Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Infliximab Therapy Improves the Bone Metabolism in Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease

Background: Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases and bone resorption as well. Limited data exist about the effect of anti-TNF-α infliximab on bone metabolism in inflammatory-type Crohn’s disease (CD). Aim: Our aim was to evaluate the effect of infliximab treatment on rapid changes of bone metabolism in fistulizing CD patients. Methods: 27 patients with fistulizing CD were treated with three series of infliximab. Serum osteocalcin (OC) and β-CrossLaps (bCL) were measured before administration of each infliximab infusion. 54 patients with inactive CD were controls. Results: In treated patients, there were significant differences in bCL concentrations on days 0 and 14 (p < 0.01) and days 0 and 42 (p < 0.05). OC levels increased significantly between day 0 and 42 (p < 0.05). The values of bCL and OC of control groups differed from serum levels in active patients before the treatment, but not on day 42. Bone markers improved significantly in responder patients, but not in non-responders. Conclusion: The beneficial effect of infliximab to the bone metabolism is more expressive in patients whose fistulizing disease improves with this therapy. Our results suggest that TNF-α has an important role in the alteration of bone metabolism in fistulizing CD patients.
The venture crowd: crowdfunding equity investments into business

Crowdfunding is big business. The idea of financing projects or businesses with small contributions from large numbers of people is catching on in a big way and now accounts for significant amounts of money. In 2011 alone, $1.5 billion was raised through crowdfunding for projects and businesses in need of funds. Not only does the model provide finance but also access to a large number of people who can test and market an idea. Crowdfunding takes a number of different forms, the most successful of which has been the reward–based model where participants receive non–financial rewards in exchange for donating to a project. The model effectively harnesses not only the contributors’ desire for the reward but also the intrinsic or social motivations to back a project. Other forms of the model are, however, also growing rapidly. The most recent of these is equity crowdfunding, where individuals receive small stakes in a privately owned young business in return for investment.
New Data Bus Interface Technique

Data bus systems as defined in MIL-STD-1553B are widely used in aerospace instrumentation systems for digital data transmissions between units on the bus. Although the bus is protected against a short circuit which may occur in the remote unit electronics or transformer, it has no protection against a cable termination failure. Open or short failure along main bus cable results in failure of the entire bus system. A new data bus interface technique is described which is insensitive to cable termination failure. The central feature of this new interface circuit is that communication between main unit and remote units is not affected by the cable termination failure. In applications such as multistage missiles, no provisions need be made for retermination in the cable characteristic impedance after stage separation. The key to this new technique is a directional coupling transformer which is only slightly more complicated than standard interface transformers. Design equations for directional coupling transformer and experimental results of new data bus systems are presented.
PATTERN OF MORBIDITY AND ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE IN WEST BENGAL

Access to health care is defined as the potential and actual entry of a given individual or population group into the health care delivery system. It is the ‘degree of fit’ between clients and the health system depending up on acceptability, affordability, availability, physical accessibility and accommodation. It has been an issue of debate whether the recent reforms in economic as well as health care policies, coupled with the wave of globalization and privatization, have been successful in improving access to health care, lack of which can be taken as the ‘unmet demand’ for health care in general. Using unit level data of National Sample Survey (NSS) 60 th and 52 nd rounds on Morbidity and Health Care, the present study looks in to the nature and determinants of both hospitalized and non-hospitalized health care in West Bengal, an Eastern state of India where people overwhelmingly prefer publicly provided health care facilities. The state is experiencing epidemiological transition with a sharp decrease in the prevalence of communicable diseases and increase in non-communicable diseases. Income, living condition and the social affiliation has come out as important determinants of incidence of communicable disease. Differences in morbidity prevalence and their determinants are observed across the regions of the state. Education and income appear to be crucial determinants on access to non-hospitalized outdoor health care, whereas intra-household discrimination against women in access emerges in the analysis of socio-economic ordering analysis. The preference for private providers among better off and more educated classes hints towards a perceived low quality of services in public sector. With the National Health Policy in India (2002) suggesting expansion of market based care for the affording class and subsidized care for the deserving class of the society, the benefit incidence analysis of the public support in health sector is important to study the welfare consequences of the policy. Analysis shows that though the rate of utilization of public hospitals is quite high, other complementary services like medicine, doctor and diagnostic tests are mostly purchased from private market, which leads to high out-ofpocket expenditure. Moreover, the public subsidies are mostly enjoyed by the relatively better placed patients, both socially and economically. As a result, nearly 30 percent of the households have to incur catastrophic health care, spending more than 40 percent of their annual income on health care. Thus in WB, the horizontal equity in access to health care cannot ensure enough benefits for the poorer section resulting in pro-rich distribution of subsidy, violating the concept of vertical equity altogether.
An Examination Of Farm Program Payments On Farm Economic Structure

