Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Medium-Term Survival Following Elective Major Vascular Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The systemic nature of atherosclerosis compromises medium-term survival following major vascular surgery. Neutrophil—lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple index of systemic inflammatory burden which correlates with survival following percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: Patients undergoing elective major vascular surgery in 2 tertiary vascular units were identified from prospectively maintained databases. Factors associated with 2-year mortality were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Over a 4-year period, 1021 patients underwent elective major vascular surgery (carotid endarterectomy, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, lower limb revascularization). Two-year mortality was 11.2%. In multivariate analysis, preoperative NLR > 5 was independently associated with 2-year mortality (multivariate odds ratio [OR] 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22-4.01). Conclusion: Preoperative NLR identifies patients at increased risk of death within 2 years of major vascular surgery. This simple index may facilitate targeted preventive measures for high-risk patients.
N ov 2 01 7 A compositional approach to quantum functions

We introduce a notion of quantum function, and develop a compositional framework for finite quantum set theory based on a 2-category of quantum sets and quantum functions. We use this framework to formulate a 2-categorical theory of quantum graphs, which captures the quantum graphs and quantum graph homomorphisms recently discovered in the study of nonlocal games and zero-error communication, and relates them to quantum automorphism groups of graphs considered in the setting of compact quantum groups. We show that the 2-categories of quantum sets and quantum graphs are semisimple and characterise existing notions of quantum permutations and quantum graph isomorphisms as dagger-dualisable 1-morphisms in these 2-categories.
Diferencias estructurales en las actividades del turismo entre Andalucía y Comunidad Valenciana: aplicación del análisis input-output cualitativo con análisis de sensibilidad

Por todos es conocida la importancia de las actividades del turismo en las regiones de Andalucia y Comunidad Valenciana. Las estadisticas FRONTUR y FAMILITUR caracterizan la demanda de estas actividades; pero no aportan informacion sobre la estructura economica de la industria turistica, ni sobre su relacion con el resto de la economia regional. Con este proposito, el trabajo identi ca los patrones estructurales basicos de la industria mediante el analisis input-output cualitativo y el analisis de sensibilidad, lo que permite extraer conclusiones sobre las similitudes y diferencias de la industria turistica de ambas regiones.
Prenatal findings and epimutations for paternal uniparental disomy for chromosome 14 syndrome

The phenotypes associated with paternal uniparental disomy for chromosome 14 (UPD(14)pat) are clinically distinctive and caused by genetic alterations at the 14q32.2 imprinted region. Here we describe prenatal and neonatal findings in a case of epimutation associated with UPD(14)pat‐like phenotype. A 25‐year‐old Japanese woman was referred to hospital at 32 weeks of gestation for management of threatened premature delivery. Fetal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging showed a narrow thorax and polyhydramnios. At 35 weeks of gestation, emergency cesarean section was performed and placentomegaly was identified. Physical examination of the neonate indicated a small narrow thorax, diastasis recti, and dysmorphic facial features that included hirsute forehead, broad flat nasal bridge, micrognathia, small ears, and a long protruding philtrum. Genetic analysis identified epimutation at the intergenic differentially methylated region (IG‐DMR) and at MEG3‐DMR.
How Does Limit Order Book Information Affect Trading Strategy and Market Quality: Simulations of an Agent-Based Stock Market

In this paper we focus on the role of limit order book in trading behavior and market quality by simulation analysis. We develop a model of an order-driven market where traders set bids and asks and post market or limit orders according to their expectation of asset's future price. In order to facilitate the comparison, agents are assumed to have four components of the expectation of future asset price, namely fundamentalist, chartist and noise strategy, as well as order book information in one type of simulations, while order book state won't be considered in the other type. Through a series of simulations we conclude limit order book contains information of present supply-demand relation, which make more accuracy in trading strategy and higher market quality.
Genotypic and phenotypic changes in the emergence of Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a foodborne pathogen distinguished from typical E. coli by the production of Shiga toxins (Stx) and the inability to ferment sorbitol (SOR) and to express beta-glucuronidase (GUD) activity. An allele-specific probe for the GUD gene (uidA) and multilocus enzyme electrophoresis were used to elucidate stages in the evolutionary emergence of E. coli O157: H7. A point mutation at +92 in uidA was found only in O157:H7 and its nonmotile relatives, including a SOR+ O157:H clone implicated in outbreaks of hemolytic-uremic syndrome in Germany. The results support a model in which O157:H7 evolved sequentially from an O55:H7 ancestor, first by acquiring the Stx2 gene and then by diverging into two branches; one became GUD- SOR- , resulting in the O157:H7 clone that spread worldwide, and the other lost motility, leading to the O157:H clone that is an increasing public health problem in Europe.
Diseño de historia clínica electrónica basada en unidades semánticas y coordinada por protocolos

