Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A modified technique for extensive large colon resection and anastomosis in horses.

OBJECTIVE To describe an alternative technique for large colon resection and anastomosis in horses. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study of clinical patients. ANIMAL POPULATION 37 horses that had ventral midline celiotomies between July 1, 1990, and July 1, 1994. METHODS Large colon resection and anastomosis was performed using a modification of previously described techniques. Modifications include mesocolon ligation with a stapling device and an end-to-end apposition of the right ventral and right dorsal colon. RESULTS Twenty-one of the 37 horses were discharged from the hospital without complications. Two horses were euthanatized immediately after recovery from anesthesia because of hindlimb fracture. Fourteen horses were euthanatized in the initial postoperative period because of persistent endotoxemia and abdominal pain. CONCLUSIONS The described technique is a safe, reliable method for large colon resection and anastomosis in horses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The described technique is fairly simple to perform and requires less surgical time compared with other techniques.
Hierarchical MMSE linear equalization for multilayer coded modulation

A communication system using multilayer coded modulation is introduced to detail the basic principles of hierarchical combined equalization based on linear minimum mean square error (MMSE) algorithm. A simplified hierarchical equalizer's extrinsic information of base-layer for 4-QAM multilayer coded modulation is presented. A new hierarchical equalization method of base layer is applied to multilayer modulation. Simulation results show that compared with conventional equalization method, the proposed hierarchical equalization method works effectively for multilayer coded modulation and the simplified equalizer's extrinsic information algorithm is able to reduce the calculation complexity degrees of equalizer's extrinsic information without the loss of BER performance.
Obesity and ultrasound-estimated visceral fat deposits in women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of body mass index (BMI) and ultrasound-estimated visceral adipose tissue deposits on oocyte quality and pregnancy rate in women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures. The study included 58 women who underwent ART procedures. According to their BMI, the women were divided into normal weight and overweight/obese; an ultrasound evaluation of preperitoneal fat thickness (PFT) was also performed for each patient. The oocyte quality was then assessed, and samples of follicular fluid were collected from each woman, in order to evaluate the intrafollicular concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as markers of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) as markers of chronic inflammation. A negative correlation was found between BMI (as well as PFT) and the number of retrieved oocytes (r = −0.3; p <0.05 and r = −0.5; p < 0.001, respectively), good quality oocytes (r = −0.4; p = <0.05) and obtained embryos (r = −0.3; p < 0.05). In women undergoing ART procedures, BMI and PFT negatively influence the number of oocytes retrieved and their quality. However, on multivariable analysis, only age, PFT and number of retrieved oocytes affect the success rate of ART procedures.
A Signal Denoise Algorithm Based on Wavelet Transform

In this paper, we propose an algorithm for removing Gaussian noise from signal while preserving important details for further processing. The algorithm is based on wavelet modulus maximum theory. A wavelet transform modulus maximum algorithm for signal denoising was presented and analyzed deeply. The simulation results show that the method is effective in both noise removing and detail preserving.
Inappropriate antibiotic prescription for respiratory tract indications: most prominent in adult patients.

BACKGROUND Numerous studies suggest overprescribing of antibiotics for respiratory tract indications (RTIs), without really authenticating inappropriate prescription; the strict criteria of guideline recommendations were not taken into account as information on specific diagnoses, patient characteristics and disease severity was not available. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to quantify and qualify inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for RTIs. METHODS This is an observational study of the (antibiotic) management of patients with RTIs, using a detailed registration of RTI consultations by general practitioners (GPs). Consultations of which all necessary information was available were benchmarked to the prescribing guidelines for acute otitis media (AOM), acute sore throat, rhinosinusitis or acute cough. Levels of overprescribing for these indications and factors associated with overprescribing were determined. RESULTS The overall antibiotic prescribing rate was 38%. Of these prescriptions, 46% were not indicated by the guidelines. Relative overprescribing was highest for throat (including tonsillitis) and lowest for ear consultations (including AOM). Absolute overprescribing was highest for lower RTIs (including bronchitis). Overprescribing was highest for patients between 18 and 65 years of age, when GPs felt patients' pressure for an antibiotic treatment, for patients presenting with fever and with complaints longer than 1 week. Underprescribing was observed in <4% of the consultations without a prescription. CONCLUSION Awareness of indications and patient groups provoking antibiotic overprescribing can help in the development of targeted strategies to improve GPs' prescribing routines for RTIs.
Site-specific presentation of single recombinant proteins in defined nanoarrays

