Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Why? Who? How? Estimating numbers of illicit drug users: lessons from a case study from the Australian Capital Territory

Abstract: There is currently a resurgence of interest in estimating numbers of illicit drug users in Australia. Defining why numbers are needed, who is to be counted and how estimates should be derived are vital steps in the production of useful, valid estimates. We present a range of estimates of heroin users in the Australian Capital Territory which were developed as part of an investigation of the feasibility of prescribing heroin to dependent users. These produced estimates ranging from 433 to 1251 users. We conclude that household surveys, capture‐recapture, and multipliers derived from nomination techniques have serious and often unrecognised limitations. Capture‐recapture estimates, in particular, are unlikely to be useful, except at a local level. The best way forward for the derivation of national estimates for the National Drug Strategy is a three‐pronged approach: national surveys, validated multipliers and monitoring of key indicators by drug‐related services and agencies.
The Real Exchange Rate: Assessment and Trade Impact in the Context of Fiji and Samoa

This paper provides an assessment of real exchange rate measures and their impact on trade performance with special reference to two Pacific island countries, Fiji and Samoa. The analysis shows that the commonly used CPI-based real effective exchange rate (REER) measure provides a useful starting point of assessment, but alternative measures based on other price and cost indices should be used to check the robustness of the results, particularly given the large impact of global commodity prices on small open economies. The paper also offers some illustrations of how to quantify the impact of exchange rate movements on trade, especially in the face of data constraints in small open economies.
An up to 36Gbps analog baseband equalizer and demodulator for mm-wave wireless communication in 28nm CMOS

Future mm-Wave wireless links with datarates of 20Gbps and more will result in prohibitive power consumption at the front end of the DSPs. The use of analog or mixed-signal baseband processing, however, can significantly relax the receiver power budget. The most critical block for such a baseband is the decision feedback equalizer, that compensates for the line-of-sight multi-path components and demodulates the signal. In this paper we present a complex DFE capable of handling 16QAM data at 9GHz RF bandwidth, aggregating all 4 channels of the 60GHz IEEE802.11ad band and resulting in a maximum datarate of 36Gbps. It is able to compensate for 0.7× cursor amplitude of inter-symbol interference spread over 5 complex taps, while the minimum input SNR is 26dB. It consumes 138mW from a 0.9V supply, achieving 3.8mW/Gbps power efficiency including clock distribution.
TRPC3 Regulates Agonist-stimulated Ca2+ Mobilization by Mediating the Interaction between Type I Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor, RACK1, and Orai1*

There is a body of evidence suggesting that Ca2+ handling proteins assemble into signaling complexes required for a fine regulation of Ca2+ signals, events that regulate a variety of critical cellular processes. Canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) and Orai proteins have both been proposed to form Ca2+-permeable channels mediating Ca2+ entry upon agonist stimulation. A number of studies have demonstrated that inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) interact with plasma membrane TRPC channels; however, at present there is no evidence supporting the interaction between Orai proteins and IP3Rs. Here we report that treatment with thapsigargin or cellular agonists results in association of Orai1 with types I and II IP3Rs. In addition, we have found that TRPC3, RACK1 (receptor for activated protein kinase C-1), and STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1) interact with Orai1 upon stimulation with agonists. TRPC3 expression silencing prevented both the interaction of Orai1 with TRPC3 and, more interestingly, the association of Orai1 with the type I IP3R, but not with the type II IP3R, thus suggesting that TRPC3 selectively mediates interaction between Orai1 and type I IP3R. In addition, TRPC3 expression silencing attenuated ATP- and CCh-stimulated interaction between RACK1 and the type I IP3R, as well as Ca2+ release and entry. In conclusion, our results indicate that agonist stimulation results in the formation of an Orai1-STIM1-TRPC3-RACK1-type I IP3R complex, where TRPC3 plays a central role. This Ca2+ signaling complex might be important for both agonist-induced Ca2+ release and entry.
Cocoa and cocoa fibre differentially modulate IgA and IgM production at mucosal sites

Abstract Previous studies have shown that a 10 % cocoa (C10) diet, containing polyphenols and fibre among others, modifies intestinal and systemic Ig production. The present study aimed at evaluating the impact of C10 on IgA and IgM production in the intestinal and extra-intestinal mucosal compartments, establishing the involvement of cocoa fibre (CF) in such effects. Mechanisms by which C10 intake may affect IgA synthesis in the salivary glands were also studied. To this effect, rats were fed either a standard diet, a diet containing C10, CF or inulin. Intestinal (the gut wash (GW), Peyer’s patches (PP) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN)) and extra-intestinal (salivary glands) mucosal tissues and blood samples were collected for IgA and IgM quantification. The gene expressions of IgA production- and homing-related molecules were studied in the salivary glands. The C10 diet decreased intestinal IgA and IgM production. Although the CF diet decreased the GW IgA concentration, it increased PP, MLN and serum IgA concentrations. Both the C10 and the CF diets produced a down-regulatory effect on IgA secretion in the extra-intestinal tissues. The C10 diet interacted with the mechanisms involved in IgA synthesis, whereas the CF showed particular effects on the homing and transcytosis of IgA across the salivary glands. Overall, CF was able to up-regulate IgA production in the intestinal-inductor compartments, whereas it down-regulated its production at the mucosal-effector ones. Further studies must be directed to ascertain the mechanisms involved in the effect of particular cocoa components on gut-associated lymphoid tissue.
Determinants of the Crude Oil Futures Curve: Inventory, Consumption and Volatility

