Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rejection in liver transplantation

One hundred four liver transplant recipients were retrospectively reviewed for the incidence of liver allograft rejection, the response to antirejection therapy and the impact of rejection on graft and patient survival. Liver biopsies were performed weekly during episodes of graft dysfunction and to follow response to treatment. Baseline immunosuppression consisted of cyclosporine and low‐dose prednisolone. Rejection was treated with steroids and with OKT3 as rescue. Azathioprine was given to patients with preoperative or perioperative renal insufficiency and was added to patients' treatment after the first sign of rejection.
Mutations in ND Subunits of Complex I Are an Important Genetic Cause of Childhood Mitochondrial Encephalopathies

An increasing number of reports on mitochondrial DNA coding regions' mutations, especially in mitochondrial DNA— encoded NADH dehydrogenase (ND) subunit genes of the respiratory chain complex I, have been published recently, making it possible to improve the molecular diagnosis of many mitochondrial diseases in children with variable clinical features. This article describes 2 mitochondrial DNA mutations in the ND3 and ND5 genes in patients showing clinical features of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS)/Leigh syndrome overlap syndrome and atypical Leigh syndrome. These cases add to the increasing number of reports stating that mitochondrial DNA—encoded protein-coding regions are mutation hot spots in pediatric patients with encephalopathies with variable clinical spectra.
Fermentation of carbohydrates under aerobic and anaerobic conditions by intestinal microflora from infants

To determine how factors involved in infant carbohydrate metabolism could be effectively assayed in vitro, fecal materials from healthy infants were obtained and tested with fermentation mixtures incorporating glucose, fructose, and lactose incubated under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The amounts of organic acids, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane produced were determined. Principal component analysis indicated that products of the three sugar systems produced very similar factor patterns and, therefore, all three sugars may not be required to adequately characterize intestinal microbial fermentation processes. Moreover, the fermentation processes under aerobic and anaerobic conditions produced essentially identical cluster patterns of the factors from the three sugar systems. Collectively, the results indicated that two sugar systems, glucose and lactose, measured under aerobic fermentation conditions sufficed in accounting for most of the variation among babies.
Medieval specimens and modern practices

Subject indexes are believed to have been invented in France in the 13th century, yet many modern French books lack such indexes. A two-pronged research project conducted in France in July 1999 aimed to examine manuscripts of the earliest indexes in libraries throughout the country and interview book publishers to determine their indexing policies. Manuscript book indexes produced in France, primarily in the Latin language and in the domain of religion, are works of extraordinary beauty, with precise locators and many design features that help to orientate the reader. This paper analyses the structure and format of these indexes with respect to contemporary practice. Where modern French books contain indexes, they are generally compiled by authors, who are not trained in book indexing by publishers. Few book publishing contracts mention indexes, and there is no professional society devoted to book indexing in France.
Nitric oxide modulates vascular endothelial growth factor and receptors in chronic cyclosporine nephrotoxicity.

BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is involved in angiogenesis, wound healing, and inflammation and exerts its effect via tyrosine kinase receptors, fms-like tyrosine kinase (Flt-1) and fetal liver kinase (Flk-1 or KDR). We have previously shown that VEGF is up-regulated in a model of chronic cyclosporine (CsA) nephrotoxicity and that l-arginine (l-Arg) improved while N-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) worsened fibrosis. We examined the role of nitric oxide modulation on VEGF in this model. METHODS Pair-fed salt-depleted rats were administered CsA, CsA + L-NAME, CsA +l-Arg, vehicle (VH), VH + L-NAME or VH +l-Arg and were sacrificed at 7 or 28 days. Physiologic and histologic changes were studied in addition to the mRNA expression of VEGF and its receptors Flt-1 and KDR/Flk-1 by Northern blot and the protein expression of VEGF by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS While L-NAME worsened renal function and histology, l-Arg had the opposite beneficial effect in CsA-treated rats. VEGF mRNA and protein expressions increased with CsA, further increased with L-NAME and became significantly reduced with L-Arg. Flt-1 expression was similar in all groups. On the other hand, KDR/Flk-1 mRNA expression was modulated in a fashion similar to VEGF. Also, nitric oxide modulation did not have an effect on VH-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS VEGF expression in chronic CsA nephrotoxicity is increased by nitric oxide blockade and decreased by nitric oxide enhancement. Moreover, VEGF probably exerted its effect via the KDR/Flk-1 receptor. The actions of VEGF in this model remain speculative, but it is probable that VEGF plays a role, either independently or through nitric oxide, in CsA-induced fibrosis.
Theoretical Challenges for Distance Education in the 21st Century: A Shift from Structural to Transactional Issues

