Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fondaparinux, a synthetic pentasaccharide: the first in a new class of antithrombotic agents - the selective factor Xa inhibitors.

Despite currently available antithrombotic therapies, venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Fondaparinux sodium (pentasaccharide), the first in a new class of antithrombotic agents developed for the prevention and treatment of VTE, inhibits thrombin generation by selectively inhibiting factor Xa. Fondaparinux exhibits complete bioavailability by the subcutaneous route and is rapidly absorbed, reaching its maximum concentration approximately 2 h post dosing. It has a terminal half-life of 13 to 21 h, permitting once-daily dosing. Fondaparinux's reproducible linear pharmacokinetic profile exhibits minimal intrasubject and intersubject variability, suggesting that individual dose adjustments will not be required for the vast majority of the population and that there will be no need for routine hemostatic monitoring. At therapeutic concentrations (<2 mg/L), fondaparinux exhibits >94% binding to its target protein, antithrombin. Within this same concentration range there is no specific binding by fondaparinux to plasma proteins commonly involved in drug binding, indicating a low potential for drug-drug interactions by protein displacement. Unlike antithrombotic agents prepared from animal extracts (heparins), fondaparinux is chemically synthesized; this leads to batch-to-batch consistency and the absence of potential risk of contamination problems. In recently completed phase III clinical trials in VTE prevention in major orthopedic surgery, fondaparinux showed significant superiority over the low-molecular-weight heparin enoxaparin, providing an overall >50% (P < 0.001) reduction in VTE risk without increasing clinically important bleeding. Additional clinical data support its potential benefits in other venous and arterial thrombotic disorders. In view of these collective findings, fondaparinux is expected to play a major role in the prevention and treatment of venous and arterial thrombotic disease.
Review: hospital at home is as effective as inpatient care for mortality and hospital readmissions in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Ram FS, Wedzicha JA, Wright J, et al. Hospital at home for patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: systematic review of evidence. BMJ 2004;329:315.
Children with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum

A series of 50 children with agenesis of the corpus callosum is described. The incidence of this rare abnormality and the problem of diagnosing the more normal cases in life are discussed. Long term follow‐up is planned as there remain many unanswered problems in the understanding of the functions of the corpus callosum.
Endoprosthetic reconstruction for giant cell tumors of the distal tibia: A short term review

Custom‐made endoprosthetic reconstruction for distal tibia tumors is a viable option of treatment in carefully selected patients. It maintains satisfactory function and provides good pain relief. We report four cases of giant cell tumors of the distal tibia successfully treated by endoprosthetic reconstruction. This is a feasible option in cases of this nature and offers a better function than the other available options.
Uterine incarceration associated with uterine leiomyomata: Clinical and sonographic presentation

Leiomyomata, occurring in 20% to 30% of women over age 30, are the most common uterine abnormality encountered in the disciplines of both obstetrics and gynecology. In the majority of cases these tumors are asymptomatic. Urologic symptoms secondary to uterine leio-myomata occur uncommonly. In this report we present an obstetric patient and a gynecologic patient in whom leiomyomata distorted the normal pelvic anatomy and led to symptoms of urinary retention. Clinical and sonographic findings in these women are presented and the possible mechanisms of urinary retention are reviewed
Extraction , Characterization and Determination of Immmunoreactivity of Lipopolysaccharide of Salmonella typhi

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was extracted from Salmonella Typhi by hot phenol water method and concentration of protein and RNA in the extract was determined. SDS-PAGE followed by silver staining of LPS showed a characteristic ladder like pattern indicating that the extracted LPS is a heterogeneous mixture of molecules of molecular weight ranging from ~ 10 kD– 55 kD. Western blot of LPS showed that antibodies in patient sera reacted mainly with molecules of 40 kD – 55 kD. There was no significant reaction with low molecular weight molecules indicating that antibodies in patient sera are mainly directed against the O antigen and that there were no considerable antibodies to react with core and lipid A regions of LPS.
Survey on PV Modules’ Common Faults After an O&M Flight Extensive Campaign Over Different Plants in Italy

