Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Biopsychosocial Model of Hypersexual Disorder/Sexual Addiction

s International, 67(9B), 5427. Walsh, A. (1995). Parental attachment, drug use, and facultative sexual strategies. Social Biology (42), 95–107. Whaelen, R. (1976). Brain mechanisms controlling sexual behavior. In F. Beach (Ed.), Human sexuality in four perspectives (pp. 311–320). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press. Yoder, V. , Virden III, T. , & Amin, K. (2005). Internet pornography and loneliness: an association? Sexual Addiction & Compulsvity, 12, 19–44. Young, K. (2007). Cognitive behavior therapy with internet addicts: treatment outcomes and implications. Cyberpsychology & Behavior, 10(5), 671–679. Zapf, J., Greiner, J., & Carroll, J. (2008). Attachment styles and male sex addiction. Sexual Addiction & Compulsvity, 15, 158–175.
The Gene Search System: Its Application to Functional Genomics in Drosophila Melanogaster

In Drosophila melanogaster, gain-of-function mutagenesis utilizing the GAL4-UAS system has been established, allowing identification of genes that may not be easily detectable by loss-of-function screening approaches. The conditional features of misexpression systems are especially useful for studying late-stage biological processes, such as those involving adult behavior or lifespan. The gene search system, incorporating a bidirectional misexpression vector, was used to screen for genes critical for longevity determination. We have identified several genes whose misexpression in adulthood extends the fly's lifespan. Phenotypic characterization of fly lines carrying a misexpression vector, in conjunction with obtaining information about the genomic insertion sites, creates valuable resources for the systematic functional genomics in Drosophila.
PREDICTORS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG CHILDLESS WOMEN

Childlessness among women is associated with a large number of psychological problems. The childless women undergo severe psychological distress due to many factors such as their own and family expectations, attitude of the society toward them and many others. The present investigation was planned to study predictors of psychological distress among childless women. The sample for the study consisted of 100 childless women within the range of child bearing age. They were assessed with Subjective Wellbeing Inventory, Coping Resources Index, Quality of Life and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). Data were processed by correlation and regression analysis. The results revealed that psychological distress is negatively associated with coping strategies, subjective wellbeing, and quality of life among infertile women. Stepwise regression analysis identified eight predictors of psychological distress i.e. Psychological Quality of life, Expectation Achievement congruence, General wellbeing-negative affects, Problem solving, Transcendence, Cognitive avoidance, Primary group concern, and Physical Quality of Life.
Dihydroxynaphthalene‐based mimicry of fungal melanogenesis for multifunctional coatings