System of input demand functions is estimated to examine the impact of farm program payments on farm economic structure. Influence of farm program payments on input resource use for the time periods corresponding to the thirteen farm bills in effect since 1938 is also examined. Empirical application to Nebraska agriculture sector for the period 1936-2004 indicate positive impact of farm program payments on farm real estate, breeding livestock and other inputs. Negative influence of farm program payment on the use of farm equipment, farm labor, farm inputs, chemicals and energy was observed during the same period.
Which Hotel attributes Matter? A review of previous and a framework for future research

A lot of effort has been made in the last decades to reveal, which hotel attributes guest care about. Due to the high costs that are typically involved with investments in the hotel industry, it makes a lot of sense to study, which product components the travellers appreciate. This study reveals that hotel attribute research turns out to be a wide and extremely heterogeneous field of research. The authors review empirical studies investigating the importance of hotel attributes, provide attribute rankings and suggest a framework for past and future research projects in the field, based on the dimensions “focus of research”, ”risk versus utility” and “trade-off versus no trade-off questioning situation”.
DEBATE: GOVERNANCE, GOVERNMENT, AND THE SEARCH FOR NEW PROVIDER MODELS

A central problem in designing effective models of provider governance in health systems has been to ensure an appropriate balance between the concerns of public sector and/or government decision-makers, on the one hand, and of non-governmental health services actors in civil society and private life, on the other. In tax-funded European health systems up to the 1980s, the state and other public sector decision-makers played a dominant role over health service provision, typically operating hospitals through national or regional governments on a command-and-control basis. In a number of countries, however, this state role has started to change, with governments first stepping out of direct service provision and now de facto pushed to focus more on steering provider organizations rather than on direct public management. In this new approach to provider governance, the state has pulled back into a regulatory role that introduces market-like incentives and management structures, which then apply to both public and private sector providers alike. This article examines some of the main operational complexities in implementing this new governance reality/strategy, specifically from a service provision (as opposed to mostly a financing or even regulatory) perspective. After briefly reviewing some of the key theoretical dilemmas, the paper presents two case studies where this new approach was put into practice: primary care in Sweden and hospitals in Spain. The article concludes that good governance today needs to reflect practical operational realities if it is to have the desired effect on health sector reform outcome.
Price Forecasting and Strategic Planning: The Case of Petrochemicals

Consistent declines in “value added” by manufacturers of petrochemicals (for which price is used as a proxy) is caused by the competitive factors of number of manufacturers and product standardization and the technological factors of production experience and static scale. These relationships imply strategic options available in the pricing of petrochemicals.
Pedicled Transfer of the Superficial Inguinal Lymph Node Flap for Lymphedema

Abstract Background Vascularized lymph node transfer is performed for select patients with lymphedema who remain refractory to nonsurgical therapies. Typically, this involves a microvascular free tissue transfer of donor lymph nodes to the affected area. We describe our experience with the transfer of a pedicled adipofascial flap containing the superficial inguinal lymph nodes for lower extremity lymphedema or penoscrotal lymphedema. Methods In eight patients, a unilateral pedicled superficial inguinal lymph node flap was harvested. The flap consisted of subscarpal adipofascial tissue between the level of the inguinal ligament and the groin crease. Blood supply was from either the superficial circumflex iliac vessels or the superficial inferior epigastric vessels. In certain patients, concurrent lymphaticovenular anastomosis was attempted as well. Results Four patients underwent pedicled superficial inguinal lymph node flap transfer for lower extremity lymphedema and for the other four patients the indication was penoscrotal lymphedema. Seven of the eight study patients reported improvements in their lymphedema symptoms. Postoperative complications included cellulitis in one patient and hematoma in another patient; neither patient required reoperation. Conclusion The pedicled superficial inguinal lymph node flap is a feasible and safe treatment option for either lower extremity lymphedema or genital lymphedema. This case series provides the basis for additional studies regarding the potential use of this vascularized lymph node flap in select patients.
Pharmacodynamics of Moxifloxacin versus Vancomycin against Biofilms of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and epidermidis in an In Vitro Model