Nowadays one of the most consolidated inspection methods for photovoltaic (PV) systems is the use of drones. PV modules installed in the last decade show now a quite wide range of defects able to sensibly compromise the performance of the plant. This paper aims to provide a quite comprehensive overview of typical defects observed after an extensive flight campaign in North of Italy made by light multicopter unmanned aerial vehicles over different types of PV plants. The objective of this investigation is to summarize the most observed detectable faults and to give some data of their frequency. Different kinds of sensors have been installed onboard and some peculiarities will be emphasized with respect to the visible, in-field measurements and IR-collected data. The results of this campaign will be discussed in order to provide a clear idea of potential impact of unmanned technology in this sector for future decades.
A home-based protocol of electrical muscle stimulation for quadriceps muscle strength in older adults with osteoarthritis of the knee.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether home-based neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) applied to the quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle increases strength, physical activity, and physical performance in older adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS Thirty-four adults (> 60 yrs) with radiographically confirmed symptomatic knee OA were randomized to NMES plus education or education only (EDU). The primary outcome was isometric QF peak torque (PTIso), with secondary outcomes of daily step counts, total activity vector magnitude, 100-foot walk-turn-walk, timed stair climb, chair rise, and pain. The NMES group used a portable electrical muscle stimulator 3 days a week for unilateral QF training with incremental increases in the intensity of isometric contraction to 30-40% of maximum over 12 weeks. Both groups received the 12-week Arthritis Self-Management course and were followed an additional 12 weeks. RESULTS The stimulated knee-extensor showed a 9.1% increase in 120 degrees PTIso compared to a 7% loss in the EDU group (time x group interaction for 120 degrees PTIso; p = 0.04). The chair rise time decreased by 11% in the NMES group, whereas the EDU group saw a 7% reduction (p = 0.01, time; p = 0.9, group). Similarly, both groups improved their walk time by approximately 7% (p = 0.02, time; p = 0.61 group). Severity of pain reported following intervention did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION In older adults with knee OA, a home-based NMES protocol appears to be a promising therapy for increasing QF strength in adults with knee OA without exacerbating painful symptoms.
New imaging modalities in the catheterization laboratory

Purpose of review To provide an overview of the various modalities that have emerged in the last years as adjunctive tools to provide detailed imaging of the cardiovascular system in the catheterization laboratory. Recent findings Completion angiography after cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease using a dedicated hybrid operating cardiac suite may aid in early diagnosis and therapy of postsurgical abnormalities. The application of three-dimensional rotational digital angiography results in a more precise delineation of the three-dimensional anatomy of vascular structures outside the heart with rapid image processing and reduction of the amount of contrast used and ionizing radiation dose. Combined catheterization/magnetic resonance (MR) hybrid laboratories have the potential to accurately assess changes in the anatomy and physiology pretranscatheter and posttranscatheter interventions. Fully MR-guided transcatheter procedures have become possible in animal models. Real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has helped to guide transcatheter procedures in septal and valvar structures. Miniaturization of probes has expanded the applications of TEE for smaller neonates. The use of intravascular ultrasound has helped to better understand the mechanisms of vascular diseases and transcatheter treatments. Summary Knowledge and proper application of new imaging modalities during interventions in the catheterization laboratory may improve the outcomes of patients with congenital and acquired structural heart disease.
The inside story. Physicians’ views on digital ano-rectal examination for anal cancer screening of HIV positive men who have sex with men

Objective Anal cancer is relatively common amongst HIV positive men who have sex with men (MSM), but little is known about the anal cancer screening practices of HIV physicians, and whether digital ano-rectal examination (DARE) is utilized for this. To determine the practice of anal cancer screening among HIV physicians, and to identify any barriers for implementing DARE as a method for anal cancer screening. Methods 36 physicians from a sexual health centre, 2 tertiary hospital infectious diseases outpatient clinics, and 2 general practices completed a questionnaire on their practice of anal cancer screening amongst HIV positive MSM. Physicians were asked about their confidence in using DARE for anal cancer screening, and whether they perceived barriers to implementing this in their clinic. Results Most physicians (86%, 95% CI: 71–95) thought that anal cancer screening was important, but only 22% (95% CI: 10–39) were currently screening. Reasons for not screening were the absence of guidelines (87%, 95% CI: 60–98), lack of time (47%, 95% CI: 30–65), and concern about patient acceptability of DARE (32%, 95% CI: 17–51). Whilst 67% (95% CI: 49–81) of physicians felt confident in performing a DARE, only 22% (95% CI: 10–39) were confident in recognizing anal cancer using DARE. Conclusion Although HIV physicians were aware of the need for anal cancer screening among the HIV + MSM population, few were routinely screening. If DARE were to be incorporated into routine HIV care, guidelines recommending screening and up-skilling of HIV physicians to recognize anal cancer are needed.
Use of Composted Animal Manures to Reduce 1,3-Dichloropropene Emissions

