Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Ibuprofen in human plasma by using High Throughput Liquid Chromatographyâtandem mass spectrometric method and its applications in pharmacokinetics

A sensitive, selective and first automated method is described for the quantification of Ibuprofen in human plasma using Diclofenac as internal standard. The Bioanalytical approach consists of Liquid -Liquid extraction with 70:30 extraction mixture, chromatographic separation of 10μL injected sample with nonpolar(C18) column using 45:45:10 isocratic solvent mixture as mobile phase followed by quantification with mass detector in selective reaction monitoring mode using electro spray ionization mode (ESI) as an interface. The method was fully validated over a concentration range of 0.01 to 40 μg/ml using 0.1 ml of human plasma per assay. Stability assessment was also included. The run time for assay is 1.5 min. Robotic liquid handling systems are employed to all liquid transfer steps including the sample preparation procedure as well as to the addition/removal of the organic solvent. The current method includes a simple and rapid sample preparation as a result of robotic systems utilization that enabled parallel processing as well as shorter analysis run time compared to previously published methods. The method was applied successfully to the analysis of plasma samples obtained for pharmacokinetic, bioavailability or bioequivalence studies after therapeutic doses of Ibuprofen.
High platelet reactivity and clinical outcome – Fact and fiction

Summary In patients suffering from acute coronary syndromes or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, oral antiplatelet treatment is routinely administered with the primary aim of inhibiting platelet-mediated thrombus formation and subsequent abrupt vessel occlusion. Simultaneous inhibition of blood platelet cyclooxygenase-1 by aspirin and of the P2Y12 receptor by clopidogrel or prasugrel is currently recommended in this setting. Inter-individual response variability to aspirin and especially to clopidogrel is the subject of much debate as evidence has grown over the years linking an attenuated response to treatment with the occurrence of ischaemic events. Consequently, the clinical entity of high (on-treatment) platelet reactivity (HPR) was born and subsequently characterised in numerous studies over the last decade. Until recently, alternative treatment options were limited in patients exhibiting HPR. At present the antiplatelet therapy landscape is changing with the advent of prasugrel and ticagrelor as alternative and more potent treatment options. Different tests for monitoring platelet function are available and are being increasingly employed in research projects and clinical routine. These tests may prove useful for achieving optimal platelet inhibition for the individual patient, and several centres now incorporate such testing in day-to-day practice. Widespread adoption of this practice and incorporation into clinical guidelines awaits the results of ongoing trials in which treatment is changed based on platelet function monitoring. This review aims to summarise available facts and fiction in relation to platelet function testing and reactivity with a particular focus on P2Y12 receptor inhibition in patients undergoing coronary stent placement.
Aphanius arakensis, a new species of tooth-carp (Actinopterygii, Cyprinodontidae) from the endorheic Namak Lake basin in Iran

Abstract A new species of tooth-carp, Aphanius arakensis sp. n. , is described from the Namak Lake basin in Iran. The new species is distinguished by the congeners distributed in Iran by the following combination of characters: 10–12 anal fin rays, 28–32 lateral line scales, 10–13 caudal peduncle scales, 8–10 gill rakers, 12–19, commonly 15–16, clearly defined flank bars in males, a more prominent pigmentation along the flank added by relatively big blotches in the middle and posterior flank segments in females, a short but high antirostrum of the otolith that has a wide excisura, and a ventral rim with some small, drop-like processes, and 19 molecular apomorphies (17 transitions, two transversions) in the cytochrome b gene. It was suggested based on the phylogenetic analysis that the new species is sister to Aphanius sophiae from the Kor River and that Aphanius farsicus from the Maharlu Lake basin is sister to Aphanius arakensis plus Aphanius sophiae. A noticeable feature of the Aphanius diversity in Iran is the conservatism of the external morphology as well as morphometric and meristic characters, while distinctive differences are present in genetic characters, otolith morphology, and male color pattern. Transformation of the latter was probably driven by sexual selection.
Interactive system design

