Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Medications for substance use disorders (SUD): emerging approaches

ABSTRACT Introduction: Substance use disorders are a group of chronic relapsing disorders of the brain, which have massive public health and societal impact. In some disorders (e.g., heroin/prescription opioid addictions) approved medications have a major long-term benefit. For other substances (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines and cannabis) there are no approved medications, and for alcohol there are approved treatments, which are not in wide usage. Approved treatments for tobacco use disorders are available, and novel medications are also under study. Areas covered: Medication-based approaches which are in advanced preclinical stages, or which have reached proof-of concept clinical laboratory studies, as well as clinical trials. Expert opinion: Current challenges involve optimizing translation between preclinical and clinical development, and between clinical laboratory studies to therapeutic clinical trials. Comorbidities including depression or anxiety are challenges for study design and analysis. Improved pharmacogenomics, biomarker and phenotyping approaches are areas of interest. Pharmacological mechanisms currently under investigation include modulation of glutamatergic, GABA, vasopressin and κ-receptor function, as well as inhibition of monoamine re-uptake. Other factors that affect potential market size for emerging medications include stigma, availability of treatment settings, adoption by clinicians, and the prevalence of persons with SUD who are not actively treatment-seeking.
Teratogenic Effects of Sodium Valproate in the Jcl: ICR Mouse Fetus

Sodium valproate was administered to Jc1:ICR mice in order to evaluate its teratogenicity. A single dose of 600 mg/kg of sodium valproate was injected intrapentoneally on gestational day 6, 7, 8 or 9. On day 18 of gestation, dams were laparotomized, and live fetuses were inspected for the presence of external and internal abnormalities. Exencephaly and urogenital abnormalities showed the highest frequency in the group treated on day 8, being recognized in about 60% and 10% of live fetuses, respectively. Cardiovascular abnormalities were found in the highest frequency in the group treated on day 7 (in about 30% of live fetuses). Incidence of tail abnormality was found to increase with delay in day of drug administration. Other abnormalities observed were cleft palate and digital malformation. Our study showed that a constellation of major abnormalities similar to the congenital valproate syndrome suspected in humans could be produced in the Jc1:ICR mouse fetus.
Europeanization: the role of objectives, principles and institutions

The present paper, on the one hand, aims to theoretically contribute for the conceptualization of Europeanization, while on the other, proposes an analytical model, as an operationalizing framework, for the better empirical understanding of the term. Undoubtedly, the approach of the paper has institutionalist and cultural characters as it highlights the normative sense of Europeanization; invokes the theory of North on formal and informal institutions; and emphasizes the importance of the concerned actors’ cultural specificities, perceptions, and identifications.
Outcomes Following Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Previous Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Background—There are limited data on outcomes of patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) presenting with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). We report outcomes in patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI with or without previous CABG surgery in a large real-world, all-comer population. Methods and Results—Clinical, demographic, procedural, and outcomes data were collected for all patients undergoing PPCI in England and Wales from January 2007 to December 2012. All-cause mortality at 30 days and 1 year were evaluated in the whole and a propensity-matched cohort. Of 79 295 patients with STEMI studied, 2658 (3.4%) patients had prior CABG, of whom 44% (n=1168) underwent PPCI to native vessels and 56% (n=1490) to bypass grafts. There were significant differences in the demographic, clinical, and procedural characteristics of these groups. Patients with prior CABG (with primary PCI to native artery or graft) had higher mortality at 30 days (6.2% with PPCI to native artery, 6.1% with PPCI to bypass graft) than patients with no prior CABG (4.5%; P<0.001). However, after risk factor adjustments, there was no significant difference in outcomes. There were also no significant differences in 30-day mortality, in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events, in-hospital stroke, and in-hospital bleeding in the propensity-matched population. Conclusions—A prior history of CABG in patients presenting with STEMI and undergoing PPCI does not independently confer additional risk of mortality, although it is a marker of other high-risk features.
Monoclonal antibodies against influenza virus PB2 and NP polypeptides interfere with the initiation step of viral mRNA synthesis in vitro