Since 2008, the WTI oil futures curve has been positively sloped for extended periods. We test whether changes in inventory alone can explain this atypically long contango. To do this, we estimate monthly VARs of the CME WTI oil futures spread and OECD and U.S. inventory in line with standard theory, and add petroleum consumption and implied volatility to the vector of endogenous variables. When we model the futures spread as one continuous series, results confirm two-way causation between inventory and the futures curve, as predicted by the theory of storage. However when we separate negative and positive futures spreads we find that: two-way causation between the futures spread and U.S. inventory breaks down; shocks to OECD petroleum consumption cause more negative spreads and shocks to U.S. consumption cause more positive spreads in addition to inventory-driven changes; and increases in volatility directly raise positive spreads. These new causal channels have become significant since 2008 and can be related to higher inventory, inelastic supply of oil and uncertainty about global economic conditions.
Anti‐proteinase 3 antibodies (c‐ANCA) prime CD14‐dependent leukocyte activation

In Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG), a pathogenetic role has been proposed for circulating anti‐neutrophil‐cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) targeting proteinase 3 (PR3). Disease activation in WG appears to be triggered by bacterial infections. In the present study, we characterized the effect of anti‐PR3 antibodies on in vitro activation of isolated monocytes and neutrophils by the bacterial cell‐wall components lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA). Although sole incubation of monocytes and neutrophils with monoclonal anti‐PR3 antibodies induced the release of minor quantities of the chemokine interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), preincubation with anti‐PR3 antibodies, but not with isotype‐matched control immunogloblin G (IgG), resulted in a markedly enhanced IL‐8 liberation upon LPS challenge. The priming response was evident after 2 h of preincubation with anti‐PR3 and peaked after 6 h. The anti‐PR3‐related priming was also observed for tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) and IL‐6 synthesis. Comparable priming occurred when leukocytes were preincubated with ANCA‐IgG derived from WG serum but not with normal IgG. The priming effect of the anti‐PR3 antibody pretreatment was reproduced for LTA challenge of monocytes and neutrophils but not for leukocyte stimulation with TNF‐α. Flow cytometric analysis revealed an increase in monocyte and neutrophil membrane CD14 expression during the anti‐PR3 priming. We conclude that cytoplasmic ANCA specifically prime CD14‐dependent monocytes and neutrophils for activation. The resulting enhanced responsiveness to bacterial pathogens may contribute to the development and maintenance of inflammatory lesions during active WG.
Can Investment In BSE Indices Provide Adequate Diversification Benefit For Simple Investment Strategy? (A Study of Simple Techniques in Selected BSE Indices)

: In the present study we take the following indices for preparing the portfolio. Sensex is considered as the bench mark while the other indices are; Auto, All Cap, Bankex, cdgs, Capital Goods, Basic Material. The assets are analysed to find the best assets to invest for better investment return as compared to the volatility risk and better diversification benefit.
Natural killer cells in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and human papillomavirus infection

Dear Sir, In their study of natural killer (NK) cells in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, Dr Tay and his colleagues [BrJ Obstet Gynaecol(1987) 94,9019061 detected NK cells in the subepithelial stroma of most cases of HPV infection and CIN. In contrast, there were few intraepithelial NK cells in HPV infection and CIN. They suggest that this may be due to poor tumour antigenicity or a direct tumour effect or an effect of seminal plasma. We believe the most likely explanation is that exposure of the cervix to seminal plasma inhibits NK activity in cervical epithelium. In general, human seminal plasma contains various agents which inhibit the normal immune response (Alexander & Anderson 1987), including the response of lymphocytes to a viral infection (Turner et al. 1987). More specifically, human seminal plasma has been shown to suppress NK cell activity (James & Szymaniec 1985; Tarter et al. 1986). The inhibition of NK activity in cervical epithelium by repeated exposure to seminal plasma may promote both neoplasia and viral infections of the cervix. This is consistent with the documented epidemiological associations between cervical neoplasia and sexual behaviour (Kessler
Productivity Growth, Structural Change and Informality: The Case of Russia

