Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of generic health-related quality of life in patients with intermittent claudication.

OBJECTIVES to measure quality of life in patients with intermittent claudication and evaluate the ability of patients and vascular surgeons to make a similar assessment. DESIGN, MATERIALS AND METHODS in this prospective study patients with intermittent claudication attending two vascular clinics were asked to complete a generic health-related quality of life instrument (MOS SF-36). Patient quality of life and vascular surgeons' assessment of patient quality of life were further evaluated using a single question/adjectival scale response combination. RESULTS patients' self-assessment of their quality of life correlated better with the SF-36 score than did the surgeons' assessment. There was little correlation between the surgeons' and patients' own assessment of quality of life. The surgeons differed significantly from each other in their assessments. Claudicants had lower SF-36 scores than population norms in pain and physical aspects of quality of life. CONCLUSIONS claudicants have worse quality of life than the general population, with pain and physical limitations being the most important domains. Surgeons predict the quality of life of claudicating patients less accurately than patients do themselves, and may differ from their colleagues in such assessments. Objective quality of life assessment in claudicants should be undertaken before treatment is decided.
Control of Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Viremia and Disease Progression after IL-2-Augmented DNA-Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara Nasal Vaccination in Nonhuman Primates1

A successful HIV vaccine may need to stimulate antiviral immunity in mucosal and systemic immune compartments, because HIV transmission occurs predominantly at mucosal sites. We report here the results of a combined DNA-modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vaccine approach that stimulated simian/human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)-specific immune responses by vaccination at the nasal mucosa. Fifteen male rhesus macaques, divided into three groups, received three nasal vaccinations on day 1, wk 9, and wk 25 with a SHIV DNA plasmid producing noninfectious viral particles (group 1), or SHIV DNA plus IL-2/Ig DNA (group 2), or SHIV DNA plus IL-12 DNA (group 3). On wk 33, all macaques were boosted with rMVA expressing SIV Gag-Pol and HIV Env 89.6P, administered nasally. Humoral responses were evaluated by measuring SHIV-specific IgG and neutralizing Abs in plasma, and SHIV-specific IgA in rectal secretions. Cellular responses were monitored by evaluating blood-derived virus-specific IFN-γ-secreting cells and TNF-α-expressing CD8+ T cells, and blood- and rectally derived p11C tetramer-positive T cells. Many of the vaccinated animals developed both mucosal and systemic humoral and cell-mediated anti-SHIV immune responses, although the responses were not homogenous among animals in the different groups. After rectal challenge of vaccinated and naive animals with SHIV89.6P, all animals became infected. However a subset, including all group 2 animals, were protected from CD4+ T cell loss and AIDS development. Taken together, these data indicate that nasal vaccination with SHIV-DNA plus IL-2/Ig DNA and rMVA can provide significant protection from disease progression.
A single cocaine exposure increases BDNF and D3 receptor expression: implications for drug-conditioning

Environmental stimuli associated with a single cocaine exposure acquire long-lasting motivational properties that are able to induce relapse. We measured Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dopamine D3 receptor (Drd3) expressions in rat brain regions that have been involved in drug-conditioning. Acute cocaine produced a transient increase in BDNF mRNA in the prefrontal cortex, associated with a long-lasting increase in drd3 mRNA, and a delayed and long-lasting increase in Drd3 protein in the nucleus accumbens. Methamphetamine and morphine, two drugs known to easily induce drug-conditioning, also markedly elevated BDNF mRNA. Nicotine had more limited effects. Abused drugs increase acutely BDNF expression, which leads to subsequent long-lasting elevation of Drd3 in the nucleus accumbens that may facilitate responding to drug-associated stimuli.
Degradation of the framework of the Chlamydomonas cell wall by proteases present in a commercially available alpha-amylase preparation

A commercially available alpha-amylase derived from Bacillus licheniformis contained an enzymatic activity able to degrade the inner portion or framework of the cell wall of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Both the wall-degrading activity and the contaminating protease were destroyed by heating the alpha-amylase preparation at 90 degrees C for 30 min. Since the alpha-amylase activity was uneffected by heat treatment, we conclude that it was not the alpha-amylase but the contaminating protease in the preparation that was responsible for the cell wall-degrading activity.
Interactions of Bacterial Cationic Peptide Antibiotics with Outer and Cytoplasmic Membranes ofPseudomonas aeruginosa

