Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The first European trial of anaesthetic ether: the Dumfries claim.

ed: It is a noteworthy circumstance in the nnnnis of the house, that anaesthetics were ussd here, for surgical purposes, sooner than in any other place on this side of the Atlantic. Soon after Dr. Morton, of America, discovered sulphuric ether, the news of its sleepproducing power was brought to Dumfries by a native of the town, Dr. Fraser, a surgeon in one of the Cunard steamers. That gentleman, when visiting at the Infirmary, having mentioned the discovery to Drs. M'Lauchlan and Scott, their interest was excited, and a patient opportunely coming in, they, by means of an improvised apparatus, caused him to inhale a portion of ether, which at once sent him into a deep sleep, during which the requisite painless operation was successfully performed by Dr. Scott. When, in March, 1868, the late Sir James Y. Simpson, who afterwards still further enriched the healing art and blessed the world with the boon of chloroform, was speaking on th: subject at a conversazione of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, he mentioned this important fact, and added, that after the ether had been first used here, it was next employed by Mr. Lis ton, the eminent surgeon in London. Accounts of the Dumfries operation have been recorded elsewhere (Underwood, 1946a, b; McDougal, 1948; Watt, 1961). Residence in Dumfries during the past two years has given the author of this paper an opportunity to investigate the incident more fully and to elicit details of the three relatively unknown men who participated in the experiment—William Fraser, William Scott, and James M'Lauchlan.
Knockdown of XAB 2 Enhances All-Trans Retinoic Acid – Induced Cellular Differentiation in All-Trans Retinoic Acid – Sensitive and – Resistant Cancer Cells

Xeroderma pigmentosum group A (XPA)–binding protein 2 (XAB2) is composed of 855 amino acids, contains 15 tetratricopeptide repeat motifs, and associates with Cockayne syndrome group A and B proteins and RNA polymerase II, as well as XPA. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that XAB2 is involved in pre-mRNA splicing, transcription, and transcription-coupled DNA repair, leading to preimplantation lethality, and is essential for mouse embryogenesis. Retinoids are effective for the treatment of preneoplastic diseases including xeroderma pigmentosum and other dermatologic diseases such as photoaging. We therefore focused on defining the effect of XAB2 on cellular differentiation in the presence of ATRA treatment. In the present study, we showed that overexpression of XAB2 inhibited ATRA-induced cellular differentiation in human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line, and that knockdown of XAB2 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) increased ATRA-sensitive cellular differentiation in the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL60 at both physiologic (10 –10 8 mol/L) and therapeutic (10 7 mol/L) concentrations of ATRA. Moreover, we found that XAB2 was associated with retinoic acid receptor A (RARA) and histone deacetylase 3 in the nuclei. Finally, using siRNA against XAB2, we showed that the ATRA-resistant neuroblastoma cell line IMR-32 underwent cellular differentiation induced by ATRA at a therapeutic concentration (10 6 mol/L). These results strongly suggest that XAB2 is a component of the RAR corepressor complex with an inhibitory effect on ATRA-induced cellular differentiation and that XAB2 plays a role in ATRA-mediated cellular differentiation as an important aspect of cancer therapy. [Cancer Res 2007;67(3):1019–29]
Electronic excitations and their effect on the interionic forces in simulations of radiation damage in metals

Using time-dependent tight-binding simulations of radiation damage cascades in a model metal we directly investigate the nature of the excitations of a system of quantum mechanical electrons in response to the motion of a set of classical ions. We furthermore investigate the effect of these excitations on the attractive electronic forces between the ions. We find that the electronic excitations are well described by a Fermi–Dirac distribution at some elevated temperature, even in the absence of the direct electron–electron interactions that would be required in order to thermalize a non-equilibrium distribution. We explain this result in terms of the spectrum of characteristic frequencies of the ionic motion. Decomposing the electronic force into four well-defined components within the basis of instantaneous electronic eigenstates, we find that the effect of accumulated excitations in weakening the interionic bonds is mostly (95%) accounted for by a thermal model for the electronic excitations. This result justifies the use of the simplifying assumption of a thermalized electron system in simulations of radiation damage with an electronic temperature dependence and in the development of temperature-dependent classical potentials.
Consequent-pole brushless machines featuring uneven magnet-pole width ratio

