Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intense Triceps Surae Contraction Increases Lower Extremity Venous Blood Flow.

Objective Venous thromboembolism can be prevented by physical prophylaxis, such as active ankle exercise (AAE), in addition to pharmacological treatment. However, the relationship between the intensity of triceps surae (TS) exercise and venous flow is unclear, and physical thromboprophylaxis has not been established for patients with leg cast immobilization. The goals of the current study were to clarify the degree of intensity of TS isotonic contraction required to increase peak blood velocity (PV) in the superficial femoral vein to higher than that at no resistance and to determine if TS isometric contraction can increase PV. Methods A prospective, nonrandomized, controlled trial was performed in 20 healthy young adult men. PVs at rest and during one TS isotonic or isometric contraction were measured using Doppler ultrasonography. Isotonic contraction intensity was defined as no resistance with contraction of maximum effort and 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of one repetition maximum (1RM). Isometric contraction intensity was defined as 15-35%, 40-60%, 65-85%, and 90-100% of the maximal voluntary contraction. Results Isotonic contraction at 75% 1RM (51.4 cm/s [95% CI, 40.1-62.6]) and 100% 1RM (54.9 cm/s [95% CI, 43.1-66.7]) significantly increased PV compared to that with no resistance (41.0 cm/s [95% CI, 32.2-49.8]) (P=0.005, 0.001, respectively). Isometric contraction increased PV significantly at all intensities (all P≤0.002). Conclusions Applying resistance at ≥75% 1RM increases venous flow and enhances the effect of AAE with TS isotonic contraction. TS isometric contraction may serve as thromboprophylaxis for patients undergoing leg cast immobilization.
The effects of cotrimoxazole or tenofovir co-administration on the pharmacokinetics of maraviroc in healthy volunteers.

AIMS To assess the potential of cotrimoxazole and tenofovir, drugs which are inhibitors and/or substrates of renal transporters, to alter the pharmacokinetic profile of maraviroc. METHODS Two randomized, placebo-controlled, two-way crossover studies were conducted in healthy male and female subjects. In study 1, 16 subjects, aged 18-45 years, received maraviroc (300 mg b.i.d.) with and without cotrimoxazole (960 mg b.i.d.; 160 mg trimethoprim and 800 mg sulfamethoxazole). In study 2, 12 subjects, aged 21-45 years, received maraviroc (300 mg b.i.d.) with and without tenofovir (300 mg q.d.). For study 1, blood was collected predose and on days 1-7. In study 2, blood was collected predose, on day 1 and days 3-7. In both studies, blood was collected at intervals up to 12 h postdose on day 7. Urine was collected on day 7, 0-12 h post morning dose. Blood and urine were analysed for maraviroc using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS The geometric mean ratios for C(max) and AUC(12) were 119% and 111%, respectively, for maraviroc plus cotrimoxazole and 104% and 103%, respectively, for maraviroc plus tenofovir, compared with maraviroc plus placebo. Renal clearance of maraviroc plus placebo was 8.3 l h(-1) and 8.5 l h(-1) and was 7.8 l h(-1) for maraviroc plus cotrimoxazole and maraviroc plus tenofovir. There were no serious or severe adverse events or any clinically significant changes in laboratory tests, blood pressure, or electrocardiograms. CONCLUSIONS Neither cotrimoxazole nor tenofovir caused a clinically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of maraviroc. Maraviroc 300 mg b.i. d. was well tolerated when co-administered with either cotrimoxazole or tenofovir.
Complete Genome Sequence of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae Strain ATCC 700603

ABSTRACT Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae strain ATCC 700603, formerly known as K. pneumoniae K6, is known for producing extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) enzymes that can hydrolyze oxyimino-β-lactams, resulting in resistance to these drugs. We herein report the complete genome of strain ATCC 700603 and show that the ESBL genes are plasmid-encoded.
Executive dysfunction in Korsakoff's syndrome: Time to revise the DSM criteria for alcohol-induced persisting amnestic disorder?

