Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Crossover Study Comparing the Antiplatelet Effect of Plavix Versus Generic Clopidogrel

Background: Clopidogrel exists in different salt formulations. All published data that have demonstrated its beneficial effect are based entirely on the hydrogen sulphate salt contained in the branded product Plavix, which had US sales of $6.1 billion in 2010 alone. A number of cheaper generic versions of clopidogrel are increasingly being used in Europe as an alternative to Plavix, mainly for cost reasons. However, there is insufficient evidence to show that their pharmacodynamic effect is equivalent to Plavix. Methods: This prospective study investigated whether there is any significant difference in the antiplatelet effect of Plavix versus generic clopidogrel hydrochloride in healthy male volunteers. All participants received loading and maintenance doses of both drugs, in a crossover manner, separated by a 2-week washout period. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)–induced platelet reactivity was measured using short thrombelastography at multiple timepoints. Results: The results showed interindividual heterogeneity in responses to clopidogrel but no significant difference in ADP-induced platelet reactivity between Plavix versus generic clopidogrel hydrochloride. Conclusions: Our findings suggest comparable inhibition of ADP-induced platelet reactivity with Plavix and generic clopidogrel hydrochloride. This observation is particularly pertinent at a time when the patent for Plavix is expected to expire in the near future leading to the large-scale switch to cheaper generic preparations.
Asset management with endogenous withdrawals under a drawdown constraint

Asset preservation is a major concern for foundations that are hostile to large wealth downfalls. Implications for optimal consumption and investment policies are explored in a dynamic setting where wealth is restrained from falling below a fraction of its all-time high. Risky investment regulates wealth growth and mitigates the ratchet effect of the constraint, and may decrease as wealth approaches its maximum. The correspondence found between habit formation over consumption and wealth ratcheting provides a rational explanation for the proliferation of capital protection oriented funds.
Design of current-controlled current conveyor stage with systematic current offset reduction

This contribution presents modification of current-controlled current conveyor (CCCII) designed in order to reduce the systematic DC current offset of transfer between X and Z terminal and also an example of practical design including practical guideline and recommendations. Simulations in Cadence Spectre simulator with ON Semiconductor/AMIS I2T100 based on 0.7 μm technology CMOS07 were provided for verification of discussed features.
Estimation of Cerebral Blood Flow at Bedside by Continuous Jugular Thermodilution

The Kety-Schmidt technique can be regarded as the reference method for the measurement of cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, the method is somewhat cumbersome for routine use in the intensive care unit (ICU) at the bedside. The continuous thermodilution technique developed many years ago for the measurement of coronary sinus blood flow can be applied for the measurement of jugular blood flow (JBF). However, the measurement of JBF by thermodilution has never been validated using the Kety-Schmidt reference method. We first validate the continuous thermodilution in vitro by comparison with a volumetric flow. The thermodilution method is accurate for flows between 50 and 900 ml min−1 with a mean difference volumetric-thermodilution flow of −1 ± 18 ml min−1 (mean ± SD), and precise with a coefficient of variability ranging between 1.21% and 2.50%. In vivo accuracy was assessed by comparing in 15 comatose patients CBF measured using the Kety-Schmidt (CBFKS) method and estimated from JBF measured by thermodilution (CBFTH) at four levels of arterial PaCO2 (25, 30, 35, and 40 mm Hg). The mean difference CBFKS — CBFTH is −0.9 ± 3.6 ml min−1 100 g−1. In vivo precision of the method was good, with a coefficient of variability of 4.1% in mean. We conclude that jugular continuous thermodilution technique is a reliable method for estimating CBF at the bedside. This technique allows repeated measurements jugular bulb blood sampling for brain metabolic studies.
Power quality with solid state transformer integrated smart-grids

