Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antistaphylococcal Activity of WCK 771, a Tricyclic Fluoroquinolone, in Animal Infection Models

ABSTRACT WCK 771, the arginine salt of S-(−)-nadifloxacin, was evaluated in animal models of staphylococcal infection and in vitro. For 302 methicillin-susceptible strains the MIC at which 50% of isolates are inhibited (MIC50) and the MIC90 of WCK 771 were 0.03 and 0.03 μg/ml, respectively, and for 198 methicillin-resistant strains the MIC50 and the MIC90 were 0.5 and 1.0 μg/ml, respectively. All methicillin-susceptible staphylococci were quinolone susceptible, and almost all methicillin-resistant staphylococci were quinolone resistant. WCK 771 was more potent than moxifloxacin, trovafloxacin, levofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin and had potency comparable to that of clinafloxacin. Only WCK 771 and clinafloxacin demonstrated strong potencies against vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus strains (MICs = 1 μg/ml). WCK 771 is not a substrate of the NorA pump, as evident from the lack of an effect of reserpine on the MICs and similar protective doses against infections caused by efflux-positive and -negative staphylococci. WCK 771 was effective by both the oral and the subcutaneous routes in mice infected intraperitoneally with quinolone-susceptible methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) strains. For infections caused by quinolone-resistant methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, the activity of WCK 771 administered subcutaneously was superior to those of trovafloxacin and sparfloxacin, with a 50% effective dose range of 27.8 to 46.8 mg/kg of body weight. The activity of WCK 771 was superior to those of moxifloxacin, vancomycin, and linezolid in a mouse cellulitis model of infection caused by one MSSA and two MRSA strains, with effective doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg for the MSSA strain and 10-fold higher effective doses for MRSA strains. WCK 771, like vancomycin and linezolid, eradicated MRSA from mouse liver, spleen, kidney, and lung when it was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 50 mg/kg for four doses. These studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of WCK 771, administered orally and parenterally, for the treatment of diverse staphylococcal infections in mice, including those caused by quinolone-resistant strains.
Inhibitory effect of prolonged administration of cysteamine on experimental carcinogenesis in rat stomach induced by N‐methyl‐N′‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine

The effect of cysteamine (2‐aminoethanethiol hydrochloride) on the incidence and histology of gastric adenocarcinomas induced by N‐methyl‐N′‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) was investigated in inbred Wistar rats. Prolonged administration of 25 or 50 mg per kg body weight of cysteamine after treatment with MNNG for 25 weeks significantly reduced the incidence and number of adenocarcinomas of the glandular stomach. Histological examination showed that the adenocarcinomas that did develop in rats treated with these 2 doses of cysteamine had high mucin‐producing activity. Furthermore, treatment with cysteamine caused significant increases in serum gastrin level and gastric acid secretion, together with significant decreases in the antral mucosal pH and the labelling indices of pyloric and oxyntic gland mucosae and gastric cancer. These findings indicate that cysteamine inhibits the development of gastric adenocarcinomas and that its effect may be related to decreasing proliferation of cells in the gastric mucosae.
Correlation between Mechanical Stress and Hydrogen-Related Effects on Radiation-Induced Damage in MOS Structures

Correlation between mechanical stress and hydrogen effects on radiation damage in polycide-gate MOS capacitors was investigated as a function of gate-oxide thickness. The compressive stress magnitude was altered by varying the silicide (TiSi2 or WSi2) thickness in the polycide-gate electrode, and hydrogen introduction into gate-SiO2 film was carried out by diffusion from plasma-deposited silicon-nitride passivation film (SiN-Cap). In a MOS capacitor without passivation film (No-Cap sample), it was found that compressive stress on gate-SiO2 reduces both positive charge build-up (¿Qot) and interface-trap generation (¿Dit). Radiation induced shift, ¿Qot exhibits a smaller stress effect as compared witni ¿Dit. As gate-SiO2 thickness decreases, the stress effect on ¿Qot increases, while this effect on ¿Dit remains nearly constant. This compressive stress effect was inhibited by hydrogen diffusion, especially in ¿Dit. In addition, both stress effects on ¿Qot and ¿Dit in SiN-Cap samples show a gate-oxide Thickness dependence similar to that on ¿Qot in No-Cap samples. The stress effect observed in No-Cap samples can be explained on the basis of the bond reformation process at the SiO2/Si interface and near the electrode/SiO2 interface. In a SiN-Cap sample, hydrogen is highly distributed at the SiO2/Si interface region and hydrogen-related interface-trap generation may occur at this interface region. As a result, only the stress effect near the gate-electrode was observed in SiN-Cap samples.
Option Pricing for TGARCH-M with GED Based on Improved EEMD

