Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Intravenous Ethanol on Capsaicin-Induced Hyperalgesia in Human Subjects.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to assess ethanol's (EtOH's) effects on capsaicin-induced hyperalgesia in healthy participants. Specifically, we investigated the change in area of capsaicin-induced hyperalgesia following 3 interventions: intravenous EtOH at 2 targeted breath alcohol concentrations (BrAC), or placebo. METHODS Eighteen participants participated in 3 test days in a randomized order. Each test day, participants received an intradermal capsaicin injection on the volar surface of the forearm, followed by either infusion of high concentration EtOH (targeted BrAC = 0.100 g/dl), low concentration EtOH (targeted BrAC = 0.040 g/dl), or placebo. The area of hyperalgesia was determined by von Frey technique at 2 time points, prior to EtOH infusion, and again when target BrAC was reached. The primary outcome was the percent change in the area of capsaicin-induced hyperalgesia. Additional outcome measures included the visual analogue scale of mood states (VAS), which was administered at each time point. RESULTS There was a marked 30% reduction in the area of capsaicin-induced hyperalgesia with infusion of a high concentration of EtOH (p < 0.05). Low concentration EtOH produced a 10% reduction in hyperalgesia area, although this finding did not reach significance. Further, participants reported significant feelings of euphoria and drowsiness at high concentrations of EtOH (p < 0.05), as measured by the VAS. CONCLUSIONS In a human model examining pain phenomena related to central sensitization, this study is the first to demonstrate that capsaicin-induced hyperalgesia is markedly attenuated by EtOH. The capsaicin experimental pain paradigm employed provides a novel approach to evaluate EtOH's effects on pain processing. The antihyperalgesic effects of EtOH observed have important clinical implications for the converging fields of substance abuse and pain medicine and may inform why patients with chronic pain often report alcohol use as a form of self-medication.
Effects of Valproate, Phenytoin, and MK‐801 in a Novel Model of Epileptogenesis

Summary: Purpose: We have developed and characterized a novel model of epileptogenesis based on the convulsive actions of flurothyl in mice. The hallmark feature of this model is a reliable change in the type of seizure expressed in response to flurothyl from generalized clonic to generalized tonic seizures. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effects of chronic administration of valproate (VPA), phenytoin (PHT), and MK‐801 on the change in seizure phenotype observed in our model system.
The Sexual Compulsivity Scale: Further Development and Use With HIV-Positive Persons

We examined the reliability and validity of the Sexual Compulsivity Scale for use in assessing HIV-positive men and women. Measures collected from 287 men and women recruited from the community, the majority of whom were African American and over the age of 30, showed that the Sexual Compulsivity Scale was reliable for men (Α = .89) and women (Α = .92). Correlations with measures of sexual behaviors and numbers of sex partners supported the concurrent validity of the Sexual Compulsivity Scale for men and women. Results of discriminant function analyses that included participant age, use of nonalcohol drugs, the Sexual Compulsivity Scale, and scores on measures of trait anxiety, obsessive-compulsiveness, future pessimism, cognitive depression, and borderline personality characteristics showed that sexual compulsivity clearly discriminated between persons with 1 or no sex partners and persons with multiple partners in the past 3 months, for both men and women, suggesting evidence for criterion-related validity. Associations between sexual compulsivity scores and other markers of psychopathology showed different patterns for men and women; sexual compulsivity was associated with indexes of psychopathology in men but not in women. We conclude that the Sexual Compulsivity Scale is reliable and valid in assessing men and women infected with HIV, although sexual compulsivity may present differently between genders in relation to other forms of psychopathology.
A mouse cytomegalovirus glycoprotein, gp34, forms a complex with folded class I MHC molecules in the ER which is not retained but is transported to the cell surface

Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) interferes with antigen presentation by means of retaining major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here we identify and characterize an MCMV‐encoded glycoprotein, gp34, which tightly associates with properly conformed MHC class I molecules in the ER. Gp34 is synthesized in large quantities during MCMV infection and it leaves the ER only in association with MHC class I complexes. Many but not all class I molecules are retained in the ER during the early phase of MCMV infection, and we observe an inverse correlation between amounts of gp34 synthesized during the course of infection and class I retention. An MCMV deletion mutant lacking several genes, including the gene encoding gp34, shows increased class I retention. Thus, MCMV gp34 may counteract class I retention, perhaps to decrease susceptibility of infected cells to recognition by natural killer cells.
Distribution of CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ regulatory T-cells in umbilical cord blood

