Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of heparin in compartment syndrome.

To The Editor: The case report entitled "Delayed Onset of Anterior Tibial Compartment Syndrome in a Patient Receiving Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin. A Case Report" (80-A: 1789-1790, Dec. 1998), by McLaughlin et al., should serve as another reminder that pharmacological prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism may be associated with serious risks. Hemorrhagic risks are particularly important to consider as the envelope of anticoagulation is pushed further by the enthusiasm with which low-molecular-weight heparins have been embraced in the medical and surgical community. The introduction of enoxaparin in the United States at postoperative dosage strengths in excess of those previously used in Europe has resulted in the emergence of one of the most important issues now facing anesthesiologists and orthopaedic surgeons in their routine management of patients who have a joint replacement procedure - that is, an increased, and probably unacceptable, risk …
Arginine-Rich Cationic Polypeptides Amplify Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Monocyte Activation

ABSTRACT The human neutrophil-derived cationic protein CAP37, also known as azurocidin or heparin-binding protein, enhances the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in isolated human monocytes. We measured the release of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) in human whole blood and found that in addition to CAP37, other arginine-rich cationic polypeptides, such as the small structurally related protamines, enhance LPS-induced monocyte activation. As CAP37 and protamines share high levels of arginine content, we tested different synthetic poly-l-amino acids and found that poly-l-arginine, and to a lesser extent poly-l-lysine, increased IL-8 production in LPS-stimulated human whole blood. Protamine-enhanced LPS responses remained unaffected by the presence of free l-arginine or l-lysine, indicating that basic polypeptides but not basic amino acids act synergistically with LPS. In agreement with observations previously reported for CAP37, the LPS-enhancing effect of poly-l-arginine was completely abolished upon antibody blockade of the human LPS receptor, CD14. Protamines, either immobilized or in solution, bound LPS specifically. Poly-l-arginines, protamines, and CAP37 were equally effective in inhibiting binding of LPS to immobilized l-arginines. Taken together, our results suggest a CD14-dependent mechanism by which arginine-rich cationic proteins modulate LPS-induced monocyte activation and support the prediction that other strongly basic proteins could act as amplifiers of LPS responses.
A Novel Approach to Array Manifold Calibration Using Single-Direction Information for Accurate Direction-of-Arrival Estimation

A method of array manifold calibration using one steering vector measured in a single direction is proposed. The phase information of the measured steering vector is used to derive a novel calibration matrix that is proposed to compensate for the relative phase distortion (RPD) at each antenna port. We also present a metric function defined as a standard deviation of the RPD to determine the optimum calibration angle, which provides intuition for the cause of the accuracy degradation in the direction-of-arrival estimation. To verify the feasibility, a seven-element circular array with identical microstrip patch antennas is fabricated for calibrating its array manifold using a single steering vector measured in a full anechoic chamber. The calibrated array manifold is then used to estimate the direction of arrival, and its accuracy is compared to the calibrated result obtained from the traditional least-squares method. The results demonstrate that the estimation error can be improved by 54.9° compared to the traditional least-squares method, when the number of measured steering vectors is extremely limited.
Estructura nativa y secuencia en el proceso de plegamento de proteínas globulares

