Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Escitalopram in the treatment of major depressive disorder: clinical efficacy, tolerability and cost‐effectiveness vs. venlafaxine extended‐release formulation

Major depressive disorder (MDD), a prevalent and serious mental illness, is associated with a substantial disease and economic burden. Long‐term pharmacotherapy is often necessary; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or the serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine are the most frequently prescribed medications in patients with moderate‐to‐severe depressive symptoms. This article reviews head‐to‐head clinical studies and health economic models comparing the efficacy, tolerability and cost‐effectiveness of escitalopram, a dual‐action selective inhibitor of serotonin reuptake, and the extended‐release (XR) formulation of venlafaxine. While there has been some evidence that conventional SSRIs are inferior to venlafaxine in terms of efficacy, escitalopram was at least as effective as venlafaxine XR in reducing Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale scores from baseline in two short‐term (8‐week) comparative studies. Furthermore, escitalopram had potentially important advantages over venlafaxine XR in terms of time to remission, tolerability and discontinuation (withdrawal) symptoms. The results of economic evaluations, including a ‘gold standard’ prospective study conducted alongside one of the studies are consistent in suggesting that escitalopram offers a more cost‐effective alternative to venlafaxine XR for the treatment of MDD, both from a healthcare and societal perspective. Based on this evidence, it is concluded that escitalopram is at least as effective as venlafaxine XR in the treatment of MDD, but is better tolerated and may also have cost advantages.
Social Entrepreneurship: Why We Don't Need a New Theory and How We Move Forward From Here

Executive Overview We examine the current state of the social entrepreneurship literature, asking what is unique about social entrepreneurship and what avenues create opportunities for the future of the field. After an evaluation of social entrepreneurship definitions and comparison of social entrepreneurship to other forms, we conclude that while it is not a distinct type of entrepreneurship, researchers stand to benefit most from further research on social entrepreneurship as a context in which established types of entrepreneurs operate. We demonstrate these opportunities by describing avenues for further inquiry that emerge when examining valuable assumptions and insights from existing theories inherent in conventional, cultural, and institutional entrepreneurship frameworks and integrating these insights in ways that address the unique phenomena that exist in the context of social entrepreneurship.
Congressional Procedures and the Policy Process

1. Congress and Lawmaking 2. The Congressional Budget Process 3. Preliminary Legislative Action 4. Scheduling Legislation in the House 5. House Floor Procedure 6. Scheduling Legislation in the Senate 7. Senate Floor Procedure 8. Resolving House-Senate Differences 9. Legislative Oversight 10. A Dynamic Process
Real-time image segmentation for augmented reality by combining multi-channel thresholds

Extracting foreground objects from an image is a hot research topic. Doing this for high quality real world images in real-time on limited hardware such as a smart phone, is a demanding task. This master thesis shows how this problem can be addressed using Otsu’s method together with Gaussian probability distributions to create classifiers in different colour channels. We also show how classifiers can be combined resulting in higher accuracy than using only the individual classifiers. We also propose using inter-class variance together with image variance to estimate classifier quality. A data set was produced to evaluate performance. The data set features real-world images captured by a smart phone and objects of varying complexity against plain backgrounds that can be found in a typical office or urban space.
Effect of Temperature and Prey Availability on Growth of Paramoeba invadens in Monoxenic Culture

Paramoeba invadens Jones 1985 is a pathogenic marine amoeba responsible for mass mortalities of sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) of Nova Scotia between 1980 and 1983. A direct relationship between temperature and sea urchin paramoebiasis has been shown in previous laboratory and field studies. This study examined the effect of prey availability and temperature on the growth of P. invadens in monoxenic culture (with the marine bacterium Pseudomonas nautica). At 15°C, the specific growth rate of P. invadens increased with bacterial prey concentration and was highest at 108 bacterial cells ml−1. Growth rate of P. invadens was maximal at 15 to 20°C (which corresponds to annual sea temperature maxima in the natural environment) and the minimum generation time was 19.41 h at 20°C. At 10 and 12°C, generation times were 91.18 and 73.39 h, respectively; at 2 and 5°C, there was no growth. P. invadens did not survive in monoxenic culture at 27°C. Growth rates of P. invadens in vitro were positively correlated with time to morbidity of infected S. droebachiensis.
Parkin Suppresses Unfolded Protein Stress-induced Cell Death through Its E3 Ubiquitin-protein Ligase Activity*

Autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism (AR-JP) is caused by mutations in the parkin gene. Parkin protein is characterized by a ubiquitin-like domain at its NH2-terminus and two RING finger motifs and an IBR (in between RING fingers) at its COOH terminus (RING-IBR-RING). Here, we show that Parkin is a RING-type E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase which binds to E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, including UbcH7 and UbcH8, through its RING-IBR-RING motif. Moreover, we found that unfolded protein stress induces up-regulation of both the mRNA and protein level of Parkin. Furthermore, overexpression of Parkin, but not a set of mutants without the E3 activity, specifically suppressed unfolded protein stress-induced cell death. These findings demonstrate that Parkin is an E3 enzyme and suggest that it is involved in the ubiquitination pathway for misfolded proteins derived from endoplasmic reticulum and contributes to protection from neurotoxicity induced by unfolded protein stresses.
Increasing Returns, Learning-By-Doing And Neural Networks

In this paper we draw an analogy between the process of learning-bydoing and the learning process which develops in a neural network context. The bridging tool we refer to is a dynamic production function whose only variable input is labour. By concentrating on the ‘neural network production function’ we show that the learning process can lead to increasing returns. The simulations show that when learning is characterized by an upper limit. returns are increasing for some time, while in the long run they go back to the level where they are constant.
Laboratory medicine practice guidelines: laboratory support for the diagnosis and monitoring of thyroid disease

Quality thyroid tests are essential for diagnosing and managing thyroid conditions. Indeed, mild (subclinical) hypoand hyperthyroidism are by definition conditions that are recognized by their biochemical profile, typified by an abnormal serum TSH concentration associated with normal range free thyroid hormone (FT4 and FT3) levels. The National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB) has recently published a consensus monograph entitled Laboratory Medicine Practice Guidelines: Laboratory Support for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Thyroid Disease that reviews the clinical utility and technical performance of current thyroid tests (Demers & Spencer, 2002). The current scientific literature abounds with articles relating to thyroid conditions, strategies for thyroid testing and the technical performance of different thyroid methodologies. This monograph was prompted by the need to develop a consensus concerning these issues as well as to address the unusual thyroid problems that challenge the diagnostic accuracy of the thyroid tests currently available. These atypical presentations account for a disproportionately large expenditure of laboratory resources to determine the correct diagnosis (Kricka, 2000). In ambulatory patients these unusual presentations include: binding protein abnormalities that affect the diagnostic accuracy of FT4 tests; the presence of thyroglobulin (Tg) autoantibodies that interfere with serum Tg measurements; and medications that compromise the in vivo and in vitro metabolism of thyroid hormones and influence the diagnostic accuracy of TSH measurements. In addition, severe forms of non-thyroidal illnesses (NTI) have a myriad of effects on thyroid test results. This monograph is unique because it contains consensus guidelines that were developed by a process of global review. The review process was initiated at the International Thyroid Congress in Kyoto in October 2000, after which the guidelines were displayed electronically in addition to being distributed to more than 100 thyroid specialists, representing diverse professional associations worldwide, for consensus-building. The information contained in the monograph is presented in discrete chapters. Each chapter covers the clinical utility of a specific test, and contains focused guidelines that describe the physiological strengths and limitations of the test together with its optimal technical performance parameters. Most of the guidelines appeared to have greater than 95% consensus; however, there were some geographically sensitive differences in practice patterns.
Association of the DTNBP1 genotype with cognition and personality traits in healthy subjects

Background Schizophrenia is a complex disorder with a high heritability. Family members have an increased risk not only for schizophrenia per se but also for schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Impairment of neuropsychological functions found in schizophrenia patients are also frequently observed in their relatives. The dystrobrevin-binding protein 1 (DTNBP1) gene located at chromosome 6p22.3 is one of the most often replicated vulnerability genes for schizophrenia. In addition, this gene has been shown to modulate general cognitive abilities both in healthy subjects and in patients with schizophrenia. Method In a sample of 521 healthy subjects we investigated an association between the DTNBP1 genotype [single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1018381], personality traits [using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire – Brief Version (SPQ-B)] and cognitive function (estimated IQ, verbal fluency, attention, working memory and executive function). Results Significantly lower scores on the SPQ-B (p=0.0005) and the Interpersonal Deficit subscale (p=0.0005) in carriers of the A-risk allele were detected. There were no differences in any of the cognitive variables between groups. Conclusions The results indicate that genetic variation of the DTNBP1 genotype might exert gene-specific modulating effects on schizophrenia endophenotypes at the population level.
Technological ambidexterity in the management of national infrastructure programmes