Objective: This study aimed to establish reference intervals for lymphocyte subsets including CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in umbilical cord blood. Methods: Umbilical cord blood was obtained after birth from 120 healthy full-term neonates, who were born between November 2010 and November 2011. Lymphocyte subsets including Tregs were analysed using flow cytometer (Beckman Coulter, Fullerton, CA, USA), and the reference intervals were defined using non-parametrical percentile methods according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute guideline (C28-A3). Results: The reference intervals for lymphocyte subsets were: helper T-cells (CD3+/CD4+), 15.40–70.06%; cytotoxic T-cells (CD3+/CD8+), 9.65–34.28%; B-cells (CD19+), 4.50–29.59%; and natural killer cells (CD3−/CD16+/CD56+), 1.42–28.03%. The reference interval for Tregs was 0.35–9.07%. Conclusions: This study provides the reference intervals for lymphocyte subsets including Tregs in umbilical cord blood from healthy full-term neonates. These results could be used as fundamental data for clinical laboratory tests as well as future researches.
Cadmium exposure and breast cancer risk.

Cadmium, a highly persistent heavy metal, has been categorized as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Primary exposure sources include food and tobacco smoke. We carried out a population-based case-control study of 246 women, aged 20-69 years, with breast cancer and 254 age-matched control subjects. We measured cadmium levels in urine samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and conducted interviews by telephone to obtain information on known breast cancer risk factors. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for breast cancer by creatinine-adjusted cadmium levels were calculated by multivariable analysis. Statistical tests were two-sided. Women in the highest quartile of creatinine-adjusted cadmium level (> or = 0.58 microg/g) had twice the breast cancer risk of those in the lowest quartile (<0.26 microg/g; OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.3 to 4.2) after adjustment for established risk factors, and there was a statistically significant increase in risk with increasing cadmium level (P(trend) = . 01). Based on this study, the absolute risk difference is 45 (95% CI = 0 to 77) per 100,000 given an overall breast cancer rate of 124 per 100,000. Whether increased cadmium is a causal factor for breast cancer or reflects the effects of treatment or disease remains to be determined.
Systematic failure mode and effect analysis using a hybrid multiple criteria decision-making approach

Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) is a widely used approach to identify the potential failure modes, the causes for their occurrence and their possible effects of a product, process and service for improvement. Due to the shortcomings of the conventional risk priority number method, a number of alternative failure analysis models have been developed in the literature. However, most of the improvements have not taken into account the interrelations among failure modes, and thus do not hold good for complex systems with many subsystems or components. Additionally, previous researches often evaluated the risk of failure modes by independently considering the risk factors occurrence (O), severity (S) and detection (D), although they are more likely to affect each other in actual situations. In this paper, we present a new systematic FMEA using a hybrid multiple criteria decision-making approach to enhance the risk assessment capability of the traditional FMEA. A numerical example is included to illustrate the proposed risk priority model and the results are compared with other existing methods to further demonstrate its advantages.
Beamspace DOA estimation algorithms with robustness against fast-moving strong interferers

All beamspace DOA (direction of arrival) estimation algorithms are based on the beam outputs and the beamformers play an important role in providing high quality beam output data for further processing. In this paper, robust Capon beamformer (RCB) combined with null-broadening technique is applied to the element outputs. It can effectively suppress the fast-moving strong interferers outside the beam coverage region and overcome the distortion in beampattern due to array steering vector errors. Performance of beamspace MUSIC using null broadened robust beamformers against fast moving interferer is studied via computer simulation for uniform linear array. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme has good spatial resolution and improved detection probability of weak stationary signals
Ribosome Elongation Stall Directs Gene-specific Translation in the Integrated Stress Response*

Upon exposure to environmental stress, phosphorylation of the α subunit of eIF2 (eIF2α-P) represses global protein synthesis, coincident with preferential translation of gene transcripts that mitigate stress damage or alternatively trigger apoptosis. Because there are multiple mammalian eIF2 kinases, each responding to different stress arrangements, this translational control scheme is referred to as the integrated stress response (ISR). Included among the preferentially translated mRNAs induced by eIF2α-P is that encoding the transcription factor CHOP (DDIT3/GADD153). Enhanced levels of CHOP promote cell death when ISR signaling is insufficient to restore cell homeostasis. Preferential translation of CHOP mRNA occurs by a mechanism involving ribosome bypass of an inhibitory upstream ORF (uORF) situated in the 5′-leader of the CHOP mRNA. In this study, we used biochemical and genetic approaches to define the inhibitory features of the CHOP uORF and the biological consequences of loss of the CHOP uORF on CHOP expression during stress. We discovered that specific sequences within the CHOP uORF serve to stall elongating ribosomes and prevent ribosome reinitiation at the downstream CHOP coding sequence. As a consequence, deletion of the CHOP uORF substantially increases the levels and modifies the pattern of induction of CHOP expression in the ISR. Enhanced CHOP expression leads to increased expression of key CHOP target genes, culminating in increased cell death in response to stress.
Rearrangement of rat immunoglobulin E heavy-chain and c-myc genes in the B-cell immunocytoma IR162