This paper presents the mathematical model of a three phase Solid State Transformer (SST). The model is designed in PLECS. The model is integrated into a grid with high penetration of non-linear loads. The model addresses constraints including smooth voltage regulation, permitted Total Harmonic Distortion and the incorporation of distributed generation and energy storage. The main feature of the SST is the absorption of wave distortion such as sag and swell, which are considered in the SST design. The main contribution of this research prevails in the inclusion of the SST model that allows a bi-directional power flow considering high power quality leading to the vision of smart grids.
Physical characterization of the flagella and flagellins from Methanospirillum hungatei

Flagellar filaments from Methanospirillum hungatei GP1 and JF1 were isolated and subjected to a variety of physical and chemical treatments. The filaments were stable to temperatures up to 80 degrees C and over the pH range of 4 to 10. The flagellar filaments were dissociated in the detergents (final concentration of 0.5%) Triton X-100, Tween 20, Tween 80, Brij 58, N-octylglucoside, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and Zwittergent 3-14, remaining intact in only two of the detergents tested, sodium deoxycholate and 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethyl-ammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS). Spheroplasting techniques were used to separate the internal cells from the complex sheath, S-layer (cell wall), and end plugs of M. hungatei. The flagellar basal structure was visualized after solubilization of membranes by CHAPS or deoxycholate. The basal structure appeared to be a simple knob with no apparent ring or hook structures. The multiple, glycosylated flagellins constituting the flagellar filaments were cleaved by proteases and cyanogen bromide. The cyanogen bromide-generated fragments of M. hungatei GP1 flagellins were partially sequenced to provide internal sequence information. In addition, the amino acid composition of each flagellin was determined and indicated that the flagellins are distinct gene products, rather than differentially glycosylated forms of the same gene product.
Carvacrol after status epilepticus (SE) prevents recurrent SE, early seizures, cell death, and cognitive decline

Carvacrol is a naturally occurring monoterpenic phenol that has been suggested to have an action at transient receptor potential cation subfamily M7 (TRPM7) channels, γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABAA receptors, and sodium channels, and has been shown to be antiinflammatory. Carvacrol is neuroprotective in models of cerebral ischemia in vivo and in vitro, probably through its action at TRPM7 channels. We therefore aimed to determine the effect of carvacrol on status epilepticus (SE), chronic epilepsy, cell death, and post‐SE cognitive decline.
Effects of four intraoperative ventilatory strategies on respiratory compliance and gas exchange during laparoscopic gastric banding in obese patients.

BACKGROUND Respiratory function is impaired in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. This study was performed to determine whether repeated lung recruitment combined with PEEP improves respiratory compliance and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (Pa(O2)) in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric banding. METHODS Sixty patients with BMI >30 kg m(-2) were randomized, after induction of pneumoperitoneum, to receive either PEEP of 10 cm H2O (Group P), inspiratory pressure of 40 cm H2O for 15 s once (Group R), Group R recruitment followed by PEEP 10 cm H2O (Group RP), or Group RP recruitment but with the inspiratory manoeuvre repeated every 10 min (Group RRP). Static respiratory compliance and Pa(O2) were determined after intubation, 10 min after pneumoperitoneum (before lung recruitment), and every 10 min thereafter (after recruitment). Results are presented as mean (SD). RESULTS Pneumoperitoneum decreased respiratory compliance from 48 (3) to 30 (1) ml cm H2O(-1) and decreased Pa(O2) from 12.4 (0.3) to 8.8 (0.3) kPa in all groups (P<0.01). Immediately after recruitment, compliance was 32 (1), 32 (2), 40 (2), and 40 (1) ml cm H2O(-1) and Pa(O2) was 9.1 (0.3), 9.1 (0.1), 11.9 (0.1), and 11.9 (0.1) kPa in Groups P, R, RP, and RRP, respectively (P<0.01). Ten and 20 min later, Pa(O2) in Group R decreased to 9.2 (0.1) kPa and compliance in Group PR decreased to 33 (2) ml cm H2O(-1), respectively (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Group RRP recruitment strategy was associated with the best intraoperative respiratory compliance and Pa(O2) in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric banding.
Ethnicity, political survival, and the exchange of nationalist foreign policy

