Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous ultrasound-guided renal biopsy in children: a single centre experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIM The contribution of renal biopsy is of major importance in many renal diseases in children. In our study we aimed to evaluate retrospectively the indications, safety, efficacy and the spectrum of histopathological findings of percutaneous ultrasound-guided renal (PRB) biopsy during a 7 year period as well as to analyze specific groups of renal patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 84 renal biopsies were performed in 81 children. Demographic data, clinical symptoms at presentation, indications for renal biopsy, laboratory findings, complications of the procedure and histological diagnosis were obtained from all patients who underwent PRB. RESULTS The commonest indication for biopsy accounted was steroid resistant, steroid dependent or frequent relapsing idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). Subcapsular hematoma presented 11% of the patients, but none of them needed blood transfusion. Adequate renal tissue sample was obtained in 97.7% of the renal biopsies. In 80% the histopathology revealed glomerular diseases. The most frequent types of biopsy-proven renal diseases were: focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (15%), IgA nephropathy (13.5%), minimal change disease (10%), various stages of lupus nephritis (8.5%), Henoch-Schonlein nephritis (7.5%), membranous glomerulonephritis (7.5%), mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (6%), post-infectious glomerulonephritis (6%), hemolytic uremic syndrome (5%), tubulointerstitial nephropathies (3.5%), acute tubular necrosis 2.5%. Among the 28 cases of INS, FSGS accounted for 43%. The leading histopathological pattern found in patients with recurrent episodes of gross haematuria was IgAN (84.5%). Among 7 cases of lupus nephritis, the observed histological types were: IV+V in 3/7, IIIA in 3/7 (43%) and IIB in 1/7. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that percutaneous ultrasound-guided renal biopsy is a safe, reliable and effective technique in children. It also provides updated information for childhood renal disease pattern.
Saving or Retirement on the Path of Least Resistance

Over the last 20 years, employers have increased dramatically their offering of 401(k) plans as a vehicle for retirement income support. As of year-end 2000, there were over 325,000 401(k) plans with more than 42 million active participants and $1.8 trillion in assets invested. Because of their similarity in structure and purpose, the recent experience of 401(k) plans is a natural laboratory for considering a private account component to Social Security. The experience of 401(k) plans is particularly useful for this research, because there is substantial variation in design from one 401(k) plan to another, and within plans over time. This enables us to relate plan design features to the saving decisions of people who are eligible for the plans. In this study, we explore the influence of such features as automatic enrollment, employer matching, the default contribution rate, the investment options available, the default allocation of savings among these options, cash distributions for employees leaving their jobs, precommitment strategies, and other interventions to increase contributions.
Space-Time Wireless Systems: Multiantenna capacity: myths and realities

Over the last decade, the increases in capacity promised by multiantenna communication techniques have spurred many information-theoretic analyses. Furthermore, information theory has been used as a design tool to optimize the signals fed to the transmit array and to motivate signal processing strategies at the receiver. In this chapter, we catalog a number of misconceptions that have arisen in the multiantenna literature. The focus is on information-theoretic results and their interpretations, rather than on the validity of the various modeling assumptions. After some introductory material, we address several misconceptions about optimum signaling and about the impact of model features, such as antenna correlation, line-of-sight components, and intercell interference. Particular attention is given to the lowand high-power regions. We also briefly touch upon the relationship of the capacity results with some practical transmit and receive architectures. The chapter deals mostly, but not exclusively, with coherent communication.
UNPACKING FIRM EXIT AT THE FIRM AND INDUSTRY LEVELS: THE ADAPTATION AND SELECTION OF FIRM CAPABILITIES

Evolutionary theory of business activity studies ho w firms are selected out of environments that they do not fit, but most existing work under-empha sizes the distinction between acquisition and dissolution as selection processes. We address thi s gap with a multi-level analysis that investigates how managerial and functional organizational capabiliti es affect whether struggling firms exit by acquisit ion or dissolution. We demonstrate that managerial and fu ctional capabilities have heterogeneous effects on selection processes, with managerial capabilities h aving particularly strong influence on acquisition exits by struggling firms. The work provides a bridge bet w en adaptation and selection views on organization l change; exit by dissolution represents selection of both firms and capabilities, while exit by acquisi tion represents firm selection but capability adaptation .
HST/WFPC2 IMAGING OF THE CIRCUMNUCLEAR STRUCTURE OF LOW-LUMINOSITY ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI. I. DATA AND NUCLEAR MORPHOLOGY