There is no gainsaying that domestic technological capability contributes immensely to a country's advancement. In India, sustained initiatives are being taken by different actors to provide extensive formal research training, laboratory equipment and related resources, resulting in globally well-recognized competence in the research/academic and formal industrial systems. However, more initiatives are called for to improve connectivity and to link technology generation directly to poverty reduction and sustainable development. Infrastructure projects are seldom considered as part of a technological learning process. But, infrastructure development represents an opportunity to start integrating technological and innovation considerations into identified development goals, and thus plays a dynamic role in economic growth. In recognition of the role played by infrastructure in inclusive growth, specific programmes have been initiated by the government targeted towards augmenting of irrigation potential, rural connectivity, safe drinking water availability, rural electrification, housing and rural telephony in the country. There are several challenges in improving the application of science, technology and innovation to infrastructure development, more so in as vast a country as India, with wide variations in technological needs across regions and peoples. Technological advances take place continually calling for ‘exploitation’ capabilities in developing meaningful solutions taking advantage of the new technological developments. Simultaneously, there is a need for ‘exploration’ of new technological solutions to meet identified needs. In a constantly changing environment, these pose contradictory requirements, calling for continual balance. Ambidexterity is used in the context of simultaneous exploration and exploitation. This article attempts to identify major challenges involved in balancing technological exploration and exploitation capabilities in the management of national programmes and suggests some interventions towards creation of ambidextrous capabilities to reconcile these paradoxical requirements.
Currency Crashes in Emerging Markets: Empirical Indicators

We use a panel of annual data for over one hundred developing countries from 1971 through 1992 to characterize currency crashes. We define a currency crash as a large change of the nominal exchange rate that is also a substantial increase in the rate of change of nominal depreciation. We examine the composition of the debt as well as its level, and a variety of other macroeconomic factors, external and foreign. Crashes tend to occur when: output growth is low; the growth of domestic credit is high; and the level of foreign interest rates is high. A low ratio of FDI to debt is consistently associated with a high likelihood of a crash.
Phosphotransbutyrylase from Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 and its role in acidogenesis

Phosphotransbutyrylase (phosphate butyryltransferase [EC 2.3.1.19]) from Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 was purified approximately 200-fold to homogeneity with a yield of 13%. Steps used in the purification procedure were fractional precipitation with (NH4)2SO4, Phenyl Sepharose CL-4B chromatography, DEAE-Sephacel chromatography, high-pressure liquid chromatography with an anion-exchange column, and high-pressure liquid chromatography with a hydrophobic-interaction column. Gel filtration and denaturing gel electrophoresis data were consistent with a native enzyme having eight 31,000-molecular-weight subunits. Within the physiological range of pH 5.5 to 7, the enzyme was very sensitive to pH change in the butyryl phosphate-forming direction and showed virtually no activity below pH 6. This finding indicates that a change in internal pH may be one important factor in the regulation of the enzyme. The enzyme was less sensitive to pH change in the reverse direction. The enzyme could use a number of substrates in addition to butyryl coenzyme A (butyryl-CoA) but had the highest relative activity with butyryl-CoA, isovaleryl-CoA, and valeryl-CoA. The Km values at 30 degrees C and pH 8.0 for butyryl-CoA, phosphate, butyryl phosphate, and CoASH (reduced form of CoA) were 0.11, 14, 0.26, and 0.077 mM, respectively. Results of product inhibition studies were consistent with a random Bi Bi binding mechanism in which phosphate binds at more than one site.
Paclitaxel disposition in plasma and central nervous systems of humans and rats with brain tumors.

BACKGROUND Paclitaxel (Taxol) has been shown to sensitize some malignant cells to the effects of radiation. A number of clinical protocols, combining paclitaxel with radiation therapy, have been designed to exploit this phenomenon. The radiation-potentiating effect of paclitaxel is likely dependent on the ability of the drug to penetrate the tissue being radiated. Paclitaxel is known to have limited access to the central nervous system (CNS) of rats and mice, but its ability to penetrate malignant tissue in the CNS is inadequately documented. PURPOSE Our purpose was to examine the concentrations of paclitaxel in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with CNS malignancies and in normal and malignant tissues from the brains of Fischer rats bearing the C6 rat glioma and then to compare those paclitaxel concentrations with concomitant paclitaxel concentrations in the plasma of those same patients and animals. METHODS Four patients were treated with 3-hour infusions of paclitaxel at doses between 90 and 200 mg/m2. Plasma and CSF were sampled at 0.33, 1.5, 3.25, 5, 6, and 24 hours after initiation of the paclitaxel infusion. Four Fischer rats had 20,000 C6 glioma cells stereotactically implanted into their right frontal lobes; 28 days later, they were given 3-hour infusions of paclitaxel at 10 mg/kg. Plasma was sampled during the paclitaxel infusion. At the completion of the infusion, rats were killed, and portions of their normal and malignant CNS tissues were removed for histologic assessment. Concentrations of paclitaxel in plasma, CSF, and brain tissue were determined with high-pressure liquid chromatography. RESULTS Plasma pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel in patients with brain tumors were comparable to those previously described in patients with other malignancies. Paclitaxel could be measured in CSF of all patients, but concentrations were very low. Peak paclitaxel concentrations in CSF ranged between 5 and 83 nM and occurred between 3.25 and 5 hours after initiation of the paclitaxel infusion. Peak paclitaxel concentrations in CSF were between 0.12% and 8.3% of those present in concomitant plasma samples. Paclitaxel was not detectable in the normal or malignant CNS tissue of any rat, despite the fact that plasma concentrations of paclitaxel at the time of tissue acquisition ranged from 0.62 to 153 microM. CONCLUSIONS Paclitaxel has only limited access to the CSF of patients with CNS malignancies and to normal and malignant CNS tissues of rats bearing brain tumors. IMPLICATIONS The utility of combining paclitaxel with radiation therapy to treat CNS malignancies should be considered in light of the documented limited access of paclitaxel to the CNS.
Evaluation of the accuracy of a veterinary dynamometric wire tensioner

