Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
National trends in the concurrence of tuberculosis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

BACKGROUND Elucidation of the relationship between tuberculosis (TB) and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is needed to help predict the future course of these two epidemics. We examined nationwide trends in TB and AIDS occurring in the same individual. METHODS Health departments in the 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam matched their TB and AIDS case registries to determine the number of persons diagnosed with both TB and AIDS. The number of AIDS cases, TB cases, AIDS cases that matched with a TB case on the TB registry, and TB cases that matched with an AIDS case on the AIDS registry were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga. Data were analyzed for the period from 1981 through 1991. The number of matched TB-AIDS cases was compared with a modeled estimate of excess TB cases during the period from 1985 through 1990. RESULTS From 1981 through 1991 there were 11,299 AIDS cases that matched with a TB case on the TB registry, representing 5.1% (geographic variation, 0% to 9.3%) of AIDS cases. The TB cases that matched with an AIDS case on the AIDS registry represent 4.3% (geographic variation, 0% to 15.1%) of TB cases from 1981 through 1991. Since 1981, matched TB and AIDS cases increased yearly through 1990. When examined by year of AIDS report, the percentage of AIDS cases that matched with a TB case increased from 1981 to 1982 (1.9% to 5.1%), remained fairly constant from 1983 through 1987 (range, 4.0% to 4.7%), increased in 1988 (5.4%) after extrapulmonary TB was added to the AIDS case definition, and increased slightly through 1990 (5.8%). When examined by year of TB report, the percentage of TB cases that matched with an AIDS case increased steadily from 1981 through 1990 (0.1% to 9.5%). The calculated fraction of excess TB cases during the period from 1985 through 1990 that could be accounted for by identified TB-AIDS cases was 30%. CONCLUSION The risk of TB or AIDS among persons already diagnosed with one disease is much higher than among the general population. The percentage of persons with TB who are also diagnosed with AIDS has been increasing rapidly. Human immunodeficiency virus-induced immunosuppression is an important contributor to the TB epidemic and probably accounts for a minimum of 30% of excess TB cases during the period from 1985 through 1990.
Developments in the Management of Annuity Business ‐ Abstract of the Edinburgh Discussion

This abstract relates to the following paper: TelfordP.G. , BrowneB.A. , CollingeE.J., FulcherP. , JohnsonB.E. , LittleW. , LuJ.L. C. , NurseJ.M. , SmithD.W. & ZhangF. Developments in the Management of Annuity Business. British Actuarial Journal, doi:10.1017/S1357321711000213
A study on biochemical facet of anemia in cancers: A strong link between erythropoietin and tumor necrosis factor alpha in anemic cancer patients.

BACKGROUND The three direct factors that could lead cancer patients to anemia, apart from therapy are iron deficiency, inflammatory cytokines surge and decreased erythropoietin (Epo). Our aim was to quantify biochemical and hematologic markers serum Epo, ferritin (Fe) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) along with hemoglobin (Hb) to understand the associations between these factors, patient characteristics and anemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group consisted of 100 anemic cancer patients and 80 controls. Biochemical marker levels were determined by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay on an autoanalyser. Univarient analysis, t-test, ANOVA, Bonferroni test, linear regression was performed to find correlations and associations among various factors. RESULTS The baseline serum Epo (153.07 ± 173.88 vs. 23.607 ± 36.462) and Fe levels (233.53 ± 257.12 vs. 23.06 ± 20.04) were adequately high in cases compared with that controls (P ≤ 0.001). Considerable raise in TNF-α levels was also observed (16.26 ± 13.44 vs. 11.2375 ± 4.84) (P = 0.001). TNF-α correlated positively (P = 0.022) with Epo and Fe (P = 0.000), which was also evident from large effect size of Epo (r2 = 0.414), TNF-α (r2 = 0.369), Hb (r2 = 0.226). Epo and Hb were negatively correlated (β = -0.375, P = 0.001) and Epo production was found to be appropriate for the degree of anemia (O/P ratio of 3.51 ± 1.26 vs. 1.43 ± 0.47). A strong association was seen between Hb, Epo and TNF-α in hematological and gynecological malignancies for different grades of anemia. Men were more prone to life-threatening anemia (13%) than women (9%). CONCLUSION Anemia in cancers was not because of inadequate Epo or Fe levels, but because of improper Epo response. Further studies on molecular analysis of Epo, biochemical and molecular interplay between Epo and TNF-α could explain a rationale for anemia in cancers.
Reflection as the Homebase of Teacher Education