In several studies of low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (LLAGNs), we have characterized the properties of the stellar populations in LINERs and LINER/H ii transition objects (TOs). We have found a populous class of galactic nuclei which stand out because of their conspicuous 0.1–1 Gyr populations. These nuclei are called “Young-TOs” since they all have TO-like emission line ratios. To advance our knowledge of the nature of the central source in LLAGNs and its relation with stellar clusters, we carry out several imaging projects with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) at near-UV, optical, and near-IR wavelengths. In this Paper, we present the first results obtained with observations of the central regions of 57 LLAGNs imaged with the WFPC2 through any of the V (F555W, F547M, F614W) and I (F791W, F814W) filters that are available in the HST archive. The sample contains 34% of the LINERs and 36% of the TOs in the Palomar sample. The mean spatial resolution of these images is 10 pc. With these data we have built an atlas that includes structural maps for all the galaxies, useful to identify compact nuclear sources and, additionally, to characterize the circumnuclear environment of LLAGNs, determining the frequency of dust and its morphology. The main results obtained are as follows. (1) We have not found any correlation between the presence of nuclear compact sources and emission-line type. Thus, nucleated LINERs are as frequent as nucleated TOs. (2) The nuclei of “Young-TOs” are brighter than the nuclei of “Old-TOs” and LINERs. These results confirm our previous results that Young-TOs are separated from other LLAGNs classes in terms of their central stellar population properties and brightness. (3) Circumnuclear dust is detected in 88% of the LLAGNs, being almost ubiquitous in TOs. (4) The dust morphology is complex and varied, from nuclear spiral lanes to chaotic filaments and nuclear disk-like structures. Chaotic filaments are as frequent as dust spirals; but nuclear disks are mainly seen in LINERs. These results suggest an evolutionary sequence of the dust in LLAGNs, LINERs being the more evolved systems and Young-TOs the youngest.
Marriage Preparation Education Programs: An Evaluation of Essential Elements of Quality

Marriage Preparation Education Programs: An Evaluation of Essential Elements of Quality Geniel Rowley Childs Department of Marriage, Family, and Human Development Master of Science The efficacy of marriage preparation education (MPE) continues to be demonstrated through participant outcome research. However, understanding the elements that make MPE effective is still unclear and standards for quality have not been established. In an effort to address these deficits and promote improvement in the field of MPE, currently available and widely recognized marriage preparation education programs were examined according an evaluative model created by Hughes (1994). The four components of the Hughes model (content, instructional process, implementation process, and evaluation) outline research-supported elements that are essential in the development of quality family life educational programs. Eight MPE programs that had undergone previous outcome research and been included in meta-analytic studies or reviews were selected for evaluation in the current study. An evaluation team of three researchers rated the components and elements of each program. Evaluators also included qualitative comments associated with the utilization of the programs. Quantitative rating scores were summed for all members of the evaluation team. Results in this study showed that programs varied between the measured components in the extent to which they adhere to research-supported factors that are essential for a quality educational experience, and that none of the selected programs scored consistently high, or low, on the all of the program elements measured . Quantitative and qualitative results illuminated strengths and weaknesses within individual programs, as well as deficits common among current MPE programs. Recommendations are offered for improving MPE programs and professionalism in the field of marriage preparation education.
THE IMPACT OF THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT ON THE SHAPING OF AN ORGANIZATION CHART

Since Adam Smith , FW Taylor, H. Fayol and recently , whether we are referring to Peter Drucker, Harrington & Harrington, and other authors consecrated in the literature of management / economics, the organization issues in an organization have grown much in complexity. The manner in which the firm / company constitutes the organization chart induces subsequently, explicitly or not, multiple conditionings in the daily practice of the organization (both in the sense that it may favour certain efforts / strategies or on the contrary it may block such efforts. The size of the company, the market and the technology are the most popular factors that will influence an organization chart. However, in the context of global crisis and chaotic business environment, new questions arise regarding the model of organization charts and associated management strategies. What are the predictable directions regarding the type of organization chart in the current business environment? How does social competition influence the shape of organization charts in different countries?
Natalizumab Affects T-Cell Phenotype in Multiple Sclerosis: Implications for JCV Reactivation

