Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Points on Points: A Reply to Flenniken and Raymond

Three rather redundant papers (Flenniken 1984, 1985; Flenniken and Raymond 1986) recently questioned the efficacy and validity of my research on Great Basin projectile point types (especially Thomas 1970, 1981, 1983b). These articles reflect a distorted view of how lithic studies articulate with today's archaeology, betraying serious misunderstandings about the objectives and methods of contemporary archaeology. While I am generally sympathetic with experimental approaches, these particular interpretations and recommendations require rethinking.
Pharmaceutical quality of docetaxel generics versus originator drug product: a comparative analysis.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of 31 commercially available generic formulations of docetaxel purchased in 14 countries by comparing their docetaxel content, impurity levels and pH versus those of the proprietary product Taxotere (Tx). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Generic formulations were purchased in 14 countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Levels of docetaxel and impurities (chromatographic peaks above 0.05%) were obtained for each sample using reverse-phase liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The pH of aqueous solutions of generic docetaxel formulations and Tx was also measured. A global evaluation of quality was conducted on each product using a multicriteria desirability analysis based on standards defined by the International Conference on Harmonisation guidelines and the US Pharmacopeia paclitaxel injection monograph. RESULTS Most generic formulations contained a lower than expected amount of docetaxel and/or a high level of impurities: 21 generic docetaxel formulations had an average mass of docetaxel that was <90% of the expected mass and 23 generic docetaxel formulations had a total impurity content of >3.0%, almost twice the level of impurities in Tx 20 mg. In total, 33 impurities not present in Tx were detected in the generic samples. Desirability analysis demonstrated that none of the generic docetaxel formulations had composition characteristics similar to those of Tx. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that from an analytical point of view, 90% of the generic docetaxel formulations evaluated contained insufficient active drug, high levels of impurities or both. This has the potential to affect both efficacy and safety of the drug.
High‐dose estrogen inhibits bone resorption and stimulates bone formation in the ovariectomized mouse

In This Study, We Have Investigated Estrogen'S Capacity To Regulate Bone Formation And Resorption In The Ovariectomized Mouse, Evaluating The Dose And Site Dependence Of Estrogen Action On Bone Modeling And Remodeling Surfaces. To Quantitate Bone Resorption, The Skeletons Of Fifty 8‐Week‐Old Swiss‐Webster Mice Were Prelabeled With [3H]tetracycline (3H‐T) before initiation of treatment protocols. Ovariectomies (OVX) and sham surgeries were performed 3 days after the final 3H‐T injection, and the animals were assigned to treatment groups and injected once per week for 4 weeks with one of the following doses of 17β‐estradiol (E2): sham/oil vehicle (SV), OVX/oil vehicle, OVX/50 μg E2, OVX/250 μg E2, and OVX/500 μg E2. To assess bone formation, fluorochrome labels were administered 9 and 2 days before sacrifice. At the conclusion of the 4 week protocol, the femora and thoracic vertebrae were removed to quantitate the levels of bone resorption based on the skeletal retention of 3H‐T. The tibiae were excised for histomorphometric evaluation of the proximal metaphyses and middiaphyses. Indicative of increased bone resorption, vehicle‐treated OVX animals had significantly reduced levels of 3H‐T in femora and vertebrae compared to SV mice. This result was consistent with histomorphometric data showing a 49% decrease in cancellous bone area of the proximal tibiae in the OVX/oil‐treated group. Treatment of OVX animals with 50 μg E2 was sufficient to maintain 3H‐T levels in vertebrae at SV values, with higher E2 doses leading to a dose‐dependent increase in the retention of 3H‐T at this site. In contrast, 3H‐T levels in the femora of mice treated with 50 and 250 μg E2 were intermediate between the SV‐ and vehicle‐treated OVX animals. Only at 500 μg E2 per week were 3H‐T values in femora maintained at SV values compared to OVX mice treated with vehicle. Histology data indicated that treatment of OVX mice with 250 μg E2 prevented osteopenia in the proximal metaphyses of the tibiae; the 500 μg dose of E2 led to a fivefold increase in cancellous bone volume compared to SV mice. In OVX mice treated with 500 μg E2, cancellous bone formation rates were increased 83% compared to SV animals and 35% compared to the OVX/oil‐treated group. These increases were a consequence of increased bone‐forming surface. E2 treatment also stimulated bone formation on the endosteal surface of the diaphysis. In summary, these results indicate that E2 inhibits bone resorption in femora and vertebrae of OVX mice in a dose‐dependent fashion and has the capacity to stimulate bone formation on both endosteal and cancellous bone surfaces.
18F-FDG PET/CT of cervical carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE This article outlines the role of FDG PET/CT in patients with cervical carcinoma for evaluating tumor extent, assessing treatment response, and detecting disease recurrence. CONCLUSION There is increasing evidence that FDG PET/CT has a role in the primary evaluation of cervical carcinoma-in particular, for evaluating lymph node status and distant metastatic disease. PET/CT is also helpful to determine prognosis, assess treatment response, and evaluate disease recurrence.
Models composition in FORM-L: Study of complex socio-cyber-physical systems and large scale systems of systems

