Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shen-Cao granules formulated based on traditional Chinese medicine alleviates bone marrow suppression caused by platinum-based anticancer reagents

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of Shen-Cao granules for the prevention of thrombocytopenia caused by anticancer chemotherapy. Methods: In this prospective study, a total of 200 patients with various malignant tumors were enrolled and evenly divided into a Shen-Cao granule treatment (n = 100) and a control group (n = 100). After 2 cycles chemotherapy with any combination of platinum-based drugs (cisplatin, carboplatin, and nedaplatin), the blood platelet (PLT) counts, levels of the PLT production regulator thrombopoietin (TPO), PLT aggregation rates, and the PLT activation marker CD62P expressions were monitored for 2 weeks. Results: During 2 weeks of post-chemotherapy, the mean values of the minimum PLT count were 49.65 ± 7.35 × 109/L in the treatment group and 31.56 ± 9.32 × 109/L in the control group. The PLT count in the treatment group reached the lowest value 1.8 days later and recovered to a concentration ≥100 × 109/L 3 days earlier than in the control group. The concentrations of the TPO were 71.43 ± 1.74 and 87.24 ± 0.92 ng/mL in the treatment group and 65.75 ± 1.39 and 67.75 ± 0.67 ng/mL in the control group at 7 and 14 days post-chemotherapy, respectively. The maximum PLT aggregation rate declined after chemotherapy in the treatment group from 58.14 ± 11.46% to 52.89 ± 10.52%, while it increased in the control group from 56.94 ± 10.55% to 61.75 ± 12.26%. Coordinately, the expression of CD62P in the treatment group decreased from 6.17 ± 0.59% to 4.89 ± 0.72%, while it increased from 6.09 ± 0.75% to 7.75 ± 0.67% in the control group. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that Shen-Cao granule treatment alleviated thrombocytopenia after chemotherapy, and reduced tumor-induced PLT activation and aggregation.
Lending decisions, procyclicality and the New Basel Capital Accord

At the end of April 2003 the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision released a third consultative paper (CP3) containing a proposal for a new accord on bank capital (Basel II). The proposal contains important changes with respect to an earlier paper, published in January 2001 (CP2). The reform process has been undertaken in response to the increase of financial innovations in banking products and enhancements in the measurement of banking risks, which have highlighted some inadequacies in the simplified framework underlying the 1988 Accord (the “current” Accord). Indeed, the current Accord does not fully reflect changes in risk. As a consequence, it may understate the risks and hence overstate the capital adequacy of banks. It may also create incentives for banks to make high-risk investments.
Timing of FtsZ Assembly in Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT The timing of the appearance of the FtsZ ring at the future site of division in Escherichia coli was determined by in situ immunofluorescence microscopy for two strains grown under steady-state conditions. The strains, B/rA and K-12 MC4100, differ largely in the duration of the D period, the time between termination of DNA replication and cell division. In both strains and under various growth conditions, the assembly of the FtsZ ring was initiated approximately simultaneously with the start of the D period. This is well before nucleoid separation or initiation of constriction as determined by fluorescence and phase-contrast microscopy. The durations of the Z-ring period, the D period, and the period with a visible constriction seem to be correlated under all investigated growth conditions in these strains. These results suggest that (near) termination of DNA replication could provide a signal that initiates the process of cell division.
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Background:Cervical spondylosis is part of the aging process and affects most people if they live long enough. Degenerative changes affecting the intervertebral disks, vertebrae, facet joints, and ligamentous structures encroach on the cervical spinal canal and damage the spinal cord, especially in patients with a congenitally small cervical canal. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common cause of myelopathy in adults. Review Summary:The anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, diagnostic investigation, natural history, and treatment options for CSM are summarized. Patients present with signs and symptoms of cervical spinal cord dysfunction with or without cervical nerve root injury. The condition may or may not be accompanied by pain in the neck and/or upper limb. The differential diagnosis is broad. Imaging, typically with magnetic resonance imaging, is the most useful diagnostic tool. Electrophysiologic testing can help exclude alternative diagnoses. The effectiveness of conservative treatments is unproven. Surgical decompression improves neurologic function in some patients and prevents worsening in others, but is associated with risk. Conclusions:Neurologists should be familiar with this very common condition. Patients with mild signs and symptoms of CSM can be monitored. Surgical decompression from an anterior or posterior approach should be considered in patients with progressive and moderate to severe neurologic deficits.
Integration of phosphoproteomic, chemical, and biological strategies for the functional analysis of targeted protein phosphorylation