The authors describe the deposition of single biomolecules on substrates at defined spacing by pure self-assembly. The substrate is equipped with an array of 8 nm large gold particles which form the template for biomolecule binding. The authors verified the successful binding of single biomolecules via specific antibody labeling and imaging by fluorescence microscopy. Scanning force microscopy provided evidence that every gold nanoparticle of the pattern is occupied by at least one biomolecule. Furthermore, gold conjugated secondary antibodies in combination with scanning electron microscopy proved that at least 75% of the nanoparticles carried only one active biomolecule. The precision given by such surface densities is molecularly defined and such considerably higher than in any other case reported so far.
Ultrasound diagnosis and evaluation of fetal tumors.

Fetal tumors represent a rare and heterogeneous group of abnormalities. A significant proportion of them can now be diagnosed by using modern high resolution ultrasonic equipment. During 15 years there were 57 fetal tumours detected prenatally. Hygroma colli is the most frequent fetal tumor. It should be emphasized that cystic hygroma generally carries poor prognosis, and after an early diagnosis, termination of pregnancy is most logical approach. Contrary to the general opinion our own experience showed that there are cases in which prognosis could be much better as illustrated with our 4 cases. All of the treated fetuses, after surgical resection, had normal development and are now on the age of 5, 4, 3 and 2 years of life. An ovarian cyst can be suspected if a fluid-filled structure is visualized next to a fetal kidney and female external genitalia are recognizable. The ultrasound finding suggestive of an ovarian cyst is that of a pelvic cystic or complex mass in a female fetus with normal kidneys and urinary bladder and a normal gastrointestinal tract. In most cases, the normal course of fetal ovarian cyst is a spontaneous intrauterine or postnatal involution. Prenatal diagnosis improves neonatal outcome by allowing an appropriate choice of the optimal time, mode and place of delivery in order to avoid accidental and unexpected intrapartum and postnatal complications. The management of a fetus affected by an ovarian cyst depends on the size and on the echo-pattern of the cyst. It remains unclear whether in utero puncture of the cyst and evacuation of its content should be justified in cases of particularly large ovarian cyst. In our opinion intrauterine procedure can be attempted in the presence of large cyst fulfilling the fetal abdomen. We have treated actively two cases of large ovarian cysts by ultrasonically guided puncture before delivery and both fetuses underwent surgery later without complications. If properly performed puncture of the cyst seems to be a low risk procedure in comparison to potential problems that cyst may cause to the fetus or by causing dystocia. Sacrococcygeal teratoma represents the most frequent tumor in the fetuses and newborns. Prenatal diagnosis is usually simple and based on the visualization of tumor of variable size and internal structure. Tumors may appear as completely cystic, mixed or predominantly solid with obvious calcifications. Cystic and calcified tumors are most likely to be benign. Obstetrical management of sacrococcygeal teratoma depends on numerous parameters which include size and texture of the tumor, and gestational age. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Solid-Phase Environmental Genotoxicity: In Vivo Veritas!