This paper presents a constraints modelling language named FORM-L (for FOrmal Requirements Modelling Language) and an associated modelling and analysis methodology that has been developed in the framework of the ITEA2 project MODRIO (MOdel DRIven system design and Operation). The objective is to support all the phases of the engineering lifecycle (prospective studies, development and operation) of complex socio-cyber-physical systems (SCPSs) such as a large power plant, and large scale systems of systems (SoSs) such as a national or continental power grid.
Deriving an equivalent circuit of transformers insulation for understanding the dielectric response measurements

Preventive diagnosis and maintenance of transformers have become more and more popular in recent times in order to improve the reliability of electric power systems. Dielectric testing techniques such as return voltage measurement (RVM) and polarization-depolarization current (PDC) measurement are being investigated as potential tools for condition assessment of transformer insulation. A better understanding and analysis of the dielectric test results are only possible with a clear understanding of the physical behavior of the insulation system in response to moisture and aging. A circuit model, which describes the dielectric behavior of the transformer's main insulation system, has been parameterized in this paper. The values of the parameters of the model have been identified from the dielectric tests. A correlation has been developed between the physical condition of the insulation and the equivalent model parameters that enable a clear and transparent interpretation of the dielectric test results.
A calculus for concurrent update (abstract)

The Calculus for Concurrent Update (CCU) is a new mechanism to specify and to implement distributed objects that may be updated concurrently at any number of sites. A distributed object is first detined as an ordinary object with a hidden store and a well defined set of primitive access functions that update the store. This definition is then augmented by definitions that specify a meaning for the concurrent application of any pair of access functions. From these elementary definitions, CCU infers automatically a consistent meaning for the concurrent application of more than two access functions, or for the concurrent application of sequences of access functions.
Randomized double‐blind study of botulinum toxin type B for sialorrhea in als patients

Twenty ALS patients with sialorrhea refractory to medical therapy were enrolled in this double‐blind, randomized study to receive either 2,500 U of botulinum toxin type B (BTxb) or placebo into the bilateral parotid and submandibular glands using electromyographic guidance. Patients who received BTxb reported a global impression of improvement of 82% at 2 weeks compared to 38% of those who received placebo (P < 0.05). This significant effect was sustained at 4 weeks. At 12 weeks, 50% of patients who received BTxb continued to report improvement compared to 14% of those who received placebo. There were no significant adverse events, including dysphagia, in the BTxb group, and there was no significant increase in the rate of decline of vital capacity. Muscle Nerve 39: 137–143, 2009
Exercise prescription: a case for standardised reporting