ABSTRACT Although option pricing plays an important role in risk management and investments, accurately pricing options remains challenging because of the increasingly complicated fluctuations in asset price processes. This article proposes a new option pricing model, the threshold GARCH with generalized error distribution (TGARCH-M with GED), based on an improved EEMD. By considering three key factors in the option pricing framework: different frequency risks, information asymmetry and non-normality, we show this novel model can capture more volatility features. Furthermore, the empirical results indicate we obtain better parameter estimation results and fewer pricing errors through comparative analysis. Our research provides meaningful guidance and new insights in the fields of risk management and investment.
Communication between physicians and with patients suffering from breast cancer.

BACKGROUND The communication between GP and specialists is vital for the patient suffering from breast cancer. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate (i) the speed and type of communication between GPs, specialists and patients with breast cancer, and (ii) the problems that GPs encounter in the communication with specialists concerning these patients. METHOD In April 1995, 246 Dutch GPs from the Zwolle region (600 000 inhabitants) were invited to complete a questionnaire, using the information from the medical record and focusing on the last patient consulted with a confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer. RESULTS Valid replies were received from 150 (61 %) GPs. The median period between initial referral date and receipt of the definite diagnosis from the surgeon was 4 weeks. After the patient's first appointment with the surgeon, the GPs received reports for 24% of the patients within 3 days; for 31% within 3-7 days; and for 16% of the patients after more than 2 weeks. After the first consultation between patient and surgeon, 68 (45%) of the 150 GPs reported that the patient contacted them; at this stage only 30 (20%) of these GPs had received a report from the surgeon. Thirty-one (21%) GPs did not contact the patient after receival of the definite diagnosis. GPs stated that the communication on patients with breast cancer is too slow (49%), or not frequent enough (25%); 25% of GPs found that the distribution of tasks between them and the specialists are not well described. CONCLUSION In the diagnostic stage of breast cancer the communication between GPs, specialists and patients varies widely, is too slow and is incomplete. An effect of this unsatisfactory communication is that the patient herself is the messenger of the bad news.
Polyomavirus-Associated Nephropathy in Renal Transplantation: Interdisciplinary Analyses and Recommendations

Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN) is an emerging cause of kidney transplant failure affecting 1–10% of patients. As uncertainty exists regarding risk factors, diagnosis, and intervention, an independent panel of experts reviewed the currently available evidence and prepared this report. Most cases of PVAN are elicited by BK virus (BKV) in the context of intense immunosuppression. No specific immunosuppressive drug is exclusively associated with PVAN, but most cases reported to date arise while the patient is on triple immunosuppressive combinations, often comprising tacrolimus and/or mycophenolate mofetil plus corticosteroids. Immunologic control of polyomavirus replication can be achieved by reducing, switching, and/or discontinuing components of the immunosuppressive regimen, but the individual’s risk of rejection should be considered. The success rate of this intervention is increased with earlier diagnosis. Therefore, it is recommended that all renal transplant recipients should be screened for BKV replication in the urine: 1) every three months during the first two years posttransplant; 2) when allograft dysfunction is noted; and 3) when allograft biopsy is performed. A positive screening result should be confirmed in <4 weeks and assessed by quantitative assays (e.g. BKV DNA or RNA load in plasma or urine). Definitive diagnosis of PVAN requires allograft biopsy. If PVAN and concurrent acute rejection is diagnosed, antirejection treatment should be considered, coupled with subsequently reducing immunosuppression. The antiviral cidofovir is not approved for PVAN, but investigational use at low doses (0.25–0.33 mg/kg intravenously biweekly) without probenicid should be considered for refractory cases. Retransplantation after renal allograft loss to PVAN remains a treatment option for patients clearing polyomavirus replication.
Sequential cycles of high-dose carboplatin administered with recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and repeated infusions of autologous peripheral-blood progenitor cells: a novel and effective method for delivering multiple courses of dose-intensive therapy.

