Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proliferative vitreoretinopathy: pathobiology, surgical management, and adjunctive treatment.

over 75% of cases.5-7 This process is characterised by cellular proliferation on both surfaces of the detached neuroretina, on the posterior vitreous face, and within the vitreous base resulting in the formation of contractile periretinal membranes. It is estimated to occur in 5-10% of all rhegmatogenous retinal detachments.7 Initial clinical observations emphasised cellular activity in, and retraction of, the vitreous together with the appearance of retinal folds. The condition was referred to as massive vitreous retraction (MVR) or massive preretinal retraction (MPR) on the premise of the primary pathology being centred in the vitreous gel.8 This was later modified to massive periretinal proliferation (MPP)9 to acknowledge the role of periretinal membrane formation. A unifying classification was published by the Retina Society Terminology Committee in 1983.7 This used the term proliferative vitreoretinopathy and has served as the basis for subsequent clinical and laboratory studies. It subdivides PVR into four stages (A-D) of increasing severity based on clinical features: vitreous haze and pigment, retinal stiffness and wrinkling, rolled edges of retinal breaks, vascular tortuosity, and fixed retinal folds advancing to a funnel retinal detachment. A revised form of this classification further subdivides the proliferative process by location (anterior/posterior) and type (focal/diffuse/subretinal/circumferential and anterior displacement). ' 0 While these classifications have served to standardise the terminology and clinical descriptions used in dealing with PVR they are essentially anatomical and do not address the biological activity of the PVR process. Furthermore, they do not record clinically important information such as the number, size, and location of retinal breaks, factors known to be of significance in the risk of development and progression of PVR. " The existing classifications therefore have limitations with respect to the comparison of the biological stage and the level of activity ofthe process between individual eyes in clinical or laboratory studies.
Transverse Susceptibility as a Biosensor for Detection of Au-Fe3O4 Nanoparticle-Embedded Human Embryonic Kidney Cells

We demonstrate the possibility of using a radio-frequency transverse susceptibility (TS) technique based on a sensitive self-resonant tunnel-diode oscillator as a biosensor for detection of cancer cells that have taken up magnetic nanoparticles. This technique can detect changes in frequency on the order of 10 Hz in 10 MHz. Therefore, a small sample of cells that have taken up nanoparticles when placed inside the sample space of the TS probe can yield a signal characteristic of the magnetic nanoparticles. As a proof of the concept, Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated with Au (mean size ∼60 nm) were synthesized using a micellar method and these nanoparticles were introduced to the medium at different concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL buffer, where they were taken up by human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells via phagocytosis. While the highest concentration of Au-Fe3O4 nanoparticles (1 mg/mL) was found to give the strongest TS signal, it is notable that the TS signal of the nanoparticles could still be detected at concentrations as low as 0.1 mg/mL.
January 2000 DOES PPP-ADJUSTED DATA EXAGGERATE THE RELATIVE SIZE OF POOR ECONOMIES? by

The concept of purchasing-power parity has been invaluable for making international comparisons of living standards. But the growing practice of using adjusted real income data designed to measure relative living standards for estimating the relative productive potential or "economic size" of countries may be quite misleading. In particular, the data now usually employed may greatly exaggerate the economic size of poor countries. Instead we propose a definition of relative economic size measured by valuing total output at the equilibrium prices that would prevail in an hypothetical world of frictionless economic integration. This gives very different answers.
From spouse to caregiver and back: a grounded theory study of post-intensive care unit spousal caregiving.

AIM To explore the challenges and caring activities of spouses of intensive care unit survivors during the first year of patient recovery. BACKGROUND Every year, millions of people globally are discharged from an intensive care unit after critical illness to continue treatment, care and rehabilitation in general hospital wards, rehabilitation facilities and at home. Consequently, millions of spouses become informal caregivers. Little is known, however, about the concrete challenges spouses face in post-intensive care unit everyday life. DESIGN Explorative, qualitative grounded theory study. METHODS Participants were spouses of intensive care unit survivors. The study was undertaken in Denmark in 2009-2010. Data consisted of 35 semi-structured dyad interviews at 3 and 12 months post-intensive care unit discharge, two group interviews with patients and two with spouses. FINDINGS 'Shifting their role from spouse to caregiver and back' was identified as the core category of the study. The role shifts progressed in a dynamic process involving four elements: (1) committing to caregiving; (2) acquiring caregiving skills; (3) negotiating level of caregiving and (4) gradually leaving the caregiver role. Post-ICU caregiving comprised five patient dimensions: observing, assisting, coaching, advocating and managing activities. CONCLUSIONS Spouses play a vital and multifaceted role in post-intensive care unit recovery. The findings can inform healthcare professionals in their efforts to prepare intensive care unit patients' families for the time following intensive care unit and hospital discharge. Hospital staff, rehabilitation experts and primary care professionals must acknowledge spouses' important contribution from intensive care unit admission throughout recovery.
Intelligennt systems approach to conceptual design