Background Structured, regular exercise is recommended to improve health outcomes. Exercise takes many forms and varies in type, intensity, duration and frequency. The authors used the example of exercise for chronic health conditions to examine how exercise programmes are described and summarised in systematic reviews. Methods Two independent reviewers conducted a review of exercise reporting practices using the evidence of exercise effects for chronic conditions as the source material. Inclusion criteria: systematic reviews that summarised the effects of exercise programmes for adults with chronic health conditions. Exclusion criteria: reviews of studies of children and adolescent populations, and non-English publications. Results Seventy-three reviews were included. Data on sample size, number of included trials, interventions, comparisons, programme characteristics, exercise components, author conclusions and recommendations were extracted. Seventy-one per cent of reviews reported being unable to adequately describe the exercise programmes, because the required information was not reported in included trials. Using key exercise descriptors from the included reviews, the authors developed criteria for reporting to a level that enables replication. Conclusions All included reviews recommended better and standardised reporting. Incomplete exercise programme descriptions limit confidence in the accurate replication of effective interventions and limits critical appraisal of interventions when conflicting outcomes are reported. The evaluation and implementation of physical activity and exercise research would be facilitated if exercise programmes are comprehensively described. The authors propose that systematic reviews/meta-analysis and clinical application of the outcomes of exercise therapy research would be enhanced if authors used an exercise reporting grid that includes a detailed description of the programme components.
Chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization studies of yeast tRNAPhe.

Chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (CIDNP) has been observed from yeast tRNAPhe following reaction with photoexcited riboflavin. At 20 degrees C, several resonances of tRNA in the native form show polarization; previous work predicts that only guanosine and its derivatives in single-stranded regions are likely to become polarized [ McCord , E.F. , Morden , K. M. , Pardi , A. , Tinoco , I. , Jr., & Boxer, S. G. (1984) Biochemistry (preceding paper in this issue)]. The methyl protons of m22G -26 show strong negative spin polarization, indicating that this residue is accessible. The solvent accessibility of this residue has not been previously demonstrated. In addition, two positively polarized aromatic resonances are observed, which are likely due to two or more G(H8) protons, including those of G-20, m22G -26, and/or Gm-34. For temperatures below 50 degrees C, a negatively polarized signal in the aromatic region is shown to arise from cross relaxation with the methyl group protons of m22G -26. This indicates the proximity of an aromatic proton, probably H2 of A-44, to the methyl groups of m22G -26. At higher temperatures, the CIDNP spectra show polarization of several additional G resonances, including those of m2G -10. These changes in the CIDNP spectra reflect melting of the tertiary and secondary structure of the tRNA. This work is the first use of CIDNP to study a large nucleic acid molecule and exemplifies the value of this technique in probing single-stranded and solvent-accessible regions of tRNA.
Neutralization kinetics of friend and rauscher leukemia viruses studied with the spleen focus assay method

The rates of neutralization of Friend and Rauscher viruses in vitro by specific antisera were measured with the spleen focus assay method in order to obtain quantitative information on the antigenic relationship between these viruses. Sera were obtained from C3H mice pretreated with formalinized cell suspensions from leukemias induced in the same strain by Friend, Rauscher, Moloney, Gross and Graffi viruses; the Friend and Rauscher virus preparations used were harvested from the plasma of infected C3H mice, and the titrations of residual virus were also carried out in mice of the C3H strain.
PneumococcalSurface Protein A Is Expressed In Vivo, and Antibodies to PspA AreEffective for Therapy in a Murine Model of PneumococcalSepsis

ABSTRACT Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is an immunogenic protein expressed on the surface of all strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and induces antibodies which protect against invasive infection in mice. Pneumococci used for infectious challenge in protection studies are typically collected from cultures grown in semisynthetic medium in vitro. The purpose of these studies is to confirm that PspA is expressed by pneumococci during growth in vivo at a level sufficient for antibodies to PspA to be protective. Mice were actively immunized with purified PspA or by passive transfer of monoclonal antibody (MAb) and challenged with a capsular type 3 strain in diluted whole blood from bacteremic mice. All were protected against challenge with 10 times the 50% lethal dose (LD50), and mice challenged with 1,000 times the LD50 had increased survival compared with controls. Additionally, nonimmune mice treated with MAbs to PspA or PspA immune serum at 6 and 12 h after infection with 10 times the LD50 also showed increased survival. Northern blot analysis of RNA from pneumococci grown either in vitro or in vivo showed similar levels of PspA mRNA. These results demonstrate that PspA is expressed in vivo in a mouse model and that immunization with PspA induces antibodies to an antigen which is expressed during the course of invasive infection. Immunotherapy with antibodies to PspA may have some utility in treating pneumococcal infections in humans.
Usefulness of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography with abdominal virtual ultrasonography in assessing therapeutic response in hepatocellular carcinoma treated with radiofrequency ablation