El problema del plegamiento de proteinas consiste en la determinacion de la estructura tridimensional estable de una proteina globular a partir de su secuencia covalente de aminoacidos [1]. Su estudio detallado es complicado, dado el tamano macromole cular de las proteinas y su compleja composicion, ademas de por ser sistemas moleculares que desarrollan su funcion en medio acuoso, en el que habitualmente se encuentran disueltas otras muchas moleculas de igual o de distinta naturaleza. Por eso, el estudio teorico o por simulacion del plegamiento de proteinas recurre con frecuencia al uso de modelos de resolucion intermedia (? coarse grained? o de ? grano grueso? ) en la representacion de la proteina y su entorno. Esta simplificacion permite util izar tecnicas eficientes de muestreo del espacio de conformaciones accesible a la cadena polipeptidica, desde el estado desnaturalizado a la estructura tridimensional nativa [2]. El problema de plegamiento de proteinas se puede considerar desde un p unto de vista estrictamente predictivo, es decir, como la posibilidad de determinar la estructura nativa a partir de la secuencia de aminoacidos. Sin embargo tambien es posible estudiar el plegamiento como un proceso dinamico, consistente en una seri e de transitos conformacionales de la cadena polipeptidica a lo largo de la superficie de energia definida por las interacciones existentes para el sistema. Bajo esta perspectiva, lo importante no es alcanzar una estructura final mas o menos correcta , sino poder analizar las posibles estructuras intermedias que aparecen a lo largo de lo que se denomina ? camino de plegamiento? , y caracterizar el proceso en si mismo desde el punto de vista estructural y termodinamico.De hecho, se puede utilizar la estructura nativa como dato de partida para centrar la prediccion, o al menos el analisis, en los estados intermedios que van apareciendo a lo largo de la ? coordenada de plegamiento? Esto conduce al empleo de potenciales basados en la topologia, o potenciales tipo Go [3], en los que nuestro grupo de investigacion ha trabajado intensamente en los ultimos anos. El uso de este tipo de potenciales ha permitido, para una serie de proteinas, obtener informacion sobre el proceso de plegamiento reproduciendo de forma cualitativa los datos experimentales disponibles en la bibliografia sobre estos sistemas proteicos.
Evaluating electronic local government in the UK

An array of UK government initiatives have been launched since 1997, collectively being known as the local government modernization agenda. This can be seen as an attempt to transform the structures and performance of local authorities in the UK. A parallel set of initiatives, the electronic government agenda, were launched in 2000 and have attempted to extend the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) within local government. This paper describes the context for and themes within both agendas, the aim being to describe the existing and likely dynamics of the relationship between innovations in ICTs within local government and the modernization of local government. The paper presents an analysis of the electronic government strategies of 22 Welsh unitary authorities and uses this analysis for highlighting a number of issues relating to the progress of the electronic local government agenda within the UK. The paper concludes with a call for longitudinal investigation in this area.
A Sub-Nanosecond Edge Detection System using embedded FPGA fabrics

The Time to Digital Converter (TDC) concept is quite useful to obtain crucial timing information for nuclear radiation detection such as PET imaging applications. The high resolution nature of TDC makes them sensitive to processing and to temperature variations. Thus, a calibration procedure must often be performed to improve measurements. Moreover, field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based TDC exacerbates this problem because the transistor topology is fixed in the fabric for low cost purpose. A Sub-Nanosecond Edge Detection System able to overcome process, power supply voltage and temperature (PVT) variations was designed and implemented in an FPGA. Unlike other FPGA-based TDCs, this new solution uses embedded PVT invariant digital delay lines and deserializers included in I/O ports along with a stable clock oscillator resulting in low logic usage. The proposed approach consists in oversampling digital signals to enable absolute timestamps down to 75 ps resolution (31.85 ps rms). As a proof of concept, this paper reports timing resolution down to 321.5 ps.
Formulation of Colostrum Supplements, Colostrum Replacers and Acquisition of Passive Immunity in Neonatal Calves1