La historia clinica (HC) es uno de los registros mas importantes y privados que se puede tener de una persona. La HC contiene una gran cantidad de informacion de valor para el cuidado de la salud de un paciente. Debido a que las actividades de salud generalmente implican la participacion de diversos actores a lo largo de una red de salud, cada centro de salud contiene solo una parte de la historia clinica del paciente. Para poder brindar un cuidado continuo y centrado en el paciente es necesario que los sistemas de historias clinicas electronicas puedan interoperar semanticamente en terminos de la informacion y los procesos de salud del paciente. El presente trabajo propone un diseno para generar historias clinicas electronicas que almacenan la informacion con la semantica necesaria para que sea mas factible de procesar en terminos computacionales. Tambien se presenta un caso de implementacion real donde se pueden ver los beneficios del enfoque propuesto.
Tyrosine phosphorylation of nuclear-membrane protein emerin by Src, Abl and other kinases

X-linked recessive Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) is caused by loss of emerin, a nuclear-membrane protein with roles in nuclear architecture, gene regulation and signaling. Phosphoproteomic studies have identified 13 sites of tyrosine phosphorylation in emerin. We validated one study, confirming that emerin is hyper-tyrosine-phosphorylated in Her2-overexpressing cells. We discovered that non-receptor tyrosine kinases Src and Abl each phosphorylate emerin and a related protein, LAP2β, directly. Src phosphorylated emerin specifically at Y59, Y74 and Y95; the corresponding triple Y-to-F (`FFF') mutation reduced tyrosine phosphorylation by ∼70% in vitro and in vivo. Substitutions that removed a single hydroxyl moiety either decreased (Y19F, Y34, Y161F) or increased (Y4F) emerin binding to BAF in cells. Y19F, Y34F, Y161F and the FFF mutant also reduced recombinant emerin binding to BAF from HeLa lysates, demonstrating the involvement of both LEM-domain and distal phosphorylatable tyrosines in binding BAF. We conclude that emerin function is regulated by multiple tyrosine kinases, including Her2, Src and Abl, two of which (Her2, Src) regulate striated muscle. These findings suggest roles for emerin as a downstream effector and `signal integrator' for tyrosine kinase signaling pathway(s) at the nuclear envelope.
A Novel Compensation Algorithm for Thickness Measurement Immune to Lift-Off Variations Using Eddy Current Method

Lift-off variation causes errors in the eddy current thickness measurements of metallic plates. In this paper, we have developed an algorithm that can compensate for this variation and produce an index that is linked to the thickness, but is virtually independent of lift-off. This index, termed as the compensated peak frequency, can be obtained from the measured multifrequency inductance spectral data using the algorithm we developed in this paper. This method has been derived through mathematical manipulation and verified by both the simulation and experimental data. Accuracy in the thickness measurements at different lift-offs proved to be within 2%.
Meta-analysis of trials comparing beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, and nitrates for stable angina.