ABSTRACT How does leadership’s desire for political survival in ethnically heterogeneous democracies affect the probability of states exchanging nationalist foreign policy? I define nationalist foreign policy as foreign policy that aims to fulfill national self-governance using a civic or ethnic frame. I argue that civic-nationalist policy disputing the territoriality of one’s own state is more likely, while ethno-nationalist policy favoring the leadership’s foreign co-ethnics is less likely, when the size of the leadership’s ethnic group is small and the level of democracy is relatively high. This is because the leadership, under such domestic conditions, has to mobilize support from other ethnic groups in order to stay in power. Civic-nationalist policy allows the leadership to increase domestic solidarity across ethnic lines and mobilize support from other ethnic groups, whereas ethno-nationalist policy would risk other ethnic groups criticizing the leadership of being ethno-centrist. These hypotheses are supported by quantitative analysis using an original dataset.
Social Shaping of the Politics of Internet Search and Networking: Moving Beyond Filter Bubbles, Echo Chambers, and Fake News

Global debate over the impact that algorithms and search on shaping political opinions has been increasing in the aftermath of controversial election results in Europe and the US. Powerful images of the Internet enabling access to a global treasure trove of information have shifted to worries over the degree to which those who use social media, and online tools such as search engines, are being fed inaccurate, fake, or politically-targeted information that could distort public opinion and political change. There are serious questions raised over the political implication of any biases embedded in the algorithms that drive search engines and social media. Do digital media biases shape access to information shaping public opinion? To address these issues, we conducted an online survey of stratified random samples in seven nations, including Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the US. We asked Internet users how they use search, social media, and other media, for political information, and what difference it makes for them. The findings cast doubt on technologically deterministic perspectives on search, such as filter bubbles. For example, our findings show that search is among an array of media consulted by those interested in politics. Internet users are not trapped in a bubble on a single platform. Another deterministic narrative is around the concept of echo chambers, where social media enable users to cocoon themselves with likeminded people and viewpoints. However, most of those interested in politics search for and double check problematic political information, and expose themselves to a variety of viewpoints. Thus, prevailing views on search and politics not only over-estimate technical determinants, but also underestimate the social shaping of the Internet, social media, and search. National media cultures and systems play an important role in shaping search practices, along with individual differences in political and Internet orientations. The findings suggest there are disproportionate levels of concern, often approaching panic, over the bias of search and social media, and that targeted interventions could help reduce the risks associated with fake news, filter bubbles, and echo chambers.
Role for the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in the Vacuolar Degradation of Ste6p, the a-Factor Transporter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT Ste6p, the a-factor transporter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a multispanning membrane protein with 12 transmembrane spans and two cytosolic ATP binding domains. Ste6p belongs to the ATP binding cassette (ABC) superfamily and provides an excellent model for examining the intracellular trafficking of a complex polytopic membrane protein in yeast. Previous studies have shown that Ste6p undergoes constitutive endocytosis from the plasma membrane, followed by delivery to the vacuole, where it is degraded in a Pep4p-dependent manner, even though only a small portion of Ste6p is exposed to the vacuolar lumen where the Pep4p-dependent proteases reside. Ste6p is known to be ubiquitinated, a modification that may facilitate its endocytosis. In the present study, we further investigated the intracellular trafficking of Ste6p, focusing on the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome machinery in the metabolic degradation of Ste6p. We demonstrate by pulse-chase analysis that the degradation of Ste6p is impaired in mutants that exhibit defects in the activity of the proteasome (doa4 andpre1,2). Likewise, by immunofluorescence, we observe that Ste6p accumulates in the vacuole in thedoa4 mutant, as it does in the vacuolar protease-deficient pep4 mutant. One model consistent with our results is that the degradation of Ste6p, the bulk of which is exposed to the cytosol, requires the activity of both the cytosolic proteasomal degradative machinery and the vacuolar lumenal proteases, acting in a synergistic fashion. Alternatively, we discuss a second model whereby the ubiquitin-proteasome system may indirectly influence the Pep4p-dependent vacuolar degradation of Ste6p. This study establishes that Ste6p is distinctive in that two independent degradative systems (the vacuolar Pep4p-dependent proteases and the cytosolic proteasome) are both involved, either directly or indirectly, in the metabolic degradation of a single substrate.
Islamic calendar and stock market behaviour in India

