Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STAT5 Activation and Cardioprotection by Remote Ischemic Preconditioning in Humans

Rationale: The heart can be protected from infarction by brief episodes of ischemia/reperfusion of a remote organ. Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) by brief arm ischemia/reperfusion has been recruited in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery or percutaneous coronary interventions and during transport to the hospital for acute myocardial infarction. Cardioprotective signaling has been extensively characterized in animal experiments. Objective: To identify cardioprotective signaling by RIPC in humans. Methods and Results: RIPC was induced by 3 cycles of 5 minutes of arm ischemia/5 minutes of reperfusion in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Twelve patients each were randomly assigned to undergo RIPC or a sham control procedure. Protection was confirmed by reduced serum troponin I concentrations in patients with RIPC versus control patients. In myocardial biopsies, an array of established cardioprotective proteins was analyzed by Western immunoblotting. The phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) increased from baseline before ischemic cardioplegic arrest to 10 minutes of reperfusion with RIPC, and STAT5 phosphorylation during reperfusion was greater in patients with RIPC than in control patients. Conclusions: The identification of this unique signaling signature of RIPC will facilitate the development of pharmacological cardioprotection. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT01406678.
Women Empowerment through Self - Help Group

Over the year, Women has accepted her role in society as housewife and mother as well an inferior expendable commodity, whether sold off to stranger or a source of dowry for her husband’s family. There is general acceptance of the various ways in which women contribute to society and economy. The World Bank has suggested that empowerment of women should be key aspect of social development programs. The empowerment is not essentially political alone in fact; political empowerment will not succeed in the absence of economic empowerment. The scheme of micro financing though Self Help Groups (SHGs) has transferred the real economic power in the hands of women and considerably reduced their dependence on men. Self-help groups are increasingly accepted as agent by social changes, development and empowerment among the women. SHG’s approach represents a paradigm shift from development toward empowerment. The SHG’s are considered as the agents of transformation through the mobilization, organizations, banking in situation and voluntary organizations follow self help approach to active rural development and empowerment of the women in India. The banking institutions channelize their credit to poor through the SHG’s. Self Help Group Meaning A small economically homogeneous and affinity group of poor people, preferably same socioeconomic background. Who have volunteered to organize themselves into a group for eradication of poverty of the members. They agree to save regularly and convert their savings into a common fund known as the Group Corpus. The members of the group agree to use this common fund and such other funds that they may receive as a group through a common management. Generally, the number of members in one self-help group does not exceed twenty. Statement of Problem Though women constitute almost half of the world population their representing in gainful employment is comparatively low. Women have been tough to depend on others to limit their time prospective and to avoid exposure and risk. In recent years women have come in forefront in different walks of life and are competing successfully with men despite the social, psychological and economic barriers. The tradition bound Indian society is now undergoing a change and women are now seeking gainful employment in several fields. With the spread of education and new awareness women entrepreneurs are spreading their wings to higher levels. Having realized the importance of the role of women the researcher has undertaken this study.
Synchronous CDMA Based on the Cyclical Translations of a CAZAC Sequence

We introduce a new class of code sequences for synchronous CDMA, having in mind application to the downlink of cellular systems. The code that we propose is made by all the cyclical translations of what is called in the literature a CAZAC sequence, for example a Frank-Zadoff sequence. We show that, when the transmission channel is affected by multipath and noise, the proposed code allows multiuser interference to become cyclic intersymbol interference, provided that a cyclic prefix is appended to the multiplexed vector. Noticeably, the memory of the finite state machine that describes the ISI model is equal to memory of the multipath channel. The main advantage of our proposed system is that optimal detection is obtained by the classical Viterbi algorithm, which is much easier to implement than the optimal multiuser detector of classical CDMA schemes. Another advantage of our scheme is that it leads naturally to a signal processing architecture similar to that of OFDM systems, hence based on the efficient FFT/IFFT algorithm
Central Aid and Local Policy

This paper supplements previous research on central aid as a determinant of local expenditure by considering the relative effect of aid on levels of per capita expenditures of poor and well-to-do communities. Systemic differences in normative and structural features of central aid are useful in considering the effect of aid on local communities' expenditures. The use of different measures from those commonly found in the literature is helpful in considering similar theoretical propositions on the role of central aid in different political systems. Utilizing the Lorenz curve and its Gini coefficient, and the coefficient of variation, the redistributive effect of aid is examined. Central government aid is important to local expenditure capacity, and, when compared with the United States, Israel shows greater centralization in local-central financial relations. Redistribution is not fully apparent after aid payments are made to communities. This stems from systemic structuralfeatures which allow individual bargaining for aid resources, and gives the well-to-do communities a visible advantage. Central aid does not close the gap between poor and well-to-do communities. Rather, proportional differences remain, while each community improves its per capita expenditures.
Tax rates and economic growth in the OECD countries

