Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of age, gender, body weight and valproate comedication on quetiapine plasma concentrations

Quetiapine is a second-generation antipsychotic with a favourable risk/benefit profile that is increasingly used in psychiatric patients. Similar to other antipsychotics, the efficacy and adverse effects of quetiapine depend much more on the actual plasma concentration of the active drug than on the prescribed dose. The present study investigated whether age, gender, body weight or certain comedications influence quetiapine plasma concentration by determining quetiapine plasma levels by tandem mass spectrometry in 94 (36 male and 58 female) patients aged 42.2±20.0 years. Older age was a significant predictor of a higher quetiapine plasma concentration, with a mean increase of weight-corrected concentration/dose ratio of 11% per 10 years of age (P=0.003). In females, the concentration/dose (C/D) ratio was 35.4% higher than in males (adjusted mean 0.144 ng/ml/mg for males versus 0.195 ng/ml/mg for females, respectively; P=0.035). However, after correction for weight, the gender difference in C/D ratio dropped to 22% and significance was lost (P=0.133). Valproate comedication was associated with a 77% increase in quetiapine plasma levels (P=0.016). In conclusion, older age, body weight and comedication with valproate have to be considered when prescribing quetiapine. Higher plasma levels in female patients need to be replicated in larger samples.
Defining “Adverse Environmental Impact” and Making § 316(b) Decisions: A Fisheries Management Approach

The electric utility industry has developed an approach for decisionmaking that includes a definition of Adverse Environmental Impact (AEI) and an implementation process. The definition of AEI is based on lessons from fishery management science and analysis of the statutory term “adverse environmental impact” and is consistent with current natural resource management policy. The industry has proposed a definition focusing on “unacceptable risk to the population’s ability to sustain itself, to support reasonably anticipated commercial or recreational harvests, or to perform its normal ecological function. ” This definition focuses not on counting individual fish or eggs cropped by the various uses of a water body, but on preserving populations of aquatic organisms and their functions in the aquatic community. The definition recognizes that assessment of AEI should be site-specific and requires both a biological decision and a balancing of diverse societal values. The industry believes that the definition of AEI should be implemented in a process that will maximize the overall societal benefit of the § 316(b) decision by considering the facility’s physical location, design, and operation, as well as the local biology. The approach considers effects on affected fish and shellfish populations and the benefits of any necessary best technology available (BTA) alternatives. This is accomplished through consideration of population impacts, which conversely allows consideration of the benefits of any necessary BTA modifications. This in turn allows selection of BTAs that will protect potentially affected populations in a cost-effective manner. The process also employs risk assessment with stakeholder participation, in accordance with EPA’s Guidelines for Ecological Risk Assessment. The information and tools are now available to make informed decisions about site-specific impacts that will ensure protection of aquatic ecosystems and best serve the public interest.
Differentially Private MIMO Filtering for Event Streams

Rigorous privacy-preserving mechanisms that can process and analyze dynamic data streams in real time are required to encourage a wider adoption of many large-scale monitoring and control systems recording the detailed activities of their users, such as intelligent transportation systems, smart grids, or smart buildings. Motivated by scenarios where signals originate from many sensors capturing privacy-sensitive events about individuals and several statistics of interest need to be continuously published in real time, we consider the problem of designing multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems processing event streams, while providing certain differential privacy guarantees on the input signals. We show how to construct and optimize MIMO extensions of the zero-forcing mechanism, which we previously proposed for single-input single-output systems. Some of these extensions can take a statistical model of the input signals into account. We illustrate our privacy-preserving filter design methodology in two examples: privately monitoring and forecasting occupancy in a building equipped with multiple motion detection sensors, and analyzing the activity of a Markov chain model of a simple shared processing server.
Estradiol increases cAMP in the oviductal secretory cells through a nongenomic mechanism.