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the activities of moxifloxacin and vancomycin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis(MRSE) biofilms. The study was conducted using a novel In Vitro pharmacodynamic model where the biofilms were treated with a simulated clinical dosing of vancomycin 1 g every 12 h or moxifloxacin 400 mg every 24 h. Vancomycin failed to produce a 2 log reduction in the biofilm embedded bacterial count against either of the tested organisms at any time. Moxifloxacin treatment, on the other hand, exhibited a superior anti-biofilm activity and resulted in a 2.5- and 3.7-log reduction in the MRSA and MRSE bacterial bioburdens, respectively, after 24 h of exposure. The results support the implementation of further in vivo and clinical studies aimed at demonstrating the efficacy of moxifloxacin in the treatment of MRSA and MRSE biofilm-associated infections.
Ghrelin protects against nucleus pulposus degeneration through inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway and activation of Akt signaling pathway

The objective of the present study was to examine the potential role of ghrelin in degeneration of nucleus pulposus (NP). Lower expression levels of ghrelin were found in human NP cells stimulated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Moreover, exogenous ghrelin suppressed IL-1β induced degeneration and inflammation associated biomarkers in human NP cells, including matrix metalloproteinase-13, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-5, tumor necrosis factor-α and iNOS, which was possibly mediated by antagonization of NF-κB signaling. Moreover, ghrelin enhanced production of critical extracellular matrix of NP cells, including collagen 2, aggrecan, and Sox-9 in NP cells. Ghrelin also promoted NP tissue regeneration in a rabbit IVD degeneration model, which seems to be associated with growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Additionally, the protective role of ghrelin in anabolism potentially relies on activation of Akt signaling pathway. Taken together, ghrelin may represent a molecular target for prevention and treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.
An interactive system to extract structured text from a geometrical representation

The proliferation of electronic document formats impedes the dissemination and management of documents. Indeed, a common format with structural information is required to obtain document indexing and navigation. While in some formats it is easy to decode and preserve the document structure information, often the only easily obtainable representation is Postscript, where only the geometrical information remains. Even if an organization is willing to convert all its document producing activities to a structure preserving format such as HTML, the existing documents need to be converted. The paper addresses the difficult problem of extracting the structure of a document from a geometrical representation. An interactive tool to extract the document content and structure from a geometric representation (Postscript) has been developed. It successfully analyzes several documents produced with different tools, and produces structural information using the HyperText Markup Language (HTML). The end user, when presented with the extracted document structure, can interactively modify it, if needed. The tool is easily extended to recognize new constructs and is aimed at organizations needing to convert numerous documents for searching and browsing on intranets or on the Internet.
An operational model of joint attention - Timing of the initiate-act in interactions with a virtual human

Joint attention has been identified as a foundational skill in human-human interaction. In our research, we use virtual humans to evaluate cognitive models, here, enabling them to egage in joint attention. This requires an operational model with precise information on natural gaze timing. We aim at substantiating our model of joint attention (Pfeiffer-Lesmann & Wachsmuth 2009) by studying human-agent interactions and present results on the timing of referential gaze during the initiation of joint attention.
Essential role of Helicobacter pylori urease in gastric colonization: definite proof using a urease-negative mutant constructed by gene replacement.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the involvement of urease in Helicobacter pylori colonization in the nude mouse stomach by using a genetically defined urease-negative mutant. METHODS AND RESULTS Through electroporation-mediated gene replacement, one of the urease genes of an H. pylori strain, CYP3401, was disrupted by insertion of a kanamycin-resistance determinant to construct a stable urease-negative mutant, HPT73. Southern analysis confirmed that gene replacement was achieved. The two isogenic strains were introduced into the stomachs of nude mice, and the number of H. pylori and the histological changes in the stomachs were investigated 1 or 4 weeks after the challenge. Gastritis was present in the CPY3401-challenged stomach, from which bacteria indistinguishable from CPY3401 were successfully recovered. In contrast, no gastritis was found in the HPT73-challenged stomach, and H. pylori was not recovered from these stomachs. CONCLUSION H. pylori urease is essential for colonization of the nude mouse stomach.
What you ask is what you get: Learning from interviewing in qualitative research

Abstract This paper outlines some important issues discovered about undertaking qualitative interviews. A description of a study that involved interviewing the authors’ students is followed by discussion of aspects of the interviewing process that became apparent during analysis of those interviews. Problems that were encountered with retrospective interviews, power differentials, question sequencing, some interview techniques, and a prior knowledge of the students are illuminated to assist other qualitative interviewers to be aware of these potential areas of difficulty.
A novel biomedical application for the Myo gesture control armband

