Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of the temperature coefficient piezoelectric constant TCe33 to improve thermal 1D acoustic tool for BAW resonator design

This paper presents a full characterization of the thermal parameters to improve the thermal Mason's model for BAW resonator design, in particular, the temperature dependence of the velocity TC(V), the elasticity TC(C<sub>33</sub> <sup>D</sup>), the piezoelectric coefficient TC(e<sub>33</sub>) and the permittivity TC(¿<sub>33</sub>) for the AlN film. These parameters associated with the piezoelectric theory assesses the TC(e<sub>33</sub>) coefficient. To do so, the temperature piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) technique is used to measure the temperature dependence of the (d<sub>33eff</sub>) coefficient. The thermal RF measurement is used to characterize the TC(¿<sub>33</sub>) and the ultrasonic picosecond tool with its heating system is used to characterize the TC(C<sub>33</sub> <sup>D</sup>). Finally, the thermal Mason's model is compared with the experimental response of the BAW resonator.
Dec2 Promotes Th2 Cell Differentiation by Enhancing IL-2R Signaling1

Th cell differentiation is precisely regulated by thousands of genes at different stages. In the present study, we demonstrate that Dec2, a transcription factor belonging to the bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) superfamily, is progressively induced during the course of Th2 differentiation, especially at the late stage. The up-regulated Dec2 can strongly promote Th2 development under Th2-inducing conditions, as evidenced by retrovirus-mediated gene transfer or transgenic manipulation. In addition, an enhancement of Th2 responses is also detectable in Dec2 transgenic mice in vivo. Conversely, RNA interference-mediated suppression of endogenous Dec2 could attenuate Th2 differentiation. Finally, we show that the enhanced Th2 development is at least in part due to substantial up-regulation of CD25 expression elicited by Dec2, thereby resulting in hyperresponsiveness to IL-2 stimulation.
Early anti-TNF treatment in pediatric Crohn’s disease. Predictors of clinical outcome in a population-based cohort of newly diagnosed patients

Abstract Objective. Pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD) is often debilitating, with upper gastrointestinal (GI) involvement and complications over time. Treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers can induce and maintain remission. We wanted to evaluate the outcome of patients medically treated for CD to investigate whether clinical, endoscopic and biochemical factors at diagnosis are associated with the early initiation of treatment with the TNF blocker infliximab. Materials and methods. Patients aged <18 years, diagnosed with CD were characterized according to the Porto criteria, with endoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging and biochemical tests before individual treatment. They were followed prospectively until a prescheduled examination within 2 years. Results. Thirty-six pediatric patients were included, 18 (50%) received infliximab. Infliximab-treated patients had shorter disease duration, more upper GI involvement (p = 0.03) and higher median C-reactive protein (CRP) (28 vs. 7.5 mg/l, p = 0.02), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (32 vs. 18 mm/h, p = 0.01) and fecal calprotectin (1506 vs. 501 mg/kg, p = 0.01) levels. Infliximab treatment was well tolerated, and 15/18 of patients achieved clinical remission. At follow-up, 11/17 in the infliximab group and 8/13 in the non-infliximab group achieved ileocolonic mucosal healing. A majority in the infliximab group had a marked reduction of CD-specific upper GI lesions but persistence of unspecific upper GI inflammation at follow-up. Conclusion. High levels of inflammatory markers and upper GI lesions were associated with initiation of infliximab treatment. A substantial proportion of patients still had unspecific lesions in the upper GI tract regardless of treatment. Future studies must clarify the prognostic role of persistent upper GI-involvement despite mucosal healing in the ileocolon.
Growth stimulation of human pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells and small airway epithelial cells by β‐carotene via activation of cAMP, PKA, CREB and ERK1/2

An α‐tocopherol, β‐carotene supplementation trial (ATBC) and a chemoprevention trial with β‐carotene and retinoids (CARET trial) were conducted in the 1990s in populations at risk for the development of lung cancer. Both trials had to be discontinued due to significant increases in lung cancer and cardiovascular mortality. Clinical trials to test the cancer preventive effects of β‐carotene are still ongoing, and high concentrations of this provitamin are contained in numerous dietary supplements. Using a cell line derived from a human pulmonary adenocarcinoma (PAC) of Clara cell lineage and immortalized human small airway epithelial cells, our data show that low concentrations of β‐carotene that can be realistically expected in human tissues after oral administration caused a significant increase in intracellular cAMP and activated PKA, as well as in phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and CREB. Furthermore, the proliferation of cells was significantly stimulated by identical concentrations of β‐carotene as monitored by MTT assays. Control experiments with retinol also showed stimulation of cell proliferation and activation of PKA in both cell lines. In light of the fact that PAC is the leading type of lung cancer, these findings suggest that the growth promoting effects of β‐carotene on this cancer type observed in our experiments may have contributed to the unfortunate outcome of the ATBC and CARET trials. This interpretation is supported by the fact that elevated levels of cAMP in the cardiovascular system play a major role in the genesis of cardiovascular disease, which was also greatly promoted in the CARET trial. Our data challenge the widely accepted view that β‐carotene may be useful as a cancer preventive agent. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morbidity and Mortality After Radical and Palliative Pancreatic Cancer Surgery Risk Factors Influencing the Short‐Term Results

OBJECTIVE To analyze the morbidity and mortality after radical and palliative pancreatic cancer surgery in Norway, especially the risk factors. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA A prospective multicenter study between 1984-1987 including only histologically or cytologically verified adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (N = 442) or the papilla of Vater (N = 30); 84 patients (19%) with pancreatic carcinoma and 24 patients (80%) with papilla carcinoma underwent radical operations. A palliative procedure was performed in 252 patients (53%). METHODS Clinical data, surgical procedures and the following morbidity and mortality were recorded on standardized forms. The risk factors were analyzed by a logistic multiple regression model. RESULTS The morbidity, reoperation, and mortality rates were 43, 18, and 11% after radical surgery and 23, 4, and 14% after palliative surgery. Karnofsky's index was the sole independent risk factor for death after radical surgery. Splenectomy, age, and TNM stage influenced morbidity. Diabetes, Karnofsky's index, and liver metastases were risk factors in palliative surgery. CONCLUSIONS The morbidity and mortality risks were comparable between total pancreatectomy and a Whipple's procedure and between biliary and a double bypass. Preoperative biliary drainage had no impact on the risks and may be abandoned. High age is a relative and a low Karnofsky's index an absolute contraindication for radical surgery. Nonsurgical palliation of jaundice should be considered according to the presence of independent risk factors.
Correlation of increased vascular endothelial growth factor with neovascularization and permeability in ischemic central vein occlusion.

OBJECTIVE To establish a role for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during the onset and clinical course of neovascularization of the iris (NVI) in ischemic central retinal vein occlusion. METHODS Sixteen patients with ischemic central retinal vein occlusion were followed up for 12 months by clinical examination, retinal and iris angiography, and serial anterior chamber sampling of aqueous humor. Aqueous VEGF level was determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay, and permeability changes were estimated by capillary zone electrophoretic assessment of aqueous albumin. RESULTS A correlation was found between aqueous VEGF concentrations and the onset, persistence, and regression of NVI; extent of retinal capillary nonperfusion; and vascular permeability. The NVI occurred when aqueous VEGF concentrations were 849 to 1569 pg/mL and regressed fully when they fell below 550 pg/mL. Aqueous concentrations of serum albumin, a marker of increased permeability, correlated with increased VEGF. Placental growth factor was found at low levels only when VEGF levels exceeded 330 pg/mL. The NVI remained VEGF-dependent during the course of the disease, regressing only if VEGF concentrations were reduced after laser ablation of hypoxic retina. CONCLUSIONS The close temporal correlation between aqueous VEGF levels and the course of neovascularization and permeability in human ischemic central retinal vein occlusion indicates that increased aqueous VEGF level may predict the need for treatment, and that anti-VEGF therapy at an early stage of ischemic central retinal vein occlusion may be therapeutically beneficial.
Creating Public Value through Digital Government: Lessons on Inter-Organizational Collaboration and Information Technologies

Creating and delivering public value is becoming an important goal in digital government projects around the globe. Moreover, the transition from government to governance has revitalized the interest in inter-organizational collaboration and new approaches to technology development. In working towards a better understanding of the interactions between institutions, organizations, new forms of collaboration, and value creation, we test a model based on the technology enactment framework and survey data. Our results suggest that regulatory frameworks have an impact on facilitating the development of effective organizations, increasing collaboration, and producing better information technologies. Additionally, inter-organizational collaboration and specific technology enactments have an impact on the creation of value, but enacted technology appears to be unrelated to collaboration. Further exploration of how different forms of inter-organizational collaboration and information technologies impact the process of public value creation in a more coordinated fashion is necessary.
Is Electroconvulsive Therapy Use Among Young-Old and Old-Old Adults Comparable? A 10-Year Population-Level Analysis of Service Provision

