Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intrinsically Distinct Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis Compared to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Different studies have demonstrated that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) may be involved in the pathophysiology of both antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis (AAV) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). AAV and SLE are clinically and pathologically divergent autoimmune diseases with different autoantibodies. However, the respective autoantigens recognized in AAV and SLE have been shown to be an intricate part of NETs. This study aimed to examine whether the mechanisms of NET formation and the composition of NETs are distinct between AAV and SLE.
Anemia, parasitismo intestinal e exposição mercurial em duas comunidades ribeirinhas da Amazônia

A incidencia de anemia, parasitismo intestinal e prevalencia da exposicao mercurial foi avaliada em duas comunidades amazonicas ribeirinhas, Sao Luiz do Tapajos (Rio Tapajos) e Igarape-Mirim (Rio Tocantins) cujos padroes socio-economicos sao semelhantes. Foram analisadas amostras de cabelo, sangue e fezes dos residentes nestas comunidades, empregando metodologia analitica oficialmente reconhecida. Oitenta amostras de cabelo, sangue e fezes foram analisadas. Os resultados demonstraram incidencia media de 42,5 % de parasitose intestinal em Sao Luiz do Tapajos e 75,15 % em Igarape-Mirim. Os indices hematimetricos indicaram incidencia de anemia de 40 % em Sao Luiz do Tapajos e 25 % em Igarape-Mirim. Os teores medios de mercurio total nas amostras de cabelo dos residentes em Sao Luiz do Tapajos foram de 14,9 ± 6,6 µg/g nos individuos do sexo masculino e 13,4 ± 3,4 µg/g no sexo feminino, enquanto que em Igarape-Mirim foi de 2,5 ± 1,4 µg/g na populacao masculina e 3,5 ± 1,6 µg/g na feminina. Observou-se que em Sao Luiz do Tapajos, 82 % das concentracoes de mercurio total encontram-se acima de 10µg/g, valor considerado de referencia para populacao nao exposta, enquanto que em Igarape-Mirim, nao foram encontrados valores acima destes. Pode-se concluir que a qualidade de vida dos ribeirinhos analisados e comprometida pelos fatores avaliados, tornando-se necessaria a adocao de medidas preventivas e acoes educadoras nestas comunidades pelas autoridades governamentais responsaveis.
NOHUT (Cicer arietinum L.)’TA TOHUM İRİLİĞİNE YÖNELİK SELEKSİYONUN VERİM VE VERİM ÖGELERİNE ETKİSİ

Arastirmada (Diyar 95 x ILC 482) melezinden gelen ve F4 kusagina kadar bulk olarak ilerletilen nohut melez populasyonu, F4 kusaginda dort farkli tohum irilik sinifina ayrilmis ve teksel seleksiyonla F8 kusagina kadar bitki boyu, ilk bakla yuksekligi, bitkide dal ve bakla sayisi, bitki tane verimi ile 100 tane agirligina tohum iriliginin etkisi gozlenmistir. Incelenen karakterler yonunden generasyonlar arasi ve tohum irilik gruplari arasi farkliliklar onemli bulunmustur. Iri tohumlular uzun boylu ve iri taneli, ancak dal ve bakla sayilari az ve bu nedenle dusuk verimli olmuslardir. Kucuk taneliler ise verimli ancak Pazar degeri dusuk kucuk tohumlu olmuslardir. Iri tane secimler ile iri tanelilik yakalanamamistir
THE TANAIDACEANS (ARTHROPODA: PERACARIDA: TANAIDACEA) OF SÃO MIGUEL, AZORES, WITH DESCRIPTION OF TWO NEW SPECIES, AND A NEW RECORD FROM TENERIFE