Atmospheric emission of the soil fumigant 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) has been associated with the deterioration of air quality in certain fumigation areas. To minimize the environmental impacts of 1,3-D, feasible and cost-effective control strategies are in need of investigation. One approach to reduce emissions is to enhance the surface layer of a soil to degrade 1,3-D. A field study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of composted steer manure (SM) and composted chicken manure (CKM) to reduce 1,3-D emissions. SM or CKM were applied to the top 5-cm soil layer at a rate of 3.3 or 6.5 kg m−2. An emulsified formulation of 1,3-D was applied through drip tape at 130.6 kg ha−1 into raised beds. The drip tape was placed in the center of each bed (102 cm wide) and 15 cm below the surface. Passive flux chambers were used to measure the loss of 1,3-D for 170 h after fumigant application. Results indicated that the cumulative loss of 1,3-D was about 48% and 28% lower in SM- and CKM-amended beds, respectively, than in the unamended beds. Overall, both isomers of 1,3-D behaved similarly in all treatments. The cumulative loss of 1,3-D, however, was not significantly different between the two manure application rates for either SM or CKM. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of using composted animal manures to control 1,3-D emissions.
Anaerobically induced genes of Escherichia coli

A collection of anaerobically induced gene fusions were isolated, and representative isolates were characterized with respect to their regulatory properties, phenotypes, and approximate map locations. Four fusion strains that had defects in the anaerobic metabolism of asparagine or aspartate were found. These fusions were all repressed by alternate electron acceptors, ammonia, and glucose but were induced by other sugars. Several other fusion strains which demonstrated no observable phenotype showed diverse regulatory responses. The anaerobically induced fusions were scattered around the Escherichia coli chromosome more or less at random, suggesting that all the isolates examined were in separate genes.
Directing transport of CoFe2O4-functionalized microtubules with magnetic fields.

Control of the transport and organization of nano- and microscale materials and molecules is a continuing challenge in nanoscience and bio-microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) research. In eukaryotic cells these tasks are faithfully carried out by kinesin motor proteins and their associated microtubule tracks, which makes this motor an attractive candidate for actuation and transport in hybrid biological devices. However, control of the direction of microtubules transported by immobilized kinesin motors is a key hurdle to the implementation of this system. Magnetic fields are ideal for mechanically perturbing biological systems because they are easily controlled and noninvasive, but labeling proteins with magnetic particles can disrupt their biological function. Here we show that by selectively functionalizing microtubule segments with 20-nm CoFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles, external magnetic fields can be used to control the transport direction of gliding microtubules without affecting their transport speed. These findings demonstrate a novel approach for manipulating kinesin-driven microtubule movements in vitro that can be extended to other protein systems. In cells, kinesin motor proteins convert chemical energy derived from the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into mechanical energy to move intracellular cargo along microtubules, cylindrical polymers (25 nm in diame
A critical role of superoxide anion in selenite-induced mitophagic cell death

Mitochondria, which are a major source of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), are extremely vulnerable to oxidative stress. We recently reported that selenite treatment of various glioma cells induced a non-apoptotic cell death accompanied by excessive mitophagy (selective autophagy of damaged mitochondria). Examination of various ROS revealed that the superoxide anion played a key role in selenite-induced mitochondrial damage, mitophagy and cell death. Treatment with superoxide generators (diquat and paraquat) was sufficient to trigger mitophagy in glioma cells. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of ATG6 or ATG7 attenuated selenite-induced mitophagy and cell death, demonstrating that the mitophagic pathway contributes to selenite-induced cell death. The effect of selenite in glioma cells may thus provide an example of superoxide-mediated mitophagic cell death, i.e., cell death caused by excessive mitophagy. Addendum to: Kim EH, Sohn S, Kwon HJ, Kim SU, Kim MJ, Lee SJ, Choi KS. Sodium selenite induces superoxide-mediated mitochondrial damage and subsequent autophagic cell death in malignant glioma cells. Cancer Res 2007; 67:6314-24
Detection of bone marrow involvement in breast cancer with magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE To evaluate the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting bone marrow metastases in patients with breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-three patients with breast cancer in various stages (stage IV, 11; stage III, five; stage II, seven) were evaluated for bone marrow involvement. MRIs of marrow from lumbar spine, pelvis, and proximal femora were obtained with a 1.5-Tesla unit. All patients underwent bilateral bone marrow aspirations and biopsies for histologic evaluation and immunostaining with monoclonal antibody (MoAB) against low-molecular weight cytokeratin (CAM 5.2). Marrow MRI findings were compared with technetium 99m bone scans. Patients with stage II or III disease were monitored for clinical outcome. Possible correlation of MRI findings with serum alkaline phosphatase level was explored. RESULTS Fourteen of 23 patients showed MRI abnormalities suggestive of metastatic marrow disease (stage IV, nine; stage III, two; stage II, three). In six patients with abnormal MRIs, histology and MoAB immunostaining confirmed marrow involvement (stage IV, five; stage III, zero; stage II, one). In the other eight patients with MRI abnormalities, neither of these methods confirmed the presence of marrow metastasis. Four of five operable breast cancer (stage II-III) patients with an abnormal initial MRI showed additional abnormalities on follow-up examination and developed metastatic disease within 5 to 18 months demonstrable by conventional clinical methods. Conversely, none of the operable patients with negative MRIs developed recurrent disease at 3 to 16 months (Student's t test, P = .01). Nine patients with a normal MRI had no evidence of marrow involvement with histologic or MoAB immunostaining (stage IV, two; stage III, two; stage II, five). Of 14 patients with abnormal MRIs, bone scans were normal in seven and failed to show corresponding abnormalities in six. Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase levels showed a direct relationship with abnormal bone scans indicating extensive bony involvement, but failed to correlate with positive marrow MRIs. CONCLUSION MRI is a promising new technique to detect occult marrow involvement in breast cancer patients. There is a good correlation between abnormal marrow MRI and early development of clinical metastatic disease in patients with stage II to III disease.
Birkeland currents during substorms: Statistical evidence for intensification of Regions 1 and 2 currents after onset and a localized signature of auroral dimming