Material‐independent adhesive action derived from polycatechol structures has been intensively studied due to its high applicability in surface engineering. Here, we for the first time demonstrate that a dihydroxynaphthalene‐based fungal melanin mimetic, which exhibit a catechol‐free structure, can act as a coating agent for material‐independent surface modifications on the nanoscale. This mimetic was made by using laccase to catalyse the oxidative polymerization of specifically 2,7‐dihydroxynaphthalene. Analyses of the product of this reaction, using Fourier transform infrared‐attenuated total reflectance and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, bactericidal action, charge‐dependent sorption behaviour, phenol content, Zeta potential measurements and free radical scavenging activity, yielded results consistent with it containing hydroxyphenyl groups. Moreover, nuclear magnetic resonance analyses of the product revealed that C‐O coupling and C‐C coupling were the main mechanisms for its synthesis, thus clearly excluding a catechol structure in the polymerization. This product, termed poly(2,7‐DHN), was successfully deposited onto a wide variety of solid surfaces, including metals, polymeric materials, ceramics, biosurfaces and mineral complexes. The melanin‐like polymerization could be used to co‐immobilize other organic molecules, forming functional surfaces. In addition, the hydroxyphenyl group contained in the coated poly(2,7‐DHN) induced secondary metal chelation/reduction and adhesion with proteins, suggesting the potential of this poly(2,7‐DHN) layer to serve as a platform material for a variety of surface engineering applications. Moreover, the novel physicochemical properties of the poly(2,7‐DHN) illuminate its potential applications as bactericidal, radical‐scavenging and pollutant‐sorbing agents.
Wound complications following rivaroxaban administration: a multicenter comparison with low-molecular-weight heparins for thromboprophylaxis in lower limb arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND The oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban is recommended for venous thromboembolic prophylaxis following lower limb arthroplasty. Concerns regarding high rates of wound complications following its use have prompted this multicenter comparison with low-molecular-weight heparins. METHODS English hospital trusts that replaced a low-molecular-weight heparin with rivaroxaban for thromboprophylaxis in lower limb arthroplasty during 2009 were identified. Prospectively collected national data for these units were analyzed to determine the thirty-day rates of wound complications and major bleeding (cerebrovascular event or gastrointestinal hemorrhage) and the ninety-day rates of symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (proximal or distal), symptomatic pulmonary embolism, and all-cause inpatient mortality before and after the change to rivaroxaban. A total of 2762 patients prescribed rivaroxaban following knee or hip arthroplasty were compared with 10,361 patients prescribed a low- molecular weight heparin. Data were analyzed with use of odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS There were significantly fewer wound complications in the low-molecular-weight heparin group (2.81% compared with 3.85%; OR = 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.58 to 0.90; p = 0.005). There were no significant differences between the low-molecular-weight heparin and rivaroxaban groups in the rates of pulmonary embolism (0.55% compared with 0.36%; OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 0.78 to 2.98), major bleeding (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.48 to 1.12), or all-cause mortality (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.46 to 1.89). There were significantly more symptomatic deep venous thromboses in the low-molecular-weight heparin group (0.91% compared with 0.36%; OR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.31 to 4.84; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS The rivaroxaban group had a higher wound complication rate and a lower deep venous thrombosis rate; there were no differences in symptomatic pulmonary embolism or all-cause mortality. Longer follow-up is needed to assess any potential relationship between wound complications and joint stiffness, latent infection, and limb consequences of deep venous thrombosis.
Successive Target Cancelation in Pulse Compression Radars

Many radars suffer from masking of weaker targets by stronger ones due to range sidelobes of pulse compression codes. We propose a method to prevent this by successively detecting targets and canceling their effects. Performance of the proposed method will be investigated in various scenarios with regard to existence of noise, targets, and the Doppler effect.
Homocysteine Testing in the Screening , Diagnosis , and Management of Cardiovascular Disease and Venous Thromboembolic Disease

Determination of homocysteine may be included as a component of a comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment offered by reference laboratories. Comprehensive risk assessment may include evaluation of small low-density lipoproteins, subclassification of high-density lipoproteins, evaluation of apolipoprotein E genotype or phenotype, total plasma homocysteine, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein (a).
Frictional Contact for Rigid Bodies

We present a new approach to modeling contact between rigid objects that augments an individual Coulomb friction point-contact model with rolling and spinning friction constraints. Starting from the intersection volume, we compute a contact normal from the volume gradient. We compute a contact position from the first moment of the intersection volume, and approximate the extent of the contact patch from the second moment of the intersection volume. By incorporating knowledge of the contact patch into a point contact Coulomb friction formulation, we produce a 6D constraint that provides appropriate limits on torques to accommodate displacement of the center of pressure within the contact patch, while also providing a rotational torque due to dry friction to resist spinning. A collection of examples demonstrate the power and benefits of this simple formulation.
[Quality of life in Graves' ophthalmopathy (continuation of research)].