During the Third International Workshop of Malacology and Marine Biology in Sao Miguel, Azores, in July 2006, sampling of the littoral and sublittoral benthos was undertaken in order to characterize the smaller marine arthropod fauna of this region, including tanaidaceans. In the event, 338 tanaidacean specimens representing three species were collected; two of these species, Leptochelia caldera and Paratanais martinsi, are new to science. In addition, previous tanaidacean material collected around Sao Miguel in 1996 and 1997 was analyzed, from which a further 272 specimens (three species, one not found in 2006) were identified. No apseudomorph tanaidaceans were found. All of the material is described, and an attempt is made to investigate the provenance of the Azorean tanaidacean fauna, although the general lack of data from the North-east Atlantic precludes any reasonable interpretation other than some possible links with the Mediterranean. However, recent material of Zeuxo exsargasso collected from Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, does suggest Macaronesian links with the West Atlantic.
CD4 regulatory T cells: their requirement for CD80 and CD86 costimulation and their role in autoimmune hepatitis

T cell activation requires a costimulation signal, which is typically provided by CD28 binding to CD80 or CD86; hence CD80/CD86 availability is tightly regulated, in part through their removal from APCs by Treg CTLA4-dependent transendocytosis. We aimed to model the impact of changes in CD80/CD86 availability upon T cell proliferation and phenotype and to validate a quantitative assay of transendocytosis, to explore the regulation of this process. Finally, we aimed to explore the role of Treg, CTLA4 and CD80/CD86 in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). // We demonstrated that Treg proliferation and phenotype were more sensitive to CD86 than to CD80. Although CD80 and CD86 are often considered interchangeable, we observed greater Treg proliferation, CTLA4, ICOS, and OX40 expression and reduced IL2 requirements, akin to stronger CD28 signals, following costimulation with CD86. We demonstrated that CTLA4 impaired Treg costimulation by CD80, potentially explaining why CD86 was a more effective ligand for CD28 despite its lower affinity. This suggested that the two ligands have differing roles in Treg homeostasis. // We also established an assay to quantitatively measure Treg transendocytosis of CD80, which reflected clinically significant CTLA4 mutations, and we demonstrated that IL2 and IL10 positively regulate transendocytosis. // The liver has a high degree of immunological tolerance, but when this breaks down autoimmunity can occur. We observed that the regulated immune microenvironment in the liver might be highly Treg/CTLA4-dependent and that in AIH there was an imbalance in CD80 and CD86 control, despite maintained Treg frequency and function. // In summary, we present evidence for a fundamentally different role for CD80 and CD86 in Treg homeostasis and a tool to quantitatively measure Treg transendocytosis, We present some of the 1st functional data from intrahepatic Treg in AIH and evidence of an imbalance in the control of CD28 costimulation, suggesting this pathway as a potential therapeutic target.
Physiological and metabolic effects of dietary fiber.

: William Beaumont noted the gastric effects of vegetable fiber and suggested that dietary fiber may provide health benefits. In the last decade investigators documented the physiological effects of fiber on gastric emptying, intestinal nutrient absorption rates, and colon function. Further clinical investigation and much more of the type of repetitive observations pioneered by Beaumont are required to definitively establish the physiological effects of fiber on gastrointestinal physiology. High-fiber intake provides well-established benefits for persons with diabetes: it lowers insulin requirements, provides better control of blood glucose, and reduces serum lipids. Foods rich in soluble fiber, such as oat or bean products, lower cholesterol significantly for persons with hypercholesterolemia and for healthy young subjects. High-fiber foods also lower serum triglycerides and blood pressure. Several studies indicate that high intake of fiber protects against coronary heart disease.
A COMPARISON OF MILLING VALUE OF SPELT WHEAT AND COMMON WHEAT GRAIN GROWN IN ORGANIC FARMING SYSTEM

