Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
N-(4-Tertiarybutylphenyl)-4-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)tetrahydropyrazine -1(2H)-carbox-amide (BCTC), a Novel, Orally Effective Vanilloid Receptor 1 Antagonist with Analgesic Properties: I. In Vitro Characterization and Pharmacokinetic Properties

Vanilloids such as capsaicin have algesic properties and seem to mediate their effects via activation of the vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1), a ligand-gated ion channel highly expressed on primary nociceptors. Although blockade of capsaicin-induced VR1 activation has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo with the antagonist capsazepine, efficacy in rat models of chronic pain has not been observed with this compound. Here, we describe the in vitro pharmacology of a highly potent VR1 antagonist, N-(4-tertiarybutylphenyl)-4-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)tetrahydropyrazine-1(2H)-carbox-amide (BCTC). Similar to capsazepine, this compound inhibits capsaicin-induced activation of rat VR1 with an IC50 value of 35 nM. Interestingly however, BCTC also potently inhibits acid-induced activation of rat VR1 (IC50 value of 6.0 nM), whereas capsazepine is inactive. Similarly, in the rat skin-nerve preparation both BCTC and capsazepine block capsaicin-induced activation, whereas the response to acidification is inhibited by BCTC, but not by capsazepine. Specificity for VR1 was demonstrated against 63 other receptor, enzyme, transporter, and ion channel targets. BCTC was orally bioavailable in the rat, demonstrating a plasma half-life of ∼1 h and significant penetration into the central nervous system. Thus, BCTC is a high potency, selective VR1 antagonist that, unlike capsazepine, has potent blocking effects on low pH-induced activation of rat VR1. These properties make it a more suitable candidate than capsazepine for testing the role played by VR1 in rat models of human disease.
PURIFICATION, PARTIAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ACTIVITY PROFILING OF BROMELAIN PROTEASE

This study aims at the purification and comparative analysis of active bromelain protease present in pineapple (Ananas comosus) (L.Merr.) fruit and its other wastes (core, crown, skin, and stem). The extracted enzyme was precipitated by ammonium sulphate (40%), dialysed and concentrated by TFF (tangential flow filtration) and further purified using IEX (ion exchange chromatography). The purified fractions were analysed by SDS-PAGE and MALDI ToF to confirm the molecular weight (23kDa) of the eluted protein. The fold of purification for Bromelain proteases in the core, crown, fruit, skin and stem was 5.54, 3.04, 0.41, 12.58 and 18.49 respectively. The activity of purified enzyme was confirmed by activity assay as well as Zymography. Statistical analysis suggested specific activity optimum at 450C temperature while the pH range to be 6.0-7.0. The presence of a glycan moiety in the bromelain protease was detected using novel proteoglycan staining.
Drug-eluting stents following rotational atherectomy for heavily calcified coronary lesions: long-term clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND Rotational atherectomy followed by drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation for complex, severely calcified lesions is a rational combination that has not been sufficiently evaluated. METHODS We investigated 102 consecutive patients with angiographic evidence of heavily calcified lesions that underwent DES implantation following rotational atherectomy at our institution between June 2005 and October 2009, and we examined the long-term clinical outcomes. The major adverse cardiac events monitored were death, myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularization. RESULTS Patients were 68.8 ± 7.4 years old, 52.9% were diabetic, and 12.7% had chronic kidney disease. Forty-seven patients (46.1%) had three-vessel disease, and 13 (12.7%) had left main coronary artery stenosis. The radial approach was used in 37.3% of cases. The procedure was successful in 97%. In-hospital death occurred in 1 patient (0.9%), and 3 patients (2.9%) developed stent thrombosis. At the mean follow-up period of 15 months (range 1- 54), the total cardiac death rate was 4.9%, target lesion revascularization was 8.8% and the incidence of myocardial infarction was 3.9%. The combined endpoint occurred in 12.7% of cases. CONCLUSION DES following rotational atherectomy for heavily calcified coronary lesions is a safe and effective procedure that provides good long-term clinical outcomes.
Robust 3D Object Tracking Using an Elaborate Motion Model

This paper proposes a new method for robust 3D object tracking from a single RGB image when an object model is available. The proposed method is based on image alignment between consecutive frames over a 3D target object. Different from conventional methods that only rely on image intensity for the alignment, we model intensity variations using the surface normal of the object. From this model, we also define a new constraint for the pose estimation, leading to significant improvement in the tracking robustness. In experiments, we demonstrate the benefits of our method by evaluating it under challenging tracking conditions.
Effect of intravenous fluid preload on vasoactive peptide secretion during Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia

The endogenous release of the vasoactive peptides atrial natriuretic peptide and endothelin‐1 may modify maternal haemodynamic responses to a rapid intravenous volume load used to prevent hypotension at elective Caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia. Twenty‐two healthy pregnant women were examined during elective Caesarean section at term pregnancy. They were randomly assigned to receive either 2000ml of Ringer lactate solution (crystalloid group) or 500ml of 6% hydroxyethyl starch + 1000 ml of Ringer lactate solution (colloid group). The mean (SEM) concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide in plasma increased from 10.9 (1.5) to 24.7 (5.1)pmol.l‐1 during crystalloid infusion and from 10.3 (1.4) to 28.2 (5.6)pmol.l‐1 during colloid infusion. A slight decrease in endothelin‐1 levels was found during colloid infusion. A significant increase in the release of atrial natriuretic peptide in response to volume load may decrease vascular tone and initiate diuresis, thereby attenuating the effect of volume load on blood pressure during elective Caesarean delivery.
Development of a Compact HTS Current Transformer for Evaluating the Characteristics of HTS Conductors

In order to realize HTS power devices with high performances, it is important to evaluate the characteristics of HTS conductors theoretically and experimentally. In the experimental evaluation, an ac power supply with a large current capacity and few ripples is necessary. To this end, we developed a compact HTS current transformer for evaluating the characteristics of HTS conductors. This transformer is wound in an elliptical shape with using Bi-2223 tape. The secondary current of the current transformer can be induced at about 1 kA at 77 K when the primary current is 40 A. The transformer was fabricated very compactly, and the externals size is 70 mm in the diameter, and 110 mm in length. To confirm the practicality of the transformer, the current was actually energized to an HTS conductor composed of 16 Bi-2223 tapes. The results of the performance test of the current transformer and the method of increasing the current capacity of the current transformer are also discussed.
Double-Carbapenem Therapy for Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae

ABSTRACT The limited treatment options available for carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC) have made it a formidable pathogen. Previously we have shown the enhanced activity of pharmacodynamically optimized doripenem against KPC. Capitalizing on KPC's increased affinity for ertapenem, we evaluated the efficacy of a combination of ertapenem and doripenem in both an in vitro chemostat and an in vivo murine thigh infection model. Overall, the combination of doripenem plus ertapenem demonstrated enhanced efficacy over either agent alone.
Modeling of Growth of Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis and Candida milleri in Response to Process Parameters of Sourdough Fermentation

ABSTRACT We investigated the effect of the ecological factors pH, temperature, ionic strength, and lactate, acetate, and ethanol levels on Candida milleri and two strains of Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis, organisms representative of the microflora of sourdough. A mathematical model describing the single and combined effects of these factors on the growth of these organisms was established in accordance with the following criteria: quality of fit, biological significance of the parameters, and applicability of the in vitro data to in situ processes. The growth rates of L. sanfranciscensis LTH1729 and LTH2581 were virtually identical under all conditions tested. These organisms tolerated >160 mmol of undissociated acetic acid per liter. Growth occurred in the pH range of 3.9 to 6.7 and was completely inhibited by 4% NaCl. C. milleri had a lower optimum temperature for growth (27°C) than the lactobacilli. The growth of the yeast was not affected by pH in the range of 3.5 to 7, and up to 8% NaCl was tolerated. Complete inhibition of growth occurred at 150 mmol of undissociated acetic acid per liter, but acetate at concentrations of up to 250 mmol/liter exerted virtually no effect. The model provides insight into factors contributing to the stability of the sourdough microflora and can facilitate the design of novel sourdough processes.
Evolutionary Game-Based Secrecy Rate Adaptation in Wireless Sensor Networks

Physical layer security, whose aim is to maximize the secrecy rate of a source while keeping eavesdroppers ignorant of data transmitted, is extremely suitable for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). We therefore, by developing the classical wire-tap channel, construct an approach to compute the secrecy rate between a sensor node and its responsible cluster head in the clustered WSNs. A noncooperative secrecy rate game towards WSNs is formulated to solve contradictions between maximizing the secrecy rate of a sensor node and minimizing power consumed for data transmission. Using evolutionary game theory, we set up a selection dynamics upon which a power level can be adaptively selected by a sensor node. Thus, the objective of secrecy rate adaptation for maximizing the fitness of member sensor nodes is achieved. We also prove the game is stable; that is, there exist evolutionarily stable strategies (ESSs) that explain which strategies will be selected by a sensor node in the end. Moreover, a corresponding algorithm of secrecy rate adaptation is given. Numerical experiments show our proposed approach can adaptively adjust the secrecy rate of a sensor node, which provides a novel way to guarantee the confidentiality of WSNs.
Teleoperation system with virtual 3D diorama for moving operation of a tracked rescue robot

