Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of two-phase flow around flatwater competition kayak design-evolution models.

The aim of the current study was to analyze the hydrodynamics of three kayaks: 97-kg-class, single-rower, flatwater sports competition, full-scale design evolution models (Nelo K1 Vanquish LI, LII, and LIII) of M.A.R. Kayaks Lda. , Portugal, which are among the fastest frontline kayaks. The effect of kayak design transformation on kayak hydrodynamics performance was studied by the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The steady-state CFD simulations where performed by application of the k-omega turbulent model and the volume-of-fluid method to obtain two-phase flow around the kayaks. The numerical result of viscous, pressure drag, and coefficients along with wave drag at individual average race velocities was obtained. At an average velocity of 4.5 m/s, the reduction in drag was 29.4% for the design change from LI to LII and 15.4% for the change from LII to LIII, thus demonstrating and reaffirming a progressive evolution in design. In addition, the knowledge of drag hydrodynamics presented in the current study facilitates the estimation of the paddling effort required from the athlete during progression at different race velocities. This study finds an application during selection and training, where a coach can select the kayak with better hydrodynamics.
Cyclobenzaprine ER for muscle spasm associated with low back and neck pain: two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of identical design.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate efficacy and tolerability of once-daily cyclobenzaprine extended release (CER) 15- and 30-mg capsules in patients with muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. METHODS Two identically designed, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, parallel-group studies in patients aged 18-75 years with muscle spasm associated with neck or back pain. Patients received CER 15 or 30 mg once daily, cyclobenzaprine immediate release (CIR) 10 mg three times daily, or placebo for 14 days. Primary efficacy measures were patient's rating of medication helpfulness and physician's clinical global assessment of response to therapy at day 4. Secondary measures were patient's rating of medication helpfulness and physician's clinical global assessment of response (days 8 and 14), relief from local pain, global impression of change, restriction in activities of daily living, restriction of movement, daytime drowsiness, quality of nighttime sleep (days 4, 8, and 14), and quality of life (days 8 and 14). RESULTS A total of 156/254 randomized patients in study 1 and 174/250 in study 2 completed 14 days of treatment. Significant improvements in patient's rating of medication helpfulness were reported with CER versus placebo (CER 30 mg, study 1, p = 0.007; CER 15 mg, study 2, p = 0.018) at day 4. Significant improvements with CER 30 mg versus placebo were also seen at day 4 in study 1 for patient-rated global impression of change (p = 0.008), relief of local pain (p = 0.004), and restriction of movement (p = 0.002). Neither study reported differences between study groups on the physician's clinical global assessment. Improvements with CER were comparable to that of CIR. In both studies, daytime drowsiness was reported more frequently in active treatment groups than in the placebo group; however, reports of drowsiness decreased over time in all groups. In general, daytime drowsiness was reported more frequently in CIR groups than in CER groups. More adverse events were reported in the active treatment groups versus placebo and were similar in the CER and CIR groups, except somnolence, which occurred more frequently with CIR. CONCLUSIONS Once-daily CER 15 mg (study 2) and CER 30 mg (study 1) were effective in treating muscle spasm associated with painful musculoskeletal conditions after 4 days of treatment. Differences between CER and placebo groups did not reach statistical significance on all efficacy measures, and the protocols were not powered to detect differences between active treatment arms. CER was generally safe and well tolerated, with low rates of somnolence.
Keynes and Say’s Law

It seems difficult to exaggerate the importance of Say’s Law to Keynes as he wrote the General Theory. Much of the General Theory. is written as a criticism of classical economics, specifically classical economists’ beliefs about Say’s Law and its implications. The composition of the General Theory. for Keynes was a ‘long struggle of escape’: an escape from Say’s Law, which for Keynes characterised classical economics. In this paper the role of Say’s Law in Keynes’s development of the General Theory. is analysed. The various ways in which Keynes expressed Say’s Law are discussed. The many important and varied implications of Say’s Law for Keynes are mentioned. The evolution of Keynes’s thought about Say’s Law and its implications are discussed. Finally, two possible sources for Keynes of the phrase ‘supply creates its own demand’ that he used to characterize Say’s Law are suggested: James Bonar’s Malthus and his Work, second edition, and H.L. McCracken’s Value Theory and Business Cycles.
Proof of activity with AMD11070, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of CXCR4-tropic HIV type 1.