The anti-CD49d monoclonal antibody natalizumab is currently an effective therapy against the relapsing-remitting form of multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Natalizumab therapeutic efficacy is limited by the reactivation of the John Cunningham polyomavirus (JCV) and development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). To correlate natalizumab-induced phenotypic modifications of peripheral blood T-lymphocytes with JCV reactivation, JCV-specific antibodies (serum), JCV-DNA (blood and urine), CD49d expression and relative abundance of peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets were longitudinally assessed in 26 natalizumab-treated RRMS patients. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism and R. Natalizumab treatment reduced CD49d expression on memory and effector subsets of peripheral blood T-lymphocytes. Moreover, accumulation of peripheral blood CD8+ memory and effector cells was observed after 12 and 24 months of treatment. CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte immune-activation was increased after 24 months of treatment. Higher percentages of CD8+ effectors were observed in subjects with detectable JCV-DNA. Natalizumab reduces CD49d expression on CD8+ T-lymphocyte memory and effector subsets, limiting their migration to the central nervous system and determining their accumulation in peripheral blood. Impairment of central nervous system immune surveillance and reactivation of latent JCV, can explain the increased risk of PML development in natalizumab-treated RRMS subjects.
Applying support vector regression to predict structure in image completion

Image completion is a technique widely used that automatically removes objects or repairs damaged portions of image. However, information regarding the original image is often lacking in structure reconstruction, and as a result, images with complex structures are difficult to restore. This study proposed a support vector regression-oriented image completion (SVR-IC) method, the goal of which is to predict the original structure of unknown areas and then repair or make appropriate adjustments to the structure and texture of the damaged area. From the experimental results, SVR-IC produced images of good quality that were superior to those of other methods. The results show that integrated structure prediction to image completion can effectively enhance the quality of the restored image.
Towards a comprehensive model for e-Government adoption and utilisation analysis: The case of Saudi Arabia

E-Government increases transparency and improves communication between the government and the users. However, users' adoption and usage is less than satisfactory in many countries, particularly in developing countries. This is a significant factor that can lead to e-Government failure and, therefore, to the waste of budget and effort. Unlike much research in the literature that has utilised common technology acceptance models and theories to analyse the adoption of e-Government, which may not be applicable for e-Government acceptance analysis, this study proposes a more comprehensive and appropriate framework for analysing the significant factors that could influence the adoption and utilisation of e-Government in Saudi Arabia, as this is becoming a necessity.
Morphological Analysis and Vocabulary Development: Critical Criteria.

Morphological Analysis as a vocabulary acquisition strategy has both its advocates and antagonists. Criticism from opponents is often warranted when programs omit one or more of the three critical criteria that establish the framework behind a successful curriculum. The intent behind this paper is to disseminate and explicate these three criteria, along with the methodology employed in a vocabulary acquisition program that was part of a college preparatory reading course.
Association of Circulating IGFBP1 Level with the Severity of Coronary Artery Lesions in Patients with Unstable Angina

Aims. Local IGFBP1 level was reported to affect the development of coronary artery plaque. This study investigated the association of circulating IGFBP1 level with the severity of coronary artery lesions in patients with unstable angina. Materials and Methods. In 112 consecutive patients with clinically diagnosed unstable angina, admitted from July 2014 to July 2015, we studied the correlations of circulating IGFBP1 and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Results. All patients underwent scheduled coronary angiography, and 67 cases were diagnosed with critical and 45 with noncritical CAD. Of the 67 critical CAD patients, 41 (61.19%) presented with multivessel and 26 (38.81%) with single-vessel lesions. IGFBP1 levels were higher in patients with multivessel than those with single-vessel lesions. Moreover, the IGFBP1 level was positively correlated with the GRACE score. Among clinical variables, the IGFBP1 level was correlated with HDL-C. IGFBP1 alone (cutoff 20.86 ng/ml) demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.448 and specificity of 0.933 in predicting CAD. Combination of IGFBP1 and HDL-C had a sensitivity of 0.821 and specificity of 0.800 in predicting CAD. Conclusions. Circulating IGFBP1 level positively correlated with the severity of CAD. IGFBP1, when combined with HDL-C, might be useful in screening for high risk CAD patients.
Ventral and dorsal pathways for language

Built on an analogy between the visual and auditory systems, the following dual stream model for language processing was suggested recently: a dorsal stream is involved in mapping sound to articulation, and a ventral stream in mapping sound to meaning. The goal of the study presented here was to test the neuroanatomical basis of this model. Combining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with a novel diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-based tractography method we were able to identify the most probable anatomical pathways connecting brain regions activated during two prototypical language tasks. Sublexical repetition of speech is subserved by a dorsal pathway, connecting the superior temporal lobe and premotor cortices in the frontal lobe via the arcuate and superior longitudinal fascicle. In contrast, higher-level language comprehension is mediated by a ventral pathway connecting the middle temporal lobe and the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex via the extreme capsule. Thus, according to our findings, the function of the dorsal route, traditionally considered to be the major language pathway, is mainly restricted to sensory-motor mapping of sound to articulation, whereas linguistic processing of sound to meaning requires temporofrontal interaction transmitted via the ventral route.
Corporate Security Issues and Asset Returns

