Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predicting outcomes to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in diabetic macular oedema: a review of the literature

Diabetic macular oedema affects visual acuity to a varying degree. The current treatment of choice is intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that has proven both its anatomical and visual efficacy in several large randomised clinical trials (RCTs). Although most patients respond well to anti-VEGF agents, some, however, show a moderate or even poor response. There is no clear consensus as to how to manage these patients, or define them. In addition, identifying early in the course of treatment which patients will respond and which patients will not is paramount to any personalised treatment regimen. Most large RCTs such as RESTORE and Protocol I have attempted post hoc analyses to identify demographic, clinical, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography findings that might predict patient response. Although some factors were found to be predictive, the lack of uniformity between the different RCTs means that no consensus exists as to which of these factors can be reliably used. This review looks at the large diabetic macular oedema RCTs such as RESTORE, Protocol I, READ-2 and BOLT in an attempt to identify common prognostic indicators between the various studies. We also attempted to look at several other OCT parameters such as the inner segment-outer segment (IS-OS) layer, the external limiting membrane layer, and choroidal thickness to help determine whether they can truly predict visual outcomes in patients being treated with anti-VEGF therapy. Finally, we provide a simplified summary about which factors might be relevant in clinical practice to help guide physicians in treatment decisions.
THE EPIDERMAL PROLIFERATIVE UNIT: THE POSSIBLE ROLE OF THE CENTRAL BASAL CELL

A model is suggested for the organization of the epidermis based on the ordered structure of the differentiating layers, as demonstrated by published work. This ordered structure enables one to look through the epidermis at the basal cell nuclei and to see their arrangement beneath the differentiating column of cells. In dorsal skin from male DBA‐2 mice there are 10.6 basal nuclei beneath a column of cells. The central nucleus of the group responds slightly earlier and more effectively than the rest to stimulation, is cycling more slowly than the majority of the basal nuclei and may spend significant periods of time out of cycle.
SELECTION OF SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS USING THE RESTRICTIONS METHOD AND A MULTIPLE CRITERIA ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS TECHNIQUE

This paper presents a procedure to support investors’ decision-making process to select a portfolio that meets their economic and corporate social responsibility (CSR) expectations. Profitability and risk criteria were considered as economic measures, which, when addressed using the restrictions method, provide a series of efficient portfolios that were used as alternatives to apply the multiple criteria analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique. This technique makes it possible to select the portfolio that meets criteria related to corporate governance, employee relations, the environment, and community relations as CSR measures. The procedure was applied to select investment portfolios from the Colombian stock market. The study found that the portfolio that best met the CSR criteria proposed in this paper was also the one with minimum risk.
Adolescents' perceptions of oral health and influencing factors: a qualitative study

Accounts of self-perceptions of oral health have hitherto been rare, although they are of great interest for strategies in health promotion. The objective of this study was to increase our knowledge of adolescents' perceptions of oral health and influencing factors. Semi-structured interviews of 17 Swedish adolescents were performed. Criteria for strategic sampling were age (15, 18 years), gender (male, female), and dental health (healthy, unhealthy). Data were analyzed according to the constant comparative method. Areas of focus were general oral health, personal oral health, dental care, and life-style issues. Oral health awareness was generally low among the informants. Two categories of oral health were identified: action (the physical things we do to effect the condition of our mouths) and condition (the physical status of the mouth). Conditional aspects were most frequent in evaluations of personal oral health. The informants considered their possibilities to influence oral health limited. Perceptions of influences on oral health were related to personal and professional care, social support and impact, and external factors. 'Concern for oral health' was derived as the core category in perceived influence on oral health. The study indicates that it is important to find factors that enhance adolescents' awareness of their own resources and to seek mechanisms that govern internalization. There is a need to find strategies to convey such knowledge to the intermediaries: dental personnel and parents.
Age and attempted suicide

Clinical and demographic factors associated with suicide attempts admitted to the West Midlands Poisons Unit over a 2‐year period were compared by age group. Risk factors for future suicide (living alone, physical illness, psychiatric illness and high suicidal intent in the attempt) were significantly more common among elderly patients (65 years and over) than middle‐aged patients (35‐64 years) and significantly less common among young patients (under 35 years) than middle‐aged patients. Elderly patients that attempted suicide resemble elderly patients that completed suicide and should be considered at high risk of future suicide.
Silybin and dehydrosilybin decrease glucose uptake by inhibiting GLUT proteins

