Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health-related quality of life in women with symptomatic hand osteoarthritis: a comparison with rheumatoid arthritis patients, healthy controls, and normative data.

OBJECTIVE Data on the burden of disease and impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in hand osteoarthritis (OA) are limited. The goal of this study was to compare HRQOL in patients with hand OA with HRQOL in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), healthy controls, and normative data from the general population. METHODS A total of 190 women with hand OA were compared with 194 women with RA and 144 healthy women of the same age. Health status was measured using the Short Form 36 (SF-36), Short Form 6D (SF-6D), modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (M-HAQ), pain and fatigue visual analog scales, and grip strength. Scores were compared by analysis of variance and a multivariate analysis of covariance, adjusting for age, number of comorbidities, and years of education. Gaps between patients and population subjects were assessed by calculating S scores on all dimensions of the SF-36. RESULTS Hand OA and RA patients had worse scores on all assessed dimensions of subjective health compared with healthy controls. RA patients showed poorest general health (SF-36), poorest physical function (M-HAQ, SF-36 physical, grip strength), and highest level of fatigue compared with hand OA patients. Hand OA patients reported poorer mental health. Mean utility scores (SF-6D) in hand OA and RA were 0.64 and 0.63, respectively, with a mean difference compared with healthy controls of 0.13 in hand OA and 0.14 in RA patients. S scores confirmed a marked disparity between individuals with a rheumatic diagnosis (hand OA, RA) and population subjects. CONCLUSION This study illustrates that patients with hand OA experience a broad impact on HRQOL compared with healthy controls. Fatigue and physical function are worse in RA than hand OA.
John Howard's ‘Values’ and Australian Identity

This article analyses John Howard's arguments on the relationship between ‘values’ and ‘national identity’. Some key arguments were prefigured before he became Prime Minister, when he promised not to politicise national identity. More recent arguments influenced debates over foreign policy, counter terrorism measures, industrial relations policy and the banning of same-sex marriage. In particular, the article explores the relationship between Howard's ‘values’ and Anglo-Celtic identity, social conservatism, the Christian Right and a neo-liberal ‘entrepreneurial culture’. It suggests that Howard is using his emphasis on the relationship between values and national identity to endorse and encourage particular forms of citizen identity (which also have policy and electoral implications). This is despite Howard's earlier critique of Keating for using debates over national identity to engage in social engineering.
Natively unfolded C‐terminal domain of caldesmon remains substantially unstructured after the effective binding to calmodulin

The structure of C‐terminal domain (CaD136, C‐terminal residues 636–771) of chicken gizzard caldesmon has been analyzed by a variety of physico‐chemical methods. We are showing here that CaD136 does not have globular structure, has low secondary structure content, is essentially noncompact, as it follows from high Rg and RS values, and is characterized by the absence of distinct heat absorption peaks, i.e. it belongs to the family of natively unfolded (or intrinsically unstructured) proteins. Surprisingly, effective binding of single calmodulin molecule (Kd = 1.4 ± 0.2 μM) leads only to a very moderate folding of this protein and CaD136 remains substantially unfolded within its tight complex with calmodulin. The biological significance of these observations is discussed. Proteins 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SICKLE CELL INTRAHEPATIC CHOLESTASIS WITH CHOLELITHIASIS

Sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis (SCIC) is a rare complication seen in sickle cell patients who present with sudden onset of RUQ pain, progressive hepatomegaly, mild elevation of transaminases, coagulopathy, and extreme hyperbilirubinemia. Early recognition of this entity is essential to avoid life-threatening complications. Diagnosis can be challenging given the overlap in clinical presentation with other conditions affecting the hepatobiliary biliary system in sickle cell anemia such as hepatitis, cholecystitis, and hepatic crisis. Treatment is currently limited to exchange transfusion. The authors present two patients with SCIC and cholelithiasis; the clinical picture of one is complicated by choledocholithiasis.
The Outsourcing of Manufacturing and the Rise of Giant Global Contractors: A Marxian Approach to Some Recent Transformations of Global Value Chains

This article aims to show that the Marxian ‘law of value’ can provide solid foundations for the comprehension of the constitution and dynamics of Global Value Chains (GVC). It offers an explanation of the social processes of ‘value creation and capture’ within a chain based on the system-wide motion of global capital accumulation. A firm connection is thus established between the particular dynamics internal to each industry and the general dynamics of the ‘system as a whole’, which is, precisely, where the greatest weakness of the GVC approach lies. Furthermore, the usefulness of those general theoretical insights is then shown through a more empirical discussion of recent transformations in the composition and governance structure of GVC resulting from two interrelated processes: the tendency for a growing de-linking between innovation and manufacturing and the rise of highly concentrated global contractors. These phenomena have paradigmatically developed in the electronics industry, giving rise to the formation of the so-called modular or turnkey production networks. The discussion therefore focuses on that particular industrial sector.
Chemception: A Deep Neural Network with Minimal Chemistry Knowledge Matches the Performance of Expert-developed QSAR/QSPR Models