Specific genotoxicity of solid particles are discussed by using three different examples. Carcinogenic asbestos fibres have primary genotoxic effects as well, that can be studied in in vitro studies. Nevertheless, demonstration of their mesothelioma inducing effect is only possible in in vivo studies. Their carrier function seems to be essential for the biological activity. Carbon nanotubes do not show any genotoxic effects, but lack of their carcinogenicity is still debated. The size distribution is close to asbestos fibres and fibrils, after all, their biological behaviour are rather different. Medicinal muds used in balneotherapy and medical wellness consisting of suspensionscause dermal exposure of patients. Some kinds of these muds may have genotoxicity but probably not the particles themselves, rather their extractable chemical fractions. Ethical aspects of environmental health studies on particles are also discussed.
A Role for Social Workers in Improving Care Setting Transitions: A Case Study

High 30-day readmission rates are a major burden to the American medical system. Much attention is on transitional care to decrease financial costs and improve patient outcomes. Social workers may be uniquely qualified to improve care transitions and have not previously been used in this role. We present a case study of an older, dually eligible Latina woman who received a social work–driven transition intervention that included in-home and telephone contacts. The patient was not readmitted during the six-month study period, mitigated her high pain levels, and engaged in social outings once again. These findings suggest the value of a social worker in a transitional care role.
Effects of ultraviolet radiation on the productivity and composition of freshwater phytoplankton communities

The net influence of ultraviolet radiation (UVR; 280–400 nm) on freshwater phytoplankton communities depends on the photon flux density, duration, and spectral quality of exposure and the UVR sensitivity of the assemblage in terms of photosynthetic impairment, biochemical composition, and nutrient assimilation mechanisms. Such effects are mitigated to varying degrees by photoacclimation and selective adaptation at the community level. Variation in UVR penetration among lakes is considerable, largely due to differences in chromophoric dissolved organic matter concentrations. Documented losses of areal daily primary production in lakes due to UVR range from negligible (2.5%) to appreciable (26%). UVR has the potential to alter algal biochemical composition and therefore indirectly affect higher trophic levels. There is evidence that algal nutritional status can influence UVR sensitivity, and that UVR can inhibit uptake and assimilation of inorganic nutrients, but results have been inconsistent. Taxonomic variability in susceptibility to the effects of UVR exists, and likely reflects variation in cell size and shape, concentrations of photoprotective pigments, and capacity to repair UVR photodamage. Suggestions for future research include: (1) resolution of taxon-specific UVR responses by way of single-cell techniques (e.g. enzyme-labelled fluorescence assays, microscopebased variable fluorometers) and (2) systematic comparative studies to link UVR exposure in natural habitats to community responses using the biological weighting function modelling approach. A more robust understanding of how sensitivity to UVR varies according to taxon and habitat is needed if predictions of its role in ecosystem functioning, particularly in connection with climate change, are to be meaningful.
Localization Using Joint Distance and Angle Information for 3D Wireless Sensor Networks

On the problem of wireless sensor network localization, few true three-dimensional (3D) methods have been developed to satisfy the practical needs. In this work we propose a range-based 3D localization algorithm that is accurate, anchor-free, scalable and physical position available. A novel combination of distance and direction measurement technique is introduced to estimate ranges between neighbors. Based on this information local coordinate systems are constructed and then converged to form a global network wide coordinate system, which finally leads to nodes' absolute positions. Simulation results have shown that our algorithm achieves good tradeoff between localization percentage and precision when node degree equals 12 or around.
Depression and health related quality of life in non-cirrhotic chronic hepatitis B patients and hepatitis B carriers.