BACKGROUND The X4 Antagonist Concept Trial investigates the safety and antiviral activity of AMD11070, a potent inhibitor of X4-tropic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in vitro in HIV-infected patients harboring X4-tropic virus. METHODS Patients enrolled in the study had an X4 virus population 2000 relative luminescence units (rlu; by the Monogram Trofile Assay) and an HIV-1 RNA level 5000 copies/mL. Patients received AMD11070 monotherapy for 10 days. Coreceptor tropism, plasma HIV-1 RNA level, and CD4 cell count were measured at study entry, on day 5, and on day 10. Daily predose and serial samples on the last day of treatment were obtained for determination of plasma AMD11070 concentration. RESULTS Ten patients were given AMD11070 monotherapy (200 mg to 8 patients and 100 mg to 2 patients) twice daily for 10 days. The median baseline CD4 cell count was 160 cells/mm(3), and the median HIV-1 RNA level was 91,447 copies/mL. Four of 9 evaluable patients achieved a reduction in X4 virus population of >or= rlu. The median change in X4 virus population at the end of treatment was -0.22 log(10) rlu (range, -1.90 to 0.23 log(10) rlu). Three of 4 patients who responded to therapy showed a tropism shift from dual- or mixed-tropic viruses to exclusively R5 virus by day 10. There were no drug-related serious adverse events, adverse events of greater than grade 2, or laboratory abnormalities. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate the activity of AMD11070, the first oral CXCR4 antagonist, against X4-tropic HIV-1. The drug was well tolerated, with no serious safety concerns. AMD11070 is on clinical hold because of histologic changes to the liver observed in long-term animal studies; additional preclinical safety assessments are pending.
Centre–Surround Relative Motion and the Freezing Rotation Illusion

In the Freezing Rotation illusion a stimulus rotating with a constant velocity is perceived as stationary on the screen, when it is presented in front of a background pattern that moves with a sinusoidal velocity profile, during the phase in which stimulus and background rotate in the same direction. It has been suggested that this illusion is caused by the interfering effect of induced motion resulting from the relative motion between the centre and the surround. Since the magnitude of such an induced motion component presumably relates to the difference between background and centre velocities, the illusion itself should also be related to the amount of relative motion between the centre and the surround, and it should not occur when this difference is zero. We present evidence here that this hypothesis is incorrect. First, we show that the illusion also occurs when the background moves with a constant velocity instead of sinusoidally. Second, we show that the illusion consists of a fixed underestimation of centre velocity when the centre and the surround move in the same direction and a fixed overestimation of centre velocity when they move in opposite directions or when the background remains stationary. The amount of underestimation and overestimation of velocity is not related to the velocity difference between the centre and the surround. Some factors that may be relevant to the explanation of the illusion are discussed.
Persistent (not intermittent) nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus is the determinant of CPD-related infections.

BACKGROUND We investigated the impact of staphylococcal carriage among patients on continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD) in a university hospital. METHODS Patients were screened for Staphylococcus aureus carriage and categorized as persistent, intermittent, or non-S. aureus nasal carriers. Patients were subsequently recultured every 12 weeks for S. aureus and coagulase negative staphylococcal (CoNS) carriage, and followed-up for CPD-related infections and antibiotic resistance. RESULTS Fifty-two patients were included: 20 peristent, 10 intermittent, and 22 non-S. aureus carriers. Only persistent S. aureus carriage was significantly associated with an increased risk for all CPD-related infections [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 3.52 (95% CI: 2.56-4.85)], exit site infections [IRR 5.59 (95% CI: 3.50-8.92)], and peritonitis [IRR 2.19 (95% CI: 1.39-3.45)], as well as increased antibiotic use [IRR 3.43 (95% CI: 2.50-4.72)], including vancomycin [IRR 2.15 (95%: 2.13-2.16)]. No vancomycin-resistant S. aureus strains were detected. However, eight (2%) out of 407 CoNS strains isolated were vancomycin intermediately susceptible. In all five patients (four persistent and one intermittent carriers) concerned, this was significantly related to a higher antibiotic (including vancomycin) usage [IRR 2.65 (95% CI: 1.82-3.84)]. CONCLUSION Persistent-but not intermittent-S. aureus nasal carriage is the major determinant of CPD-related infections, and is associated with a significantly higher consumption of antibiotics, including vancomycin. The highly diverse population of CoNS appears to be the prime reservoir of staphylococcal vancomycin resistance. Accurate determination of the S. aureus nasal carriage state of CPD patients is essential to better target intervention strategies to prevent CPD-related infections.
Rotavirus infection in infants as protection against subsequent infections.

