Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Different Dry Binders for Roll Compaction/Dry Granulation

The suitability of different dry binders for roll compaction/ dry granulation was evaluated. Two copovidones and two crospovidones of different particle size beside three celluloses well suited for roll compaction/ dry granulation were included in the study. To classify the binders, they were compared in a binary mixture of binder and dicalciumphosphate and another formulation including a drug. Tensile strength and dissolution properties of tablets compressed from powders or granules were the focus of this study. Tablets containing the small copovidone and the small crospovidone showed the best binder properties in terms of large granule size, low fine particle fraction, and high tensile strength values. Dissolution behavior revealed a significant difference between these two binders. The dissolution of tablets containing small copovidone was significantly slower than the tablets compressed with the small crospovidone. The two copovidones showed comparable dissolution behavior, although tensile strength was higher for the type with small particles. In general, the small crospovidone was most appropriate for uncoated tablets, because it combines superior dry binding properties with fast disintegration and dissolution.
Structural analysis of Tn5.

Nucleotide sequences have been determined for the 1.5-kb inverted repeats of Tn5 and for their junctions with the central unique region and with host DNA. The primary findings stemming from this analysis are: 1. Integration of Tn5 is accompanied by the duplication of 9 bp of host DNA. 2. Loss of Tn5 occurs by crossover between short, homologous nucleotide sequences near the junction between Tn5 and host DNA. 3. The IR sequences contain long, open translational reading frames that may code for transposase proteins. 4. The two IR sequences differ by a single-base change. This alteration accounts for the two functional differences observed between IRL and IRR: It shortens the reading frame for the transposase gene in IRL, and it improves the efficiency of a promoter for the nearby Km-resistance gene. 5. The NH2 terminus of the structural gene for the Km-resistance gene maps at the very left border of the unique region, i.e., very close to the end of IRL. These results support the view that the inverted repeats of Tn5 stem from two identical copies of an originally independently moving DNA element. In the transposon, one of these, IRL, seems to have evolved toward a close physical and functional linkage with the antibiotic-resistance gene.
Circulating ghrelin levels in obese women: a possible association with hypertension

Objective. The orexigenic hormone ghrelin induces weight gain by stimulating food intake. Ghrelin has been shown to modulate sympathetic activity, to exert vasodilative effects and to counterreact with leptin on both food intake and blood pressure. Of these two hormones, ghrelin levels are decreased in obesity, whereas leptin levels are increased. In this cross‐sectional study, differences in serum ghrelin and leptin levels were examined in normotensive and hypertensive obese women. Material and methods. Sixty‐one normotensive and hypertensive women were classified according to the body mass indices as follows: (a) 18 healthy subjects with BMI 21.5–27.5 kg/m2; (b) 22 normotensive subjects with BMI 30–47 kg/m2; (c) 21 hypertensive obese subjects (BMI 30–48 kg/m2) with systolic blood pressure ⩾140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ⩾90 mmHg. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences and blood pressure were recorded. The levels of ghrelin and leptin were determined in sera using the commercial ELISA kits. Results. In normotensive obese subjects, ghrelin levels were significantly lower than in controls (0.21±0.13 vs 0.60±0.3 ng/mL), whereas hypertensive obese women had elevated ghrelin levels (0.64±0.36 ng/mL). Ghrelin concentration was decreased despite the presence of hypertension in the patients who had BMIs above 35 kg/m2. Leptin levels were significantly higher in both normotensive and hypertensive obese groups (19.54±11.19 and 21.61±12.7 ng/mL, respectively) than in controls (7.61±3.3 ng/mL), and were not affected by the presence of hypertension in obese subjects. Conclusion. Ghrelin was positively associated with hypertension in obese women and this association was inversely influenced by the increase of BMI.
Porphyria cutanea tarda in the Basque Country: significance of HFE gene mutations and of external factors