Abstract Reflection is widely accepted as a process to support, or even underlie, teacher education. However, the concept holds several confusions among education experts and practitioners. This article would then attempt to explain some confusing terms by reviewing relevant literature on this issue and to provide discussions on the benefits and challenges of reflection manifested in various options of reflective practicum. Keywords: Reflection, teacher education, reflective practicum
Towards a More Fluid Learning Environment Based on Virtual Communities

The paper presents our experience as designers, developers and administrators of an e-Learning system (LMS) used by the Faculty of Economics of the University of Trento. We recently managed the evolution of the system towards the provision of a new Personal Community Space to the user. This approach is, at first sight, quite similar to the new web 2.0 and social networks interaction spaces. We will briefly introduce the problems related to the integration of these two different approaches into a single environment (learning spaces and social networks), and how to connect these two worlds into one single architecture.
Identification and Analysis of Novel Inhibitors against NS3 Helicase and NS5B RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase from Hepatitis C Virus 1b (Con1)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) leads to severe liver diseases, including liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Non-structural protein 3 helicase (NS3h) and non-structural protein 5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (NS5B) are involved in the replication of HCV RNA genome, and have been proved to be excellent targets for discovery of direct-acting antivirals. In this study, two high-throughput screening systems, fluorescence polarization (FP)-based ssDNA binding assay and fluorescence intensity (FI)-based dsRNA formation assay, were constructed to identify candidate NS3h and NS5B inhibitors, respectively. A library of approximately 800 small molecules and crude extracts, derived from marine microorganisms or purchased from the National Compound Resource Center, China, were screened, with three hits selected for further study. Natural compound No.3A5, isolated from marine fungi, inhibited NS3h activity with an IC50 value of 2.8 μM. We further demonstrated that compound No.3A5 inhibited the abilities of NS3h to bind ssDNA in electrophoretic mobility shift assay and to hydrolyze ATP. The NS3h-inhibitory activity of compound No.3A5 was reversible in our dilution assay, which indicated there was no stable NS3h-No.3A5 complex formed. Additionally, compound No.3A5 exhibited no binding selectivity on NS3h or single strand binding protein of Escherichia coli. In NS5B assays, commercial compounds No.39 and No.94 previously reported as kinase inhibitors were found to disrupt dsRNA formation, and their IC50 values were 62.9 and 18.8 μM, respectively. These results highlight how identifying new uses for existing drugs is an effective method for discovering novel HCV inhibitors. To our knowledge, all inhibitors reported in this study were originally discovered with HCV anti-non-structural protein activities in vitro.
Teaching Policy Analysis: Policy Styles and Their Implications for Training Policy Analysts

Recently the basic precept of policy analysis, that one size fits all with respect to analytical technique and context, has come to be challenged. While sympathetic to the basic postulates and aims of the policy analysis movement, prominent critics argue that (a) different styles of policy analysis can be found in different organizations and jurisdictions and (b) these styles are not random or completely manipulable by policy actors but are linked to larger patterns of political behaviour and are, in a sense, quasipermanent features of the policy analysis landscape. This paper examines this most recent set of concerns raised with policy analysis and explores its paedagogical implications using examples from the Canadian experience. It suggests that one of the most important factors affecting the style of policy analysis found in a jurisdiction is its ‘policy style’. That is, that analytical style and policy style will be congruent and, therefore, that an important element of the education of policy analysts is instruction on the nature of policy styles. Introduction Policy analysis is a relatively recent movement, dating back to the 1960s and the US experience with large-scale planning processes in areas such as defence, urban redevelopment and budgeting (Lindblom 1958; Wildavsky 1969; MacRae and Wilde, 1985; Garson 1986). Seen as a social movement, albeit with technical discipline, it represents the efforts of actors inside and outside formal political decision-making processes to improve policy outcomes by applying systematic evaluative rationality. There have been debates about whether policy analysis has improved on the outcomes associated with less instrumental processes such as bargaining, compromise, negotiation and log-rolling (Tribe 1972; Fischer and Forester 1993; Majone 1989). However, there has been no fundamental challenge to the raison d’etre of policy analysis remains: to improve policy outcomes by applying systematic analytic methodologies to policy problems (Meltsner 1972; Webber 1986; Fox, 1990).
Tetramic Acid Analogues Produced by Coculture of Saccharopolyspora erythraea with Fusarium pallidoroseum

