Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social media in medicine: a game changer?

A digital age In the 1990s, the arrival of the internet to homes, coupled with the affordability of the personal computer, revolutionised both how we communicate, and how we access information, goods and services. Organizations that developed an online presence prospered, whilst those who were late to the party were left behind. The birth of social media (SoMe) represents a second digital revolution in as many decades, driven in part by improvements in mobile technology.
T-cell receptor transfer for boosting HIV-1-specific T-cell immunity in HIV-1-infected patients

Objectives:Strategies to cure HIV-1 infection require the eradication of viral reservoirs. An innovative approach for boosting the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response is the transfer of T-cell receptors (TCRs). Previously, we have shown that electroporation of TCR-encoding mRNA is able to reprogram CD8+ T cells derived from healthy donors. So far, it is unknown whether the transfer of HIV-1-specific TCRs is capable to reprogram CD8+ T cells of HIV-1-infected patients. To assess the efficiency of TCR-transfer by mRNA electroporation and the functionality of reprogramed T cells in HIV-1-infected patients, we performed an in-vitro analysis of TCR-transfer into T cells from HIV-1-infected patients in various stages of disease and from healthy controls. Methods:Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 16 HIV-1-infected patients (nine HLA-A*02-positive, seven HLA-A*02-negative) and from five healthy controls were electroporated with mRNA-constructs encoding TCRs specific for the HLA-A*02/HIV-1-gag p17 epitope SLYNTVATL (SL9). Functionality of the TCRs was measured by &ggr;IFN-ELISpot assays. Results:SL9/TCR transfection into peripheral blood mononuclear cells from both HLA-A*02-positive and HLA-A*02-negative HIV-1-infected patients and from healthy blood donors reprogramed T cells for recognition of SL9-presenting HLA-A*02-positive cells in &ggr;IFN-ELISpot assays. SL9/TCR-transfer into T cells from an immunodeficient AIDS patient could induce recognition of SL9-expressing target cells only after reversion of T-cell dysfunction by antiretroviral therapy. Conclusion:The transfer of HIV-1-p17-specific TCRs into T cells is functional both in HIV-1-infected patients as well as in healthy blood donors. TCR-transfer is a promising method to boost the immune system against HIV-1.
Biomass and Carbon Stocks in Schima Superba Dominated Subtropical Forests of Eastern China

Quantitative relationships between stand indices and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) stocking are missing in the evergreen broadleaved forests (EBLFs) in eastern China and this hinders to estimate carbon (C) budget in the subtropical region. We determined the vegetation-soil C pool and CO 2 stocking using stand indices [diameter at breast height (DBH), total height (H) and wood density] in Schima superba dominated EBLFs in the Tiantong National Forest Park in eastern China. Vegetation biomass was determined by a non-destructive method using the tree volume and wood density approach while soil C concentration was determined using the oil bath-K 2 CrO 7 titration method. Finally, multiple regression and one-way ANOVA with LSD test were used for data analysis. Results showed that total C stocks in the vegetation and the 0-20 cm surface soil were 90.53 t·ha -1 and 116.24 t·ha -1 , respectively. The study revealed that the total amount of CO 2 stocks in the studied forest is 331.87 t·ha -1 . One-way ANOVA with LSD test showed that CO 2 stocks varied significantly (P < 0.05) between the tree growth stages. There was a significant variation in CO 2 stocking capacity within sapling and pole growth stages but no significant variation within standard stage. The stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that DBH, BA and H were related to the C stocking while wood density had no significant effect. The significant amount of C stocking in EBLFs in the Tiantong National Forest Park of eastern China showed the potential and significant C stocks by trees. As the C pool structure changes due to a change in the forest type and location, therefore this study is important to estimate C stocks and predict CO 2 stocks from stand indices in EBLFs which serve as a scientific basis for sustainable forestry operations, rational utilization of forest resources and global warming reduction in EBLFs in subtropical regions of China.
Intrauterine nutrition: its importance during critical periods for cardiovascular and endocrine development

