Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthetic Protection Short Interfering RNA Screen Reveals Glyburide as a Novel Radioprotector

Abstract To assist in screening existing drugs for use as potential radioprotectors, we used a human unbiased 16,560 short interfering RNA (siRNA) library targeting the druggable genome. We performed a synthetic protection screen that was designed to identify genes that, when silenced, protected human glioblastoma T98G cells from γ-radiation-induced cell death. We identified 116 candidate protective genes, then identified 10 small molecule inhibitors of 13 of these candidate gene products and tested their radioprotective effects. Glyburide, a clinically used second-generation hypoglycemic drug, effectively decreased radiation-induced cell death in several cell lines including T98G, glioblastoma U-87 MG, and normal lung epithelial BEAS-2B and in primary cultures of astrocytes. Glyburide significantly increased the survival of 32D cl3 murine hematopoietic progenitor cells when administrated before irradiation. Glyburide was radioprotective in vivo (90% of C57BL/6NHsd female mice pretreated with 10 mg/kg glyburide survived 9.5 Gy total-body irradiation compared to 42% of irradiated controls, P = 0.0249). These results demonstrate the power of unbiased siRNA synthetic protection screening with a druggable genome library to identify new radioprotectors.
Multiple-model based actuator fault compensation for two linked 2WD mobile robots

This paper develops a new compensation control scheme for two linked wheeled mobile robots with actuator failurs. First, a configuration of two linked two-wheel drive (2WD) mobile robots is described, and its kinematics and dynamics are modeled. Then, a multiple-model based control scheme is developed to compensate for actuator failures, consisting of a kinematic controller, multiple dynamic controllers and a control switching mechanism, which can ensure system stability and asymptotic tracking properties. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
No association of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism with anorexia nervosa in Japanese

The Met66 allele of the Val66Met polymorphism in the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene has been reported to be associated with anorexia nervosa (AN), and also lower minimum body mass index (BMI) and higher harm avoidance in AN. We genotyped the Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) in 689 AN cases and 573 control subjects. There were no significant differences in the genotype or allele frequencies of the Val66Met between AN and control subjects (allele wise, odds ratio = 0.920, 95% CI 0.785–1.079, P = 0.305). No difference was found in minimum BMIs related to Val66Met in AN (one‐way ANOVA, P > 0.05). Harm avoidance scores on the Temperament and Character Inventory were lower in the Met66 allele carriers (P = 0.0074) contrary to the previous report. Thus we were unable to replicate the previous findings that the Met66 allele of the BDNF is associated with AN and that the minimum BMI is lower or the harm avoidance score is higher in AN patients with the Met66 allele. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sexual Addiction

The power of sexual love is unequaled in human experience. Sex is not addiction; addiction is not sex. But these two experiences can come together and result in sexual addiction or compulsivity. This article defines sex addiction, summarizes the history and research that supports the idea of sex addiction, identifies 20 characteristics of sex addiction, discusses patterns and treatment issues, and summarizes how transactional analysis has been used in therapy with individuals with sexual addiction. The article includes case examples to clarify how sex addiction affects individuals and their partners.
Towards an All Polymeric Electronic Nose: Device Fabrication and Characterization, Electronic Control, Data Analysis

In this work, a wireless electronic nose prototype, called TinyNose, hosting an array of four different polymeric-composite sensors developed at ENEA, is presented. Sensors are fabricated using a carbon black conducting phase dispersed in different polymeric matrices. The prototype has shown interesting results for VOC compounds detection and discrimination purposes during a measurement campaign.
Organ Procurement After Cardiocirculatory Death: A Critical Analysis

