Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Progress in the design of low molecular weight thrombin inhibitors

Intravascular thrombosis and its complication, embolism, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Past few decades have seen a great deal of progress in the development of antithrombotic agents, though the current treatment options are limited to heparin, LMW heparins, and warfarin. Detailed understanding of the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms of activation and regulation of blood coagulation have helped in developing specific inhibitors of enzymes, especially thrombin, within the coagulation cascade. Thrombin plays a central role in the coagulation cascade and so has become the primary target for the development of antithrombotic drugs. The review covers the main pharmacological aspects of haemostasis and thrombosis and provides an update on low molecular weight thrombin inhibitors along with the limitations of the prevalent antithrombotic agents. Recent developments in small molecule inhibitors of Protease Activated Receptor‐1 (PAR‐1) which can be helpful for the treatment of thrombotic and vascular proliferative disorders, have also been discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurometabolic effects of an inborn error of amino acid metabolism demonstrated in vivo by 1H NMR

The elevated levels of brain histidine in histidinaemic mice are detected in vivo by 1H NMR at 8.5 and 1.9 T. The concentrations determined from the in vivo spectra correlate well with subsequent analytical determinations. This technique is discussed in relation to monitoring phenylalaninc in humans with phenylketonuria. © 1986 Academic Press, Inc.
Reactive oxygen species generation and human spermatozoa: The balance of benefit and risk

Although the generation of reactive oxygen species is an activity normally associated with phagocytic leucocytes, mammalian spermatozoa were, in fact, the first cell type in which this activity was described. In recent years it has become apparent that spermatozoa are not the only nonphagocytic cells to exhibit a capacity for reactive oxygen species production, because this activity has been detected in a wide variety of different cells including fibroblasts, mesangial cells, oocytes, Leyding cells endothelial cells, thryroid cells, adipocytes, tumour cell and platelets. Since the capacity to generate reactive oxygen species is apparently so widespread, the risk‐benefit equation for these potentially pernicious molecules becomes a matter of intese interest. In the case of human spermatozoa, the risk of manufacturing reactive oxygen metabolites is considerable because these cells are particularly vulnerable to lipid peroxidation. Indeed, there is now good evidence to indicate that oxygen radicals are involved in the initiation of peroxidative damage to the sperm plasma membrane, seen in many cases of male infertility. This risk is off‐set by recent data suggesting that superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide also participate in the induction of key biological events such as hyperactiavated motility and the acrosome reaction. Thus, human spermatozoa appear to use reactive oxygen species for a physiological purpose and have the difficult task of ensuring the balanced generation of these potentially harmful, but biologically important, modulators of cellular function.
E-rational voters: measuring the effects of internet and media freedom on the political budget cycle in a weak democracy.

This paper studies the effects of internet access and media freedom on the electoral outcomes in 31 Mexican states during governor elections between 1999 and 2015, by testing assumptions of the Political Budget Cycle (PBC) theory. Previous studies in Mexico have missed to consider the role of voters. Evidence suggests that: 1) Expansive expenditure growth during the year before elections increases incumbent party’s vote share, and 2) On the contrary, an increase in the portion of the population that has access to internet reduces incumbent party’s vote share. Both results seem to coexist even after controlling by economic performance and making estimations robust to time and education effects. Furthermore, the expenditure effect seems to decrease as more people have access to internet. Finally, opposite to a previous study, evidence suggests that PBC does pay off in Mexico.
Energy-Aware Social-Based Multicast in Delay-Tolerant Networks

In Delay-Tolerant Networks (DTNs), nodes forward data opportunistically upon contact because of irregular connectivity and low network-denseness. In this type of networks, energy plays an important role in successful data delivery and enhancement of network lifetime. To address the problem of selecting appropriate relay nodes for data forwarding, recently researchers are using concepts of social networks in the design of DTN routing schemes. This is because of its ability to make forwarding decisions based on the knowledge of long-term and more stable social characteristics of the nodes. In this paper, we propose an energy-aware relay selection scheme to support multiple multicast sessions based on an existing social-based single-data multicast scheme. The proposed scheme selects relays for delivering data to the destinations based on the centrality, one of the important social network characteristics, as well as on the residual energy of the DTN nodes. Our proposed scheme is shown to have polynomial-time complexity. We claim that our scheme supports higher number of multicast sessions thereby maintaining longer lifetime of the network while achieving required data delivery ratio compared to a prominent single-data multicast scheme. Our claim is validated through quantitative performance analysis.
Results of an International, Randomized Trial Comparing Glucose Metabolism Disorders and Outcome with Cyclosporine Versus Tacrolimus