Experimental investigations in animals have highlighted the role of early reduced calorie and protein nutrition on fetal cardiovascular development, and the occurrence of a transition from a low fetal arterial blood pressure in late gestation to a high arterial blood pressure postnatally. These observations may explain the correlation between health, including appropriate nutrition, in pregnant women and the outcome of their pregnancies. Emphasis has been placed on low birth weight infants who have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, coronary heart disease and stroke in adulthood. Vascular pathology in adults is not always associated with low birth weight and animal experiments indicate that substantial changes in cardiovascular and endocrine function can result from maternal or fetal undernutrition without impairing fetal growth. Experimental investigation on organogenesis shows the pivotal role of adequate protein availability as well as total caloric intake. Amino acid metabolism in the feto‐maternal unit appears to have a key influence on the development of organs involved in chronic degenerative disease in the adult. Experimental investigation has also highlighted the role of carbohydrate metabolism and its effect on the fetus in this respect. Either restriction of protein intake or diabetes in pregnant rats has intergenerational effects at least on the endocrine pancreas and the brain. Further investigation is needed to clarify the mechanisms involved and lead to a new understanding of the importance of nutrition during pregnancy. This will provide an important approach to the primary prevention of diabetes and chronic degenerative diseases.
Effect of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in IGFBP2 and IGFBP3 Genes on Litter Size Traits in Berkshire Pigs

ABSTRACT Litter size is among the most important traits in swine breeding. However, information on the genetics of litter size in pigs is lacking. In this study, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 and 3 (IGFBP2 and IGFBP3) genes in Berkshire pigs and analyzed their association with litter size traits. The IGFBP2 SNP was located on chromosome 15 intron 2 (455, A > T) and the IGFBP3 SNP was on chromosome 18 intron 2 (53, A > G). The AT type of IGFBP2 and the GG type of IGFBP3 had the highest values for all litter size traits including total number born (TNB), number of pigs born alive, and breeding value according to TNB. Homozygous GG pigs expressed higher levels of IGFBP3 mRNA in the endometrium than pigs of other genotypes, and a positive correlation was observed between litter size traits and IGFBP3 but not IGFBP2 expression level. These results suggest that SNPs in the IGFBP2 and the IGFBP3 gene are useful biomarkers for increasing the reproductive productivity of Berkshire pigs.
A complex notch filter based approach to device the control strategy for a generalized unbalanced grid connected distributed generator

In this paper, a p-q theory based approach, using Complex Notch Filter, is proposed to control active and reactive power flow of a distributed generator connected to a generalized unbalanced grid. The proposed method facilitates high bandwidth grid power flow control along with maintaining sinusoidal grid currents by finding suitable inverter current references directly in the a-b-c frame. The proposed method is faster than the conventional methods because of the absence of the Phase Lock Loop and Park's transformation requirement. A novel method of extracting the phase angle of the fundamental grid voltage is proposed. A Complex Notch Filter based method for extracting positive and negative sequence components together with filtering grid voltage harmonics is also proposed to reduce the computational burden on the processor. The method is devised for a generalized three-phase system. The proposed method is validated through rigorous tests and experimental results presented depict the efficacy of the proposed method.
The efficacy of influenza vaccination in elderly individuals. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of influenza vaccination in elderly people. DESIGN Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. SETTING Fifteen family practices in the Netherlands during influenza season 1991-1992. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1838 subjects aged 60 years or older, not known as belonging to those high-risk groups in which vaccination was previously given. INTERVENTION Purified split-virion vaccine containing A/Singapore/6/86(H1N1), A/Beijing/353/89(H3N2), B/Beijing/1/87, and B/Panama/45/90 (n = 927) or intramuscular placebo containing physiological saline solution (n = 911). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patients presenting with influenzalike illness up to 5 months after vaccination; self-reported influenza in postal questionnaires 10 weeks and 5 months after vaccination; serological influenza (fourfold increase of antibody titer between 3 weeks and 5 months after vaccination). RESULTS The incidence of serological influenza was 4% in the vaccine group and 9% in the placebo group (relative risk [RR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35 to 0.61). The incidences of clinical influenza were 2% and 3%, respectively (RR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.73). The effect was strongest for the combination of serological and clinical influenza (RR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.74). The effect was less pronounced for self-reported influenza. CONCLUSION In the elderly, influenza vaccination may halve the incidence of serological and clinical influenza (in periods of antigenic drift).
A new era of therapy for hepatitis C virus infection

Purpose of review Previous treatments with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection resulted in significant adverse events and low cure rates, even with the addition of first-generation protease inhibitors. The standard of care for chronic HCV infection changed dramatically in 2013 with the approval of second-generation direct-acting antivirals, which led the way for IFN-free combination regimens. Recent findings All-oral combinations of direct-acting antivirals, with or without ribavirin, have shown high efficacy and are well tolerated in patients with the predominant genotypes, advanced fibrosis stages, and HIV co-infection. New fixed-dose co-formulations of direct-acting antivirals have allowed simpler regimens with shorter treatment durations and low rates of discontinuation, but are associated with substantial costs. Summary Since 2013, all-oral, IFN-free regimens with direct-acting antivirals have quickly become the mainstay of treatment for HCV infection as they provide high rates of sustained virologic response with a relatively short duration of treatment and low side-effect profile.
DETERIORATION PHENOMENA ON POLYMERIC INSULATING SURFACES DUE TO WATER DROPLETS