In mechanical system design, the Integrated Computer Aided Design (ICAD) technology has evolved into a new generation of design techniques. It also paves the way for implementing Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) systems. However, the key issue to accomplish the objective in ICAD is the conceptual design automation. Conceptual design is a creative activity and an important decision making during overall product design to reduce energy consumption, to increase raw materials utilization, to obtain more profits, to reduce environmental effects of effluents, and to ensure flexibility, operability, controllability, and safety of manufacturing processes. Therefore, the quality of conceptual design determines the final quality of products and profit of plants. In this article, we first introduce the fundamentals and characteristics of conceptual design. Then, a general problem‐solving strategy and methodology to implement conceptual design automation are proposed. an Integrated Distributed Intelligent Design Environment (IDIDE) for developing conceptual design expert systems is presented. Fundamental principles, system organization, and implementation techniques are discussed. Finally, an application case for wheel loader design is studied. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Surface Roughness and Particle Adhesion

Abstract One of the important mechanisms affecting particle adhesion is the geometry of the contact between the particle and the surface. Atomic force microscopy can measure both this geometry and the particle adhesion. The positional dependence of adhesion of a point probe to a variety of rough surfaces has been measured. The Derjaguin approximation predicts that the adhesion fluctuations are proportional to the surface curvature fluctuations, if the adhesion is dominated by long range forces. Atomic force microscopy adhesion maps have directly verified this linearity.
Nonadherence Consensus Conference Summary Report

This report is a summary of a ‘Consensus Conference’ on nonadherence (NA) to immunosuppressants. Its aims were: (1) to discuss the state‐of‐the‐art on the definition, prevalence and measurement of NA, its risk factors and impact on clinical and economical outcomes and interventions and (2) to provide recommendations for future studies. A two‐day meeting was held in Florida in January 2008, inviting 66 medical and allied health adherence transplant and nontransplant experts. A scientific committee prepared the meeting. Consensus was reached using plenary and interactive presentations and discussions in small break‐out groups. Plenary presenters prepared a summary beforehand. Break‐out group leaders initiated discussion between the group members prior to the meeting using conference calls and e‐mail and provided a summary afterward. Conclusions were that NA: (a) is more prevalent than we assume; (b) is hard to measure accurately; (c) tends to confer worse outcomes; (d) happens for a number of reasons, and system‐related factors including the patient's culture, the healthcare provider and the setting and (e) it is not currently known how to improve adherence. This consensus report provided some roadmaps for future studies on this complicated, multifaceted problem.
Real-Time High-Quality Stereo Vision System in FPGA

Stereo vision is a well-known technique for acquiring depth information. In this paper, we propose a real-time high-quality stereo vision system in field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Using absolute difference-census cost initialization, cross-based cost aggregation, and semiglobal optimization, the system provides high-quality depth results for high-definition images. This is the first complete real-time hardware system that supports both cost aggregation on variable support regions and semiglobal optimization in FPGAs. Furthermore, the system is designed to be scaled with image resolution, disparity range, and parallelism degree for maximum parallel efficiency. We present the depth map quality on the Middlebury benchmark and some real-world scenarios with different image resolutions. The results show that our system performs the best among FPGA-based stereo vision systems and its accuracy is comparable with those of current top-performing software implementations. The first version of the system was demonstrated on an Altera Stratix-IV FPGA board, processing 1024 × 768 pixel images with 96 disparity levels at 67 frames/s. The system is then scaled up on a new Altera Stratix-V FPGA and the processing ability is enhanced to 1600 × 1200 pixel images with 128 disparity levels at 42 frames/s.
Mismatched dNTP incorporation by DNA polymerase β does not proceed via globally different conformational pathways†

Understanding how DNA polymerases control fidelity requires elucidation of the mechanisms of matched and mismatched dNTP incorporations. Little is known about the latter because mismatched complexes do not crystallize readily. In this report, we employed small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and structural modeling to probe the conformations of different intermediate states of mammalian DNA polymerase β (Pol β) in its wild-type and an error-prone variant, I260Q. Our structural results indicate that the mismatched ternary complex lies in-between the open and the closed forms, but more closely resembles the open form for WT and the closed form for I260Q. On the basis of molecular modeling, this over-stabilization of mismatched ternary complex of I260Q is likely caused by formation of a hydrogen bonding network between the side chains of Gln260, Tyr296, Glu295 and Arg258, freeing up Asp192 to coordinate MgdNTP. These results argue against recent reports suggesting that mismatched dNTP incorporations follow a conformational path distinctly different from that of matched dNTP incorporation, or that its conformational closing is a major contributor to fidelity.
MicroRNAs Are Independent Predictors of Outcome in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients Treated with R-CHOP