In the rat oviduct, estradiol (E2) accelerates egg transport by a nongenomic action that requires previous conversion of E2 to methoxyestrogens via catechol-O-methyltranferase (COMT) and activation of estrogen receptor (ER) with subsequent production of cAMP and inositol triphosphate (IP3). However, the role of the different oviductal cellular phenotypes on this E2 nongenomic pathway remains undetermined. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of E2 on the levels of cAMP and IP3 in primary cultures of secretory and smooth muscle cells from rat oviducts and determine the mechanism by which E2 increases cAMP in the secretory cells. In the secretory cells, E2 increased cAMP but not IP3, while in the smooth muscle cells E2 decreased cAMP and increased IP3. Suppression of protein synthesis by actinomycin D did not prevent the E2-induced cAMP increase, but this was blocked by the ER antagonist ICI 182 780 and the inhibitors of COMT OR 486, G protein-α inhibitory (Gαi) protein pertussis toxin and adenylyl cyclase (AC) SQ 22536. Expression of the mRNA for the enzymes that metabolizes estrogens, Comt, Cyp1a1, and Cyp1b1 was found in the secretory cells, but this was not affected by E2. Finally, confocal immunofluorescence analysis showed that E2 induced colocalization between ESR1 (ERα) and Gαi in extranuclear regions of the secretory cells. We conclude that E2 differentially regulates cAMP and IP3 in the secretory and smooth muscle cells of the rat oviduct. In the secretory cells, E2 increases cAMP via a nongenomic action that requires activation of COMT and ER, coupling between ESR1 and Gαi, and stimulation of AC.
Impact of globalization on Mexico's trade policy over the past two decades

The aim of this paper is to analyze the Mexican implementation strategy of trade policy openness due to the globalization trend, urging the country to create a series of trade agreements and treaties on free movement of goods and regional integration, becoming the country with the network of the world's largest trade agreements, increasing its presence and Mexican companies in international markets. Similarly, a spatial analysis of the last five governmental periods, comprising 26 years of foreign trade policy and its impact on foreign investors, foreign trade and main multinationals in Mexico, forcing them to centering in competitive productive processes and improving their internal organization, innovation and development. Keywords: Globalization, internationalization, trade policy, multilateralism, regionalism. JEL: F62, F21, F13, F23, F15
A 34K SNP genotyping array for Populus trichocarpa: Design, application to the study of natural populations and transferability to other Populus species

Genetic mapping of quantitative traits requires genotypic data for large numbers of markers in many individuals. For such studies, the use of large single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping arrays still offers the most cost‐effective solution. Herein we report on the design and performance of a SNP genotyping array for Populus trichocarpa (black cottonwood). This genotyping array was designed with SNPs pre‐ascertained in 34 wild accessions covering most of the species latitudinal range. We adopted a candidate gene approach to the array design that resulted in the selection of 34 131 SNPs, the majority of which are located in, or within 2 kb of, 3543 candidate genes. A subset of the SNPs on the array (539) was selected based on patterns of variation among the SNP discovery accessions. We show that more than 95% of the loci produce high quality genotypes and that the genotyping error rate for these is likely below 2%. We demonstrate that even among small numbers of samples (n = 10) from local populations over 84% of loci are polymorphic. We also tested the applicability of the array to other species in the genus and found that the number of polymorphic loci decreases rapidly with genetic distance, with the largest numbers detected in other species in section Tacamahaca. Finally, we provide evidence for the utility of the array to address evolutionary questions such as intraspecific studies of genetic differentiation, species assignment and the detection of natural hybrids.
Using Physiological Dysregulation to Assess Global Health Status