The previous research concerning "quality of life" in Graves patients with ophthalmopathy appeared to be a very important direction in health promotion. This drives us to continue enhancement of the quality of life in this group. The biggest deficiency we found to be in the life sphere activity and professional activity, interpersonal relations and positive self-estimation. We analyzed 48 women with Graves' Ophthalmopathy from 32 to 64 yr. , average 43 SD 8,17. We used the following experimental methods: Quality of Life Experimental Inventory, Temperament Inventory (Eas-D). In Addition for Adults, STAI Questionnaire (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) and Beck's Depression Scale. We interpreted obtained results as: 1. anxiety tendency, 2. subjective decreased mood, 3. decreased social contact tendency.
Organizational Experiences and Career Success of MIS Professionals and Managers: An Examination of Race Differences

The role that race plays in influencing the work experiences and career outcomes of MIS personnel has been neglected in the MIS human resource management literature to date, despite the significant demographic changes in the work force projected by the year 2000 and beyond. Thus, the need to understand and eliminate any barriers to advancement for various subgroups is essential if employers are to continue attracting the most qualified employees. This study examines relationships among race, organizational experiences, job performance evaluation, and career outcomes of black and white MIS employees in a large multi-national telecommunications company. Direct and indirect effects of race on job performance evaluations and career outcomes (i.e., advancement prospects, career satisfaction, and organizational commitment) are examined. Compared to white MIS employees, black MIS employees reported less job discretion, less career support, and lower levels of met expectations. In addition, blacks received lower job performance ratings and were less satisfied with their careers than whites. Among other things, it is recommended that organizations be sensitive to and work to prevent the disparate treatment of black and white employees in all areas of the company, especially by supervisors, which negatively affects black employees' opportunities for promotion and advancement and the quality of their experiences on the job. Employers cannot assume automatically that black and white employees, or other subgroups, have the same experiences on the job or that their perceptions of their experiences are the same. Suggestions for additional research are offered and human resource management implications are identified.
Discoidin domain receptor 1 mediates collagen‐induced inflammatory activation of microglia in culture

Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a nonintegrin collagen receptor tyrosine kinase with an extracellular domain homologous to discoidin 1 of a soil‐living amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. We have previously demonstrated that DDR1 mediates collagen‐induced nitric oxide production in J774A.1 murine macrophages. Because collagen is one of the main components of extracellular matrix in the central nervous system, we hypothesized that collagen also induces inflammatory activation of brain microglia, and DDR1 may mediate collagen‐induced microglial activation. Using BV‐2 mouse microglial cells and mouse primary microglial cultures, we have demonstrated that (1) collagen induces inflammatory activation of microglia as evidenced by production of nitric oxide, expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, COX‐2, CD40, and matrix metalloproteinase–9; (2) DDR1 is expressed in microglia and is phosphorylated by collagen treatment; and (3) collagen‐induced microglial activation is abrogated by DDR1 blockade but not by integrin neutralization. We have further shown that p38 MAPK, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, and nuclear factor–kappa B are involved in the collagen‐DDR1‐induced microglial activation. Our results suggest that collagen can induce inflammatory activation of brain microglia and that DDR1 mediates this effect of collagen in an integrin‐independent manner. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of Bacterial Growth Activity in Flow-Chamber Biofilms

ABSTRACT In microbial communities such as those found in biofilms, individual organisms most often display heterogeneous behavior with respect to their metabolic activity, growth status, gene expression pattern, etc. In that context, a novel reporter system for monitoring of cellular growth activity has been designed. It comprises a transposon cassette carrying fusions between the growth rate-regulatedEscherichia coli rrnBP1 promoter and different variantgfp genes. It is shown that the P1 promoter is regulated in the same way in E. coli and Pseudomonas putida, making it useful for monitoring of growth activity in organisms outside the group of enteric bacteria. Construction of fusions to genes encoding unstable Gfp proteins opened up the possibility of the monitoring of rates of rRNA synthesis and, in this way, allowing on-line determination of the distribution of growth activity in a complex community. With the use of these reporter tools, it is demonstrated that individual cells of a toluene-degrading P. putida strain growing in a benzyl alcohol-supplemented biofilm have different levels of growth activity which develop as the biofilm gets older. Cells that eventually grow very slowly or not at all may be stimulated to restart growth if provided with a more easily metabolizable carbon source. Thus, the dynamics of biofilm growth activity has been tracked to the level of individual cells, cell clusters, and microcolonies.
Using serial severity scores to predict death in ICU patients: a validation study and review of the literature