Objective. This study examines the profile of executive dysfunction in Korsakoff's syndrome. There is accumulating evidence of executive deficits in Korsakoff patients that may greatly affect activities of daily living. However, the DSM-IV criteria for “alcohol-induced persisting amnestic disorder” do not take this into account. In addition, existing studies have failed to determine the type of executive deficits in this syndrome. Methods. Executive functioning was assessed in 20 Korsakoff patients using the Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS), an ecologically valid neuropsychological assessment battery consisting of various subtests that assess planning, organisation, inhibition, shifting, cognitive estimation and monitoring. Results. Sixteen patients (80%) had executive deficits, i.e. impairments on at least one BADS subtest compared to a normative control group. Overall, the profile is characterized by planning deficits on unstructured tasks. Conclusions. Next to amnesia, executive deficits are a prominent characteristic of cognitive impairment in Korsakoff patients. It is argued that the new DSM criteria should consider incorporating executive dysfunction as an important feature of alcohol-induced persistent cognitive disorder.
Self‐reported smoking habits and serum cotinine levels in women with placental abruption

Objective. Smoking is an important risk factor for placental abruption with strong dose‐dependency. Pregnant smokers often underreport tobacco use which can be objectively assessed by measuring serum cotinine levels. We examined the accuracy between self‐reported smoking habits and early pregnancy serum cotinine levels in women with or without placental abruption. Design. Retrospective case‐control study. Setting. University Hospital. Population. A total of 175 women with placental abruption and 370 control women. Methods. Serum samples collected during the first trimester were analyzed for serum cotinine levels. Cotinine concentration over 15 ng/ml was considered as the cutoff indicating active smoking. Smoking habits of the women and their partners were recorded at the same visit. Main outcome measure. Placental abruption. Results. Of the cases of women with placental abruption, 27.4% reported smoking compared with 14.3% of the controls (p < 0.001). Based on serum cotinine levels, 30.3% of the case women and 17.6% of the control women were considered smokers (p = 0.003). Serum cotinine levels among smokers were higher in the abruption group than in the control group (median 229.5 ng/ml (interquartile range 169.8–418.1) vs. 153.5 ng/ml (56.6–241.4), p = 0.002). Self‐reported number of cigarettes smoked daily correlated well with the cotinine levels (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Of the women reporting as nonsmokers, approximately 7% were considered smokers based on cotinine testing. Conclusion. Pregnant women with subsequent placental abruption are heavier smokers than pregnant control women. Self‐reported smoking habits correlate well with serum cotinine levels in Finland. Therefore, self‐reported smoking can be considered as a risk marker for placental abruption.
A Benefits Assessment Model of Information Systems for Small Organizations in Developing Countries

The influence of information systems (IS) on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has enjoyed much attention by managers and policy makers. Despite the hype and eagerness to commit extensive levels of investment, very little research has focuses on assessing the benefits of IS for SMEs in developing counties. Existing literature has been skewed towards developed countries and large organizations. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to develop a model for evaluating the benefits of IS for SMEs in Saudi Arabia as a case of a developing country. In order to achieve this, the study builds on and extends past IS-impact literature. Based on quantitative results of 365 responses from SMEs, the model comprises 44 measures across five dimensions: ‘Individual impact’, ‘Organisational impact’, ‘System quality’, ‘Information quality’ and ‘Vendor quality’. Applying confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation model, the validated model contributes to theory development of IS impact within the context of SMEs in developing counties. Additionally, it provides critical insights to policy makers and managers on assessing the benefits of IS for SMEs in developing countries.
Using Bibliometrics-aided Retrieval to Delineate the Field of Cardiovascular Research

A hybrid search strategy, using lexical and citation based methods, is presented in this paper as a robust method to delineate the broad field of cardiovascular research. Overall, this study aims to provide scientifically reliable and accurate data driven evidence about cardiovascular research by establishing a dataset of published research in this field. A workflow is presented that outlines the methods carried out to establish a core dataset based on a core set of journals, to identify and use search terms to detect a broader dataset, and then to apply measures of similarities between the citations of these two datasets to ensure relevance of the final dataset. The final core set of journals established comprises of 120 unique journals covered in Thomson Reuters Web of Science Core Collection (WoS) database including a total of 320,647 documents from 1991 to 2013. The search terms utilised include 107 cardio-specific terms that initially identify 1.8 million unique documents when searching the title, abstract and keywords. Upon application of the citation-based similarity measures the final combined dataset consists of 845,071 publications. Overall, establishing a relevant dataset of cardiovascular research means placing a greater emphasis on having a precise dataset, reducing recall in the process. Conference Topic Methods and techniques
Perspectives on influenza evolution and the role of research