Abstract: Objective: Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) is regarded as the gold standard for assessing the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We evaluated the efficacy of virtual ultrasonography (VUS) with contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) vs. CECT for assessing the response to RFA.
Analysis of the attitudes and motivations of the Spanish population towards organ donation after death

Starting with the relevance of the Spanish experience, this study analyses the population’s disposition towards organ donation after death by means of a representative survey of the adult Spanish population (N = 1206, estimated error ±2.87%, P < 0.05). Of the participants, 8.1% were declared donors, 59.3% were likely to donate, 14.5% were against donating and 18.1% did not know or did not respond; 87.3% would donate relative’s organs if the deceased favoured donation, 50.2% if the deceased’s wishes were unknown and 13.1% even if the deceased opposed donation. Among people who were favourable towards donation, the main motives expressed were the will to save other people’s lives, solidarity and knowing they might someday need a donation. The most important motives for not donating among participants who were against it were the fear of premature organ extraction, of premature pronouncement of death and of mutilation. Reticence to donate is associated with low socio‐economic and cultural level, advanced age and high religious commitment; it is also associated with a low perception of transplant efficacy, not directly knowing any transplanted people and the lack of qualified information. The results support diverse potentially effective strategies for promoting donation in the general population.
HER2-amplified breast cancer: mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance and novel targeted therapies

HER2 amplification is seen in up to 20% of breast cancers and is associated with an aggressive phenotype. Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody to HER2, accrues significant clinical benefit in the metastatic and adjuvant settings. However, some patients suffer disease recurrence despite adjuvant trastuzumab therapy, and many patients with metastatic disease do not respond to therapy or develop refractory disease within 1 year of treatment. Given the increased recognition of de novo and acquired resistance to therapy, considerable research has been dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance. Here, we highlight putative models of resistance, including activation of the downstream PI3K-signaling pathway, accumulation of a constitutively active form of HER2, and crosstalk of HER2 with other growth factor receptors. The identification of these specific mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance has provided a rationale for the development of several novel HER2-targeted agents as the mechanisms have largely suggested a continued tumor dependence on HER2 signaling. We explore the emerging data for the treatment of trastuzumab-refractory disease with novel agents including lapatinib, neratinib, pertuzumab, trastuzumab-DM1, HSP90 and PI3K pathway inhibitors, and the future potential for these inhibitors which, if combined with reliable biomarkers of resistance, may ultimately usher in a new era of personalized medicine for this disease.
Multiple genome sequences reveal adaptations of a phototrophic bacterium to sediment microenvironments

The bacterial genus Rhodopseudomonas is comprised of photosynthetic bacteria found widely distributed in aquatic sediments. Members of the genus catalyze hydrogen gas production, carbon dioxide sequestration, and biomass turnover. The genome sequence of Rhodopseudomonas palustris CGA009 revealed a surprising richness of metabolic versatility that would seem to explain its ability to live in a heterogeneous environment like sediment. However, there is considerable genotypic diversity among Rhodopseudomonas isolates. Here we report the complete genome sequences of four additional members of the genus isolated from a restricted geographical area. The sequences confirm that the isolates belong to a coherent taxonomic unit, but they also have significant differences. Whole genome alignments show that the circular chromosomes of the isolates consist of a collinear backbone with a moderate number of genomic rearrangements that impact local gene order and orientation. There are 3,319 genes, 70% of the genes in each genome, shared by four or more strains. Between 10% and 18% of the genes in each genome are strain specific. Some of these genes suggest specialized physiological traits, which we verified experimentally, that include expanded light harvesting, oxygen respiration, and nitrogen fixation capabilities, as well as anaerobic fermentation. Strain-specific adaptations include traits that may be useful in bioenergy applications. This work suggests that against a backdrop of metabolic versatility that is a defining characteristic of Rhodopseudomonas, different ecotypes have evolved to take advantage of physical and chemical conditions in sediment microenvironments that are too small for human observation.
Menopause, Coronary Artery Disease and Antioxidants

