Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Augmentation strategies for clozapine refractory schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Although clozapine is the most effective medication for treatment refractory schizophrenia, only 40% of people will meet response criteria. We therefore undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of global literature on clozapine augmentation strategies. Methods: We systematically reviewed PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase, Cochrane Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System and China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database for randomised control trials of augmentation strategies for clozapine resistant schizophrenia. We undertook pairwise meta-analyses of within-class interventions and, where possible, frequentist mixed treatment comparisons to differentiate treatment effectiveness Results: We identified 46 studies of 25 interventions. On pairwise meta-analyses, the most effective augmentation agents for total psychosis symptoms were aripiprazole (standardised mean difference: 0.48; 95% confidence interval: −0.89 to −0.07) fluoxetine (standardised mean difference: 0.73; 95% confidence interval: −0.97 to −0.50) and, sodium valproate (standardised mean difference: 2.36 95% confidence interval: −3.96 to −0.75). Memantine was effective for negative symptoms (standardised mean difference: −0.56 95% confidence interval: −0.93 to −0.20). However, many of these results included poor-quality studies. Single studies of certain antipsychotics (penfluridol), antidepressants (paroxetine, duloxetine), lithium and Ginkgo biloba showed potential, while electroconvulsive therapy was highly promising. Mixed treatment comparisons were only possible for antipsychotics, and these gave similar results to the pairwise meta-analyses. Conclusions: On the basis of the limited data available, the best evidence is for the use of aripiprazole, fluoxetine and sodium valproate as augmentation agents for total psychosis symptoms and memantine for negative symptoms. However, these conclusions are tempered by generally short follow-up periods and poor study quality.
Gene Delivery Using Ultrasound Contrast Agents

With the human genome product and continuing advances in molecular biology many therapeutic genes have been discovered. In the cardiovascular system, gene therapy has the potential to improve myocardial vascularization and ameliorate congestive heart failure. For successful development of clinical gene therapy, however, effective gene delivery vectors are needed. Ultrasound contrast agents can be used to develop new, more effective vectors for gene delivery. Ultrasound contrast agents lower the threshold for cavitation by ultrasound energy. Using physical properties of microbubbles and coating materials, genetic drugs have been incorporated into ultrasound contrast agents. Genebearing microbubbles can be injected IV and ultrasound energy applied to the target region. As the microbubbles enter the region of insonation, the microbubbles cavitate, locally releasing DNA. Cavitation also likely causes a local shockwave that improves cellular uptake of DNA. With transthoracic ultrasound, using commercially available diagnostic ultrasound system and an IV injection of gene‐bearing microbubbles, high levels of transgene expression are observed in the insonated region of the myocardium. This new technology using microbubbles and ultrasound for gene delivery merits further study and development.
The Myth of the Market: the Negotiation of Training in a Youth Credits Pilot Scheme

Abstract Youth Credits is a new Government scheme for the provision of youth training in Britain. The scheme is based on principles of individualism and market forces. The young person is supposed to be empowered by acting as a customer, spending the credit on appropriate training. This paper reports on research conducted into one of the original Youth (or Training) Credits pilot schemes and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. We show that within this scheme, the notion of a market for training driven by young people as customers was largely mythical, and explain the complex combination of factors which prevented such a customer driven market from being established. We claim that some of these factors are deep seated rather than situation specific, and question whether it is either possible or desirable to set up such a training market at all.
A Note on Return Predictability and Price Bubbles

In this paper, we use a stylized but relatively flexible structural model to describe return predictability and we derive its implications for the second moments of return and dividend-yield innovations. These implications have equivalent representations as alternative sets of reduced form equations if prices are the discounted present value of the future dividend stream. We exploit this fact to infer the presence of a bubble component in stock prices.
Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxant Effects of Dealcoholized Wine Powder of Wild Grape (Vitis coignetiae) in the Rat Thoracic Aorta

The vasorelaxant effects of dealcoholized wild grape (Vitis coignetiae) wine were investigated with isolated rat thoracic aorta. In our present study, we demonstrate that wild grape wine powder (WGWP) induced relaxation of aortic rings preconstricted with norepinephrine in a dose-dependent manner (at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1 mg/mL). The vasorelaxant effect of WGWP was dependent on intact endothelia, which was attenuated by incubation with inhibitors of endothelium-derived relaxing factors, such as NG-nitro-L-arginine (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), methylene blue (guanylate cyclase inhibitor), and indomethacin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor). Moreover, treatment with WGWP and atropine (muscarinic receptor antagonist) or diphenylhydramine (histamine receptor antagonist) significantly inhibited endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. Our results suggest that WGWP induces relaxation in rat aortic rings in an endothelium-dependent manner. Results further indicate that this effect occurs via nitric oxide-cGMP pathway and prostacyclin-cAMP pathway through a muscarinic receptor and histamine receptor.
Clinical Investigations Relationships Between the Changes of Serum Levels of OPG and RANKL with Age, Menopause, Bone Biochemical Markers and Bone Mineral Density in Chinese Women Aged 20-75