DIRECT (Diabetes Incidence after Renal Transplantation: Neoral C2 Monitoring Versus Tacrolimus) was a 6‐month, open‐label, randomized, multicenter study which used American Diabetes Association/World Health Organization criteria to define glucose abnormalities. De novo renal transplant patients were randomized to cyclosporine microemulsion (CsA‐ME, using C2 monitoring) or tacrolimus, with mycophenolic acid, steroids and basiliximab. The intent‐to‐treat population comprised 682 patients (336 CsA‐ME, 346 tacrolimus): 567 were nondiabetic at baseline. Demographics, diabetes risk factors and steroid doses were similar between treatment groups. The primary safety endpoint, new‐onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) at 6 months, occurred in 73 CsA‐ME patients (26.0%) and 96 tacrolimus patients (33.6%, p = 0.046). The primary efficacy endpoint, biopsy‐proven acute rejection, graft loss or death at 6 months, occurred in 43 CsA‐ME patients (12.8%) and 34 tacrolimus patients (9.8%, p = 0.211). Mean glomerular filtration rate (Cockcroft–Gault) was 63.6 ± 20.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the CsA‐ME cohort and 65.9 ± 23.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 with tacrolimus (p = 0.285); mean serum creatinine was 139 ± 58 and 133 ± 57 μmol/L, respectively (p = 0.005). Blood pressure was similar between treatment groups at month 6, but total cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly higher with CsA than with tacrolimus (total cholesterol:HDL remained unchanged). The profile and incidence of adverse events were similar between treatments. The incidence of NODAT or IFG at 6 months post‐transplant is significantly lower with CsA‐ME than with tacrolimus without a significant difference in short‐term outcome.
Epitope recognition patterns of thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies in healthy individuals and patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis *

Objective Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) are markers of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), including Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), but naturally occurring TPOAb are also detectable in healthy, euthyroid individuals. In AITD, circulating TPOAb react mainly with two immunodominant regions (IDR), IDR‐A and IDR‐B. The present study was undertaken in order to compare the epitope recognition pattern of TPOAb in HT patients and healthy subjects.
Enteric viral infections as potential risk factors for intussusception.

INTRODUCTION We aimed to identify potential risk factors for intussusception (ISS) among children presenting to two pediatric hospitals in Egypt. METHODOLOGY In this case-control study, enrolled children < 3 years old with ISS (confirmed radiologically and/or surgically) were matched by age and gender to controls admitted with acute non-abdominal surgical illnesses. Stool samples were collected and tested for various enteric bacteria, rotavirus, enteric adenoviruses (EA, 40 and 41) and astroviruses using commercially available ELISA diagnostic kits. RESULTS From December 2004 to May 2009, 158 cases and 425 matched controls were enrolled. A history of diarrhoea and cough over the preceding four weeks of interview were more common in cases than controls, respectively. Children with mothers who had secondary education and above were 2.2 times more likely to have ISS than those whose mothers had a lower level of education. In spite of the low detection rate of EA infection (regardless of diarrhoea history) and asymptomatic rotavirus infection, they were detected in higher frequencies in cases than controls; however, infection with astrovirus and bacterial pathogens did not appear to be associated with increased risk of ISS. CONCLUSIONS History of diarrhoea and cough over the four weeks preceding the study and maternal education above secondary level were potential risk factors for ISS. EA and asymptomatic rotavirus infection were detected in higher frequencies among cases than controls; however, association with ISS cannot be confirmed. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings and evaluate the pathogenesis which may link such infections with ISS.
Exploring optimal mitigation and adaptation investment strategies in China