We conduct a superposed epoch analysis of Birkeland current densities from AMPERE (Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment) using isolated substorm expansion phase onsets identified by an independently derived data set. In order to evaluate whether R1 and R2 currents contribute to the substorm current wedge, we rotate global maps of Birkeland currents into a common coordinate system centered on the magnetic local time of substorm onset. When the latitude of substorm is taken into account, it is clear that both R1 and R2 current systems play a role in substorm onset, contrary to previous studies which found that R2 current did not contribute. The latitude of substorm onset is colocated with the interface between R1 and R2 currents, allowing us to infer that R1 current closes just tailward and R2 current closes just earthward of the associated current disruption in the tail. AMPERE is the first data set to give near‐instantaneous measurements of Birkeland current across the whole polar cap, and this study addresses apparent discrepancies in previous studies which have used AMPERE to examine the morphology of the substorm current wedge. Finally, we present evidence for an extremely localized reduction in current density immediately prior to substorm onset, and we interpret this as the first statistical signature of auroral dimming in Birkeland current.
Explicit Magnus expansions for nonlinear equations

In this paper we develop and analyse new explicit Magnus expansions for the nonlinear equation Y' = A(t, Y)Y defined in a matrix Lie group. In particular, integration methods up to order four are presented in terms of integrals which can be either evaluated exactly or replaced by conveniently adapted quadrature rules. The structure of the algorithm allows us to change the step size and even the order during the integration process, thus improving its efficiency. Several examples are considered, including isospectral flows and highly oscillatory nonlinear differential equations.
A 4-Mb high-density single nucleotide polymorphism-based map around human APOE.

Whole-genome association studies using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the proposed method of choice for the identification of loci associated with complex diseases. In this report, we address the feasibility of generating high-density SNP maps (with <100-kb spacing). As a pilot study, we concentrated on a 4-Mb region around the human APOE locus on chromosome 19. We compared the efficiency of SNP detection using YAC-based versus BAC/PAC-based maps, sequencing individual DNAs versus a pooled DNA sample, and we evaluated three different software applications for polymorphism detection. A total of 121 SNPs (25 in coding regions) were identified. The frequency of SNP detection was 1 SNP/1.1 kb of genomic sequence. From APOE to CALM3 (approximately 2 Mb), the average marker spacing was approximately 30 kb. Fifty-one SNPs were genotyped in five populations, and 10 SNPs showed an allele frequency differential greater than 0.5 between populations. Our results demonstrated that high-density SNP maps can be efficiently generated using existing technologies and that a genome-wide map with 60,000-100,000 SNPs is achievable in a reasonable time frame.
Parsing Public/Private Differences in Work Motivation and Performance: An Experimental Study

This article echoes recent calls for public management research to focus on core questions and utilize multiple methods to advance the state of knowledge in the field. In this article, we call for more experimental research on the public/private distinction, which is a core public management research topic. We then conduct a pilot experimental study that provides new insights—and what seem to be major implications—about this important topic. Specifically, we study individuals’ vigilance when performing work in a government funded research project compared with a business funded research project. Our results show that individuals are significantly faster, more accurate, and more vigilant when their work is funded by a government agency rather than a private business firm. Two major implications are (1) government provision of goods and services that require faster, more accurate, and more vigilant workers (e.g., airport security or emergency responders) may be superior to private provision, ceteris paribus; and (2) our participants in this study, who are college students, seem to perform better when working for government rather than for the private sector. This is heartening because, with the ‘‘quiet crisis’’ looming over government, many seasoned public servants will soon be replaced by these younger workers. The strengths and limitations of the study are discussed. "If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn’t be called Research. ’’