This article proposes refined econometric estimates of effective marginal income tax rates for 23 OECD countries from 1951 to 1990. Panel regressions find such measures negatively correlated with economic growth. These results are consistent with endogenous growth theories and opposite to those of most empirical literature, which relies on measures of effective average tax rates. The negative correlation is also robust to consideration of other growth determinants.
Plasma filtration in the treatment of graves' ophthalmopathy: A randomized study

The aim of this study was to perform a randomized study to evaluate the role of plasma filtration in the treatment of severe thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). 20 patients were enrolled, and all patients were treated with methylprednisolone IV pulses. 10 randomly chosen patients were also subjected to plasma filtration (twice weekly in Weeks 1, 2, 4, 7, and 10). The procedure proved to be safe. All immunoglobulin classes as well as autoantibodies directed against thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase, and TSH receptor exhibited statistically significantly decreases. Some markers of cell‐mediated immunity such as soluble antigen CD30 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 decreased, but serum levels of other markers such as CD40 ligand and soluble protein Fas/Apo‐1 did not change significantly. The decrease of immunoglobulins was long lasting, whereas cytokine levels returned to basal values before the next apheresis. Although the clinical activity score (CAS) dropped in all patients, it occurred more rapidly in patients treated with plasma filtration. The CAS difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.027). The amplitude of visual evoked potentials improved after 3 months in the plasma filtration group. At the end of the study, there was no difference between patients treated with aphereses and the control group. Eye muscle width and proptosis measured by CT scan did not differ between the two groups. We conclude that apheresis can decrease disease activity more rapidly than standard high‐dose IV glucocorticoid therapy. Whether this superior treatment effect could potentially avoid surgical procedures remains to be determined. J. Clin. Apheresis 25:209–215, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The portfolio #ows of international investors q

This paper explores daily international portfolio #ows into and out of 44 countries from 1994 through 1998. We "nd several facts concerning the behavior of #ows and their relationship with equity returns. First, we detect regional #ow factors that have increased in importance through time. Second, the #ows appear to be stationary, but far more persistent than returns. Third, #ows are strongly in#uenced by past returns, a "nding consistent with positive feedback trading by international investors. Fourth, in#ows have positive forecasting power for future equity returns, and this power is statistically signi"cant in emerging markets. Fifth, the sensitivity of local stock prices to foreign in#ows is positive and large. Sixth, prices seem consistent with #ow persistence, in that transitory in#ows impact future returns negatively. ( 2001 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved. JEL classixcation: G15; F21; G11
An analysis of Fiji's monetary policy transmission

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the monetary policy transmission mechanism for the Fiji Islands using a structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model for the period 1975 to 2005. Design/methodology/approach - The SVAR model investigates how a monetary policy shock – defined as a temporary and exogenous rise in the short-term interest rate – affects real and nominal macro variables; namely real output, prices, exchange rates, and money supply. Findings - The results suggest that a monetary policy shock statistically significantly reduces output initially, but then output is able to recover to its pre-shock level. A monetary policy shock generates inflationary pressure, leads to an appreciation of the Fijian currency and reduces the demand for money. The paper also analysed the impact of a nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) shock (an appreciation) on real output and found that it leads to a statistically significant negative effect on real output. Practical implications - The findings of this study should be of direct relevance to the research and policy work undertaken at the Reserve Bank of Fiji. Originality/value - For a small economy, such as Fiji, where monetary policy is key to sustainable macroeconomic management, this is the first paper that undertakes a dynamic analysis of monetary policy transmission. The paper uses time series data over three decades and builds a structural VAR model, rooted in theory. This paper will be of direct relevance to the Reserve Bank of Fiji. The approach and model proposed will also be useful for applied monetary policy researchers in other developing countries where inflation rate targeting is a key element of the monetary policy setting.
REGIONAL EFFECTS OF MONETARY POLICY IN CHINA: THE ROLE OF SPILLOVER EFFECTS

This paper uses Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) method to measure the regional effects of monetary policy in China during 1978–2011. The results provide evidence of different regional responses of real variables to monetary policy shocks. This paper proves that M2 is a better monetary policy indicator. We also find that when examining the regional effects of monetary policy in China, the spillover effects among regions are very important in the short run. In the long run, the influence of deposits transfer among regions is much bigger than that of the spillover effects.
Regulation of the Escherichia coli rmf gene encoding the ribosome modulation factor: growth phase‐ and growth rate‐dependent control.