In general, a game pad and images from a camera mounted on a robot are used for the teleoperation of a rescue robot. However, teleoperation is difficult for inexperienced users because the relationship between the user input and robot motion is not always intuitive. Therefore, we propose an interface in which the operator operates a robot as if touching it directly in a virtual 3D space. In our previous research, we developed a virtual direct teleoperation system for a tracked rescue robot and realized teleoperation of its flipper arms and a manipulator. In this study, we realize the moving operation of a tracked rescue robot. In addition, we develop two sight-presentation methods when the operator moves the robot. These are compared with the conventional method by conducting an experiment with subjects in the field called “jungle gym,” which is considered difficult for teleoperation. It is appeared that proposed method is easier to grasp surrounding situation than the conventional method. In addition, we confirmed a more effective sight-presentation method using this system.
Effect of high voltage impulses on partial discharge activity in a cavity embedded in paper insulation

High voltage impulses in electrical power systems are mainly caused by lightning strikes and switching operations. The dielectric properties of a particular insulation at the instant of interaction with a high voltage impulse would determine the level of the degradation of the electrical insulation caused by the high voltage impulse. In this work, the effect of high voltage impulses on the partial discharge (PD) parameters was investigated. The investigation was done in test samples consisting of a cavity deliberately introduced between oil-impregnated papers used in power transformer bushings. The measurement results presented in this paper show that high voltage impulses can have a large impact on the behavior of the PD parameters if the test sample is aged by partial discharges, but a smaller impact when the test sample is unaged.
Cloud Service Providers Optimized Ranking Algorithm Based on Machine Learning and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis

Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), one of the prevalent branches of operations research, aims to design mathematical and computational tools for selecting the best alternative among several choices with respect to specific criteria. In the cloud, MCDA based online brokers uses customer specified criteria to rank different service providers. However, subjected to limited domain knowledge, the customer may exclude relevant or include irrelevant criterion, which could result in suboptimal ranking of service providers. To deal with such misspecification, this research proposes a model, which uses notion of factor analysis from the domain of unsupervised machine learning. The model is evaluated using two quality-of-service (QoS) based datasets. The first dataset i.e., feedback from customers, was compiled using leading review websites such as Cloud Hosting Reviews, Best Cloud Computing Providers, and Cloud Storage Reviews and Ratings. The second dataset i.e., feedback from servers, was generated from cloud brokerage architecture that was emulated using high performance computing (HPC) cluster at University of Luxembourg (HPC @ Uni.lu). The simulation runs in a stable cloud environment i.e. when uncertainty is low, shows that online broker (equipped with the proposed model) produces optimized ranking of service providers as compared to other brokers. This is due the fact that proposed model assigns priorities to criteria objectively (using machine learning) rather than using priorities based on subjective judgments of the customer. This research will benefit potential cloud customers that view insufficient domain knowledge as a limiting factor for acquisition of web services in the cloud. Keywords—multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), online broker, misspecification of criteria, structural uncertainty, unsupervised machine learning, factor analysis, quality of service (QoS).
Structural Dependence of Group Velocity and Leakage Loss in 1-D Photonic Crystal Coupled Resonator Optical Waveguide With Modulated Mode-Gap

One-dimensional photonic crystal coupled resonator optical waveguide (1-D PC-CROW) based on mode-gap confinement has a possibility to reduce leakage losses compared with conventional 1-D PC-CROW constructed by placing defects periodically. However, transmission characteristics of 1-D PC-CROW based on mode-gap confinement have not been investigated so far. In this paper, we evaluate structural dependence of group velocity and leakage losses of 1-D PC-CROW by using the 3-D vector finite element method for periodic waveguide analysis. We show that such 1-D PC-CROW can realize small group velocity and low leakage losses simultaneously by investigating dispersion relationships of 1-D PC-CROW.
Social Debt Analytics for Improving the Management of Software Evolution Tasks

The success of software engineering projects is in a large part dependent on social and organization aspects of the development community. Indeed, it not only depends on the complexity of the product or the number of requirements to be implemented, but also on people, processes, and how they impact the technical side of software development. Social debt represents patterns across the organizational structure around a software system that may lead to additional unforeseen project costs. Condescending behavior, disgruntlement or rage quitting are just some examples of social issues that may occur among the developers of a software project. While the research community has recently investigated the underlying dynamics leading to the introduction of social debt (e.g., the so-called “community smells” which represent symptoms of the presence of social problems in a community), as well as how such debt can be payed off, there is still a noticeable lack of empirical evidence on how social debt impacts software maintenance and evolution. In this paper, we present our position on how social debt can impacts technical aspects of source code by presenting a road map toward a deeper understanding of such relationship.
Migraine and its Equivalents in Childhood

widespread and before other marked changes in perinatal management, are relevant to CP children born more recently. Most of us now believe that the majority of CP syndromes are more like the congenital malformation and intellectual handicap syndromes rather than brain-damage from birth asphyxia or other perinatal problems. Most of the authors cited here agree that the majority of causes of CP are as yet unknown, but genetic, teratogenic and early pregnancy influences should be pursued. The use of CP as an outcome to evaluate perinatal practice surely must now be questioned. SIGMUND FREUD said: ‘Since the abnormal process of birth frequently produces no effect, one cannot exclude the possibility that, despite Little’s anamnesis, diplegia might be of congenital origin. Difficult birth in itself in certain cases is merely a symptom of deeper effects that influenced the development of the fetus’6. But then he gave up research into CP because it was so difficult and went into psychoanalysis! Just occasionally, I feel like doing the same. FIONA J . STANLEY, M.D., M.Sc., M.F. C.M.
Formal Ontologies in Biomedical Knowledge Representation