Six measures of physiological dysregulation were derived from 11 clinically assessed biomarkers, and related to health outcomes and health behaviors for the Hawaii Personality and Health cohort (N = 470). Measures summing extreme scores at one tail of the biomarker distributions performed better than ones summing both tails, and continuous measures performed better than count scores. Health behaviors predicted men's dysregulation but not women's. Dysregulation and health behaviors predicted self-rated health for both men and women, and depressive symptoms predicted self-rated health only for women. These findings provide preliminary guidelines for constructing valid summary measures of global health status for use in health psychology.
Lichen planus-like histopathologic characteristics in the cutaneous graft-vs-host reaction. Prognostic significance independent of time course after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

BACKGROUND The discrimination between acute and chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is important because the treatment regimens and prognosis differ. OBJECTIVES To identify whether accepted histopathologic criteria of a graft-vs-host reaction (GVHR) alone or in combination accurately reflect clinical phase of disease, to correlate patterns with clinical outcome, and to identify any concordance between inflammation and epidermal changes of a GVHR. DESIGN Skin biopsy specimens were analyzed according to histologically defined standards. SETTING This study was performed in a tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS One hundred seventy-three skin biopsy specimens (10 days before to 1326 days after BMT) from 83 patients undergoing allogeneic BMT for various malignant neoplasms were selected for study. A consecutive 12-month sample was used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main measures in this study were statistical correlations between histopathologic findings and time after BMT, the outcome of BMT, and the correlations between selected histopathologic criteria. RESULTS Fully evolved histologic features of chronic lichenoid GVHR in the specimens occurred across a wide time range (33-832 days after BMT) and were associated with a 5.6-fold increased risk for death (P = .02) from GVHD. Histologic features of acute GVHR in the specimens also occurred across a wide time range (14-481 days after BMT) and were associated with a 2.2-fold increased risk for death; this finding was not statistically significant (P = .11). Inflammation of the upper dermis was significantly associated with acanthosis and epidermal cell necrosis (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively, for bandlike pattern), confirming the importance of this finding as a criterion for the diagnosis of a GVHR. Blinded evaluation of a subset of specimens for the diagnosis of acute vs chronic GVHR resulted in wide interobserver variation. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the following: specific histologic parameters in skin biopsy specimens do not consistently separate acute from chronic GVHD as defined by days after BMT; independent of time course, fully evolved histopathologic characteristics of a lichen planus-like GVHR is associated with a greater likelihood of death from GVHD; and identification of upper dermal inflammation correlates with the epidermal features of GVHR and should be included in the diagnostic scheme.
Modulation of mucosal antiviral immune response by immunobiotic lactic acid bacteria – Part I: the intestinal mucosa

J. Villena, M.G. Vizoso-Pinto, V. Rodriguez, S. Salva, S. Alvarez and H. Kitazawa Immunobiotic Research Group Reference Centre for Lactobacilli (CERELA-CONICET). Tucuman, Argentina. INSIBIO-CONICET, Biomedical Department, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Tucumán, Argentina. Institute of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of Tucumán. Tucuman, Argentina. Food and Feed Immunology Group, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University. Sendai, Japan. *Corresponding author. Mailing address for Julio Villena: Laboratory of Immunobiotechnology, Reference Centre for Lactobacilli (CERELA-CONICET). Tucuman, Argentina. Phone: +54-381-4310465. Fax: +54-381-4005600. E-mail: jcvillena@cerela.org. ar
The influence of negative life events on hippocampal and amygdala volumes in old age: a life-course perspective

