Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Depression in systemic lupus erythematosus, dependent on or independent of severity of disease

Objectives To estimate the prevalence of depression in subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in relation to the general population and to unravel the relation between depression and SLE disease characteristics. Methods One hundred and two subjects with SLE (mean age 44.4 years) were studied using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score to estimate the prevalence of depression. The BDI scores in subjects with SLE were compared with BDI scores from a pan-European population based study (Outcome in Depression International Network (ODIN) study, n = 7934), i.e. the general population. Results The mean BDI score was higher in SLE subjects (10.1 points) compared with the BDI scores derived from the general population (10.1 versus 5.6 points, respectively, p < 0.001). This corresponds to a prevalence of depression of 16.6% and 6.7%, respectively. There was no association between disease activity or organ damage and BDI scores in subjects with SLE (p > 0.1). Only 7% of SLE subjects with high BDI scores used antidepressants. Conclusion The mean BDI score and prevalence of depression are significantly higher in SLE subjects compared with the general population. No association was found between SLE disease characteristics and BDI scores. The number of depressed SLE subjects treated with antidepressants is low, suggesting inadequate recognition and treatment of depression in SLE.
A New Conformal FDTD(2,4) Scheme for Modeling Three-Dimensional Curved Perfectly Conducting Objects

A new high-order conformal FDTD(2,4) scheme is proposed to solve the electromagnetic scattering from 3-D curved perfectly conducting objects. For electric field components, the update equations do not need to be modified. For magnetic field components, the inner loop is treated with the locally conformal technique, and the outer loop is unmodified. Numerical results demonstrate that the high-order conformal scheme can obtain better numerical precision under coarse grid condition compared with the low-order conformal method and the high-order staircasing approach, which in turn saves CPU time and memory.
The prevalence of sleep-related eating disorder in psychiatric and non-psychiatric populations

Background. Sleep-related eating disorder is a little-described syndrome combining features of sleep disorders and eating disorders. The behaviour consists of partial arousals from sleep followed by rapid ingestion of food, commonly with at least partial amnesia for the episode the following day. The aim of this study was to provide an estimate of the prevalence of sleep-related eating disorder. Methods. The Inventory of Nocturnal Eating, a self-report questionnaire addressing nocturnal eating and sleep disturbance, was administered to out-patients (N=126) and in-patients (N=24) with eating disorders, obese subjects (N=126) in a trial of an anorexic agent, depressed subjects (N=207) in an antidepressant trial, and an unselected group (N=217) of college students. Sleep-related eating disorder was operationally defined as nocturnal eating with a self-reported reduced level of awareness, occurring at least once per week. Results. Almost 5·0% (33/700) of the sample described symptoms consistent with sleep-related eating disorder. The in-patient eating disorders group had nearly twice the prevalence (16·7%) of the out-patient eating disorder sample (8·7%), which had nearly twice the prevalence of the next highest group, the student sample (4·6%). Subjects with sleep-related eating disorder endorsed more symptoms consistent with sleep disorders and had higher levels of depression and dissociation than those without nocturnal eating. Conclusions. Sleep-related eating disorder is more common than is generally recognized, especially in those with a daytime eating disorder. Sleep disorder symptoms are often associated with sleep-related eating disorder, as are depression and dissociation. Evaluation of individuals with eating disorders should include assessment for sleep-related eating.
On a multi-strategy approach in evolutionary computation

In this paper, we present a method based on possibility theory to deal with the optimization of dynamic problems or to increase the performance of the so-called evolutionary algorithms in the resolution of static problems. Two examples of the application of a such a multi-strategy approach are provided to show the interest of this methodology in evolutionary computation.
Mitoxantrone, vinblastine, and lomustine (CCNU) (MVC): a highly active regimen for advanced and poor-prognosis Hodgkin's disease.