The objective of the studies was to compare the milling properties of spelt wheat and winter and spring common wheat kernels. The studies were carried out with winter spelt wheat cv. Schwabenkorn and Franckenkorn and with common wheat: winter variety cv. Korweta and spring variety cv. Bombona. Spelt wheat and common wheat were grown in organic farming systems. The evaluation of kernel milling value was performed based on the physical and chemical kernel characteristics and with a trial laboratory milling. Thousand kernel weight, test weight, vitreousness, hardness and content of total ash in the kernels and flour were determined. The milling efficiency factor K, ash number and specific energy for kernel comminution (Er) were calculated. The granulometric composition of middlings (milling product) was also determined with laser diffraction. It was shown that spelt wheat kernels had lower milling parameters than common wheat grain. Out of the tested grain samples, spelt wheat – in comparison with common wheat – had a more floury structure of the endosperm and significantly higher ash content in kernels. Less flour was obtained from spelt wheat than from common wheat. The highest volume of flour was produced from spring wheat cv. Bombona. Specific energy input for milling of spelt wheat kernels was significantly lower in comparison with common wheat. The milling of common wheat cv. Bombona consumed the highest amount of energy; it resulted from higher hardness of kernels. The average particle size of the products obtained by common wheat milling was positively correlated with vitreousness of grain.
The quest for trait convergence and divergence in community assembly: are null‐models the magic wand?

The relevance of neutral versus niche-based community assembly rules (i.e. the processes sorting species present in a larger geographical region into local communities) remains to be demonstrated in ecology and biogeography. To attempt to do this, a number of complex null models are increasingly being used that compare observed community functional diversity (FD, i.e. the extent of trait dissimilarity between coexisting species) with randomly simulated FD. However, little is known about the performance of these null models in detecting non-neutral community assembly rules such as trait convergence and divergence of communities (supposedly revealing habitat selection and limiting similarity, respectively). Here, using both simulated and field communities, I show that assembly rule detection varies systematically with the magnitude of the observed FD, so that these null models do not really succeed in breaking down the observed functional relationships between species. This is a particular concern, making detection of community assembly dependent on: (1) the pool of samples considered, and (2) the capacity of observed FD to correctly discriminate these rules. Null models should be more thoroughly described and validated before being considered as a magic wand to reveal assembly patterns.
Natural and Lignocellulose-Enriched Microbial Communities in Great Boiling Spring, NV

Great Boiling Spring is a large, circumneutral, geothermal spring in the U.S. Great Basin. Twelve samples were collected from water and four different sediment sites on four different dates. Microbial community composition and diversity were assessed by PCR amplification of a portion of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene using an improved, universal primer set followed by pyrosequencing of the V8 region. Analysis of 164,178 quality-filtered pyrotags clearly distinguished sediment and water microbial communities. Water communities were extremely uneven and dominated by Thermocrinis. Sediment microbial communities grouped according to temperature and sampling location, with a strong, negative, linear relationship between temperature and richness at all taxonomic levels. Two sediment locations, Site A (87-80 °C) and Site B (79 °C), were predominantly composed of single phylotypes of the bacterial lineage GAL35 ( =36.1%), Aeropyrum ( =16.6%), the archaeal lineage pSL4 ( =15.9%), the archaeal lineage NAG1 ( =10.6%), and Thermocrinis ( =7.6%). The ammonia-oxidizing archaeon “Candidatus Nitrosocaldus” was relatively abundant in all sediment samples <82 °C ( =9.51%), delineating the upper temperature limit for chemolithotrophic ammonia oxidation in this spring. This study underscores the distinctness of water and
Islamic Microfinance and Rehabilitation Model for the Slum and Floating Population by Waqf Funds, the Case of Bangladesh: A Proposal for Muslim Countries

This paper designs a conceptual model of Islamic microfinance and rehabilitation by using the waqf funds for the slum and floating population. It analyzes both the primary and the secondary data on the current status of Islamic microfinance coverage (in thirteen countries), waqf estates (in seven countries), and the slum and floating population in thirty five Muslim countries of the world. The primary data was accumulated on 150 microfinance borrowers and 100 non-borrowers of Bangladesh. This paper presents a multifunctional structure of an autonomous waqf management institution to execute the model of this paper. This institution will be formed by the joint venture of the government, the national, as well as international Islamic agencies. Furthermore, this model will be implemented through five stages, the revival and registration of the waqf estate, accumulation of funds, initiating the Islamic microfinance and rehabilitation for the slum population, and finally, forward linkage that may help the slum people to contribute to the society.
Protecting Wall Street or Main Street: The Effect of Ownership Characteristics on SEC Oversight and Enforcement