In the last few years, we have seen the transformative impact of deep learning in many applications, particularly in speech recognition and computer vision. Inspired by Google's Inception-ResNet deep convolutional neural network (CNN) for image classification, we have developed "Chemception", a deep CNN for the prediction of chemical properties, using just the images of 2D drawings of molecules. We develop Chemception without providing any additional explicit chemistry knowledge, such as basic concepts like periodicity, or advanced features like molecular descriptors and fingerprints. We then show how Chemception can serve as a general-purpose neural network architecture for predicting toxicity, activity, and solvation properties when trained on a modest database of 600 to 40,000 compounds. When compared to multi-layer perceptron (MLP) deep neural networks trained with ECFP fingerprints, Chemception slightly outperforms in activity and solvation prediction and slightly underperforms in toxicity prediction. Having matched the performance of expert-developed QSAR/QSPR deep learning models, our work demonstrates the plausibility of using deep neural networks to assist in computational chemistry research, where the feature engineering process is performed primarily by a deep learning algorithm.
Pharmacokinetic evaluation and therapeutic activity of bendamustine in B-cell lymphoid malignancies

Introduction: Bendamustine, a cytotoxic agent comprising structural features of both an alkylating drug and a purine nucleoside analog, was approved by the US FDA for treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Additionally, in Europe the drug has been also approved for treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) and in Asia, especially in Japan for refractory/relapsed NHL and mantle cell lymphoma. Areas covered: The authors present the chemical structure, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic properties and clinical application of bendamustine in hematological malignancies. Publications in English related to the above, up to June 2012, have been surveyed in the MEDLINE database. Conference proceedings reports from the last 5 years are also included. Additional relevant publications have been obtained by reviewing the references from the chosen articles. Expert opinion: The availability of bendamustine provides an effective treatment option for patients with lymphoid malignancies. Several recent clinical trials have documented the activity of bendamustine in CLL, NHL and MM, both as a single agent and in combination with other cytotoxic drugs. However, doses, schedules and also the role of bendamustine in treatment of patients with hematological malignancies should be further investigated to establish its real place in the management of these diseases.
Possible Sources of Sick Building Syndrome in a Tennessee Middle School

Abstract Sick Building Syndrome has been reported with increasing frequency during recent years. Buildings that have sustained water damage harbor various molds, some of which may be toxic. Students and staff at Central Middle School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, reported symptoms similar to those associated with Sick Building Syndrome. Upon investigation, investigators noted that a black fungal growth occurred throughout the building on wet cellulose ceiling tiles. Fungal growth of this type is consistent with the genus Stachybotrys. Stachybotrys spores contain macrocyclic trichothecenes, which may cause harm when inhaled or ingested. Bulk sampling of the black mold was initiated, and the samples were cultured in a moist chamber. Testing of the samples confirmed the presence of Stachybotrys spp. , a finding that implies that air sampling procedures should ensue. Professional remediation of this potentially hazardous fungal contaminant is therefore recommended.
Rogue Trader : using a movie to teach a large auditing class

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibility of using a movie to teach auditing students about internal controls. Design/methodology/approach - A ten-point questionnaire and Chi-square test are used to explore self-perceived cognizance of control awareness, design, testing, and application. Findings - A movie dealing with practical internal control issues may be a valuable part of audit instruction techniques. Research limitations/implications - The research is exploratory and non-longitudinal. No effort is made to quantify changes in assessment or post academic work performance. Practical implications - Given the increased relevance of a sound system of internal controls, audit and accounting educators have a practical and moral duty to provide sound instruction on internal control design, testing and application. Using a movie to complement traditional lectures may be useful in this regard. Originality/value - Noting the growing relevance of a sound system of internal controls for organizations, the research explores a means of making lectures on internal controls “come alive” by introducing practical considerations into the audit classroom.
Professional Development Journey Through Action Research: A Case of A Primary School Teacher In An EFL Context

Although action research enables teachers to take responsibility of their own professional development, teachers ascribe the role of researcher only to experts outside the classroom. Drawing on qualitative analysis of a teacher of English’s reflection journal and interviews as well as quantitative analysis of examinations taken by students, this study examines how action research can affect the teacher in terms of content knowledge, teaching practices, and beliefs and attitudes. The results suggest the popularization of action research among teachers by teacher training and development units showing the positive changes in the teacher’s performance leading to improved student learning.
e-Publications@Marquette e-Publications@Marquette