Summary Objectives: Medical decision support and other intelligent applications in the life sciences depend on increasing amounts of digital information. Knowledge bases as well as formal ontologies are being used to organize biomedical knowledge and data. However, these two kinds of artefacts are not always clearly distinguished. Whereas the popular RDF(S) standard provides an intuitive triple-based representation, it is semantically weak. Description logics based ontology languages like OWL-DL carry a clear-cut semantics, but they are computationally expensive, and they are often misinterpreted to encode all kinds of statements, including those which are not ontological. Method: We distinguish four kinds of statements needed to comprehensively represent domain knowledge: universal statements, terminological statements, statements about particulars and contingent statements. We argue that the task of formal ontologies is solely to represent universal statements, while the non-ontological kinds of statements can nevertheless be connected with ontological representations. To illustrate these four types of representations, we use a running example from parasitology. Results: We finally formulate recommendations for semantically adequate ontologies that can efficiently be used as a stable framework for more context-dependent biomedical knowledge representation and reasoning applications like clinical decision support systems.
Discrepancies in Adolescents’ and Their Mothers’ Perceptions of the Family and Adolescent Anxiety Symptomatology

SYNOPSIS Objective . This study examines relations between adolescents’ and their mothers’ perceptions of the family and adolescent anxiety symptomatology. Design . Surveys were administered to 145 adolescents aged 15 to 18 years and their mothers. Results . Adolescents viewed the family more negatively than did their mothers. In addition, adolescent girls’ perceptions of the family (satisfaction and communication) negatively predicted later adolescent anxiety symptomatology. Significant interactions between adolescent and mother reports of family satisfaction and communication also were found for girls, but not for boys. For girls, discrepant family perceptions with their mothers appeared to protect them from anxiety if their mothers had negative perceptions of the family. Conclusion . Understanding the similarities and differences among family members’ perspectives yields useful predictive information that cannot be obtained from studying these perspectives in isolation from one another.
Improving routing performance of underwater wireless sensor networks

In this paper we present a 3D node deployment strategy to improve the routing performance of an Underwater Wireless Sensor Network (UWSN). This is done by carefully considering the unique characteristics of underwater acoustic communication as well as three-dimensional (3D) and dynamic nature of Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs). This strategy targets 3D UWSN and not only improves the routing protocol performance in terms of end to end delay and energy consumption but also provides reliability in data transmission and increases network lifetime. This strategy has been developed step by step from a single line of vertical communication to an effective 3D node deployment for UWSN. Several simulation experiments were carried out after adding different features to the final design, in order to observe their impact on the overall routing performance. Improving the routing performance by carefully analyzing the impact of 3D node deployment strategy and ensuring full sensing, transmission and back-up coverage in a highly unpredictable underwater environment, is a novel approach which can be embedded with other networking protocols to improve their performance.
Surgical alternatives for treating Peyronie's disease

Editorial Comment: Most men requiring surgical reconstruction for Peyronie’s disease have curvature less than 60 degrees without significant hourglass deformity. Use of either a simple “16-dot” plication procedure or insertion of an inflatable penile prosthesis (with modeling if necessary) usually achieves excellent results. Graft procedure are technically much more demanding and carry additional risks, and, thus, should generally be performed in a subspecialty setting.
Electrical trees in silicone gel: A combination of liquid and solid behaviour patterns

Electrical trees in liquids (streamers) occur on the nano-second timescale and produce structures that dissipate on voltage removal and sometimes even during voltage application. In AC fields the structures are a combination of fine filaments from the positive half-cycle and spheroidal cavities from the negative half-cycle. In contrast electrical trees in solids are permanent filamentary structures with a fractal geometry that grow on timescales of hours or longer at typical field values. Here we present the results of tree formation in a silicone gel under an AC applied electric field. These grow on timescales of minutes and possess a fine branched filamentary structure as well as spheroidal cavities. As in liquids, the cavities can collapse during tree growth. In contrast the filamentary structure is permanent as in solids. However the whole tree contracts following the removal of the applied voltage. The observed stability of the partial self-healing tree features are discussed in terms of the mixed liquid and solid features of the gel structure.