Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of the immunologic release of histamine upon human lung cyclic nucleotide levels and prostaglandin generation.

The effect of the antigen-induced, immunoglobulin (Ig)E-dependent release of mediators from human lung tissue was analyzed for coincident changes in the tissue levels of cyclic nucleotides. Simultaneously with the appearance of mediators, lung cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (GMP) increased from 0.9+/-0.2 to 12.63+/-4.5 pmol/mg protein and cyclic AMP increased threefold from the initial levels of 5.1+/-1.4 pmol/mg protein. The release of histamine and prostaglandin (PG)F(2alpha), as well as the associated increases in cyclic nucleotides, peaked within 10 min of anaphylaxis. Antagonists of histamine's H-1 receptor prevented anaphylaxis-associated increases in cyclic GMP, whereas H-2 antagonists prevented the cyclic AMP response. Neither of these antagonists influenced the pattern or quantity of histamine or slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis release. Prevention of PGF(2alpha) synthesis with acetylsalicylic acid failed to influence histamine or slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis release or the concomitant increases in cyclic nucleotides. Histamine, added exogenously, produced a prompt increase in the cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP levels of human lung. As was seen after anaphylaxis, H-1 anatagonists prevented the cyclic GMP response to histamine, whereas H-2 antagonists prevented the cyclic AMP response.H-1 antagonists prevented 50% of the PGF(2alpha) synthesis accompanying anaphylaxis; H-2 antagonists had no effect. Exogenous histamine induced PGF(2alpha) synthesis; this synthesis was prevented by H-1 but not H-2 antagonists, and was reproduced by 2-methylhistamine (H-1 agonist) but not by dimaprit (H-2 agonist). Arachidonic acid generation of PGF(2alpha) was not influenced by antihistamines. Therefore, histamine interactions with human lung result in the synthesis of both PGF(2alpha) and cyclic GMP in response to H-1 stimulation, and of cyclic AMP through H-2 stimulation.
Synthetic double-stranded RNA enhances airway inflammation and remodelling in a rat model of asthma

Respiratory viral infections are frequently associated with exacerbations of asthma. Double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) produced during viral infections may be one of the stimuli for exacerbation. We aimed to assess the potential effect of dsRNA on certain aspects of chronic asthma through the administration of polyinosine‐polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), synthetic dsRNA, to a rat model of asthma. Brown Norway rats were sensitized to ovalbumin and challenged three times to evoke airway remodelling. The effect of poly I:C on the ovalbumin‐induced airway inflammation and structural changes was assessed from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and histological findings. The expression of cytokines and chemokines was evaluated by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription PCR and ELISA. Ovalbumin‐challenged animals showed an increased number of total cells and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared with PBS‐challenged controls. Ovalbumin‐challenged animals treated with poly I:C showed an increased number of total cells and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared with those without poly I:C treatment. Ovalbumin‐challenged animals showed goblet cell hyperplasia, increased airway smooth muscle mass, and proliferation of both airway epithelial cells and airway smooth muscle cells. Treatment with poly I:C enhanced these structural changes. Among the cytokines and chemokines examined, the expression of interleukins 12 and 17 and of transforming growth factor‐β1 in ovalbumin‐challenged animals treated with poly I:C was significantly increased compared with those of the other groups. Double‐stranded RNA enhanced airway inflammation and remodelling in a rat model of bronchial asthma. These observations suggest that viral infections may promote airway remodelling.
The atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome. Epidemiology, natural course, and immunology of the IgE-associated ("extrinsic") and the nonallergic ("intrinsic") AEDS.

According to the position paper from the EAACI nomenclature task force, the term "Atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome" (AEDS) should be used as the "umbrella" term to cover the different subtypes of atopic dermatitis (AD). The new nomenclature (AEDS) underlines the fact that AD is not one, single disease, but rather an aggregation of several diseases with certain clinical characteristics in common. The so-called "intrinsic" type of AD (now termed nonallergic AEDS) fulfills the most commonly used diagnostic criteria for AD. These patients have no associated respiratory diseases, such as bronchial asthma or allergic rhinitis, show normal total serum IgE levels, no specific IgE, and negative skin-prick tests to aeroallergens or foods. Immunologic differences between the IgE-associated type of AD and the nonallergic type can be found in the cell and cytokine pattern in peripheral blood and in the affected skin, and also by phenotyping characterization of epidermal dendritic cells. The current explanation of this distinction is based on differences in genetics and/or environmental conditions. The classification into an allergic, IgE-associated (AAEDS) and a nonallergic type (NAAEDS) at each stage of life, i.e., infancy, childhood, teenage, and adult, is essential for the allergological management of patients as to allergen avoidance, secondary allergy prevention, and immunotherapy. The risk of an "atopy march" is significantly lower in children with the non-IgE-associated type.
Confidence intervals for Cronbach ’ s reliability coefficient

Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was suggested as measure of the internal consistency of a questionnaire. The focus of this work is on the interval estimation of the alpha coefficient. Iacobucci and Duhachek (2003) and Koning and Franses (2006) explored transformations for constructing confidence intervals for the true value of alpha based on the asymptotic distribution of the estimate of the coefficient van Zyl et al. (2000). Padilla et al. (2012) examined confidence intervals for the alpha coefficient using bootstrap with non normal populations. We provide an alternative transformation of the alpha coefficient and construct confidence intervals for the true value. In order to do this we also employ the asymptotic distribution of the estimate of the coefficient van Zyl et al. (2000). Simulation studies are performed to demonstrate our methodology when the data are continuous and when they are converted to a Likert scale. A comparison with some present methodologies including the bootstrap methodology is presented as well. Key-Words: reliability, Cronbach’s alpha, transformation, asymptotic normal, delta method, confidence intervals
Combined Heart–Liver Transplantation in the MELD Era: Do Waitlisted Patients Require Exception Status?

Combined heart–liver transplant (HLT) is a viable therapy for patients with concomitant end‐stage heart and liver failure. Using data from the United Network for Organ Sharing database, we examined the cumulative incidences of transplant and mortality in waitlisted candidates for HLT, isolated heart transplant (HRT) and isolated liver transplant (LIV) in the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease era. The incidence of waitlist mortality was higher in HLT candidates than in HRT candidates (p = 0.001, 26% vs. 12% at 1 year) or LIV candidates (p = 0.005, 26% vs. 14% at 1 year). These differences persisted after stratifying by disease severity. Posttransplant survival was not significantly different between HLT and HRT recipients or between HLT and LIV recipients. In a multivariable model, undergoing HLT was associated with enhanced survival for HLT candidates (hazard ratio, 0.41; confidence interval, 0.21–0.79; p = 0.008), but undergoing HRT alone was not. Interestingly, 90% of HLT recipients were allocated an organ locally, compared to 60% of HRT candidates and 73% of LIV candidates (both p < 0.001). These data suggest that the current cardiac and liver allocation systems may underestimate the risk of death for patients with concomitant end‐stage heart and liver failure on the HLT waitlist.
P Diet and Endothelial Function The Acute Effect of Various Glycemic Index Dietary Carbohydrates on Endothelial Function in Nondiabetic Overweight and Obese Subjects

Methods We prospectively assessed brachial artery FMD in 56 healthy overweight and obese nondiabetic volunteers (38 [67.9%] men, mean age 48 6 years) on 4 separate mornings, 1 to 2 weeks apart. After overnight fasting, the percent FMD (%FMD) improvement and endothelium-independent nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (%NTG) were assessed, after which subjects received 1 of 4 group meals at each visit (placebo [water] or a carbohydrate meal of glucose, cornflakes, or high-fiber cereal). Meals were distributed in a rotating randomized fashion, such that each subject received all 4 meals once throughout the study period.
Processor DM 642 Automated Profile Vehicle Using GSM Modem , GPS and Media

This paper discusses the implementation of the embedded system design to control automobile peripherals automatically through voice recognition system. Authorize user profile will be stored in the system which carries specific settings for the user. When the user wishes to drive the car, system will activate the personal settings by recognizing the user’s voice which includes setting of the side and rear mirrors and seat adjustments. The real time snapshot of the driver is also taken using DM642 media processor and displayed on the LCD screen with available profile information. The smart car can also be remotely locked or unlocked using GSM modem. Another feature of navigation and tracking of car using GPS module is also included in the system. The system takes latitude and longitude positions from GPS and sends to the PC using GSM modem. The real time location of the car is further displayed on the map on PC.
Measuring the Load-Carrying Capability of IPMC Microgripper Fingers

The goal of this work is to develop a microgripper using ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC), an electroactive material, and to understand the relationship between finger shape and load-carrying capability. This microgripper supports manipulation of rigid and flexible objects in wet and dry environments. The paper first describes the design of the microgripper, which consists of a "pincher" mechanism that holds the IPMC fingers. Two finger shapes are considered. The first shape, denoted as "straight" fingers, is tested for load-carrying capability by picking up pre-weighed micro-balls of solder. Since IPMC is a compliant material, it was expected that shorter length fingers would carry more load. We found experimentally a linear relationship between finger length and load-carrying capability. The second finger shape is tapered. This finger shape was compared with the straight fingers by measuring the load-carrying performance of several different sizes of each finger shape. It was found that shape has a relatively minor effect. The load-carrying capability was found to be related primarily to the area of the finger. Thus, the microgripper finger shape should be chosen based on the ease of manufacturing. In terms of total strength, it was noted that the microgripper carried loads that exceed the weight of the fingers by a factor of seven
Responses by breast and prostate cancer patients to out-of-pocket costs in Newfoundland and Labrador.