In this paper, we revisit the results from the influential study by Borensztein et al. (Journal of International Economics 45:115–135, 1998), which argues that inward foreign direct investment (FDI) promotes the economic growth in a less developed host country only when the host country obtains a threshold level of secondary schooling. Borensztein et al. (Journal of International Economics 45:115–135, 1998) only focus on the quantity of education. We take into consideration both the quantity and the quality of education. We adjust the original schooling data in Borensztein et al. (Journal of International Economics 45:115– 135, 1998) by two quality of education indices and re-estimate their model. We find that the complementarity between inward FDI and schooling still exists, but the threshold level of schooling in our study is lower than the threshold calculated in Borensztein et al. (Journal of International Economics 45:115–135, 1998). Our results support the importance of education quality and suggest that with improved quality of education, it does not take as much quantity of schooling, as established in Borensztein
Turnover as a Measure of Demand for Existing Homes

Changes in the turnover of existing homes are often equated with changes in housing demand, but it is not clear if, or why, this linkage exists. This paper documents the positive correlation between changes in turnover and changes in housing demand and develops a search model that explain the linkage. One implication of the analysis is that, for high frequency data, turnover is superior to price as an indicator of change in housing demand.
Relationship of serum advanced glycation end products with deterioration of periodontitis in type 2 diabetes patients.

BACKGROUND A close relationship between diabetes and chronic periodontitis has been demonstrated. We previously found that Porphyromonas gingivalis with the type II fimA gene is an infectious factor closely associated with the deterioration seen in diabetic periodontitis patients. In the present study, we examined whether other biomarkers are related to the development and deterioration of periodontitis often seen in type 2 diabetic individuals. METHODS A total of 97 type 2 diabetes patients with and without periodontitis were recruited, and their periodontal and diabetic conditions were analyzed. The ratio (%) of teeth with an attachment loss >5 mm among all teeth in each subject was used as an index of periodontal deterioration. Peripheral blood was tested for levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), C-reactive protein (CRP), and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha and interleukin [IL]-1beta). Subgingival plaque samples were also examined for the occurrences of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythensis, Treponema denticola, and Prevotella intermedia. RESULTS Serum AGEs were significantly associated with deterioration of periodontitis, whereas no other serum biochemical marker or bacterial occurrence showed a clear relationship with that condition. CONCLUSION AGEs may be factors associated with diabetic periodontitis and may be useful as biomarkers that reflect such deterioration.
[The efficacy and safety of rituximab in treatment of Epstein-Barr virus disease post allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of rituximab on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) disease post allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed based on clinical data of 26 patients diagnosed as EBV disease and received rituximab from June 2006 to March 2012 in People's Hospital, Beijing University. Eleven patients were diagnosed as posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) by histopathology and remaining 15 were diagnosed as probable EBV disease. Patients received a rituximab dose of 375 mg/m(2) once a week. Efficacy was evaluated as revised response criteria for non-hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and side effects during infusion were evaluated by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. RESULTS Patients received 78 infusions with a median of 3(1-6) infusions in each. There were no severe side effects during the infusion of rituximab. The 1(st), 2(nd), 3(rd), 4(th), 8(th) week cumulative complete remission (CR) were (11.5 ± 6.3)%, (42.2 ± 10.2)%, (64.4 ± 10.0)%, (74.6 ± 9.4)%, (87.3 ± 7.9)%, respectively. The overall response rate was 84.5%, and the CR rate was 73.1%. The CR rate was higher among patients with single organ involved than those with multiple organs involved (10/10 vs 9/16, P = 0.023). The CR rate was higher in patients with probable EBV disease than those with PTLD (13/15 vs 6/11, P = 0.095), while there was no statistically significant difference. The incidence of one-year and two-year overall survival since onset of rituximab were (55.7 ± 10.2)% and (39.6 ± 12.4)%, respectively. Survival rate was higher among the patients with single organ involved than those with multiple organ involved (8/10 vs 5/16, P = 0.041). Survival rate was higher in patients with probable EBV disease than those with PTLD (11/15 vs 2/11, P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS Rituximab appears to be safe and effective for EBV disease. Due to a potential good response in probable EBV disease, we suggest rituximab should be given based on probable EBV disease; meanwhile the pathological results should get early if possible. Prospective trial is needed to provide evidence so as to define optimal therapy of rituximab.
Bone Status of Women Over 40 Years of Age from Two Socioeconomic Strata