Purpose: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) heterogeneity has prompted investigations for new biomarkers that can accurately predict survival. A previously reported 6-gene model combined with the International Prognostic Index (IPI) could predict patients' outcome. However, even these predictors are not capable of unambiguously identifying outcome, suggesting that additional biomarkers might improve their predictive power. Experimental Design: We studied expression of 11 microRNAs (miRNA) that had previously been reported to have variable expression in DLBCL tumors. We measured the expression of each miRNA by quantitative real-time PCR analyses in 176 samples from uniformly treated DLBCL patients and correlated the results to survival. Results: In a univariate analysis, the expression of miR-18a correlated with overall survival (OS), whereas the expression of miR-181a and miR-222 correlated with progression-free survival (PFS). A multivariate Cox regression analysis including the IPI, the 6-gene model–derived mortality predictor score and expression of the miR-18a, miR-181a, and miR-222, revealed that all variables were independent predictors of survival except the expression of miR-222 for OS and the expression of miR-18a for PFS. Conclusion: The expression of specific miRNAs may be useful for DLBCL survival prediction and their role in the pathogenesis of this disease should be examined further. Clin Cancer Res; 17(12); 4125–35. ©2011 AACR.
A New Relational Spatial OLAP Approach for Multi-resolution and Spatio-multidimensional Analysis of Incomplete Field Data

Integrating continuous spatial data into SOLAP systems is a new research challenge. Moreover, representation of field data at different scales or resolutions is often mandatory for an effective analysis. Thus, in this paper, we propose a logical model to integrate spatial dimensions representing incomplete field data at different resolutions in a classical SOLAP architecture.
Poncirin Induces Apoptosis in AGS Human Gastric Cancer Cells through Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway by up-Regulation of Fas Ligand

Poncirin, a natural bitter flavanone glycoside abundantly present in many species of citrus fruits, has various biological benefits such as anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. The anti-cancer mechanism of Poncirin remains elusive to date. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of Poncirin in AGS human gastric cancer cells (gastric adenocarcinoma). The results revealed that Poncirin could inhibit the proliferation of AGS cells in a dose-dependent manner. It was observed Poncirin induced accumulation of sub-G1 DNA content, apoptotic cell population, apoptotic bodies, chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation in a dose-dependent manner in AGS cells. The expression of Fas Ligand (FasL) protein was up-regulated dose dependently in Poncirin-treated AGS cells Moreover, Poncirin in AGS cells induced activation of Caspase-8 and -3, and subsequent cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Inhibitor studies’ results confirm that the induction of caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death in Poncirin-treated AGS cells was led by the Fas death receptor. Interestingly, Poncirin did not show any effect on mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bak) and anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-xL) in AGS-treated cells followed by no activation in the mitochondrial apoptotic protein caspase-9. This result suggests that the mitochondrial-mediated pathway is not involved in Poncirin-induced cell death in gastric cancer. These findings suggest that Poncirin has a potential anti-cancer effect via extrinsic pathway-mediated apoptosis, possibly making it a strong therapeutic agent for human gastric cancer.
Heart rate variability estimation in photoplethysmography signals using Bayesian learning approach

Heart rate variability (HRV) has become a marker for various health and disease conditions. Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors integrated in wearable devices such as smart watches and phones are widely used to measure heart activities. HRV requires accurate estimation of time interval between consecutive peaks in the PPG signal. However, PPG signal is very sensitive to motion artefact which may lead to poor HRV estimation if false peaks are detected. In this Letter, the authors propose a probabilistic approach based on Bayesian learning to better estimate HRV from PPG signal recorded by wearable devices and enhance the performance of the automatic multi scale-based peak detection (AMPD) algorithm used for peak detection. The authors’ experiments show that their approach enhances the performance of the AMPD algorithm in terms of number of HRV related metrics such as sensitivity, positive predictive value, and average temporal resolution.
Activation of the Nipah Virus Fusion Protein in MDCK Cells Is Mediated by Cathepsin B within the Endosome-Recycling Compartment