BACKGROUND Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in infants. To provide a base line for assessing the efficacy of rotavirus vaccines, we evaluated the protection that is conferred by natural rotavirus infection. METHODS We monitored 200 Mexican infants from birth to two years of age by weekly home visits and stool collections. A physician assessed the severity of any episodes of diarrhea and collected additional stool specimens for testing by enzyme immunoassay and typing of strains. Serum collected during the first week of life and every four months thereafter was tested for antirotavirus IgA and IgG. RESULTS A total of 316 rotavirus infections were detected on the basis of the fecal excretion of virus (56 percent) or a serologic response (77 percent), of which 52 percent were first and 48 percent repeated infections. Children with one, two, or three previous infections had progressively lower risks of both subsequent rotavirus infection (adjusted relative risk, 0.62, 0.40, and 0.34, respectively) and diarrhea (adjusted relative risk, 0.23, 0.17, and 0.08) than children who had no previous infections. No child had moderate-to-severe diarrhea after two infections, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic. Subsequent infections were significantly less severe than first infections (P=0.024), and second infections were more likely to be caused by another G type (P=0.054). CONCLUSION In infants, natural rotavirus infection confers protection against subsequent infection. This protection increases with each new infection and reduces the severity of the diarrhea.
Patterns of care and treatment outcomes in older patients with biliary tract cancer

Background Although biliary tract cancers (BTC) are common in older age-groups, treatment approaches and outcomes are understudied in this population. Patients and Methods Data from 913 patients diagnosed with BTC from January 1987 to July 2013 and treated at Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto were analyzed. The differences in treatment patterns between older and younger patients were explored and the impact of age, patient and disease characteristics on survival outcomes was assessed. Results Three hundred and twenty one patients ≥70 years were identified. Older patients were more likely to receive best supportive care, 40% (n = 130), compared to younger patients 26% (n = 154); p < 0.0001. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with receipt of surgery included stage I/II disease (p < 0.0001) and ECOG PS < 2 (p < 0.0001). Older age was not associated with lack of surgical intervention. In comparison, older age was associated with non-receipt of palliative chemotherapy (p = 0.0007). Similar survival benefit from treatment was seen in older and younger patients. Of 626 patients that underwent either surgery or palliative chemotherapy (n = 188), the median survival was 21.1 months (95% CI 19.0–27.9) in patients >70 years of age, and 21.1 months in younger patients (n = 438) (95% CI 19.5–24.5). Conclusion In this large retrospective analysis, older patients with BTC are less likely to undergo an intervention. However, active therapy when given is associated with similar survival benefits, irrespective of age.
Emerging antimicrobial resistance pattern of Helicobacter pylori in central Gujarat.

BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem in H. pylori treatment. The study was intended to evaluate the prevalence of resistance amongst 80 H.pylori isolates cultured from biopsy taken during routine endoscopies in 2008-2011. MATERIALS AND METHODS 855 gastro duodenal biopsies were collected and cultured on H.pylori selective medium (containing Brucella agar and Columbia agar (Hi media), with Skirrow's supplement (antibiotic supplement) and 7% human blood cells). H.pylori was isolated from 80 specimens. The antimicrobial susceptibility of H.pylori isolates was carried out by the Kirby Bauer technique against metronidazole (5 µg), clarithromycin (15 µg), ciprofloxacin (5 µg), amoxicillin (10 µg), tetracycline (30 µg), erythromycin (15 µg), levofloxacin (5 µg), and furazolidone (50 µg) (Sigma- Aldrich, MO). RESULTS 83.8% isolates were resistant to metronidazole, 58.8% were resistant to Clarithromycin 72.5% were resistant to Amoxicillin, 50% to Ciprofloxacin and 53.8% to tetracycline. furazolidone, erythromycin and Levofloxacin showed only 13.8% resistance to H.pylori. Multi drug resistance with metronidazole+clarithromycin+tetracycline was 85%. For all the drugs Antimicrobial resistance rate was found higher in males compare to females. Metronidazole and amoxicillin resistance was found noteworthy in patients with duodenal ulcer (p=0.018), gastritis (P=0.00), and in reflux esophagitis (P=0.00). clarithromycin and tetracycline resistance was suggestively linked with duodenitis (P=0.018), while furazolidone, erythromycin and levofloxacin showed excellent sensitivity in patients with duodenitis (P value--0.018), gastritis (P=0.00) and reflux esophagitis (P=0.00). Resistance with metronidazole (P=0.481), clarithromycin (P=0.261), amoxicillin (P=0.276), tetracycline (P=0.356), ciprofloxacin (P=0.164) was not correlated well with Age-group and Gender of the patients. CONCLUSION A very high percentage of patients were infected with metronidazole and clarithromycin resistant strains. The use of antibiotics for other indications seems to be the major risk factor for the development of primary resistance. High incidence should alarm the gastroenterologist while prescribing the eradication regimen.
Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) captured by cage trap.

BACKGROUND Establishing reference intervals (RI) for hematologic and biochemical variables in wild animals presents great challenges because capture stress or anesthesia during sampling can affect blood variables. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to establish RI for hematologic and blood biochemistry variables for Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) caught using cage traps, and provide information on the studied variables for different age groups. METHODS Blood samples were obtained from 89 Wild Boars captured by cage trap between 2005 and 2013 in northeastern Spain. Piglets were handled without anesthesia, while juvenile and adult animals were anesthetized using a combination of tiletamine and zolazepam. Blood samples were collected from the anterior vena cava and were placed into plain and EDTA tubes. Thirteen hematologic and 21 biochemical variables were determined. Reference intervals for piglets and juvenile and adult groups were determined, and differences between these groups were statistically analyzed. RESULTS Adults had higher HGB, PCV, MCH, MCHC, neutrophil count, and total protein, albumin, creatinine, and chloride concentrations than juveniles; in contrast, juveniles had higher values for lymphocyte count, cholesterol concentration, and ALP activity. CONCLUSIONS Reference intervals determined in this study provide a baseline for interpreting hematologic and biochemical results in Wild Boar at different age stages, and contribute to optimization of the management of this species.
The potential molecular mechanism of overexpression of uPA, IL-8, MMP-7 and MMP-9 induced by TRAIL in pancreatic cancer cell.

BACKGROUND TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a death ligand of the TNF-superfamily that has been implicated in inducing apoptosis in some tumor cells. The purpose of this study was to find out if TRAIL could induce the expression of uPA, IL-8, MMP-7 and MMP-9.and to explore the corresponding potential signaling transduction pathway in pancreatic cancer cells. METHODS Colo357wt, Panc89 and PancTuI cell lines were stimulated by TRAIL (100 ng/ml). Crystal violet cell vitality assay was used to check the sensitivity to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Real-time RT-PCR tested the expression of uPA, IL-8, MMP-7 and MMP-9. RESULTS TRAIL can stimulate the expression of uPA, IL-8, MMP-7 and MMP-9 in pancreatic cancer cell lines, especially in Colo357wt. The members of caspases, MEK1/2, PKC, and NF-kappaB are involved in TRAIL-induced expression of uPA, IL-8, MMP-7 and MMP-9. Furthermore, caspases play a different role in Colo357wt, Panc89 and PancTuI. CONCLUSIONS TRAIL-treatment may result in the enhancement of invasion involving the signaling pathways of caspases, MEK1/2, PKC and NF-kappaB, in pancreatic cancer cells. It points to the necessity to carefully evaluate in vivo side effects of TRAIL.
Therapeutic effect of exosomes from indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-positive dendritic cells in collagen-induced arthritis and delayed-type hypersensitivity disease models.