Abstract Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory pathogen that continues to evolve and threaten both veterinary and human public health. Influenza A viruses are continually undergoing molecular changes through mutations, reassortment, and, in rare instances, recombination. While they generally cause benign enteric infection in their natural reservoir of wild aquatic birds, they can cause catastrophic and potentially lethal disease outbreaks in humans, domestic poultry, and pigs when they cross the host species barrier. The continuing circulation of highly pathogenic (HP) H5N1 influenza viruses in domestic poultry in parts of Eurasia and the emergence and global spread of pandemic H1N1 2009 are current examples of influenza evolution. The spread of both HP H5N1 and pandemic H1N1 to multiple hosts emphasizes the potential for continued evolution. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of influenza A virus structure and strategies of variation, with a specific focus on the HP H5N1 and pandemic H1N1 influenza viruses. Additionally, we attempt to identify the gaps in our knowledge of H5N1 and pandemic H1N1 influenza viruses. These gaps include (i) an understanding of the molecular determinants of influenza virus and the host that permit efficient transmissibility and pandemic potential, (ii) the urgent need for prospective surveillance in apparently healthy swine, (iii) the molecular determinants of high pathogenicity in poultry, pigs, and people, (iv) the genetic basis of host susceptibility, (v) antigenic variability, (vi) the use of vaccine to control influenza, (vii) the role of wild birds as the reservoir of highly pathogenic avian influenza, (viii) the problems with vaccines, (ix) seasonality, (x) co-infections, and (xi) anti-influenza drug resistance. Our failure to eradicate HP H5N1 globally and to explain why H5N1 does not transmit efficiently in humans while an H1N1 pandemic virus of swine origin spread globally in months are key examples that emphasize the critical need to bridge these knowledge gaps. Future directions in influenza research that will help us resolve each of the above-mentioned knowledge gaps include complete genomic and proteomic analysis of both the virus and the host with the prospect of designing new control strategies and the development of genetically resistant hosts.
Finite-time consensus for multi-agent systems with fixed topologies

In this article, we study finite-time state consensus problems for continuous multi-agent systems with nonlinear protocols. Building on the theory of finite-time Lyapunov stability, we propose sufficient criteria which guarantee the system to reach a consensus in finite time, provided that the underlying directed network contains a spanning tree. Novel finite-time consensus protocols are introduced as examples for applying the criteria. Simulations are also presented to illustrate our theoretical results.
Is Modeling of Freshman Engineering Success Different from Modeling of Non‐Engineering Success?

The engineering community has recognized the need for a higher retention rate in freshman engineering. If we are to increase the freshman retention rate, we need to better understand the characteristics of academic success for engineering students. One approach is to compare academic performance of engineering students to that of non‐engineering students. This study explores the differences in predicting academic success (defined as the first year GPA) for freshman engineering students compared to three non‐engineering student sectors (Pre‐Med, STEM, and non‐STEM disciplines) within a university. Academic success is predicted with pre‐college variables from the UCLA/CIRP survey using factor analysis and regression analysis. Except for the factor related to the high school GPA and rank, the predictors for each student sector were discipline specific. Predictors unique to the engineering sector included the factors related to quantitative skills (ACT Math and Science test scores and placement test scores) and confidence in quantitative skills.
Dermatomyositis and polymyositis

Dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) are autoimmune myopathies characterized clinically by proximal muscle weakness, muscle inflammation, extramuscular manifestations, and frequently, the presence of autoantibodies. Although there is some overlap, DM and PM are separate diseases with different pathophysiological mechanisms. Furthermore, unique clinical phenotypes are associated with each of the myositis‐specific autoantibodies (MSAs) associated with these disorders. This review will focus on the clinical features, pathology, and immunogenetics of PM and DM with an emphasis on the importance of autoantibodies in defining unique phenotypes and, perhaps, as clues to help elucidate the mechanisms of disease.
High‐Energy/Power and Low‐Temperature Cathode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: In Situ XRD Study and Superior Full‐Cell Performance

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are still confronted with several major challenges, including low energy and power densities, short‐term cycle life, and poor low‐temperature performance, which severely hinder their practical applications. Here, a high‐voltage cathode composed of Na3V2(PO4)2O2F nano‐tetraprisms (NVPF‐NTP) is proposed to enhance the energy density of SIBs. The prepared NVPF‐NTP exhibits two high working plateaux at about 4.01 and 3.60 V versus the Na+/Na with a specific capacity of 127.8 mA h g−1. The energy density of NVPF‐NTP reaches up to 486 W h kg−1, which is higher than the majority of other cathode materials previously reported for SIBs. Moreover, due to the low strain (≈2.56% volumetric variation) and superior Na transport kinetics in Na intercalation/extraction processes, as demonstrated by in situ X‐ray diffraction, galvanostatic intermittent titration technique, and cyclic voltammetry at varied scan rates, the NVPF‐NTP shows long‐term cycle life, superior low‐temperature performance, and outstanding high‐rate capabilities. The comparison of Ragone plots further discloses that NVPF‐NTP presents the best power performance among the state‐of‐the‐art cathode materials for SIBs. More importantly, when coupled with an Sb‐based anode, the fabricated sodium‐ion full‐cells also exhibit excellent rate and cycling performances, thus providing a preview of their practical application.
IgG glycosylation analysis

A multitude of monoclonal IgG antibodies directed against a variety of therapeutic targets is currently being developed and produced by biotechnological companies. The biological activity of IgGs is modulated by the N‐glycans attached to the fragment crystallizable (Fc) part. For example, lack of core‐fucoses on these N‐glycans may lead to a drastic enhancement of antibody‐mediated cellular cytotoxicity. Moreover, sialylation of Fc N‐glycans determines the immunosuppressive properties of polyclonal IgG from human blood, which stimulates research into Fc glycosylation of human plasma IgG in various disease settings. This review presents and evaluates the different approaches which are used for IgG glycosylation analysis: N‐glycans may be enzymatically or chemically released from purified IgG, prior to chromatographic or mass spectrometric analysis. Moreover, IgGs may be treated with endoproteinases such as trypsin, followed by glycosylation analysis at the glycopeptide level, which is generally accomplished by HPLC with ESI‐MS. Alternatively, intact IgGs or fragments thereof obtained by enzymatic cleavages in the hinge region and by reduction may be analyzed by a large number of analytical techniques, including MS and chromatography or CE.
The role of leptin and its short-form receptor in inflammation in db/db mice infused with peritoneal dialysis fluid.

BACKGROUND In peritoneal dialysis (PD), the peritoneal membrane exhibits structural and functional changes following continuous exposure to the non-physiological peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF). In this study, we examined the effect of PDF on peritoneal adipose tissue in a diabetic milieu. METHODS Six-week-old db/db mice and their non-diabetic littermates (db/m) were subjected to uninephrectomy. All animals then received intra-abdominal infusion of lactated Ringer's solution (Ringer) or 1.5% glucose-containing PDF (Dianeal) twice daily. Mice were sacrificed 4 weeks later. Parietal and visceral adipose tissues were harvested for examining gene and protein expression of adiponectin, leptin, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor beta and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Expression of TNF-α and F4/80+ macrophage accumulation in adipose tissues was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Modulation of leptin synthesis and leptin receptors expression and the relevant signaling pathways were also determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Compared to Ringer infusion, Dianeal infusion significantly increased serum leptin but decreased adiponectin in db/db mice. Increased expression of leptin, TNF-α and IL-6 was observed in visceral but not in parietal adipose tissue. Dianeal infusion also increased F4/80+ macrophage accumulation and enhanced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and TNF-α in the visceral adipose tissue. Compared to db/m mice, infusion with Dianeal exhibited a more deleterious effect on db/db mice, characterized by an upregulation of short-form leptin receptor ObRa and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. CONCLUSION In conclusion, PD-induced hyperleptinemia amplifies the inflammatory response of adipose tissue through short-form leptin receptor when the long-form isotype is defective.
Apparent Horizons and Marginally Trapped Surfaces in Numerical General Relativity