ABSTRACT Proteolytic activation of the fusion protein of the highly pathogenic Nipah virus (NiV F) is a prerequisite for the production of infectious particles and for virus spread via cell-to-cell fusion. Unlike other paramyxoviral fusion proteins, functional NiV F activation requires endocytosis and pH-dependent cleavage at a monobasic cleavage site by endosomal proteases. Using prototype Vero cells, cathepsin L was previously identified to be a cleavage enzyme. Compared to Vero cells, MDCK cells showed substantially higher F cleavage rates in both NiV-infected and NiV F-transfected cells. Surprisingly, this could not be explained either by an increased F endocytosis rate or by elevated cathepsin L activities. On the contrary, MDCK cells did not display any detectable cathepsin L activity. Though we could confirm cathepsin L to be responsible for F activation in Vero cells, inhibitor studies revealed that in MDCK cells, cathepsin B was required for F-protein cleavage and productive replication of pathogenic NiV. Supporting the idea of an efficient F cleavage in early and recycling endosomes of MDCK cells, endocytosed F proteins and cathepsin B colocalized markedly with the endosomal marker proteins early endosomal antigen 1 (EEA-1), Rab4, and Rab11, while NiV F trafficking through late endosomal compartments was not needed for F activation. In summary, this study shows for the first time that endosomal cathepsin B can play a functional role in the activation of highly pathogenic NiV.
STABILITY-INDICATING HPTLC METHOD FOR ESTIMATION OF VALACYCLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE IN BULK AND PHARMACEUTICAL DOSAGE FORM IN PRESENCE OF ITS ALKALINE HYDROLYSIS DEGRADATION PRODUCT

A novel and quick high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method -densitometric method was developed and validated for quantitative determination of Valacyclovir Hydrochloride. Chromatographic separation of the drugs was performed on precoated silica Tab 60 F254 Merck plates using Toluene: Methanol: Diethylamine (8:1:1 v/v/v). as a mobile phase. A TLC scanner set at 254 nm was used. Valacyclovir Hydrochloride and degradant were satisfactorily resolved with Rf values of 0.28 ± 0.05, 0.65 ±0.05. The method had an accuracy of 99.85% of Valacyclovir Hydrochloride was validated according to ICH guidelines. The percentage recovery ranges from 99-101%. Force degradation of drugs in hydrolysis,oxidation photolysis and thermal stress as per ICH guideline.The drug showed instability in oxide and Heat and Oxide while it remained stable in neutral conditions. The proposed HPTLC method was utilized to investigate of alkaline degradation of VAL.
Reward‐guided learning beyond dopamine in the nucleus accumbens: the integrative functions of cortico‐basal ganglia networks

Here we challenge the view that reward‐guided learning is solely controlled by the mesoaccumbens pathway arising from dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area and projecting to the nucleus accumbens. This widely accepted view assumes that reward is a monolithic concept, but recent work has suggested otherwise. It now appears that, in reward‐guided learning, the functions of ventral and dorsal striata, and the cortico‐basal ganglia circuitry associated with them, can be dissociated. Whereas the nucleus accumbens is necessary for the acquisition and expression of certain appetitive Pavlovian responses and contributes to the motivational control of instrumental performance, the dorsal striatum is necessary for the acquisition and expression of instrumental actions. Such findings suggest the existence of multiple independent yet interacting functional systems that are implemented in iterating and hierarchically organized cortico‐basal ganglia networks engaged in appetitive behaviors ranging from Pavlovian approach responses to goal‐directed instrumental actions controlled by action‐outcome contingencies.
The Acquisition Hardware System with Direct Digital Synthesis and Filtered Back-Projection Imaging in Electrical Impedance Tomography

Electrical impedance tomography is a new imaging modality that produces images by computing electrical conductivity within the body. This paper presents a basic acquisition hardware system of electrical impedance tomography with direct digital synthesis (DDS), which is used for studying the human head electrical property. The filtered back-projection algorithm is used for image reconstruction
Novel Interaction between the M4 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor and Elongation Factor 1A2*

The activation of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) family, consisting of five subtypes (M1–M5), produces a variety of physiological effects throughout the central nervous system. However, the role of each individual subtype remains poorly understood. To further elucidate signal transduction pathways for specific subtypes, we used the most divergent portion of the subtypes, the intracellular third (i3) loop, as bait to identify interacting proteins. Using a brain pull-down assay, we identify elongation factor 1A2 (eEF1A2) as a specific binding partner to the i3 loop of M4, and not to M1 or M2. In addition, we demonstrate a direct interaction between these proteins. In the rat striatum, the M4 mAChR colocalizes with eEF1A2 in the soma and neuropil. In PC12 cells, endogenous eEF1A2 co-immunoprecipitates with the endogenous M4 mAChR, but not with the endogenous M1 mAChR. In our in vitro model, M4dramatically accelerates nucleotide exchange of eEF1A2, a GTP-binding protein. This indicates the M4 mAChR is a guanine exchange factor for eEF1A2. eEF1A2 is an essential GTP-binding protein for protein synthesis. Thus, our data suggest a novel role for M4 in the regulation of protein synthesis through its interaction with eEF1A2.