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the behavior of the stock market returns in the different days of the week and different months of the year in accordance with the Islamic calendar. Further, the study estimates the risk-adjusted returns to test the performance of the indices during the Ramadan and non-Ramadan days. Finally, the study investigates the impact of Ramadan on the returns and the volatility of the stock market indices in India. Design/methodology/approach Initially, the study applies the Ordinary Least Square method to test the day-of-the-week and the month-of-the-year effect of the common and Shariah indices. Next, the study employs the risk-adjusted measurement to examine the underperformance and over-performance of the indices for both the periods. Finally, the study estimates the GARCH (1,1) and GJR-GARCH (1,1) models to observe the impact of Ramadan on the returns and the volatility of the Shariah indices in India. Findings The study finds that an average return of the indices during the Ramadan days are higher than non-Ramadan days. Further, the average returns of the Shariah indices are significantly higher on Wednesday than other days of the week. In addition, the highest and significant mean returns and mean risk-adjusted returns of the indices during the Ramadan days are observed. Finally, the study finds an evidence of the Ramadan effect on the returns and volatility of the indices in India. Originality/value The study observes evidence that the Ramadan effect influences the Shariah indices, but not the common indices in the stock market of the non-Muslim countries. It indicates that the Ramadan creates the positive mood and emotions in the investors buying and selling activities. The study suggests that investors can buy the shares before Ramadan period and sell them during the Ramadan days to get an abnormal return in the emerging markets.
Association Between Duration of Untreated Psychosis, Premorbid Functioning, and Cognitive Performance and the Outcome of First-Episode Schizophrenia in Japanese Patients: Prospective Study

Objective: The aim of the present study was to identify the relationship between duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), premorbid functioning, and cognitive dysfunction and the outcome of first-episode schizophrenia. Method: Thirty-four neuroleptic-naïve patients who consulted hospitals in Tokyo and who were treated by psychiatrists for the first time were evaluated with regard to DUP, premorbid functioning, psychiatric symptoms, and global functioning. The neuropsychological test battery consisted of the Letter Cancellation Test, Trail-Making Test, Digit Span and Verbal Fluency Test. One year later, 24 of the subjects were reassessed for psychiatric symptoms, global functioning, and social functioning, and the relationships between DUP, premorbid functioning, and cognitive performance and the outcome was investigated. Results: Short DUP, good premorbid functioning, and good Letter Cancellation Test, Digit Span and Verbal Fluency Test scores were significantly associated with good outcome. Conclusions: The present results in a Japanese sample are consistent with previous international evidence that delay of initial treatment, premorbid functioning, and cognitive deficits are associated with outcome. A major limitation of the present study was the small size of the subject group. But because the subjects were relatively homogeneous and not influenced by psychoactive substances, the results reflect the essence of the disorder.
Construct Validity of Auditory Verbal Learning Test.