The Myo gesture control armband, by Thalmic Labs, allows taking control of several digital technologies from a distance. The Myo uses Electromyography (EMG) sensors to read electrical activity in muscles. Departing from this fact, in this paper we focus on the Myo as a biomedical equipment that could be used for medical purposes. Limited contribution has been made by Myo developers in this area. To prove this, we used the Myo armband to continuously flip slides of a PowerPoint presentation using two arm data-sets; 6 normal arms and 1 injured arm. The energy and rms performances of the normal and injured arms were compared at the first 10 seconds and after 40 and 80 seconds. For the normal arms flipping the presentation, the energy and rms values remained nearly the same (for the energy; 23 dB at 10s to 21 dB at 80s and for rms; 16 dB at 10s to 14.5 dB at 80s). However, for the injured arm the performance deteriorated as time elapsed (for the energy; 22 dB at 10s to 15 dB at 80s and for rms; 15 dB at 10s to 10.5 dB at 80s), as a result that the injured muscles were getting tired and their electrical activity was reduced.
Financial Derivatives in Theory

Financial derivatives trading has become an intricate part of most modern financial markets hence an important engine for global economic growth. Interestingly, derivatives have been around for a long time with a history traceable to Babylonian times. This paper takes a position that for there to be a better understanding of the benefits and perils of derivatives, a highlight of their nature, characteristics and differences is needed. In this regard, various forms of derivatives have been looked at and analyzed in a way that demystifies them, to create a broader awareness of their role within financial markets. With such an analysis, it has even been possible to elucidate why derivatives trading tends to surpass trading in underlying assets.
Ethnicity is a factor to be considered before dose planning in ovarian cancer patients to be treated with topotecan

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and toxicity of topotecan in Chinese patients with ovarian cancer. A retrospective analysis on recurrent ovarian cancer patients receiving topotecan 1.25 mg/m2 daily for 5 consecutive days on a 21-day cycle from 1997 to 2002 was conducted. The patients included were all treated with at least two cycles of topotecan. The patient characteristics were compared in relation to their toxicity profile and their response to treatment. Response was evaluated by physical findings, imaging techniques, and serum CA125 level. A total of 60 patients were included in the study. All patients were evaluable for response and toxicities. A total of 361 cycles were given (median, 5 per patient; range 2–15). The major toxicity was neutropenia, which was grade 4 in 45.0% of the patients and 10.2% of the cycles. Age was the only covariate predicting the occurrence of grade 4 neutropenia (logistic regression P = 0.046, CI 1.01–1.12). Neutropenic fever occurred in 8.3% of the patients. Eighteen (30%) patients were required to delay their chemotherapy and 11 (18.3%) required dose reduction. Nonhematologic toxicities were mild. The overall response rate was 21.6%, with eight (13.3%) complete responses and five (8.3%) partial responses. The median duration of response and median time to progression were 11 and 5 months, respectively. The median survival was 14 months. Topotecan 1.25 mg/m2 in a five-times-daily schedule was well tolerated in a cohort of Chinese patients. Myelotoxicity was the most important side effect in our study, but the incidence is much lower than that reported in other studies. Age was an independent factor predicting the occurrence of grade 4 neutropenia.
Mobile Cloud Computing: Challenges and Future Research Directions

In society today, mobile communication and mobile computing have a significant role in every aspect of our lives, both personal and public communication. However, the growth in mobile computing usage can be enhanced by integrating mobile computing into cloud computing. This will result in emerging a new model called Mobile Cloud Computing (MCC) that has recently attracted much attention in the academic sector. In this work, the main challenges and issues related to MCC are outlined. We also present the recent work and countermeasure solutions that are proposed by researchers to counter the challenges and lastly, crucial open research and issues that direct future research is highlighted.
Design of broadband inductorless LNAs in ultra-scaled CMOS technologies

Shunt-shunt resistive feedback is used in this paper to design inductorless broadband LNAs in a digital 45 nm CMOS technology. Simulation results show 18 dB gain over a 10 GHz bandwidth, with NF < 3 dB and IIP3 > -7 dBm in-band, while consuming 32 mW from a 1 V supply voltage.
Trajectory tracking control design for the system of a quadrotor UAV with a suspended payload

In this paper, we present a new control strategy based on partial feedback linearization for the system of a quadrotor UAV(unmanned aerial vehicle) with a suspended payload. An input-output stable based trajectory tracking control law is first proposed. To the end of stabilizing the internal system, a coupling term is then added to the input-output control law. And then the semi-global stability of the close-loop system is demonstrated by employing Lyapunov stability analysis. The simulation results show a good performance of the trajectory tracking ability of the proposed control design.