Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Big ET‐1-Induced Pressor Response by an Orally Active Dual Inhibitor of Endothelin‐Converting Enzyme and Neutral Endopeptidase 24.11

Summary: The pharmacologic properties of CGS 26393, a prodrug of the endothelin-converting enzyme/neutral endopeptidase 24.11 inhibitor CGS 26303, were examined in conscious Sprague-Dawley rats. After oral administration of CGS 26393 at 30 mg/kg, the free concentrations of CGS 26303 in plasma were calculated to be 1.7 ± 0.3, 1.2 ± 0.2, and 0.31 ± 0.05 μM at 4, 8, and 24 h, respectively. CGS 26393 inhibited the pressor response produced by exogenous big ET-1 in a dose-dependent manner. A 70% inhibition of the pressor response was observed when the prodrug was administered at 30 mg/kg p.o. As predicted by its pharmacokinetics, the inhibitory activity of CGS 26393 persisted for up to 8 h. These findings demonstrate that CGS 26393 in an orally active, long-acting ECE inhibitor in vivo.
Detection of Leishmania infantum by PCR, serology and cellular immune response in a cohort study of Brazilian dogs

The sensitivity and specificity of PCR, serology (ELISA) and lymphoproliferative response to Leishmania antigen for the detection of Leishmania infantum infection were evaluated in a cohort of 126 dogs exposed to natural infection in Brazil. For PCR, Leishmania DNA from bone-marrow was amplified with both minicircle and ribosomal primers. The infection status and time of infection of each dog were estimated from longitudinal data. The sensitivity of PCR in parasite-positive samples was 98%. However, the overall sensitivity of PCR in post-infection samples, from dogs with confirmed infection, was only 68%. The sensitivity of PCR varied during the course of infection, being highest (78–88%) 0–135 days post-infection and declining to around 50% after 300 days. The sensitivity of PCR also varied between dogs, and was highest in sick dogs. The sensitivity of serology was similar in parasite-positive (84%), PCR-positive (86%) and post-infection (88%) samples. The sensitivity of serology varied during the course of infection, being lowest at the time of infection and high (93–100%) thereafter. Problems in determining the specificity of serology are discussed. The sensitivity and specificity of cellular responsiveness were low. These data suggest that PCR is most useful in detecting active or symptomatic infection, and that serology can be a more sensitive technique for the detection of all infected dogs.
Input-series output-parallel full-bridge DC-DC converter for high power applications

Input-series and output-parallel (ISOP) connected DC-DC converters are suitable for high input voltage and high output current applications by using a low voltage rating power switches. This paper proposes an input-series-output-parallel Full-Bridge DC-DC converter with low-voltage switches under high frequency operation with low losses switching, low harmonic spikes with high efficiency and high power density. In this proposed work, Arduino mega microcontroller has been used to generate Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for ISOP configuration. Under different duty cycle PWM and switching frequency, the simulation and experimental results with appropriate theoretical analysis of an ISOP full-bridge converter topology are presented.
Quality of Life Measurements in Patients with Malignant Disease: A Review