OBJECTIVE Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) is frequently used in neuropsychology literature to comprehensively assess the memory. The test measures verbal learning as immediate and delayed free recall, recognition, and retroactive and proactive interference. Adaptation of AVLT to the Turkish society has been completed, whereas research and development studies are still underway. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the construct validity of the test in order to contribute to the research and development process. METHOD In line with this purpose, the research data were obtained from 78 healthy participants aged between 20 and 69. The exclusion criteria included neurological and/or psychiatric disorders as well as untreated auditory/visual disorders. AVLT was administered to participants individually by two trained psychologists. RESULTS Principal component analysis that is used to investigate the components represented by the AVLT scores consisted of learning, free recall and recognition, in line with the construct of the test. Distractors were also added to these two components in structural equation model. Analyses were carried out on descriptive level to establish the relatioships between age, education, gender and AVLT scores. CONCLUSION These findings, which are consistent with the literature indicating that memory is affected by the developmental process, suggest that learning/free recall, recognition, and distractor scores of the AVLT demonstrate a component pattern consistent with theoretical knowledge. This conclusion suggests that AVLT is a valid measurement test for the Turkish society.
Electron beam dose dependence of surface recombination velocity and surface space charge in semiconductor nanowires

The characterization of nanowires (NWs) often requires the use of scanning electron beam techniques because of their high spatial resolution. However, the impact of the high energetic electron beam on the physical parameters under investigation is rarely taken into account. In this work, a combination of optical and electrical techniques is involved for the measurement of the electron beam dose (EBD) dependence of cathodoluminescence intensity, exciton diffusion length and electrical resistance in ZnO NWs. Large EBD dependences of these key parameters are observed and their reversibility is investigated. The results are discussed in terms of bulk and surface reversible modifications. In particular, the behaviors of surface recombination velocity and surface space charge under electron beam exposure are determined and simulated. This study points out that caution must be taken and experimental protocols must be well defined when measuring physical parameters of NWs using electron beam techniques.
Downstream Divergence of the Ethylene Signaling Pathway for Harpin-Stimulated Arabidopsis Growth and Insect Defense1

Ethylene (ET) signal transduction may regulate plant growth and defense, depending on which components are recruited into the pathway in response to different stimuli. We report here that the ET pathway controls both insect resistance (IR) and plant growth enhancement (PGE) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants responding to harpin, a protein produced by a plant pathogenic bacterium. PGE may result from spraying plant tops with harpin or by soaking seeds in harpin solution; the latter especially enhances root growth. Plants treated similarly develop resistance to the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae). The salicylic acid pathway, although activated by harpin, does not lead to PGE and IR. By contrast, PGE and IR are induced in both wild-type plants and genotypes that have defects in salicylic acid signaling. In response to harpin, levels of jasmonic acid (JA) decrease, and the COI1 gene, which is indispensable for JA signal transduction, is not expressed in wild-type plants. However, PGE and IR are stimulated in the JA-resistant mutant jar1-1. In the wild type, PGE and IR develop coincidently with increases in ET levels and the expression of several genes essential for ET signaling. The ET receptor gene ETR1 is required because both phenotypes are arrested in the etr1-1 mutant. Consistently, inhibition of ET perception nullifies the induction of both PGE and IR. The signal transducer EIN2 is required for IR, and EIN5 is required for PGE because IR and PGE are impaired correspondingly in the ein2-1 and ein5-1 mutants. Therefore, harpin activates ET signaling while conscribing EIN2 and EIN5 to confer IR and PGE, respectively.
SigManager: Automatic payload signature management system for the classification of dynamically changing internet applications

Today's network environment is becoming very complicated. Accordingly, traffic classification for network management becomes difficult. For the study of traffic classification, the development of automatic payload signature generation system was carried out very actively. However, the existing automatic payload signature generation system has problems such as semi-automatic system, disposable signature generation, false-positive signature generation and not up-to-date signature. Therefore, we propose the SigManager. SigManager performs all process such as traffic collection, signature generation, signature management and signature verification. The traffic collection stage automatically collects ground-truth traffic through TMA and TMS. The signature management stage removes unnecessary signatures and the signature generation stage generates the new signatures. Finally, the signature verification stage removes the false-positive signatures. We solved the problem of existing automatic signature generation system through this system. As a result of applying this system to campus network, we could maintain high completeness and low false-positive rate for 4 applications.