Background. Literature reports examining the association of bone mineral density (BMD) and socioeconomic status suggest of an inconclusive relation. Methods. We studied 58 and 54 women (mean age 49.5 ± 7.2 years) from upper socioeconomic class (USC) and lower socioeconomic class (LSC), respectively, for their BMD at lumber spine and total femur by Lunar DPX-PRO dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Socioeconomic, lifestyle and biochemical data were collected. Results. Percent prevalence of osteoporosis in USC women was 12% and 0% at lumber spine and total femur, respectively, while it was 33% and 11%, respectively, in LSC women. When the mean BMD values were adjusted for the effect of body mass index, protein and calcium intake, physical activity, and sunlight exposure, only the total femoral BMD of USC premenopausal women was significantly greater. Conclusion. Our data suggest that bone health of our LSC women was poor possibly due to the influence of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors.
Capability Deprivation and Life Satisfaction. Evidence from German Panel Data

Abstract This paper explores the link between poverty as capability deprivation and current life satisfaction. Using German panel data, I examine both whether capability deprivation reduces life satisfaction and whether individuals eventually adapt to these adverse conditions. Drawing on the capability approach, the constitutive elements of poverty are capability deprivations, which are located in the functioning space. As yet data on functionings often are lacking. Therefore, I explore the conditions and assumptions under which capability deprivation can be inferred from readily available consumption data. Specifically, to detect capability deprivation I draw on the notion of an inadequate income together with nonconsumption data of pivotal goods. The results indicate capability deprivation to reduce life satisfaction significantly. Moreover, the evidence also suggests that individuals fail to adapt within the subsequent four to six years. Finally, the mere lowness of income fails to capture its inadequacy.
Valuing diversity: A tale of two organizations

Executive Overview Despite expensive court settlements and negative public relations, organizations continue to experience conflict between corporate practices and their increasingly diverse workforces. This article provides a qualitative in-depth analysis of two organizations in different stages of managing their diversity. Through diversity policies designed to increase firm competitiveness, one organization created a more inclusionary culture. Interviews with human resource professionals, reviews of company archives, and personal observation highlight the differences between that organization's fundamental cultural change and the other's superficial diversity commitment.
9 Sagittarii: uncovering an O-type spectroscopic binary with an 8.6 year period

Context. The O-type object 9 Sgr is a well-known synchrotron radio emitter. This feature is usually attributed to colliding-wind binary systems, but 9 Sgr was long considered a single star. Aims. We have conducted a long-term spectroscopic monitoring of this star to investigate its multiplicity and search for evidence for wind-wind interactions. Methods. Radial velocities are determined and analysed using various period search methods. Spectral disentangling is applied to separate the spectra of the components of the binary system. Results. We derive the first ever orbital solution of 9 Sgr. The system is found to consist of an O3.5 V((f + )) primary and an O5-5.5 V((f)) secondary moving around each other on a highly eccentric (e = 0.7), 8.6 year orbit. The spectra reveal no variable emission lines that could be formed in the wind interaction zone in agreement with the expected properties of the interaction in such aw ide system. Conclusions. Our results provide further support to the paradigm of synchrotron radio emission from early-type stars being a manifestation of interacting winds in a binary system.
RNA Virus Population Diversity, an Optimum for Maximal Fitness and Virulence*

Background: Viral RNA polymerase nucleotide incorporation fidelity contributes to pathogenesis. Results: A poliovirus mutator strain and its polymerase have been characterized. Conclusion: Pathogenesis requires optimal polymerase fidelity; not all mutations in a viral genome are linked to polymerase fidelity. Significance: Mutator and antimutator phenotypes can be harnessed for the development of viral prophylaxis and antiviral therapies. The ability of an RNA virus to exist as a population of genetically distinct variants permits the virus to overcome events during infections that would otherwise limit virus multiplication or drive the population to extinction. Viral genetic diversity is created by the ribonucleotide misincorporation frequency of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). We have identified a poliovirus (PV) RdRp derivative (H273R) possessing a mutator phenotype. GMP misincorporation efficiency for H273R RdRp in vitro was increased by 2–3-fold that manifested in a 2–3-fold increase in the diversity of the H273R PV population in cells. Circular sequencing analysis indicated that some mutations were RdRp-independent. Consistent with the population genetics theory, H273R PV was driven to extinction more easily than WT in cell culture. Furthermore, we observed a substantial reduction in H273R PV virulence, measured as the ability to cause paralysis in the cPVR mouse model. Reduced virulence correlated with the inability of H273R PV to sustain replication in tissues/organs in which WT persists. Despite the attenuated phenotype, H273R PV was capable of replicating in mice to levels sufficient to induce a protective immune response, even when the infecting dose used was insufficient to elicit any visual signs of infection. We conclude that optimal RdRp fidelity is a virulence determinant that can be targeted for viral attenuation or antiviral therapies, and we suggest that the RdRp may not be the only source of mutations in a RNA virus genome.