ment. Hematol Oncol 2006; 24: 56–63. 6. Regina S, Herault O, D’Alteroche L, Binet C, Gruel Y. JAK2 V617F is specifically associated with idiopathic splanchnic vein thrombosis. J Thromb Haemost 2007; 5: 859–61. 7. Tefferi A. Novel mutations and their functional and clinical relevance in myeloproliferative neoplasms: JAK2, MPL, TET2, ASXL1, CBL, IDH and IKZF1. Leukemia 2010; 24: 1128–38. 8. Bergamaschi GM, Primignani M, Barosi G, et al. MPL and JAK2 exon 12 mutations in patients with the BuddChiari syndrome or extrahepatic portal vein obstruction. Blood 2008; 111: 4418.
Unbalanced magnetic force mitigation in 3-slot/2-pole permanent magnet machine by inserting auxiliary slots

High speed machines have received much attention recently. However, unbalanced magnetic force (UMF) may occur in some slot/pole number combinations even there is no rotor eccentricity, which can cause high vibration and noise. In order to reduce the rated on-load UMF, three 3-slot/2-pole permanent magnet (PM) machines with different auxiliary slots are investigated and compared in this paper. In the first two machines, namely Machine 1 and Machine 2, the auxiliary slots are inserted in the middle of stator teeth, while their sizes are optimized under different working conditions, i.e. no-load and rated on-load conditions. In contrast, both position and size of auxiliary slots are optimized under rated on-load condition in the third machine, viz. Machine 3. Comparing with the conventional prototype machine, the maximum rated on-load UMFs are reduced by 6.3%, 50.7% and 96.6%, and the rated output torques are decreased by 0.7%, 11.5% and 4% in these three machines, respectively. In addition, the other electromagnetic performance, such as flux linkage, back EMF, cogging torque, rated output torque and torque ripple are compared. The influence of working conditions is investigated as well.
Managing Security Service Providers: Issues in Outsourcing Security

The issue of trust and risk in outsourced relationships was extended beyond traditional outsourcing models with the introduction of Application Service Providers (ASPs). As ASPs evolve, Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) have emerged as external providers of security for firms facing increasing information assurance threats. This research-in-progress paper develops a conceptual model of MSSP adoption; it investigates variables that affect the adoption and management of the relationship (trust, risk, reputation and relationships with vendors).
SOLID STATE TESLA COIL

Some years ago I developed an interest in Tesla coils. I was teaching a senior elective course at Kansas State University where we talked about power MOSFETs and topics related to high voltages and currents. I decided to use a Tesla coil as a class project. We would talk about design aspects, then design, build, and test a coil. The best description of the results of that plan was fiasco, or maybe disaster. We had some sparks, but none where they belonged. That was one of the most humiliating experiences of my career.
Okun's Law and Long Term Co-Integration Analysis for OECD Countries (1987-2012)

Even though, there are so many so long discussions on the relation between population increase and economic growth, today, general opinion tends to believe that there is a direct relation between population increase and economic growth. This opinion is supported by some empirical studies. Despite an economical growth caused by directly with population growth, it is known that there is a reverse relation between unemployment and growth known as Okun’s Law. This relation, suggesting that every 1 point decrease in unemployment induces a 3 point increase in growth, is tested for many countries. In this study, this hypothesis of Okun is examined and it is found to be true for selected 23 countries, even with the difference in coefficients. At the same time, long term relation between growth and unemployment is tested with the use of time series analysis and long term relation is found for 14 countries. Additionally, tests done for all 34 OECD countries showed that reversed relation between unemployment and growth is valid and they are co-integrated in long run. In this study, countries are categorized according to growth rate as “low”, “normal” and “high” and a consistent unemployment rate for countries with high growth rate could not be seen. In the case of countries with lowest growth rate, generalization that they have quite high unemployment rate can be made.
The effectiveness of a functional training programme for patients with chronic low back pain – a pilot study