Silybin, the major flavonoid of Silybum marianum, is widely used to treat liver diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis‐associated insulin resistance. Research so far has focused on its anti‐oxidant properties. Here, we demonstrate that silybin and its derivative dehydrosilybin inhibit glucose uptake in several model systems. Both flavonoids dose‐dependently reduce basal and insulin‐dependent glucose uptake of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, with dehydrosilybin showing significantly stronger inhibition. However, insulin signaling was not impaired, and immunofluorescence and subcellular fractionation showed that insulin‐induced translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane is also unchanged. Likewise, hexokinase activity was not affected suggesting that silybin and dehydrosilybin interfere directly with glucose transport across the PM. Expression of GLUT4 in CHO cells counteracted the inhibition of glucose uptake by both flavonoids. Moreover, treatment of CHO cells with silybin and dehydrosilybin reduced cell viability which was partially rescued by GLUT4 expression. Kinetic analysis revealed that silybin and dehydrosilybin inhibit GLUT4‐mediated glucose transport in a competitive manner with Ki = 60 and 116 µM, respectively. We conclude that silybin and dehydrosilybin inhibit cellular glucose uptake by directly interacting with GLUT transporters. Glucose starvation offers a novel explanation for the anti‐cancer effects of silybin. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 849–859, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The concept of audit materiality and attitudes towards materiality threshold disclosure among Maltese audit practitioners

Materiality permeates the audit process and is a term often used to describe the scope of the auditor’s responsibility to the general public. This paper attempts to evaluate the Maltese auditing profession’s perceptions and use of the concept of materiality in the performance of an audit as well as attitudes towards disclosure of materiality thresholds. Results from personal in-depth interviews with twenty-four practitioners show that although considerable importance is attached to qualitative aspects of materiality, professional judgment is applied to establish quantitative materiality thresholds. Practitioners in Malta do not seem to treat materiality uniformly, with various materiality thresholds applied in practice. Nevertheless, prescriptive guidelines are not advisable. The proposal of disclosing materiality thresholds to reduce the omnipresent expectations gap was strongly rejected. It is the authors’ view that such disclosures, need to be adequately regulated and users would need a proper understanding of materiality and audit methodologies.
Effects of gamma radiation on fungi infected rice (in vitro)

Abstract Purpose: This work focuses on the effect of gamma radiation on seed born fungi (in vitro) on Oryza sativa (Swarna, Initial Evaluation Trial-5656). Materials and methods: The responses of fungi to gamma radiation (0–4.2 kGy; 0.12 kGy/h) were studied in individual cultures of major seed-borne fungi including Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Trichoderma viride and Curvularia geniculata. Results: The inactivation of individual fungal-viability was noted between 1.0–2.0 kGy for A. alternata and A. flavus and 0.5–1.0 kGy for T. viride and C. geniculata. Complete inhibition was observed at <2.5 kGy. Formations of multiple germ tubes were noted in A. alternata and A. flavus at 2 kGy and 2.5 kGy, respectively. A. flavus required a higher dose to reduce viability to 10% (D10) value in comparison to other selected fungi. Conclusions: Different fungi exhibited different radiosensitivity. The dose range of 2–2.5 kGy was effective in killing all selected fungi. The fungi showing a higher D10 value exhibited multiple germ tubes.
Monochorionic diamniotic twins: complications and management options

Purpose of review Monochorionic compared with dichorionic twins have disproportionately high fetal loss rates, perinatal mortality and morbidity. This is because of the unpredictable vascular anastomoses and the often asymmetrical distribution of the single placenta between both twins. Recent findings The pathophysiology of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is usually explained on an angioarchitectural basis, although certain hemodynamic and hormonal factors also may be involved. The results of the large randomized trials on amnioreduction, fetoscopic laser coagulation and septostomy are still awaited. An update is given on hardware and instruments required for fetoscopic laser. Subsequently, the problem of the monochorionic twin set with severe early discordant growth is addressed. Several etiological mechanisms have been proposed, but little is known of its natural history. Also, umbilical artery Doppler waveforms may not have the same predictive value as in singletons. Prophylactic laser coagulation of the vascular anastomoses to protect against the adverse effects of single intrauterine demise, has so far not been shown to confer any benefit in outcome. Finally, pathophysiology and management of discordant structural and chromosomal anomalies in monochorionic twins are discussed. Laser and monopolar coagulation, which can be introduced through a needle, may be used for selective feticide in early pregnancy or low hemodynamic conditions. Bipolar coagulation seems more effective at later gestational ages and normal hemodynamic conditions. Summary Our insight into the complications associated with monochorionic twins has increased in recent years. It is hoped that this will lead to better surveillance and ultimately an improved outcome for these high-risk pregnancies.
Incorporating enterprise strategic plans into enterprise architecture