Two panels of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for the influenza A virus PA and PB2 polypeptides have been obtained from mice immunized with denatured proteins produced in Escherichia coli. All MAbs (13 specific for the PA polypeptide and 8 specific for the PB2 protein) reacted to the corresponding influenza virus protein in Western blotting (immunoblotting), immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence assays. To gain information about the roles of the nucleoprotein (NP) and PB2 and PA proteins during viral mRNA synthesis, the 21 anti-P antibodies and 3 anti-NP antibodies (J. A. López, M. Guillen, A. Sánchez-Fauquier, and J. A. Melero, J. Virol. Methods 13:255-264, 1986) were purified and tested for their ability to inhibit the transcriptase activity associated with viral cores purified from virions. Four of the antibodies (one anti-PB2 and the three anti-NP MAbs) inhibited transcription by more than 50% compared with unrelated control antibodies. The inhibitory effect was not due to a nonspecific effect of the antibody preparations, because these MAbs did not inhibit transcription when tested on influenza B virus nucleocapsids, which are not recognized by the antibodies. To determine whether the antibodies were acting on an early transcription step, transcription reactions were carried out in the presence of globin mRNA (a mixture of alpha- and beta-globin chains) and only one labeled nucleoside triphosphate (either GTP or CTP). The results obtained showed that MAbs to the PB2 and NP polypeptides interfered with the initiation step of mRNA-primed transcription. The implications of these results regarding initiation of viral mRNA synthesis are discussed.
Evidence of end-effector based gait machines in gait rehabilitation after CNS lesion.

BACKGROUND A task-specific repetitive approach in gait rehabilitation after CNS lesion is well accepted nowadays. To ease the therapists' and patients' physical effort, the past two decades have seen the introduction of gait machines to intensify the amount of gait practice. Two principles have emerged, an exoskeleton- and an endeffector-based approach. Both systems share the harness and the body weight support. With the end-effector-based devices, the patients' feet are positioned on two foot plates, whose movements simulate stance and swing phase. OBJECTIVE This article provides an overview on the end-effector based machine's effectiveness regarding the restoration of gait. METHODS For the electromechanical gait trainer GT I, a meta analysis identified nine controlled trials (RCT) in stroke subjects (n = 568) and were analyzed to detect differences between end-effector-based locomotion + physiotherapy and physiotherapy alone. RESULTS Patients practising with the machine effected in a superior gait ability (210 out of 319 patients, 65.8% vs. 96 out of 249 patients, 38.6%, respectively, Z = 2.29, p = 0.020), due to a larger training intensity. Only single RCTs have been reported for other devices and etiologies. CONCLUSION The introduction of end-effector based gait machines has opened a new succesful chapter in gait rehabilitation after CNS lesion.
Skin effect in rotor bars of induction motor in form of transfer function

This article deals with a modeling of a skin effect in rotor bars of an induction motor. Frequency dependencies of rotor resistance and leakage inductance are calculated based on a static model of an induction motor in form of a Gamma-circuit. A skin effect is modeled by a transfer function. There is comparison of transfer function created for theoretical values and for measured one. There is shown that a transfer function has similar form in both cases. Created transfer function can describe dependency of rotor resistance and leakage inductance on frequency very precisely.
Nontechnical Loss Detection for Metered Customers in Power Utility Using Support Vector Machines

Electricity consumer dishonesty is a problem faced by all power utilities. Finding efficient measurements for detecting fraudulent electricity consumption has been an active research area in recent years. This paper presents a new approach towards nontechnical loss (NTL) detection in power utilities using an artificial intelligence based technique, support vector machine (SVM). The main motivation of this study is to assist Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Sdn. Bhd. in peninsular Malaysia to reduce its NTLs in the distribution sector due to abnormalities and fraud activities, i.e., electricity theft. The fraud detection model (FDM) developed in this research study preselects suspected customers to be inspected onsite fraud based on irregularities in consumption behavior. This approach provides a method of data mining, which involves feature extraction from historical customer consumption data. This SVM based approach uses customer load profile information and additional attributes to expose abnormal behavior that is known to be highly correlated with NTL activities. The result yields customer classes which are used to shortlist potential suspects for onsite inspection based on significant behavior that emerges due to fraud activities. Model testing is performed using historical kWh consumption data for three towns within peninsular Malaysia. Feedback from TNB Distribution (TNBD) Sdn. Bhd. for onsite inspection indicates that the proposed method is more effective compared to the current actions taken by them. With the implementation of this new fraud detection system TNBD's detection hitrate will increase from 3% to 60%.
State-of-Charge estimation algorithms and their implications on cells in parallel