Introduction. To investigate the effect of an individualised functional training programme for patients with low back pain (LBP). Methods. A randomised, controlled trial with single-blind design was conducted. Patients with non-specific LBP for at least 3 months were recruited and randomised into training and control groups. Both groups maintained their current treatment, and the training group participated in an additional programme for 100 h. Measures were performed initially and after completing the programme, and included rating determining impairment associated with pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI) and functional capacity evaluation (FCE). Results. Thirteen in the training group completed the training and measurements, and 12 in the control group completed their measurements. Twelve items in FCE had significant improvement in training group, but only one in control group. Severity of pain (11.8 ± 3.6–5.6 ± 3.6), activity limitation from pain (3.2 ± 1.5–1.5 ± 1.1) and emotional disturbance by pain (4.3 ± 1.7–2.2 ± 1.4) significantly decreased in the training group, no significant change in the control group. The ODI demonstrated a significant reduction (p = 0.044) in the training group (22 ± 9–16 ± 9), but not in the control group. Conclusion. An individualised functional training programme benefits chronic LBP patients.
Treatment of Severe Intermittent Claudication with PGE1 A Short-Term vs a Long-Term Infusion Plan A 20-Week, European Randomized Trial Analysis of Efficacy and Costs

The efficacy, safety, and cost of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in the treatment of severe inter mittent claudication was studied by comparing a long-term treatment protocol (LTP) with a short-term treatment protocol (STP) in a randomized 20-week study. The study included 109 patients (96 completed the study) with an average total walking distance of 65.5 ±8 m (range 20-109). Phase 1 was a 2-week run-in phase (no treatment) for both protocols. In LTP, phase 2 was the main treatment phase. In the LTP, treatment was performed with 2-hour infusions (60 μg PGE1, 5 days each week for 4 weeks). In phase 3 (4-week interval period) PGE 1 was administered twice a week (same dosage). In phase 4 (monitoring lasting 3 months, from week 9 to 20) no drugs were used. In STP, phase 2 treatment was performed in 2 days by a 2-hour infusion (1st day: morning 20 μg, afternoon 40 μg; 2nd day morning and afternoon 60 μg). The reduced dosage was used only at the first cycle (week 0) to evaluate reduced tolerability or side effects. Full dosage (60 μg bid) was used for all other cycles. The same cycle was repeated at the beginning of weeks 4, 8, and 12. The observation period was between weeks 12 and 20. A treadmill test was performed at inclusion, at the beginning of each phase, and at the end of the 20th week. A similar progressive physical training plan (based on walking) and a reduction in risk factors levels plan was used in both groups. Intention-to-treat analysis indicated an increase in walking distance, which improved at 4 weeks (101.5% in STP vs 78.3% in LTP), at 8 weeks (260.9% STP vs 107.3% LTP), and at 20 weeks (351% STP vs 242% LTP). Comparable increases in pain-free walking distance were observed in the two groups. No serious drug-related side effects were observed. Local, mild adverse reactions were seen in 7% of the treated subjects in the LTP and 5% in the STP. Average cost of LTP was ~6,588 ECU; for STP the average cost was ~1,881 ECU. The cost to achieve an improvement in walking distance of 1 m was 35.6 ECU with the LTP and 9.45 ECU with the STP (26% of the LTP cost; p<0.02). For an average 100% increase in walking distance the LTP cost was 1,937 ECU vs 550 ECU with STP (p<0.02). The cost of PGE 1 (including infusion and operative costs) was 25% of the total cost for LTP (24.9% for STP). In summary, between-group-analysis favors STP, in terms of walking distance and costs. Results indicate good efficacy and tolerability of PGE1 treatment. With STP less time is spent in infusion and more can be spent in the exercise program. STP reduces costs, speeds up rehabilitation, and may be used in a larger number of nonspecialized units available to follow the protocol.
A 90nm gain enhanced modified cascode OTA structure with positive feedback

The ever-increasing hunt for low power circuits keeping large operational bandwidth has led the design community to opt for Current Mode Techniques for Analog Circuit applications. This article deals with a high speed, high gain Operational Transconductance Amplifier (OTA) using positive feedback concept. The proposed OTA is designed and simulatedusing 90nm CMOS process at a power supply of 1 Volt with 0.5fF load in Cadence virtuoso platform. The simulation measures a gain enhancement from 24dB to 63.3dB gain while uplifting the Unity Gain Frequency (UGF) from 8.33 GHz to 11.12GHz. The circuit also reads a power of as small as 11.39 μW to outsmart the existing designs.
Effects of nutrition and soil water availability on water use in a Norway spruce stand.