ABSTRACT Polymyxins B and E1 and gramicidin S are bacterium-derived cationic antimicrobial peptides. The polymyxins were more potent than gramicidin S against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with MICs of 0.125 to 0.25 and 8 μg/ml, respectively. These peptides differed in their affinities for binding to lipopolysaccharide, but all were able to permeabilize the outer membrane of wild-type P. aeruginosaPAO1 strain H103, suggesting differences in their mechanisms of self-promoted uptake. Gramicidin S caused rapid depolarization of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane at concentrations at which no killing was observed within 30 min, whereas, conversely, the concentrations of the polymyxins that resulted in rapid killing resulted in minimal depolarization. These data indicate that the depolarization of the cytoplasmic membrane by these peptides did not correlate with bacterial cell lethality.
K propočtu souhrnné produktivity faktorů

The paper is focused on the disputation with Mojmir Hajek on the field of the measurement of the total factor productivity index. We point out the interpretation obstacles connected to this measurement and its results at a level of the whole economy as well as of its industries. We also refer to the sensitivity of the analysis on the methodology used and bring up the alternative computations based on the methodology recommended by ESA 95 standard. Comparing these alternative approaches, it is obvious that the analysis is sensitive both on the later data revisions and on the indicators of input as well. In this case, the differences on the average annual growth of the total factor productivity can reach almost four percentage points. We also point out the difficulty of the contribution analysis of growth while chain-linked data are used.
A higher prevalence of hematologic malignancies in patients with thalassemia: Background and culprits

Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Fondazione C a Granda IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy; American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon Correspondence Ali Taher, MD, PhD, FRCP, Professor of Hematology & Oncology, Associate Chair – Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Director – Fellowship and Residents Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon; Professor of Hematology & Medical Oncology (Adj.), Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA; Riad El Solh, 1107 2020 PO Box: 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon. Email: ataher@aub.edu. lb
Traffic models for medical wireless sensor networks

Stochastic data traffic models for medical wireless sensor networks (WSN's) are presented that represent the traffic generated by a single WSN node monitoring body temperature and electrocardiogram (ECG) data. The models are based on empirical data from public domain medical signal databases. In the interest of conserving energy, it is likely that some medical WSN nodes will employ source coding to reduce the amount of data that must be transmitted. As a result, traffic models are presented for nodes that use compression and nodes that do not.
High-density lipoproteins for the systemic delivery of short interfering RNA

Introduction: RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful mechanism for gene silencing with the potential to greatly impact the development of new therapies for many human diseases. Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) may be the ideal molecules for therapeutic RNAi. However, therapeutic siRNAs face significant challenges that must be overcome prior to widespread clinical use. Many efforts have been made to overcome the hurdles associated with systemic administration of siRNA; however, current approaches are still limited. As such, there is an urgent need to develop new strategies for siRNA delivery that have the potential to impact a broad spectrum of systemic diseases. Areas covered: This review focuses on the promise of siRNA therapies and highlights current siRNA delivery methods. With an eye toward new strategies, this review first introduces high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and describes its natural biological functions, and then transitions into how HDLs may provide significant opportunities as next-generation siRNA delivery vehicles. Importantly, this review describes how synthetic HDLs leverage the natural ability of HDL to stabilize and deliver siRNAs. Expert opinion: HDLs are natural nanoparticles that are critical to understanding the systemic delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids, like siRNA. Methods to synthesize biomimetic HDLs are being explored, and data demonstrate that this type of delivery vehicle may be highly beneficial for targeted and efficacious systemic delivery of siRNAs.
Synovial sarcoma: An immunohistochemical study

The immunohistochemical staining pattern of 18 cases of synovial sarcoma with two epithelial‐specific monoclonal antibodies is described. This is compared with normal synovium, cases of giant cell tumour of tendon sheath (benign synovioma) and a variety of spindle celled sarcomas. Sixteen cases of synovial sarcoma showed staining of the epithelial component with at least one antibody. No staining was seen in normal synovium or in giant cell tumours of tendon sheath. A small number of malignant schwannomas contained groups of cells which stained positively whilst other spindle cell sarcomas either did not stain or showed ‘cross‐reaction’ type staining only. These results add weight to the proposition that synovial sarcomas do not arise from normal synovium, despite their morphological similarities, but from mesenchymal connective tissue. It is also shown that immunohistochemical staining with anti‐epithelial antibodies will emphasize the biphasic pattern of synovial sarcomas allowing their distinction from other sarcomas.
STUDY ON THE IMPACTS OF REGIONAL ACCESSIBILITY OF HIGH SPEED RAIL——A CASE STUDY OF NANJING TO SHANGHAI REGION

As a new fast transportation means,high speed rail(HSR) will make great influence on the transportation,economic growth,people's work and living of the areas along the line. Based on the Nanjing to Shanghai region,this paper chooses Nanjing,Zhenjiang,Changzhou,Wuxi,Suzhou,Shanghai and Hangzhou as the sample cities,researches into the changes of regional accessibility under the impacts of HSR from three analytical indicators—weighted average travel times,economic potential and daily accessibility. Finally,the conclusion was made to prove the feasibility and importance of the construction of Beijing to Shanghai HSR,that is both the areas along the line will be influenced profoundly,and the adjacent areas will benefit from it under the impacts of HSR.
Polynomial-time quantum algorithm for the simulation of chemical dynamics