Diese Dissertation beschaftigt sich mit Marginal auserlich Gefangenen Flachen (MGF) in der numerischen allgemeinen Relativitatstheorie. MGF sind geschlossene zweidimensionale Flachen um schwarze Locher, auf denen die Expansion nach ausen gerichteter Null-Linien verschwindet. Als erster Punkt wurde untersucht ob oder wie sich die inneren MGF uberschneiden konnen, wenn sich zwei schwarze Locher einander nahern. Im Gegensatz zu von anderen Gruppen publizierten Ergebnissen konnte sowohl fur Achsensymmetrie als auch fur zwei einspiralende schwarze Locher keine Uberlappung gefunden werden. Dieser Unterschied wurde mit Hilfe von Einbettungsdiagrammen erklart. MGF werden durch eine elliptische Differentialgleichung beschrieben. Eine Losungsmoglichkeit sind Newton-Verfahren. Als zweiter Punkt wurde ein Methode untersucht welche den Konvergenzbereich dieser Newton-Verfahren erhoht. Dazu wird eine veranderte Funktion betrachtet, welche durch Multiplikation der Expansion mit weiteren Termen gebildet wird. Parallel dazu wird untersucht in wiefern sich Eigenwerte zur Vorhersage der Konvergenz eignen. Diese Eigenwerte werden von der Iterationsmatrix genommen, welche bei der Losung eines Schrittes der Newton-Iteration auftritt. Obwohl die Vorhersagen mathematisch nicht streng hergeleitet werden konnen, zeigt sich in der Praxis doch eine uberraschend gute Verwendbarkeit der Eigenwerte.
Delivery of Piroxicam With A Mucoadhesive Buccal Tablet: In Vitro, ExVivo and In Vivo Evaluation

Piroxicam (PX) is one of the most potent non-steroidal, antiinflammatory agents which also exhibit anti-pyretic activity in various types of non-rheumatic pains. Although the drug is well absorbed following oral administration, gastric irritation is still the most serious adverse effect. Thus there is a need for an alternative drug delivery system with better GI tolerability. Buccal administration of drugs provides a convenient route of administration for both systemic and and local actions and bypasses first-pass effects and avoids GI side effects. Therefore the aim of this study was to develop buccal tablets of piroxicam by using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and chitosan as mucoadhesive agents. Tablets were prepared with direct compression method and evaluated for physical properties. In vitro dissolution studies showed that the release rate of PX from the formulations affected by type and ratio of polymers. The release mechanism of PX from buccal tablets follows diffusive mechanism with first order and Higuchi release kinetics. In vivo studies of optimum buccal tablet formulation carried out on human healthy volunteers showed that the relative bioavailability of PX was 67.52 ± 21.47%. These results demonstrate that buccal tablet formulation of PX seems to be an alternative drug delivery for patients especially suffering from GI disturbances
Estimation of group means when adjusting for covariates in generalized linear models

Generalized linear models are commonly used to analyze categorical data such as binary, count, and ordinal outcomes. Adjusting for important prognostic factors or baseline covariates in generalized linear models may improve the estimation efficiency. The model‐based mean for a treatment group produced by most software packages estimates the response at the mean covariate, not the mean response for this treatment group for the studied population. Although this is not an issue for linear models, the model‐based group mean estimates in generalized linear models could be seriously biased for the true group means. We propose a new method to estimate the group mean consistently with the corresponding variance estimation. Simulation showed the proposed method produces an unbiased estimator for the group means and provided the correct coverage probability. The proposed method was applied to analyze hypoglycemia data from clinical trials in diabetes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.