Introduction It is common to read 'assessment of quality of life' listed at the end ofmany clinical research proposals, particularly those involving the treatment of cancer. This lowly rank in the hierarchy of research aims is both odd and iniquitous, given the aggressive nature of many cancer therapies and their consequent impact on the quality of life. The marginal benefits in survival that accrue from quite drastic treatment regimens receive widespread publicity, whilst the social and financial costs are often not mentioned or even ignored. A review of 16 studies which assessed different forms of cancer surgery revealed that the authors only report end results in terms of survival and recurrence'. Very different treatment regimens often failed to show significant differences using these criteria, although the effects of radical surgery would have profound effects on patients' quality of life. Similarly, cytotoxic therapies that could produce tumour shrinkage and some prolongation of life might not be considered as beneficial to the patient if those precious extra months are spent with the miseries of alopecia, nausea, vomiting and mouth soreness. The arguments for pursuing aggressive therapies despite their toxicity are persuasive when considering potentially curative treatment for diseases such as childhood leukaemia, but in less curable disease where palliation is the primary goal, the psychosocial burden upon the patient might be too heavy. From their conversations it is clear that most doctors are concerned about the quality of their patients' lives, although they do not routinely make formal assessments of it. Many rely on a short 'doctor-directed' clinical consultation, despite the fact that the failure of both surgeons and general practitioners to determine psychosocial problems amongst their patients is well documented2-3. This oversight is hardly surprising, as few clinicians have received anything more than very basic training in communication skills and have experienced little, if any, exposure to the psychometric techniques that do exist. The purpose of this short paper is to encourage the interested and concerned clinician or research worker, who may not have the time or expertise to plough through the literature, to find an appropriate test for his or her needs. This is by no means meant to be a comprehensive view, but merely represents a cross-section of different methods currently available, with comments on validity, ease of administration and scoring (Table 1).
Preoperative multiplication of neutrophil and monocyte counts as a prognostic factor in epithelial ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is leading cause of death in gynecologic cancer, and finding prognostic factors is important for establishing treatment plans. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of the multiplication of neutrophil and monocyte counts (MNM) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). METHODS Data were retrospectively collected from Samsung Medical Center for EOC patients treated from January 2002 to December 2012. MNM was determined by multiplying neutrophil and monocyte counts and dividing by 10,000. Sensitivity and specificity of markers were assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS We included 674 patients with EOC. For predicting overall survival (OS), the area under the curve for MNM was 0.607 (95% CI, 0.554-0.661) with sensitivity 55.2% and specificity 63.2% (cut-off value 197.40). The ability of MNM to determine OS was similar to that of the previously validated NLR and PLR. When the cohort was divided by cut-off values, poorer survival outcomes were observed in the group with higher MNM. Higher MNM was associated with advanced stage and presence of residual disease after primary treatment. CONCLUSIONS Elevated pretreatment MNM is an independent predictor of poor survival and can be a useful biomarker in patients with EOC.
Exploring the gaps in the evidence‐based application of narrowband UVB for the treatment of vitiligo

While narrowband ultraviolet light B (NB‐UVB) has become integral to the treatment of diffuse vitiligo, evidence‐based guidelines have been lacking with regard to dosing and administration. This is largely the result of heterogeneous study designs, ambiguous methodologies, disparate dosing strategies, and the use of varied, and somewhat arbitrary, outcome measures. In the absence of prospective trials to address each of these concerns, the available literature regarding the application of NB‐UVB for vitiligo was reviewed and the authors now pose a set of questions to the phototherapy community in an attempt to highlight gaps within our understanding. We aim to stimulate discussion, elicit expert opinion, and identify areas for future research to move toward a unified and safe treatment guideline for patients afflicted by this disease.
Explaining logistics social responsibility from a dynamic capabilities perspective

Purpose So far, most of the literature on logistics social responsibility (LSR) has prioritized the examination, classification of and adaption toward positive LSR practices instead of investigating necessary logistics service providers’ capabilities to implement LSR strategies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to theory by an assessment of LSR and its linkages to dynamic capabilities theory to gain insights into how logistics service providers can foster an enhanced application of LSR practices. Design/methodology/approach The paper is conceptual and grounded on dynamic capabilities theory. Relevant literature from logistics management, supply chain management and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) as well as dynamic capabilities was examined to build upon existing theory by conceptualizing LSR from a dynamic capabilities perspective. In addition, propositions for future research are presented based on the conceptual model. Findings With regards to the controversial discussion in the literature about the direct link between dynamic capabilities and competitive advantage as well as the necessary degree of heterogeneity of dynamic capabilities, the conceptualization of LSR from a dynamic capabilities perspective adds new elements to this discussion. Considering long-term or even sustainable competitive advantage, the current degree of homogeneity across logistics services might hinder a sustainable advantage in the long run and demands for more advanced logistical capabilities. In this line, it is important to understand and utilize the causal relationships between different logistical resources and capabilities to achieve a unique long-term advantage allowing logistics service providers to further enhance LSR practices. Practical implications Due to the current role of logistics service providers, they should not just foster their resources focusing on the relationship to the focal firm, but they should also develop and implement new logistical capabilities derived from SSCM-related dynamic capabilities to design alternative service portfolio extensions and new business models. Originality/value Although dynamic capabilities have been studied intensively in the last two decades, the causal relationships between different logistical resources and necessary dynamic capabilities to achieve advantages by enhancing LSR practices still lack conceptualization. To build on the understanding of LSR, the paper at hand presents a conceptual framework explaining LSR and SSCM practices through the lens of dynamic capabilities theory.
Silicon and III-V compound nanotubes: Structural and electronic properties

