Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combined intracorneal ring segments and iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens for keratoconus refractive and visual improvement.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of keratoconus refractive and visual improvement by combined intracorneal ring segments (ICRS; Intacs/Intacs SK, Addition Technology Inc., Des Moines, IL) and phakic intraocular lens (PIOL; Artisan/Artiflex Toric IOL, Ophtec BV, Groningen, Holland) implantation. METHODS This study comprised patients who had ICRS implantation followed by PIOL implantation 6 or more months later for the correction of keratoconus. Over a 12-month follow-up after PIOL implantation, the main outcome measures were uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA), spherical equivalent refraction, and central endothelial cell density. Efficacy and safety indexes were calculated. RESULTS The study included 21 eyes of 16 patients. The mean UDVA 12 months after ICRS and PIOL implantation increased from 2.0 ± 0 to 0.25 ± 0.22 logMAR (Snellen 20/2000 to 20/35) (P < .001). The mean CDVA increased from 0.31 ± 0.13 to 0.13 ± 0.13 log-MAR (Snellen 20/40 to 20/25) (P = .039). Predictability of refractive results was good, with spherical equivalent refraction within ±0.50 diopter of the attempted correction in 13 eyes (61.9%) and within ±1.00 diopter in 19 eyes (90.5%). Mean central endothelial cell density decreased from 2,513 ± 245 cells/mm(2) preoperatively to 2,312 ± 263 cells/mm(2) (P = .402). The efficacy index was 1.06 and the safety index was 1.40. CONCLUSIONS Keratoconus visual and refractive improvement by the sequential implantation of Intacs ICRS and Artisan/Artiflex Toric IOL is a safe and predictable procedure.
Adaptively asymmetric pattern search for fast block-matching motion estimation

In this paper, we invent a novel fast block-matching algorithm (BMA) for motion estimation (ME), called adaptively asymmetric pattern search (AAPS). Different to the other BMAs, this algorithm uses an asymmetrical search pattern and a predicted vector at the first search step, and dynamically adjusts the size of search pattern to minimize the number of search points. We have already applied AAPS to the process of motion estimation in the MPEG-4 encoding platform, and compared this algorithm with the other BMAs. The experimental result shows that AAPS achieves a 56-65% and 20% improvement in search speed respectively compared to the diamond search algorithm and the adaptive rood pattern search algorithm, and simultaneously maintains a high PSNR.
A Business Strategy Typology for the New Economy: Reconceptualization and Synthesis

Research on the nature of the competitive strategy-performance relationship has focused primarily on traditional, brick and mortar businesses. Although competitive strategy theory is applicable to the new economy, generic strategy typologies do not account for the opportunities and challenges that this economy has presented to strategic managers. This paper reticulates three critical debates in the field--IO/resource-based theory, strategic groups, and combination strategies and performance--into a business strategy framework specifically applied to businesses operating in the digital, knowledge-based economy. Challenges for future research are presented.
The Effect of Benefit Sanctions on the Duration of Unemployment

This paper investigates the effectiveness of benefit sanctions in reducing unemployment duration. Data from the Swiss labor market allow making a distinction between the effect of a warning that a person is not complying with eligibility requirements and the effect of the actual enforcement of a benefit sanction. We find that both warning and enforcement have a positive effect on the exit rate out of unemployment. Moreover, the stricter the sanction policy the shorter is the duration of unemployment of the non-sanctioned. This can be taken as evidence of a strong ex-ante effect of a strict sanction policy.
1-O-Alkylglycerols Improve Boar Sperm Motility and Fertility1

Abstract 1-O-Alkylglycerols are naturally occurring ether lipids with potent biological activities. They may interfere with lipidic signaling, and they amplify platelet-activating factor (PAF) biosynthesis in a monocyte cell line. The PAF is produced by mammalian sperm and is an important activator of sperm motility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of in vitro treatment of boar spermatozoa with natural 1-O-alkylglycerols (10 μM) on 1) boar sperm motility; 2) production of PAF and its metabolite, lyso-PAF, by spermatozoa; and 3) fertility in artificial inseminations of breeding sows. Using a computer-assisted spermatozoa analyzer, we found that 1-O-alkylglycerols increased percentage motility as well as velocity parameters after 24 h. These effects were partially or totally reversed by the PAF receptor-antagonist SR 27417. After [3H]-1-O-alkylglycerol incubation with boar spermatozoa, we identified [3H]lyso-PAF by high-performance liquid chromatography. Production of PAF and lyso-PAF was measured with a biological assay using [3H]serotonin release from rabbit platelets. 1-O-Alkylglycerols significantly increased lyso-PAF production but had no effect on PAF production. The effect of 1-O-alkylglycerols on fertilization was also evaluated in industrial breedings: 1-O-alkylglycerol-treated or untreated semen dilutions were alternately used for artificial inseminations of sows on 12 farms. 1-O-Alkylglycerol treatment increased the number of farrows but had no effect on the mean size of the litters. This study demonstrates that 1-O-alkylglycerol treatment of boar spermatozoa in vitro improves their motility and fertility, and it suggests that this effect is related to PAF metabolism and function in boar spermatozoa.
Experimental Social Fear: Immunological, Hormonal, and Autonomic Concomitants