Reversible phosphorylation, tightly controlled by protein kinases and phosphatases, plays a central role in mediating biological processes, such as protein–protein interactions, subcellular translocation, and activation of cellular enzymes. MS‐based phosphoproteomics has now allowed the detection and quantification of tens of thousands of phosphorylation sites from a typical biological sample in a single experiment, which has posed new challenges in functional analysis of each and every phosphorylation site on specific signaling phosphoproteins of interest. In this article, we review recent advances in the functional analysis of targeted phosphorylation carried out by various chemical and biological approaches in combination with the MS‐based phosphoproteomics. This review focuses on three types of strategies, including forward functional analysis, defined for the result‐driven phosphoproteomics efforts in determining the substrates of a specific protein kinase; reverse functional analysis, defined for tracking the kinase(s) for specific phosphosite(s) derived from the discovery‐driven phosphoproteomics efforts; and MS‐based analysis on the structure–function relationship of phosphoproteins. It is expected that this review will provide a state‐of‐the‐art overview of functional analysis of site‐specific phosphorylation and explore new perspectives and outline future challenges.
Cloud computing as an operational model for ERP services: Definitions and challenges

Cloud computing is the modern operational model of the enterprise recourse planning (ERP) systems, almost of the major ERP providers such as Google, SAP, INFOR and others began to provide Cloud ERP services to attract a new clients specially small and medium enterprises (SME). Many researchers focus on the benefits that organization will obtain when they move from managing their own ERP system to use the Cloud computing as an operational model for the ERP services. Our goal in this paper is to explore the challenges of adopting cloud ERP services.
Some Applications of Directed Signature Scheme

Directed signature scheme is applicable when the signed message contains information sensitive to the receiver, because only receiver can directly verify the signature and that he/she can prove its validity to any third party, whenever necessary. This paper presents two applications of directed signature scheme. (i) Directed –Delegated Signature Scheme. This scheme combines the idea of proxy signatures with directed signature scheme. (ii) Allocation of registration number. This scheme proposes a registration scheme in which the registration number cannot be forged and misused.
Multiphysics and energetic modeling of a vanadium redox flow battery

Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRB) are large stationary electricity storage systems; their performance is enhanced when they are operating under optimal conditions. The multiphysics model developed in this paper offers a good understanding of the VRB operating principles; this knowledge is important to identify and quantify the source of losses: the internal losses and the auxiliaries losses. The model is divided in two main parts: the electrochemical model that predicts the stack voltage, the variation in vanadium concentrations and the internal losses under any operating conditions and the mechanical model that describes the hydraulic circuit of the electrolyte and determines the pumps power. Then the stack efficiency is determined with the electrochemical model in a series of charge-discharge cycles and compared with experimental data. Finally, a method is proposed to increase the VRB performance by minimizing the power required to flow the electrolytes; in a 19 elements stack, the average gain is more than 1600 W.
Smart Grids Put into Practice: Technological and Regulatory Aspects

The transition towards a more sustainable energy supply system causes changes in the supply and demand of energy and requires more flexible and efficient operation of the electricity distribution grids. It calls for smart grids with embedded intelligent control to incorporate electricity storage and controllable loads. This will ensure cost-effective development of an efficient and reliable electricity system that allows the large-scale integration of distributed generation. A holistic approach is needed to realise these smart grids. The different issues which need to be addressed to make smart grids a successful reality are covered in this article. First, the most important issues from a technological viewpoint are identified. However, adapting the grids to future developments goes far beyond simply developing and implementing technologies. Changes in technological systems affect the institutional design applied in those systems. An integral view of technical, institutional, economic and social aspects is needed to realise steps towards putting smart grids into practice. This article highlights the needed changes towards smart grids from the technological perspective of a Dutch distribution system operator (DSO) and elaborates on the implications of these changes for the regulation for this sector.
PRIMARY ACTS OF ENERGY CONSERVATION IN THE FUNCTIONAL MEMBRANE OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS

The problem of photosynthesis today is the question of the molecular mechanism of the transformation of light energy into the chemical energy of NADPH and ATP. Information on the mechanism of the molecular machinery can be obtained by direct measurement of the molecular events. These events are physical and chemical intermediate reactions that are in action between the beginning of light absorption and the termination of the overall process by the production of NADPH and ATP. For the characterization of the molecular events that are reported in this paper, the change of optical properties has been used. For excitation of the whole process, light pulses that are shorter than the reaction time of the considered event must be used. This requirement has been realized in photosynthesis by the use of normal flashes, ultra-short flashes, or laser giant pulses. For registration of the small signals within short times, the repetitive-pulse spectroscopic method is most suitable. The extremely high sensitivity of this technique enables us to detect very small signals. The high time resolution of this technique extended the analysis of biological events down to 10 nsec. ' With the pulse spectroscopic method, the following events have been analyzed under single turnover conditions: ( 1 ) metastable states of carotenoids; (2) light reactions of active chlorophylls; ( 3 ) electron transfers during the redox reactions of electron carriers (events 1-3 have been measured by their characteristic intrinsic absorption changes) ; (4) electrical fields across the thylakoid (measured by electrochromism) ; (5) ion fluxes across the rnembrane (measured by the derivative of the electrochromic changes with regard to time); ( 6 ) proton transfer across the membranes (measured by artificial pH indicators such as umbelliferone); ( 7 ) proton accumulation (Hi.,,) in the inner space of the thylakoids (measured by an intrinsic indicator for H+,,, changes) ; and (8 ) phosphorylation (measured by the pH indicator umbelliforone; during the generation of ATP, H+ is consumed). This paper focuses on the experimental evidence showing that the cooperation of the reaction of two excited chlorophylls and plastoquinone leads to a vectorial electron transfer from H,O to NADP+, in such a way that the functional membrane is electrically charged. It is shown that the discharging of the electrically energized membrane is coupled with the generation of ATP. The light-driven electron flow from H,0 to NADP+ converts light energy into the form of the reducing power of NADPH. The electron transfer from H 2 0 to NADP+ occurs in a series of two light reactions, at chlorophyll a,-700 and chlorophyll a,,-680. ' A pool of plastoquinone is the link between the two light centers. '-1' Excitation of chlorophyll aI and chlorophyll all leads to an electrical potential difference ( A $ ) across the thylakoid membrane. (,-s*' In a
Price Transmission and Effects of Exchange Rates on Domestic Commodity Prices via Offshore and Currency Hedging

The framework presents how trading in the foreign commodity futures market and the forward exchange market can affect the optimal spot positions of domestic commodity producers and traders. It generalizes the models of Kawai and Zilcha (1986) and Kofman and Viaene (1991) to allow both intermediate and final commodities to be traded in the international and futures markets, and the exporters/importers to face production shock, domestic factor costs and a random price. Applying mean-variance expected utility, we find that a rise in the expected exchange rate can raise both supply and demand for commodities and reduce domestic prices if the exchange rate elasticity of supply is greater than that of demand. Whether higher volatilities of exchange rate and foreign futures price can reduce the optimal spot position of domestic traders depends on the correlation between the exchange rate and the foreign futures price. Even though the forward exchange market is unbiased, and there is no correlation between commodity prices and exchange rates, the exchange rate can still affect domestic trading and prices through offshore hedging and international trade if the traders are interested in their profit in domestic currency. It illustrates how the world prices and foreign futures prices of commodities and their volatility can be transmitted to the domestic market as well as the dynamic relationship between intermediate and final goods prices. The equilibrium prices depends on trader behaviour i.e. who trades or does not trade in the foreign commodity futures and domestic forward currency markets. The empirical result applying a two-stage-least-squares approach to Thai rice and rubber prices supports the theoretical result.
Ways to Reduce Consumer Complaints – the EU Perspective

Organizations are currently concerned with meeting consumers’ demands and needs by creating products that meet their expectations. Addressing wider issues of consumers’ protection and relying on a detailed research of the latest data from the European Union, our paper analyses and synthesizes ways to reduce consumers’ complaints on products and services purchased, based on a series of causal links and interrelated activities. It is a dual approach in order to link quantitative and qualitative arguments as well as the analysis of correlations between efforts and the recorded effects in the domain of the consumer’ protection. Based on data provided by the Flash Eurobarometer 332 there were determined the existing influences in consumers’ protection, calculating correlations among a number of indicators registered in the European Union in the field of consumer protection. Based on the relations established between the indicators that describe the domain of the protection of consumer, a model that centres on complaining in case of problems, indicating the main ways to reduce these complaints was developed and built.
Restoring financial stability in the euro area. CEPS Policy Brief No. 237, 15 March 2011