Permanent magnets synchronous machines are used in many different applications. While the popular surface magnets isotropic variant is the simplest to manufacture and control, its relatively low airgap flux density limits the specific performances that are further reduced when a bandage is used to retain magnets. The different buried magnets variants may be tailored to improve the most relevant aspects, yet resulting more complex and expensive with a less robust rotor core. Inset magnets machines may constitute an interesting intermediate solution. In particular, the consequent pole variant features a simple and robust structure with some design flexibility. This paper investigates the opportunity to design consequent-pole machines featuring rotors with different pole and magnet angular width, aiming to improve the specific performances by better exploiting the potential of silicon steel laminations.
Nitric Oxide Participation in the Fungicidal Mechanism of Gamma Interferon-Activated Murine Macrophages againstParacoccidioides brasiliensis Conidia

ABSTRACT Paracoccidioidomycosis, a systemic mycosis restricted to Latin America and produced by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, is probably acquired by inhalation of conidia produced by the mycelial form. The macrophage (Mφ) represents the major cell defense against this pathogen; when activated with gamma interferon (IFN-γ), murine Mφs kill the fungus by an oxygen-independent mechanism. Our goal was to determine the role of nitric oxide in the fungicidal effect of Mφs on P. brasiliensis conidia. The results revealed that IFN-γ-activated murine Mφs inhibited the conidium-to-yeast transformation process in a dose-dependent manner; maximal inhibition was observed in Mφs activated with 50 U/ml and incubated for 96 h at 37°C. When Mφs were activated with 150 to 200 U of cytokine per ml, the number of CFU was 70% lower than in nonactivated controls, indicating that there was a fungicidal effect. The inhibitory effect was reversed by the addition of anti-IFN-γ monoclonal antibodies. Activation by IFN-γ also enhanced Mφ nitric oxide production, as revealed by increasing NO2 values (8 ± 3 μM in nonactivated Mφs versus 43 ± 13 μM in activated Mφs). The neutralization of IFN-γ also reversed nitric oxide production at basal levels (8 ± 5 μM). Additionally, we found that there was a significant inverse correlation (r = −0.8975) between NO2− concentration and transformation ofP. brasiliensis conidia. Additionally, treatment with any of the three different nitric oxide inhibitors used (arginase,NG-monomethyl-l-arginine, and aminoguanidine), reverted the inhibition of the transformation process with 40 to 70% of intracellular yeast and significantly reduced nitric oxide production. These results show that IFN-γ-activated murine Mφs kill P. brasiliensis conidia through thel-arginine–nitric oxide pathway.
A wavelet based approach for solving Poisson's equation

This paper presents a new approach for solving elliptic PDEs using wavelets. In this paper scalets and wavelets are used as basis functions for solving Poissons equation. The scalets are constructed using the Lagrangian interpolating functions (linear polynomials) which are C0. The corresponding wavelets are chosen to be Hierarchical basis functions. The basis functions are tailored for the PDE and their boundary conditions so that the resulting discretization matrix is block diagonal and permits optimal O(N) solving speed. The solution to the problem is obtained in multiresolutions and can be improved in a systematic manner by adding detail functions obtained from wavelets.
Pharmacogenomics genes show varying perceptibility to microRNA regulation

