Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Y-27632, a Rho/Rho Kinase Inhibitor, on Leukotriene D4- and Histamine-Induced Airflow Obstruction and Airway Microvascular Leakage in Guinea Pigs in vivo

Recent in vitro studies have shown that the Rho/Rho kinase pathway is involved in the mechanism of not only airway smooth muscle contraction but also vascular endothelial permeability caused by certain stimuli. This suggests that Rho/Rho kinase inhibitors may become useful agents against asthma via reduction of increased airway microvascular leakage, one of the main features of this disease. Thus, we wanted to know the in vivo effect of Y-27632, a selective Rho kinase inhibitor, on airway microvascular leakage caused by leukotriene D4 (LTD4) and histamine, potent mediators of allergic airway inflammation, by comparing its effect against airflow obstruction. For comparison, the effects of procaterol, a β2-adrenoceptor agonist, on these responses were also studied. Tracheostomized guinea pigs were given either aerosolized Y-27632 (3 or 15 mmol/l), procaterol (6 µmol/l) or vehicle (0.9% NaCl) for 5 min under spontaneous breathing. After being mechanically ventilated, the animals were given intravenous Evans blue dye 15 min after the end of inhalation. One minute later, either 2 nmol/kg LTD4, 300 nmol/kg histamine or vehicle was administered intravenously. After measurements of lung resistance (RL) for 6 min, the lungs of animals were taken out, and the amount of extravasated Evans blue dye was examined as an index of leakage. Inhaled Y-27632 dose-dependently attenuated increases in RL caused by LTD4 and histamine. The degree of inhibition was almost similar between 15 mmol/l Y-27632 and 6 µmol/l procaterol. By contrast, only 15 mmol/l, but not 3 mmol/l, Y-27632 partially reduced LTD4-induced leakage. Histamine-induced Evans blue dye extravasation was not inhibited by 15 mmol/l Y-27632. Procaterol significantly inhibited the dye extravasation caused by either LTD4 or histamine. These results suggest that Y-27632 is not a useful agent in attenuating airway microvascular leakage which is seen in asthma, although it is potent in inhibiting airflow obstruction.
Body image and sexual interests in adolescents and young adults with Prader–Willi syndrome

Abstract Background: Hypogonadism is a major feature of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), but clinical manifestations are variable. Sexual interests and behavior in this population have not been previously described. Objectives: We studied PWS adolescents and young adults to assess 1) satisfaction with physical and sexual development, 2) frequency of romantic and sexual experiences, 3) aspirations and expectations regarding marriage, 4) possible relationships between sexual interests and hormone levels, and 5) the desire for hormonal replacement therapy. Methods: The study population consisted of 27 individuals (13 males) ages 17–32 (mean 23.5) years with genetically confirmed PWS. Mean intelligence quotient (IQ) was 75 (range 50–100). We conducted structured interviews using questionnaires specifically designed for this study. Results: There was a significant negative correlation between IQ and body image in both males and females. IQ showed a positive correlation with interest in dating and romantic activities. Approximately half of PWS males and females reported having been on a date and kissing romantically. All males and 64% of the females wished to be married. Seventy-seven per cent of PWS males wanted hormonal treatment to increase phallic size. We found no correlation between hormone levels and sexual interests. Only 43% of PWS females wanted hormonal medication to achieve regular menstruation. Conclusion: Despite documented hypogonadism, PWS young adults are interested in sexual and romantic issues. The range of sexual activities and expectations is variable. Understanding specific sexual characteristics of each individual is important in order to offer proper anticipatory sexual guidance counseling and for appropriate recommendations for hormone replacement.
Frequency of the TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion is increased in moderate to poorly differentiated prostate cancers