In the last years, information technology (IT) executives have identified IT-business strategic alignment as a top management concern. In the information technology area, emphasis has been given to the Enterprise Architecture (EA) discipline with respect to enterprise management. The focus of the discipline has been on the operational components of the enterprise, undermining its strategic aspects. As a consequence, the incorporation of strategic level concerns and strategic plans in the EA discipline is still incipient. To incorporate strategic plans into the EA discipline, several challenges need to be addressed, from the representation of strategy in enterprise architectures to the relation between a particular strategy and the whole EA, including its operational level. An additional challenge lies in identifying a precise conceptualization for strategic management elements in EA. This thesis aims to incorporate enterprise strategic plans into the enterprise architecture discipline, thereby enabling the expression of strategic plans, as well as the expression of their relations to the operational aspects of an enterprise architecture. We hypothesize that using the notion of capabilities and resources from management theories, it is possible to incorporate enterprise strategic plans into the enterprise architecture discipline. Recent developments have identified capabilities as a plausible solution to link business and IT, to link business outcomes to IT, and to improve the business and IT alignment. In this setting, resources and capabilities serve as abstractions of enterprise architecture behavioral and structural elements, and are key to relate strategic level and operational level concerns. We have built a theoretical foundation for using capabilities and resources, from management, in the enterprise architecture discipline. We employ a comprehensive foundational ontology that incorporates concepts to deal with plans, objects, relations, roles, events and dispositions, as well as social and intentional concepts. We also explored and precisely defined a semantic foundation to express strategic plans in EA. We use these to express strategic-level concerns, including strategic plans, and to relate them to enterprise architecture. The theoretical foundation has been used to revise the ArchiMate language metamodel, extending it in order to enable the representation of concepts related to strategic plans, capabilities and resources in EA. In order to validate our proposal, we have performed four case studies.
Ray: A Distributed Framework for Emerging AI Applications

The next generation of AI applications will continuously interact with the environment and learn from these interactions. These applications impose new and demanding systems requirements, both in terms of performance and flexibility. In this paper, we consider these requirements and present Ray---a distributed system to address them. Ray implements a dynamic task graph computation model that supports both the task-parallel and the actor programming models. To meet the performance requirements of AI applications, we propose an architecture that logically centralizes the system's control state using a sharded storage system and a novel bottom-up distributed scheduler. In our experiments, we demonstrate sub-millisecond remote task latencies and linear throughput scaling beyond 1.8 million tasks per second. We empirically validate that Ray speeds up challenging benchmarks and serves as both a natural and performant fit for an emerging class of reinforcement learning applications and algorithms.
Ischemic preconditioning improves mitochondrial tolerance to experimental calcium overload.

BACKGROUND Ca(2+) overload leads to mitochondrial uncoupling, decreased ATP synthesis, and myocardial dysfunction. Pharmacologically opening of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels decreases mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake, improving mitochondrial function during Ca(2+) overload. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC), by activating mitochondrial K(ATP) channels, may attenuate mitochondrial Ca(2+) overload and improve mitochondrial function during reperfusion. The purpose of these experiments was to study the effect of IPC (1) on mitochondrial function and (2) on mitochondrial tolerance to experimental Ca(2+) overload. METHODS Rat hearts (n = 6/group) were subjected to (a) 30 min of equilibration, 25 min of ischemia, and 30 min of reperfusion (Control) or (b) two 5-min episodes of ischemic preconditioning, 25 min of ischemia, and 30 min of reperfusion (IPC). Developed pressure (DP) was measured. Heart mitochondria were isolated at end-Equilibration (end-EQ) and at end-Reperfusion (end-RP). Mitochondrial respiratory function (state 2, oxygen consumption with substrate only; state 3, oxygen consumption stimulated by ADP; state 4, oxygen consumption after cessation of ADP phosphorylation; respiratory control index (RCI, state 3/state 4); rate of oxidative phosphorylation (ADP/Deltat), and ADP:O ratio) was measured with polarography using alpha-ketoglutarate as a substrate in the presence of different Ca(2+) concentrations (0 to 5 x 10(-7) M) to simulate Ca(2+) overload. RESULTS IPC improved DP at end-RP. IPC did not improve preischemic mitochondrial respiratory function or preischemic mitochondrial response to Ca(2+) loading. IPC improved state 3, ADP/Deltat, and RCI during RP. Low Ca(2+) levels (0.5 and 1 x 10(-7) M) stimulated mitochondrial function in both groups predominantly in IPC. The Control group showed evidence of mitochondrial uncoupling at lower Ca(2+) concentrations (1 x 10(-7) M). IPC preserved state 3 at high Ca(2+) concentrations. CONCLUSIONS The cardioprotective effect of IPC results, in part, from preserving mitochondrial function during reperfusion and increasing mitochondrial tolerance to Ca(2+) loading at end-RP. Activation of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels by IPC and their improvement in Ca(2+) homeostasis during RP may be the mechanism underlying this protection.
Dr. Eula Bingham-Our colleague, mentor and friend-Neither retiring nor retreating.