Purpose of reviewThe present study describes the use of serial severity scores to predict death in ICU patients and compares the results with previously published literature on this topic. Recent findingsPredicting mortality in critically ill patients has tremendous significance and methods to do so accurately have been studied for decades. The ability to accurately predict death impacts medical therapies, triaging, end-of-life care, and many other aspects of ICU care. There are many methods in existence to help physicians predict mortality, but most are not very accurate on an individual basis. The main tools available are severity scores, published outcomes data, and personal experience and all of them have significant limitations. One strategy that has been shown to be effective in accurately predicting death is to use serial severity scoring during the patient's ICU admission. Recently, a retrospective study done on a large cohort of ICU patients at a single institution showed very high specificity in predicting death by using serial acute physiology, age, and chronic health evaluation (APACHE III) scores on days 1 and 3. The authors of this article sought to validate this study in a different institution using a slightly different model that was easier to use and might increase sensitivity. The results of this small study are presented with a review of the literature on the use of serial scores to predict death in ICU patients. SummaryOver the years multiple studies have shown that systems using serial severity scores can predict death in ICU patients with very high but not perfect accuracy. The clinical use of these systems remains low however and ultimately their main utility may be in research.
Fosfomycin Reduces CD15s-Related Antigen Expression of Streptococcus pyogenes

ABSTRACT We have previously shown the immunological mimicry of human sialyl-Lewisx (CD15s) by a surface antigen ofStreptococcus pyogenes. This mimicking surface antigen may act as a ligand to the selectin family and may induce antibody production against CD15s on host cells, suggesting a possible role in the pathogenesis of S. pyogenes. In this study, the effects of antibiotics on the CD15s-related antigen expression of S. pyogenes were examined at a concentration below the MIC (sub-MIC). The amounts of CD15s on the surfaces of S. pyogenes cells and on the surfaces of S. pyogenesbiofilms were determined by a whole-cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and by laser scanning fluorescence microscopy, respectively, by using an anti-CD15s monoclonal antibody. At the sub-MICs, fosfomycin (1R,2S-1,2-epoxypropyl phosphonic acid), its enantiomer (1S,2R-1,2-epoxypropyl phosphonic acid), and benzylpenicillin significantly inhibited the CD15s expression of all strains studied. The effects of fosfomycin and its enantiomer on biofilms were also observed by scanning electron microscopy. Incubation of S. pyogenes with the sub-MIC of fosfomycin or its enantiomer, which has no antibacterial activity, reduced the amount of CD15s on the biofilm surface and made it smooth. These results suggest that fosfomycin or its enantiomer might be useful for preventing S. pyogenes adherence to human CD15s receptors and the resulting immunological pathogenicity.
Identification of a Novel Human MD-2 Splice Variant That Negatively Regulates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced TLR4 Signaling

Myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2) is a secreted gp that assembles with TLR4 to form a functional signaling receptor for bacterial LPS. In this study, we have identified a novel alternatively spliced isoform of human MD-2, termed MD-2 short (MD-2s), which lacks the region encoded by exon 2 of the MD-2 gene. Similar to MD-2, MD-2s is glycosylated and secreted. MD-2s also interacted with LPS and TLR4, but failed to mediate LPS-induced NF-κB activation and IL-8 production. We show that MD-2s is upregulated upon IFN-γ, IL-6, and TLR4 stimulation and negatively regulates LPS-mediated TLR4 signaling. Furthermore, MD-2s competitively inhibited binding of MD-2 to TLR4. Our study pinpoints a mechanism that may be used to regulate TLR4 activation at the onset of signaling and identifies MD-2s as a potential therapeutic candidate to treat human diseases characterized by an overly exuberant or chronic immune response to LPS.
MR angiography with sensitivity encoding (SENSE) for suspected pulmonary embolism: comparison with MDCT and ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy.

OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to determine the utility of time-resolved contrast-enhanced MR angiography combined with sensitivity encoding (SENSE) for patients with pulmonary embolism. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Forty-eight consecutive patients (26 men and 22 women; age range, 27-73 years; mean age, 55 years) with suspected pulmonary embolism underwent chest radiography, contrast-enhanced MDCT, MR angiography with SENSE, ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy, and pulmonary angiography. MR angiography with SENSE was performed using IV administration of gadolinium contrast medium with a 3D turbo field-echo pulse sequence (TR/TE, 4.0/1.2; flip angle, 30 degrees ) on a 1.5-T scanner. Capabilities of diagnosing pulmonary embolism using MR angiography (data set A), contrast-enhanced MDCT (data set B), contrast-enhanced MDCT with MR angiography (data set C), ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy (data set D), and contrast-enhanced MDCT with ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy (data set E) were determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis, using the results of pulmonary angiography as the reference standard. The diagnostic capability of each data set was analyzed on a per-vascular zone and a per-patient basis with the McNemar test. RESULTS Sensitivity and specificity of data set A were 83% and 97%, respectively, on a per-vascular zone basis and 92% and 94%, respectively, on a per-patient basis. Specificity and accuracy of data set A were significantly higher than those of data set D on a per-patient basis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Time-resolved MR angiography with SENSE is effective for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.
Characterisation of the promoter region of the human DNA-repair gene Rad51.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION Regulatory elements of the 5'-flanking region of the DNA-repair gene Rad51 were analysed to characterise pathological alterations of Rad51 mRNA expression during tumour development. METHODS Various fragments of the Rad51 promoter were cloned into the pGL3 reporter vector and the respective promoter activity was determined by luciferase assays in transfected U2-OS cells. Transcription factor binding was identified using Protein/DNA arrays. RESULTS The region encompassing base pairs -204 to -58 was identified as crucial for Rad51 gene transcription. Down regulator sequences are present upstream (-305 to -204) and downstream (-48 and +204) of this core promoter element. Promoter activity is significantly enhanced by substituting G at the polymorphic positions +135 and +172 for C and T, respectively. Transcription factors Ets1/PEA3, E2F1, p53, EGR1, and Stat5 were identified as relevant for regulating expression of Rad51. CONCLUSION We identified three separate cis-sequence elements within the Rad51 transcriptional promoter, one ensuring basal levels of expression and two elements limiting expression to relatively low levels. The characterisation of transcription factor binding might help to explain high-level expression of Rad51 in a variety of solid tumours. The polymorphic sites appear important for the increased risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer for BRCA2 mutation carriers.
Phase I trial of recombinant immunotoxin RFB4(dsFv)-PE38 (BL22) in patients with B-cell malignancies.

PURPOSE To conduct a phase I trial of recombinant immunotoxin BL22, an anti-CD22 Fv fragment fused to truncated Pseudomonas exotoxin. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-six pretreated patients with CD22+ non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL; n = 4), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL; n = 11), and hairy cell leukemia (HCL; n = 31) received 265 cycles at 3 to 50 microg/Kg every other day x 3 doses. RESULTS BL22 was active in HCL, with 19 complete remissions (CRs; 61%) and six partial responses (PRs; 19%) in 31 patients. Of 19 CRs, 11 were achieved after one cycle and eight after two to 14 cycles. All 25 responders benefited clinically with one cycle. The CR rate was 86% in patients enrolled at > or = 40 microg/Kg every other day x 3, and 41% at lower doses (P = .011). The median duration for CR was 36 months (range, 5 to 66 months), and eight patients remain in CR at 45 months (range, 29 to 66 months). Lower but significant activity occurred in CLL. Neutralizing antibodies occurred in 11 (24%) of 46 patients (all HCL). A reversible hemolytic uremic syndrome requiring plasmapheresis was observed in one patient with NHL during cycle 1 and in four patients with HCL during cycle 2 or 3. The maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) evaluated at cycle 1 was 40 microg/Kg IV. QOD x 3. The most common toxicities at 30 to 50 microg/Kg every other day x 3 included hypoalbuminemia, transaminase elevations, fatigue, and edema. CONCLUSION BL22 was well tolerated and highly effective in HCL, even after one cycle. Phase II testing is underway to define the efficacy with one cycle and to study safety when additional cycles are needed for optimal response.