Ribosome modulation factor (RMF) is a protein specifically associated with 100S ribosome dimers which start to accumulate in Escherichia coli cells upon growth transition from exponential to stationary phase. The structural gene, rmf, encoding the 55 amino acid residues RMF protein has been cloned from the 21.8 min region of the E. coli genome and sequenced. While rmf was silent in rapidly growing exponential phase cells, a high level of transcription took place concomitantly with the growth transition to stationary phase. Under slow growth conditions, rmf was expressed even in exponential phase and there was an inverse relationship between the expression of rmf and the cell growth rate. Thus, the expression profile of rmf is contrary to those of genes for ribosomal components and ribosome‐associated proteins constituting the translational apparatus. The katF gene product, a stationary phase‐specific sigma factor, was not required for the expression of rmf. Disruption of rmf resulted in loss of ribosome dimers and reduction of cell viability during stationary phase.
Avoiding Obligation

This article examines the decisions of governments to enter reservations upon ratification of international human rights treaties. I argue that, in the context of the human rights regime, reservations are simply attempts to avoid international legal obligations where they would be consequential. I develop an explanation for their use that focuses on the following two factors: the legal constraints that already exist in domestic law and the likelihood that international agreements will be enforced by domestic courts. Using an original measure of domestic legal protection of civil, political, and personal integrity rights, I find evidence that governments are more likely to enter reservations when domestic legal standards are lax compared to those in the treaty and when judiciaries are likely to enforce treaty-based obligations. This suggests that full adoption of international human rights treaties is more likely when treaties will not create genuine domestic legal constraints and that explanations for treaty adoption and implementation must take reservations into account. It also suggests that adoption of international human rights law is best explained by the specific legal institutions that relate to domestic enforcement rather than broad distinctions between democratic/autocratic political institutions.
Tetrodotoxin Derivatives: Chemical Structure and Blockage of Nerve Membrane Conductance

The nerve-impuilse-blocking actions of derivatives of tetrodotoxin have been tested on lobster and squid axons. The block produced by deoxytetrodotoxin was similar to that produced by tetrodotoxin and was probably caused by tetrodotoxin contamination. Tetrodaminotoxin and anhydrotetrodotoxin also produced a similar block but at such high concentrations that tetrodotoxin contamination cannot be ruled out. The hydroxyl group of C4 and the hemilactal oxygen links play an important role for the nerve-blocking action.
On the Role Exports in the Economic Growth of Malaysia: A Multivariate Analysis

In recent years a number if studies have attempted to examine the export-led Growth hypothesis in the Malaysian context. The evidence is, however mixed and inconclusive. This might be attributed to the fact that previous studies are bivariate in that they only focus on the relationship between exports and economic growth. Therefore, in the present paper we reexamine the relationship between exports and economic growth in the Malaysian context using a multivariate model in which other relevant factors (exchange rate, labor, and capital) are allowed to exert their influence on the two basic variables (exports and economic growth). Our results are supportive of the export-led growth as a short-run phenomenon in Malaysia. Over the long-run, however, our results supports, instead, the internally generated growth hypothesis. [O47]
Long‐, intermediate‐ and short‐acting benzodiazepine effects on human sleep EEG spectra

Abstract The effects of 10 mg haloxazolam (HAX), 4 mg flunitrazepam (FNZ), and 0.5 mg triazolam (TRI), each administered for seven consecutive nights were studied in the sleep electroencephalograms (EEG) of 17 (six HAX, five FNZ and six TRI) healthy male student volunteers. Recordings of C3–A1 EEG data from one baseline night, three drug nights (first, fourth and seventh) and two withdrawal nights (second and fourth) were analyzed using a fast Fourier transformation method. All three drugs induced similar changes in the 0.5 Hz to 40 Hz power spectrum; namely (i) higher frequency (including the sigma and beta bands) activity increased and lower frequency activity reduced on the drug nights; (ii) the enhancement of sigma activity peaked during non‐rapid eye movement sleep following the first administration and was maintained at high levels on all drug nights; (iii) beta activity increased through the night after administration of HAX and FNZ, but not TRI, which suggests a blood concentration level dependent increase of beta activity; and (iv) only HAX showed a residual effect on the fourth withdrawal night. These results indicate that (i) chronic administration of these three benzodiazepine derivatives produce similar profiles in sleep EEG spectral changes, with some differences depending on their half‐lives and doses; (ii) the mechanism of sigma enhancement is sensitive to even the initial administration night of BDZ; and (iii) frequencies below and above the sigma band are less sensitive to BDZ and also show an increase through the night after administration, suggesting differences in the mechanisms reflected by these EEG frequency bands.
Transcriptional Regulation of theStreptococcus salivarius 57.I Urease Operon