In this publication the problems arising from the application of uniform ac electric fields on water droplets, which are on polymer surfaces, are discussed. Polymeric materials such as silicone rubber, PVC and rubber were used for the experimental work. The deterioration phenomena — due to partial discharges (PD) and localized arcs — were studied in terms of water conductivity, polymer surface roughness, droplet volume and droplet position with respect to the electrodes. All the four mentioned parameters affect the flashover voltage. Perhaps the most unexpected result was that the positioning of the droplets with respect to the electrodes plays a more important role than the droplet volume. A comparison between the aforementioned materials was made and commented upon. K e y w o r d s: water droplets, polymeric surfaces, uniform field, outdoor insulation, indoor insulation, pollution, contamination
Modelling of a SISO and MIMO non linear communication channel using two modelling techniques

In this paper, we consider the modelling of a Single Input Single Output (SISO) and Multi Input Multi Output (MIMO) non linear communication channels using two modelling techniques. The first titled Volterra model built using Volterra series and possesses several important properties that make them very useful for the modelling and analysis of non linear systems and the second named RKHS model developed on a particular Hilbert Space the kernel of which is reproducing. This space known as Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space (RKHS) uses the statistical learning theory to provide RKHS model. The performances of both models in SISO case and in MIMO case are evaluated and the results were successful.
A 1-2 GHz low phase-noise wide-band LC-VCO with active inductor based noise filter

A voltage controlled LC-oscillator (LC-VCO) has been designed in a 130 nm CMOS technology to cover a wide range of frequencies (1.0-2.0 GHz). With a 66 percent tuning range and a maximum KVCO of 240 MHz/V, it consumes 2.1 mW of power from a 1.2 V supply. An active inductor based noise-filter improves the phase-noise performance of the oscillator without much increase in the area. The oscillator phase-noise is -120 dBc/Hz at an offset of 1 MHz at a carrier frequency of 2 GHz. It can be used for cognitive radio and other wide-band and multi-band RF applications.
Attitudes estimation by machine vision

In today's life Inertial Navigation System (INS) is the main source of finding the attitudes i.e. roll pitch and yaw of a flying object for navigation purposes. Due to the complexity and high cost of this system vision based navigation systems are introduced in this field for exact localization. In both systems rate of change of one function relative to other function is determined. A very sophisticated INS system is required to give an accurate instant values of roll, pitch and yaw of an object at any state during flight, which is much expensive. Vision based techniques are used for localization and aerial navigation. It constitutes straightforward-cheap method to estimate the object location. A single consumer grade camera can replace a typical expensive suit (encoders, IMU etc.). The visual information from successive aerial images is used to estimate the movements of the flying object by applying phase correlation techniques. With the help of these correlation methods the images are registered with each other. The requirements for a successful registration are sufficient illumination in the environment, dominance of static scene over moving objects, enough texture to allow apparent motion to be extracted, and sufficient scene overlap between consecutive frames. In the proposed method modified normalized phase correlation has been used. In particular Gram polynomial basis functions are applied to remove the Gibbs error problem. When flying object changes its direction or AGL (altitude above ground level) the pixel change between two consecutive images is calculated and converted to degrees along and across the flight direction. Which results in the roll and yaw by machine vision. The proposed method is applied on a real time data set and the attitudes results are compared with available INS system's results. As per available information of the INS system, the attitude error growth was typically in the range of 2 to 3 degrees/ hr i.e. 1 sigma. The results achieved by the proposed method are comparable with the available system.
The CSFs, Quality Governance, BPR Performance and Gaining Competitive Advantage

Business process reengineering (BPR) is a popular management approach, which enables organizations to conduct substantial business and technological improvements. Successful implementation of BPR can assist organizations to change their old-fashioned practices into innovative processes through reorganizing and eliminating some processes and/or finding innovative ways to conduct business activities. Studies have shown, successful BPR implementation can. 1) create higher customer satisfaction, 2) increase productivity, 3) build higher flexibility in business processes, 4) improve organizational integrity which shall lead to sustainable competitive advantage for the firm. However, findings by different researches illustrate that up to 70% of BPR’s failures are at implementation stage due to lack of understanding of involved factors by different levels of management in an organization. This paper has exclusively developed the model, which can address the role of different factors in the implementation of Business Process Reengineering (BPR) performance and the ultimate outcome as competitive advantage. In addition, this research studies the influence of company size and business type as a moderator in the relationship between independent variables of study and BPR performance. The proposed model here aims to help planners in identifying a set of critical processes that are aligned with the firm’s strategic performance and then become candidate processes for further implementation.
Computer-assisted measurements of coronal knee joint laxity in vitro are related to low-stress behavior rather than structural properties of the collateral ligaments