The correlations between the serum levels of OPG, RANKL with age, menopause, bone markers, and bone mineral densities (BMDs) at the lumbar spine and proximal femur were studied in 504 pre- and post- menopausal Chinese women aged 20-75 years. We found that age was positively and negatively correlated with serum concentrations of OPG (r = 0.442, P < 0.001) and RANKL (r = )0.263, P < 0.001), respec- tively. Compared with premenopausal women, post- menopausal women showed higher serum OPG levels (107.6 ± 3.0 vs 72.0 ± 1.8 pg/ml, P < 0.001), lower serum RANKL concentrations (4.7 ± 0.4 vs. 5.8 ± 0.3 pg/ml, P < 0.001) and RANKL/OPG ratios (0.045 ± 0.004 vs. 0.099 ± 0.008, P < 0.001). Neither serum levels of OPG nor RANKL or RANKL/OPG ratio correlated with BMDs after adjustment of age and me- nopause. They also showed no differences among nor- mal, osteopenic and osteoporotic postmenopausal women. Serum levels of OPG were positively correlated with urinary excretion of NTx (r = 0.1453, P = 0.006). Serum levels of RANKL (r = )0.1928, P < 0.001) and RANKL/OPG ratio (r = )0.1303, P = 0.013) were inversely correlated with serum concentrations of OC. In multiple regression analysis, up to 20% variance (R 2 = 0.106-0.224) of the OPG-RANKL system in peripheral circulation can be explained by age, meno- pause and bone markers.These results suggest that al- though serum OPG and RANKL concentrations were unrelated with BMDs, the age- and menopause- dependent changes of serum OPG and RANKL might be a protective mechanism against the accelerated bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Effect of Structure on Charge Distribution in the Isatin Anions in Aprotic Environment: Spectral Study

Five isatin anions were prepared by deprotonation of initial isatins in aprotic solvents using basic fluoride and acetate anions (F− and CH3COO−). The F− basicity is sufficient to deprotonate isatin NH hydrogen from all the studied compounds. This process is reversible. In the presence of proton donor solvents, the anions form the corresponding isatins. The isatin hydrogen acidity depends on the overall structure of the isatin derivatives. The anions were characterized by ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Interestingly, the anions form aggregates at concentrations above 10−3 mol·dm−3. Further, the effect of cations on the UV–Vis spectra of the studied anions was studied. Charge transfer and its distribution in the anion depends on the radius and the cation electron configuration. The alkali metal cations, tetrabutylammonium (TBA+), Mg2+ and Ag+, interact with the C-2 carbonyl oxygen of the isatin anion. The interaction has a coulombic character. On the other hand, Cd2+, Zn2+, Hg2+, Co2+, and Cu+ cations form a coordinate bond with the isatin nitrogen.
Effect of supplementing broiler chicken diets with green tea extract on the growth performance, lipid profile, antioxidant status and immune response

Abstract A trial was conducted to explore the effect of feeding graded concentrations of green tea extract (GTE; 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg) on the growth performance, serum lipid profile, liver glutathione-reduced, thigh muscle malondialdehyde and humoral immune response against Newcastle disease virus vaccines of broiler chickens from hatching to 42 d of age. The results of broilers fed on GTE were contrasted to those fed on butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT; 125 mg/kg) or unsupplemented controls. The obtained results revealed no significant difference among treatments in the measured growth performance parameters (body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio), per cent liveability and serum lipid profile (total lipid, total cholesterol, high-density, low-density and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterols). Dietary intake of GTE resulted in a significant increase in the liver glutathione-reduced level compared to the control. The glutathione-reduced level of broilers fed on the BHT diet was not significantly different from that of broilers fed on GTE or control diets. Feeding GTE or BHT resulted in a significant decrease in the malondialdehyde level of meat tissue. The specific antibody titre against Newcastle disease virus vaccines was significantly increased at 28 and 35 d of age in broilers fed on diets supplemented with GTE but not with BHT. In conclusion, GTE was found to possess antioxidant and immunostimulant characteristics for broilers when supplemented to their diets, and its optimum inclusion level ranged from 125 to 500 mg/kg.
Wind Farm Operation and Maintenance Optimization Using Big Data