Summary Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of a commonly used veterinary wire tensioner. Methods: Wire tension was measured using a load cell after each of five tensioners were used to tension each of six wires to the 66, 84, and 118 mm ring settings in an adjustable custom testing fixture. Each tensioner then experienced simulated aging and testing was repeated. Percentage error was calculated for each ring size, before and after tensioner aging. Measured tension values were compared to manufacturer reported tension values for each ring size using a one-sample two-way t-test; p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Compared to the manufacturer reported values, measured wire tension values were significantly lower for 66 mm and 84 mm rings and significantly higher for 118 mm rings, before and after simulated aging. Mean wire tension values did not significantly differ between individual wire tensioners. Clinical significance: The tensioners tested achieved significantly different wire tension values than those reported by the manufacturer. This discrepancy could lead to under-tensioning and allowing excessive movement at a fracture site or over-tensioning, leading to wire breakage. We recommend tensioning wires at least to the recommended line on the device for 66 mm and 84 mm rings and at most to the recommended line for 118 mm rings. Further studies are needed to evaluate other veterinary wire tensioners and to develop a calibration method for these devices in practice.
[Effect of lead exposure on male sexual hormone].

OBJECTIVE To explore effects of lead exposure on the concentrations of serum male sex hormone in male workers. METHODS Blood sample of 153 male workers occupationally exposed to lead and 47 male worker without exposure history were collected, of which the concentrations of testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2) and inhibin B were measured by ELISA. RESULTS The results showed that concentration of T in exposure group were significantly lower (P < 0.05) compared with non-exposured group. In contrast, serum inhibin B concentration were significantly increased (P < 0.05) than control group. The main influencing factors changing serum T are effect of lead and age, meanwhile positive effects of lead were also observed on serum inhibin B increased by Logistic analysis. CONCLUSION The results suggest that the lead exposure may alter the male sexual hormone, which might injure the endocrine function and Sertoli cells.
The strategic organization of the entrepreneurial established firm

The entrepreneurship field predominantly focuses on start-ups, opportunity discovery and single individual. These overall characteristics mean that the field has difficulties conceptualizing and theorizing the entrepreneurial activities of established firms. In particular, the links between organizational designs, the various entrepreneurial activities of organizational members and firm-level entrepreneurial entrepreneurial outcomes are not well-understood. We sketch a research program for understanding the strategic organization of the entrepreneurial established firms.
Smoking cessation and severity of weight gain in a national cohort.

BACKGROUND Many believe that the prospect of weight gain discourages smokers from quitting. Accurate estimates of the weight gain related to the cessation of smoking in the general population are not available, however. METHODS We related changes in body weight to changes in smoking status in adults 25 to 74 years of age who were weighed in the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I, 1971 to 1975) and then weighed a second time in the NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study (1982 to 1984). The cohort included continuing smokers (748 men and 1137 women) and those who had quit smoking for a year or more (409 men and 359 women). RESULTS The mean weight gain attributable to the cessation of smoking, as adjusted for age, race, level of education, alcohol use, illnesses related to change in weight, base-line weight, and physical activity, was 2.8 kg in men and 3.8 kg in women. Major weight gain (greater than 13 kg) occurred in 9.8 percent of the men and 13.4 percent of the women who quit smoking. The relative risk of major weight gain in those who quit smoking (as compared with those who continued to smoke) was 8.1 (95 percent confidence interval, 4.4 to 14.9) in men and 5.8 (95 percent confidence interval, 3.7 to 9.1) in women, and it remained high regardless of the duration of cessation. For both sexes, blacks, people under the age of 55, and people who smoked 15 cigarettes or more per day were at higher risk of major weight gain after quitting smoking. Although at base line the smokers weighed less than those who had never smoked, they weighed nearly the same at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Major weight gain is strongly related to smoking cessation, but it occurs in only a minority of those who stop smoking. Weight gain is not likely to negate the health benefits of smoking cessation, but its cosmetic effects may interfere with attempts to quit. Effective methods of weight control are therefore needed for smokers trying to quit.