Abstract The relationship between coronal knee laxity and the restraining properties of the collateral ligaments remains unknown. This study investigated correlations between the structural properties of the collateral ligaments and stress angles used in computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA), measured with an optically based navigation system. Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (mean age: 81 ± 11 years) were dissected to leave the menisci, cruciate ligaments, posterior joint capsule and collateral ligaments. The resected femur and tibia were rigidly secured within a test system which permitted kinematic registration of the knee using a commercially available image-free navigation system. Frontal plane knee alignment and varus-valgus stress angles were acquired. The force applied during varus-valgus testing was quantified. Medial and lateral bone-collateral ligament-bone specimens were then prepared, mounted within a uni-axial materials testing machine, and extended to failure. Force and displacement data were used to calculate the principal structural properties of the ligaments. The mean varus laxity was 4 ± 1° and the mean valgus laxity was 4 ± 2°. The corresponding mean manual force applied was 10 ± 3 N and 11 ± 4 N, respectively. While measures of knee laxity were independent of the ultimate tensile strength and stiffness of the collateral ligaments, there was a significant correlation between the force applied during stress testing and the instantaneous stiffness of the medial (r = 0.91, p = 0.001) and lateral (r = 0.68, p = 0.04) collateral ligaments. These findings suggest that clinicians may perceive a rate of change of ligament stiffness as the end-point during assessment of collateral knee laxity.
Decrease of Free Thyroxinin Serum of LactatingWomen

We measured thyroid hormones and thyroxin-binding proteins in serum from 62 normal lactating and 52 nonlactating women at three months postpartum, and compared these values with those for 42 nonpregnant controlwomen of similar age. Mean thyroxin concentrations in the lactating and nonlactating women were significantly (P <0.001) lower than that of the nonpregnant controls, but there was no significant difference (P >0.2) in trilodothyronine concentration among these three groups. Free T4 concentration was significantly (P <0.01) lower in lactating women than in controls. The reverse-T3 concentrations in both lactating and nonlactating women were significantly (P <0.001) lower than in controls, and were significantly (P <0.001) lower in lactating than in nonlactating women. The concentration of thyroxin-binding globulin was significantly higher in lactating women than in controls,and the albumin concentrationwas significantly lower in women postpartum than in controls. Evidently, regulation of thyroid hormone in women postpartum, especially during lactation, differs from that in nonpregnant women.
Abnormal Hepatic Copper Storage in a Teleost Fish (Morone americana)

Excessive copper storage in livers of feral white perch (Morone americana) from the Chesapeake Bay is described. Age-related, progressive accumulation of hepatic copper in levels often exceeding 1,000 μg/g wet weight was associated with peribiliary fibrosis and inflammation, bile duct hyperplasia, prominent, enlarged melanomacrophage centers, and disruption of hepatic architecture in older fish. Levels of zinc were mildly elevated compared to striped bass (Morone saxitilis) and adult rats. Cholangiomas were found in two perch. Rubeanic acid-stained liver had abundant copper-positive cytoplasmic granules in hepatocytes and cells of melanomacrophage centers. Subcellular fractionation showed that 90% of hepatocellular copper was in nuclei/ cell debris fractions (which also contain tertiary lysosomes). Using electron probe microanalysis, high copper levels were localized in hepatocellular cytoplasmic bodies. Resolution of hepatic cytosol by gel permeation chromatography indicated that approximately 50% of the cytosolic copper in the white perch was bound to non-specific high molecular weight proteins, with the remaining 50% eluting at a peak where rat metallothionein is located. Ultrastructural examination revealed abundant lysosomes, increased size and number of peroxisomes, and increased density and numbers of mitochondrial matrix granules. This study indicates that white perch may be a model for studying effects of excessive copper accumulation and cellular mechanisms which control copper kinetics.
Woringer–Kolopp (Pagetoid Reticulosis) disease successful response to bexarotene gel

Woringer–Kolopp (WK) is a rare subtype of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) with limited treatment options. Bexarotene gel is a topical retinoid used in the treatment of CTCL. This report describes three female patients (mean age 66 years) with WK disease who had an effective treatment response to bexarotene 1% gel. This treatment could provide a safe alternative to other current treatment modalities which have higher risks of potential adverse effects and lack of access to other conventional treatments such as light therapy.