PURPOSE A new regimen, MVC (mitoxantrone, vinblastine, and CCNU [lomustine]), was studied in advanced Hodgkin's disease. This regimen combines the most effective elements of previous regimens for poor-prognosis Hodgkin's disease and eliminates agents with unnecessary toxicities and marginal activity. Initially, patients with relapsed or refractory disease were entered, and after substantial activity was observed, patients with advanced-stage, newly diagnosed Hodgkin's disease were also treated. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty-six relapsed or refractory patients were entered on this study. Prior treatment included radiotherapy alone (three patients), combined-modality treatment (n = 21), and single (n = 2) or multiple chemotherapy regimens (n = 10). Seventeen advanced-stage (bulky IIB-IVB) newly diagnosed Hodgkin's patients were also entered, with a median follow-up of 7 years. RESULTS Thirty-two of 36 (88%) relapsed/refractory patients responded to MVC, with 18 partial responses (50%) and 14 complete responses (39%). Median complete response duration is 20 months (range, 2 to 108+ months). The median survival of all previously treated MVC patients is 28 months (range, 4 to 127+ months). Eleven of 32 previously treated MVC responders remain alive and disease-free at 12 to 127+ months, seven after autologous bone marrow transplantation (12 to 127+ months) and four after MVC without transplantation (31 to 113+ months). Thirteen of 17 advanced-stage, newly diagnosed Hodgkin's disease patients achieved a complete response and four achieved a partial response to MVC (100% response rate). Two complete response and all partial response patients have relapsed. Eight complete responses are ongoing at 11 to 114+ months. Three patients died in complete response at 11, 42, and 43 months. Median response duration has not been reached. DISCUSSION MVC is a highly active regimen in relapsed and advanced-stage Hodgkin's disease, with outcome results comparable to other established regimens. Treatment is associated with myelosuppression but is otherwise well tolerated. MVC provides an effective alternative regimen for newly diagnosed patients with Hodgkin's disease and an effective salvage regimen for patients previously treated with anthracyclines.
Interlocks for First Offenders: Effective?

Objective. Vehicle interlocks have been shown to effectively reduce the recidivism of multiple driving-while-impaired (DWI) offenders; however, the evidence for their effectiveness with first offenders has been mixed. Two Canadian studies found that the installation of an interlock reduced first DWI recidivism, but U.S. studies in West Virginia and California failed to find a significant reduction in recidivism for first DWI offenders in interlock programs. The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which such devices were effective with first offenders in New Mexico. Methods. This study compared 1,461 first offenders, who installed interlocks in New Mexico between January 1, 2003, and December 1, 2005, with 17,562 first offenders convicted during the same period who did not install the units. Cox multivariate proportional hazards regression (CMVPHR) was used to compare recidivism rates during three periods: 1. while the interlock was on the vehicles of offenders who installed them, 2. after those offenders removed the units until the end of the study period (approximately 2 years), and 3. for the combined period (both while the interlock was installed and after it was removed). Results. While the device was on the vehicles of the interlock group, their recidivism rate, 2.6% per year of exposure, was significantly less than the 7.1% per year rate of the comparison group (CMVPHR hazard ratio = 0.39, p < 0.0001). After the device was removed, the annualized recidivism rate of the interlock group increased to 4.9% per year of exposure, which was less than the 6.7% rate of the comparison group, but the hazard ratio was not statistically significant (CMVPHR hazard ratio = 0.82, p = 0.16). When the combined periods (interlock on and off) were considered, the interlock group had a recidivism rate of 3.9% per year, which again was significantly lower than the 6.8% rate for the comparison group (CMVPHR hazard ratio = 0.61, p < 0.0001). Conclusion. The study provides evidence that interlocks are as effective with first offenders (approximately 60% reduction in recidivism when on the vehicle) as they are for multiple offenders. In addition, the benefits of requiring an interlock for first offenders exceed the costs by a factor of three.
Wetting and layering in the nearest-neighbor simple-cubic Ising lattice: A Monte Carlo investigation.