From the Publisher: From multimedia workstations to hand-held PDAs, from VR headsets to networked PCs - the modern computer is predominantly interactive. Today's designers and software engineers need to adopt a user-centred approach to system design. Newman and Lamming present a comprehensive guide to modern design techniques using proven methods and realistic applications.
Regulation of cell wall morphogenesis in Bacillus subtilis by recruitment of PBP1 to the MreB helix

The bacterial actin homologue MreB plays a key role in cell morphogenesis. In Bacillus subtilis MreB is essential under normal growth conditions and mreB mutants are defective in the control of cell diameter. However, the precise role of MreB is still unclear. Analysis of the lethal phenotypic consequences of mreB disruption revealed an unusual bulging phenotype that precedes cell death. A similar phenotype was seen in wild‐type cells at very low Mg2+ concentrations. We found that inactivation of the major bi‐functional penicillin‐binding protein (PBP) PBP1 of B. subtilis restored the viability of an mreB null mutant as well as preventing bulging in both mutant and wild‐type backgrounds. Bulging was associated with delocalization of PBP1. We show that the normal pattern of localization of PBP1 is dependent on MreB and that the proteins can physically interact using in vivo pull‐down and bacterial two‐hybrid approaches. Interactions between MreB and several other PBPs were also detected. Our results suggest that MreB filaments associate directly with the peptidoglycan biosynthetic machinery in B. subtilis as part of the mechanism that brings about controlled cell elongation.
Focus on Energy Efficiency Through Power Consumption Disaggregation

It has been shown that the effectiveness of an energy efficiency program depends strongly on the feedback that the consumers receive about their energy use. A good knowledge of where the energy is going is fundamental for the customers to decide how it is possible to reduce energy waste and to maximize energy savings. This fact was confirmed by a research con‐ ducted during 15 years (1995-2010) in several countries by ACEEE. The result indicates that the more detailed is the information that the users receive about their energy consumption,
Regulation of the Expression of the Glycine Decarboxylase Complex during Pea Leaf Development

The expression of the genes encoding the four proteins (P, H, T, and L) of glycine decarboxylase, a multienzymatic complex involved in the mitochondrial step of the photorespiration pathway, was examined during pea (Pisum sativum) leaf development in comparison with ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. Mitochondria from the primary leaf were isolated at several well-defined stages of development. Their capacity to oxidize glycine was negligible during the earlier stages but increased dramatically once the leaflet opened. This was correlated with the accumulation of the glycine decarboxylase complex (GDC) proteins, which was shown to occur in preexisting mitochondria, producing an increase in their density. The transcription of the GDC genes was coordinated and occurred early, with a peak at 7 d, a stage at which mitochondria are unable to oxidize glycine. This implies the existence of posttranscriptional control of gene expression. The comparison of the expression patterns of the genes encoding specific proteins of GDC with that of rbcS genes suggests a common regulation scheme that is related to light induction. However, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase is present in the chloroplast well before GDC fills the mitochondria, suggesting that the setup of photorespiration occurs in cells already engaged in active photosynthesis.
Influence of feeding protected tallow on accuracy of analyses by infrared milk analyzer.

Abstract To determine whether feeding cows protected-tallow supplement influences reliability of analyses of milk composition by the infrared method, we measured fat, protein, and lactose in milk produced by three groups of seven Holstein cows fed supplement at 0 (basal), 15% (medium), and 30% (high) of their ration for the first 15 wk postpartum. Samples from individual milkings were collected every 3 wk from cows in each group. Reference methods for the Infrared Milk Analyzer were Babcock test for fat, Udy dye-binding for protein, and a polarimetric method for lactose. Fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. The differences, reference method minus infrared, for cows in the basal, medium, and high groups were: for fat −. 01, . 29, and . 30%; for protein, . 08, −. 02 and . 03%; and for lactose . 05, . 25, and . 21%. For cows in the medium and high groups, differences for fat were correlated with the mean molecular weight of the triglyceride fatty acids. Cows in all three groups were switched over to a common ration for wk 16 to 20, and the sampling schedule was modified so that two samples were collected from each cow at a 2-wk interval. Differences on this ration for cows in the basal, medium, and high groups were: fat −. 05, . 03, and . 01%; for protein . 03, . 05, and . 06%; and for lactose . 12, . 15, and . 10%. Differences for fat and lactose when the cows were fed protected-tallow supplement were attributable largely to feeding the supplement and the resulting change in fatty acid composition of the milk fat. To avoid errors in measuring fat and lactose in milk from cows fed protected-tallow supplement by infrared analysis, the instrument must be calibrated specially.
Interrelationship of hepatic function, thyroid activity and mood status in alcohol-dependent individuals.