To shorten the transplantation waiting time in the United States, federal regulations have been introduced requiring hospitals to develop policies for organ donation after cardiac (or circulatory) death (DCD). The practice of DCD is invoked based on the validity of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) protocol and relies on the accuracy of the University of Wisconsin (UW) evaluation tool to appropriately identify organ donors. There is little evidence to support the position that the criteria for organ procurement adopted from the UPMC protocol complies with the dead donor rule. A high false-positive rate of the UW evaluation tool can expose many dying patients to unnecessary perimortem interventions because of donation failure. The medications and/or interventions for the sole purpose of maintaining organ viability can have unintended negative consequences on the timing and quality of end-of-life care offered to organ donors. It is essential to address and manage the evolving conflict between optimal end-of-life care and the necessary sacrifices for the procurement of transplantable organs from the terminally ill. The recipients of marginal organs recovered from DCD can also suffer higher mortality and morbidity than recipients of other types of donated organs. Finally, transparent disclosure to the public of the risks involved to both organ donors and recipients may contribute to open societal debate on the ethical acceptability of DCD.
Export Diversification through Horticulture: Kenya – a Case Study

Certain developing countries have achieved economic diversification through expansion away from the more traditional, internationally traded agricultural and beverage crops to horticultural crops for export. Kenya is one such country. However, continued successful development of export markets for horticultural crops will depend on responding to the future challenges. In order to maintain and expand the market share against increased competition from other developing countries, certain strategies are required by any country wishing to export horticultural crops. The adoption of appropriate technologies such as refrigerated sea transport and pre-cooling facilities are necessary to maintain quality and minimize costs. Organized marketing must meet the demands of the market and comply with the importing country's legislation in terms of product, quality and specification. This requires a responsive and an innovative strategy. Finally, national and international trading policies need to be conducive to international trade.
[Effect of naringin on osteoclast differentiation].

OBJECTIVE To discuss the effect of Drynariae Rhizoma's naringin on osteoclasts induced by mouse monocyte RAW264.7. METHOD RAW264.7 cells were induced by 100 μg x L(-1) nuclear factor-κB receptor activator ligand (RANKL) and became mature osteoclasts, which were identified through TRAP specific staining and bone resorption. MTT method was sued to screen and inhibit and the highest concentration of osteoclasts. After being cultured with the screened medium containing naringin for 5 days, positive TRAP cell counting and bone absorption area analysis were adopted to observe the effect of naringin on the formation of osteoclast sells and the bone absorption function. The osteoclast proliferation was measured by flow cytometry. The effects of RANK, TRAP, MMP-9, NFATc1 and C-fos mRNA expressions on nuclear factor-κB were detected by RT-PCR. RESULT Naringin could inhibit osteoclast differentiation, bone absorption function and proliferation activity of osteoclasts, significantly down-regulate RANK, TRAP, MMP-9 and NFATc1 mRNA expressions in the osteoclast differentiation process, and up-regulate the C-fos mRNA expression. CONCLUSION Naringin could inhibit osteoclast differentiation, proliferation and bone absorption function. Its mechanism may be achieved by inhibiting the specific gene expression during the osteoclast differentiation process.
Isolated hapten‐binding receptors of sensitized lymphocytes. IV. Expression of immimoglobulin variable regions in (4‐hydroxy‐3‐nitrophenyl) acetyl (NP)‐specific receptors isolated from murine B and T lymphocytes

Primary anti‐NP [(4‐hydroxy‐3‐nitrophenyl)acetyl] antibodies and NP‐specific receptors isolated from T cells of mice carrying the Ig‐1b allotype express the NPb idio‐type and a fine specificity marker (heteroclicity) which are both controlled by V genes in the heavy chain linkage group. While in antibodies both markers are invariably expressed in association with Ig light chains of the Λ type, antigen‐binding T cell‐derived receptors appear not to follow this rule in that they do not significantly bind to anti‐Λ antisera.
Sex hormones prolong the QT interval and downregulate potassium channel expression in the rabbit heart.