Background: Recent reports indicate that prostate cancers (CaP) frequently over-express the potential oncogenes, ERG or ETV1. Many cases have chromosomal rearrangements leading to the fusion of the 5′ end of the androgen-regulated serine protease TMPRSS2 (21q22.2) to the 3′ end of either ERG (21q22.3) or ETV1 (7p21.3). The consequence of these rearrangements is aberrant androgen receptor-driven expression of the potential oncogenes, ETV1 or ERG. Aim: To determine the frequency of rearrangements involving TMPRSS2, ERG, or ETV1 genes in CaP of varying Gleason grades through fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) on CaP tissue microarrays (TMAs). Methods: Two independent assays, a TMPRSS2 break-apart assay and a three-colour gene fusion FISH assay were applied to TMAs. FISH positive cases were confirmed by reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR and DNA sequence analysis. Results: A total of 106/196 (54.1%) cases were analysed by FISH. None of the five benign prostatic hyperplasia cases analysed exhibited these gene rearrangements. TMPRSS2:ERG fusion was found more frequently in moderate to poorly differentiated tumours (35/86, 40.7%) than in well differentiated tumours (1/15, 6.7%, p = 0.017). TMPRSS2:ETV1 gene fusions were not detected in any of the cases tested. TMPRSS2:ERG fusion product was verified by RT-PCR followed by DNA sequencing in 7/7 randomly selected positive cases analysed. Conclusion: This study indicates that TMPRSS2:ERG gene rearrangements in CaP may be used as a diagnostic tool to identify prognostically relevant sub-classifications of these cancers.
Investment Philosophy and Manager Evaluation, Again

Investing involves making decisions about a future that is sufficiently uncertain that we are never quite sure if we are making the best decision. As investment professionals, we may have an abundance of data and bring the best training and skill to bear on a problem and still not know the best course of action. Given this, we must fall back on systems of belief—investment philosophies, if you will—to frame our decisions. Organizations, too, have systems of investment belief, which are closely linked to an organization’s culture. For an organization with a strong investing culture, the organization’s investment philosophy is an integral part of all major functions of the firm, including investing, human resources, and communication. Most investment philosophies start out as the unarticulated or semi-articulated vision of a firm’s founder. Sooner or later, most investment philosophies encounter a need to be articulated, cultivated, extended, focused, or updated, and to be incorporated into, or merged with, an organization’s culture. Philosophies also benefit from ongoing field testing as they are used in practice. This suggests that both firms and individual professionals can benefit from being deliberate in how they develop, articulate, and curate their investment philosophies.
TLR3 Is Essential for the Induction of Protective Immunity against Punta Toro Virus Infection by the Double-Stranded RNA (dsRNA), Poly(I:C12U), but not Poly(I:C): Differential Recognition of Synthetic dsRNA Molecules1

In the wake of RNA virus infections, dsRNA intermediates are often generated. These viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns can be sensed by a growing number of host cell cytosolic proteins and TLR3, which contribute to the induction of antiviral defenses. Recent evidence indicates that melanoma differentiation-associated gene-5 is the prominent host component mediating IFN production after exposure to the dsRNA analog, poly(I:C). We have previously reported that Punta Toro virus (PTV) infection in mice is exquisitely sensitive to treatment with poly(I:C12U), a dsRNA analog that has a superior safety profile while maintaining the beneficial activity of the parental poly(I:C) in the induction of innate immune responses. The precise host factor(s) mediating protective immunity following its administration remain to be elucidated. To assess the role of TLR3 in this process, mice lacking the receptor were used to investigate the induction of protective immunity, type I IFNs, and IL-6 following treatment. Unlike wild-type mice, those lacking TLR3 were not protected against PTV infection following poly(I:C12U) therapy and failed to produce IFN-α, IFN-β, and IL-6. In contrast, poly(I:C) treatment significantly protected TLR3−/− mice from lethal challenge despite some deficiencies in cytokine induction. There was no indication that the lack of protection was due to the fact that TLR3-deficient mice had a reduced capacity to fight infection because they were not found to be more susceptible to PTV. We conclude that TLR3 is essential to the induction of antiviral activity elicited by poly(I:C12U), which does not appear to be recognized by the cytosolic sensor of poly(I:C), melanoma differentiation-associated gene-5.
[Serum levels of IL-5 and LTB4 in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura].