PURPOSE Cancer patients face substantial care-related out-of-pocket (oop) costs that may influence treatment decisions, attitudes, and use of drug- or appointment-related cost-saving strategies. We examined the relationship between oop costs and care-related responses by patients. METHODS We surveyed 170 prostate and 131 breast cancer patients presenting at clinics or support groups, or listed on the cancer registry in Newfoundland and Labrador. RESULTS In the 3-month period before the survey, 18.8% of prostate and 25.2% of breast cancer patients had oop costs greater than $500. Those oop costs consumed more than 7.5% of quarterly household income for 15.9% of prostate and 19.1% of breast cancer patients. Few patients (8.8% prostate, 15.3% breast) ever adopted any drug- or appointment-related cost-saving strategy. Few patients (7.2% prostate, 9.6% breast) said oop costs influenced treatment decisions, told their physicians about their oop costs (27.0% prostate, 21.1% breast), or were aware of available financial assistance programs (27.3% prostate, 36.9% breast). Compared with patients having low or moderate oop costs (22.9% prostate, 16.7% breast, and 25.7% prostate, 58.3% breast respectively), a larger proportion of prostate (56.0%) and breast (58.3%) cancer patients with high oop costs said that those costs created stress. Among prostate cancer patients, a larger proportion of those having high oop costs (compared with low or moderate costs) used drug-related (22.2% vs. 3.3% and 9.6% respectively) and appointment-related (11.1% vs. 1.1% and 3.8% respectively) cost-saving strategies, said oop costs created an unusual amount of stress (48.0% vs. 18.4% and 10.4%), and had difficulty paying those costs (29.2% vs. 6.2% and 10.4%). CONCLUSIONS For a small group of breast and prostate cancer patients, oop costs are high, but rarely lead to the use of care-related cost-saving strategies or influence care decisions.
Liquidity and Market Efficiency: European Evidence from the World's Largest Carbon Market

We examine liquidity and market efficiency on the world’s largest carbon exchange, IntercontinentalExchange Inc.’s European Climate Exchange (ECX), by applying Chordia, Roll, and Subrahmanyam’s (2008) conception of short-horizon return predictability as an inverse indicator of market efficiency. We find a strong relationship between liquidity and market efficiency such that when spreads narrow, return predictability diminishes. This is more pronounced for the highest trading carbon futures and during periods of low liquidity. Since the start of trading in Phase II of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS) prices have continuously moved nearer to unity with, efficient, random walk benchmarks, and this improves from year to year. Overall, our findings suggest trading quality in the EU-ETS has improved markedly and matures over the 2008-2011 compliance years.
Potential anti-tumor mechanisms of renin angiotensin system inhibitors through inhibiting angiogenesis and influencing angiotensin II actions

Recent studies have shown that renin angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors improve the survival of patients with several types of cancer such as pancreatic cancer. However, the anti-tumor mechanisms of RAS inhibitors remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential mechanisms of the improvement of survival by RAS inhibitors. MTT and scratch wound healing assays were conducted using pancreatic cancer cells treated with RAS inhibitors or paclitaxel as a single agent or in combination to investigate the influence of RAS inhibitors on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and migration. Rat aortic ring assays were conducted to investigate the influence of RAS inhibitors on angiogenesis. Cell proliferation assays were conducted using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with RAS inhibitors or angiotensin II as a single agent or in combination to investigate the influence of RAS inhibitors on angiotensin II-mediated cellular effects. Our results showed that a high concentration (100 μM) of RAS inhibitors suppressed the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell lines (Panc-1, Bxpc3, and CFPAC-1) when used alone or in combination with paclitaxel, but did not influence cell migration. RAS inhibitors significantly inhibited angiogenesis in rat thoracic aorta rings. In addition, a low concentration of angiotensin II promoted the growth of HUVEC cells, whereas the high concentration suppressed cell growth. ARBs inhibited the cellular effects caused by angiotensin II in HUVEC cells, whereas ACEIs did not inhibit such effects. In conclusion, RAS inhibitors may improve survival of cancer patients by inhibition of angiogenesis and influencing angiotensin II.
Anterior‐Posterior Relationships of EEG in Photosensitive Subjects: Coherence and Cross‐Phase‐Spectral Analysis