We investigated effects of nutrition and soil water availability on sap flux density, transpiration per unit leaf area (EL), and canopy stomatal conductance (GS) of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. (Karst.)) in northern Sweden during the 1996 growing season. Our objectives were to determine (1) if artificially imposed drought (65% rain diversion) reduces soil water sufficiently to cause physiological limitations to whole-tree and plot-scale water transport, and (2) whether increased capacity for water transport resulting from fertilization-induced increases in leaf (> 3-fold) and sapwood areas (> 2.3-fold) deplete soil water sufficiently to cause a negative feedback on GS and EL. We monitored soil water content (theta) and soil water potential (PsiS) in control (C), drought (D), fertilized (F) and irrigated + fertilized (IL) treatment plots, along with site meteorological conditions. Ten trees per plot were monitored for sap flow. Although there were significant treatment differences in mean daily EL (C > D > F; P < 0.01) and GS (C > D > F; P < 0.05), variation in absolute magnitudes was small. Therefore, transpiration differences on a unit ground area basis (EC) were nearly proportional to leaf area differences. Precipitation was well distributed throughout the study period and so PsiS remained high, except during short dry periods in Plot F when it declined rapidly. Thus, although soil water was not limiting to GS, EL or EC when precipitation was uniformly distributed throughout the growing season, we cannot conclude that water availability would not limit GS in fertilized stands if the seasonal distribution of precipitation were altered.
Phylogenetic Evidence for Rapid Rates of Molecular Evolution in the Single-Stranded DNA Begomovirus Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus

ABSTRACT Geminiviruses are devastating viruses of plants that possess single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) DNA genomes. Despite the importance of this class of phytopathogen, there have been no estimates of the rate of nucleotide substitution in the geminiviruses. We report here the evolutionary rate of the tomato yellow leaf curl disease-causing viruses, an intensively studied group of monopartite begomoviruses. Sequences from GenBank, isolated from diseased plants between 1988 and 2006, were analyzed using Bayesian coalescent methods. The mean genomic substitution rate was estimated to be 2.88 × 10−4 nucleotide substitutions per site per year (subs/site/year), although this rate could be confounded by frequent recombination within Tomato yellow leaf curl virus genomes. A recombinant-free data set comprising the coat protein (V1) gene in isolation yielded a similar mean rate (4.63 × 10−4 subs/site/year), validating the order of magnitude of genomic substitution rate for protein-coding regions. The intergenic region, which is known to be more variable, was found to evolve even more rapidly, with a mean substitution rate of ∼1.56 × 10−3 subs/site/year. Notably, these substitution rates, the first reported for a plant DNA virus, are in line with those estimated previously for mammalian ssDNA viruses and RNA viruses. Our results therefore suggest that the high evolutionary rate of the geminiviruses is not primarily due to frequent recombination and may explain their ability to emerge in novel hosts.
Joint efficiency and performance enhancement of multiband OFDM ultra-wideband (WiMedia) systems by application of LDPC codes

This paper describes modifications of the WiMedia PHY which significantly increase its performance. By application of Shannon-limit approaching LDPC codes we yield a performance gain of about 4 dB at the reference bit error rate of 10-5. The simulation results are based on a realistic channel model for indoor UWB WPAN environments. Furthermore, our proposal leads to a convenient and expedient PHY and increases the system efficiency.
Biogas from animal manure - perspectives and barriers in Bulgaria.