OBJECTIVE This study investigated the serum levels of interleukin-5 (IL-5), leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) at different phases to explore the role of IL-5, LTB4 and CRP in the pathogenesis of HSP. METHODS Serum levels of IL-5, LTB4 and CRP in 27 normal children and 31 children with HSP at the acute phase and the early recovery phase were detected using ELISA. RESULTS The serum levels of IL-5, LTB4 and CRP in children with HSP were 53.8 +/- 4.2 pg/mL, 95.3 +/- 12.0 pg/mL and 36.10 +/- 11.78 mg/L, respectively at the acute phase. The values were significantly decreased at the early recovery phase (37.8 +/- 3.9 pg/mL, 45.7 +/- 10.1 pg/mL, 18.35 +/- 6.43 mg/L; P < 0.01), but remained higher than those in normal controls (12.7 +/- 3.2 pg/mL, 17.6 +/- 5.7 pg/mL, 4.75 +/- 2.85 mg/L; P < 0.01). The serum levels of IL-5 and LTB4 positively correlated to the CRP level. CONCLUSIONS The serum levels of IL-5 and LTB4 in children with HSP increased during the acute phase and decreased at the early recovery phase, suggesting that IL-5 and LTB4 may be involved in the pathogenesis of HSP.
A day care program and evaluation of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) for the elderly with senile dementia

We conducted a survey to clarify the evaluation methods of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) for the elderly with senile dementia in an adult day care center. AAT was implemented for a total of six biweekly sessions. The AAT group consisted of seven subjects and the control group numbered 20 subjects. In a comparison between Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) scores at baseline and those measured three months later, the average MMSE score before AAT (baseline) was 11.43 (± 9.00), and three months later it was 12.29(± 9.69). In the AAT group, the average score on Nishimura's Activities of Daily Living (N-ADL) at baseline was 28.43(± 14.00), and after ATT it was 29.57(± 14.47). In the AAT group, the average baseline score on behavioral pathology of Alzheimer's disease (Behave-AD) was 11.14(± 4.85), and three months after AAT it was 7.29(± 7.11) (p < 0.05). In the control group, the average baseline score was 5.45(± 3.27) and three months later it was 5.63(± 3.59). The evaluation of salivary CgA, as a mental stress index, showed a decreasing tendency in the AAT group. Our findings demonstrate the usefulness of using several methods for evaluation of the changes in patients given AAT.
Bcl2 Impedes DNA Mismatch Repair by Directly Regulating the hMSH2-hMSH6 Heterodimeric Complex*

Bcl2 has been reported to suppress DNA mismatch repair (MMR) with promotion of mutagenesis, but the mechanism(s) is not fully understood. MutSα is the hMSH2-hMSH6 heterodimer that primarily functions to correct mutations that escape the proofreading activity of DNA polymerase. Here we have discovered that Bcl2 potently suppresses MMR in association with decreased MutSα activity and increased mutagenesis. Exposure of cells to nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone results in accumulation of Bcl2 in the nucleus, which interacts with hMSH6 but not hMSH2 via its BH4 domain. Deletion of the BH4 domain from Bcl2 abrogates the ability of Bcl2 to interact with hMSH6 and is associated with enhanced MMR efficiency and decreased mutation frequency. Overexpression of Bcl2 reduces formation of the hMSH2-hMSH6 complex in cells, and purified Bcl2 protein directly disrupts the hMSH2-hMSH6 complex and suppresses MMR in vitro. Importantly, depletion of endogenous Bcl2 by RNA interference enhances formation of the hMSH2-hMSH6 complex in association with increased MMR and decreased mutagenesis. Thus, Bcl2 suppression of MMR may occur in a novel mechanism by directly regulating the heterodimeric hMSH2-hMSH6 complex, which potentially contributes to genetic instability and carcinogenesis.
A Real-Time TaqMan RT-PCR Method for Neuraminidase Type 1 (N1) Gene Detection of H5N1 Eurasian Strains of Avian Influenza Virus