BACKGROUND Alcohol-induced changes in thyroid function may contribute to the development of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety that almost invariably coexist in alcohol-dependent individuals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the severity of liver dysfunction and thyroid activity in correlation with anxiety and depressive-like symptomatology before and after a detoxification period. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a sample of 100 alcohol-abusing/dependent subjects treated on an in-patient basis according to a standard detoxification protocol, measurements of the serum levels of hepatic enzymes (ASAT, ALAT, gammaGT) and thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH) as well as measures of anxiety, depression and global functioning were obtained at baseline and at weekly intervals over the period of 4-5 weeks. RESULTS After completion of the alcohol detoxification, most measurements returned to normal levels and correlations were observed between the levels of hepatic enzymes and thyroid hormones. Additionally, a significant correlation was obtained between the levels of thyroid hormones and the mood status scales. CONCLUSION Our results indicated a dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in alcohol dependence with possible implications in the diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders associated with alcohol abuse.
Power Consumption Minimization for MIMO Systems — A Cognitive Radio Approach

This paper shows how cognitive radio (CR) can help to optimize system power consumption of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication systems. Leveraging results from information theory and capabilities of a CR (e.g., the awareness of the component capabilities and characteristics), a theoretical framework is developed to minimize the system power consumption of MIMO systems while still considering radiated power. This paper mathematically formulates the system power consumption minimization problem under a sum rate constraint for MIMO systems. The impact of channel correlation and partial channel state information at the transmitter is considered. Numerical algorithms are developed to solve the constrained optimization problem. The simulation results show that significant power savings (e.g., up to 75% for a 4 × 4 MIMO system with Class A power amplifiers) can be achieved compared to conventional power allocation schemes. The results also show that the more computationally efficient suboptimal heuristic algorithms can achieve power savings comparable to the exhaustive search algorithm.
En Face Optical Coherence Tomography of Bilateral Myopic Macular Retinoschisis.

A 54-year-old woman presented with visual distortion and decreased visual acuity in both eyes, visual acuity measured at 20/40 in both eyes. Ophthalmoscopy revealed macular edema, thickening, lacquer cracks, and myopic-appearing optic disks in both eyes consistent with high myopia (Figure 1, A and C). Spectral domain optical coherence tomography demonstrated significant foveomacular retinoschisis with splitting predominantly within the outer plexiform layer in the right eye (Figure 1B) and in the left eye (Figure 1D). The retina seemed divided into two parallel layers that are connected with thin parallel connections which resemble elongated Müller cell processes separating hyporeflective cystoid spaces. En face optical coherence tomography was performed using the Avanti RTVue XR (Optovue Inc, Fremont, CA). Using this device a total of 608 highspeed B-scans, composed of 304 fast horizontal and 304 fast vertical B-scans, were performed to obtain volumetric information from central a 3 mm · 3-mm square area projected on the macula. For the segmentation of the resulting virtual macular cube, en face image sections were obtained at the level of the outer plexiform layer with a thickness of 54 microns. A 3 mm · 3-mm scan centered on the macula revealed stellate hyperreflectivity in the foveola, radial linear pattern in the fovea centralis, and hyperreflective dots in the parafoveal region (Figure 2A). These differences could be due to the differential alignment of Müller cells in these regions. These hyperreflective areas correspond to the thin parallel connections on B-scan while the black spaces in between correspond to the hyporeflective cystoid spaces on B-scan in the right eye (Figure 2B). Similar findings were noted on en face optical coherence tomography of the left eye (Figure 2, C and D). In this case, en face optical coherence tomography proved useful to detect the lateral extent of the schisis. It could also be useful for noninvasive evaluation of changes during future follow-up as suggested by Forte et al. Fig. 1. A. Fundus photograph, right eye, showing myopic changes in the posterior pole, including tilted optic disk and lacquer cracks. B. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography, right eye, through the fovea demonstrating foveomacular retinoschisis through the outer plexiform layer. C and D. Similar findings were detected in the left eye on fundus examination (C) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (D).
Complementary and competing factor analytic approaches for the investigation of measurement invariance

