Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the Interaction between the Herpes Simplex Virus Type I Fc Receptor and Immunoglobulin G*

Herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1) virions and HSV-1-infected cells bind to human immunoglobulin G (hIgG) via its Fc region. A complex of two surface glycoproteins encoded by HSV-1, gE and gI, is responsible for Fc binding. We have co-expressed soluble truncated forms of gE and gI in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Soluble gE-gI complexes can be purified from transfected cell supernatants using a purification scheme that is based upon the Fc receptor function of gE-gI. Using gel filtration and analytical ultracentrifugation, we determined that soluble gE-gI is a heterodimer composed of one molecule of gE and one molecule of gI and that gE-gI heterodimers bind hIgG with a 1:1 stoichiometry. Biosensor-based studies of the binding of wild type or mutant IgG proteins to soluble gE-gI indicate that histidine 435 at the CH2-CH3 domain interface of IgG is a critical residue for IgG binding to gE-gI. We observe many similarities between the characteristics of IgG binding by gE-gI and by rheumatoid factors and bacterial Fc receptors such asStaphylococcus aureus protein A. These observations support a model for the origin of some rheumatoid factors, in which they represent anti-idiotypic antibodies directed against antibodies to bacterial and viral Fc receptors.
Hereditary angioedema with a mutation in the plasminogen gene

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) with normal C1‐INH (HAEnCI) may be linked to specific mutations in the coagulation factor 12 (FXII) gene (HAE‐FXII) or functional mutations in other genes that are still unknown. We sought to identify and characterize a hitherto unknown type of HAE with normal C1‐INH and without mutation in the F12 gene.
THE EFFECT OF CHYMOTRYPSIN ON THE DETERMINATION OF TOTAL ALPHA-GLUCOSIDASE ACTIVITY IN SEMINAL PLASMA AND THE CORRELATION BETWEEN ALPHA-GLUCOSIDASE LEVEL AND SEMEN PARAMETERS

To evaluate the effect of chymotrypsin on the examination of alpha-glucosidase activity in seminal plasma, thirty-nine samples of fresh liquefied semen with or without chymotrypsin and forty-eight samples of fresh un-liquefied semen with chymotrypsin were determined for the total alpha-glucosidase activity in seminal plasma. The total alpha-glucosidase level of each sample was assayed by the method of glucose oxidase. The correlations between alpha-glucosidase level and semen parameters, including semen volume, pH, sperm concentration, grade a and b motility and total motility, were analyzed with SPSS 11.0 software. The results showed that chymotrypsin had no effect on seminal alpha-glucosidase activity determination. Chymotrypsin could improve the liquefaction for un-liquefied semen, and there was no significant difference of alpha-glucosidase activity between liquefied and un-liquefied semen samples. There were significantly positive correlations between seminal alpha-glucosidase activity (U/ml) and sperm concentration (r = 0.338, p = 0.015) and between total alpha-glucosidase activity (U/ejaculate) and semen volume (r = 0.677, p = 0.000). However, there was no significant correlation between alpha-glucosidase level (U/ml) and semen volume, pH, sperm motility or grade a and b motility (r = −0.234 ∼ 0.077, p = 0.099 ∼ 0.993). The data indicated that chymotrypsin could be added into the un-liquefied semen samples for alpha-glucosidase activity determination, and there were different correlations between seminal alpha-glucosidase level and various semen parameters.
Application of Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Related Technology in Postharvest Handling of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are important source of carbohydrates, proteins, organic acids, vitamins and minerals for human nutrition. When plants or plant parts are used by humans, whether for food, or for aesthetic purpose, there is always a postharvest component. Postharvest losses in fresh fruits and vegetables may occur anywhere from the point where the food has been harvested or gathered up to the point of consumption. Appropriate postharvest handling can minimize moisture loss, slow down respiration rate and inhibit the development of decay causing pathogens. Temperature is the most important determinant of fresh produce deterioration rate. An important supplement to proper temperature and relative humidity management is the use of controlled (CA) or modified (MA) atmosphere. This paper reviews the physiological factors affecting shelf life and applications of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and related technology in prolonging shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables. The paper further provides tables of values for permeabilities of films available for packaging fresh produce, classification of horticultural commodities according to respiration and ethylene production rates and MAP potential for benefit for whole and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. The paper encourages commercial application of MAP by processors and retailers in addition to further research efforts for local crops under local conditions.
Polyethersulfone composite membrane blended with cellulose fibrils