PURPOSE The trial was undertaken to study the effect of administering granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) with and without peripheral-blood progenitor cells (PBPC) on the hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity observed with multiple cycles of high-dose carboplatin chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Eighteen patients with a variety of solid tumors received a total of 40 cycles of carboplatin, 1,200 mg/m2 per cycle, administered by continuous infusion over 96 hours. All 40 courses were administered with a daily 4-hour intravenous (IV) infusion of either 5 or 10 micrograms/kg/d of recombinant human Escherichia coli-derived GM-CSF. The first 20 courses were administered without PBPC support (treatment A). Because of severe neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, the next 20 courses of therapy were administered with GM-CSF, PBPC, and oral antibiotic prophylaxis (treatment B). RESULTS The addition of PBPC support led to a significant reduction in the duration of neutropenia (10.5 v 7.5 days; P = .027) and thrombocytopenia (12.4 v 5.2 days; P = .001), number of RBC transfusions (six v three; P = .01) and platelet transfusions (10.3 v 3.7; P = .013), number of hospital days (12.6 v 2.9; P = .01), and days of IV antibiotics (11.8 v 2.4; P = .007) per cycle. Significant increases in the weekly dose intensity (206 v 285 mg/m2/wk; P = .014) and total dose (2,287 v 3,600 mg/m2; P = .018) of carboplatin delivered were also observed with treatment B. The overall response rate in this study was 70%, with 11 of 16 assessable patients achieving either a complete (three patients) or partial (eight patients) remission. CONCLUSION This combination of GM-CSF and PBPC infusion represents an effective method for delivering multiple cycles of high-dose carboplatin chemotherapy and may serve as a model for the administration of high-dose chemotherapy in future trials.
Regional Brain Blood Flow and Cerebral Cortical O2 Consumption During Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Healthy Isocapnic Swine

Regional distribution of brain blood flow was examined in seven previously catheterized healthy isocapnic swine while awake (control), and during 1.0 and 1.5 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC—2.66 and 3.99% end-tidal, respectively) sevoflurane anesthesia using radionuclide-labeled 15-μm diameter microspheres that were injected into the left atrium. In six additional pigs, the superior sagittal sinus was also catheterized so that cerebral cortical O2 consumption could be ascertained during these conditions. Control values of blood flow in the cerebral cortical gray matter, white matter, and caudate nuclei were 117 ± 9, 38 ± 2 and 105 ± 8 ml ± min-1 4 100 g-1, respectively. At 1.0 MAC sevoflurane, blood flow in these regions decreased to 66, 76, and 75% of respective control values, and these values were not different from those recorded at 1.5 MAC anesthesia. Cerebral cortical O2 consumption decreased by 50 and 52% at 1.0 and 1.5 MAC sevoflurane anesthesia, but the hemoglobin-O2 saturation in the cerebral cortical venous drainage (57 ± 3% and 69 ± 3% at 1.0 and 1.5 MAC) consistently exceeded control value (42 ± 1%), suggesting that cortical O2 supply during both levels of sevoflurane anesthesia remained adequate. In cerebellum, blood flow decreased from 86 ± 5 (control) to 68 ± 4 ml ± min-1 ± 100 g-1 with 1.0 MAC sevoflurane, but returned toward control value at 1.5 MAC anesthesia. The thalamohypothalamic perfusion decreased to 59 and 75% of the control value with 1.0 and 1.5 MAC sevoflurane anesthesia. The pontine and medullary blood flows decreased to 81 and 84% of respective control values only with 1.0 MAC sevoflurane. Vascular resistance did not decrease in any region of the brain with 1.0 MAC anesthesia; however, vasodilatation occurred in the cerebral white matter, cerebellum, pons, and medulla during 1.5 MAC sevoflurane anesthesia.
Electrical tree growth and partial discharges analyzed by fractal and correlation dimensions