The premise of this article is that theoretical frameworks and models are essential to the long-term credibility and viability of a eld of practice. In order to assess the theoretical challenges facing the eld of distance education, the signicant theoretical contributions to distance education in the last century are briey reviewed. This review of distance education as a eld of study reveals an early preoccupation with organizational and structural constraints. However, the review also reveals that the theoretical development of the eld is progressing from organizational to transactional issues and assumptions. The question is whether distance education has the theoretical foundation to take it into the 21st century and whether distance education theory development will keep pace with innovations in technology and practice.
Effects of P2Y12 receptor inhibition with or without aspirin on hemostatic system activation: a randomized trial in healthy subjects

Essentials In acute coronary syndromes, dual antiplatelet therapy inhibits platelets but confers a bleeding risk. Healthy male volunteers received clopidogrel or ticagrelor plus aspirin or clopidogrel or ticagrelor alone. The decrease in β‐thromboglobulin in shed blood was comparable after single and dual antiplatelet therapy. We hypothesize that patients with acute coronary syndromes may not require dual antiplatelet therapy.
Osteoblast mineralization requires β1 integrin/ICAP-1–dependent fibronectin deposition

The morphogenetic and differentiation events required for bone formation are orchestrated by diffusible and insoluble factors that are localized within the extracellular matrix. In mice, the deletion of ICAP-1, a modulator of β1 integrin activation, leads to severe defects in osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization and to a delay in bone formation. Deposition of fibronectin and maturation of fibrillar adhesions, adhesive structures that accompany fibronectin deposition, are impaired upon ICAP-1 loss, as are type I collagen deposition and mineralization. Expression of β1 integrin with a mutated binding site for ICAP-1 recapitulates the ICAP-1–null phenotype. Follow-up experiments demonstrated that ICAP-1 negatively regulates kindlin-2 recruitment onto the β1 integrin cytoplasmic domain, whereas an excess of kindlin-2 binding has a deleterious effect on fibrillar adhesion formation. These results suggest that ICAP-1 works in concert with kindlin-2 to control the dynamics of β1 integrin–containing fibrillar adhesions and, thereby, regulates fibronectin deposition and osteoblast mineralization.
Suture Closure of Subcutaneous Fat and Wound Disruption After Cesarean Delivery: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE: To define the role of suture closure of the subcutaneous dead space in preventing wound complications after cesarean delivery. DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the bibliographies of major texts and review articles. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Only studies in which patients undergoing cesarean delivery were randomly assigned to closure of the subcutaneous space or to no closure were included. Each study was required to report on at least 1 of the following outcomes: wound infection, hematoma, seroma, or separation. The studies also reported “wound disruption,” a combination of these outcomes which either explicitly stated or strongly implied the need for further wound care. Six studies meeting criteria were identified. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Three studies included 875 patients with any subcutaneous thickness and noted a decrease in wound disruption with closure (relative risk [RR] 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36, 0.86). Two studies reported results from 181 patients with incision depth of 2 cm or less and noted no difference (RR 1.01; 95% CI 0.46, 2.20). Five studies reported results on 887 patients with wound thickness greater than 2 cm. Although only 1 study had a significant effect by itself, when results were combined, there was a significant decrease in wound disruption (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.48, 0.91). This reduction seems to be largely a result of decreased wound seromas (4 studies, 852 patients, RR 0.42; 95% CI 0.24, 0.75). In women with wound thickness greater than 2 cm, subcutaneous closure resulted in a risk reduction of 6.2%, and 16.2 women would need subcutaneous closure to prevent 1 wound disruption (number needed to treat). CONCLUSION: Suture closure of subcutaneous fat during cesarean delivery results in a 34% decrease in risk of wound disruption in women with fat thickness greater than 2 cm.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease deaths in the United States, 1999–2009