State-of-Charge (SOC) of a battery is one of the most important parameters used by a Battery Management System (BMS). It is subsequently very important for the efficient functioning of an electric/hybrid vehicle. Since, the SOC is a derived quantity, it is important that the algorithm, on which the estimator is based, is robust and accurate. The algorithms developed thus far, for different battery chemistries are dependent mainly on the current and voltage data received from individual cells or the entire battery. It is possible that an accurate SOC-estimation algorithm could be the key to increasing the efficiency of a typical hybrid-electric vehicle and hence the real-world applicability. This accuracy should be relevant to both normal and failure cases associated with any drive cycle. This in turn depends on the current and voltage signals received, the positing of such sensors, etc. Also, as battery is comprised of a combination of series and parallel strings, it is important that the difference between the SOCs for an individual cell and that of the entire battery is negligible. The objective of this paper is to compare three SOC estimation algorithms: the current based Coulomb-Counter approach; the voltage dependent model-based approach; and the mixed algorithm that adapts the complementary behavior of the other two methods. In this, the positioning of current and voltage sensors; and the reliability of data, i.e. cell SOC and pack SOC, have been considered. Models created using MATLAB/Simulink, based on literature, have been used. It is seen that the SOC estimation algorithm that is based on both current and voltage data is the most accurate under difference cases of normal and failure cases including short-circuit, open-circuit, etc.
Expression of a Low-Temperature-Induced Protein in Brassica napus

BN28 is a low-temperature-induced, boiling-soluble protein in Brassica napus. We used antibodies raised against a recombinant BN28 to examine the expression of this protein in cold-acclimating plants and to investigate its relationship to plant freezing tolerance. Changes in the steady-state levels of BN28 protein appear to lag several days behind those of the mRNA. BN28 is first detected on immunoblots after approximately 8 d of exposure to low temperature, and thereafter levels remain stable while plants are maintained at 4[deg]C. Radiolabeling studies indicate that BN28 is synthesized at a relatively low rate. A decline in protein levels is observed soon after returning plants to control temperatures, and little or no protein can be detected after 7 d of deacclimation. The disappearance of the protein precedes a loss in freezing tolerance, suggesting that BN28 is not involved in maintaining plasma membrane integrity. Expression of BN28 is observed primarily in leaves and appears to be low-temperature specific. Quantitative analysis indicated that BN28 accumulates to approximately 82.7 pmol mg-1 total protein in cold-acclimated leaves. This concentration is similar to that reported for two group 2 late-embryogenesis-abundant-like proteins.
Control strategy and implementation for a humanoid robot pushing a heavy load on a rolling cart

In this paper, we introduce a control strategy aimed at generating a stable walking pattern for a humanoid pushing a heavy load on a cart. In contrast to previous approaches that rely on force/torque sensors to measure the interaction between the robot and the pushed object, we present a simple model-based controller that can be implemented on most robots due to its computationally efficient design. Every aspect of the controller design is covered, from the formulation and validation of the dynamic model, to the implementation and validation on an actual humanoid robot. The experimental results show that the controller can efficiently make a NAO humanoid transport, in a stable way, the equivalent of its own weight on a rolling cart.
Corneal edema in four horses treated with a superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap

OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of four horses with severe corneal edema caused by suspected endothelial disease treated with a superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap and to determine whether this procedure (i) reduces corneal edema, (ii) reduces ocular pain, (iii) eliminates recurrent corneal ulceration, and (iv) improves vision in these horses. ANIMALS STUDIED Four horses met inclusion criterion of (i) diagnosis with endothelial disease by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and (ii) surgical treatment with a superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap. PROCEDURE Retrospective medical record review of included horses was used to determine breed, age and sex of included horses, as well as details of medical and surgical therapy, and visual outcome. RESULTS Four horses were presented with a complaint of focal corneal edema that progressed to diffuse corneal edema. Epithelial bullae and ulceration were present in all cases. The disease process was unresponsive to standard medical treatment with a hyperosmotic agent and topical and systemic anti-inflammatories. However, treatment with a superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap performed under general anesthesia was associated with (i) a significant decrease in corneal edema, (ii) increased comfort, (iii) elimination of corneal ulceration, and (iv) retention of vision postoperatively with little to no need for medical therapy. Follow-up time was 15, 12, 6, and 3 months. CONCLUSIONS The superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap may provide a surgical alternative to chronic medical treatment of severe corneal edema in horses.
Distribution and specificity of S-cone (“blue cone”) signals in subcortical visual pathways

Abstract We review here the distribution of S-cone signals and properties of S-cone recipient receptive fields in subcortical pathways. Nearly everything we know about S-cone signals in the subcortical visual system comes from the study of visual systems in cats and primates (monkeys); in this review, we concentrate on results from macaque and marmoset monkeys. We discuss segregation of S-cone recipient (blue-on and blue-off) receptive fields in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and describe their receptive field properties. We treat in some detail the question of detecting weak S-cone signals as an introduction for newcomers to the field. Finally, we briefly consider the question on how S-cone signals are distributed among nongeniculate targets.
Value Chain Analysis of the Digital Content Industry

With rapid development of digital content industry, the industry has been considered as an important part in the global economic system. This paper provides a model for the digital content industry value chain and a research on all segments of chains as well as on the correlations of all segments through analysis on the digital content industry chain. The value activities raising the digital content industry mainly consist of the value activities of digital content products and the value activities of derivative products different from traditional industry
Tumour suppressors, kinases and clamps: How p53 regulates the cell cycle in response to DNA damage