CONTEXT Which drug is most effective as a first-line treatment for stable angina is not known. OBJECTIVE To compare the relative efficacy and tolerability of treatment with beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, and long-acting nitrates for patients who have stable angina. DATA SOURCES We identified English-language studies published between 1966 and 1997 by searching the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and reviewing the bibliographies of identified articles to locate additional relevant studies. STUDY SELECTION Randomized or crossover studies comparing antianginal drugs from 2 or 3 different classes (beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, and long-acting nitrates) lasting at least 1 week were reviewed. Studies were selected if they reported at least 1 of the following outcomes: cardiac death, myocardial infarction, study withdrawal due to adverse events, angina frequency, nitroglycerin use, or exercise duration. Ninety (63%) of 143 identified studies met the inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION Two independent reviewers extracted data from selected articles, settling any differences by consensus. Outcome data were extracted a third time by 1 of the investigators. We combined results using odds ratios (ORs) for discrete data and mean differences for continuous data. Studies of calcium antagonists were grouped by duration and type of drug (nifedipine vs nonnifedipine). DATA SYNTHESIS Rates of cardiac death and myocardial infarction were not significantly different for treatment with beta-blockers vs calcium antagonists (OR, 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67-1.38; P = .79). There were 0.31 (95% CI, 0.00-0.62; P = .05) fewer episodes of angina per week with beta-blockers than with calcium antagonists. beta-Blockers were discontinued because of adverse events less often than were calcium antagonists (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.60-0.86; P<.001). The differences between beta-blockers and calcium antagonists were most striking for nifedipine (OR for adverse events with beta-blockers vs nifedipine, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.47-0.77). Too few trials compared nitrates with calcium antagonists or beta-blockers to draw firm conclusions about relative efficacy. CONCLUSIONS beta-Blockers provide similar clinical outcomes and are associated with fewer adverse events than calcium antagonists in randomized trials of patients who have stable angina.
Analysis and Optimal Design Considerations for an Improved Full Bridge ZVS DC&#8211;DC Converter With High Efficiency

This paper proposes an improved full bridge dc-dc converter, which can achieve zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) with wide input voltage range and load range. The operation principle of the converter and the optimal design considerations for high efficiency and ZVS range are analyzed. By adding two clamp diodes and two small coupled inductors at the primary side of the transformer, the voltage ringing across rectifier diodes is reduced. Therefore, Schottky diodes can be employed to reduce conduction loss, and high efficiency is achieved. A 1.2-kW/105-kHz prototype was made with an efficiency higher than 95% at full load to verify the theoretical analysis
The Campylobacter jejuni Thiol Peroxidases Tpx and Bcp Both Contribute to Aerotolerance and Peroxide-Mediated Stress Resistance but Have Distinct Substrate Specificities

ABSTRACT The microaerophilic food-borne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni experiences variable oxygen concentrations during its life cycle, especially during transitions between the external environment and the avian or mammalian gut. Single knockout mutations in either one of two related thiol peroxidase genes, tpx and bcp, resulted in normal microaerobic growth (10% [vol/vol] oxygen) but poorer growth than that of the wild type under high-aeration conditions (21% [vol/vol] oxygen). However, a tpx/bcp double mutant had a severe microaerobic growth defect and did not grow at high aeration in shake flasks. Although the single mutant strains were no more sensitive than the wild-type strains in disc diffusion assays with hydrogen peroxide, organic peroxides, superoxide, or nitrosative stress agents, in all cases the double mutant was hypersensitive. Quantitative cell viability and cellular lipid peroxidation assays indicated some increased sensitivity of the single tpx and bcp mutants to peroxide stress. Protein carbonylation studies revealed that the tpx/bcp double mutant had a higher degree of oxygen- and peroxide-induced oxidative protein damage than did either of the single mutants. An analysis of the peroxidase activity of the purified recombinant enzymes showed that, surprisingly, Tpx reduced only hydrogen peroxide as substrate, whereas Bcp also reduced organic peroxides. Immunoblotting of wild-type cell extracts with Tpx- or Bcp-specific antibodies showed increased abundance of both proteins under high aeration compared to that under microaerobic growth conditions. Taken together, the results suggest that Tpx and Bcp are partially redundant antioxidant enzymes that play an important role in protection of C. jejuni against oxygen-induced oxidative stress.
It's never too late: calorie restriction is effective in older mammals.