Objective The aim of pharmacogenomics is to identify individual differences in genome and transcriptome composition and their effect on drug efficacy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate expression of the majority of animal genes, including many genes involved in drug efficacy. Consequently, differences in the miRNA expression among individuals could be an important factor contributing to differential drug response. Pharmacogenomics genes can be divided into drug target genes termed as pharmacodynamics genes (PD) and genes involved in drug transport and metabolism termed as pharmacokinetics genes (PK). To clarify the regulatory potential of miRNAs in pharmacogenomics, we have examined the potential regulation by miRNAs of PK and PD genes. Methods We identified PK and PD genes as annotated by the Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base and examined miRNA targeting of genes in the two groups according to several miRNA target prediction databases. We furthermore studied how differences between the two groups are reflected in the gene structure and across gene families. Lastly, we studied changes in expression levels of PK versus PD genes in cells depleted for miRNAs by shRNA-mediated knockdown of the miRNA-processing enzyme Dicer. Results Our analysis identify a striking difference in the level of miRNA regulation between PK and PD genes, with the former having less than half predicted conserved miRNA binding sites compared with the latter. Importantly, this finding is reflected in a highly significant difference in the shift in expression levels of PD versus PK genes after depletion of miRNAs. Conclusion Our study emphasizes an intrinsic difference between PK and PD genes and helps clarify the role of miRNAs in pharmacogenomics.
Diffusion and Inhibition Processes in a Hollow-fiber Membrane Bioreactor for Hybridoma Culture. Development of a Mathematical Model

The performance of a hollow-fiber membrane bioreactor (HFBR) (molecular weight cut-off 30 kD, fiber surface area 2050 cm2) containing a culture of hybridoma cells has been investigated. Experimental data were used as basis to develop a model of general application. Concentrations of fundamental nutrients (glucose and glutamine), inhibitory products (ammonium and lactate), and monoclonal antibodies (MAb) against bovine lactoferrin (IgG1) were monitored over time. Exchange of nutrients and products occurred across the capillary surface, whereas cells and MAb remained in the extra-capillary space (ECS). A protein-free culture medium (Hybrimax) with and without antibiotics was used. In both cases, the final MAb concentration was the same; however, antibiotic presence slowed down the time to achieve this concentration. Diffusion assays have been carried out in order to support the development of a mathematical model that describes the performance of the HFBR, including mass transfer and reaction terms. Inhibition by ammonium and lactate has been considered in the kinetics, providing model results consistent with experimental data. Further research with other cell lines and/or culture media will allow to broaden the field of application of this model for general use in HFBR systems.
Factors Affecting the Epidemiology of Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Despite being a relatively rare disease in comparison with other forms of infectious keratitis, Acanthamoeba keratitis is a potentially blinding disease. Wide variations in the incidence of Acanthamoeba keratitis have been reported in both developed and developing countries. At the same time that contact lens wear was found to be responsible for the spread of the disease in developed countries, Acanthamoeba keratitis was considered a rare disease in developing countries compared with fungal and bacterial keratitis. In recent decades, the risk of getting Acanthamoeba keratitis has increased because of the increased proportion of contact lens wearers. This article introduces the different factors affecting the epidemiology of Acanthamoeba keratitis worldwide, presents a chronological review of the literature, and shows the progressive spread of Acanthamoeba keratitis in the last two decades in different geographical areas of the world. A detailed comparison of the incidence of the disease as reported in different studies in different countries is made. The impact of contact lenses and other factors, such as hot weather, virulence of Acanthamoeba strains, water sanitation and quality, the occurrence of environmental disasters such as flooding, and the wide environmental presence of Acanthamoeba cysts on the incidence of the disease, are discussed. In addition, the ability of Acanthamoeba cysts to resist different harsh conditions is reviewed.
Effectiveness of two novel anionic and cationic platinum complexes in the treatment of osteosarcoma.