Abstract Our objective was to examine trends and epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease (MND) associated deaths in the United States. ALS/MND associated death rates and trends in the United States for 1999–2009 were examined using the multiple cause-of-death mortality data. Age-specific and age-adjusted death rates were calculated. For 1999–2009, the average annual age-adjusted death rate was 2.17/100,000 persons. The age-specific rate increased with age until 75–79 years. Males experienced a higher death rate than females. There was no definitive trend in the annual ALS/MND associated death rate, although analyses suggested a possible decrease (p = 0.05); however, the rate increased for persons 20–49 years of age and declined for persons ≥ 65 years of age. The annual rate for males decreased whereas the rate for females showed no change. In conclusion, the suggested decreasing annual ALS/MND associated death rate for 1999–2009 contrasts with earlier reports indicating that the incidence and death rate of ALS were increasing. While the ALS/MND associated death rate slightly increased among adults 20–49 years of age, rates declined among two subpopulations at higher risk for ALS/MND – males and persons ≥ 65 years of age. Continued monitoring of ALS/MND mortality data and additional epidemiological studies will be important to further elucidate these epidemiological trends.
Impacts of High Penetration of DFIG Wind Turbines on Rotor Angle Stability of Power Systems

With the integration of wind power into power systems continues to increase, the impact of high penetration of wind power on power system stability becomes a very important issue. This paper investigates the impact of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) control and operation on rotor angle stability. Acontrol strategy for both the rotor-side converter (RSC) and grid-side converter (GSC) of the DFIG is proposed to mitigate DFIGs impacts on the system stability. DFIG-GSC is utilized to be controlled as static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) to provide reactive power support during grid faults. In addition, a power system stabilizer (PSS) is implemented in the reactive power control loop of DFIG-RSC. The proposed approaches are validated on a realistic Western System Coordinating Council (WSCC) power system under both small and large disturbances. The simulation results show the effectiveness and robustness of both DFIG-GSC control strategy and PSS to enhance rotor angle stability of power system.
Expansion et transformation de l’enseignement spécial : le tournant des années 1960

Dans le contexte des reformes des annees 1960, l’enseignement specialise a connu un developpement consequent de ses structures, une forte augmentation de ses personnels comme des populations prises en charge. Cette restructuration liee a la prolongation de la scolarite obligatoire a reussi grâce a la mobilisation d’acteurs institutionnels, syndicaux et associatifs, militants de l’enfance inadaptee mais aussi de l’ecole publique et laique. Leurs objectifs convergents ont ete entendus et relayes dans les travaux du Plan. Cependant progressivement les modalites d’intervention se sont transformees, en lien avec le rapport Bloch-Laine (1967) mais aussi avec les critiques sur les orientations abusives de jeunes en echec scolaire consideres comme « debiles legers ». Desormais, il va s’agir de lutter contre toutes les inadaptations dans l’enseignement ordinaire. Cette logique de prevention et d’adaptation debouchera sur un mouvement d’integration generalise.
Switching Behavior of HfO2-Based Resistive RAM with Vertical CNT Bottom Electrode

We demonstrate a CMOS compatible process flow for making scaled Hafnium Oxide (HfO2) based resistive switching random access memory (RRAM) with Vertical multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes (V-CNT) as bottom electrode(BE). While the bipolar resistive switching characteristics are similar to TiN\HfO2 RRAM, the V-CNT\HfO2 device shows deeper RESET enabling a high On-Off ratio (&#62;1e4) at low switching currents (10 &#x00B5;A). It operates at higher SET and RESET voltages, but exhibits excellent high temperature retention (&#62;1e6 s @200C). These results suggest that the V-CNT bottom electrode plays an active role in the resistive switching process.
A Generic BBN Safety Model