In this study we examine whether ownership characteristics of a firm influence the likelihood of SEC oversight and enforcement. We specifically ask whether the percentage of retail ownership of a firm affects the likelihood of the firm either receiving an SEC comment letter or an Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Release (AAER). We find that retail ownership percentage is negatively associated with the receipt of an SEC comment letter. In contrast, we find a positive association between retail ownership percentage and an AAER following a restatement. These results suggests that the SEC focuses its efforts on institutionally owned firms in the filing review process. However, following the most egregious cases of misreporting that rises to the level of a restatement the SEC shifts its focus to protect retail investors.
Enhancement of resistance against Rhizoctonia solani by glycine betaine and UV-C radiation in green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Rhizoctonia solani is considered one of the most harmful pathogens affecting green bean productivity. Phaseolus vulgaris, L. cv. paulista seeds were subjected to UV-C for 60 min. and/or immersed in glycine betaine (GB, 5 mM) for 24 hours to stimulate plant biochemical defenses against R. solani. After treatments, seeds were sown in soil infested with R. solani, then seedling samples were collected after two weeks to evaluate plant resistance and some antioxidant enzymes activities. The results clearly demonstrated that disease index (DI) was highly reduced by GB (54.7%) followed by UV+GB (38.3%) and UV (35.6%). Seed treatment with UV-C for 60 min or GB (5 mM) for 24 h alone or together enhanced plant rooting in infected seedlings comparing with control. Also, there was a high correlation between the levels of lipid peroxidation and Rhizoctonia root rot disease index. Seed treated with UV-C, GB or both mitigated the effect of infection on the lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde levels) with percentages of 26.8, 40.2 and 29.3% respectively in comparison with the infected control. Regarding to the plant defensive enzymes, GB was the only treatment that triggered a significant increment in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in roots of both infected and non-infected seedlings as compared to the control. On the other hand, guaiacol peroxidase (G-POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities were elevated by all treatments in infected plant roots in comparison with control. The maximum activity for G-POD was attained with UV treatment (9042.5 U.mg-1 protein) followed by GB+UV, GB and infected control with values of 7776.5, 7152.4 and 6508.8 U.mg-1 protein, respectively. Similarly, PPO exhibited higher activities with significant differences in all treatments over the infected control with percentages of 54, 59.4 and 48.7% for UV, GB and UV+GB respectively. Finally, it can be concluded that treatment of green bean seeds with UV-C and GB enhanced green bean seedlings tolerance to R. solani by activation of the antioxidant enzymes and activation of defense-related enzymes like polyphenol oxidase. The results of combination of UV-C and GB treatments indicated the absence of synergetic effects in induction of plant tolerance.
University of Groningen Influence of P-glycoprotein on brain uptake of [F-18]MPPF in rats

Ž X . w X Ž Y . The aim of this study was to determine if the brain uptake of 42 -methoxyphenyl -12 N-2 -pyridinyl -pw x x Žw x . F fluorobenzamido ethylpiperazine F MPPF , a radioligand for the imaging of 5-HT receptors, is influenced by the action of 1A P-glycoprotein. w x Ž . Anesthetized male Wistar rats were injected i.v. with the 5-HT receptor antagonist F MPPF 2 MBq, S.A. )110 TBqrmmol 1A Ž . Ž X . w Ž . x after treatment with saline controls or with the 5-HT receptor antagonist 12 -methoxyphenyl -442-phtalimido butyl piperazine 1A Ž . Ž . NAN-190 2.5 mgrkg i.v. After 60 min, the animals were sacrificed and 13 areas of the brain were dissected for ex vivo gamma counting. The regional distribution of radioactivity was also assessed in brain slices using a storage phosphor system. Modulation of Ž . w x P-glycoprotein was achieved by injection of cyclosporin A 50 mgrkg 30 min prior to injection of F MPPF. The distribution of F-derived radioactivity corresponded to regional 5-HT receptor density as known from autoradiography. 1A w x Modulation of P-glycoprotein with cyclosporin A caused a 5to 10-fold increase in the uptake of F MPPF. Tissuercerebellum ratios in the brain correlated with receptor densities determined by in vitro autoradiography. Measurements of plasma radioactivity showed that the w x Ž increased brain uptake of F MPPF is partially due to a rise in ligand delivery after treatment with cyclosporin A area under the curve, . Ž . AUC, increased by a factor of 1.8 . Biodistribution experiments in wild type and mdr1a yry knockout mice confirmed that w x F MPPF is a substrate for P-glycoprotein. q 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. Ž .
Characterisation of the early endosomal SNARE complex

