Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Allocation of wind capacity subject to long term voltage stability constraints

Increasing wind capacity integration results in displacement of active power from conventional generators and a reduction in reactive power sources available. As such voltage stability may become a concern in certain periods for power system operation particularly in weaker areas of the network. Thus, it is of importance to consider the AC constraints for optimal wind generation planning (long term) in order to decrease the possibility of a wind capacity allocation that requires costly remedies from the power system operation perspective (short term). In this work a procedure is proposed for wind capacity allocation with the aim of benefiting from the potential of an optimal wind capacity allocation for enhancing the voltage stability margin. The procedure is based on a multi operating conditions voltage stability constrained optimal power flow. The wind capacity target is set and the loadability margin is tracked. The results will show the applicability of the proposed procedure and will emphasize the effects of the pattern of wind capacity allocation on the loadability margin. This will result in a wind capacity allocation that enhances the minimum loadability margin among the possible future operating conditions considered for planning. The procedure uses the Maximin concept for this purpose.
Improvement of the nutritive value of soybean meal by protease and a-galactosidase treatment in broiler cockerels and broiler chicks

1. Tube-fed broiler cockerels were used in three experiments to measure the effect of different enzyme treatments on true metabolisable energy (TME) and true nitrogen digestibility (TND) of commercial solvent-extracted, heat-treated soybean meal (SBM). 2. In experiment 1, proteases P2 and P3 (from Aspergillus niger) and α-galactosidase (from A. oryzae) improved TME and TND while protease P1 (from Bacillus subtilis) had little effect. The effects of enzyme treatment were similar whether treatment was applied by pre-incubation of enzymes (proteases P1, P2 and P3, 1·0 g/kg; α-galactosidase, 0·1 g/kg) with SBM for 2 h at 50°C or by simple mixing of enzymes (proteases P1, P2 and P3, 0·25 g/kg; α-galactosidase, 0·1 g/kg) with SBM prior to feeding. 3. In experiment 2, the effects of mixing SBM with each of protease P1 (0 or 0·25 g/kg), protease P3 (0 or 0·25 g/kg) or α-galactosidase (0 or 0·1 g/kg) alone or in all possible combinations were studied. Effects of protease P1 were limited, but protease P3 and α-galactosidase improved TME and TND. There were significant interactions between protease P3 and α-galactosidase for both TME and TND; the response when enzymes were applied together was less than that expected from application of the enzyme preparations individually. 4. In experiment 3, the effect of varying the concentration of protease P3 (0, 0·1, 0·25 and 1·0 g/kg SBM dry matter) and α-galactosidase (0, 0·025, 0·0625 and 0·25 g/kg SBM dry matter) mixed with SBM alone or in all possible combinations of protease P3 and α-galactosidase were assessed. Increases in TME and TND for both enzymes were non-linear with the greatest response occurring at the lowest concentration of each enzyme. There were also interactions between the two enzyme preparations. 5. Finally, either protease P3 (0, 0·1 and 1·0 g/kg SBM dry matter) or α-galactosidase (0, 0·025 and 0·25 g/kg SBM dry matter) were mixed with SBM alone or in all possible combinations and treated SBMs incorporated into semi-purified diets containing 450 g SBM/kg as the sole source of dietary N and offered to growing broiler chicks for 21 d. Similar patterns of increases in chick growth rate and diet digestibility to those recorded in experiment 3 were obtained when protease P3 and α-galactosidase where included in the diets. 6. It is concluded that responses measured by tube-feeding SBM treated with protease P3 and α-galactosidase were similar to responses obtained with growing broiler chicks. Further, these responses were obtained by simple addition of enzymes to diets and nutritive value of SBM was improved by both protease and α-galactosidase treatment.
PGE2 reverses Gs-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation by interaction with EP3 receptors, but adds to non-Gs-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation by interaction with EP4 receptors