The human tumour suppressor protein p53 is critical for regulation of the cell cycle on genotoxic insult. When DNA is damaged by radiation, chemicals or viral infection, cells respond rapidly by arresting the cell cycle. A G1 arrest requires the activity of wild‐type p53, as it is not observed in cells lacking functionally wild‐type protein, and at least some component of S phase and G2/M arrests is also thought to be p53‐dependent. p53 functions as a transcription factor which binds specific DNA sequences, and recently major downstream targets have been identified, including p21Cip1 an inhibitor of the cell cycle kinases that also blocks the replicative but not the repair function of DNA polymerase δ auxiliary factor, PCNA. Current interest focuses on developing novel cancer therapies based on our knowledge of the activity of p53 and p21Cip1 in the cell cycle.
Overcoming global challenges in stroke prophylaxis in atrial fibrillation: The role of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants

Atrial fibrillation is the world's most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke. The global burden of atrial fibrillation is rising, commensurate with the ageing population. Well-controlled vitamin K antagonist-based anticoagulation has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke secondary to atrial fibrillation by two-thirds. However, patients with atrial fibrillation have frequently been denied anticoagulation because of a variety of perceived risks related to bleeding, falls, chronological age, and poor compliance. Even when vitamin K antagonists are used, maximum benefit and safety are only delivered when high quality control of therapy (TTR > 70%) is achieved, which has proven remarkably difficult in many health-care systems and amongst many patient groups. The non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) offer solutions to many of the challenges of achieving widespread, safe, and effective anticoagulation for stroke prophylaxis in atrial fibrillation, yet their uptake into routine clinical practice remains variable. The evidence supporting their more widespread use to overcome the challenges of stroke prophylaxis for atrial fibrillation is reviewed in this article.
Personal history of breast cancer as a significant risk factor for endometrial serous carcinoma in women aged 55 years old or younger

A comparative study between endometrial serous carcinoma (ESC) and endometrial endometrioid carcinoma (EEC) was performed to determine whether a personal history of breast cancer is a risk factor for ESC in women aged ≤55 yr. Study subjects consisted of 348 women who were diagnosed with ESC and 830 comparison subjects who had EEC. Variables studied included age at diagnosis, a history of breast cancer, tamoxifen therapy, hormonal replacement therapy and smoking history. Overall, 19.4% of women with ESC had a history of breast cancer, which was significantly higher than that of 3% in comparison subjects. Among the study subjects, the incidence of a prior breast cancer was significantly higher in patients who were 55 yr of age or younger (41.5%) than those who were older than 55 yr (16%). The statistical significance of both of the aforementioned comparisons was independent of tamoxifen usage on multivariate analyses. The mean time interval between prior breast cancer and endometrial cancer was 92.5 mo (range 7–240 mo) in the study group and 79 mo (range 7–192 mo) in the comparison group. For the whole cohort and individual subgroups (ESC, EEC, ≤55 yr and >55 yr), a personal history of breast cancer did not adversely affect the patient outcomes, which was largely dependent on standard clinicopathologic parameters such as International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, as has previously been demonstrated. These findings suggest that a personal history of breast cancer may be a significant risk factor for the development of ESC in women aged ≤55 yr. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between these two cancers in this age group and whether this increased risk is reflective of a genetic predisposition.
The mental health of Black Caribbean immigrants: results from the National Survey of American Life.

OBJECTIVES We examined the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among Black Caribbean immigrant ("Caribbean Black") and African American populations and the correlates of psychiatric disorders among the Caribbean Black population. METHODS We conducted descriptive and age-adjusted analyses of the data from the National Survey of American Life--an in-person household mental health survey of noninstitutionalized US Blacks. We assessed psychiatric disorders as defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. RESULTS Compared with African American men, Caribbean Black men had higher risks for 12-month rates of psychiatric disorders. Caribbean Black women had lower odds for 12-month and lifetime psychiatric disorders compared with African American women. Risks varied by ethnicity, immigration history, and generation status within the Caribbean sample. First-generation Caribbean Blacks had lower rates of psychiatric disorders compared with second- or third-generation Caribbean Blacks, and, compared with first-generation Caribbean Blacks, third-generation Caribbean Blacks had markedly elevated rates of psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSIONS Mental health risks were associated with ethnic diversity within the US Black population. Increased exposure to minority status in the United States was associated with higher risks for psychiatric disorders among Black Caribbean immigrants, which possibly reflects increased societal stress and downward social mobility associated with being Black in America.