The computational cost of exact methods for quantum simulation using classical computers grows exponentially with system size. As a consequence, these techniques can be applied only to small systems. By contrast, we demonstrate that quantum computers could exactly simulate chemical reactions in polynomial time. Our algorithm uses the split-operator approach and explicitly simulates all electron-nuclear and interelectronic interactions in quadratic time. Surprisingly, this treatment is not only more accurate than the Born–Oppenheimer approximation but faster and more efficient as well, for all reactions with more than about four atoms. This is the case even though the entire electronic wave function is propagated on a grid with appropriately short time steps. Although the preparation and measurement of arbitrary states on a quantum computer is inefficient, here we demonstrate how to prepare states of chemical interest efficiently. We also show how to efficiently obtain chemically relevant observables, such as state-to-state transition probabilities and thermal reaction rates. Quantum computers using these techniques could outperform current classical computers with 100 qubits.
Body Satisfaction and Management in Iranian Students

Purpose: Despite the importance of body satisfaction on self concept and well being, there is little study about it or its consequences in Iranian populations, a part of Asian culture. The aim of this study was the assessment of body satisfaction and body management strategies in Iranian university students. Work method: This survey was performed based on a self-administrated questionnaire in 535 university and post graduate students. Work results: About 2/3rd of the students had moderate to severe body dissatisfaction and 40% of the students were using body management methods. Rhinoplasty and heavy exercise were the most frequent body management methods in women and men, respectively. Conclusion: Widespread research on body satisfaction prevalence and its management behaviors in the general population can be effective in reducing the negative health, social and economic consequences of harmful behaviors.
Macroeconomics Conditions,Entrepreneurial Confidence and Corporate Financing Choices

This paper analyzes whether and to what extent business cycle,credit risk,credit quota,stock market performance and entrepreneurial confidence affect corporate financing choices.It is found that corporate financing behavior varies with business cycles.Firms prefer equity to debt when macroeconomic conditions improve, but prefer debt to equity when macroeconomic conditions deteriorate.In addition,when loan quota increases,the probability of equity financing increases.However,default risks are uncorrelated with financing choices.Moreover, when entrepreneurs are more confident about the future prospects of the economy,they will choose debt over equity financing.Overall,the empirical results indicate that firms do not prefer equity financing,and that financing choices are broadly consistent with the pecking order theory but are against the trade-off theory.
Detection of M2-macrophages in uveal melanoma and relation with survival.

PURPOSE The presence of a high number of infiltrating macrophages in uveal melanoma is associated with a bad prognosis. However, there are several known types of macrophages, of which the M2 is considered to be proangiogenic and tumor-promoting. This study was conducted to determine whether the tumor-infiltrating macrophages in uveal melanoma are of this M2 subtype. METHODS Macrophages were identified in sections from 43 uveal melanomas by immunofluorescence histochemistry, using monoclonal antibodies directed against CD68 and CD163. The immunopositive cell density was measured visually and with a confocal microscope and calculated per square millimeter. Results were compared with clinical and tumor characteristics. RESULTS Infiltrating macrophages in uveal melanoma were predominantly CD68(+)CD163(+), thus of the M2 phenotype. The density of CD68(+), CD163(+), and CD68(+)CD163(+) cells was significantly increased in uveal melanomas with monosomy 3 compared with cases with disomy of chromosome 3 and was associated with ciliary body involvement. High CD68(+)CD163(+) staining was associated with an increased microvascular density. Survival was significantly better among patients with low CD68(+) and CD68(+)CD163(+) staining. CONCLUSION The main type of macrophage present in uveal melanoma was the M2 type. Tumors with monosomy of chromosome 3 contained a higher number of M2-macrophages than tumors with disomy of chromosome 3. Infiltration of M2-type macrophages gives a worse prognosis for survival. As M2-type macrophages are proangiogenic, a high density of these cells may contribute to the previously noticed positive association between the density of CD68(+) macrophages and blood vessels.
Data retrieval with secure CP-ABE in splittened storage