Aggregate public corporate security issues forecast excess returns on stocks, government bonds and corporate bonds. A high ratio of aggregate short term to aggregate long term debt issues and a low ratio of aggregate equity to aggregate debt issues forecasts high excess returns at frequencies ranging from one month to six months. These variables have predictive power above and beyond variables previously used to predict asset returns. Our results are consistent with several (rational) equilibrium models that relate security issue choice with macroeconomic conditions.
Employment Change after Takeovers: The Role of Executive Ownership

The article examines the impact of executive ownership and other ownership and governance factors on employment change after takeovers. Drawing on a dataset of 235 takeovers, the results show that there is a reduction in employment in just over 50 per cent of the sample. Higher levels of executive share ownership are associated with lower probabilities of employee layoffs post-takeover, and there is a positive relationship between executive ownership and employment growth. The effect of executive options on employment change is generally insignificant, as are the effects of other features of ownership and governance. The evidence suggests that executives with higher levels of ownership tend to mount takeovers of better-performing firms and to implement takeovers aimed at growth.
Impacts of Japanese FTAs/EPAs: Post Evaluation from the Initial Data

This paper attempted to assess impacts of existing Japanese EPAs in their initial years and to draw policy implications for possible future FTAs/EPAs. Our gravity model estimations as well as detailed analysis on trade and actual tariff reduction by EPAs demonstrated that the Japan-Singapore EPA has almost no direct impact on trade since actual reduction of tariffs by the EPA is quite limited. On the other hand, our empirical investigation confirmed a certain degree of positive impact of the Japan-Mexico EPA on trade, particularly on the export side, and investment. Several important outcomes of the EPA beyond tariff removal are also revealed. Discussion on future designs of FTAs/EPAs includes issues on some possible abuse of phasing out tariffs, desirable structure of EPA tariffs, effective utilization of EPAs beyond trade liberalization, and the relationship with multilateral trade liberalization.
Mutations in α-tubulin promote basal body maturation and flagellar assembly in the absence of δ-tubulin

We have isolated suppressors of the deletion allele of δ-tubulin, uni3-1, in the biflagellate green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The deletion of δ-tubulin produces cells that assemble zero, one or two flagella and have basal bodies composed primarily of doublet rather than triplet microtubules. Flagellar number is completely restored in the suppressed strains. Most of the uni3-1 suppressors map to the TUA2 locus, which encodes α2-tubulin. Twelve independent tua2 mutations were sequenced. Amino acids D205 or A208, which are nearly invariant residues in α-tubulin, were altered. The tua2 mutations on their own have a second phenotype - they make the cells colchicine supersensitive. Colchicine supersensitivity itself is not needed for suppression and colchicine cannot phenocopy the suppression. The suppressors partially restore the assembly of triplet microtubules. These results suggest that the δ-tubulin plays two roles: it is needed for extension or stability of the triplet microtubule and also for early maturation of basal bodies. We suggest that the mutant α-tubulin promotes the early maturation of the basal body in the absence of δ-tubulin, perhaps through interactions with other partners, and this allows assembly of the flagella.
Robot Head-Eye calibration using the Minimum Variance method

This paper presents a calibration method for a robot Head-Eye system which can be used in a humanoid robot vision system. This method estimates the transformation between the robot coordinate and the camera coordinate. The calibration procedure uses visual measurements and kinematic information as the inputs of nonlinear optimization. For this calibration method, an objective function for the optimization, that uses the Minimum Variance method is defined. The procedure of this method is very simple and intuitive. Besides, the result of this method is considerably precise and robust against the noisy environment. The performance is compared with earlier approaches and the results of simulation and actual experiment are followed.
Political News Sentiment Analysis for Under-resourced Languages

This paper presents classification results for the analysis of sentiment in political news articles. The domain of political news is particularly challenging, as journalists are presumably objective, whilst at the same time opinions can be subtly expressed. To deal with this challenge, in this work we conduct a two-step classification model, distinguishing first subjective and second positive and negative sentiment texts. More specifically, we propose a shallow machine learning approach where only minimal features are needed to train the classifier, including sentiment-bearing Co-Occurring Terms (COTs) and negation words. This approach yields close to state-of-the-art results. Contrary to results in other domains, the use of negations as features does not have a positive impact in the evaluation results. This method is particularly suited for languages that suffer from a lack of resources, such as sentiment lexicons or parsers, and for those systems that need to function in real-time.