The purpose of this paper is to present a generic safety model for socio-technical systems subject to low probability high consequences (LPHC) accidents. The model that uses a Bayesian belief network (BBN) topology contains both the human operators and the technical components woven together and influenced by organisational and sociological factors. This topology has been found to be useful in evaluating the operation and safety of socio-technical systems; i.e., mutual dependent activities of technical and human entities (or subsystems). The BBN topology can be adapted to specific environments of high risk systems and facilitate expert elicitation that adds a quantitative dimension to the basic qualitative model
Tight-binding potentials for transition metals and alloys.

The parameters of many-body potentials for fcc and hcp transition metals, based on the second-moment approximation of a tight-binding Hamiltonian, have been systematically evaluated. The potential scheme, cast in analytical form, allows us to reproduce correctly the thermal behavior of transition metals making use of a small set of adjustable parameters. The large cutoff, which extends the range of the interactions up to the fifth-neighbor distance, ensures good quantitative agreement with the experimental data up to temperatures close to the melting point. The ability of the potentials to describe real systems has been checked by calculating point-defect properties, lattice dynamics, and finite-temperature behavior, and by comparing the results with other potential schemes. Application of this scheme to bcc transition metals has proved unsuccessful. Examples of derivation of many-body potentials for a few transition-metal alloys with cubic structure are also reported.
Childhood obesity and community food environments in Alabama's Black Belt region.

BACKGROUND Childhood obesity has been rising rapidly in the USA. The rate is higher among those at a lower socioeconomic status and racial/ethnic minority groups. In Alabama, nearly half of the children from rural African American families are overweight or obese. Studies suggest that children's eating behaviours and weight could be influenced by surrounding food environments. The purpose of this paper is to assess the community food environment and examine the associations with childhood obesity in Alabama's Black Belt region. METHODS This research uses both qualitative and quantitative methods. Weight status of 613 African American students in four elementary schools in a rural county of Alabama was assessed. We examined community food environments around children's home through GIS (Geographic Information System) and statistical methods. The interrelations between children's weight and community food environments are explored with multi-level models. RESULTS Approximately 42.1% of surveyed children were overweight or obese, much higher than the national average, 30.6%. In Model 1, convenience stores (3.44; P < 0.01), full service restaurants (8.99; P < 0.01) and supermarkets (-37.69; P < 0.01) were significantly associated with the percentile of body mass index. Fast food stores (-0.93; P = 0.88) were not related to children's weight. In Model 2, the additions of sociodemographic factors and school effects cause significant changes of the relationships between children's weight and four types of food outlets. The percentage of African American population (90.23, P < 0.01) and school (6.68, P < 0.01) were positively associated with children's weight; while median household income (-39.6; P < 0.01) was negatively related to it. CONCLUSION Children's weight is influenced by community food environments, sociodemographic factors and school context. Findings suggest that policymakers and planners need to improve community food environments of low-income minority communities. Parents and schools should pay more attention to reduce the negative impacts of food environments on children.
Le tableau de bord des collèges et des lycées : histoire d'un ajustement