BACKGROUND Sex hormones are known to exert direct and indirect effects on cardiovascular function, but their effects on cardiac repolarization have not been elucidated. The repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential or QT interval of the ECG is regulated largely by potassium channels such as the delayed rectifier currents HK2 and IsK. METHODS AND RESULTS The effects of ovariectomy (OVX) and estradiol (E2) or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment were evaluated on HK2, HERG, and IsK mRNA levels, QT duration, and quinidine-induced changes in QT interval in isolated rabbit hearts. HK2 and 0.7-kilobase IsK mRNA were downregulated in cardiac ventricular tissue from OVX rabbits treated with either E2 or DHT. The QT interval was prolonged in E2- and DHT-treated animals (OVX + vehicle, 223 +/- 6 ms; OVX + DHT, 236 +/- 10 ms; and OVX + DHT, 245 +/- 6 ms; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS The association between hormone-induced changes in baseline QT interval and the mRNA level for these channels suggests that sex hormones may play a critical role in regulating cardiac repolarization. However, the changes in baseline QT and potassium channel mRNA after hormone treatment were not concordant with the changes in QT interval after the infusion of quinidine, after which E2-treated animals responded similarly to controls (18.4 +/- 4.6% and 19.3 +/- 4.6% increase in QT interval, respectively) and DHT-treated animals exhibited less QT prolongation (11.4 +/- 3.8% increase; P < .03).
Differential regulation of the low‐affinity nerve growth factor receptor during postnatal development of the rat brain

We studied the temporal and spatial localization of the low‐affinity nerve growth factor receptor (LNGF‐R) during the early postnatal period in rat brain in order to understand better the relationship between nerve growth factor (NGF)‐like responsiveness and the development of specific central neuronal populations. Four different developmental patterns of LNGF‐R mRNA hybridization were found in this study. First, some neurons contain high levels of LNGF‐R mRNA from postnatal time points into adulthood, as exemplified by neurons of the cholinergic basal forebrain and mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus. Second, several cell groups exhibit robust hybridization during the early postnatal period but contain much reduced levels of LNGF‐R mRNA in the adult brain. These include striatal neurons, Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, and several medullary nuclei. A third group of cells produces the LNGF‐R transiently during development, including cranial nerve nuclei of the brainstem, the periolivary nuclei complex, the reticular formation, and the deep cerebellar nuclei. Finally, cell populations which may exist only transiently during central nervous system (CNS) development, such as subplate neurons of the cerebral cortex, appear to express the LNGF‐R during only a brief period. These results show that the LNGF‐R gene is differentially regulated in a cell type‐specific manner during development, and suggests that diverse neuronal populations require only transient growth factor sensitivity, while others exhibit NGF‐like responsitivity into maturity.
LBP, CD14, TLR4 and the murine innate immune response to a peritoneal Salmonella infection

In mice, defense against an intraperitoneal Salmonella infection depends on a vigorous innate immune response. Mutations which lead to an inadequate early response to the pathogen thus identify genes involved in innate immunity. The best studied host resistance factor, NRAMP-1, is an endosomal membrane protein whose loss leads to an inability of the animals to hold the infection in check. However, innate defense against Salmonella is not restricted to mechanisms which directly attack the pathogen within macrophages. Here we have examined the contribution of the LBP, CD14 and TLR4 gene products to innate defense against Salmonella. To this end, we have generated mice which carry a wild-type allele of NRAMP-1, but which are deficient for the LBP, CD14 or TLR4 genes. Loss of any of these genes leads to a susceptibility to Salmonella as dramatic as that seen in animals lacking functional NRAMP-1 protein. This indicates that LBP, CD14 and TLR4 are all critical elements required in the proper induction of this innate defense system.
Acute effects of intravenous 1 alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol on parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin and calcitriol in man.

The acute effects of a single intravenous injection of 2 micrograms of 1 alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol (alfacalcidol) were studied for a 24-h period in six normal males (mean age 33 years), six women with primary hyperparathyroidism (mean age 72 years) and six women with established osteoporosis (mean age 63 years). In all three groups, serum calcitriol levels rose to a peak 2-3 h after administration of alfacalcidol. Basal levels were highest in the primary hyperparathyroidism group at (mean +/- SEM) 81 +/- 2 vs 62 +/- 12 (normal males) (p < 0.05) and 56 +/- 5 pmol/l (osteoporosis) (p < 0.01). Highest peak levels were found also in the primary hyperparathyroidism group at 150 +/- 15 vs 114 +/- 15 (normal males) (p < 0.05) and 127 +/- 15 pmol/l (osteoporosis) (p < 0.01). The rise in calcitriol was higher in the primary hyperparathyroidism group than either the normal males or osteoporotic patients (p < 0.05). No significant differences were evident in basal serum calcidiol concentrations among the three treatment groups. As might be expected, highest basal concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum calcium and serum osteocalcin were noted in the primary hyperparathyroid group (PTH: 17.1 +/- 7.7 vs 1.9 +/- 0.5 (normal males) (p < 0.01) and 2.1 +/- 0.3 pmol/l (osteoporosis) (p < 0.01); calcium: 3.06 +/- 0.08 vs 2.50 +/- 0.02 (normal males) (p < 0.01) and 2.43 +/- 0.02 mmol/l (osteoporosis) (p < 0.01); osteocalcin: 1.10 +/- 0.08 vs 0.56 +/- 0.16 (normal males) (p < 0.05) and 0.53 +/- 0.21 nmol/l (osteoporosis) (p < 0.05). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Assessing linearity of injection probes used in BCI test setups for automotive applications