This study considers the influence of structural change on aggregate labour productivity growth of the Russian economy. The term "structural change" refers to labour reallocation both between industries and between formal and informal segments within an industry. Using Russia KLEMS and official Rosstat data we decompose aggregate labour productivity growth into intra-industry (within) and between industry effects with four alternative methods of the shift-share analysis. All methods provide consistent results and demonstrate that total labour reallocation has been growth enhancing though the informality expansion has had a negative effect. As our study suggests, it is caused by growing variation in productivity levels across industries.
The effect of dantrolene on the enhancement and diminution of tension evoked by staircase and by tetanus in rat muscle

1. The effect of Dantrolene on the potentiation of isometric twitch tension was examined during and after the staircase (5/sec, 250 stimuli) and after the tetanus (167/sec, 250 stimuli) in the extensor digitorum longus muscle of adult Lewis rats at 37‐38°C.
Survival Rates for Breast Cancer in Iranian Patients: a Meta- Analysis.

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Iranian women. Since development of the disease in Iranian women occurs relatively early, the survival rate matters considerably. In different countries, survival of breast cancer patients varies considerably. Therefore, the one-year, three-year, five-year, and ten- year survival rates for breast cancer in Iran were assessed using a meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS This systematic review and meta-analysis was based on valid Iranian sources including SID, MAGIRAN and IRANMEDEX, along with reliable English databases, namely, PUBMED and SCOPUS. In domestic databases, a search was conducted based on key words of breast cancer and survival rate, and in international databases, with "breast cancer" and the equivalent of "neoplasm" of Mesh Word, "survival rate" and "Iran. " Then all reviewed papers and theses which met the inclusion criteria were selected for investigation. To conduct the analysis STATA 11.2 software and random-effects models were used. RESULTS In 24 studies, 22,745 participants were included. The one-year, three-year, five-year and ten-year survival rates were 0.956, 0.808, 0.695 and 0.559, respectively. The minimum and maximum survival rates for 5-years were 0.48 and 0.87. The average age of the onset of the disease was 48.3. CONCLUSIONS As in Iran, since the onset of the disease is at low age, in spite of the relatively high survival rate as compared to other cancers, prevention and screening programs at early age for early stage diagnosis seems necessary.
Spontaneous airway hyperresponsiveness in estrogen receptor-alpha-deficient mice.

RATIONALE Airway hyperresponsiveness is a critical feature of asthma. Substantial epidemiologic evidence supports a role for female sex hormones in modulating lung function and airway hyperresponsiveness in humans. OBJECTIVES To examine the role of estrogen receptors in modulating lung function and airway responsiveness using estrogen receptor-deficient mice. METHODS Lung function was assessed by a combination of whole-body barometric plethysmography, invasive measurement of airway resistance, and isometric force measurements in isolated bronchial rings. M2 muscarinic receptor expression was assessed by Western blotting, and function was assessed by electrical field stimulation of tracheas in the presence/absence of gallamine. Allergic airway disease was examined after ovalbumin sensitization and exposure. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Estrogen receptor-alpha knockout mice exhibit a variety of lung function abnormalities and have enhanced airway responsiveness to inhaled methacholine and serotonin under basal conditions. This is associated with reduced M2 muscarinic receptor expression and function in the lungs. Absence of estrogen receptor-alpha also leads to increased airway responsiveness without increased inflammation after allergen sensitization and challenge. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that estrogen receptor-alpha is a critical regulator of airway hyperresponsiveness in mice.
Measurement of total and free malondialdehyde by gas–chromatography mass spectrometry – comparison with high-performance liquid chromatography methology

Abstract Malondialdehyde (MDA) is considered to be a biomarker for enzymatic degradation and lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Usually, MDA determination from different biological materials is performed by reaction with thiobarbituric acid (TBA) followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis and fluorometric detection. As this method lacks specificity and sensitivity, we developed a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method based on derivatization of MDA with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. Representative ions in negative ion chemical ionization (NICI) mode were recorded at m/z 204 for MDA and at m/z 206 for the deuterated analogon (MDA-d2) as internal standard. This stable and precise GC–MS method showed good linearity (r2 = 0.999) and higher specificity and sensitivity than the HPLC method and was validated for both total MDA (t-MDA) and free MDA (f-MDA). Within-day precisions were 1.8–5.4%, between-day precisions were 4.8–9.2%; and accuracies were between 99% and 101% for the whole calibration range (0.156–5.0 μmol/L for t-MDA and 0.039–0.625 μmol/L for f-MDA). Although comparison of t-MDA levels from GC–MS and HPLC results using Passing–Bablok regression analysis as well as Bland–Altman plot showed a correlation of the data, a tendency to increased results for the HPLC values was detectable, due to possible formation of unspecific products of the TBA reaction.
Local resource reallocation considering practical feasibility: a centralized data envelopment analysis approach