Le tableau de bord GESEP, outil d'auto-analyse pour les etablissements scolaires, existe depuis dix ans au Ministere de l'Education Nationale. ; D'apres une serie d'interviews de chefs d'etablissement, il apparait que son usage reel s'ecarte de la lecture, synthetique et orientee vers la prise de decision, qui en etait prevue a l'origine, au profit d'une autre, plus ponctuelle, orientee vers la negociation et la communication. ; Pour expliquer cette derive, on montre en quoi les procedures de l'administration du systeme educatif empechaient un controle et une prise de decision fondes sur la perception globale de l'etablissement que donne le tableau de bord. Et comment on a reagi a cette impossibilite en deplacant son centre de gravite vers une analyse des choix pedagogiques reveles par l'utilisation des moyens, analyse vers laquelle le poussaient ses utilisateurs reels. ; Ainsi, l'evolution de GESEP montre que l'insertion d'un outil de gestion dans une organisation ne se fait pas au travers d'une «adaptation» de l'outil, i.e. d'un processus qui lui permette d'atteindre ses objectifs initiaux dans des conditions particulieres, mais plutot au travers d'un compromis entre la logique dont il est porteur, et les demandes qui lui sont adressees.
Thulium channel waveguide laser with 1.6 W of output power and ∼80% slope efficiency.

Laser experiments were performed on buried, ridge-type channel waveguides in 8 at. % thulium-doped, yttrium-gadolinium-lutetium co-doped potassium double tungstate. By pumping with a Ti:sapphire laser at 794 nm, 1.6 W of output power at 1.84 μm with a maximum slope efficiency of ∼80% was obtained in a laser resonator with a high output-coupling degree of 89%. To the best of our knowledge, this result represents the most efficient 2-μm channel waveguide laser to date.
[Physical and psychological stress in a group of Italian caregivers: a new medical emergency? A pilot study].

INTRODUCTION this study aimed to evaluate physical and psychological stress in a group of italian caregivers. METHODS 20 subjects were enrolled in the study and divided into 2 groups: 10 healthy controls and 10 caregivers. Every subject underwent an cognitive, clinical and instrumental assessment. RESULTS the statistical analysis showed an increased presence of pathological alterations in caregivers group such as decreased ejection fraction, cognitive impairment and depressed mood. CONCLUSIONS the study shows the figure of a elderly caregiver, predominantly women, who spend many hours in patient care. The caregiver-type takes about four drugs a day and is not involved in screening programs offered by the health service for his age group. Results a high risk of social isolation, emotional fragility and an increased risk of cardiovascular events and cognitive impairment.
Output-feedback control for switched linear systems subject to actuator saturation

This article is devoted to the output-feedback ℋ∞ control problem for switched linear systems subject to actuator saturation. We consider both continuous- and discrete-time switched systems. Using the minimal switching rule, nonlinear output feedbacks expressed in the form of quasi-linear parameter varying system are designed to satisfy a pre-specified disturbance attenuation level defined by the regional ℒ2 (ℓ2)-gains over a class of energy-bounded disturbances. The conditions are expressed in bilinear matrix inequalities and can be solved by line search coupled with linear matrix inequalities optimisation. A spherical inverted pendulum example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Age differences in the association of physical activity, sociocognitive engagement, and TV viewing on face memory.

OBJECTIVE Physical and sociocognitive lifestyle activities promote aspects of cognitive function in older adults. Very little is known about the relation between these lifestyle activities and cognitive function in young adults. One aspect of cognitive function that is critical for everyday function is episodic memory. The present study examined the relationship between lifestyle activities and episodic memory in younger and older adults. METHOD Participants were 62 younger (mean age = 24 years) and older adults (mean age = 74 years). The augmented Victoria Longitudinal Study Activities Questionnaire was used to quantify level of engagement in physical activity, sociocognitive activity, and TV viewing. Episodic memory was assessed using the old-new face recognition paradigm in which memory for younger and older faces was tested. RESULTS Compared to younger adults, older adults reported being less physically and sociocognitively active while engaging in more passive behaviors such as TV viewing. A positive association was observed between physical activity and episodic memory for young adults but not for older adults. Interestingly, TV viewing was negatively associated with episodic memory in older adults but not younger adults. No relationship was found between sociocognitive activity and episodic memory for either younger or older adults. Although the own-age effect was observed for older adults, face age did not interact with lifestyle activities. CONCLUSION The positive cognitive benefits of physical activity extend to younger adults; however, the interplay between physical activity and cognition may differ across the life span. Furthermore, TV viewing may be particularly detrimental to cognitive performance later in life.