ABSTRACT After the successful conclusion of the Paris Climate Conference (Conference of the Parties (COP) 21), countries are now attempting to identify implementation measures. An important consensus has been reached on the necessity of putting in place both mitigation and adaptation measures. In this context, this article builds a three-sector China and rest of the world model based on the DE-carbonization Model with Endogenous Technologies for Emission Reductions (DEMETER) and World Induced Technical Change Hybrid (WITCH) models. It assesses China’s mitigation and adaptation investment strategies by 2050 with an optimization including climate externalities. By making the 450 ppm target and China’s 2030 CO2 emissions peak exogenous, it assesses two scenarios: (1) investment only in mitigation and (2) investment in both mitigation and adaptation. The article finds the following: First, the policy package with investment in both mitigation and adaptation can ensure lower CO2 emissions and avoid more climate damage. Second, investment in adaptation should be massively injected by around 2040, whereas mitigation efforts should be continuous. Third, the CO2 emissions peak in the tertiary sector should come prior to 2030 while the emissions pathway of the secondary sector could be allowed to increase slowly until 2035. POLICY RELEVANCE The necessity of engaging in both mitigation and adaptation has been widely accepted since the Paris Climate Conference (COP21), yet few studies exist in this regard concerning China. Substantial investment in adaptation needs to be introduced by 2040 while the investment on mitigation should peak by 2030. The CO2 emissions peak in the tertiary sector would be reached prior to 2030 while the peak in the secondary sector is achieved around 2035. This provides an alternative in China to the existing argument of an earlier peak in the secondary sector.
Oxycodone versus dezocine for postoperative analgesia in patients with cervical cancer treated with radical surgery.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate oxycodone versus dezocine for postoperative analgesia in patients with cervical cancer treated with radical surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-one cases of cervical cancer treated with radical surgery were included in the present study and divided into oxycodone group (n = 26) and dezocine group (n = 25). Patients in the oxycodone group were given with oxycodone 1 mg/kg plus tropisetron 0.1 mg/kg diluting to 100 ml by 0.9% saline for patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after surgery. Moreover, patients in the dezocine group were given with dezocine 0.6 mg/kg plus tropisetron 0.1 mg/kg diluting to 100 ml by 0.9% saline for PCIA after surgery. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Ramsay sedation score of the two groups were recorded in the time point of 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery. The adverse event-related drugs were recorded and compared between the two groups. RESULTS The VAS score was significantly lower in oxycodone group compared to dezocine group in the time point of 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h (Pall < 0.05). The Ramsay score at time point of 4, 8, 12, 24 h, and 48 h were obviously higher in oxycodone group than those in dezocine group (P < 0.05) which indicated that the sedative effect in oxycodone group was superior to dezocine. For oxycodone group, there were six cases (23.08%) with nausea and one case (3.85) with vomiting in the treatment procedure. Moreover, for dezocine group, there were one case (4.00%) with nausea, two cases (8.00%) with vomiting, and two cases (8.00%) with dizzy in the treatment procedure. There was no statistical difference of adverse event risk between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Oxycodone postoperative analgesia is superior to dezocine for patients with cervical cancer treated with radical surgery.
Critical Markov random fields and fractional Brownian motion in texture synthesis

In this paper we study and compare critical Markov random fields (CMRFs) and fractional Brownian motions (FBMs). Both of these classes of models can be used to describe self-similar phenomena. Their characteristics, namely the index of similarity of a FBM, and the critical exponents of a CMRF, are defined and contrasted. We argue that CMRFs provide a more flexible mechanism for generating self-similar patterns, since the parameters of a CMRF can be selected to generate anisotropic patterns, while FBM models are inherently isotropic. <<ETX>>
A cluster of three cases of leptospirosis in dairy farm workers in New Zealand.

AIMS We report a cluster of three cases of leptospirosis on a New Zealand dairy farm, with regard to clinical, laboratory, and environmental findings. The cluster is discussed against the annual incidence of leptospirosis in humans and cattle, and the vaccination of cattle as one means of preventing human cases on farms. METHDOS The three cases were investigated by case interview and review of clinical and laboratory information. A site visit was made to the farm to assess environmental risk. Relevant veterinary information relating to the cattle herds was reviewed. RESULTS Most of the symptoms exhibited by the three patients were consistent with primary phase leptospirosis. Different methods of laboratory diagnosis were used with each case. However, two cases were confirmed as leptospirosis and in both the causative agent was Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar (sv) Hardjo. The third case had a milder illness, received doxycycline early, and was regarded as a 'probable' case as there were no confirmatory diagnostic results. All three cases had worked on the same dairy farm during their incubation period, where the highest risk environment was the milking shed and potential exposure to urine splashes from infected cattle. Also there were inadequacies in the herd vaccination programme. CONCLUSIONS There are options for minimising risk to dairy farm workers in New Zealand. No human vaccine exists in this country. Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar (sv) Hardjo (serovar Hardjo) is endemic in New Zealand dairy cattle without causing apparent disease. L. Pomona is a sporadic infection but can cause abortions. A cattle vaccine against these serovars was introduced in New Zealand in 1979, after which there was a general fall in notifications of human cases of leptospirosis. This was attributed to the overall decrease in these two serovars among the livestock population. Vaccination of farm livestock for leptospirosis is an integral factor in preventing human cases. We note the New Zealand initiative to combine vaccination with a risk management programme operated by veterinarians, called Leptosure, to reduce the risk of human leptospirosis on dairy farms. The efficacy of using doxycycline as a prophylaxis for preventing human infection in trials is reviewed. Other preventative strategies include the use of personal protective equipment to cover the mouth and nose, eyes and all skin breaks, farm workers and rural clinicians being aware of the signs and symptoms of leptospirosis, and prompt treatment of cases with antibiotics.
An optimized structure for CdTe solar cells