This paper aims to review the perspectives and barriers before production of biogas from animal manure in Bulgaria. The share of methane emissions from the agricultural sector in Bulgaria occupies 18 % and stored animal manure is its biggest source. The use of animal manure for production of biogas could reduce these emissions. Biogas market in Bulgaria is not well developed yet, but the potential of biomass for biogas production is promising. Residues and waste from animal production as well as crop residues are important renewable energy sources for Bulgaria as raw materials for biogas production. Animal manure availability from cattleand pigand poultry farms in Bulgaria are presented. The content of N, P and K in the manure is discussed in view of further use of the residues of biogas production as soil nutrients. Advantages and barriers to biogas production in Bulgaria are discussed. Presented data reveal a promising resource for biogas production by anaerobic digestion. The total energy of methane from pig manure is estimated to the value 6703 PJ. Review Article Annual Research & Review in Biology, 4(5): 709-719, 2014 710 Additionally about 25188 PJ from cattle manure are available, and from poultry roughly other 3684 PJ. The comparison of needs of N, P and K for soil fertilization with the quantities of these elements, available from animal manure allows concluding that the biomass residues from biogas production could play considerable role in soil fertilization. To fasten and enlarge the introduction of anaerobic digestion of manure it is necessary to formulate as mandatory requirement in applying for subsidy: every farmer should build concrete platforms for storage of fresh manure (from pigs) and lagoons (though open). It assures also the ecological advantage to prevent nitrogen contamination of soil, and groundwater.
Relationship between tumor gene expression and recurrence in four independent studies of patients with stage II/III colon cancer treated with surgery alone or surgery plus adjuvant fluorouracil plus leucovorin.

PURPOSE These studies were conducted to determine the relationship between quantitative tumor gene expression and risk of cancer recurrence in patients with stage II or III colon cancer treated with surgery alone or surgery plus fluorouracil (FU) and leucovorin (LV) to develop multigene algorithms to quantify the risk of recurrence as well as the likelihood of differential treatment benefit of FU/LV adjuvant chemotherapy for individual patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) on RNA extracted from fixed, paraffin-embedded (FPE) tumor blocks from patients with stage II or III colon cancer who were treated with surgery alone (n = 270 from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project [NSABP] C-01/C-02 and n = 765 from Cleveland Clinic [CC]) or surgery plus FU/LV (n = 308 from NSABP C-04 and n = 508 from NSABP C-06). Overall, 761 candidate genes were studied in C-01/C-02 and C-04, and a subset of 375 genes was studied in CC/C-06. RESULTS A combined analysis of the four studies identified 48 genes significantly associated with risk of recurrence and 66 genes significantly associated with FU/LV benefit (with four genes in common). Seven recurrence-risk genes, six FU/LV-benefit genes, and five reference genes were selected, and algorithms were developed to identify groups of patients with low, intermediate, and high likelihood of recurrence and benefit from FU/LV. CONCLUSION RT-qPCR of FPE colon cancer tissue applied to four large independent populations has been used to develop multigene algorithms for estimating recurrence risk and benefit from FU/LV. These algorithms are being independently validated, and their clinical utility is being evaluated in the Quick and Simple and Reliable (QUASAR) study.
Cost-Effectiveness of Preimmunization Hepatitis B Screening in High-Risk Adolescents

Objective. The goals of this study were to estimate seroprevalence of prior hepatitis B infection among high-risk adolescents and to determine the cost-effectiveness of prevaccination immunity screening. Methods. The authors computed a “break-even” seroprevalence level calculated from current vaccine and administration costs. They then conducted a seroprevalence study of hepatitis B core antibody using sera previously submitted for syphilis serology from four-hundred adolescent and adult clients of sexually transmitted disease clinics. Finally, the authors compared age group-specific seroprevalence rates to the computed break-even seroprevalence. Results. Levels of prior hepatitis B infection for all age groups were lower than the break-even seroprevalence standard from which cost-effectiveness was calculated. Conclusions. From the findings of this study, the authors concluded that routine preimmunization screening for prior hepatitis B infection would not be cost-effective for this population.