Electrical treeing degradation is associated with partial discharge activity. Here we relate the growth of electrical trees with the correlation dimension of the reconstructed dynamic object obtained from the nonlinear time series of the partial discharges from the tree propagation, and with the box-counting fractal dimension of the resulting 3D structure of the trees. The growth of trees at 8, 10 and 12 kV has been analyzed; different PD dynamics were found, depending on both the voltage and the stage of growth. A lower fractal dimension is shown to be related to a lower correlation dimension. The results show that nonlinear time series analysis can be an alternative method of analyzing tree growth and associated partial discharges.
A Methodological Approach for Exposure Assessment Studies in Residences Using Volatile Organic-Compound-Contaminated Water.

This paper presents a methodological approach for assessing total exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in residences using contaminated water supplies. This approach is founded on assessment of ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposures; both long-term (i.e., 12 to 24 hr) lowlevel exposures and short-term (i.e., =10 min) high-level exposures are considered. The methodology is based on the collection of water samples to establish the identity of the contaminants, maximum source terms, and possible dermal and ingestion exposures; integrated whole-air samples are collected to assess long- and short-term inhalation exposures; whole-air grab samples are used to confirm peak and typical inhalation exposures; and alveolar breath samples are used to confirm exposures and to estimate contaminant concentrations in the blood of the test subjects. While we do not suggest that this methodology should supersede any current investigative approach, this material is primarily offered as a consolidated reference to the many people or organizations who might contemplate a study of this type. Application of this investigative protocol should provide detailed exposure assessment information, while it supplies critical real world data for risk assessment specialists, toxicologists, and modeling experts. Data from a recent field study assessing exposures to trichloroethylene are presented to illustrate the utility and some of the limitations of this strategy.
Good Intentions, Vague Policies: A Thematic Analysis of Recommendations by the United Nations, the European Commission and the OECD on Sporting Events and Human Rights

Abstract In order to preserve their status as legitimate governing bodies of sport, International Sports Associations (ISAs) are to an increasing degree expected by actors in the international community to use their influence to make societal improvements. But how and where should the traditionally neutral ISAs intervene? In considering the question, this paper explores the recommendations offered by the United Nations (UN), the OECD, and the European Commission (EC) to the ISAs on the relation between sporting events and human rights. By conducting a textual analysis of the recommendatory documents the paper concludes that while their intentions are good, the unwillingness among the document authors to engage with the term “human rights” in particular and to suggest ways to enforce them creates a serious obstacle to the implementation of those recommendations.
Genomics offers new possibilities for global health through international collaboration

of the article in PubMed. Within the phenotypic profile page, an in-depth characterization of the model is provided using autism-specific annotation that has been specifically developed for this module. D ise as e M od el s & M ec ha ni sm s D M M Disease Models & Mechanisms COMMUNITY NEWS 135 Disease Models & Mechanisms synteny, total number of model reports, and total number of animal models, together with a primary PubMed reference reporting the generation of the model for the candidate gene. Additionally, within the summary line display, a link is provided to the human study for the corresponding gene. Each entry is further displayed at a detail level showing (1) the gene summary, with links to external databases such as Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI; http://www.informatics.jax.org) and Allen Brain Atlas (http://www.brain-map.org/); (2) references; and (3) a list of animal models. Finally, at the third level, for each model, the extended phenotypic profile is organized under 16 categories that are relevant for the biology of autism. The animal model phenotype is shown as changes observed, no changes, or not reported (Fig. 1). For direct participation of the scientific community, SFARI Gene offers an ‘Edit’ function that permits researchers to add new annotations/comments to an entry. Upon approval by a moderator, the new annotation becomes part of the entry. We view the interactive tools that accompany this modular database as essential in the effort to create a site that fully addresses the complexities of autism. Sharmila Banerjee-Basu is the Founder/President of Mindspec, Inc. and Alan Packer is an Associate Director for Research at the Simons Foundation, New York, NY. REFERENCE Basu, S. N. , Kollu, R. and Banerjee-Basu, S. (2009). AutDB: a gene reference resource for autism research. Nucleic Acid Res. 37, D832-D836. doi:10.1242/dmm.005439 D ise as e M od el s & M ec ha ni sm s D M M
Occurrence of a class II restriction endonuclease in Staphylococcus aureus