Critical, tricritical, and first-order wetting transitions are studied in a simple-cubic nearest-neighbor Ising model, with exchange J in the bulk and exchange ${J}_{s}$ in the surface planes, by applying suitable bulk and surface fields H and ${H}_{1}$. Monte Carlo calculations are presented for systems of size L\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}L\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}D, in a thin film geometry with D=40 layers and two free L\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}L surfaces, with L ranging from L=10 to L=50. In addition, evidence for prewetting transitions and for layering transitions (the latter occur for temperatures T less than the roughening temperature ${T}_{R}$) is presented. We study the magnetization ${m}_{1}$ in the surface layer, susceptibilities ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{11}$=\ensuremath{\partial}${m}_{1}$/\ensuremath{\partial}${H}_{1}$ and ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{1}$=\ensuremath{\partial}${m}_{1}$/\ensuremath{\partial}H, surface excess magnetization ${m}_{s}$ and energy ${U}_{s}$, as well as magnetization and energy profiles [m(z) and U(z)] as a function of the distance z from the surface. We compare our results to various theoretical predictions; in particular, our results for critical wetting are consistent with simple mean-field behavior, the different singular behavior predicted by various renormalization-group treatments is not observed. We also analyze the qualitative structure of the full surface phase diagram of the model.
No evidence for the presence of tissue factor in high‐purity preparations of immunologically isolated eosinophils

Summary. Background: To date, there is no unequivocal opinion on whether human eosinophils express tissue factor (TF). Therefore, we studied the expression of TF protein and activity in resting or stimulated immunologically purified human eosinophils. Methods and results: By use of immunologic isolation, we achieved over 96% purity of eosinophil preparations, and contamination by CD14‐positive cells was below 0.3%. Flow cytometric [fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS)] analysis of eosinophils revealed no surface expression of TF antigen in resting or stimulated eosinophils. Immunoblotting of eosinophil lysates did not show any TF protein under resting or stimulated conditions. The lysates of resting or stimulated eosinophils contained no detectable levels of TF procoagulant activity. In contrast, monocytes, stimulated in plasma or medium, possessed readily detectable TF levels on the cell surface and in cell lysates as detected by FACS and immunoblotting. This was active TF antigen, as confirmed by TF activity assay (19.2 ± 4.2 and 28.6 ± 3.1 mU per 106 cells, stimulated in medium or plasma, respectively). We found no detectable TF mRNA levels in resting or stimulated eosinophils by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), whereas in monocytes TF mRNA levels were significantly increased after stimulation. Conclusions: Our data indicate that there is no evidence for TF expression in high‐purity preparations of immunologically isolated eosinophils.
Mast cell hyperplasia in chronic rejection after liver transplantation

The pathogenesis of chronic hepatic allograft rejection is poorly understood. Recent studies suggested that hepatic mast cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic cholestatic liver disease. Because chronic rejection after liver transplantation is predominantly a cholestatic process, the aim of this study is to determine whether hepatic mast cells are involved in its pathogenesis. Biopsy specimens from (1) normal livers (n = 5), (2) transplanted livers with end‐stage chronic rejection (n = 8), and (3) transplanted livers with acute cellular rejection (mild, n = 7; moderate, n = 5; severe, n = 7) were studied. Biopsy specimens were stained immunohistochemically for mast cells with human antitryptase antibody. Mast cell density was significantly increased in the chronic‐rejection group (4.9 ± 0.6/mm2) compared with controls (2.9 ± 0.5/mm2; P < .05). The percentage of portal tracts containing mast cells was significantly greater in chronic‐rejection (89% ± 8%) than control biopsy specimens (69% ± 5%; P < .05), as was the average number of mast cells per portal tract (5.4 ± 0.9 v 1.9 ± 0.4 cells; P < .01). In chronic rejection, tissue mast cells frequently were seen surrounding damaged bile ducts in inflamed portal tracts. Neither mast cell density nor distribution was significantly different from controls in posttransplantation biopsy specimens with acute cellular rejection of mild, moderate, or severe degree. The finding of mast cells infiltrating portal tracts and surrounding damaged bile ducts in chronic rejection suggests that hepatic mast cells may be important effector cells in the pathogenesis of chronic rejection.
Neuron-to-Neuron Transmission of Neurodegenerative Pathology

One of the hallmarks of neurodegenerative dementia diseases is the progressive loss of mental functions and the ability to manage activities of daily life. This progression is caused by the spread of the disease to more and more brain areas via anatomical connections. The pathophysiological process responsible for this spread of disease has long been sought after. There has been an increased understanding that the driving force of these neurodegenerative diseases could be the small, soluble intraneuronal accumulations of neurodegenerative proteins rather than the large, extracellular accumulations. Recently we have shown that the mechanism of spread of Alzheimer’s disease most likely depends on the neuron-to-neuron spread of such soluble intraneuronal accumulations of β-amyloid through neuritic connections. Similar transmissions have been shown for several other neurodegenerative proteins but little is known about the cellular mechanisms and about any potential strategies that might stop this spread. Resolving these questions requires good cellular models. We have established a unique model of synaptic transmission between human neuronal-like cells, something that has previously been difficult to target. This opens the possibility of developing potential inhibitors of progression of these devastating diseases.
Investigational calcium channel blockers for the treatment of hypertension

ABSTRACT Introduction: Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels are the primary route of Ca2+ entry in vascular smooth muscle cells, playing a key role in the regulation of arterial tone and blood pressure. Since the 60´s, L-type Ca2+ channel blockers (CCBs) have been widely used for the treatment of hypertension. Areas covered: T-type Ca2+ channels regulate vascular tone in small-resistance vessels and aldosterone secretion, and N-type channels expressed in sympathetic nerve terminals regulate the release of neurotransmitters. We performed a literature search in MEDLINE, PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify eligible studies published between January 2001 and March 2016 and reviewed the antihypertensive and renoprotective effects of four CCBs with different pharmacological profiles: azelnidipine (L-type), cilnidipine (L-/N-type) and benidipine and efonidipine (L-/T-type CCBs). Despite similar blood pressure lowering effects, L/N- and L/T-type CCBs, compared with L-type CCBs, decreased intraglomerular pressure, improved renal hemodynamics and provided a greater decrease in proteinuria even in patients already treated with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors. Expert opinion: Dual L/N- and L/T-type CCBs may exhibit therapeutic advantages over L-type blockers in hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease. Because clinical trials supporting these advantages present important biases, further large-scale, long-term comparative trials are needed to confirm that these differences translate into improved clinical outcomes.
Usefulness of Simultaneous Measurement of Plasma Steroids, Including Precursors, for the Evaluation of Drug Effects on Adrenal Steroidogenesis in Rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of simultaneous measurement of plasma steroids, including precursors, for the evaluation of drug effects on adrenal steroidogenesis in vivo. Plasma concentrations of corticosterone and its precursors were examined in rats dosed with compounds that affect adrenal steroidogenesis via different modes of action as well as the relationships of the changes with blood chemistry and adrenal histopathology. Male rats were dosed with tricresyl phosphate, aminoglutethimide, trilostane (TRL), metyrapone (MET), ketoconazole (KET), or mifepristone for 7 days. In the TRL, MET, and KET groups, precursor levels were markedly increased, while there were no significant changes in the corticosterone level, suggesting that the precursors are more sensitive biomarkers to detect the effect on adrenal steroidogenesis. Also, the precursors with increased levels were those that are normally metabolized by the inhibited enzymes, reflecting the modes of action of the compounds. In addition, different patterns of changes were observed in blood chemistry and histopathology, supporting the mechanism suggested by the steroid changes. These results show that simultaneous measurement of plasma steroids, including precursors, can be a valuable method to sensitively evaluate drug effects on adrenal steroidogenesis and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.
Magneto-Optical Properties of Ni:ZnO Nanorods

The structure, electrical, and magneto-optical properties of as-grown and hydrogenated annealed Ni:ZnO nanorods (NRs) have been systematically investigated. X-ray absorption spectroscopy shows that most of the Ni dopants were incoporated in the ZnO matrix. Noticeable magneto-optical effect together with room temperature ferromagnetism were observed in Ni:ZnO NRs. A broad optical magnetic circular dichroism (OMCD) spectra with larger amplitude is observed for the hydrogenated annealed Ni:ZnO NRs, while nonmagnetic state and no OMCD feature was observed in ZnO NRs. The enhancement in magnetization and OMCD singal are highly related to the oxygen vacancies due to hydrogenated annealing.
Ionospheric monitoring by ELF signals received at Moshiri station in Japan