Coculture of the fungus Fusarium pallidoroseum with the bacterium Saccharopolyspora erythraea was found to produce three new decalin-type tetramic acid analogues related to equisetin. The structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. The absolute configurations were established by circular dichroism spectroscopy and comparing the data with those of equisetin.
Evaluating service quality in a UK hotel chain: a case study

Service quality is a growing concern for many service firms in the UK. Today service firms are paying more attention than ever to the needs and expectations of the customers by consistently improving the quality of service provided to their customers. This paper briefly explores the relation between service quality and business performance followed by an assessment of service quality as a framework. The case study focuses on a hotel group in UK, where service quality was measured at six different locations. The findings from the research unveiled that there were significant variations for service quality between the six hotels.
The Capacity Region of Frequency-Selective Gaussian Interference Channels Under Strong Interference

This paper presents the capacity region of frequency-selective Gaussian interference channels under the condition of strong interference, assuming an average power constraint per user. First, a frequency-selective Gaussian interference channel is modeled as a set of independent parallel memoryless Gaussian interference channels. Using nonfrequency selective results, the capacity region of frequency-selective Gaussian interference channels under strong interference is expressed mathematically. Exploiting structures inherent in the problem, a dual problem is constructed for each independent memoryless channel, in which both mathematical and numerical analysis are performed. Furthermore, three suboptimal methods are compared to the capacity-achieving coding and power allocation scheme. Iterative waterfilling, a suboptimal scheme, provides close-to-optimum performance and has a distributed coding and power allocation scheme, which are attractive in practice.
Association between the Herpes Simplex Virus-1 DNA Polymerase and Uracil DNA Glycosylase*♦

Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is a large dsDNA virus that encodes its own DNA replication machinery and other enzymes involved in DNA transactions. We recently reported that the HSV-1 DNA polymerase catalytic subunit (UL30) exhibits apurinic/apyrimidinic and 5′-deoxyribose phosphate lyase activities. Moreover, UL30, in conjunction with the viral uracil DNA glycosylase (UL2), cellular apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease, and DNA ligase IIIα-XRCC1, performs uracil-initiated base excision repair. Base excision repair is required to maintain genome stability as a means to counter the accumulation of unusual bases and to protect from the loss of DNA bases. Here we show that the HSV-1 UL2 associates with the viral replisome. We identified UL2 as a protein that co-purifies with the DNA polymerase through numerous chromatographic steps, an interaction that was verified by co-immunoprecipitation and direct binding studies. The interaction between UL2 and the DNA polymerase is mediated through the UL30 subunit. Moreover, UL2 co-localizes with UL30 to nuclear viral prereplicative sites. The functional consequence of this interaction is that replication of uracil-containing templates stalls at positions −1 and −2 relative to the template uracil because of the fact that these are converted into non-instructional abasic sites. These findings support the existence of a viral repair complex that may be capable of replication-coupled base excision repair and further highlight the role of DNA repair in the maintenance of the HSV-1 genome.
Non-destructive inspection of composite specimen with integrated lightning protection using pulsed thermography