ABSTRACT Many studies have addressed resource allocation issues by using centralized data envelopment analysis models. However, few of them provided a local resource reallocation plan which may be carried out more easily. This article proposes two models to get such plans. The first one considers an acceptable percentage of changes in resources to ensure practical feasibility. The second one further considers a situation where resources can only be allowed to shift within specific units. The proposed models are applied to an empirical study based on a hospital system in Taiwan. To demonstrate the practical feasibility of the suggested plans, we compare our reallocation suggestions to a plan that can make the whole system be perfectly efficient. The main conclusion is that the plans derived from our models are more practically feasible than that with perfect efficiency.
On the Feasibility of Integrated Battery Charger Utilizing Traction Motor and Inverter in Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

For the practical use of an integrated battery charger (IBC), this paper proposes an improved IBC based on a detailed analysis of the conventional IBC with respect to the inherent limitations such as switching frequency, motor inductance, common-mode noise, power loss, and input current and voltage sensing. Moreover, battery charging performance according to pulse-width-modulated switching schemes is mathematically analyzed and explained. The informative simulation and experimental results are provided with the traction motor/inverter hardware of an actual plug-in hybrid vehicle.
Testing the effect of kinesthetic training on handwriting performance in first-grade students.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of kinesthetic training' on handwriting performance in first-grade students 6 to 7 years of age who had kinesthetic deficits and handwriting difficulties. METHOD With a randomized-blinded three group research design, 45 children were assigned to either a kinesthetic training group, a handwriting practice group, or a no treatment group. Kinesthesis and handwriting legibility were measured before and after intervention. Teachers' judgments of handwriting legibility in the classroom setting were sought at 4 weeks after the intervention to see whether any improvement gained would be maintained in the natural setting. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for data analyses. RESULTS At posttest, all groups showed significant improvement of kinesthesis, with no significant difference in the magnitude of improvement among the groups. There was no significant improvement of handwriting legibility as measured by a standardized test in any of the groups, although teachers indicated improvement of handwriting legibility in the classroom setting in all groups. Teachers also reported maintenance of handwriting legibility at 4 weeks after posttest. CONCLUSION Kinesthetic training did not improve handwriting or kinesthesis in these children. The findings of this study offer no support for use of kinesthetic training to improve handwriting legibility in first-grade students.
Differentially private density estimation via Gaussian mixtures model

Density estimation can construct an estimate of the probability density function from the observed data. However, such a function may compromise the privacy of individuals. A notable paradigm for offering strong privacy guarantees in data analysis is differential privacy. In this paper, we propose DPGMM, a parametric density estimation algorithm using Gaussian mixtures model (GMM) under differential privacy. GMM is a well-known model that could approximate any distribution and can be solved via Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm. The main idea of DPGMM is to add two extra steps after getting the estimated parameters in the M step of each iteration. The first step is the noise adding step, which injects calibrated noise to the estimated parameters according to their L1-sensitivities and privacy budgets. The second step is the post-processing step, which post-processes those noisy parameters that might break their intrinsic characteristics. Extensive experiments using both real and synthetic datasets evaluate the performance of DPGMM, and demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms a state-of-art approach.
Logarithmic AD conversion using latched comparators and a time-to-digital converter

This paper presents an architecture employing latched comparators and a time-to-digital converter to perform a logarithmic analog-to-digital conversion. Latched comparators are used to sample the input and reference signals and convert them to a time domain representation. A time-to-digital converter is then used to obtain the digital output word. The presented architecture eliminates input independent delays from the final quantization result. A transistor level implementation was simulated to confirm the feasibility of the architecture described in this paper. Monte Carlo and process corner simulation results are presented which confirms the feasibility of the architecture presented.
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors: a viable treatment option for lower urinary tract symptoms?

Background: Epidemiological data link erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), two highly prevalent conditions in men, assuming a common pathophysiology. Preliminary data showed that phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) might be a promising class of drugs also for LUTS. Objective: The aim of this review is to provide an overview of current knowledge on the association between ED and LUTS with a particular focus on PDE5i as a viable treatment option for LUTS. Methods: A Medline search was completed using the Medical Subject Headings (MESH® keywords) ‘erectile dysfunction’ and the expression ‘lower urinary tract symptoms’ in all fields of the database. This search revealed 122 relevant references (all Medline database until 31 October 2008). Results/conclusions: LUTS are an independent risk factor for ED. Although the pathophysiological link between these conditions is not clear, several theories have been described with various levels of supporting data. Current data show that PDE5i reduce obstructive and irritative voiding symptoms but have no effect in uroflowmetry parameters of postvoid residual volume. The combination with α-adrenergic antagonists may be another treatment option for LUTS. However, further research is needed to establish efficacy and safety of PDE5i in the treatment of LUTS.