In this work, the possible occurrence of saturation in injection probes for Bulk Current Injection (BCI) is experimentally investigated. To this end, three different probes are considered. These probes are suitable for conducted susceptibility verifications foreseen by automotive Standards. The probe transmission performance is characterized in terms of insertion loss for different power levels delivered to its input port, with the objective to assess probe linearity during the injection test. For the probes under analysis, the results shown in this paper led to exclude the occurrence of saturation even when the probes are used in combination with the most severe injection profiles foreseen by specific BCI Standards. The significance and usefulness of this result is that modeling of injection probes in terms of suitable frequency-responses appears to be feasible, and can therefore be used for effective simulation of test setups and the prediction of BCI test effects.
Possible Mechanisms for the Effects of Botulinum Toxin on Pain

Abstract: The therapeutic effects of botulinum toxin are principally, if not exclusively, derived from an alteration in the release of acetylcholine (ACh) at pre‐synaptic neurons. The rationale for how these effects could be beneficial in conditions characterized by excessive muscle contraction is clear, but the hypotheses regarding botulinum toxininduced effects on pain are highly speculative. We explore five possible mechanisms by which botulinum toxin could directly or indirectly alter pain, including: 1) changes in the sensitivity and response patterns of group III and IV muscle nociceptors, 2) diminished activity in the &ggr;‐motor neurons and consequent changes in muscle spindle afferents, 3) alterations in cholinergic control of vascular and autonomic functions, including neurogenic inflammation, 4) induced neuroplastic changes in the processing of afferent somatosensory activity at multiple levels of the neuroaxis, and 5) direct non‐cholinergic effects on pain afferents.
Matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression in human oral squamous cell carcinoma and the effect of protein kinase C inhibitors: preliminary observations.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate gelatinase (matrixmetalloproteinase [MMP]-2 and MMP-9) expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to explore the mechanisms that may inhibit gelatinase activity. STUDY DESIGN Thirty biopsy specimens of OSCCs were examined by means of immunohistochemistry. Supernatants from primary cultures of human oral mucosal keratinocyte and oral cancer-derived cells (KB and OC2) were analyzed by means of gelatin zymography. Furthermore, protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors (H7 and staurosporine) were added to test how they modulate gelatinase production in human oral cancer cells. RESULTS MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was significantly higher in oral SCCs and was located in discrete clusters of tumor cells. Oral mucosal keratinocyte cultures, KB, and OC2 were found to secrete and produce MMP-2 and MMP-9. However, the amounts of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were highly elevated in the 2 oral cancer cell lines in comparison with oral mucosal keratinocyte cultures (P <.05). In addition, PKC inhibitors were found to decrease MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in oral cancer cells (P <.05). CONCLUSION Taken together, human oral SCCs produce MMP-2 and MMP-9 in vivo and in vitro, and gelatinase activity is down-regulated by PKC inhibitors in vitro. PKC inhibitors suppressing MMP production and/or activity may represent valuable therapeutic agents through their influence on the pathogenesis of OSCC. These agents may prove clinically useful in combination with standard therapeutic modalities for the treatment of patients with oral cancer.
[Regulation of the expression and function of glucose transporter-1 by TGF-beta 1 and high glucose in mesangial cells].