This paper presents an inspection of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) panel using active infrared thermography method called pulsed thermography (PT). The inspected panel contains laminated artificial defects made of plastic foil. These circular defects with diameter 15, 20 and 25 mm are located between different layers. The delamination detection is made more difficult due to application of copper mesh as the very first layer, which improves CFRP electrical conductivity, but on the other hand it improves in-plane thermal conductivity as well and conceals the defects. Such panel is subjected to PT testing to determine optimal conditions for particular defect detection.
The Fundamental Nature of HARA Utility

Many models in Economics assume a utility function belonging to the HARA family. This paper shows that HARA utility is more fundamental to economic analysis. The HARA functional form is the unique form which satisfies basic economic principles in an optimization context. Using HARA is therefore not just a matter of convenience or tractability but rather emerges from economic reasoning, i.e., it is inherent in the economic optimization problem. The paper applies Lie symmetries to the optimality equation of Merton’s (1969, 1971) widely used intertemporal model of the consumer-investor in order to show the inherent nature of the HARA utility function. Lie symmetries derive the conditions whereby the optimal solution remains invariant under scale transformations of wealth. The latter arise as the result of growth over time or due to the effects of policy. The symmetries place restrictions on the model, with the key one being the use of HARA utility. We show that this scale invariance of agents’ wealth implies linear optimal solutions to consumption and portfolio allocation and linear risk tolerance (and vice versa). The results have broad implications, as the model studied is a fundamental one in Macroeconomics and Finance. The paper demonstrates the use of Lie symmetries as a powerful tool to deal with economic optimization problems.
Targeting the Exchange Rate: An Empirical Investigation

The purpose of this paper is to implement empirically a variant of the new theory of exchange rate targeting, suitable for high inflation small open economies. The theory formulates an expectations induced relationship between the exchange rate and the fundamental subject to random shocks and target zone constraints on rates of depreciation. The empirical analysis identifies the roles played by policy and market fundamentals in foreign exchange markets, and estimate the key parameters of the exchange rate dynamic equation.
A Method for Measuring Foot Pressures Using a High Resolution, Computerized Insole Sensor: The Effect of Heel Wedges on Plantar Pressure Distribution and Center of Force

A new, high resolution, pressure-sensitive insole was tested and found to provide reproducible measurements of static and dynamic plantar pressures inside the shoe of normal test subjects under certain conditions. However, calibration between separate sensors was poor and the sensor pads showed significant wear with use. This system was also used to investigate the effect of heel wedges on plantar foot pressure to determine whether this system was sensitive enough to detect the effect of a gross shoe modification on plantar foot pressure. Medial heel wedges decreased plantar pressures under the first and second metatarsals as well as under the first toe, and shifted the center of force laterally in all portions of the foot. Lateral heel wedges decreased pressures under the third, fourth, and fifth metatarsals, increased pressures under the first and second metatarsals, and shifted the center of force medially in all portions of the foot. Our evaluations indicate that it is possible to measure static and dynamic plantar foot pressures within shoes and to study the possible effect of shoe modifications on plantar pressures in controlled gait trials.
Prevention of cyclophosphamide-induced and spontaneous diabetes in NOD mice by syngeneic splenocytes treated with cytotoxic drugs.

Infusions of syngeneic T-cells, lethally damaged with ultraviolet A light (UVA) and 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), have been reported to prevent or ameliorate a number of autoimmune diseases in humans and in animal models of autoimmune disease. We previously demonstrated that the combination of UVA/8-MOP, or deoxycoformycin and deoxyadenosine (dCF/dAdo), damaged human lymphoid cells by inducing DNA strand breakage and stimulating poly (ADP-ribosyl)ation. These cells subsequently underwent programmed cell death ("apoptosis"). These findings suggested a common mechanism of lymphocyte damage, and that in vitro treatment of T-cells with cCF/dAdo might substitute for UVA/8-MOP. This hypothesis was tested in a model of autoimmune diabetes in the NOD mouse. Young adult female NOD/Wehi mice were given 350 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (CP) on day 1 to induce rapid-onset diabetes and divided into five treatment groups. Four groups received approximately 50 x 10(6) syngeneic mouse splenocytes that had been treated with various cytotoxic agents. 27/40 (68%) of the CP-only control group and 14/30 (48%) of the group given untreated splenocytes developed diabetes. By contrast, only 2/20 (10%) mice of UVA/8-MOP and 3/23 (14%) of dCF/dAdo-treated splenocyte groups developed diabetes (P < 0.01). Diabetes in high spontaneous-diabetes incidence NOD/Lt female mice was also greatly reduced (4/8 untreated vs 1/7 treated; (< 0.05). We postulate that cytotoxic damage to activated splenic T-cells allows their recognition by host T-cells and results in a protective response against autoreactive cells as a form of T-cell vaccination. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Peripheral Visual Fields in Children and Young Adults Using Semi-automated Kinetic Perimetry: Feasibility of Testing, Normative Data, and Repeatability