The pricing of sovereign credit risk is a necessary component of the financial architecture of the European Monetary Union. However, unnecessarily high and volatile risk premia on government bonds are currently preventing effective financial intermediation within the euro area, thereby inhibiting its economic recovery. Several proposals have been made on how these risk premia should be brought down, namely i) permanent pooling of funding through joint bond issuance, ii) temporary liquidity assistance through multilateral funds, iii) debt buybacks using multilateral funds, and iv) debt restructuring. This paper attempts to evaluate these four proposals. It argues that joint bond issuance will not achieve a meaningful reduction of liquidity premia in the sovereign bond market; these instruments would either create perverse incentives or accelerate the sovereign debt crisis for peripheral Europe. An institution to provide temporary liquidity assistance is a necessary addition to the institutional framework of EMU – there needs to be an EMF to complement the ECB. Debt buybacks using multilateral funds can be a very useful tool for solvent countries such as Spain; they can prevent an overshooting of risk premia that could turn a sovereign liquidity crisis into a solvency crisis. A quantitative assessment shows that debt buybacks at market prices are insufficient to correct Greece’s debt overhang, however. In the case of Greece, a voluntary exchange of existing government bonds into new obligations, complemented by a buyback option at a steep discount to face value, could restore sovereign creditworthiness and allow the private sector to regain market access at acceptable interest rates. In the absence of such an orderly and controlled reduction of public debt, highly indebted euro area governments will likely opt to restructure their sovereign debt unilaterally, if they fail to regain market access after several years. This could have unwelcome consequences for financial stability in the euro area, which should be avoided through a creative and cooperative approach to the problem.
Refining Organizational Adoption

Organizational adoption of innovations is complex with a large theoretical literature. This complexity is often simplified in TOE (Technology, Organization, and Environment) models that usually explain or predict technology adoption by placing equal weight on these three groups of constructs. This study examined the theoretical constructs in TOE by assessing how technology, organization, and environment interacted to impact five different organizations and their adoption of open source software (OSS). While these factors were influential in the adoption of OSS TOE model factors could not explain significant organizational differences found among the five case sites. Further analysis supported the development of an additional construct, an organizational approach to IT. An organizational approach to IT mediated traditional adoption constructs, explaining the differences in organizational adoption among organizations with similar characteristics, and provided an explanation for the different adoption outcomes. Utilization of this new construct can assist practitioners when planning for the adoption of new technologies in organizations.
Two High Slew Rate Buffers Based on Flipped Voltage Follower

Two Voltage followers (VF) suited to low-voltage operation and able to operate with a high-slew rate and low-output impedance are presented. The buffer core is based on the flipped voltage follower (FVF) which is previously presented in literature. A detailed comparison of proposed buffers and other voltage followers is presented. These buffers have been simulated using 0.18 µm CMOS technology models provided by TSMC. The buffers consume 10 µA from 1.2 V supply and have a power consumption of 25 µw. The first and second proposed buffers have slew rate of 13 V/µs and 32 V/µs, respectively, with output impedance of about 50 Ω.
Suspended sediment modelling by SVM and wavelet

Present-day advances in artificial intelligence, as a forecaster for hydrological events, have led to numerous changes in forecasting. The wavelet support vector machine (WSWM) model is achieved by conjunction of the wavelet analysis and the support vector machine (SVM). The suspended sediment (SS) and daily stream flow (Q) data from the Iowa River in the USA were used for training and testing. The WSVM could logically be used for approximation of the suspended sediment load.
Application specific instruction-set processor generation for video processing based on loop optimization

Until recently, application specific instruction-set processor (ASIP) design was very costly and complex. Now, ASIP circuits are much easier to develop with technologies like Tensilica and Altera configurable processors that provide tools enabling effective generation of RTL (register transfer level) code for ASIPs. On the other hand, the design of effective ASIPs is still time-consuming, because existing methodologies largely rely on designers' knowledge for design space exploration. The paper describes a methodology to help design ASIPs. An iterative profiling-driven method based on detection and acceleration of application bottlenecks with specialized instructions is proposed. This method is applied to the design of an ASIP adapted for a video processing algorithm - the Wiener filter. The acceleration reached with our method on this application is very significant, with a speedup factor larger than 10 over optimized software code.
Relationship between acute morphine and the course of PTSD in children with burns.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between the dose of morphine administered during a child's hospitalization for an acute burn and the course of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms over the 6-month period following discharge from the hospital. METHOD Twenty-four children admitted to the hospital for an acute burn were assessed twice with the Child PTSD Reaction Index: while in the hospital and 6 months after discharge. The Colored Analogue Pain Scale was also administered during the hospitalization. All patients received morphine while in the hospital. The mean dose of morphine (mg/kg/day) was calculated for each subject through chart review. RESULTS The Pearson product moment correlation revealed a significant association between the dose of morphine received while in the hospital and a 6-month reduction in PTSD symptoms. Children receiving higher doses of morphine had a greater reduction in PTSD symptoms over 6 months. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests the possibility that acute treatment with morphine can secondarily prevent PTSD. This result is discussed in terms of the possible effect of morphine on fear conditioning and the consolidation of traumatic memory.