In the current electricity production mix wind energy is claiming a significant part. In order to guarantee stable electricity production predictability of the wind farm operational behaviour is essential. Big data approaches have the potential for a significant role in realizing this goal. In order to gain insights in turbine operational behaviour it is necessary to obtain a farm wide dataset, containing the operational sensor data of the different machines and context information such as maintenance data. Advanced analytics can use this data for understanding normal and deviating turbine operational behaviour. These insights will help in optimizing the operation and maintenance strategy of the farm. This paper gives an overview of our big data approach for data-storage and illustrates some of our data-analytics research tracks for gaining insights in the underlying failure mechanisms of turbines.
Term‐time employment and the student experience

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which term‐time employment influences two specific aspects of the student experience in higher education: working collaboratively and preparing for entry into the graduate labour market. The paper also aims to consider the extent to which the students are able to appreciate the inter‐relationships that exist between activities such as these.Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on three research projects: an ongoing piece of action research into the factors influencing student engagement in collaborative activities for examination preparation; a related study into attitudes to group work; and a study into how students make career decisions.Findings – In all of these studies term‐time working was identified as a factor influencing student engagement in collaborative/group activities and career planning and preparation. However, the research found that term‐time is often “blamed” by the students for their failure to engage in these a.
THE THEORY OF RECAPITALIZATIONS AND THE EVIDENCE OF DUAL PURPOSE FUNDS

IN A GENERAL CAPITAL MARKET the pattern of state contingent payoffs from existing securities determine the feasible allocations of uncertain future wealth attainable by individuals in the economy. Recapitalizations, which are additions and/or partitions of the vectors of state contingent payoffs from existing securities (e.g., capital structure changes, or non-synergistic mergers and/or divestitures), may render an equilibrium allocation of uncertain wealth unattainable or may induce individuals to trade from the previous allocation to a mutually preferable allocation. Under either of these conditions, the equilibrium allocation of uncertain future wealth would be altered and the total market values of firms in the economy may change. Even when firms' total market values are affected by a recapitalization, as long as the capital market is perfect, the Modigliani-Miller thesis that the relative market of values of firms in the same risk class are independent of recapitalizations would hold as an arbitrage condition. That is, with unrestricted short sales and the absence of transactions costs, portfolios of securities offering identical uncertain future payoffs would sell at the same price or else riskless arbitrage profits would exist. However, under existing institutional arrangements for short selling, where interest is not received on funds impounded from a short position, the relative market values of firms in the same risk class may differ from the relative sizes of their uncertain future returns implying that the relative market values of firms within the same risk class could be affected by capital structure and hence by recapitalizations. Divergences in the relative market values of firms in the same risk class from the relative sizes of their uncertain future payoffs is shown to imply that the allocation of securities is Pareto inefficient. The existence of an inefficient allocation of wealth is shown to be inconsistent with models (capital asset pricing, option
The power to tax : analytical foundations of a fiscal constitution

Preface 1. Taxation in constitutional perspective 2. Natural government: a model of Leviathan 3. Constraints on base and rate structure 4. The taxation of commodities 5. Taxation through time: income taxes, capital taxes, and public debt 6. Money creation and taxation 7. The disposition of public revenues 8. The domain of politics 9. Open economy, federalism, and taxing authority 10. Toward authentic tax reform: prospects and prescriptions Epilogue Notes Selected bibliography Index.
Measuring Economic Benefits for Water Investments and Policies

This monograph reviews, assesses and describes the operational use of the concepts and methods for estimating economic benefits of investment and allocation decisions involving water. The main focus of the report is on valuation of changes in water supply although attention is also given to measuring benefits of increased reliability of water supply and to improved water quality. The initial chapters introduce the subject and present a sketch of the conceptual framework for non-market valuation of water. Next is a chapter which introduces the assumptions and procedures for implementing the various methods which have been developed for estimating water-related economic benefits. The remaining chapters discuss the application of the various valuation methods to intermediate goods, private consumer goods and public goods.
Relationship between Inflation and the Comparative Evolution of Wages in Industry and Services within the Spanish Economy

A large body of empirical literature ascribes a high degree of responsibility by the service sector for the difficulties in lowering inflation in the Spanish economy in the 1980s and early 1990s. Despite the fact that most of the branches in this sector are characterised by their lower ability to increase productivity, service wages have increased at a similar rate to those of other activities that, however, have been able to generate constant growth in productivity. On the other hand, tertiary activities have been able to transmit the growth in wage costs to prices without this having significant repercussions on the amount demanded as they are more protected from international competition. In this context, the reasons why service growth is accused of being one of the key causes of price growth are understandable. Nevertheless, throughout the1990s, important changes have taken place due to the technological revolution of modern economies that have created a doubt that services are still for the most partly protected from competition. This article makes a comparative study of the evolution of wages in industry and services, finding initial evidence that tertiary wages are presenting in their evolution the lowest productivity of most of tertiary activities pressurised by greater competition, which is lowering the incidence on inflation of the sector and of the economy in general.
Towards sustainable mHealth applications for maternal and child health: The case of Sahabat Bundaku - an integrated mobile application for mothers and midwives