Unusual physical properties of single-wall carbon nanotubes have started a search for similar tubular structures of other elements. In this paper, we present a theoretical analysis of single-wall nanotubes of silicon and group-III-V compounds. Starting from precursor graphenelike structures we investigated the stability, energetics, and electronic structure of zigzag and armchair tubes using the first-principles pseudopotential plane wave method and finite temperature ab initio molecular dynamics calculations. We showed that n,0 zigzag and n,n armchair nanotubes of silicon having n6 are stable but those with n6 can be stabilized by internal or external adsorption of transition metal elements. Some of these tubes have a magnetic ground state leading to spintronic properties. We also examined the stability of nanotubes under radial and axial deformation. Owing to the weakness of radial restoring force, stable Si nanotubes are radially soft. Undeformed zigzag nanotubes are found to be metallic for 6n11 due to the curvature effect; but a gap starts to open for n 12. Furthermore, we identified stable tubular structures formed by the stacking of Si polygons. We found AlP, GaAs, and GaN 8,0 single-wall nanotubes stable and semiconducting. Our results are compared with those of single-wall carbon nanotubes.
Effective hospice volunteers: Demographic and personality characteristics

The purpose of the study was to examine demographic and personality characteristics of highly effective hospice volunteers. Volunteer coordinators of all Texas Hospice Organization member hospices were asked to select their most committed and effective volunteers to participate in the study. Volunteers had above-average incomes, were predominately white, female, active in other voluntary activities, and motivated by their own experiences with death of a loved one. The largest proportion of female volunteers (27.3 percent) were extroverted, sensing, feeling, judging personality types (ESFJ), whereas, for male volunteers, the largest proportion (20.8 percent) were introverted, sensing, thinking, judging personality types (ISTJ). This information will be beneficial in recruitment, training, and retention of hospice volunteers.
Broncho-alveolar Lavage (BAL) for the Diagnosis of Sarcoidosic Uveitis

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the use of BAL for the diagnosis of sarcoidosic uveitis. Methods: Retrospective study of 109 consecutive patients with uveitis and minimum 2 signs of ocular sarcoidosis who had a BAL and chest imaging. BAL+ was defined as an alveolar (a) lymphocytosis (L) aL > 15% with aCD4/CD8 > 3.5. Serum angiotensin converting enzyme (sACE), tuberculin skin test and gallium scan were tested in 83, 95 and 24 patients. Results: BAL was + in 26.6% of patients (86.2% females, mean age 50.8y) with mean aL = 46.8% and mean aCD4/CD8 = 8.5 which significantly differed form BAL− patients: 62.5% females, p < 0.02, mean age 43.6y, p < 0.05, mean aL = 17.2%, p < 0.001 and mean aCD4/CD8 = 1.8, p < 0.001. BAL+ patients had 31% of bilateral hilar adenopathy (BHL+), and 59.1% of elevated sACE which significantly differed form BAL− patients: 8.8%, p = < 0.01 and 14.8% p < 0.001. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that BAL have a high diagnostic value and might be a useful additional test for the diagnosis of sarcoidosic uveitis, even with normal chest imaging.
MANAJEMEN SARANA DAN PRASARANA PEMBELAJARAN BERDASARKAN STANDAR NASIONAL