AIM This study aimed to characterize the cellular basis of the platinum cytotoxicity of two novel platinum complexes, 3Pt and 1Pt, in comparison with that of cisplatin. 3Pt comprises anionic phosphate moieties, while 1Pt comprises neutral aromatic ligands. METHODS We compared the cytotoxic potency of 3Pt and 1Pt with that of cisplatin in osteosarcoma cell lines and an orthotopic mouse model. RESULTS The cytotoxic potency of 3Pt was markedly higher than that of cisplatin in all cell lines. Both novel platinum complexes showed a complete lack of cross resistance in cisplatin-resistant cells. Caffeine enhanced the cytotoxic potency of these novel platinum complexes, as observed for cisplatin. Apoptosis after drug administration was observed by DNA ladder formation and an annexin V/PI assay. DNA double-strand breaks were confirmed by phosphorylation of histone H2AX. In vivo, the antitumor activity of 3Pt and 1Pt was superior and similar, respectively, to that of cisplatin. Both novel platinum complexes exerted strong antitumor effects on osteosarcoma in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS 3Pt may be an effective drug for the treatment of bone cancer because the PO3 moiety has a high affinity to bone, as exhibited by bisphosphonates, and is expected to decrease the incidence of side effects at extraskeletal sites and overcome drug resistance. Cationic 1Pt may also be an effective antitumor drug because of its unique chemical structure and properties. Further investigations to detail the antitumor effects of these ionic Pt complexes on osteosarcoma are warranted.
MACC 1 as a marker for vascular invasive hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Recently, metastasis associated with colon cancer 1 (MACC1) gene was identified by genome-wide search for differentially expressed genes in human colon cancer tissues and metastases. Previously, MACC1 expression was examined in colorectal carcinomas and gastric carcinomas and was found to show significant correlation with peritoneal dissemination. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this study, MACC1 expression was analyzed in 60 samples (tumor and the surrounding non-tumorous liver tissue) collected from 30 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). Results. MACC1 expression score (tumor:normal) in primary HCC was between 0.01 and 4.59 (average±SD=0.68±0.94). Subsequently, clinicopathological data were correlated with the MACC1 expression. It was found that MACC1 expression showed significant correlation with vascular invasion and α-fetoprotein level (p=0.034, p=0.0098, respectively). CONCLUSION These results suggest that MACC1 is more frequently expressed in vascular invasive HCC and may serve as a new parameter for the prognostic prediction of HCC.
VAGINAL CLEAR CELL ADENOCARCINOMA WITH EARLY PULMONARY METASTASIS IN A CHILD

Although a few cases of vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCAC) have been reported in the ages under 14, they have presented in a much more aggressive form than the CCAC cases in higher ages and parenchymal pulmonary metastasis are known to occur following the primary tumor. This is a case report of a primary vaginal CCAC in an 8.6-year-old girl with no history of DES exposure who presented with vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain and the imaging signs of pulmonary metastasis at the presentation. Diagnostic imaging modalities should be considered for any child complaining of vaginal bleeding, due to limitation of vaginal examination. Chest X-ray is recommended at the time of diagnosis of CCAC and at follow-up sessions for early diagnosis of pulmonary metastasis.
ASPECTS REGARDING CORPORATE MANDATORY AND VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE

The paper highlights theoretical aspects regarding corporate mandatory and voluntary disclosure. Since financial and business reporting are important information sources for different stakeholders, especially for publicly traded companies, the business reporting is increasingly oriented to the need of different users. In order to make rational investment decisions, users of corporate annual and interim reports require an extensive range of information. The increasing needs of the users persuade different international bodies and researchers to investigate the improvements that can be done in business reporting. The results of those studies usually were different reporting models. Because voluntary dimension of corporate disclosure involve the manifestation of free choice of the firm and its managers, we have considered as necessary to achieve a theoretical analysis of the main costs and profits of the voluntary disclosure policy.
Determinants of maximal exercise performance in chronic heart failure