Polyethersulfone (PES) is a common material used for ultrafiltration (UF) membranes, which has good chemical resistance, high mechanical properties, and wide temperature tolerances. The hydrophobic property of the PES membrane seriously limits its application. Cellulose fibrils are composed of micro-sized and nano-sized elements, which have high hydrophilicity, strength, and biodegradation. A composite membrane was prepared by the phase inversion induced by an immersion process. The characteristics of the composite membrane were investigated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The pure water flux of the composite membrane increased dramatically with the increase of cellulose firbils. Mean pore size and porosity were significantly increased. Both mechanical properties and hydrophilicity were enhanced due to the addition of the cellulose firbils.
Protective role of melatonin in progesterone production by human luteal cells

Abstract: This study investigated whether melatonin protects luteinized granulosa cells from reactive oxygen species (ROS) as an antioxidant to enhance progesterone production in the follicle during ovulation. Follicular fluid was sampled at the time of oocyte retrieval in women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF‐ET). Melatonin concentrations in the follicular fluid were positively correlated with progesterone concentrations (r = 0.342, P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with the concentration of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), an oxidative stress marker (r = −0.342, P < 0.05). The progesterone and 8‐OHdG concentrations were negatively correlated (r = −0.246, P < 0.05). Luteinized granulosa cells were obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval in women undergoing IVF‐ET. Cells were incubated with H2O2 (30, 50, 100 μm) in the presence or absence of melatonin (1, 10, 100 μg/mL). Progesterone production by luteinized granulosa cells was significantly inhibited by H2O2. Melatonin treatment overcame the inhibitory effect of H2O2. Twenty‐five patients who had luteal phase defect (serum progesterone concentrations <10 ng/mL during the mid‐luteal phase) were divided into two groups during the next treatment cycle: 14 women were given melatonin (3 mg/day at 22:00 hr) throughout the luteal phase and 11 women were given no medication as a control. Melatonin treatment improved serum progesterone concentrations (>10 ng/mL during the mid‐luteal phase) in nine of 14 women (64.3%), whereas only two of 11 women (18.1%) showed normal serum progesterone levels in the control group. In conclusion, melatonin protects granulosa cells undergoing luteinization from ROS in the follicle and contributes to luteinization for progesterone production during ovulation.
Notch signaling downstream of foxD5 promotes neural ectodermal transcription factors that inhibit neural differentiation

We investigated the role of the Notch signaling pathway in regulating several transcription factors that stabilize a neural fate and expand the neural plate. Increased Notch signaling in a neural lineage via a constitutively activated form (NICD) up‐regulated geminin and zic2 in a cell‐autonomous manner, and expanded the neural plate domains of sox11, sox2, and sox3. Loss‐ and gain‐of‐function assays show that foxD5 acts upstream of notch1 gene expression. Decreasing Notch signaling with an anti‐morphic form of a Notch ligand (X‐Delta‐1STU) showed that the foxD5‐mediated expansion of the sox gene neural plate domains requires Notch signaling. However, geminin and zic2 appear to be dually regulated by foxD5 and Notch1 signaling. These studies demonstrate that: (1) Notch signaling acts downstream of foxD5 to promote the expression of a subset of neural ectodermal transcription factors; and (2) Notch signaling and the foxD5 transcriptional pathway together maintain the neural plate in an undifferentiated state. Developmental Dynamics 238:1358–1365, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thermal Fatigue Life Evaluation of Aluminum Wire Bonds