Abstract Provision of an adequate mass of IgG from maternal colostrum is essential to health and survival of neonatal calves. Colostrum supplements (CS) have been developed to provide supplemental immunoglobulin when maternal colostrum is of poor quality. However, colostrum replacers (CR) that provide ≥100g of IgG have not been formulated. Our objective was to determine the absorption of IgG in newborn calves fed CS derived from bovine serum or CR derived from bovine immunoglobulin concentrate. The CS were prepared by collecting, processing, and spray drying bovine serum and blending with other ingredients to provide 45 to 50g of IgG per dose. The CR were prepared by further processing bovine serum to increase IgG concentration to >50% IgG and blending with other ingredients to provide 100 to 122g of IgG per dose. Holstein calves (n=160) were fed 90 to 244g of IgG from CS or CR in 1 or 2 feedings in two experiments. Blood was collected from each calf by jugular venipuncture at 0 and 24h of age and plasma IgG was determined by turbidimetric immunoassay. Apparent efficiency of IgG absorption was calculated. Plasma IgG concentrations at 24h of age were indicative of IgG intake and averaged 5.5 to 14.1g/L in calves fed CS and CR. Mean apparent efficiency of IgG absorption in calves fed CS was 25 and 28% in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Mean apparent efficiency of IgG absorption in calves fed CR ranged from 19 to 32% and were affected by method of processing and number of times fed. Treatment of plasma with polyethylene glycol reduced the efficiency of IgG absorption in experiment 1. The addition of animal fat to CR had no effect on IgG absorption. A second feeding of CR increased plasma IgG, but efficiency of absorption was reduced. Mean body weights at 60 d of age were not affected by treatment and ranged from 64.3 to 78.2kg. Plasma IgG concentration in calves fed ≥122g of IgG from Ig concentrate approached (9.9g/L) or exceeded 10g/L, indicating successful transfer of passive immunity. Provision of IgG to prevent failure of passive transfer is possible with CR containing >20% IgG when fed at 454g per dose.
Effects of Image Compression on L i n e a r Mea su r emen t s o f Digital Panoramic Radiographs

system based on charge coupled device (CCD) and a phosphor storage plate (PSP) system with two different file formats, JPEG irreversible type and BMP. Linear measurements of artificial bony defects were made in dry mandibles with a digital caliper. Measures of digital panoramic radiographs were taken in ImageJ® software. Each measurement was performed twice by an experienced examiner. The intra-rater agreement was considered very strong (Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.97). There was no significant difference between the linear measurements of dry mandibles, considered the gold standard, in relation to measurements obtained from digital radiographs (p=0.47). The error of these measures for the CCD was 1.04 mm (9.97%) for JPEG images and 1.03 mm (9.99%) for those with BMP format. For the PSP images, these values were 1.48 mm (14.94%) and 1.43 mm (14.43%), respectively. Although there was no statistical difference between the images with JPEG and BMP format, for both digital systems (p=1.00 for CCD and p=0.98 for PSP system), errors made on radiographs obtained by PSP system were significantly higher than those of CCD (p<0.05). The size of the files saved in JPEG was also significantly lower (p=0.005) compared with the files saved in BMP. It may be concluded that the digital radiographs, both saved in JPEG and BMP formats, are accurate, regardless the used digital system, and JPEG images are more suitable for teleradiology. Effects of Image Compression on L i n e a r Mea su r emen t s o f Digital Panoramic Radiographs
Leucine-Rich Diet Improves the Serum Amino Acid Profile and Body Composition of Fetuses from Tumor-Bearing Pregnant Mice1

ABSTRACT Pregnancy is a complex process that can be jeopardized when associated with cancer, because of the coexistence of two complex metabolic conditions: a fetus and cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate fetal growth in association with cancer development as well as the indirect effects produced by tumors in pregnant mice subjected to a leucine-rich diet, knowing that leucine supplementation can minimize the tumor effects by acting as a cell signaling agent to improve the protein synthesis process. We evaluated fetuses (n = 6) from NMRI pregnant mice fed either a control or a leucine-rich diet in either the presence or absence of an MAC16 colon adenocarcinoma or ascitic fluid inoculation. The fetal serum amino acids were separated using high-performance liquid chromatography, and fetal cytokine levels were analyzed using a microsphere-based multiplex immunoassay (Luminex xMAP). Fetal body composition was measured as the water, fat, and protein total content and total serum protein, albumin, and glucose content. Tumor growth resulted in a severe reduction in fetal body weight and protein content and increased fetal resorption, associated with placental weight decrease; these effects were minimized by a leucine-rich diet. Serum total protein and glucose content were reduced in fetuses from tumor-bearing dams but were reverted by nutritional supplementation. The serum amino acid profiles differed significantly between the tumor-bearing mice fed with a leucine-rich diet and controls. Certain tumor effects were reproduced in fetuses from ascitic fluid-injected dams, suggesting indirect effects of tumor growth. We conclude that certain effects of tumor growth can be mimicked by ascitic fluid injection and can be modulated by a leucine-rich diet.
Regret bounds for Non Convex Quadratic Losses Online Learning over Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces

We present several online algorithms with dimension-free regret bounds for general nonconvex quadratic losses by viewing them as functions in Reproducing Hilbert Kernel Spaces. In our work we adapt the Online Gradient Descent, Follow the Regularized Leader and the Conditional Gradient method meta algorithms for RKHS spaces and provide regret bounds in this setting. By analyzing them as algorithms for losses over RKHS spaces we are able to get dimension-free regret bounds for potentially nonconvex losses, including quadratic losses. We apply our framework to the online eigenvector decomposition to include losses with a linear term. We also analyze other non-convex kernel losses and have regret bounds for the same.
MICROBIAL POPULATIONS DURING COMPOSTING PROCESS OF ORGANIC FRACTION OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE

Composting is one of the more economical and environmentally safe methods of recycling waste generated by the consumer society. Due to the complexity of substrates and intermediate products, microbial diversity and the succession of populations is a prerequisite to ensure complete biodegradation. In the present work, we studied the succession of microbial populations during composting process of organic fraction of Municipal Solid Waste and some physical and chemical parameters were followed during process, moisture content was maintained at 50-60% and temperature monitored daily, in order to study the effects of important environmental factors on microbial communities. The results showed that the substrate was colonized in major proportion by bacteria (44.6%), actinomycetes (32.3 %) and in lower number by fungi (23.1%), mainly represent by the following dominant genera: Bacillus, Streptomyces, Actinomyces , Pseudomonas and Azospirillum. The Multiple Regression Analysis, reveal that the environmental parameter that major influence made on the microbial groups mentioned was the temperature.
Endometrial miR-200c is Altered During Transformation into Cancerous States and Targets the Expression of ZEBs, VEGFA, FLT1, IKKβ, KLF9, and FBLN5

A number of microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR-200 family, are aberrantly expressed in endometriosis and endometrial cancer. Here we assessed the expression and functional aspects of miR-200c in endometrial tissues (N = 52) from normal endometrial biopsies (N = 15), endometrial tissues including those exposed to hormonal therapies (N = 20), and grade I-III endometrial cancer (N = 17). miR-200c expression was elevated in normal endometrial biopsies from mid- and late-luteal phase, and in endometrial tumors as compared to endometrial tissues from peri- and postmenopausal period (P < .05) and its pattern of temporal expression displayed an inverse relationship with the expression of ZEBs. The expression of E-cadherin (CDH1) varied, but expressed at low levels, specifically in endometrial tissues and endometrial tumors. The endometrial expression of ZEBs and CDH1 in patients who were exposed to Depo-Provera and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist GnRHa displayed a trend toward lower expression as compared to proliferative phase; however, treatment of Ishikawa cells with 17β-estradiol, progesterone, and medroxy progesterone acetate had modest effects on the expression of miR-200c and ZEBs without affecting CDH1 expression. Gain of function of miR-200c in Ishikawa cells repressed ZEBs, as well as VEGFA, FLT1, IKKβ, and KLF9 expression at transcriptional and translational levels through direct interaction with their respective 3′untranslated regions and increased the rate of their proliferation. These results indicated that endometrial miR-200c expression undergoes dynamic changes during transition from normal into cancerous states; possibly influenced by hormonal milieu and by targeting the expression of specific genes with key regulatory functions in cellular transformation, inflammation, and angiogenesis may influence these events during normal and disease progression.
Dental x‐rays and risk of meningioma