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has intriguing effects on platelet function in the presence of agents that raise cyclic adenosine 3′5′-monophosphate (cAMP). PGE2 reverses inhibition of platelet aggregation by agents that stimulate cAMP production via a Gs-linked receptor, but adds to the inhibition of platelet function brought about by agents that raise cAMP through other mechanisms. Here, we used the EP receptor antagonists DG-041 (which acts at the EP3 receptor) and ONO-AE3-208 (which acts at the EP4 receptor) to investigate the role of these receptors in mediating these effects of PGE2. Platelet aggregation was measured in platelet-rich plasma obtained from healthy volunteers in response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) using single platelet counting. The effects of a range of concentrations of PGE2 were determined in the presence of (1) the prostacyclin mimetic iloprost, which operates through Gs-linked IP receptors, (2) the cAMP PDE inhibitor DN9693 and (3) the direct-acting adenylate cyclase stimulator forskolin. Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation was also determined as a measure of cAMP. PGE2 reversed the inhibition of aggregation brought about by iloprost; this was prevented in the presence of the EP3 antagonist DG-041, indicating that this effect of PGE2 is mediated via the EP3 receptor. In contrast, PGE2 added to the inhibition of aggregation brought about by DN9693 or forskolin; this was reversed by the EP4 antagonist ONO-AE3-208, indicating that this effect of PGE2 is mediated via the EP4 receptor. Effects on aggregation were accompanied by corresponding changes in VASP phosphorylation. The dominant role of EP3 receptors circumstances where cAMP is increased through a Gs-linked mechanism may be relevant to the situation in vivo where platelets are maintained in an inactive state through constant exposure to prostacyclin, and thus the main effect of PGE2 may be prothrombotic. If so, the results described here further support the potential use of an EP3 receptor antagonist in the control of atherothrombosis.
On the diversity-multiplexing tradeoff of multiuser amplify & forward multihop networks

We consider an amplify & forward multihop network with n single-antenna nodes in the source and destination stage each, as well as nR (l), l ¿ {1, . , L}, single-antenna relay nodes in the l-th relay stage. The relay gain allocation scheme proposed in decouples this network into parallel single-input single-output (SISO) links between n source-destination pairs under certain conditions on the network topology. Hence, all degrees of freedom are achieved in a distributed fashion. We extend this as follows: for i.i. d. CN(0, 1) fading coefficients and SISO coding/decoding at source and destination nodes, we derive an upper-bound on the diversity-multiplexing tradeoff curve of the network. Moreover, we devise a scheme that we conjecture to achieve the bound, if the network can be decoupled and L ¿ 2.
Predicting postoperative pulmonary complications in high-risk populations

Purpose of review Our objective is to describe prediction models for surgical patients who have suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) at risk for postoperative respiratory complications and for surgical patients at risk for postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Recent findings Because of the increased rate of severe perioperative respiratory complications in patients with OSA, the American Society of Anesthesiologists issued practice guidelines for perioperative management. When OSA is diagnosed preoperatively, the rate of postoperative pulmonary complications is low and not associated with OSA severity. However, OSA continues to be an important risk because a substantial proportion of patients in the contemporary surgical population have undiagnosed OSA. Strategies based on preoperative and immediate postoperative clinical signs and symptoms can help identify patients with a high likelihood of OSA, postoperative desaturations, and pulmonary complications. ARDS is another serious postoperative complication associated with high mortality rate and limited treatment options, and its prevention is critical. Practice changes have led to a dramatic reduction in ARDS incidence. A recently developed prediction model can help identify high-risk patients. Summary Evidence is emerging that early identification of modifiable risk factors and implementation of ‘protective’ management strategies may lead to reduction of severe postoperative pulmonary complications.
Time–action Profile of Inhaled Insulin