At age 85, even Dr. Eula Bingham is entitled to retire. She has served on the Technical Advisory Board of CPWR: The Center for Construction Research and Training (cpwr. com) since it was created in 1992 and has been working with us on the Building Trades National Medical Screening Program (btmed.org) for the last 20 years. But while she may be retiring, it is only in a matter of speech. She will continue to be our sage advisor, and our bulldog when we need someone to lead The Good Fight. Here are some of the things she has taught us, and an explanation of why she means so much to us. PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS
Preservation of tissue-fixed immunoglobulins in skin biopsies of patients with lupus erythematosus and bullous diseases--preliminary report.

Demonstration of tissue-fixed immunoglobulins in skin biopsies in a useful diagnostic procedure in lupus erythematosus and bullous diseases. The main limitation of the procedure has been the need for frozen tissue. A solution containing ammonium sulfate, N-ethyl maleimide, and magnesium sulfate in citrate buffer has been developed for the preservation of tissue-fixed immunoglobulins. Preserved specimens can be mailed to laboratories and the need for frozen sections is removed in most cases. Matched frozen and fixed specimens from 13 patients yielded comparable results. Freezing and thawing before fixation resulted in decreased or complete loss of fluorescence. Fixed sections could also be stained with horseradish peroxidase-labelled immunoglobulins with good results. The remaining tissue could be fixed subsequently in 10% formalin for routine histologic examination with satisfactory results. The fixative should make the demonstration of tissue-fixed immunoglobulins a readily available clinical test.
Founders’ human capital and external knowledge sourcing: An absorptive capacity perspective for innovative start-ups

This study explores the role of founders’ human capital in determining the external knowledge sourcing (licensing-in and joint R&D) of a firm during the start-up period using panel data drawn from original questionnaire surveys conducted in Japan. The results of a probit model with an endogenous regressor show that firms managed by founders with a high level of specific human capital, measured as prior work experience in a related field or as technological experience, tend to engage in external knowledge sourcing because of their absorptive capacity. The findings indicate that this type of human capital also promotes R&D investment. Contrariwise, this study finds that firms managed by founders with a high level of general human capital, measured as educational attainment, tend to invest more in R&D as an absorptive capacity-building activity, which may promote external knowledge sourcing. The implications of these findings are discussed from the perspective of economic policy.
Methotrexate: an effective monotherapy for refractory generalized morphea

Introduction Morphea is an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by excessive collagen deposition. Although treatment algorithms for morphea subtypes have been suggested, no consistent recommendations are available. This study attempts to evaluate the clinical efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) as monotherapy in refractory generalized morphea. Methods It is a retrospective study, including 20 patients who had already been treated with various topical and systemic therapies with minimal clinical improvement. Patients received orally MTX at a of dosage 15 mg once weekly. Duration of the use, dosage of MTX, and adverse events were recorded. Clinical assessment of skin lesions was performed and documented. Results The mean disease duration was 27 months before the initiation of MTX treatment. After 12 months of therapy, very good response was achieved in 6 patients (30%), good response in 10 patients (50%), and fair response in 2 patients (10%), while 2 patients (10%) had failed treatment. Patients were followed up for a mean time interval of 21 months. No serious adverse event was recorded. Conclusion MTX has been already proved to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment in pediatric patients with morphea. The majority of the group of adult patients showed very good and good improvement when treated with MTX. Although this is an uncontrolled study, MTX monotherapy was considered a safe and effective treatment for the management of this specific clinical subset of morphea in adults.
Towards a data set to investigate feed efficiency in New Zealand maternal sheep

Residual Feed Intake (RFI) as a measure of feed efficiency has not been reported for New Zealand maternal sheep breeds. This study reports on a pilot study that generated RFI data on 37 16-month old maternal composite ewes. Records on ten were obtained utilising a prototype automated feeder, with the remainder fed in individual pens. The animals were introduced to lucerne pellets before daily feed measurements were taken over 42 days with animals weighed twice weekly. The RFI model fitted, to determine the relationship between the liveweight and average daily weight gain and the animal intake, had an R 2 of 0.79, with the partial R 2 for liveweight the most significant at 0.70. The observed phenotypic standard deviation of RFI was 209 g of DM/d which is 8% of the average daily intake. The animals were ranked for RFI, with the 16% most efficient animals (low RFI) consuming on average 0.6kg/day less feed, or 20% less than the 16% least efficient animals (high RFI). Additional data, collected for the animals using the prototype automated feeder, included the number and size of feeding events per day which showed consistent variation. Further animals will be evaluated over the coming years with the aim to collect data on 1000 animals. The animals will be sourced from the Central Progeny Test and will represent NZ maternal sheep breeds which will be measured for a range of other production traits allowing the heritability of the trait and its genetic correlation with other traits to be estimated.