Abstract This work describes the development of a real-time RT-PCR (RRT-PCR) procedure for detection of the N1 gene from avian influenza virus (AIV), based on the use of specific primers and a TaqMan-MGB (minor groove binder) probe. Nucleotide sequences of the neuraminidase type 1 gene from a collection of H5N1 Eurasian strains of AIV were aligned using ClustalW software. Conserved regions were located and used to design specific primers and a TaqMan-MGB probe using Primer Express software. A one-step RRT-PCR method was optimized using RNA from the Turkey 2005 H5N1 strain of AIV and can be completed in about 2 hr once the RNA is extracted from the sample. The specificity of the assay was assessed with non-N1 AIV strains, another related avian virus, and different avian tissue samples from healthy animals. Sensitivity was determined using 10-fold serial dilutions of the H5N1 Turkey 2005 strain and was compared with the generic RRT-PCR detection method, targeted at the matrix protein gene of AIV, commonly used at the Spanish AIV National Reference Laboratory. The N1 detection method proved to be even more sensitive than the generic (matrix-based) method, allowing a very quick confirmation (or discarding) of any Eurasian N1 strain when a positive result was obtained with the matrix RRT-PCR assay. Combined with RRT-PCR tests for general detection of AIV and H5 typing in use at the NRL, the procedure here described allows characterizing of any H5N1 Eurasian AIV strain in a field sample within a working day.
Discovering user's interest at E-commerce site using clickstream data

It is a common view that users' browsing behaviors reflect their true interest in commodities at an e-commerce site. With the development of E-commerce, users' detailed navigating and purchasing behaviors can be completely stored. Clickstream data are records of users' browsing behaviors, which provide information about the path viewed by users and their access time on each page. Usually, personalized services can be offered based on this information by e-commerce service providers. To facilitate dynamic and personalized commodity recommendations, not only within-category but also across-category, an interest oriented method based on clickstream data mining is proposed in this paper to cluster users. A new definition of users' interest is introduced for the first time as a set of the preference for commodity categories. In order to describe users' behaviors and reflect their interest, three main indicators category visiting path, browsing frequency and relative length of access time are taken into consideration and refined from clickstream data. According to these indicators, an improved clustering algorithm with rough set theory is used to cluster users with similar interest. The experimental result shows that this algorithm is effective and applicable. The result of this proposed algorithm can be applied to support decision making for e-commerce sites.
Eigenvalue Distributions of Wishart-Type Random Matrices with Application to the Performance Analysis of MIMO MRC Systems

In this paper, we characterize the eigenvalue distribution of Hermitian matrices generated from a set of independent zero-mean proper complex Gaussian random (PCGR) vectors with an arbitrary common covariance matrix. Such random matrices follow the so-called Wishart-type distribution, a generic designation for both Wishart and pseudo-Wishart distributions. More specifically, we propose new simple expressions for the probability density function (PDF) and derive the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of any subset of unordered eigenvalues of Wishart-type random matrices with arbitrary finite dimensions. Many interesting results can be deduced from the foregoing distributions. In particular, one can straightforwardly deduce the statistics of the largest eigenvalue of Wishart-type random matrices, thereby paving the way for the second contribution of this paper, namely, analyzing the average error probability of dual multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems using maximum-ratio transmission (MRT), subject to frequency-nonselective semicorrelated Rayleigh fading. Furthermore, Monte Carlo simulations are carried out and shown to be in perfect match with the corresponding analytical results, thereby illustrating their validity.
The Cytosolic Pattern Recognition Receptor NOD1 Induces Inflammatory Interleukin-8 during Chlamydia trachomatis Infection