Mammalian B-cell lymphoid malignancies frequently display aberrant translocations involving the c-myc proto-oncogene and one of the immunoglobulin loci. We have observed and characterized such a translocation in the immunoglobulin E-producing rat immunocytoma IR162 by using recombinant DNA technology. We show here for the first time that a c-myc gene has recombined with the excluded allele of the nonfunctional epsilon heavy-chain immunoglobulin gene. This recombination has resulted in the loss of 5'-proximal DNA and, consequently, potential regulatory information from the body of the c-myc structural gene via joining to the epsilon heavy-chain switch region in a head-to-head, i.e., 5'-to-5', configuration. As discussed in this report, these results, together with the previous results of others, have important implications for immunoglobulin heavy-chain class switching mechanisms controlling normal and abnormal translocations.
Identification of lymphogranuloma venereum‐associated Chlamydia trachomatis serovars by fluorescence in situ hybridisation – a proof‐of‐principle analysis

We describe a proof‐of‐principle evaluation of a fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) procedure to identify Chlamydia trachomatis serovars L1–L3, the causative agents of lymphogranuloma venereum, in cell cultures based on newly designed DNA probes. Rapid and easy‐to‐perform FISH could facilitate the diagnosis of lymphogranuloma venereum without nucleic acid amplification or serotyping, but requires broader evaluation studies, for example, in tropical high‐endemicity regions.
Associations between Earnings Management Manipulation Types and Debt Contracts, Political Costs and Characteristics of Board of Directors

Rapid growth in global economic environment has significantly elevated the importance of the study of earnings management (EM) due to increased need for reliable and transparent financial information. EM is efficient if managers signal financial information to external users to assist them to improve their understanding of company’s upcoming performance. However, EM is opportunistic, if managers act creative with accounting numbers for purposes other than that of enhancing truthful reporting. In order to reduce the effects of opportunistic behavior on investors, it should be clear under which conditions managers are likely to behave opportunistically. The aim of this study is to investigate the practice of EM and its manipulation types, revealing the connection of debt contracts, political costs, and characteristics of board of directors by exhibiting conflicts of interests.
Use of in vivo confocal microscopy in malignant melanoma: an aid in diagnosis and assessment of surgical and nonsurgical therapeutic approaches.

BACKGROUND Melanomas with poorly defined borders, lack of pigmentation, lentiginous extension, and location in cosmetically sensitive regions represent diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Repeated surgical reexcisions are frequently required to achieve tumor-free margins. The use of reflectance mode confocal microscopy as an noninvasive method has shown to be a promising tool for diagnosing pigmented lesions in vivo. OBSERVATIONS We report 3 clinical cases of melanoma: amelanotic melanoma (case 1), locally recurrent melanoma (case 2), and lentigo maligna melanoma (case 3). In case 1, in vivo confocal microscopy was instrumental in making the diagnosis and in monitoring the response to imiquimod therapy for in situ residual disease. It was also used to successfully delineate preoperative surgical margins in cases 2 and 3. CONCLUSION As new methods for treating melanoma emerge and become more available, confocal microscopy can play a significant role by improving sensitivity in diagnosis, by increasing rates of successful initial excision, and by serving as a noninvasive means of monitoring therapy.
Campylobacter jejuni isolated from poultry and humans in Styria, Austria: epidemiology and ciprofloxacin resistance

Sixty-six broiler flocks were sampled to determine the presence of Campylobacter spp. at slaughter in 1998. Thirty flocks (45%) tested positive and C. jejuni was identified in all isolates. Combined pulsed-field gel electrophoresis/amplified fragment length polymorphism (PFGE/AFLP) subtyping of 177 isolates from 24 positive flocks revealed 62 subtypes; 16 flocks harboured more than one subtype. When subtyping 101 clinical C. jejuni isolates collected in the same time period and area, 60 PFGE/AFLP types were identified. Comparison of subtypes from poultry and human isolates revealed three shared PFGE/AFLP types, which were present in 11 human isolates. Fifty per cent of all poultry isolates and 39% of all human isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin. The present study confirms the increase in ciprofloxacin resistance in both human and poultry C. jejuni isolates in Austria, as observed in several countries worldwide. A small number of human isolates shared PFGE/AFLP types with poultry isolates, however, further studies should also focus on the identification of other sources of C. jejuni infection in humans.
Linking admiration and adoration to self-expansion: Different ways to enhance one's potential