SNARE proteins are crucial factors in membrane fusion. These membrane proteins assemble to four-helix coiled-coils consisting of four SNARE helices: Qa, Qb, Qc and R, thereby fusing opposing membranes. Syntaxin 13, vti1a, syntaxin 6 and VAMP4 were identified as the cognate SNAREs that mediate early endosomal fusion. The core SNARE complex was purified, characterized using biophysical methods, and the crystal structure was solved with a resolution of 2.7 A. The complex shows high similarity to the neuronal and the late endosomal complexes in terms of thermostability, biochemical behaviour and structure. Proteoliposomes containing these SNAREs fuse faster than proteoliposomes with the neuronal SNAREs and fusion can be inhibited in a dose dependent manner using soluble fragments of the cognate R- and Q-SNAREs, as well as the non-cognate R-SNAREs synaptobrevin and endobrevin. Furthermore, liposomes containing these non-cognate R-SNAREs fuse with the early endosomal Q-SNARE-liposomes, thus exhibiting a promiscuous behaviour. This was not observed in a cell free, microscope-based, fusion assay, where soluble fragments of the proteins showed strong and specific inhibition of homotypic fusion of early endosomes from PC12 cells.
Proteomic analysis of cellular models of neurodegeneration and mitochondrial dysfunction

Mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to contribute to neurodegenerative processes. As an example, dysfunction of complex I of the electron transport chain has been observed in Parkinson’s disease patients and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a complex I inhibitor, produces a Parkinsonian state in mammals. The aims of the present study were to determine the effects of MPTP on the mitochondrial proteome in a cellular model using mouse N2a neuroblastoma cells and to identify novel biomarkers of MPTP-induced toxicity. The enrichment of mitochondria and the presence of cross-contamination from other subcellular components were monitored using a range of molecular markers. Mitochondrial proteins were then fractionated using an optimised 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) protocol and the reproducibility of the method was investigated. A preliminary study comparing the mitochondrial proteome profile from two different states of mouse N2a neuroblastoma cells, mitotic and differentiated, was undertaken to establish whether differentiation of cells had major effects on the mitochondrial proteome. Since nine proteins showed changes in levels, which included stress-70 protein and aconitase, it was decided that differentiation did affect the mitochondrial proteome: hence, differentiated cells were used for further studies. The effects of different concentrations (0 to 5 mM) and time-points (0 to 48 hours) of MPTP on plasma membrane integrity, cellular metabolic activity, cellular ATP concentration, mitochondrial potential, cytochrome c release and a variety of caspase activities were investigated.
Development of cyanide for feral pig and fox control

This report provides an overview of a series of pig- and fox-baiting research projects conducted 2005–2010. It is intended to collate and summarise the outcomes of these unpublished projects, including the completed pen and field trials, and provide recommendations for future research. This review will provide a useful reference document to support further research.
Photochemistry and Haze Formation

One of the many exciting revelations of the New Horizons flyby of Pluto was the observation of global haze layers at altitudes as high as 200 km in the visible wavelengths. This haze is produced in the upper atmosphere through photochemical processes, similar to the processes in Titan's atmosphere. As the haze particles grow in size and descend to the lower atmosphere, they coagulate and interact with the gases in the atmosphere through condensation and sticking processes that serve as temporary and permanent loss processes. New Horizons observations confirm studies of Titan haze analogs suggesting that photochemically produced haze particles harden as they grow in size. We outline in this chapter what is known about the photochemical processes that lead to haze production and outline feedback processes resulting from the presence of haze in the atmosphere, connect this to the evolution of Pluto's atmosphere, and discuss open questions that need to be addressed in future work.