Cloud Storage, where users can remotely store their data and enjoy the on-demand high quality applications and services from a shared pool of configurable computing resources, instead local data storage burden and maintenance. Nodes in network communicate with each other accessing their confidential information using external storage nodes. Increased protection for confidential data provided by Ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption (CP-ABE) methods which are managing their attributes by multiple key authorities where data is stored centrally on server. However, the fact that users no longer have physical possession of the outsourced data makes the data integrity protection in Cloud Computing a formidable task. Thus, enabling public auditability for cloud storage so that users can resort to a third party auditor (TPA) to check the integrity of outsourced data. In this paper, we propose secure split data storage in cloud network using public auditing. We further extend our result to provide more trusted environment in this type of storage, we are introducing the concept of multiple storage node for storing single data file. Security and performance analysis shows the proposed schemes are provably secure and highly efficient.
Multi-stage Dynamical Model of Innovation Product Diffusion

Under the framework of decision theory, this paper presents a multi-stage innovation product diffusion model with the theory of dynamic analysis, which includes the effect of price and advertising. For the durable products, the diffusion system is stable, the free sampling can only affect the process of innovative product diffusion,but not affect the ultimate adopters. For the repeated products, the diffusion process will make the coexistence of the product and its competitive products under certain cases. The paper also shows Mesak model and Bass model are the specific cases of the model. Finally, the paper makes a case study with the internet adoption, the result is better than present study of the internet adoption.
Enhancing Exposure of HIV-1 Neutralization Epitopes through Mutations in gp41

Background The generation of broadly neutralizing antibodies is a priority in the design of vaccines against HIV-1. Unfortunately, most antibodies to HIV-1 are narrow in their specificity, and a basic understanding of how to develop antibodies with broad neutralizing activity is needed. Designing methods to target antibodies to conserved HIV-1 epitopes may allow for the generation of broadly neutralizing antibodies and aid the global fight against AIDS by providing new approaches to block HIV-1 infection. Using a naturally occurring HIV-1 Envelope (Env) variant as a template, we sought to identify features of Env that would enhance exposure of conserved HIV-1 epitopes. Methods and Findings Within a cohort study of high-risk women in Mombasa, Kenya, we previously identified a subtype A HIV-1 Env variant in one participant that was unusually sensitive to neutralization. Using site-directed mutagenesis, the unusual neutralization sensitivity of this variant was mapped to two amino acid mutations within conserved sites in the transmembrane subunit (gp41) of the HIV-1 Env protein. These two mutations, when introduced into a neutralization-resistant variant from the same participant, resulted in 3- to >360-fold enhanced neutralization by monoclonal antibodies specific for conserved regions of both gp41 and the Env surface subunit, gp120, >780-fold enhanced neutralization by soluble CD4, and >35-fold enhanced neutralization by the antibodies found within a pool of plasmas from unrelated individuals. Enhanced neutralization sensitivity was not explained by differences in Env infectivity, Env concentration, Env shedding, or apparent differences in fusion kinetics. Furthermore, introduction of these mutations into unrelated viral Env sequences, including those from both another subtype A variant and a subtype B variant, resulted in enhanced neutralization susceptibility to gp41- and gp120-specific antibodies, and to plasma antibodies. This enhanced neutralization sensitivity exceeded 1,000-fold in several cases. Conclusions Two amino acid mutations within gp41 were identified that expose multiple discontinuous neutralization epitopes on diverse HIV-1 Env proteins. These exposed epitopes were shielded on the unmodified viral Env proteins, and several of the exposed epitopes encompass desired target regions for protective antibodies. Env proteins containing these modifications could act as a scaffold for presentation of such conserved domains, and may aid in developing methods to target antibodies to such regions.
[Self-closing corneoscleral tunnel incision in cataract surgery].

UNLABELLED Self-sealing wound construction in the cataract surgery can be performed sclerally or corneally (clear corneal incision). Each technique has different advantages and disadvantages concerning wound preparation, induced astigmatism, and wound closure stability with rising intraocular pressure. The corneoscleral tunnel incision could have the advantages of both scleral and corneal incisions. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a trapezoid corneoscleral tunnel incision in 108 cases. The incision has a width of 7 mm and a radial length of 1.5-2 mm. In 39 patients the incision was performed at the 12 o'clock position. A lateral approach was made in 69 patients because astigmatism against the rule preoperatively. The wound closure was achieved by elevation of IOP to 30-40 mmHg without suture, as in the no-stitch technique. RESULTS In comparison to the 7-mm corneal incision, the corneoscleral incision had a higher wound stability. Even external pressure at the wound location could not provoke leaking. The induced astigmatism was examined up to 4 months postoperatively. The mean astigmatism was around 1.2 D for the superior wound preparation versus 0.5 D for the lateral approach. CONCLUSION The corneoscleral tunnel incision can be used routinely. The following advantages can be stated: (1) moderate cauterisation, (2) easy and reliable wound preparation, (3) high wound stability even with 7-mm incision, (4) wound opening completely covered by conjunctiva postoperatively, (5) clinically tolerable induced astigmatism. This technique can also be used if an astigmatism up to 1.5 D exists preoperatively.