OBJECTIVE We have demonstrated previously that dendritic cells (DCs) modified with immunosuppressive cytokines, and exosomes derived from DCs can suppress the onset of murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and reduce the severity of established arthritis. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a tryptophan-degrading enzyme that is important for immune regulation and tolerance maintenance. DCs expressing functional IDO can inhibit T cells by depleting them of essential tryptophan and/or by producing toxic metabolites, as well as by generating Treg cells. This study was undertaken to examine the immunosuppressive effects of bone marrow (BM)-derived DCs genetically modified to express IDO, and of exosomes derived from IDO-positive DCs. METHODS BM-derived DCs were adenovirally transduced with IDO or CTLA-4Ig (an inducer of IDO), and the resulting DCs and exosomes were tested for their immunosuppressive ability in the CIA and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) murine models. RESULTS Both DCs and exosomes derived from DCs overexpressing IDO had an antiinflammatory effect in CIA and DTH murine models. The suppressive effects were partially dependent on B7 costimulatory molecules. In addition, gene transfer of CTLA-4Ig to DCs resulted in induction of IDO in the DCs and in exosomes able to reduce inflammation in an IDO-dependent manner. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that both IDO-expressing DCs and DC-derived exosomes are immunosuppressive and antiinflammatory, and are able to reverse established arthritis. Therefore, exosomes from IDO-positive DCs may represent a novel therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.
E2f1 mediates high glucose-induced neuronal death in cultured mouse retinal explants

ABSTRACT Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common complication of diabetes and remains one of the major causes of blindness in the world; infants born to diabetic mothers have higher risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). While hyperglycemia is a major risk factor, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying DR and diabetic ROP are poorly understood. To explore the consequences of retinal cells under high glucose, we cultured wild type or E2f1−/− mouse retinal explants from postnatal day 8 with normal glucose, high osmotic or high glucose media. Explants were also incubated with cobalt chloride (CoCl2) to mimic the hypoxic condition. We showed that, at 7 days post exposure to high glucose, retinal explants displayed elevated cell death, ectopic cell division and intact retinal vascular plexus. Cell death mainly occurred in excitatory neurons, such as ganglion and bipolar cells, which were also ectopically dividing. Many Müller glial cells reentered the cell cycle; some had irregular morphology or migrated to other layers. High glucose inhibited the hyperoxia-induced blood vessel regression of retinal explants. Moreover, inactivation of E2f1 rescued high glucose-induced ectopic division and cell death of retinal neurons, but not ectopic cell division of Müller glial cells and vascular phenotypes. This suggests that high glucose has direct but distinct effects on retinal neurons, glial cells and blood vessels, and that E2f1 mediates its effects on retinal neurons. These findings shed new light onto mechanisms of DR and the fetal retinal abnormalities associated with maternal diabetes, and suggest possible new therapeutic strategies.
Accounting: A Tool for Corruption Control in the Public Sector in Nigeria

This paper examined the role of accounting on corruption control in the Nigerian Public Sector and the rate existing internal control and accounting standards are helping to reduce the occurrence of corruption. The specific objective of the study is to find out whether internal control and accounting standards have significant relationship with corruption control in the public sector in Nigeria. The study obtained primary data using a structured questionnaire while secondary data were obtained from reports of previous studies. To test for reliability of result from data used, the cronbach alpha coefficient was applied. Questionnaires were administered to staff on grade level 10 to 14 in 5 selected ministries in Ekiti, a state in Nigeria. Respondents were selected using stratified random sampling. Multiple regression analysis result exhibited that both internal control and accounting standards have significant negative relationship and effect on corruption control in the Nigerian public sector. Among the recommendation of the study is that management personnel should at least have basic knowledge of accounting while staff in the accounts department to proceed regularly on training to meet up with prevailing accounting trends.