ABSTRACT Inflammation is a hallmark of chlamydial infections, but how inflammatory cytokines are induced is not well understood. Pattern recognition receptors (PRR) of the host innate immune system recognize pathogen molecules and activate intracellular signaling pathways that modulate immune responses. The role of PRR such as Toll-like receptors (TLR) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD) proteins in the endogenous interleukin-8 (IL-8) response induced during Chlamydia trachomatis infection is not known. We hypothesized that a PRR is essential for the IL-8 response induced by C. trachomatis infection. RNA interference was used to knock down the TLR signaling partner MyD88 as well as NOD1 and its signaling molecule receptor-interacting protein 2 (RIP2). IL-8 induced at 30 h postinfection by C. trachomatis was dependent on NOD1 signaling through RIP2; however, the IL-8 response was independent of MyD88-dependent TLR signaling. Activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase cellular signaling pathway, which is essential for up-regulation of IL-8 in response to C. trachomatis infection, was independent of NOD1 or RIP2. We conclude that the endogenous IL-8 response induced by C. trachomatis infection is dependent upon NOD1 PRR signaling through RIP2 as part of a signal system requiring multiple inputs for optimal IL-8 induction. Since ERK is not activated through this pathway, a concomitant interaction between the host and bacteria is additionally required for full activation of the endogenous IL-8 response.
Local Application of 133Xenon for Measurement of Regional Cerebral Blood Flow (rCBF) during Halothane, Enflurane, and Isoflurane Anesthesia in Humans

It is well known that halothane causes an increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF). In this study the effects of halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in humans were determined in the presence of 70% N2O at a combined MAC concentration of 1.5. CBF was determined in 24 patients from the washout of locally applied 133Xenon with the use of an external scintillation. All 24 patients (control n = 6, halothane n = 6, enflurane n = 6, and isoflurane n = 6) were undergoing neurosurgical procedures. All patients were anesthetized with thiopental, fentanyl, droperidol, and 70% N2O in oxygen and paralyzed with pancuronium. The measurements were performed after the dura had been opened and before definitive surgery. The first measurement was done in the absence of any volatile agent, and the wash-out curve was registered for 6 min. The second measurement was done after one of the volatile agents had been added for at least 20 min and had reached a concentration of 0.58% for halothane, 1.14% for enflurane, or 1.0% for isoflurane in the expiratory gases in order to obtain about 1.5 MAC with each volatile anesthetic. The anesthetic concentrations were measured with the Engström multigas analyzer EMMA®. The physiologic variables changed very little throughout the period of observation. Body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, PaCO2, and PaO2 were stable. Ephedrine was used to maintain a stable arterial pressure. At approximately 1.5 MAC, halothane (plus N2O) increased rCBF to nearly three times (166%) the control value, while enflurane induced only a slight increase (35%) in rCBF. Isoflurane caused no increase of rCBF at approximately 1.5 MAC (−5%). The authors conclude that isoflurane may well be a better alternative than halothane or enflurane during neurosurgical operations in patients with increased intracranial pressure.
The "Chilly Climate" for Women and Cognitive Outcomes During the First Year of College. ASHE Annual Meeting Paper.

This study investigated the impact of a "chilly campus climate" on women's first-year cognitive outcomes. The sample population of 1,636 women was selected from incoming first-year students at 18 four-year and five two-year colleges and universities located in 16 different states which had participated in the longitudinal National Study of Student Learning. Institutions were selected from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System to approximate the race/sex balance of the national undergraduate population. A "Chilly Climate for Women Scale" was developed from eight items pertaining to perceived gender discrimination on the follow-up study. While the study found modest correlation between chilly campus climate and negative impact on intellectual growth, it did show that the magnitude of the impact was greater for women at two-year colleges than for those at four-year institutions. Four tables provide correlation scales, variable definitions, and regression analyses for women at two-year and at four-year colleges. (Contains 41 references.) (CH) *********************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** THE 'CHILLY CLIMATE FOR WOMEN AND COGNITIVE OUTCOMES DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF COLLEGE* Ernest T. Pascarella Elizabeth J. Whitt Marcia I. Edison Amaury Nora Linda Serra Hagedom University of Illinois at Chicago Patricia M. Yeager Patrick T. l'erenzirii The Pennsylvania State University Mailing address: Ernest T. Pascarella College of Education (m/c 147) University of Illinois 1040 W. Harrison St. Chicago, IL 60607-7133 January 21,1996 "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY