Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intrathymic deletion of alloreactive T cells in mixed bone marrow chimeras prepared with a nonmyeloablative conditioning regimen.

BACKGROUND Mixed hematopoietic chimerism induced with a nonmyeloablative conditioning regimen leads to donor-specific transplantation tolerance. Analyses of specific Vbeta-bearing T-cell families that recognize endogenous superantigens demonstrated that donor-specific tolerance is due mainly to an intrathymic deletional mechanism in these mixed chimeras. However, superantigens are not known to behave as classical transplantation antigens. We therefore used T-cell receptor (TCR) transgenic (Tg) recipients expressing a clonotypic TCR specific for an allogeneic major histocompatibility complex antigen to further assess deletional tolerance. METHODS 2C TCR Tg mice (H2b), whose Tg TCR recognizes major histocompatibility complex class I Ld, were used as recipients of Ld+ bone marrow cells after conditioning with depleting anti-CD4 and CD8 monoclonal antibodies, 3 Gy whole-body irradiation, and 7 Gy thymic irradiation. Chimerism and deletion of CD8+ 2C recipient T cells was evaluated by flow cytometry and by immunohistochemical staining. Tolerance was tested with in vitro cell-mediated lympholysis assays and in vivo by grafting with donor skin. RESULTS Intrathymic and peripheral deletion of 2C+ CD8-single-positive T cells was evident in mixed chimeras, and deletion correlated with the presence of donor-type cells with dendritic morphology in the thymus, and with chimerism in lymphohematopoietic tissues. Chimeras showed tolerance to the donor in cell-mediated lympholysis assays and specifically accepted donor skin grafts. CONCLUSIONS Tolerance to transplantation antigens is achieved through intrathymic deletion of donor-reactive T cells in mixed chimeras prepared with a nonmyeloablative conditioning regimen and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
Advances in Neuroprotection Trials

With technological assistance, approaches to acute stroke trials may be improved. Dose selection, eligibility criteria, control of confounding factors and endpoints can each be optimised. Adaptive randomisation techniques and Bayesian approaches can assist not only dose selection, but also balance of prognostic factors between treatment groups. Magnetic resonance imaging can facilitate enrichment of the trial population with potential responders. Utilisation of existing trial databases can enhance statistical approaches to outcome assessment. Confounding imbalance may also be limited by controlling or adjusting for concomitant conditions and their management. Recent trials have not yet identified a neuroprotectant, but have greatly assisted the prospects of success.
An Office-Based Scale for Assessing Control in Intermittent Exotropia

Introduction. Although intermittent exotropia may deteriorate with time, there are no widely accepted criteria for measuring progression in this disorder. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate a new scale for assessing the level of control in children with intermittent exotropia. Methods. Thirty consecutive pediatric patients (< 14 years) with intermittent exotropia were prospectively evaluated from July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005 using a new scale to assess the level of control for both distance and near fixation. The distance score (0 to 5) was combined with the near score (0 to 5) to yield an overall control score from 0 to 10. Results. The 30 patients were examined at a median age of 72 months (range, 15 months to 13 years). The level of control at distance was worse than or equal to the near level of control in all 30 patients. The control scores ranged from 0 to 5 for distance and 0 to 4 for near, with an overall control score ranging from 0 to 8 (median of 3). Conclusions. This new scale for assessing control in children with intermittent exotropia can be easily applied in the office setting and characterizes the wide range of control in this disorder.
Outcome of surgical versus medical treatment of dogs with beta cell neoplasia: 39 cases (1990-1997).

OBJECTIVE To compare outcome of surgical versus medical treatment of dogs with beta cell neoplasia. DESIGN Retrospective study. ANIMALS 39 dogs with clinical signs of hypoglycemia and serum glucose and insulin concentrations consistent with a diagnosis of beta cell neoplasia. PROCEDURE Information on signalment; clinical history; physical examination findings; results of CBC, serum biochemical analyses, and urinalysis; serum glucose and insulin concentrations; results of thoracic radiography and abdominal ultrasonography; treatment and treatment complications; survival time; and cause of death were obtained from medical records. RESULTS 26 dogs underwent exploratory celiotomy and partial pancreatectomy; 13 dogs were treated medically (i.e., dietary change and prednisone). Median survival time was significantly longer for dogs treated surgically than for dogs treated medically. Significant differences were not found in mean age, body weight, duration of clinical signs prior to diagnosis, serum glucose and insulin concentration, or results of other serum biochemical tests between dogs treated surgically and dogs treated medically; also, there was no significant correlation between any of these parameters and survival time for either group of dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggest that exploratory celiotomy and partial pancreatectomy are indicated once a tentative diagnosis of beta cell neoplasia is established in dogs.
Pediatric cancer patients in clinical trials of sepsis: Factors that predispose to sepsis and stratify outcome

Objective: To delineate the factors that predispose pediatric oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients to sepsis and to identify factors that stratify their outcome. Data Source: Peer-reviewed literature available via MEDLINE search. Study Selection: All types of study. Conclusions: Pediatric oncology patients account for a relatively high proportion of severe sepsis in children. Available data suggest that outcomes among the non-HSCT oncology population are not substantially different from that of the general population. Data suggest that children with cancer (non-HSCT) who survive their septic episode will have a high probability of 6-month survival. In light of these findings, pediatric oncology patients are an important source of potential candidates for clinical trials of sepsis. In addition, HSCT patients seem to have significantly worse outcomes from sepsis than the non-HSCT oncology population, and thus, their participation in clinical trials is needed. However, in view of these worse outcomes, it is important to stratify the randomization for this population and to ensure that studies are adequately powered to assess outcomes in this subgroup.
Effective sketching methods for value function approximation

High-dimensional representations, such as radial basis function networks or tile coding, are common choices for policy evaluation in reinforcement learning. Learning with such high-dimensional representations, however, can be expensive, particularly for matrix methods, such as least-squares temporal difference learning or quasi-Newton methods that approximate matrix step-sizes. In this work, we explore the utility of sketching for these two classes of algorithms. We highlight issues with sketching the high-dimensional features directly, which can incur significant bias. As a remedy, we demonstrate how to use sketching more sparingly, with only a left-sided sketch, that can still enable significant computational gains and the use of these matrix-based learning algorithms that are less sensitive to parameters. We empirically investigate these algorithms, in four domains with a variety of representations. Our aim is to provide insights into effective use of sketching in practice.
64Cu-DOTATATE for Noninvasive Assessment of Atherosclerosis in Large Arteries and Its Correlation with Risk Factors: Head-to-Head Comparison with 68Ga-DOTATOC in 60 Patients

The somatostatin receptor subtype 2 is expressed on macrophages, an abundant cell type in the atherosclerotic plaque. Visualization of somatostatin receptor subtype 2, for oncologic purposes, is frequently made using the DOTA-derived somatostatin analogs DOTATOC or DOTATATE for PET. We aimed to compare the uptake of the PET tracers 68Ga-DOTATOC and 64Cu-DOTATATE in large arteries, in the assessment of atherosclerosis by noninvasive imaging technique, combining PET and CT. Further, the correlation of uptake and cardiovascular risk factors was investigated. Methods: Sixty consecutive patients with neuroendocrine tumors underwent both 68Ga-DOTATOC and 64Cu-DOTATATE PET/CT scans, in random order. For each scan, the maximum and mean standardized uptake values (SUVs) were calculated in 5 arterial segments. In addition, the blood-pool–corrected target-to-background ratio was calculated. Uptake of the tracers was correlated with cardiovascular risk factors collected from medical records. Results: We found detectable uptake of both tracers in all arterial segments studied. Uptake of 64Cu-DOTATATE was significantly higher than 68Ga-DOTATOC in the vascular regions both when calculated as maximum and mean uptake. There was a significant association between Framingham risk score and the overall maximum uptake of 64Cu-DOTATATE using SUV (r = 0.4; P = 0.004) as well as target-to-background ratio (r = 0.3; P = 0.04), whereas no association was found with 68Ga-DOTATOC. The association of risk factors and maximum SUV of 64Cu-DOTATATE was found driven by body mass index, smoking, diabetes, and coronary calcium score (P < 0.001, P = 0.01, P = 0.005, and P = 0.03, respectively). Conclusion: In a series of oncologic patients, vascular uptake of 68Ga-DOTATOC and 64Cu-DOTATATE was found, with highest uptake of the latter. Uptake of 64Cu-DOTATATE, but not of 68Ga-DOTATOC, was correlated with cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting a potential role for 64Cu-DOTATATE in the assessment of atherosclerosis.
Role of Omentin, Vaspin, Cardiotrophin-1, TWEAK and NOV/CCN3 in Obesity and Diabetes Development

Adipose tissue releases bioactive mediators called adipokines. This review focuses on the effects of omentin, vaspin, cardiotrophin-1, Tumor necrosis factor-like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis (TWEAK) and nephroblastoma overexpressed (NOV/CCN3) on obesity and diabetes. Omentin is produced by the stromal-vascular fraction of visceral adipose tissue. Obesity reduces omentin serum concentrations and adipose tissue secretion in adults and adolescents. This adipokine regulates insulin sensitivity, but its clinical relevance has to be confirmed. Vaspin is produced by visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues. Vaspin levels are higher in obese subjects, as well as in subjects showing insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Cardiotrophin-1 is an adipokine with a similar structure as cytokines from interleukin-6 family. There is some controversy regarding the regulation of cardiotrophin-1 levels in obese -subjects, but gene expression levels of cardiotrophin-1 are down-regulated in white adipose tissue from diet-induced obese mice. It also shows anti-obesity and hypoglycemic properties. TWEAK is a potential regulator of the low-grade chronic inflammation characteristic of obesity. TWEAK levels seem not to be directly related to adiposity, and metabolic factors play a critical role in its regulation. Finally, a strong correlation has been found between plasma NOV/CCN3 concentration and fat mass. This adipokine improves insulin actions.
Optimal State-Feedback Control of Bilinear DC–DC Converters With Guaranteed Regions of Stability

This paper deals with the modeling and the robust controller synthesis for nonlinear dc-dc converters. In the first part of this paper, a model for the bilinear dynamics is presented. Such nonlinear dynamics can be included in a convex polytope such that the trajectories of the converter out of the equilibrium are assured to remain inside a guaranteed region of stability despite of the bilinear term. Such a description of the dynamic response of the converter is employed, in the second part of this paper, to propose synthesis algorithms that can guarantee, a priori, the stability and performance requirements of the design. The resulting region of stability can take into account not only the bilinear terms but also the saturation of the control input, which is a topic of major importance in high-performance dc-dc converters. The aim of this paper is to contribute with a robust control framework which allows the designers to deal with the common requirements of regulated dc-dc converters. The correctness of the results has been verified both with numerical simulations and experimental measurements from dc-dc converter prototypes.
Evaluating the 'Accrual-Fixation' Hypothesis as an Explanation for the Accrual Anomaly

Sloan (1996)'s result of return predictability based on accrual information has generated a large stream of literature. Sloan's (1996) explanation for the phenomenon is that investors fixate on earnings without taking into account accruals' tendency to reverse. Thus, the returns to an accrual strategy are related to accrual reversals. In this study, I directly examine this explanation. I use two properties of the accrual-fixation hypothesis - reversals and overreaction - to generate testable empirical predictions. First, I find that extreme accrual firms tend to remain in extreme deciles in two consecutive years. Further, I find that these sticky firms are associated with future abnormal returns, suggesting that the returns are not a result of accrual reversals, as implied by the accrual-fixation hypothesis. Second, I do not find any evidence of overreaction to accrual information based on the relation between the returns around earnings announcements in successive quarters. Overall, I conclude that my results are not consistent with the accrual-fixation hypothesis. A more conservative interpretation of my results is that the accrual-fixation hypothesis is not the major explanation for the accrual anomaly.
Gas chromatographic methods for monitoring of wastewater chlorophenol degradation in anaerobic reactors

Wastewater samples from an anaerobic reactor were extracted with hexane and derivatized with diazomethane (method 1) and with acetic anidride (method 2). Gas chromatography with electron-capture detection (ECD) was employed for separating the parent compound and intermediates trichlorophenols (TCP) and dichlorophenols (DCP) which originated from the penta chlorophenol (PCP) degradation process. The relations between concentrations of PCP, TCP and DCP areas were linear in the range of concentrations of 0.2 to 8 mg/L and 0.025 mg/L to 5 mg/L for methods 1 and 2, respectively. The repeatability of the extraction methods was satisfactory, with variation coefficients lower than 11%. For method 1, at the fortification level of 0.2 mg/L, recovery of PCP, TCP, and DCP was 112%, 74% and 45%, respectively. For method 2, the corresponding recovery values at the fortification level of 0.1 mg/L were 91%, 93% and 103%, respectively. Storage of the frozen samples did not alter their PCP determination properties. The chromatographic methods adapted for chlorophenol determination in wastewater were suitable with relatively simple manipulation techniques. The obtained results were reproducible and allowed identification of intermediates formed during the PCP degradation process.
Diversity characteristics and the experiences of nursing students during clinical placements: A qualitative study of student, faculty and supervisors' views.

UNLABELLED Abstract Background: Little is known about which diversity characteristics if any, impact on nursing students' clinical placements or how these may affect the quality of their learning experiences. There is therefore a need to better understand these effects not only from the student's perspective but also from the perspective of the staff who supervise them, in order to ensure students obtain maximal benefit from their placements. AIM To describe the clinical experiences of nursing students and the diversity characteristics that affect this learning experience. METHODS Data were collected from a series of open-ended questions embedded within a larger anonymous web-based survey, from August 2011 to March 2012. Participants included first, second and third year undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing students (N = 704) and faculty members involved in the clinical learning environment (N = 165) from seven Australian universities. FINDINGS Qualitative findings were clustered into three main themes: differences, difficulty and discrimination, each with three sub-themes. CONCLUSION FINDINGS suggest a need to offer appropriate support for nursing students who feel different because of diversity characteristics. Whilst some of the participant perceptions are confronting they provide valuable insights for universities developing curricula and the clinical placement facilities where students obtain their experience.
Striatal D2 receptor status in patients with Parkinson's disease, striatonigral degeneration, and progressive supranuclear palsy, measured with 11C‐raclopride and positron emission tomography

Equilibrium striatal: cerebellar 11C‐raclopride (RAC) uptake ratios reflect the density of striatal dopamine D2 binding sites. Using positron emission tomographic scanning we have measured striatal RAC uptake in 6 untreated patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), 5 chronically treated patients with PD and a fluctuating response to L‐dopa, 10 patients with striatonigral degeneration (SND), and 9 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Regional cerebral blood flow was determined also, with C15O2. Mean strital: cerebellar RAC uptake was not significantly different from normal in untreated patients with PD, though 2 of these 6 patients showed significantly increased putamen tracer binding. Mean caudate and putamen: cerebellar RAC uptake ratios of the group with PD and fluctuating response to L‐dopa were significantly reduced by 30% and 18%, respectively. The patients with SND had lesser, but significant, 10% and 11% decreases in mean caudate and putamen: cerebellar RAC uptake ratios, respectively, whereas patients with PSP showed 24% and 9% reductions in caudate and putamen: cerebellar RAC binding. Striatal and frontal blood flow were significantly reduced in patients with PSP, but not in patients with PD or SND. In conclusion, striatal D2 binding potential is normal or raised in untreated patients with PD, but reduced in patients with PD and a fluctuating response to L‐dopa. Patients with SND and PSP show a decrease in striatal RAC binding, but to a lesser extent than patients with PD and a fluctuating response to treatment. Failure of patients with SND and PSP to respond well to L‐dopa cannot therefore be due to losss of striatal D2 sites alone, but must reflect loss of other basal ganglia connections.
Similar cardiac remodelling after transcatheter atrial septal defect closure in children and young adults