Sample-related invariance is an important topic in psychometric research. The generalizability of findings in a broad range of application samples requires equivalence of interpretations based on the measurement outcomes across respective samples. Contextual factors like gender, age, culture, ethnicity, socio-economical status etc. may affect the meaning and interpretation of psychological measures. Sample-related invariance is frequently investigated using Multiple-Group Mean and Covariance Structure (MGMCS) analyses. This method builds upon natural or artifical categories of contextual variables. Many contextual variables are continuous variables and their categori zation is associated with an information loss and potentially overly simplistic data analyses. We present and discuss two complementary analytical approaches – Latent Moderated Structural (LMS) Equations and Local Structural Equation Models (LSEM). Both approaches allow treating contextual factors as continuous variables and are appropriate to detect non-linear relations. The use of these methods is exemplified based on real data. We investigated measurement equivalence of a battery of cognitive tests across age (N = 448; age range 18-82 years). Based on a higher-order factor model of cognitive abilities factorial equivalence could be established – contradicting the agededifferentiation hypothesis. Advantages and disadvantages of MGMCS, LMS, and LSEM and further implementations beyond aging-research are discussed.
Sleep disturbance in heavy marijuana users.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To determine if recently abstinent, heavy marijuana (MJ) users show differences in polysomnographic (PSG) measures compared with a drug-free control group. DESIGN A group of carefully selected heavy MJ users were chosen for study inclusion and matched to a drug-free control group. Questionnaire data were collected prior to cessation of MJ use. PSG studies were conducted during 2 consecutive nights after discontinuation of MJ use in our core sleep laboratory. SETTING Baltimore Maryland, General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) core sleep lab. PARTICIPANTS 17 heavy MJ users discontinuing MJ use and 14 drug-free controls. Men and women were studied, 18 to 30 years. The MJ users reported no other drug use and alcohol use was negligible in both groups. Urine was positive for metabolites of cannabis only. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS The MJ users showed differences in PSG measures (lower total sleep times, and less slow wave sleep than the control group) on both nights; they also showed worse sleep efficiency, longer sleep onset, and shorter REM latency than the control group on Night 2. More sleep continuity parameters were significantly worse for the MJ group than the control group on Night 2 versus Night 1, indicating that sleep in the MJ group was relatively worse on Night 2 compared to Night 1. The MJ group did not show improved sleep after an adaptation night as expected. Withdrawal symptoms, craving, and depression did not appear to influence these findings. CONCLUSIONS During discontinuation of heavy MJ use, PSG measures of sleep disturbance were detected in MJ users compared with a drug-free control group. While this preliminary study cannot identify the extent to which these group differences were present before abstinence, poor sleep quality either prior to or after MJ discontinuation could result in treatment failure for MJ users. Further investigation is necessary to determine the association between the use and cessation of MJ and sleep disturbance.
Promised Delivery Time and Capacity Games in Time-Based Competition