Background. Psychosocial stress has been related to changes in the nervous system, with both adaptive and maladaptive consequences. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of negative events experienced throughout the entire lifespan and hippocampal and amygdala volumes in older adults. Method. In 466 non-demented old adults (age range 60–96 years, 58% female), hippocampal and amygdala volumes were segmented using Freesurfer. Negative life events and the age at which these events occurred were assessed by means of a structured questionnaire. Using generalized linear models, hippocampal and amygdala volumes were estimated with life events as independent variables. The statistical analyses were adjusted for age, gender, intracranial volume, lifestyle factors, cardiovascular risk factors, depressive symptoms, and cognitive functioning. Results. Total number of negative life events and of late-life events, but not of early-life, early-adulthood, or middle-adulthood events, was related to larger amygdala volume. There were interactions of early-life events with age and gender. Participants who reported two or more early-life events had significantly smaller amygdala and hippocampal volumes with increasing age. Furthermore, smaller hippocampal volume was found in men who reported two or more early-life events, but not in women. Conclusions. These results suggest that the effect of negative life events on the brain depends on the time when the events occurred, with the strongest effects observed during the critical time periods of early and late life.
Alpha-blockers impact stent-related symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Ureteral stents are indispensable tools in endourology, although they often are associated with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of alfuzosin on urinary symptoms, quality of life, and pain in patients after Double-J ureteral stent placement in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study was conducted from July 2008 to May 2009. A total of 130 patients underwent placement of a Double-J stent after retrograde semirigid ureteroscopy for ureteral stones. They were randomized in two groups. Group 1 (n=65) received alfuzosin 10 mg once daily and group 2 (n=65) received placebo for 1 week. Both groups also received standardized analgesia. The stent symptoms were measured and recorded 1 week after the procedure. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square test and Student t test with P<0.05 considered significant. RESULTS The demographic profile including patient and stone-related parameters were comparable. Group 1 had significantly less urinary symptoms (P<0.05). The quality-of-life assessment was better in the alfuzosin arm than in the placebo arm (P<0.001). The mean pain score was 1.15 in group 1 and 3.89 in the placebo group (P<0.001). None of the patients in either of the arms withdrew from treatment; there were minimal adverse effects in the treatment arm. The limitation of the current work includes relatively smaller sample size and use of single type of stent. CONCLUSIONS Alfuzosin 10 mg once daily in patients with a Double-J stent significantly decreases the bothersome urinary symptoms, besides decreasing significantly the pain associated with the stent.
HoG based Naive Bayes classifier for glaucoma detection

Glaucoma is caused due to neuro degeneration of the optic nerve leading to vision loss. The Optic nerve that is responsible for transmission of visual information to the brain can be viewed in a fundus image. In this paper, a new approach for determination of the presence of glaucoma based on the features extracted from the fundus image is proposed. Histogram oriented features (HoG) are extracted from Region of Interest, that shows a significant difference between normal and glaucoma affected image. A Naive Bayes classifier is used to demonstrate the performance of extracted HoG feature against the transform domain features extracted from Wavelet, Contourlet, and Wavelet based Contourlet decomposition. The proposed HoG based decision support system is tested on publically available fundus image database. Experimental results indicate that HoG feature based Naive Bayes classifier outperforms the classifier based on transform domain features and yields an accuracy of 94%.
Suicide and Stigma: A Review of the Literature and Personal Reflections

ObjectiveThe authors aim to educate mental health practitioners and trainees regarding the issues of stigma and suicide and how stigma impacts this diverse population of suicide at tempters, completers, their families, friends, therapists, and others both personally and therapeutically.MethodsThe authors draw upon their own experiences as survivors and review pertinent literature illustrating the history and general impacts of this stigmatization. The authors present suggestions to diminish stigma both for survivors and the general public.ResultsAlthough there appears to have been some diminution in the stigmatization of the mentally ill over the past few decades, there appears to be less diminution in the stigma associated with suicide and suicide-survivorship.ConclusionMental illness, in general, has become less stigmatized in recent years but suicide remains nearlyas stigmatized as ever.
A high speed low noise CMOS dynamic full adder cell

A new low power dynamic CMOS one bit full adder cell is presented. In this design technique is based on semi-domino logic. This new cell is compared with some previous proposed widely used dynamic adders as well as other conventional architectures. Objective of this work is to inspect the power, delay, power-delay-product and leakage performance of low voltage full adder cells in different CMOS logic styles. The proposed style gets its benefit in terms of power, delay, PDP, and noise tolerance. The performance of the full adder circuits is based on UMC 180nm CMOS process models at the supply voltage of 1.8V evaluated by the comparison of the simulation results obtained from Cadence.
The fatty acid translocase gene CD36 and lingual lipase influence oral sensitivity to fat in obese subjects