OBJECTIVE To measure health related quality of life and level of depression among patients with noncirrhotic chronic hepatitis B patients and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers. METHODS The study was conducted at Psychiatry, Gastroenterology, and Infectious Disease Outpatients Clinics of the Harran University, Sanliurfa, Southeastern Turkey, between April and June 2005. A case control study design was used to determine the effect of hepatitis B infection on depressive symptoms and quality of life. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depressive symptoms, the Short Form-36 for measuring health related quality of life (HRQOL), and semi-structured interviews for assessing psychosocial variables were used. RESULTS Thirty patients who met the criteria for being diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B, 30 inactive HBsAg carriers, and 30 healthy subjects were included in the study. It was found that hepatitis B had a significantly negative impact on quality of life, both in terms of physical function, and mental health. Our results showed that HRQOL in asymptomatic carriers is comparable to those of non-cirrhotic chronic hepatitis B patients and worse than healthy controls. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that not only chronic hepatitis B patients, but also HBsAg carriers need emotional support. Therefore, on-going collaboration between hepatology and infection clinics and psychiatric liaison is needed.
Molecular Interactions between the Specialist Herbivore Manduca sexta ( Lepidoptera , Sphingidae ) and Its Natural Host Nicotiana attenuata . III . Fatty Acid-Amino Acid Conjugates in Herbivore Oral Secretions Are Necessary and Sufficient for Herbivore-Specific Plant Responses 1

Feeding by the tobacco specialist Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae) and application of larval oral secretions and regurgitant (R) to mechanical wounds are known to elicit: (a) a systemic release of monoand sesquiterpenes, (b) a jasmonate burst, and (c) R-specific changes in transcript accumulation of putatively growthand defense-related mRNAs in Nicotiana attenuata Torr. ex Wats. We identified several fatty acid-amino acid conjugates (FACs) in the R of M. sexta and the closely related species Manduca quinquemaculata which, when synthesized and applied to mechanical wounds at concentrations comparable with those found in R, elicited all three R-specific responses. Ion-exchange treatment of R, which removed all detectable FACs and free fatty acids (FAs), also removed all detectable activity. The biological activity of ion-exchanged R could be completely restored by the addition of synthetic FACs at R-equivalent concentrations, whereas the addition of FAs did not restore the biological activity of R. We conclude that the biological activity of R is not related to the supply of FAs to the octadecanoid cascade for endogenous jasmonate biosynthesis, but that FACs elicit the herbivore-specific responses by another mechanism and that the insect-produced modification of plant-derived FAs is necessary for the plant’s recognition of this specialized herbivore.
Genocide Is a Process, Not an Event

Genocide studies is simultaneously an emerging and accepted category of scholarly inquiry. The field is robust and at a critical turning point as more disciplines engage the subject. This article identifies two areas within the field that suggest the need for further scholarly attention. First, it urges a renewed attention to the processional nature of genocide and the implications that flow from a particularized understanding of it, specifically in relation to prevention. The article explores this relationship by providing a process-oriented examination of the under-theorized concept of “genocide by attrition,” seeking engagement and critique of the concept. Second, new disciplines have entered the field of genocide studies, bringing with them new methodologies and insights. While this is a welcome advance, genocide studies must move from multidisciplinary to interdisciplinary research to avoid fragmentation and achieve the diverse objectives of the field.
Voltage dips analysis for grid connections of dispatchable photovoltaic systems

This paper focuses on an analysis on compatibility between power grid quality voltage and dispatchable photovoltaic plant integration. In this order, based on a simulation, voltage dips have been calculated on the bus bars of a test system (IEEE-RTS). The method for voltage dip estimation used in this paper provides the frequency of voltage dips, due to symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults in the grid.
A Nucleophile Activation Dyad in Ribonucleases

Ribonucleases (RNases) catalyze the cleavage of the phosphodiester bond in RNA up to 1015-fold, as compared with the uncatalyzed reaction. High resolution crystal structures of these enzymes in complex with 3′-mononucleotide substrates demonstrate the accommodation of the nucleophilic 2′-OH group in a binding pocket comprising the catalytic base (glutamate or histidine) and a charged hydrogen bond donor (lysine or histidine). Ab initio quantum chemical calculations performed on such Michaelis complexes of the mammalian RNase A (EC 3.1.27.5) and the microbial RNase T1 (EC 3.1.27.3) show negative charge build up on the 2′-oxygen upon substrate binding. The increased nucleophilicity results from stronger hydrogen bonding to the catalytic base, which is mediated by a hydrogen bond from the charged donor. This hitherto unrecognized catalytic dyad in ribonucleases constitutes a general mechanism for nucleophile activation in both enzymic and RNA-catalyzed phosphoryl transfer reactions.
Correlation of 125I‐LSD autoradiographic labeling with serotonin voltage clamp responses in Aplysia neurons