Background Chronic heart failure (CHF) is characterized by symptoms like fatigue, dyspnoea and limited exercise performance. It has been postulated that maximal exercise performance (Wmax) is predominantly limited by skeletal muscle function and less by heart function. Aim To study the interrelation between most relevant muscle and anthropometrical variables and Wmax in CHF patients in order to develop a model that describes the impact of these variables for maximal exercise performance. Design In 77 patients with CHF Wmax was assessed by incremental cycle ergometry until exhaustion (20 Watt/3 min). Peak torque (strength) and total work (endurance) for the quadriceps and hamstrings were assessed by isokinetic dynamometry. Isometric strength was measured by hand dynamometry. Relevant muscle areas were calculated by computerized tomography scan. Results Significant correlations between Wmax and isokinetic muscle parameters (peak torque and total work) ranged from 0.41-0.65 (P<0.01). Other significant relationships (P<0.01) with Wmax were obtained for age (r = −0.22), gender (r = 0.45), fat free mass (FFM) (r = 0.51), quadriceps muscle area (r = 0.73), hamstrings muscle area (r = 0.50), upper leg muscle function (i.e., a combination of muscle strength and muscle endurance) (r = 0.71) and isometric strength (r = 0.63). Multiple regression analysis showed that upper leg muscle function and quadriceps muscle area could predict 57% of the variance in Wmax. Conclusion Muscle strength and muscle endurance, combined with quadriceps muscle area are the main predictors of maximal exercise performance in patients with CHF.
Pathogenesis of of cytomegalovirus infection. I. Activation of virus from bone marrow-derived lymphocytes by in vitro allogenic reaction

After infection in utero or at birth with a cell culture adapted strain of mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV), several mouse strains developed a latent virus infection in the presence of specific antiviral antibodies. Up to 5 mo after infection, MCMV could be activated and recovered from spleen lymphocytes of the infected animals that were co- cultivated with histoincompatible (H-2 foreign) mouse embryo cells from uninfected animals. In contrast, co-cultivation of lymphoid cells from infected mice with mouse embryo cells from syngeneic, histocompatible (H-2 similar) donors did not activate MCMV. Similarly, MCMV was not recovered from sonicated lymphoid cells. Virus was activated by treating viable lymphoid cells with lipopolysaccharide, a B-cell mitogen, but was not activated by a variety of other mitogens such as phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, or pokeweed mitogen. Subsequent purification of lymphoid cells from the infected mice by a variety of techniques indicated that MCMV was harbored in the B-lymphocyte population.
Vitamin B12 transport in Escherichia coli: energy coupling between membranes

Cells of Escherichia coli possess high‐affinity active transport systems of vitamin B12 and iron‐siderophore complexes. Specific outer‐membrane proteins carry out the energy‐dependent transport across the outer membrane, in conjunction with the TonB coupling protein. Mutagenesis experiments have identified a conserved region near the amino‐terminus of the outer‐membrane transporters that is necessary for energy‐coupled transport. The ability of extragenic suppressor mutations in tonB to correct the transport defect indicates that TonB couples the proton‐motive force to the outer‐membrane proteins by direct contact.
Imparare a Quantificare Guardando (Learning to Quantify by Watching)

English. In this paper, we focus on linguistic questions over images which may be answered with a quantifier (e.g. How many dogs are black? Some/most/all of them, etc.). We show that in order to learn to quantify, a multimodal model has to obtain a genuine understanding of linguistic and visual inputs and of their interaction. We propose a model that extracts a fuzzy representation of the set of the queried objects (e.g. dogs) and of the queried property in relation to that set (e.g. black with respect to dogs), outputting the appropriate quantifier for that relation. Italiano. In questo lavoro studiamo le domande del tipo “Quanti cani sono neri? ”, la cui risposta è un quantificatore (es. “alcuni”/”tutti”/”nessuno”). Mostriamo che al fine di imparare a quantificare, un modello multimodale deve ottenere una rappresentazione profonda della domanda linguistica, dell’immagine e della loro interazione. Proponiamo un modello che estrae una rappresentazione approssimativa dell’insieme degli oggetti e della proprietà sui quali verte la domanda.
Level Crossing Rate of Product of Two α-k-μ Random Variables

In this paper, the product of two α-k-μ random variables is analyzed. The closed form expressions for average level crossing rate (LCR) of product of two α-k-μ random variables are determined. These expressions are used for calculation of average level crossing rate of wireless communication systems operating over α-k-μ multipath fading channels. The α-k-μ distribution can be used to describe small scale signal envelope variations in non linear line-of-sight multipath fading environments. Key-Words: α-k-μ random variable, product of random variables, level crossing rate (LCR), multipath fading, wireless communication systems