3 CALORIE RESTRICTION (CR), the selective reduction of energy intake without compromising other essential nutrients, is the most powerful intervention known to retard biological aging in mammals, as assessed by extension of mean and maximum lifespan, reduced incidence or progression of age-associated diseases, and preserved physiological function and molecular fidelity with age.1 Yet although CR research dates back nearly 70 years, it was regarded largely as a laboratory curiosity for most of that time, because of the belief that CR worked through retarding growth early in the life history. This notion was reinforced by numerous failed attempts to replicate CR’s antiaging effects when the regimen was instituted in adult organisms (reviewed in Ref. 2). Twenty years ago, this belief was overturned by a classic report by Weindruch and Walford,2 who were the first to unambiguously demonstrate that, if imposed gradually and with a generous provision of essential nutrients (so as to allow for the lesser metabolic adaptability of older organisms), adult-onset CR could exert the same robust anti-aging effects observed when the regimen is implemented in weanlings. The result initiated a new era of interest in CR as a method of experimental manipulation of the aging process—both as tool for investigating the mechanisms of aging, and in hopes of designing alternative interventions which might exploit the mechanisms of CR to extend healthy lifespan in humans (“CR mimetics”3). There have remained, however, reasons for caution regarding the efficacy of CR in older organisms. Reasonable grounds for scepticism included limits on older animals’ ability to metabolically adapt to the CR regime, given young adult animals’ evidently reduced capacity in this regard relative to weanlings; the ability of late-life CR to meaningfully improve functionality, given the previous accumulation of a lifetime of molecular disarray; the time required, relative to the remaining life expectancy of animals in late middle age, for CR’s anti-aging mechanisms to translate into clinically significant functional improvements relative to an ad libitum (AL) cohort; and the established fact of CR’s age-retarding benefits being proportional to the time an organism spends on a CR regimen (Fig. 1). Studies on surrogate outcomes also suggested limits on late-life CR’s effectiveness. Thus CR was found to rapidly reduce levels of carbonyl and loss of sulfhydryl groups in the brain, but was unable to preserve cardiac sulfhydryl groups;4 CR lowered the level of altered heat-labile hepatic, renal, and cerebral proteins, and hepatic mitochondrial (but not cytosolic) carbonylated proteins;5 and while one year of late-onset CR reduced “ragged red” muscle fiber segments and mitochondrial DNA deletions, this effect manifested at 50%, but not
Determinantes de la variación de la cuota de mercado de las entidades financieras en las OPIs españolas

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio es analizar el efecto que tiene la valoración del mercado de capitales de las OPIs de empresas españolas sobre la cuota de mercado de las entidades financieras que actúan como directores de la colocación. El interés de este estudio radica en que permite extraer conclusiones sobre las políticas más adecuadas a desarrollar por parte de los bancos en su labor de colocación y aseguramiento de emisiones. Los resultados de esta investigación han puesto de manifiesto que las entidades financieras se ven penalizadas en términos de pérdida de cuota de mercado por la rebaja inicial en el precio de las acciones de forma previa a su incorporación bursátil, especialmente si fijan un precio para las acciones inferior al que el mercado reconoce transcurrido un año desde la salida a bolsa.
Visualisation interactive de données avec des points d'intérêt

We present in this paper an interactive method for data visualization based on points of interest but in the context of visual data mining. Points of interest are located on a circle, and data are displayed within this circle according to their similarities to these points of interest. We evaluate the properties of such a visualization with artificial and standard data.
The ISWI ATPase Snf2h is required for early mouse development