Autoradiographic receptor binding studies using 125I‐LSD (2‐[125I]lysergic acid diethyamide) revealed intense labelling on the soma of a symmetrically located pair of cells in the abdominal ganglion of Aplysia californica. This binding was blocked by micromolar concentrations of serotonin and lower concentrations of the serotonergic antagonists, cyproheptadine and mianserin (Kadan and Hartig, 1988). Electrophysiological investigation of responses to serotonin of neurons in the left upper quadrant, where one of the labeled neurons is located, revealed a range of serotonin responses. Cells L3 and L6 have a K+ conductance increase in response to serotonin that is not blocked by cyproheptadine or mianserin. Cells L2 and L4 have a biphasic response to serotonin: a Na+ conductance increase, which can be blocked by cyproheptadine and mianserin, followed by a voltage dependent Ca2+ conductance which is blocked by Cs2+ but not the serotonergic antagonists. Cell L1, and its symmetrical pair, R1, have in addition to the Na+ and Ca2+ responses observed in L2 and L4, a Cl− conductance increase blocked by LSD, cyproheptadine and mianserin. LSD had little effect on the other responses. We conclude that the symmetrically located cells L1 and R1 have a Cl− channel linked to a cyproheptadine‐ and mianserin‐sensitive serotonin receptor that is selectively labelled by 125I‐LSD. This receptor has many properties in common with the mammalian serotonin 1C receptor.
Article Commentary: The Role of Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy in Renal Transplantation

Renal transplantation is an effective treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. Unfortunately, the number of patients waiting for transplantation greatly exceeds the number of suitable organs. Use of live kidney donors can increase the donor pool. Historically, donor nephrectomy was performed as an open technique. Its associated prolonged convalescence and long-term morbidity was likely a disincentive to donate. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, however, has been shown to have fewer long-term complications without compromising graft function. Since its inception, there has been an increase in the number of live donor renal transplantations performed.
Altered fidelity of mitotic chromosome transmission in cell cycle mutants of S. cerevisiae.

Thirteen of 14 temperature-sensitive mutants deficient in successive steps of mitotic chromosome transmission (cdc2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 20) from spindle pole body separation to a late stage of nuclear division exhibited a dramatic increase in the frequency of chromosome loss and/or mitotic recombination when they were grown at their maximum permissive temperatures. The increase in chromosome loss and/or recombination is likely to be due to the deficiency of functional gene product rather than to an aberrant function of the mutant gene product since the mutant alleles are, with one exception, recessive to the wild-type allele for this phenotype. The generality of this result suggests that a delay in almost any stage of chromosome replication or segregation leads to a decrease in the fidelity of mitotic chromosome transmission. In contrast, temperature-sensitive mutants defective in the control step of the cell cycle (cdc28), in cytokinesis (cdc3) or in protein synthesis (ils1) did not exhibit increased recombination or chromosome loss. --Based upon previous results with mutants and DNA-damaging agents in a variety of organisms, we suggest that the induction of mitotic recombination in certain mutants is due to the action of a repair pathway upon nicks or gaps left in the DNA. This interpretation is supported by the fact that the induced recombination is dependent upon the RAD52 gene product, as essential component in the recombinogenic DNA repair pathway. Gene products whose deficiency leads to induced recombination are, therefore, strong candidates for proteins that function in DNA metabolism. Among the mutants that induce recombination are those known to be defective in some aspect of DNA replication (cdc2, 6, 8, 9) as well as some mutants defective in the G2 (cdc13 and 17) and M (cdc5 and 14) phases of the mitotic cycle. We suggest that special aspects of DNA metabolism may be occurring in G2 and M in order to prepare the chromosomes for proper segregation.