How is admiration different from adoration? We provided one answer to this question by examining the pathways through which admiration and adoration linked to self-expansion in a questionnaire and an experimental (autobiographical recall of emotion episodes) study. Both emotions were associated with increased potential efficacy to accomplish goals (i.e., self-expansion), but different action tendencies accounted for these links. While our emotion inductions did not successfully distinguish between admiration and adoration, we could statistically disentangle their effects through mediator models. In both studies, self-reported admiration linked to self-expansion through the tendency to emulate admired others. Adoration related to self-expansion through the tendency to affiliate with adored others. These findings were obtained after controlling for other emotions in response to the target person (awe, love, hope, benign envy) and mutuality of the relationship. Our findings also suggest that considering specific emotions (rather than undifferentiated positive affect) helps uncover different pathways to self-expansion.
Application of solid state transformers in utility scale solar power plants

With the increasing participation of PV sources in the international energy market, more efficient inverter topologies and modules connections are desired. Large-scale PV plants (solar farms) use generally the central inverter topology, in which the PV modules are distributed into few maximum power point trackers. Although this topology has typically high efficiency, it has low MPP tracking performance. This paper proposes a modular converter based on solid state transformers (SST), in which high frequency transformers are used replacing the bulky medium-voltage line-frequency ones. In this technology, the converter output is provided by the series connection of the DC-DC-AC converter stages, supplied by independent PV module arrays. Among its many advantages, one can point out their reduced size and weight, improved reliability and easier maintenance of the system. This paper presents the proposed SST based converter topology for PV power plants and addresses some of its control issues.
The construction of android computer-based application on neurocognitive executive function for early age children inhibitory control measurement

Present study constructed a set of computer tests to measure inhibitory control, a core component of executive function, which is responsible for suppressing irrelevant automatic responses to promote consciously goal-directed behaviour. In accordance with our previous study, the battery test was adapted to an artificially cognitive system in form of computer-based application compatible to android system. Unity engine 5.3 was employed to convert the tasks from conventional administration method to the computer-based application. Conventional tasks employed in this study were Rabbit/Crocodile and Sun-Grass, whereas the computerized version consisted of Rabbit/Crocodile, Moon/Star, and Day-Night tasks. The Spearman's correlation was applied to validate between conventional and computer-based application. Result showed that in Stroop task, the computerized Day-Night task correlated to conventional Sun-Grass task, while both computerized Go/NoGo tasks correlated each other. This result suggests an implementation of assessment method, which involves the principles of both cognitive-infocommunication and augmented cognition in case of intervention to optimize the ability to control behaviour since early ages.
Platelet increases survival in a model of 90% hepatectomy in rats

Ninety per cent hepatectomy in rodents is a model for acute liver failure. It has been reported that platelets have a strong effect enhancing liver regeneration, because of the production of several growth factors such as serotonin. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of microencapsulated platelets on 90% hepatectomy in rats.
An Examination of the Factors that Influence African American Females to Pursue Postsecondary and Secondary Information Communications Technology Education

In order for the United States to compete globally with other countries, it is vital that the United States diversify and increase the number of information communications technology professionals (ICT) if it is to remain internationally competitive. Therefore, the underrepresentation of various minority groups in ICT fields has developed into an issue of great concern for policy makers and as a result policy makers have urged researchers to search for plausible solutions to increase the number of ICT professionals. Upon investigation, researchers have discovered that African American women represent a population that can help increase the number of ICT professionals as well as diversify the field. However, research examining African American females in ICT education and careers is scarce. Therefore, the two studies enclosed in this dissertation are designed to examine the factors that influence African American females’ decision to pursue both postsecondary and secondary education. As such, the first study enclosed in this dissertation is a qualitative study that examined the pre-college and college experiences of African American females who were pursuing an ICT major. The second study enclosed is a mixed methods study that examined the social factors that predict ICT course enrollment for African American females at the secondary educational level. As a result of the phenomenological qualitative techniques implemented in study 1, the researcher concluded that the following pre-college experiences were influential in the participants’ decision to pursue an ICT degree: (a) high school academic achievement, (b) the influence of family, and (c) ability to embrace challenges. In