The occurrence of class II restriction endonucleases (enzymes that both recognize and cleave a specific nucleotide sequence in deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA] in Staphylococcus aureus has been investigated by analysis of crude extracts obtained from different propagating strains of the International Phage Typing System. Of the four main groups of strains in the International System, only extracts of group II strains were found to contain class II restriction endonucleases. The identical cleavage patterns obtained by incubation of different DNAs with cell extracts of group II strains suggest that these enzymes all recognize and cleave the same nucleotide sequence. This recognition site has been determined to be 5'-G-A-T-C-3'-3'-C-T-A-G-5' for the prototype of these enzymes, Sau3AI (J. S. Sussenbach et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 3:3192-3202, 1976). Evidence is presented that the classification of group II strains is based on restriction modification and is correlated with the presence of a class II restriction enoduclease that recognizes and cleaves the above sequence.
The effect of age on the efficacy of human mesenchymal stem cell transplantation after a myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE Clinical trials of cardiac cell therapy have indicated limited benefits in aging patients, even though preclinical studies using young animals consistently reported significant improvements. Animal studies have demonstrated reduced efficacy of donor cells isolated from older individuals. Here, we evaluated the effects of donor age on the function of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in the context of cell therapy for ischemic cardiomyopathy. METHODS In vitro, we compared the growth and clonogenic potential of hMSCs isolated from young or old patients (1-5 vs. 50-70 years old). In vivo, we injected young or old hMSCs (2.0 x 10(6)) (or medium) into the infarcted myocardia of immunosuppressed rats immediately after coronary artery ligation (myocardial infarction [MI]). We assessed cardiac function (echocardiography) at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after MI, and myocardial matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) levels at 1 week. RESULTS In vitro, growth and colony-forming unit fibroblast (CFU-F) formation were markedly diminished in old hMSCs (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively, vs. young). In vivo, compared with old hMSCs or medium, young hMSCs best preserved ejection fraction, fractional shortening (p < 0.05), and left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (p < 0.01). Recipients of young hMSCs also exhibited increases in vascular density and TIMP-3 protein levels and activity (p < 0.05), and decreases in MMP protein levels and activity (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The regenerative capacity of hMSCs was significantly influenced by age. Transplanting young hMSCs improved functional outcomes after an MI by preventing matrix degradation and promoting angiogenesis. The clinical implication is that aged patients require an optimized source of stem cells for treatment.
Time-frequency digital filtering based on an invertible wavelet transform: an application to evoked potentials

Presents a method to analyze and filter digital signals of finite duration by means of a time-frequency representation. This is done by defining a purely invertible discrete transform, representing a signal either in the time or in the time-frequency domain, as simply as possible with the conventional discrete Fourier transform between the time and the frequency domains. The wavelet concept has been used to build this transform. To get a correct invertibility of this procedure, the authors have proposed orthogonal and periodic basic discrete wavelets. The properties of such a transform are described, and examples on brain-evoked potential signals are given to illustrate the time-frequency filtering possibilities. <<ETX>>
Design of a generalised charge-based self-sensing model for quasi-static piezoelectric actuators

Self-sensing actuation is defined by the ability to derive the state of an actuator by exclusively measuring physical signals produced by the actuator itself, which can be done thanks to the reversibility of the piezoelectric effect. Most modern piezoelectric self-sensing methods have made use of charge measurement with several kinds of piezoelectric actuators (e.g. linear stacks, cantilevers, shear stacks, etc.). This paper provides a generalized model and approach for describing the system equations of piezoelectric actuators regardless of their morphology with actuator parameters being calculated separately. This will provide an understanding of each of these parameters' influence on the self-sensing performance. A test setup has been assembled and used to corroborate measurements with the provided analytical models.