For a reliability design, it is necessary to evaluate of the effects of thermal fatigue on Al wire bond's lifetime quantitatively due to the repetitive turning on and off a high current on a semiconductor power module. In this paper, we investigate the relationships among the thermal cycling temperature swing range DeltaT, the thermal cycling period, the maximum junction temperature Tmax, and number of cycles to failure N/using a fast thermal cycling test method we developed. Furthermore, with the aim of predicting the power cycling lifetime, we examined whether the cumulative fatigue damage law can be applied to evaluation of wire bond lifetime
Complementary and alternative medicine in US family medicine practices: a pilot qualitative study.

CONTEXT The growth of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has led some family medicine practices to include CAM. Acupuncture or herbal medicine, for example, may be offered at such practices. When a practice incorporates both CAM and conventional treatments, its goals and values may differ from those found in traditional primary care. Little is known about the development of these integrated practices, which may be expected to become more widespread. OBJECTIVE To identify some of the concepts and challenges shaping family medicine practices that incorporate CAM. DESIGN Comparative case study. METHOD Multi-method assessment process including participant observation, key informant interviews, semi-structured depth interviews, and observation of patient-provider encounters. SETTING Four family medicine/CAM practices in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. RESULTS Key themes that influence these practices' organization include dimensions of health, the selection of therapies used, the practices' approach to evidence, their perspective on the amount of time spent with patients, and their adaptations to financial concerns. Each practice emphasized long patient visits. In each, physicians had expertise that enabled them to draw on both conventional medicine and CAM. CONCLUSION Successful incorporation of CAM modalities within a family medicine framework requires adaptation not only at the practice level but also by individual physicians.
CALHM1 Polymorphism is not Associated with Late‐onset Alzheimer Disease

Data suggests that the P86L polymorphism (rs2986017) in the calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1) gene interferes with CALHM1 functionality, increases Aβ levels, and is associated with late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Previous studies have demonstrated association with P86L and LOAD in three of five case‐control cohorts, and a joint analysis of all datasets showed association with a p‐value of 2 × 10−10 and an allele‐specific odds ratio of 1.44 (2,043 cases, 1,361 controls total).
LIM Kinase 1 Activates cAMP-responsive Element-binding Protein during the Neuronal Differentiation of Immortalized Hippocampal Progenitor Cells*

LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1), a novel member of a subclass of the protein-serine/threonine kinases, is known to play a role in the development and maintenance of neuronal circuits that mediate cognitive function. Genetic studies have implicated a mutation of LIMK1 as a causative factor in the impairment of visuospatial cognition in a neurodevelopmental disorder, Williams syndrome. A transcriptional factor, cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB), is thought to be involved in the formation of many types of synaptic plasticity involving learning and memory. In the present study we show that the LIMK1 activity is markedly induced during the differentiation of immortalized hippocampal progenitor (H19-7) cells. We found that the addition of neurogenic growth factor to H19-7 cells induces specific binding between LIMK1 and active CREB, that LIMK1 directly phosphorylates CREB, and that this leads to the stimulation of subsequent cAMP-responsive element-mediated gene transcription during H19-7 cell neuronal differentiation. In addition, we also found that LIMK1 activation occurs through Rac/Cdc42- and p21-activated kinase-mediated signaling pathways. Moreover, when the plasmid encoding kinase-inactive LIMK1 was transfected to block the activation of endogenous LIMK1, the neuronal differentiation of H19-7 cells was significantly suppressed. These findings suggest that LIMK1 activation and subsequent CREB phosphorylation are important in the neuronal differentiation of central nervous system hippocampal progenitor cells.
Stochastic Optimization for Machine Learning