ABSTRACT The Streptococcus salivarius 57.I urecluster was organized as an operon, beginning withureI, followed by ureABC (structural genes) andureEFGD (accessory genes). Northern analyses revealed transcripts encompassing structural genes and transcripts containing the entire operon. A ς70-like promoter could be mapped 5′ to ureI (PureI) by primer extension analysis. The intensity of the signal increased when cells were grown at an acidic pH and was further enhanced by excess carbohydrate. To determine the function(s) of two inverted repeats located 5′ toPureI, transcriptional fusions of the full-length promoter region (PureI), or a deletion derivative (PureIΔ100), and a promoterless chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene were constructed and integrated into the chromosome to generate strains PureICAT andPureIΔ100CAT, respectively. CAT specific activities ofPureICAT were repressed at pH 7.0 and induced at pH 5.5 and by excess carbohydrate. In PureIΔ100CAT, CAT activity was 60-fold higher than in PureICAT at pH 7.0 and pH induction was nearly eliminated, indicating that expression was negatively regulated. Thus, it was concluded that PureI was the predominant, regulated promoter and that regulation was governed by a mechanism differing markedly from other known mechanisms for bacterial urease expression.
Measuring longitudinal white matter changes: comparison of a visual rating scale with a volumetric measurement.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Detection of longitudinal changes in white matter hyperintensities (WMH) by using visual rating scales is problematic. We compared a widely used visual rating scale with a volumetric method to study longitudinal white matter changes. METHODS WMH were assessed with the visual Scheltens scale and a volumetric method in 100 elderly subjects aged 70-81 years for whom repetitive MR images were available with an interval of 33 (SD, 1.4) months. Reliability was determined by intraclass correlation coefficients. To examine the sensitivity of both the visual and volumetric method, we calculated Spearman rank correlations of WMH ratings and volume measurements with age. RESULTS Reliability of the visual rating scale was good, whereas reliability of the volumetric measurement was excellent. For baseline measurements of WMH, we found weaker associations between WMH and age when assessed with the visual scale (r = 0.20, P = .045) than with the volumetric method (r = 0.31, P = .002). Longitudinal evaluation of WMH assessments showed regression in 26% of the subjects when analyzed with the visual rating scale against 12% of the subjects when using volumetric measurements. Compared with the visual rating, the correlation between progression in WMH and age was twice as high when using the volumetric measurement (r = 0.19, P = .062 and r = 0.39, P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION Volumetric measurements of WMH offer a more reliable, sensitive, and objective alternative to visual rating scales in studying longitudinal white matter changes.
The Role of Technology Management in the Dynamics of Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Household Energy Use in Sub-Saharan Africa

The authors analyzed the dynamics of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from household fuel use in sub-Saharan Africa from 2000 to 2050. The scenarios included a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario, in which fuel consumption and tree-harvesting practices change little except through population growth and urbanization, and large-scale shifts to charcoal- and petroleum-based fossil fuels. The authors also considered the role of charcoal production technologies and sustainability of biomass harvesting. GHG emissions from the various scenarios varied by a factor of 4, with the lowest emissions in the BAU fuel-use scenario with charcoal production and sustainable biomass harvesting and the highest in the charcoal fuel scenario without sustainable harvesting and charcoal production. In only two scenarios, those with sustainable biomass harvesting and charcoal production, the emissions had an inverted-U pattern. Therefore, an inverted-U pattern was highly dependent on technology and policy instruments.
Sociodemographic correlates and family aggregation of leukocyte telomere length in adults and children from Mesoamerica

Telomere length is a biomarker of cumulative stress and inflammation related to chronic disease risk. We examined the associations of leukocyte telomere length (LTL) with sociodemographic and anthropometric variables and estimated LTL family aggregation in Central America, a region with a high burden of chronic disease where LTL has not been studied.