We compared the pharmacodynamics of insulin after inhalation of 99 U microcrystalline solid insulin and subcutaneous injection of 10 U regular insulin and intravenous injection of 5 U regular insulin. The time–action profiles of the three insulin administrations were studied in 11 healthy volunteers using the euglycaemic glucose clamp technique. The insulins were administered to each volunteer on three separate occasions in random order. Onset of action, assessed as glucose infusion rate, after insulin inhalation was substantially more rapid than after subcutaneous injection and half‐maximal action was reached earlier (31 ± 17 vs 54 ± 12 min; p < 0.001). Maximal metabolic response was reached earlier after insulin inhalation in comparison to subcutaneous injection (108 ± 49 vs 147 ± 53 min; p < 0.001). The maximal glucose infusion rate after inhalation of insulin was lower than after subcutaneous insulin injection (6.2 ± 2.4 vs 9.1 ± 2.5 mg kg−1 min−1; p < 0.001). The glucose infusion rates in the first 60 min after inhalation were significantly greater than after insulin injection (area under the glucose infusion rate curve: 0.23 ± 0.12 vs 0.13 ± 0.08 g kg−1 60 min−1; p < 0.001). However, the total metabolic effect after inhalation was significantly lower than after insulin injection (1.44 ± 0.68 vs 1.90 ± 0.47 g kg−1 360 min−1; p < 0.001). Relative effectiveness of inhaled insulin calculated with regard to the data from the intravenous insulin application was 9.5 ± 4.1 % and of the subcutaneous insulin application was 7.6 ± 2.9 %. With its rapid onset of action, inhaled insulin might have potential for clinical use. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individual Differences in the Use of Pleasantness and Palatability Ratings

Previously we have suggested that individual subjects interpret the phrase "palatable food" in different ways. To test the consistency of the use of this term, 50 male volunteers consumed a simple lunch on two occasions, once with a more palatable food and once with a more bland version. Ratings of hunger, fullness, pleasantness and palatability were completed at the start and end of each meal. Overall, subjects ate slightly more of the palatable food. The difference in intake between conditions correlated with differences in pleasantness and palatability but not hunger at the start of eating. Rated pleasantness of the food declined between the start and end of the meal in most subjects, but changes in palatability were more variable, with a significant minority showing no change across the meal. Detailed analysis confirmed the existence of two populations of responses, one where pleasantness and palatability were synonymous, and one where palatability was rated as a constant property of a food. The existence of two interpretations of the term palatability in common English usage cautions against the use of this term as a reliable means of evaluating hedonic responses to foods in appetite studies.
Rifaximin for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome – a drug safety evaluation

ABSTRACT Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder with a multifactorial etiology. Alterations of intestinal motility and immunity, gut-brain interactions, as well as gut microbiota dysbiosis contribute to the development of irritable bowel syndrome. Therefore, gut microbiota modulation by non-absorbable antibiotics is a therapeutic option in patients with IBS. Areas covered: Published articles including patients with irritable bowel syndrome reporting data about rifaximin activity and safety have been searched throughout the literature and selected. Expert opinion: The optimal antibiotic molecule should be local-acting, long-acting and safe-acting. Rifaximin is a non-absorbable antibiotic with additional anti-inflammatory and gut microbiota-modulating activity. It is effective in inducing symptoms relief in patients with IBS, even after repeated treatment courses. Rifaximin-related side effects in patients with IBS are reported to be mild and infrequent; microbial resistance is rare and transient, due to the high local concentration of the drug and to the absence of horizontal transmission. Clostridium difficile infection is not usual in patients receiving rifaximin in absence of predisposing conditions such as hospitalization and immunosuppression, which are uncommon in patients affected by irritable bowel syndrome. Nevertheless rifaximin is an antibiotic active against Clostridium difficile infection. Rifaximin has limited metabolic interactions and is not expected to interfere with drug metabolism in patients with normal hepatic function. These properties make rifaximin a safe antibiotic for gut microbiota modulation in patients with IBS.
Feeding frequency for lactating cows: effects on digestion, milk production and energy utilization