Abstract Normative visual field area, feasibility and repeatability using (Octopus) semi-automated kinetic perimetry are reported in 221 healthy volunteers aged 5–22 years. I4e and I2e stimuli assessed the visual field at 5°/second (°/s) or 3°/s. Blind spot was assessed with I2e at 2°/s. Reliable visual fields were plotted in 23% of participants <10 years, 64% of 10–12-year-olds, and 98% aged 13–22 years. Visual field areas were unchanged with age using 5°/s, but increased using 3°/s for I2e (p = 0.028). Blind spot area was unchanged with age. Reaction times reduced with age (p < 0.004). There was no learning effect. A test speed of 5°/s is recommended.
Evaluating the efficiency of intellectual capital management for Taiwan IC design industry

Management of intellectual capital has been the source of competitive advantages in the new economy. The study employed Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to analyzed 62 publicly listed IC design firms in Taiwan. The DEA models using different performance indices were analyzed and their relationships were further explored with PCA. The empirical results revealed that 30 out of 62 firms are efficient in Market Value Added (MVA) or Calculated Intangible Value (CIV) performance dimension. About a quarter of the IC design firms still have much room to improve their intellectual capital management. The purpose of the study aims to provide a benchmark tool for firms to understand their relative strength and weakness in intellectual capital management. The empirical results may help managers frame their future strategy more correctly and enrich the empirical research on intellectual capital management.
American Ginseng Attenuates Colitis-Associated Colon Carcinogenesis in Mice: Impact on Gut Microbiota and Metabolomics

Inflammatory bowel disease is a risk factor for colorectal cancer initiation and development. In this study, the effects of American ginseng on chemically induced colitis and colon carcinogenesis were evaluated using an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) mouse model. During the acute phase on day 15, the oral administration of ginseng (15 and 30 mg/kg/day) significantly suppressed AOM/DSS–induced colitis, as demonstrated by the disease activity index and colon tissue histology. During the chronic phase in week 13, AOM/DSS–induced tumor multiplicity was significantly suppressed by ginseng. Ginseng significantly attenuated the increase of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL1α, IL1β, IL6, G-CSF, and GM-CSF. Serum metabolomics data in the PCA plots showed good separation between the AOM/DSS model and ginseng-treated mice, and the most important endogenous metabolite changes were identified. The 16S rRNA data showed that after AOM/DSS, the microbiome community in the model group was obviously changed, and ginseng inhibited these changes. Fecal metabolomics analysis supported these findings. In conclusion, oral ginseng significantly decreased AOM/DSS–induced colitis and colon carcinogenesis by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines and restoring the metabolomics and microbiota profiles accordingly. Selective endogenous small molecules could be used as biomarkers to elucidate the effects of ginseng treatment. Cancer Prev Res; 9(10); 803–11. ©2016 AACR.
Britain and the Sterling Area: From Devaluation to Convertibility in the 1950s

To complement current work on the British domestic economy in the post-war period it is necessary to examine external economic policy. Whilst considerable work has been done on Britain's relations with Europe and with America, the complexities of the sterling area have remained obscure. This volume makes a significant contribution to unravelling the strands of British external economic policy in the post-war period.