It has been found that stochastic algorithms often find good solutions much more rapidly than inherently-batch approaches. Indeed, a very useful rule of thumb is that often, when solving a machine learning problem, an iterative technique which relies on performing a very large number of relatively-inexpensive updates will often outperform one which performs a smaller number of much "smarter" but computationally-expensive updates. In this thesis, we will consider the application of stochastic algorithms to two of the most important machine learning problems. Part i is concerned with the supervised problem of binary classification using kernelized linear classifiers, for which the data have labels belonging to exactly two classes (e.g. "has cancer" or "doesn't have cancer"), and the learning problem is to find a linear classifier which is best at predicting the label. In Part ii, we will consider the unsupervised problem of Principal Component Analysis, for which the learning task is to find the directions which contain most of the variance of the data distribution. Our goal is to present stochastic algorithms for both problems which are, above all, practical--they work well on real-world data, in some cases better than all known competing algorithms. A secondary, but still very important, goal is to derive theoretical bounds on the performance of these algorithms which are at least competitive with, and often better than, those known for other approaches.
Gender differences and perceptions about childbearing among infertile couples.

OBJECTIVE To explore gender differences and responses of infertile couples to childbearing issues. DESIGN Data analysis from the first wave of a larger three-wave prospective panel study. Face-to-face interviews with both husbands and wives were conducted. SETTING Husbands and wives were interviewed separately in their homes. One was generally interviewed immediately after the other. PARTICIPANTS One hundred sixty-one infertile couples in southeastern Michigan were interviewed in 1988. MEASURES Variables of interest included the self-recognized source of the fertility problem, the importance of children to individuals, stress associated with infertility treatment, the number of tests and treatments received, the acceptability of indicated treatments, the length of time couples expected it would take to have a child, and the ideal and expected number of children. RESULTS Women experienced significantly more stress from tests and treatment, placed greater importance on having children, were more accepting of indicated treatments, and wanted more children than men did. CONCLUSIONS Implications for nurses working with infertile couples are discussed, including provision of emotional support, evaluation of perceptions of success, assessment of couples' expectations, and inclusion of husbands in decision making.
Increased platelet reactivity as measured by plasma glycoprotein VI in gout

Abstract Patients with gout have an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The glycoprotein VI (GPVI) receptor is found exclusively on platelets and megakaryocytes, is proteolytically cleaved upon platelet activation, and detectable in plasma as soluble GPVI (sGPVI). Therefore, elevated sGPVI is a marker of platelet activation and a risk marker for cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to assess platelet activation, as measured by plasma sGPVI level in gout. Blood samples were taken from patients with gout or osteoarthritis, and from healthy volunteers. Demographic and clinical data were collected for all participants. Blood samples were processed as double-spun platelet-poor plasma. Plasma sGPVI levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare groups. In total, 91 patients were included, 27 during gout flare, 41 with intercritical gout, 23 with osteoarthritis, and 53 healthy controls. Median (interquartile range) sGPVI levels were 6.51 ng/mL (4.52, 8.41) in gout flare, 3.58 ng/mL (2.11, 5.55) in intercritical gout, 2.73 ng/mL (2.17, 3.72) in osteoarthritis, and 2.19 ng/mL (1.72, 3.31) in healthy controls. Plasma sGPVI levels in both gout groups were significantly increased compared to healthy controls (p < 0.005 for each), in gout flare compared to osteoarthritis (p < 0.005), and in gout flare compared to intercritical gout (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in sGPVI levels in gout patients with and without tophi or in those prescribed colchicine. We conclude that patients with gout exhibit platelet hyperactivity as demonstrated by elevated sGPVI levels. Platelet activation is exacerbated in gout, especially during gout flares.
Inhibition of Heparin-induced Tau Filament Formation by Phenothiazines, Polyphenols, and Porphyrins*