Objective: To study the cardiac geometric changes after transcatheter closure of large atrial septal defects (ASDs) according to patient age at the time of the procedure. Design: Prospective echocardiographic follow-up study. Setting: Tertiary referral centre. Patients and intervention: 25 asymptomatic patients younger than 16 years (median 8 years; group 1) and 21 asymptomatic adults (median 38 years; group 2) underwent percutaneous closure of large ASD with the Amplatzer septal occluder device (mean 25 (SD 7) mm). Main outcome measures: Cardiac remodelling was assessed by M mode and two dimensional echocardiography one and six months after ASD closure. Results: By six months, right atrial volume decreased from 31 (15) to 19 (5) ml/m2 (p < 0.001) and right ventricular (RV) transverse diameter decreased from 29.8 (8.6) to 23.2 (5.6) mm/m2 (p < 0.001). Conversely, left atrial volume did not change significantly (from 18 (6) to 20 (6) ml/m2, NS) and left ventricular (LV) transverse diameter increased from 27.8 (6.4) to 31.8 (7.3) mm/m2 (p < 0.05). Ventricular remodelling resulted in an RV:LV diameter ratio decrease from 1.1 (0.2) to 0.7 (0.1) (p < 0.001). The magnitude and time course of cardiac remodelling did not differ significantly between the age groups. Indeed, right atrial volume decreased by 33 (26)% versus 37 (23)%, RV diameter decreased by 26 (10)% versus 20 (13)%, LV diameter increased by 17 (15)% versus 15 (10)%, and RV:LV diameter ratio decreased by 36 (8)% versus 27 (15)% in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Conclusions: Cardiac remodelling after percutaneous ASD closure seems to be independent of the patient’s age at the time of the procedure up to early adulthood. Thus, postponing ASD closure for a few years may be a reasonable option for potentially suitable asymptomatic children.
Individual Correlates of Sleep Among Childbearing Age Women in Canada

ABSTRACT Objective/Background: Women of childbearing age (WOCBA) may be at high risk for short or poor sleep. Yet few studies have focused on this population. The study objective was to identify individual correlates of sleep duration and quality among WOCBA. Participants: The sample consisted of 9,749 WOCBA aged 18–44 years from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2011–2014. Methods: All variables were self-reported. Sleep duration was dichotomized as insufficient (< 7 hr/night) or adequate (≥ 7 hr/night). A composite score of sleep quality was dichotomized as having sleeping problems none/little or some/most/all the time. Age, ethnicity, level of education, household income, mood disorders, parity, geographical location, fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption were tested as correlates of sleep duration or quality using hierarchical logistic regression. Results: Ethnicity, parity, geographical location and smoking were correlates of sleep duration; this model discriminated 56.9% of WOCBA. Ethnic minorities, WOCBA with many children, living in urban areas and smoking were associated with lower odds of having adequate sleep duration. Ethnicity, level of education, mood disorders, geographical location, FV intake, and alcohol consumption were correlates of sleep quality; this model discriminated 59.0% of WOCBA. Ethnic minorities, lower level of education, mood disorders, living in urban areas, low FV intake, and alcohol consumption were associated with lower odds of having quality sleep. Conclusions: Some WOCBA may be more at risk for short or poor sleep based on their demographics and health behaviors. This can be used to identify which WOCBA are most in need of sleep interventions.
Making Decisions About Forestland Succession: Perspectives from Pennsylvania's Private Forest Landowners

ABSTRACT Decision-making processes that private forest landowners (PFLs) engage when planning for their forestland’s future are not well understood. The forest ecosystem and the people who depend on its services face several critical challenges, including how to sustainably manage an increasingly parcelized forest. The Theory of Planned Behavior has been used to illuminate connections among constructs informing PFL behavior, but fails to adequately capture the complexities of forest owners’ lived experiences and how those inform behaviors. In-depth interviews provide a deeper understanding of how Pennsylvania PFLs make decisions concerning ownership succession. We approached those who recently subdivided, sold/donated conservation easements, or had not committed to any plan and asked them to tell us about their planning experiences. Relationships among family members and the quality of their communication about the land and succession emerged as important factors in the planning process. Implications for theory, forest planning, education and outreach, and further study are advanced.