1. The results are reported of four feeding experiments in which lactating cows were given fixed rations of hay and high-cereal concentrates at different meal frequencies. In Expt 1 the total ration was given in two and twenty-four meals daily and in Expts 2–4, the concentrates were given in two and five or six meals and the hay was given twice daily. The diets contained 600–900 g concentrate /kg. 2. In all the experiments, more frequent feeding of these low-roughage diets reduced milk fat depression and increased milk fat yield. In each experiment the increase was greater with the diet containing the lower proportion of hay. There was no significant effect on milk yield, the protein or lactose contents of the milk or live-weight gain. Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and energy was increased in one of the experiments but not in two others in which it was measured. 3. More frequent feeding was calculated to increase the net energy secreted in milk and there was a tendency for it to increase the net energy in live-weight gain with diets containing 600 or 700 g concentrate/kg but to decrease it with diets containing 800 or 900 g concentrate/kg. These results are discussed in relation to theories of energy partition in lactating cows. 4. It is concluded that at fixed feed intakes, the main response to increased meal frequency is likely to be a reduction in milk fat depression and that this will be confined to diets containing not more than about 200 g modified acid-detergent fibre/kg dry matter.
Calcium homeostasis in Trypanosoma cruzi.

By using the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fura 2, submicromolar levels of intracellular Ca2+ have been detected in Trypanosoma cruzi different stages. The intracellular transport mechanisms involved in maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis in T. cruzi have been characterized by measuring Ca2+ transport in digitonin-permeabilized cells. Two intracellular calcium transport systems have been detected. Ca2+ uptake by the mitochondria occurs by an electrophoretic mechanism, is inhibited by antimycin A, FCCP, and ruthenium red, and stimulated by respiratory substrates, phosphate and acetate. This pool has a high capacity and low affinity for Ca2+ and is able to buffer external Ca2+ at concentrations in the range of 0.6-0.7 microM. Ca2+ uptake by the endoplasmic reticulum is inhibited by high concentrations of vanadate and anticalmodulin agents, and stimulated by ATP. This pool has a low capacity and a high affinity for Ca2+ and is able to buffer external Ca2+ at concentrations in the range of 0.05-1.0 microM. In addition, calmodulin has been purified from T. cruzi epimastigotes and shown to stimulate the homologous plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase and cyclic-AMP phosphodiesterase. The gene encoding this protein has been cloned and sequenced and shown to have a great homology to mammalian calmodulin. The role of the plasma membrane of T. cruzi in the regulation of [Ca2+]i has been studied using fura 2-loaded epimastigotes or plasma membrane vesicles prepared from epimastigotes. Plasma membrane vesicles transport Ca2+ in the presence of Mg2+ and have a high affinity, vanadate-sensitive (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase with an apparent Km for free Ca2+ of 0.3 microM. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Recovery of brain glucose metabolism in detoxified alcoholics.

OBJECTIVE To differentiate withdrawal-related abnormalities in brain glucose metabolism among alcoholics from abnormalities that may be irreversible or antedate alcohol use, the authors evaluated metabolic recovery during alcohol detoxification. METHOD Regional brain glucose metabolism was measured with positron emission tomography and 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose in 10 male alcoholics at 8-15 days, 16-30 days, and 31-60 days after last use of alcohol. The alcoholics' metabolic values were compared with those of 10 age-matched male healthy volunteers. RESULTS Brain metabolism increased significantly during detoxification. There were significant differences in global and regional measures between the first and last time points but not between the second and third points, suggesting that recovery occurred predominantly within 16-30 days. Regional increases in metabolism were greater in the frontal regions. Whereas during the first evaluation the alcoholics showed significantly lower metabolism in various brain regions than the comparison group, at the end of detoxification the alcoholics showed significantly lower absolute and relative metabolic values in the basal ganglia and lower relative metabolic values in the parietal cortex. Among the alcoholics, but not the comparison group, metabolism in the frontal, parietal, and left temporal cortexes was negatively correlated with years of alcohol use and with age. CONCLUSIONS This study shows significant increases in brain metabolism during alcohol withdrawal and documents persistent low metabolic levels in the basal ganglia of detoxified alcoholics.
Positron emission tomography in non-small-cell lung cancer: prediction of response to chemotherapy by quantitative assessment of glucose use.