The observation at Moshiri (Hokkaido), Japan of ELF transmitter signals (~82 Hz) from a Russian transmitter has been described. The detection and identification, wave characteristics. etc. have been analyzed by using the ELF waveform data at Moshiri(two horizontal magnetic fields and one vertical electric field), which are subjected to the conventional FFT (fast Fourier transform) analysis, Nuttal filter etc. The wave characteristics at Moshiri at a distance (~6 Mm) from the transmitter, are compared with those near the anti-podal points, in order to compare with the ELF full-wave propagation theory.
Tissue factor expression by myeloid cells contributes to protective immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Tissue factor (TF) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays an essential role in hemostasis by activating coagulation. TF is also expressed by monocytes/macrophages as part of the innate immune response to infections. In the current study, we determined the role of TF expressed by myeloid cells during Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) infection by using mice lacking the TF gene in myeloid cells (TFΔ) and human monocyte derived macrophages (MDMs). We found that during M. tb infection, a deficiency of TF in myeloid cells was associated with reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, enhanced arginase 1 (Arg1) expression, enhanced IL‐10 production and reduced apoptosis in infected macrophages, which augmented M. tb growth. Our results demonstrate that a deficiency of TF in myeloid cells promotes M2‐like phenotype in M . tb infected macrophages. A deficiency in TF expression by myeloid cells was also associated with reduced fibrin deposition and increased matrix metalloproteases (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9 mediated inflammation in M. tb infected lungs. Our studies demonstrate that TF expressed by myeloid cells has newly recognized abilities to polarize macrophages and to regulate M. tb growth.
Ethnic Enclaves and Immigrant Earnings Growth

The impact of living in an ethnic enclave on earnings growth of immigrants in Canada is examined using the 1981-2001 Censuses. Consistent with U.S. findings, enclaves are found to have a negative impact on the earnings growth of male immigrants. A negative impact is also found for female immigrants. Living in an enclave was found to be particularly harmful for individuals immigrating as adults, especially for females, but did not affect immigrants who arrived at a young age. Enclaves had a more negative impact on high-skilled male immigrants, especially if they had received the bulk of their education outside Canada. Enclaves were also found to hinder language skills.
High-Efficiency Asymmetrical Half-Bridge Converter Without Electrolytic Capacitor for Low-Output-Voltage AC–DC LED Drivers

Due to their high reliability and luminous efficacy, high-brightness light-emitting diodes are being widely used in lighting applications, and therefore, their power supplies are required to have also high reliability and efficiency. A very common approach for achieving this in ac-dc applications is using a two-stage topology. The power factor corrector boost converter operating in the boundary conduction mode is a very common converter used as first stage. It is normally designed without electrolytic capacitors, improving reliability but also increasing the low-frequency ripple of the output voltage. The asymmetrical half-bridge (AHB) is a perfect option for the second stage as it has very high efficiency, it operates at constant switching frequency, and its output filter is small (i.e., it can be also easily implemented without electrolytic capacitors). Moreover, the AHB is an excellent candidate for self-driven synchronous rectification (SD-SR) as its transformer does not have dead times. However, the standard configuration of the SD-SR must be modified in this case in order to deal with the transformer voltage variations due to the input voltage ripple and, more important, due to the LED dimming state. This modification is presented in this paper. Another important issue regarding the AHB is that its closed-loop controller cannot be very fast and it cannot easily cancel the previously mentioned low-frequency ripple. In this paper, a feed-forward technique, specifically designed to overcome this problem, is also presented. The experimental results obtained with a 60-W topology show that efficiency of the AHB may be very high (94.5%), while the inherent control problems related to the AHB can be overcome by the proposed feed-forward technique.