In the last five years, the world record of CdTe thin film solar cell conversion efficiency has been increased from 16.5% to 21.0%. Most noticeable and dramatic efficiency improvement has been originated from the elimination of blue loss by using wider band gap n-window layer such as CdSO to replace the traditional n-CdS of band gap 2.4 Ev. In this work, we use CdSO as the new n-window layer and systematic computer simulation is used to investigate the influence of the conduction band offset between CdSO and CdTe layer, the thickness and the doping concentration of CdSO layer on the efficiency of the solar cell. Finally, a new optimized CdTe so lar cell with highest simulated efficiency is designed and the role of CdSO layer is clarified. Simulation results also suggest that the new structure can almost remove the blue loss.
Russia’s economy: domestic Discussions and international positioning

Positioning The paper explores the issue of priorities and a vector of the Russian economy development in the context of the country’s positioning in the international arena. The author identifies economic cycles in Russia’s recent history and reveals the specific features of the crisis of 2014 and peculiarities of the economic recovery afterwards. The author argues that within the country there are growth areas, which can become sources of the economy’s sustainable development. At the same time, there are three key factors that may hinder achievement of economic goals by Russia: a slowdown in China’s economic growth; potential increase in oil production; deterioration of the business climate and negative expectations of economic actors in the leading countries of the European Union. These and other factors, along with unresolved problems of innovative activities and technologies’ competition in Russia, can adversely affect the expected growth of the domestic economy of 1.5–2% of
Decoupling principle, model and rotor design of a novel 12/4 bearingless switched reluctance motor

The torque control cannot be decoupled form the suspending force control, and the current in windings cannot be tracked and chopped, that are the reasons which restrict seriously operating improvement of the bearingless switched reluctance motor (BSRM). Based on different combinations of stator and rotor pole numbers, and reforming rotor structure, there is a novel 12/4 BSRM proposed in this paper, which can naturally realize the decoupling of torque and suspending force. The principle of operation for the BSRM is introduced in detail. Its suspending force expressions are given with a simple derivation process and the control methods of the BSRM is presented. In order to eliminate output torque dead zone for the 12/4 BSRM, a step rotor is designed for optimizing its torque characteristics, and the FE analysis proves its validity.
A Novel Cyanobacterial SmtB/ArsR Family Repressor Regulates the Expression of a CPx-ATPase and a Metallothionein in Response to Both Cu(I)/Ag(I) and Zn(II)/Cd(II)*

A novel SmtB/ArsR family metalloregulator, denoted BxmR, has been identified and characterized from the cyanobacterium Oscillatoria brevis. Genetic and biochemical evidence reveals that BxmR represses the expression of both bxa1, encoding a CPx-ATPase metal transporter, as well as a divergently transcribed operon encoding bxmR and bmtA, a heavy metal sequestering metallothionein. Derepression of the expression of all three genes is mediated by both monovalent (Ag(I) and Cu(I)) and divalent (Zn(II) and Cd(II)) heavy metal ions, a novel property among SmtB/ArsR metal sensors. Electrophoretic gel mobility shift experiments reveal that apoBxmR forms multiple resolvable complexes with oligonucleotides containing a single 12-2-12 inverted repeat derived from one of the two operator/promoter regions with similar apparent affinities. Preincubation with either monovalent or divalent metal ions induces disassembly of both the BxmR-bxa1 and BxmR-bxmR/bmtA operator/promoter complexes. Interestingly, the temporal regulation of expression of bxa1 and bmtA mRNAs is different in O. brevis with bxa1 induced first upon heavy metal treatment, followed by bmtA/bxmR. A dynamic interplay among Bxa1, BmtA, and BxmR is proposed that maintains metal homeostasis in O. brevis by balancing the relative rates of metal storage and efflux of multiple heavy metal ions.
The employment impact of Poland’s special economic zones policy

ABSTRACT In 1994, Poland launched a special economic zones experiment to maintain employment structures outside the major cities. Using difference-in-difference estimations, this paper evaluates whether the policy has been successful in its primary objective, which is to sustain employment in gminas (communes) more likely to be negatively affected by the economic transition. A significant and positive effect of the policy on employment is documented, but with some negative spillovers at the policy level as zones start to spread rapidly. Accounting for covariates, timing, policy spillovers and reducing imbalance through matching, the average treatment effect for employment is estimated to be 60%.