PURPOSE To prospectively evaluate the use of positron emission tomography with the glucose analog fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) to predict response to chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC scheduled to undergo platinum-based chemotherapy were eligible for this study. Patients were studied by FDG-PET before and after the first cycle of therapy. Based on previous studies, a reduction of tumor FDG uptake by more than 20% as assessed by standardized uptake values (SUV) was used as a criterion for a metabolic response. Furthermore, changes in tumor SUVs were compared with changes in FDG net-influx constants (Ki) and tumor/muscle ratios (t/m). RESULTS Fifty-seven patients were included in the study. There was a close correlation between metabolic response and best response to therapy according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (P <.0001; sensitivity and specificity for prediction of best response, 95% and 74%, respectively). Median time to progression and overall survival were significantly longer for metabolic responders than for metabolic nonresponders (163 v 54 days and 252 days v 151 days, respectively). Similar results were obtained when Ki was used to assess tumor glucose use, whereas changes in t/m showed considerable overlap between responding and nonresponding tumors. CONCLUSION In NSCLC, reduction of metabolic activity after one cycle of chemotherapy is closely correlated with final outcome of therapy. Using metabolic response as an end point may shorten the duration of phase II studies evaluating new cytotoxic drugs and may decrease the morbidity and costs of therapy in nonresponding patients.
Ophthalmic malpractice and physician gender: a claims data analysis (an American Ophthalmological Society thesis).

PURPOSE To analyze and compare malpractice claims rates between male and female ophthalmologists and test the hypothesis that claims rates are equal between the two sexes. METHODS A retrospective, cohort study review was made of all claims reported to the Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company from January 1990 through December 2008 in which an expense (including indemnity and/or legal defense costs) was paid or reserved. A total of 2,251 claims were examined. Frequency (claims per physician) and severity (indemnity payment, associated expenses and reserves per claim) were analyzed for both male and female ophthalmologists. Frequency and severity data were further stratified by allegation, type of treatment, and injury severity category. RESULTS Men were sued 54% more often than females over the period studied (P<.001). Women had lower claims frequencies across all allegations and within the treatment areas of cataract, cornea, and retinal procedures (P<.7). Men had more claims associated with severe injury, including permanent major injury and death (P<.001). The average amount paid in indemnity and expenses was 7% higher for claims against women ($115,303 compared to $107,354 against men). CONCLUSIONS Nearly 20 years of closed claim data reveal male ophthalmologists are significantly more likely than women to have reported malpractice activity. Claims against men were associated with more severe injury to the patient but were slightly less costly overall compared to claims against women. Further study is necessary to understand the reasons underlying gender disparities in malpractice claims rates and whether the observed past differences are predictive of future results.
Increased gene copy numbers at chromosome 20q are frequent in both squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas of the cervix

Genome‐wide microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) was used to identify common chromosomal alterations involved in cervical carcinogenesis as a first step towards the discovery of novel biomarkers. The genomic profiles of nine squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and seven adenocarcinomas (AdCAs), as well as four human papillomavirus (HPV)‐immortalized keratinocyte cell lines, were assessed. On a genome‐wide scale, SCCs showed significantly more gains than AdCAs. More specifically, there was a striking and highly significant difference between the two histological types for gain at 3q12.1–28, which was predominantly observed in SCC. Other frequent alterations included gains of 1q21.1–31.1 and 20q11.21–13.33, and losses of 11q22.3–25 and 13q14.3–21.33. Subsequent FISH analysis for hTR, located at 3q26, confirmed the presence of 3q gain in SCCs and HPV‐immortalized cell lines. Fine mapping of chromosome 20q using multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) showed copy number increases for a number of genes located at 20q11–q12, including DNMT3B and TOP1. For DNMT3B, this correlated with elevated mRNA expression in 79% of cases. In conclusion, the assessment of frequent genomic alterations resulted in the identification of potential novel biomarkers, which may ultimately enable a better risk stratification of high‐risk (hr)‐HPV‐positive women. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.