OBJECTIVE To study the effects of high glucose and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) on the expression and function of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) in mouse mesangial cells. METHODS Cultured mouse mesangial cells were used. The expression of GLUT1 mRNA was detected by Northern Blot; glucose uptake and its kinetics were determined with a 2-Deoxy-[3H]-D-glucose uptake assay. RESULTS Mesangial cells exposed to enriched glucose medium (20 mmol/L) for 72 hours demonstrated a decrease in both GLUT1 mRNA and Vmax for uptake of the glucose analog, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DOG), as compared to mesangial cells cultured in physiologic glucose concentrations (5.5 mmol/L). In contrast, hypertonic mannitol had no effect on GLUT1 mRNA levels. TGF-beta 1 treatment for 10 hours stimulated 2DOG uptake, both in 5.5 mmol/L and 20 mmol/L glucose medium, by approximately 4.28-fold in a dose-dependent manner (2 ng/ml maximum). Kinetic analysis of 2DOG uptake revealed an increase in Vmax and a decrease in Km in the presence of TGF-beta 1. TGF-beta 1 also up-regulated the expression of GLUT1 mRNA in mesangial cells. The addition of anti-TGF-beta neutralizing antibody (30 micrograms/ml) in mesangial cells cultured in enriched glucose medium (20 mmol/L) led to a 40% decrease in 2DOG uptake. CONCLUSIONS The expression of GLUT1 can be suppressed by exposure of mesangial cells to high glucose medium, which may serve as a protective mechanism against possible adverse effects of excessive glucose flux into cells. TGF-beta 1 stimulates glucose uptake by enhancing the expression and function of GLUT1 in mesangial cells. This effect is independent of the glucose milieu in the cultured medium.
Preparing homeless people for independent living and its influence on resettlement outcomes

> Abstract_ This paper examines associations between the preparation for independent living that homeless people receive and the outcomes of their resettlement. It draws on evidence from FOR-HOME, a longitudinal study in London and three provincial English cities of resettlement outcomes over 18 months for 400 single homeless people. A high rate of tenancy sustainment was achieved: after 15/18 months, 78% were still in the original tenancy, 7% had moved to another tenancy, and 15% no longer had a tenancy. The use of temporary accommodation prior to being resettled and the duration of stay had a strong influence on tenancy sustainment. People who had been in hostels or temporary supported housing for more than 12 months immediately before being resettled, and those who had been in the last project more than six months, were more likely to have retained a tenancy than those who had had short stays and/or slept rough intermittently during the 12 months before resettlement. The findings are consistent with the proposition that the current policy priority in England for shorter stays in temporary accommodation will lead to poorer resettlement outcomes, more returns to homelessness, and a net increase in expenditure on homelessness services.
Transcriptional regulation of early B‐lymphocyte differentiation

Summary: Differentiation of hematopoietic progenitors into the B‐lymphocyte lineage requires co‐ordination of a complex network of transcriptional regulators. Lineage specificity is likely to result from combinatorial mechanisms of gene regulation. Four general functions are mediated by transcription factors in the differentiating pro‐B cell. First, a cascade of B‐cell‐restricted transcription factors is upregulated. Second, genes involved in the specification of other cell fates are repressed. Both activation and repression require the participation of different classes of transcriptional regulators, including proteins of the Ikaros family that can recruit chromatin‐modifying complexes. Third, the expression of genes that facilitate B‐cell proliferation and differentiation are activated. Lastly, genes required for recombination are expressed and targeted to the immunoglobulin loci, thus initiating the characteristic rearrangement of the immunoglobulin genes. The interactions and functions of transcription factors in pro‐B‐cell differentiation are discussed.
Perceived Effects of State-Mandated Testing Programs on Teaching and Learning: Findings from a National Survey of Teachers.

TITLE Perceived Effects of State-Mandated Testing Programs on Teaching and Learning: Findings from a National Survey of Teachers. INSTITUTION National Board on Educational Testing and Public Policy, Chestnut Hill, MA. PUB DATE 2003-03-00 NOTE 151p. PUB TYPE Reports Research (143) EDRS PRICE EDRS Price MF01/PC07 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Elementary Secondary Education; *High Stakes Tests; National Surveys; *State Programs; *Teacher Attitudes; Teacher Surveys; *Teachers; *Test Use; Testing Programs IDENTIFIERS *Testing Effects