The aims of the two studies were to investigate the relationship between emotions and immune responses in an experimental setting by inducing social fear and to broaden our understanding of bodily reactions by examining both cardiovascular and hormonal responses.Seventy-nine healthy subjects were confronted with a situation in which relatively strong social fear was induced in the laboratory. Social fear was induced by having to prepare and give an oral presentation in front of an audience. Thirty additional healthy subjects formed a control group; they followed exactly the same procedure, but, instead of the "public speaking situation," they were subjected to a nondemanding task of the same duration. The results indicate that public speaking evoked fear as shown by both elevated feelings of tenseness and negative bodily sensations. Moreover, the data clearly show enhanced cardiovascular activity, elevated plasma hormone levels, and changes in immunological parameters (natural killer cell number and T helper/inducer cells). The control group reported significantly less feelings of tenseness and negative bodily sensations and showed a decrease in cortisol, prolactin, and beta-endorphine levels. Although some variation on immune responses was present, no variation on cardiovascular activity occurred in the control group during the experiment. The results show that there is indeed a relationship between emotion and immune responses. In addition, the data collected on body responses point to a direct mediating effect of sympathetic-adrenal medulla activity and an indirect mediating effect of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis activity.
A comparison of the effects of deep tissue massage and therapeutic massage on chronic low back pain.

INTRODUCTION This study compared the effectiveness of two different kind of massage: therapeutic and deep tissue on chronic low back pain. METHODS The research was made on 26 patient aged from 60 to 75 years who were separated into 2 groups: I [n=13] and II [n=13]. Group I had therapeutic massage [TM] which uses effleurage, petrissage, tapping and friction. Group II had deep tissue massage [DTM] which uses oblique pressure, a combination of lengthening and cross-fiber strokes, anchor and stretch, freeing muscle from entrapment. TM and DTM lasted for 10 days, each 30 min and were made by qualify massage therapist. Both groups did not have other treatment. Outcome measures obtained at baseline and after treatment consisted of Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index [ODI], Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale[QBPD] and Visual Analog Scale [VAS]. RESULTS There was not statistically significant differences between groups according to age and BMI. Statistically significant differences were noted after TM in every test [ODI p=0.010; QBPD p<0.001; VAS p<0.001] and after DTM in every test [ODI p<0.001; QBPD p<0.001; VAS p<0.001]. DTM was statistically significant better therapy than TM in ODI [p=0.038] and VAS [p=0.015]. Further research is needed to verify the results.
Cascades Along the Business Cycle

Abstract In this paper, we incorporate a complex network model into a standard stochastic general equilibrium framework with an active interbank market. On this market banks exchange funds one another giving rise to a complex network of interbanking relations. With the tools of network analysis we are able to study how contagion spreads between banks and what is the probability and size of a cascade of defaults following a single initial episode. These two variables are a key component of systemic risk and are fundamental to assess the stability of the banking system. In extreme situation, the system may experience a phase transition when the consequence of one single initial shock affect the entire population. Finally, we provide simulations to show how the size and probability of a cascade evolve along the business cycle and how they respond to exogenous shocks. We find that monetary policy present a trade off between output and financial stability. Government spending shocks have smaller effects on output, but affect less the cascade probability.
A Retrospective Study on Risk Factors Associated With Failed Endoscopic Treatment of Biliary Anastomotic Stricture After Right-Lobe Living Donor Liver Transplantation With Duct-to-Duct Anastomosis