Abstract: Coherence and cross‐phase‐spectral analysis of EEG were applied to photosensitive subjects to investigate the mechanism of the generalization of photo‐induced paroxysms. Coherence values were high between frontal (F) and central (C) in resting records and between F‐C in EEGs revealing harmonic responses, where the coherence values of F‐O (occipital) were also high, and the waves of F preceded those of O. In cases of occipital‐localized 3/6 Hz (poly) spike‐waves, discharges of O preceded those of F. During the stage of generalized paroxysms, discharges were highly cohered between all electrodes. Discharges of F preceded those of O, and appeared to play as a generator. Two conditions with clinical symptoms had higher frequencies ( 12 Hz) and shorter time lags ( 5 msec) than conditions without symptoms.
Active labor market policies in the OECD and in selected transition economies

Transition economies have introduced a range of OECD active labor market policies to combat unemployment - albeit often on paper only, as with rising unemployment passive policies have crowded out active ones. But even in the Czech Republic, active labor market policies have contributed only marginally to reducing unemployment. One task for policymakers in Central and Eastern Europe must be to convey the message that, even under the best circumstances, active labor policies can play only a marginal role in reducing unemployment. OECD labor policies cannot be applied mechanically in Central and Eastern Europe because the situation there is different. Severe and persistent shortages in capital and managerial ability are sure to keep labor demand weak in the medium term, while labor supply will be abundant. As enterprises are restructured and liquidated, the newly unemployed workers cannot be absorbed by the weak private sector and must compete for scarce jobs. Women and older, less educated men have particular trouble finding work. Which active labor policies does the author suggest might be effective? Limited funds for active labor policies might best be spent retraining the most able unemployed workers to develop skills needed in the private sector. Public employment programs might be targeted especially to problem groups of workers and to the long-term unemployed - more for reasons of equity than of efficiency. The point is to have a clear idea whether both aims of efficiency and equity can be pursued and, if efficiency gains are unrealistic, whether equity considerations are politically indispensable. Because nontradable services are underdeveloped, Central and Eastern European countries might eliminate credit rationing that discourages self-employment (the self-employed have trouble getting financing). Improving consulting services for the unemployed in Hungary, Poland, and Russia makes more sense than applying a broad menu of OECD programs. The labor market in the Russian Federation appears to be more dynamic than in Hungary and Poland, but this is probably because of massive labor hoarding in Russian enterprises. Once they start shedding labor in earnest, their employment figures will look more like those in the other Central and Eastern European countries.
The role of sports and exercise in allergic disease: drawbacks and benefits

Although training and exercise have several benefits, overdoing it might not necessarily be a good thing. For instance, elite athletes have an increased risk for asthma and allergy. Several mechanisms can be implicated for this risk, which include the interplay between environmental training factors and athlete’s personal risk factors, such as genetic susceptibility, neurogenic-mediated inflammation, and epithelial sensitivity. However, an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence shows the positive effects of sports as part of a healthy lifestyle. Training reduces breathlessness and asthma symptoms and attenuates Th2-mediated inflammatory responses. Taken together, the benefits far outweigh the potential hazards of training. An easily administered therapeutic healthy lifestyle intervention, which could be used alongside current treatment, must be developed.
The Design of an Ubiquitous Learning System with Research Problem-Based Learning (RPBL) Model for Qualitative Studies

This paper describes the design and development of an ubiquitous learning system for students who are initiating educational qualitative studies. The learning system aims to enhance the mobility of field research that it allows students to access teaching and learning assets when they are in the field, and traces learners' research progress on the Web. Therefore, the paper proposes a research problem-based learning (RPBL) model as the system structure in order to lead students through a systematic pedagogical process, but at the same time makes adaptive learning possibilities available through the customizable task list. The preliminary formative evaluation suggests minor modification of the system and provides positive feedbacks to its instructional use and development.
Anti-Inflammatory and Immunosuppressive Effects of the A 2 A Adenosine Receptor

The production of adenosine represents a critical endogenous mechanism for regulating immune and inflammatory responses during conditions of stress, injury, or infection. Adenosine exerts predominantly protective effects through activation of four 7transmembrane receptor subtypes termed A1, A2A, A2B, and A3, of which the A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) is recognised as a major mediator of anti-inflammatory responses. The A2AAR is widely expressed on cells of the immune system and numerous in vitro studies have identified its role in suppressing key stages of the inflammatory process, including leukocyte recruitment, phagocytosis, cytokine production, and immune cell proliferation. The majority of actions produced by A2AAR activation appear to be mediated by cAMP, but downstream events have not yet been well characterised. In this article, we review the current evidence for the anti-inflammatory effects of the A2AAR in different cell types and discuss possible molecular mechanisms mediating these effects, including the potential for generalised suppression of inflammatory gene expression through inhibition of the NF-κB and JAK/STAT proinflammatory signalling pathways. We also evaluate findings from in vivo studies investigating the role of the A2AAR in different tissues in animal models of inflammatory disease and briefly discuss the potential for development of selective A2AAR agonists for use in the clinic to treat specific inflammatory conditions.