Ionizing radiation is a consistently identified and potentially modifiable risk factor for meningioma, which is the most frequently reported primary brain tumor in the United States. The objective of this study was to examine the association between dental x‐rays—the most common artificial source of ionizing radiation—and the risk of intracranial meningioma.
ARTERIAL BLOOD GASES IN PRE‐ECLAMPSIA

Arterial blood gases, physiological dead space and percentage pulmonary venous admixture (physiological shunt) were measured in 31 patients with proteinuric pre‐eclampsia. There was no difference in pulmonary function in 22 patients with moderate pre‐eclampsia when compared with normal pregnancy, but in 9 patients with severe pre‐eclampsia, there was a significant increase in alveolar‐to‐arterial Po2 difference and physiological shunt, indicating a degree of pulmonary ventilation/perfusion imbalance. There was no accompanying hypoxaemia, suggesting that the impairment was of no clinical importance.
Un processus de développement Event-B pour des applications distribuées

Nous presentons une methodologie basee sur le raffinement manuel et automatique pour le developpement d’applications distribuees correctes par construction. A partir d’un modele Event-B, le processus etudie definit des etapes successives pour decomposer et ordonnancer les calculs associes aux evenements et distribuer le code sur des composants. La specification de ces deux etapes est faite au travers de deux langages dedies. Enfin, une implantation distribuee en BIP est generee. La correction du processus repose sur la correction des raffinements et de la traduction vers le code cible BIP.
Using residue propensities and tightness of fit to improve rigid-body protein-docking

Protein-protein interactions are fundamental as many proteins mediate their biological function through protein interactions. Over the past 20 years there have been many computational approaches to dock proteins. These approaches are mostly based on the shape complementarity of structures and the physio-chemical properties of the interfaces. However, these docking approaches are far from perfect and there still remains potential space to improve. We propose to use family-based residue interaction propensity as well as the tightness of fit between residues with high propensities as a scoring function to improve rigid body docking. This approach is evaluated on an established benchmark data set. Our scoring function improves the number of hits for enzyme-inhibitor complexes by a factor of 4-30 in comparison with shape complementarity alone and for antibodyantigen complexes by 4-11. The supplementary data are available at http://www.biotec. tu-dresden. de/ bhuang/bdock.
Case-fatality rates and functional outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND During the last three decades, new management strategies have been developed for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. To assess whether the case-fatality rate has improved after the introduction of new management strategies, we studied outcome in all population-based studies from 1960 onward. SUMMARY OF REVIEW To identify population-based studies that reported on case-fatality rate in subarachnoid hemorrhage, we performed a MEDLINE search and checked all reference lists of the studies found. Two authors (J.W.H. and G.J.E.R.) independently assessed all studies for eligibility, using predefined criteria for case finding and diagnosis, and extracted data on case-fatality rates. We used weighted linear regression analysis to quantify change in case-fatality rate over time. We found 21 studies, describing 25 study periods between 1960 and 1992. Case-fatality rates varied between 32% and 67%, with the exception of one recent study. The case-fatality rate decreased by 0.5% per year (95% confidence interval, -0.1 to 1.2); the decline was steeper after adjustment for age and sex (0.9% per year; 95% confidence interval, -0.7 to 2.6; data from 12 studies). CONCLUSIONS The case-fatality rate after subarachnoid hemorrhage has decreased during the last three decades. A plausible explanation for this decrease is the improved management of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Pedestrian detection via multi-scale feature fusion convolutional neural network

As a special task beyond general object detection, pedestrian detection has attracted much attention in recent years. Despite the significant improvements, detecting pedestrians is still a challenging task, especially for small-size pedestrians. In this paper, we present a multi-scale feature fusion convolutional neural network (MFF-CNN) for pedestrian detection. The MFF-CNN is benchmarked on three challenging pedestrian datasets: Caltech, INRIA and ETH datasets. The experimental results show that our proposed approach achieves highly competitive results and has a great advantage in small-size pedestrian detection.