Objective:This aim of this study is to determine the risk factors in failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). Background:Endoscopic treatment is considered the first-line intervention for biliary anastomotic stricture (BAS) after right-lobe living donor liver transplantation with duct-to-duct anastomosis. Methods:A retrospective study was performed on 287 patients who received right-lobe living donor liver transplantation with duct-to-duct anastomosis. The morphology of BAS was defined according to the shape of the distal side of duct-to-duct anastomosis shown on cholangiogram and was categorized into 3 types: pouched, intermediately pouched, and triangular. All cases of ERC were performed by operating surgeons. Results:Fifty-nine patients (20.6%) had BAS and received ERC and balloon dilatation with or without stenting. The success rate was 73.2%. The median number of sessions needed for successful ERC was 3. In the 15 patients with failed ERC, 4 were successfully treated with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and balloon dilatation and 11 underwent conversion hepaticojejunostomy (6 had external percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage as a temporizing measure). On multivariate analysis, recipient age [odds ratio (OR): 0.922; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85–1.00; P = 0.049], operation time (OR: 1.007; 95% CI: 1.001–1.013; P = 0.025), and morphology of stricture (OR: 6.722; 95% CI: 1.31–34.48; P = 0.022) were independent risk factors associated with failed ERC. The success rates for the 3 types of BAS—pouched, intermediately pouched, and triangular—were 42.9%, 63.6%, and 88.9%, respectively (P = 0.021). Association was found between bile leak and pouched BAS (P = 0.008). Conclusions:ERC is highly effective in treating BAS. A success rate of 73%, the highest ever reported, has been achieved. Morphology of stricture is associated with outcome of ERC. Radiological or surgical intervention should be considered for patients with pouched BAS after endoscopic treatment fails for the first time.
Social Media Use and Children's Wellbeing

Childhood circumstances and behaviours have been shown to have important persistent effects in later life. One aspect of childhood that has changed dramatically in the past decade, and is causing concern among policy makers and other bodies responsible for safeguarding children, is the advent of social media, or online social networking. This research explores the effect of children's digital social networking on their subjective wellbeing. We use a large representative sample of 10-15 year olds over the period 2010 to 2014 from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, and estimate the effect of time spent chatting on social websites on a number of outcomes which reflect how these children feel about different aspects of their life, specifically: school work; appearance; family; friends; school attended; and life as a whole. We deal with the potential endogeneity of social networking via an instrumental variables approach using information on broadband speeds and mobile phone signal strength published by Ofcom. Our results suggest that spending more time on social networks reduces the satisfaction that children feel with all aspects of their lives, except for their friendships; and that girls suffer more adverse effects than boys. As well as addressing policy makers' concerns about the effects of digital technology on children, this work also contributes to wider debates about the socioeconomic consequences of the internet and digital technologies more generally, a debate which to date has largely been based on evidence from outside of the UK.
The feasibility of polychromatic cone-beam x-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) imaging of gold nanoparticle-loaded objects: a Monte Carlo study

A recent study investigated the feasibility to develop a bench-top x-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) system capable of determining the spatial distribution and concentration of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in vivo using a diagnostic energy range polychromatic (i.e. 110 kVp) pencil-beam source. In this follow-up study, we examined the feasibility of a polychromatic cone-beam implementation of XFCT by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations using the MCNP5 code. In the current MC model, cylindrical columns with various sizes (5–10 mm in diameter) containing water loaded with GNPs (0.1–2% gold by weight) were inserted into a 5 cm diameter cylindrical polymethyl methacrylate phantom. The phantom was then irradiated by a lead-filtered 110 kVp x-ray source, and the resulting gold fluorescence and Compton-scattered photons were collected by a series of energy-sensitive tallies after passing through lead parallel-hole collimators. A maximum-likelihood iterative reconstruction algorithm was implemented to reconstruct the image of GNP-loaded objects within the phantom. The effects of attenuation of both the primary beam through the phantom and the gold fluorescence photons en route to the detector were corrected during the image reconstruction. Accurate images of the GNP-containing phantom were successfully reconstructed for three different phantom configurations, with both spatial distribution and relative concentration of GNPs well identified. The pixel intensity of regions containing GNPs was linearly proportional to the gold concentration. The current MC study strongly suggests the possibility of developing a bench-top, polychromatic, cone-beam XFCT system for in vivo imaging.
Natural Product Modulators to Overcome Multidrug Resistance In Cancer

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a condition that makes cells simultaneously unresponsive to different drugs, unrelated to their chemical structure and mechanism of action. MDR caused by the presence and overexpression of ABC transporters makes obstacles in cancer treatment and lower the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Natural products are investigated by many researchers as MDR modulators for their low toxicity and potent, selective behavior. When coadministered, MDR modulators compete with cytotoxic agents for binding to the active site of the membrane transporters and reduce drug efflux. Natural product-based drugs are important in struggling against drug resistance during cancer therapy. This review is focused on the potential mechanisms against drug resistance, the development of inhibitors for ABC drug transporters, natural product modulators, and nanoparticle drug delivery.
The Endosomal Pathway and the Golgi Complex Are Involved in the Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Life Cycle