Chromatin assembly and remodeling complexes alter histone–DNA interactions by using the energy of ATP hydrolysis catalyzed by nucleosome-dependent ATPase subunits. Several classes of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes exist, including the ISWI family. ISWI complexes disrupt histone–DNA interactions in vitro by facilitating nucleosome sliding. Snf2h is a widely expressed ISWI ATPase. We investigated the role of the Snf2h gene in mammalian development by generating a null mutation in mice. Snf2h heterozygous mutant mice are born at the expected frequency and appear normal. Snf2h-/- embryos die during the periimplantation stage. Blastocyst outgrowth experiments indicate that loss of Snf2h results in growth arrest and cell death of both the trophectoderm and inner cell mass. To investigate the effect of decreased Snf2h levels in adult cells, we performed antisense inhibition of Snf2h in human hematopoietic progenitors. Reducing Snf2h levels inhibited CD34+ progenitors from undergoing cytokine-induced erythropoiesis in vitro. Our results indicate that Snf2h is required for proliferation of early blastocyst-derived stem cells and adult human hematopoietic progenitors. Cells lacking Snf2h are thus prevented from further embryonic development and differentiation.
Usability of a smartphone food picture app for assisting 24-hour dietary recall: a pilot study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The Recaller app was developed to help individuals record their food intakes. This pilot study evaluated the usability of this new food picture application (app), which operates on a smartphone with an embedded camera and Internet capability. SUBJECTS/METHODS Adults aged 19 to 28 years (23 males and 22 females) were assigned to use the Recaller app on six designated, nonconsecutive days in order to capture an image of each meal and snack before and after eating. The images were automatically time-stamped and uploaded by the app to the Recaller website. A trained nutritionist administered a 24-hour dietary recall interview 1 day after food images were taken. Participants' opinions of the Recaller app and its usability were determined by a follow-up survey. As an evaluation indicator of usability, the number of images taken was analyzed and multivariate Poisson regression used to model the factors determining the number of images sent. RESULTS A total of 3,315 food images were uploaded throughout the study period. The median number of images taken per day was nine for males and 13 for females. The survey showed that the Recaller app was easy to use, and 50% of the participants would consider using the app daily. Predictors of a higher number of images were as follows: greater interval (hours) between the first and last food images sent, weekend, and female. CONCLUSIONS The results of this pilot study provide valuable information for understanding the usability of the Recaller smartphone food picture app as well as other similarly designed apps. This study provides a model for assisting nutrition educators in their collection of food intake information by using tools available on smartphones. This innovative approach has the potential to improve recall of foods eaten and monitoring of dietary intake in nutritional studies.
Structural and Functional Similarities between a Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase (RuBisCO)-like Protein from Bacillus subtilis and Photosynthetic RuBisCO*

The sequences classified as genes for various ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO)-like proteins (RLPs) are widely distributed among bacteria, archaea, and eukaryota. In the phylogenic tree constructed with these sequences, RuBisCOs and RLPs are grouped into four separate clades, forms I-IV. In RuBisCO enzymes encoded by form I, II, and III sequences, 19 conserved amino acid residues are essential for CO2 fixation; however, 1-11 of these 19 residues are substituted with other amino acids in form IV RLPs. Among form IV RLPs, the only enzymatic activity detected to date is a 2,3-diketo-5-methylthiopentyl 1-phosphate (DK-MTP-1-P) enolase reaction catalyzed by Bacillus subtilis, Microcystis aeruginosa, and Geobacillus kaustophilus form IV RLPs. RLPs from Rhodospirillum rubrum, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Chlorobium tepidum, and Bordetella bronchiseptica were inactive in the enolase reaction. DK-MTP-1-P enolase activity of B. subtilis RLP required Mg2+ for catalysis and, like RuBisCO, was stimulated by CO2. Four residues that are essential for the enolization reaction of RuBisCO, Lys175, Lys201, Asp203, and Glu204, were conserved in RLPs and were essential for DK-MTP-1-P enolase catalysis. Lys123, the residue conserved in DK-MTP-1-P enolases, was also essential for B. subtilis RLP enolase activity. Similarities between the active site structures of RuBisCO and B. subtilis RLP were examined by analyzing the effects of structural analogs of RuBP on DK-MTP-1-P enolase activity. A transition state analog for the RuBP carboxylation of RuBisCO was a competitive inhibitor in the DK-MTP-1-P enolase reaction with a Ki value of 103 μm. RuBP and d-phosphoglyceric acid, the substrate and product, respectively, of RuBisCO, were weaker competitive inhibitors. These results suggest that the amino acid residues utilized in the B. subtilis RLP enolase reaction are the same as those utilized in the RuBisCO RuBP enolization reaction.