The precise orosensory inputs engaged for dietary lipids detection in humans are unknown. We evaluated whether a common single nucleotide polymorphism (rs1761667) in the CD36 gene that reduces CD36 expression and the addition of orlistat, a lipase inhibitor, to reduce FA release from triacylglycerols (TGs), the main component of dietary fats, would attenuate fat orosensory sensitivity in humans. Twenty-one obese subjects with different rs1761667 genotypes (6 AA, 7 AG, and 8 GG) were studied on two occasions in which oleic acid and triolein orosensory detection thresholds were measured using emulsions prepared with and without orlistat. Subjects homozygous for the G-allele had 8-fold lower oral detection thresholds for oleic acid and triolein than subjects homozygous for the A allele, which associates with lower CD36 expression (P = 0.03). Thresholds for heterozygous subjects were intermediate. The addition of orlistat increased detection thresholds for triolein (log threshold = −0.3 ± 0.2 vs. 0.3 ± 0.1; P < 0.001) but not oleic acid (log threshold = −1.0 ± 0.2 vs. −0.8 ± 0.2; P > 0.2). In conclusion, this is the first experimental evidence for a role of CD36 in fat gustatory perception in humans. The data also support involvement of lingual lipase and are consistent with the concept that FA and not TG is the sensed stimulus.
Computation of the binding of fully flexible peptides to proteins with flexible side chains

Docking algorithms play an important role in the process of rational drug design and in understanding the mechanism of molecular recognition. An important determinant for successful docking is the extent to which the configurational space (including conformational changes) of the li‐gand/receptor system is searched. Here we describe a new, combinatorial method for flexible docking of peptides to proteins that allows full rotation around all single bonds of the peptide ligand and around those of a large set of receptor side chains. We have simulated the binding of several viral peptides to murine major histocompatibility complex class I H‐2Kb. In addition, we have explored the limits of our method by simulating a complex between calmodulin and an 18‐residue long helical peptide from calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IIα. The calculated peptide conformations generally matched well with the X‐ray structures. Essential information about local flexibility and about residues that are responsible for strong binding was obtained. We have frequently observed considerable side‐chain flexibility during the simulations, showing the need for a flexible treatment of the receptor. Our method may also be useful whenever the receptor side‐chain conformation is not available or uncertain, as illustrated by the docking of an H‐2Kb binding nonapeptide to the receptor structure taken from an octapeptide/H‐2Kb complex. —Desmet, J., Wilson, I. A. , Joniau, M. , De Maeyer, M. , Lasters, I. Computation of the binding of fully flexible peptides to proteins with flexible side chains. FASEB J 11, 164‐172 (1997)
Prediction of importance of figures in scholarly papers

This paper shows that the importance of a figure in scholarly papers can be predicted by a machine learning technique. The growing number of scholarly papers makes it difficult to keep pace with researches. The current scholarly paper format of the ACM / IEEE long paper contains eight pages. These eight pages include details that may not be necessary for most readers. In fact, even before we read the details, we try to obtain a vague understanding of the entire content by browsing through the eight pages. To address this issue, summarization techniques have been explored. However, these techniques are focused on texts, thus there is room for research to make the paper easier to read by summarizing the figure of the paper. A wide variety of figures can be found in scholarly papers. They include figures that depict the overview of a paper or highly contextualized figures that can be understood only after reading the detailed text. Therefore, selecting important figures is a key issue in the summarization of scholarly papers. This paper shows that a figure that should be presented first to the readers can be selected based on a comparison of the sizes, page numbers or color features of the figures. We also described how our result can be applied in more practical cases on searching, exploring and serendipitious encounter of digital documents.