ABSTRACT Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), a double-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Birnaviridae family, causes immunosuppression in chickens. In this study, we defined the localization of IBDV replication complexes based on colocalization analysis of VP3, the major protein component of IBDV ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). Our results indicate that VP3 localizes to vesicular structures bearing features of early and late endocytic compartments located in the juxtanuclear region. Interfering with the endocytic pathway with a dominant negative version of Rab5 after the internalization step leads to a reduction in virus titer. Triple-immunostaining studies between VP3, the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase VP1, and viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) showed a well-defined colocalization, indicating that the three critical components of the RNPs colocalize in the same structure, likely representing replication complexes. Interestingly, recombinant expressed VP3 also localizes to endosomes. Employing Golgi markers, we found that VP3-containing vesicles were closely associated with this organelle. Depolymerization of microtubules with nocodazole caused a profound change in VP3 localization, showing a punctate distribution scattered throughout the cytoplasm. However, these VP3-positive structures remained associated with Golgi ministacks. Similarly, brefeldin A (BFA) treatment led to a punctate distribution of VP3, scattered throughout the cytoplasm of infected cells. In addition, analysis of intra- and extracellular viral infective particles after BFA treatment of avian cells suggested a role for the Golgi complex in viral assembly. These results constitute the first study elucidating the localization of IBDV replication complexes (i.e., in endocytic compartments) and establishing a role for the Golgi apparatus in the assembly step of a birnavirus.
Distinct Subcellular Localization of Different Sodium Channel &agr; and &bgr; Subunits in Single Ventricular Myocytes From Mouse Heart

Background—Voltage-gated sodium channels composed of pore-forming &agr; and auxiliary &bgr; subunits are responsible for the rising phase of the action potential in cardiac muscle, but their localizations have not yet been clearly defined. Methods and Results—Immunocytochemical studies show that the principal cardiac &agr; subunit isoform Nav1.5 and the &bgr;2 subunit are preferentially localized in intercalated disks, identified by immunostaining of connexin 43, the major protein of cardiac gap junctions. The brain &agr; subunit isoforms Nav1.1, Nav1.3, and Nav1.6 are preferentially localized with &bgr;1 and &bgr;3 subunits in the transverse tubules, identified by immunostaining of &agr;-actinin, a cardiac z-line protein. The &bgr;1 subunit is also present in a small fraction of intercalated disks. The recently cloned &bgr;4 subunit, which closely resembles &bgr;2 in amino acid sequence, is also expressed in ventricular myocytes and is localized in intercalated disks as are &bgr;2 and Nav1.5. Conclusions—Our results suggest that the primary sodium channels present in ventricular myocytes are composed of Nav1.5 plus &bgr;2 and/or &bgr;4 subunits in intercalated disks and Nav1.1, Nav1.3, and Nav1.6 plus &bgr;1 and/or &bgr;3 subunits in the transverse tubules.
Whole blood treated with riboflavin and ultraviolet light: quality assessment of all blood components produced by the buffy coat method

Pathogen inactivation (PI) technologies are currently licensed for use with platelet (PLT) and plasma components. Treatment of whole blood (WB) would be of benefit to the blood banking community by saving time and costs compared to individual component treatment. However, no paired, pool‐and‐split study directly assessing the impact of WB PI on the subsequently produced components has yet been reported.
On Algorithmic Portfolio Optimization for a Momentum Investor - a Stochastic Programming Approach with Moment-Matching Scenario Generation

Momentum strategies based on continuation patterns in equity prices have attracted a wide following among money managers and financial investors attempting to exploit anomalies present in the stock market. In this thesis, we first perform out-of-sample tests of four long-only momentum strategies, one contrarian strategy and one low-volatility investment strategy on US and Norwegian equity samples. We find the momentum and contrarian strategies to yield statistically significant abnormal returns on the Norwegian market only, indicating the US market to be more efficient. The highest average monthly returns are found for the individual stock price momentum strategy, and the highest riskreward performance is yielded by a volatility-scaled momentum strategy. The returns to the strategies are found time-varying and not always positive, suggesting that a momentum investor could benefit from periodically changing strategy or investing in a risk-free instrument. The second part of this thesis studies the problem facing an investor with funds to allocate between investment strategies in the Norwegian market. We build a stochastic portfolio optimization framework with moment-matching scenario generation, and apply it outof-sample on portfolios with momentum and contrarian strategies. We find a significant performance increase in adding a contrarian strategy to a portfolio of momentum strategies. By allowing the investor to allocate wealth portion-wise between these algorithms, we generate higher risk-reward performance than both an equally weighted market index and a buy-and-hold benchmark of the constituent strategies. Finally, by forcing the investor to each month choose between a contrarian and a single momentum strategy, we create investment strategies with superior return performance. In particular, we find a contrarian strategy in combination with an individual stock price momentum strategy, to yield the highest cumulative and average returns among the strategies tested. These findings from stochastic programming suggest that an investor could benefit from periodically changing between contrarian and momentum investing, exploiting both return reversal effects and continuation patterns in equity prices.