The studyaimed at discovering thedescription of themanagementof facilities and infrastructure of learning based onnational Standard at SMKN 1 in Jeneponto. The resultsof the study revealed that the management of facilities and infrastructure at SMKN 1consisted of (1) the managementof facilities and infrastructureof learning,(2) The standardization of facilities and infrastructure had not been appropriate in supporting a better learning prosess based, and(3) the in hibiting factors of the procurement of facilities and infrastructure were lack of fund to fulfill the needs of facilities and infrastructure and limited land which could be used as a place to store the facililities to be used; whereas the supporting factors were the students and teachers which could be used asthe reason to have the facilities and infrastructure as well as the funding.
Disrupted sense of self: young women and sexually transmitted infections.

AIM This article is an exploration of young women's experiences of having a sexually transmitted infection. BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections are prevalent worldwide and have serious physical and psychological sequelae. Although some aspects of having sexually transmitted infections have been identified in the literature, the stigmatised nature of these infections means that relatively little is known about the experiential aspects of these conditions. DESIGN This research used a qualitative feminist approach. METHODS Data were collected in 2007 via online interviews with ten women. Thematic analysis was guided by a feminist narrative technique. RESULTS Findings revealed the women had not believed themselves to be at risk of sexually transmitted infections because of perceptions they held about the sorts of women who contract these infections. Because these perceptions were incompatible with their self-perceived views, the women initially experienced a disruption in their sense of self. To facilitate the restoration of their previously held sense of self, these women engaged in wishful thinking and denial. CONCLUSION This study illuminates how perceptions of sexually transmitted infections influence the way young women perceive themselves in the context of these infections. Awareness of the detrimental impact contracting sexually transmitted infections can have on young women can help nurses to provide services that facilitate positive and effective coping strategies among this group. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Nurses providing care to women with sexually transmitted infections should promote positive coping strategies that could help curb non-disclosure and denial among young women who contract these infections. Education focused on sexually transmitted infections should emphasis that all sexually active individuals are at risk of these infections, which could potentially minimise the shame felt by persons who contract these infections. Further, recognition of the gender issues that limit women's ability to practise safer sex should be incorporated into safer sex education and campaigns.
Examples of Objectiﬁed Multiple Criteria Ranking in the Selection of Infrastructural Projects

The paper addresses the issue of multiple criteria rankings of infrastructural projects (buildings, roads, etc.). Although the amount of literature devoted to this subject is considerable, all methods proposed produce subjective rankings, dependent on a direct or indirect deﬁnition of weighting coeﬃcients applicable to subsequent evaluation criteria. Infrastructural projects are usually selected and approved collegially, however, by a group of decision makers with preferences that may potentially diﬀer signiﬁcantly. Therefore, an objectiﬁed ranking, independent from subjectively deﬁned weighting coeﬃcients, is needed for infrastructural projects. Such a ranking is proposed, analyzed and applied by the authors of this paper. This ranking depends originally only on the multiple objective evaluation data, i.e. the values of evaluation criteria related to decision scenarios or alternatives. Such an approach does not render a fully objective ranking, since one of this kind does not exist at all. Even the choice of the ranking method is a subjective decision, but it is objectiﬁed to the extent possible. The paper presents several examples of multiple criteria evaluation of infrastructural projects, derived from literature, and compares subjective rankings published in literature with objectiﬁed rankings that are independent of weighting coeﬃcients.
Understanding the Behavioral Intention to Use a University Web-Portal