Developing countries such as Indonesia are faced with the paradox of lagging health indicators and uneven distribution of healthcare resources amidst impressive rise in mobile communications coverage. This opens up the opportunity for mHealth- the application of mobile technology for healthcare - to contribute in improving healthcare by helping alleviate the uneven distribution of resources as well as facilitating more efficient healthcare education and delivery. However, while there are many successful examples of mHealth for community health, many mHealth projects are still plagued by sustainability and scalability issues. This paper describes the development of Sahabat Bundaku (My Mother's Best Friend), a mobile and web application that connects parents and midwives throughout the process of pregnancy and the growth of children from the womb until the child is five years old. The app provides a vehicle for the dissemination of relevant healthcare related information and education, early detection of potential problems, patient management system including reminder for important events, as well as data integration between healthcare providers and mothers. Importantly, the application is designed with extensive involvement of potential stakeholders and users to plan for both operational and financial sustainability, as well as within country dissemination.
Laboratory Study of Heavy Metal Phytoremediation by Three Wetland Macrophytes

Detention ponds and constructed wetlands have proven to be effective in reducing peak stormwater runoff volume and flow, and recent interest has extended to utilizing them to improve stormwater runoff quality. A review of stormwater runoff studies indicated that lead, zinc, copper, cadmium, phosphorus, and chloride are contaminants of primary concern. In laboratory settings, the uptake of contaminants by three wetland plant species, Glyceria grandis, Scirpus validus, and Spartina pectinata, was examined and removal rates from nutrient solutions in flow and nonflow reactors were measured. The removal rates varied by plant species and target contaminant, and no one species was the best accumulator of all six contaminants. Belowground tissues of all three species accumulated higher concentrations of the four heavy metals and aboveground tissues accumulated higher concentrations of phosphorus and chloride. Plants grown in flow reactors showed significantly higher accumulation rates than those grown in nonflow reactors. Also, plants grown hydroponically accumulated higher concentrations of the six target contaminants than those grown in sand reactors. However, those grown in sand had a much greater increase of biomass and removed a greater mass of the six target contaminants. Removal rates measured in these experiments can be used to design detention ponds to maximize stormwater remediation.
Knowledge Creation and Social Networks in Corporate Entrepreneurship: The Renewal of Organizational Capability

This paper extends current theory by analyzing the knowledge dynamics and social structure of the internal selection-retention environment. On the knowledge side, our view is that entrepreneurial ideas are subjected progressively to subjectivist, empiricist, and pragmatic criteria in the process of knowledge creation. This argument helps to explain how individual knowledge enters an organizational process and how individual knowledge becomes shared within the group. For social structures, we argue that actor centrality, structural equivalence, and bridging relationships account for an individual's ability to acquire novel information and to achieve a position of influence. Combining these assertions, the paper offers an integrative model that explains how organizations overcome inertia in the capability development process. A series of propositions are deduced as a basis for conducting future empirical research, and the paper closes with a discussion of the model's implications for theory and practice.
The Portuguese Public Finances and the Spanish Horse

This study is based on the idea that inadequate use of fiscal policy through restrictive policies shifts the short-run demand curve that in turn induces shifts in the long-run supply curve leading to a dynamic reduction of growth. The analogy with the old metaphor of the Spanish horse seems obvious. We apply this idea to Portugal to 2002-2009, we will prove that in order not to be caught in the horse’s trap we have to keep the concept of potential output in the evaluation of the structural budget balance instead of replacing it by a trend indicator, which, can lead to a sustainable reduction of the “food” and consequently to a disaster. The goal of full employment is no longer present in the idea of zero public balances. In the medium-term, the cycles will offset each other when calculated in relation to a trend and thus the same applies to budget balances as defined in the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP). If actual output moves away persistently from full employment output, trend output will also move away from full employment. As a consequence, expenditures will tend to increase and incomes to decrease. This situation creates deficits that should be corrected by the SGP. This correction will lead to a reduction in demand and thus in actual output and therefore, necessarily, in trend output itself. We present an empirical solution to this problem based on the concept of trend output in order to correct its inflection after 2002. This analysis has two drawbacks, the influence of deficits in the prices of non-tradable goods and the fact that we may not have food to give to our horse. This is the case if public debt is too high. Nevertheless, this study shows that the criteria and methods that are used by the SGP in the definition of fiscal policy are incorrect.