safe observation period between the time of the last apnea episode and discharge. METHODS We reasoned that in infants with idiopathic apnea of prematurity, the intervals between days on which apnea occurs gradually increase until some point at which clinically significant apnea ceases. Therefore, knowledge about the intervals between days on which apnea occurred just before the last apnea would provide a reasonable estimate of the minimal safe observation interval between the last apnea and discharge. We reviewed the charts of 266 infants born in 1993 and 1994 at </=32 weeks' gestational age or weighing </=1500 g at birth from two institutions to determine the intervals between the day on which the last apnea occurred and the previous two days on which apnea occurred. One hundred seventy-five infants were excluded because they never experienced apnea, or data about the last apnea was missing, or they were on xanthines during the period encompassing the last 3 apnea days, or they weighed <1500 g or were <34 weeks' postmenstrual age at the time of the last apnea. Of the 91 remaining infants, gestational age at birth, birth weight, 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores, and discharge weight were not different between the two institutions. For each infant we determined the longest of the intervals between the 2 days on which apnea occurred previous to the day of the last apnea (MAXINT for maximum interval). The infants were then ordered by MAXINT and, starting at the longest MAXINT, the medical records of each infant were carefully examined for other conditions known to be associated with apnea (eg, recovering from anesthesia, sepsis, chronic lung disease, and so forth). The minimal safe observation period was then defined as the longest MAXINT in which there was at least 1 infant with no other explanation for the apnea other than prematurity. RESULTS The median duration of the intervals between the 2 days on which apnea occurred previous to the day on which the last apnea occurred were 3. 0 and 2.0 days and the median duration of the MAXINT was 4.0 days. On careful examination of the charts, it was determined that each of 13 infants with a MAXINT preceding the day on which the last apnea occurred of greater than 8 days had some other condition that might result in apnea, including residual lung disease, sepsis, surgery, and so forth. In contrast, among the group of infants with a MAXINT of </=8 days, at least 1 infant at each MAXINT (eg, 1 to 8) had significant apnea with no other explanation other than prematurity. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that otherwise healthy preterm infants continue to have apneas separated by as many as 8 days before the last apnea before discharge. Conversely, infants with longer apnea intervals often have identifiable risk factors other than apnea of prematurity.