Objectives Existing research on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in older adults has largely examined its efficacy and safety in treating depression, but there are few population-level studies of its use in this patient group. Our objective was to provide a comprehensive 10-year picture of ECT use among adults aged 65 years and older in the State of Victoria, Australia. We focused especially on comparing patterns of ECT use between young-old and old-old individuals, to better inform practicing physicians, policy makers, and researchers about ECT practices in this diverse range of patients. Methods We analyzed statewide ECT service provision data from 1998 to 2007 provided by the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist of Victoria. Results Age-adjustment of crude data revealed that old-old adults had the highest rate of ECT use overall (especially women) as well as the highest utilization rates for depression and public sector treatment. Although the highest rate of exclusively involuntary treatment under the Mental Health Act was also observed among old-old adults, most of the old-old patients were treated on an exclusively voluntary basis. The number of ECT treatments administered to young-old and old-old patients did not differ. Conclusions The higher ECT utilization rates we previously reported in older adults as a whole were further accentuated in old-old individuals. Old-old adults may have medical comorbidities and personal care needs that have implications for ECT technique and service delivery. Our findings underscore the need for greater inclusion of old-old patients in future ECT research to increase its clinical applicability.
Subunit‐dependent oxidative stress sensitivity of LRRC8 volume‐regulated anion channels

Swelling‐activated anion currents are modulated by oxidative conditions, but it is unknown if oxidation acts directly on the LRRC8 channel‐forming proteins or on regulatory factors. We found that LRRC8A–LRRC8E heteromeric channels are dramatically activated by oxidation of intracellular cysteines, whereas LRRC8A–LRRC8C and LRRC8A–LRRC8D heteromers are inhibited by oxidation. Volume‐regulated anion currents in Jurkat T lymphocytes were inhibited by oxidation, in agreement with a low expression of the LRRC8E subunit in these cells. Our results show that LRRC8 channel proteins are directly modulated by oxidation in a subunit‐specific manner.
The Creation and Circulation of Endogenous Money: A Circuit Dynamique Approach

Endogenous money has traditionally been recognized as the quasi-exclusive domain of Post Keynesian political economy, and many authors consider it the "coping stone" of Post Keynesian macroeconomics [Chick 1995; Palley 1992]. But as the paradigm developed, disagreements over how money becomes endogenous lead to crucial debates about the nature and mechanics of endogeneity. In this journal, L. Randall Wray [1992] has summarized the various approaches to money both in orthodox and heterodox traditions. This led to a subsequent debate, again in this journal, between Wray [1995] and Basil Moore [1995]. This has raised questions as to whether Post Keynesians are united in their views on money [Trautwein 1995]. Robert Pollin [1991] had previously identified two distinct approaches within Post Keynesian thought: the structuralists and the accommodationists-or horizontalists, following Moore. And while some [Pollin 1996] see the differences as irreconcilable, others [see Moore 1996; Lavoie 1996a] insist the differences are largely a matter of emphasis rather than substance. Since then, it has appeared that these differences have widened rather than narrowed. These debates, however, have masked crucial arguments with respect to Post Keynesian monetary theory. In particular, most Post Keynesians have failed to notice that, in some respect, Post Keynesian monetary theory shares many insights
Central venous oxygen saturation during cardiopulmonary bypass predicts 3-year survival.

OBJECTIVES Long-term survival after cardiac surgery is determined by a number of different risk factors. Central venous oxygen saturation (S(v)O(2)) measures the balance between oxygen delivery and demand. S(v)O(2) levels in the intensive care situation are reported to be associated with patient outcome. The present report explores the connection between S(v)O(2) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and survival after cardiac surgery. METHODS Retrospective analysis of one thousand consecutive cardiac surgical patients was undertaken. S(v)O(2) during CPB was monitored online. Registry data combining specific risk factors with S(v)O(2) were selected for Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis to examine the influence on 30-day and 3-year survivals. RESULTS Nine-hundred and thirty-two patient records were eligible for analysis. S(v)O(2) below 75% during CPB was associated with significantly shorter 30-day and 3-year survivals. Based on Kaplan-Meier statistics, the survival rate decreased by 3.1% (98.1-95.0), P = 0.011 and 6.1% (92.7-86.6), P = 0.003, respectively. The influence of S(v)O(2) on 3-year survival remained statistically significant after controlling for a series of risk factors in the Cox regression analysis. Patients with S(v)O(2) <75% carried a 2-fold (odds ratio 2.1) increased relative risk of shortened 3-year survival (P = 0.003). Other risk factors statistically significantly associated with 3-year survival were age, gender, duration of CPB, blood temperature, hypertension, haematocrit and type of surgical procedure. CONCLUSIONS We report decreased 30-day and 3-year survival expectancy for patients experiencing S(v)O(2) lower than 75% during CPB.
Identifying and Classifying Bloodstream Infections Among Hemodialysis Patients

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a prominent clinical problem in patients undergoing hemodialysis. These infections appear to be more common among patients who have a central line as their dialysis access and can be associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Accurately diagnosing BSIs clearly influences patient management, but is also an important part of an infection prevention program; particularly as facility BSI rates are becoming a recognized quality measure for which dialysis facilities might be held accountable. Blood cultures remain the gold standard for diagnosing BSIs and a number of practices can affect the sensitivity and specificity of this important laboratory test. Optimizing the collection of blood cultures can assist providers with interpretation of positive blood cultures and can help minimize the impact of false‐positive and false‐negative cultures. This review will describe differences between BSI definitions, examine the use of blood cultures to identify these infections including the use of recommended best practices to maximize culture yield, and highlight characteristics that can assist in the clinical interpretation of positive blood cultures.
Optimal Designment for the Incentive Mechanism among Multi-Task Principal-Agent