Tau protein is the major component of the intraneuronal filamentous inclusions that constitute defining neuropathological characteristics of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. The discovery of tau gene mutations in familial forms of frontotemporal dementia has established that dysfunction of the tau protein is sufficient to cause neurodegeneration and dementia. Here we have tested 42 compounds belonging to nine different chemical classes for their ability to inhibit heparin-induced assembly of tau into filaments in vitro. Several phenothiazines (methylene blue, azure A, azure B, and quinacrine mustard), polyphenols (myricetin, epicatechin 5-gallate, gossypetin, and 2,3,4,2′,4′-pentahydroxybenzophenone), and the porphyrin ferric dehydroporphyrin IX inhibited tau filament formation with IC50 values in the low micromolar range as assessed by thioflavin S fluorescence, electron microscopy, and Sarkosyl insolubility. Disassembly of tau filaments was observed in the presence of the porphyrin phthalocyanine. Compounds that inhibited tau filament assembly were also found to inhibit the formation of Aβ fibrils. Biochemical analysis revealed the formation of soluble oligomeric tau in the presence of the inhibitory compounds, suggesting that this may be the mechanism by which tau filament formation is inhibited. The compounds investigated did not affect the ability of tau to interact with microtubules. Identification of small molecule inhibitors of heparin-induced assembly of tau will form a starting point for the development of mechanism-based therapies for the tauopathies.
Positional Differences in External On-Field Load During Specific Drill Classifications Over a Professional Rugby League Preseason.

PURPOSE To quantify the external training loads of positional groups in preseason training drills. METHODS Thirty-three elite rugby league players were categorized into 1 of 4 positional groups: outside backs (n = 9), adjustables (n = 9), wide-running forwards (n = 9), and hit-up forwards (n = 6). Data for 8 preseason weeks were collected using microtechnology devices. Training drills were classified based on drill focus: speed and agility, conditioning, and generic and positional skills. RESULTS Total, high-speed, and very-high-speed distance decreased across the preseason in speed and agility (moderate, small, and small, respectively), conditioning (large, large, and small) and generic skills (large, large, and large). The duration of speed and generic skills also decreased (77% and 48%, respectively). This was matched by a concomitant increase in total distance (small), high-speed running (small), very-high-speed running (moderate), and 2-dimensional (2D) BodyLoad (small) demands in positional skills. In positional skills, hit-up forwards (1240 ± 386 m) completed less very-high-speed running than outside backs (2570 ± 1331 m) and adjustables (2121 ± 1163 m). Hit-up forwards (674 ± 253 AU) experienced greater 2D BodyLoad demands than outside backs (432 ± 230 AU, P = .034). In positional drills, hit-up forwards experienced greater relative 2D BodyLoad demands than outside backs (P = .015). Conversely, outside backs experienced greater relative high- (P = .007) and very-high-speed-running (P < .001) demands than hit-up forwards. CONCLUSION Significant differences were observed in training loads between positional groups during positional skills but not in speed and agility, conditioning, and generic skills. This work also highlights the importance of different external-load parameters to adequately quantify workload across different positional groups.
Cognitive Side-effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Elderly Depressed Patients

Knowledge about cognitive side-effects induced by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in depressed elderly patients is sparse. In this study we investigated changes in the cognitive functioning of non-demented elderly depressed patients receiving ECT (n = 62) compared with healthy elderly people (n = 17). Neuropsychological tests were administered at the start of treatment and again within 1 week after treatment. We computed reliable change indices (RCIs) using simple regression methods. RCIs are statistical methods for analyzing change in individuals that have not yet been used in studies of the acute cognitive side-effects of ECT. At the group level, only letter fluency performance was found to be significantly reduced in the ECT group compared with the controls, whereas both groups demonstrated stable or improved performance on all other measures. At the individual level, however, 11% of patients showed retrograde amnesia for public facts post-ECT and 40% of the patients showed a significant decline in neuropsychological functioning. Decline on a measure of delayed verbal anterograde memory was most common. Our findings indicate that there are mild neurocognitive impairments in the acute phase for a substantial minority of elderly patients receiving ECT. Analysis of reliable change facilitated the illumination of cognitive side-effects in our sample.