Behavioral intention to use the information technology is a predictor of behavioral to use it. There are several studies investigating the effect of factors from Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) on attitude toward use and its effect on behavioral intention to use which based on Theory of Plan Behavior (TPB). However, there is a limited studies emphasizing on academic portal in a university. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness(PU) on attitude toward use (ATU) and Behavioral intention to use (BIU). Further, this study also aims to determine the relationship between attitude toward use (ATU) and behavioral intention to use (BIU). Using 123 registered students in four faculties, smart path least square (PLS) is applied to analysis the data. The findings show that PEU has a positive significant relationship with BIU and ATU. In addition, ATU also has a significant positive effect on BIU. However, PU do not have a significant relationship with BIU and ATU. This study has practical and theoretical implication and it discuss in detail in paper.
Optimization and Validation of Multilocus Sequence Typing for Candida albicans

ABSTRACT Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was applied to 75 Candida albicans isolates, including 2 that were expected to be identical, 48 that came from diverse geographical and clinical sources, and 15 that were sequential isolates from two patients. DNA fragments (≈500 bp) of eight genes encoding housekeeping functions were sequenced, including four that have been described before for C. albicans MLST, and four new gene fragments, AAT1a, AAT1b, MPI, and ZWF1. In total, 87 polymorphic sites were found among 50 notionally different isolates, giving 46 unique sequence types, underlining the power of MLST to differentiate isolates for epidemiological studies. Additional typing information was obtained by detecting variations in size at the transcribed spacer region of the 25S rRNA gene and tests for homozygosity at the mating type-like (MTL) locus. The stability of MLST was confirmed in two sets of consecutive isolates from two patients. In each set the isolates were identical or varied by a single nucleotide. Reference strain SC5314 and a derived mutant, CAF2, gave identical MLST types. Heterozygous polymorphisms were found in at least one isolate for all but 16 (18.4%) of the variable nucleotides, and 35 (41%) of the 87 individual sequence changes generated nonsynonymous amino acids. Cloning and restriction digestion of a gene fragment containing heterozygous polymorphisms indicated that the heterozygosity was genuine and not the result of sequencing errors. Our data validate and extend previous MLST results for C. albicans, and we propose an optimized system based on sequencing eight gene fragments for routine MLST with this species.
Brucella canis infection in dogs from commercial breeding kennels in Brazil

Canine brucellosis caused by Brucella canis is a neglected zoonosis worldwide and is a leading cause of reproductive failure in dogs, often causing substantial economic losses in breeding kennels. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of B. canis infection in dogs of commercial breeding kennels located in São Paulo State, Brazil. A total of 753 dogs (183 males and 570 females) from 38 commercial kennels were clinically examined, and blood samples were collected for brucellosis diagnosis through blood culture. The association between clinical manifestations suggestive of brucellosis and positive results through blood culture was determined. Of the 753 dogs tested, 166 (22.0%) had at least one clinical sign suggestive of brucellosis and 158 (20.9%) had positive blood cultures. Seventy-two dogs had positive blood culture and had at least one clinical sign suggestive of brucellosis, while 91 dogs showed at least one clinical manifestation suggestive of brucellosis although blood culture was negative. Of the 38 kennels, 16 (42.1%) had at least one positive dog. The prevalence of infection in each kennel varied from 3.8% to 62.6%. Abortion/stillbirth, failure to conceive and enlargement of lymph nodes were significantly associated with brucellosis in female. No association of clinical signs and positive results in blood culture was observed in males. None of the kennels has been carrying out programmes to control brucellosis, and the sale of infected dogs was considered a common practice yielding risks to the public health, in view of the zoonotic potential of the infection.
Forensic Toxicology in Urban South Africa

Background: An analysis has been made of the pattern of deaths due to poisoning in South Africa over the period 1991–1996. Methods: The database held by the Forensic Science Service Laboratory, covering the period 1991–1996 was analyzed. Results: Agricultural chemicals are a major cause of mortality. Among drugs of abuse, combinations of methaqualone/diphenhydramine and cyclizine/dipipanone contribute a disproportionately high percentage of cases. Metal poisoning is common as are cases of poisoning attributed to remedies prescribed by traditional healers.