In this paper,the problem about optimal designment for the incentive mechanism among replaceable multi-task principle-agent is researched.Based on the optimal model,the comparative static analysis for the relative incentive intensity is done.The researchment show that the more important task suits the stronger incentive contract Similarity,the stronger incentive contract suits the more uncertain task.The more replacement between two task,the stronger incentive contract should give to the task which is more important or uncentain.
Bias in psychiatric case–control studies

Background Case–control studies are vulnerable to selection and information biases which may generate misleading findings. Aims To assess the quality of methodological reporting of case–control studies published in general psychiatric journals. Method All the case–control studies published over a 2-year period in the six general psychiatric journals with impact factors of more than 3 were assessed by a group of psychiatrists with training in epidemiology using a structured assessment devised for the purpose. The measured study quality was compared across type of exposure and journal. Results The reporting of methods in the 408 identified papers was generally poor, with basic information about recruitment of participants often absent. Reduction of selection bias was described best in the ‘pencil and paper’ studies and worst in the genetic studies. Neuroimaging studies reported the most safeguards against information bias. Measurement of exposure was reported least well in studies determining the exposure with a biological test. Conclusions Poor reporting of recruitment strategies threatens the validity of reported results and reduces the generalisability of studies.
Serine Protease Inhibitor-6 Inhibits Granzyme B–Mediated Injury of Renal Tubular Cells and Promotes Renal Allograft Survival

Background Protease inhibitor 9 (PI-9) is an intracellular serpin that specifically inhibits granzyme B, a cytotoxic serine protease found in the cytosolic granules of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Enhanced cortical expression of PI-9 has been observed in kidney allografts with subclinical rejection, suggesting that the tubular epithelial cell (TEC) expression of this protein may have a protective role and attenuate overt allograft rejection. Methods and Results We demonstrate that TEC express SPI-6 protein, the murine homolog of PI-9, basally with a modest increase after cytokine exposure. Tubular epithelial cell expression of SPI-6 blocks granzyme B–mediated death because TEC from SPI-6 null kidneys have increased susceptibility to cytotoxic CD8+ cells in vitro. The role of SPI-6 was tested in a mouse kidney transplant model using SPI-6 null or wild type donor kidneys (H-2b) into nephrectomized recipients (H-2d). SPI-6 null kidney recipients demonstrated reduced renal function at day 8 after transplantation compared to controls (creatinine, 113±23 vs. 28±3 &mgr;mol/L; n=5; P<0.01), consistent with observed tubular injury and extensive mononuclear cell infiltration. Loss of donor kidney SPI-6 shortened graft survival time (20±19 vs. 66±33 days; n=8–10; P<0.001). Conclusion Our data show for the first time that resistance of kidney TEC to cytotoxic T-cell granzyme B–induced death in vitro and in vivo is mediated by the expression of SPI-6. We suggest that SPI-6 is an important endogenous mechanism to prevent rejection injury from perforin or granzyme B effectors and enhanced PI-9 or SPI-6 expressions by TEC may provide protection from diverse forms of inflammatory kidney injury and promote long-term allograft survival.
The Escherichia coli O111 and Salmonella enterica O35 Gene Clusters: Gene Clusters Encoding the Same Colitose-Containing O Antigen Are Highly Conserved

ABSTRACT O antigen is part of the lipopolysaccharide present in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. Escherichia coli andSalmonella enterica each have many forms of O antigen, but only three are common to the two species. It has been found that, in general, O-antigen genes are of low GC content. This deviation in GC content from that of typical S. enterica or E. coli genes (51%) is thought to indicate that the O-antigen DNA originated in species other than S. enterica or E. coli and was captured by lateral transfer. The O-antigen structure of Salmonella enterica O35 is identical to that of E. coli O111, commonly found in enteropathogenicE. coli strains. This O antigen, which has been shown to be a virulence factor in E. coli, contains colitose, a 3,6-dideoxyhexose found only rarely in theEnterobacteriaceae. Sequencing of the O35-antigen gene cluster of S. enterica serovar Adelaide revealed the same gene order and flanking genes as in E. coli O111. The divergence between corresponding genes of these two gene clusters at the nucleotide level ranges from 21.8 to 11.7%, within the normal range of divergence between S. enterica and E. coli. We conclude that the ancestor of E. coli andS. enterica had an O antigen identical to the O111 and O35 antigens, respectively, of these species and that the gene cluster encoding it has survived in both species.