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the influence of menopause on the activity of primary intracellular antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as well as on the level of total antioxidant status (TAS) in healthy women and women with coronary artery disease (CAD). We studied 140 women divided into two groups. The first group (controls) consisted of 99 healthy women aged between 18 and 55 years) classified into three subgroups: premenopausal women (Pre-M; n=48), peri-menopausal women (Peri-M; n=22) and post-menopausal women (Post-M; n=29). The second group consisted of 41 women with CAD aged between 48–68 years, classified into two subgroups: Peri-M (n=20) and Post-M (n=21). The activity of GPx and the level of TAS were significantly decreased in Peri-M (p<0.005) and Post-M groups (p<0.001) in comparison with the Pre-M group. SOD was decreased in Peri-M and Post-M groups compared with the Pre-M group, but this was statistically not significant. The activity of SOD and GPx as well as TAS were significantly decreased in the Post-M group compared with the Peri-M group with CAD (p<0.001). The activity of the antioxidant enzymes in Peri-M and Post-M groups was significantly decreased (p<0.02) in comparison with the control group. TAS was not changed in women with CAD in comparison with controls. In conclusion, menopause leads to the reduction of the level of antioxidants, especially in women with CAD.
Effects of limbic forebrain ablation on pituitary gonadal function in the female rat.

Effects of limbic forebrain ablation on reproductive function were examined. Frontal cortex (Group A), septum (B), fornix (C), anterior limbic area (the area around anterior part of the hippocampus which located at rostral to the septal nuclei)(D), olfactory bulb (E), limbic cortex (F), and hippocampal formation (G) were ablated with suction, taking care not to damage the neighboring brain structures. Operations were performed under pentobarbital anesthesia on the day of estrus or diestrus I in 4-day cycling rats. Animals were autopsied 30 to 35 days postoperatively either on the day of proestrus or estrus. The preoptic basal hypothalamic region was intact in all examined rats.Various degrees of septal ablation suppressed the appearance of vaginal cornification for about 10 days, although the cycle resumed eventually. However, vaginal cycles became irregular predominantly diestrous for 9/14 of the septal-ablated rats. Normal ovulation occurred in 6 of 7 rats and significant changes in serum or pituitary LH and FSH were not observed. Complete ablation of the septum, however, reduced the weight of the uterus and the amount of intraluminal fluid.Ablation of the hippocampus induced slight increases in serum LH and FSH, and transection of the fornix increased serum LH, so that the hippocampus-fornix system seems to inhibit gonadotropin secretion. In these animals, cornified vaginal smears were absent for several days postoperatively, but the regular cycles were resumed subsequently. Normal ovulation as well as normal weights of ovaries, uterus and intraluminal fluid were observed.Ablation of the anterior limbic area disturbed the vaginal cycle for a few days postoperatively. Marked increase in serum and pituitary LH and FSH as well as increases in ovarian, uterine and adrenal weights and greater number of ova in oviducts were observed in these animals. Thus, this area of the brain consistently appears to exert an inhibitory influence on pituitary ovarian activity.No changes were observed in the rats with ablation of the frontal cortex, the olfactory bulb or the limbic cortex.Therefore, limbic forebrain structures is not essential for ovulation and maitenance of the estrous cycle, but appear to exert a significant modulating influence on pituitary gonadal function.