We investigate firms' competitive behaviors in industries where customers are sensitive to both promised delivery time (PDT) and quality of service (QoS) measured by the on-time delivery rate. To study the competition in PDT at the marketing level, we construct an oligopoly game with an external QoS requirement. We show that there exists a unique Nash equilibrium, and the equilibrium QoS exhibits a switching surface structure with respect to capacities. To study the competition in capacity at the strategic level, we construct a two-stage game in which the firms compete in terms of their capacities in stage 1 and in terms of PDT in stage 2. We show the existence of two different types of pure strategy equilibria and characterize them. This study provides the following insights: an index of time-based competitive advantage (ITCA) and the first-mover advantage determine the positions of the firms in time-based competition; either the well-known prisoner's dilemma or off-equilibrium behaviors due to different preferences for equilibria (when multiple equilibria exist) may lead the firms to overinvest in capacity, but no one may gain a competitive advantage; a uniform improvement in internal efficiency (i.e., a uniform capacity cost reduction) may harm everyone; quality differentiation (i.e., going beyond the QoS benchmark) plays a dual role in time-based competition, either helping a firm with a larger ITCA to compete more effectively, or helping a firm possibly with a smaller ITCA to preempt competitors and protect its market advantage. This paper was accepted by Paul H. Zipkin, operations and supply chain management.
Modeling response of soil erosion and runoff to changes in precipitation and cover

Global climate has changed over the past century. Precipitation amounts and intensities are increasing. In this study we investigated the response of seven soil erosion models to a few basic precipitation and vegetation related parameters using common data from one humid and one semiarid watershed. Perturbations were made to inputs for rainfall intensities and amounts, and to ground surface cover and canopy cover. Principal results were that: soil erosion is likely to be more affected than runoff by changes in rainfall and cover, though both are likely to be significantly impacted; percent erosion and runoff will likely change more for each percent change in rainfall intensity and amount than to each percent change in either canopy or ground cover; changes in rainfall amount associated with changes in storm rainfall intensity will likely have a greater impact on runoff and erosion than simply changes in rainfall amount alone; changes in ground cover have a much greater impact on both runoff and erosion than changes in canopy cover alone. The results do not imply that
Fip1 Regulates the Activity of Poly(A) Polymerase through Multiple Interactions

ABSTRACT Fip1 is an essential component of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae polyadenylation machinery and the only protein known to interact directly with poly(A) polymerase (Pap1). Its association with Pap1 inhibits the extension of an oligo(A) primer by limiting access of the RNA substrate to the C-terminal RNA binding domain (C-RBD) of Pap1. We present here the identification of separate functional domains of Fip1. Amino acids 80 to 105 are required for binding to Pap1 and for the inhibition of Pap1 activity. This region is also essential for viability, suggesting that Fip1-mediated repression of Pap1 has a crucial physiological function. Amino acids 206 to 220 of Fip1 are needed for the interaction with the Yth1 subunit of the complex and for specific polyadenylation of the cleaved mRNA precursor. A third domain within amino acids 105 to 206 helps to limit RNA binding at the C-RBD of Pap1. Our data demonstrate that the C terminus of Fip1 is required to relieve the Fip1-mediated repression of Pap1 in specific polyadenylation. In the absence of this domain, Pap1 remains in an inhibited state. These findings show that Fip1 has a crucial regulatory function in the polyadenylation reaction by controlling the activity of poly(A) tail synthesis through multiple interactions within the polyadenylation complex.
An Aging Hypothesis Test for Army Systems

This paper develops a parametric approach that analyzes trends between age, in terms of year of manufacture (YoM), of an Army system and its respective parts cost per mile (PCM) within a homogeneous group of systems. Visual PCM trends across age groups can be misleading, so this type of methodology is necessary to analyze statistically significant trends. If there is no aging, this would confirm the adequacy of the Army's current maintenance philosophies. If there is indication of aging, this would highlight the need to identify the component drivers contributing to aging and increasing maintenance costs and to change recapitalization and replacement policies. This methodology reveals no indication of systems aging for the chosen system analyzed over most homogeneous groups. This suggests the Army has an appropriate maintenance philosophy. The application of the methodology on an Army system is outlined in Section 4.