Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Normal or Low Initial PTH Levels are not a Predictor of Morbidity/Mortality in Patients Undergoing Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis

♦ Objective During the past few decades, the pattern of bone disease in uremic patients has changed significantly. There has been an increase in the number of patients with normal or low initial parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, particularly in patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD). Previous authors have described a higher prevalence of bone pain, microfractures, and fractures, and higher mortality among these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of patients who had a low or normal intact PTH (iPTH) level when they started CPD. ♦ Design We reviewed the records of 251 patients in our program that started CPD during the past 5 years (January 1996 – December 2000). Clinical data, laboratory variables, medication, and dialysis parameters/dose were available at every clinic visit (approximately every 4 weeks). Intact PTH was used to express parathyroid function; values 3 times higher than the upper limit of normal (ULN) were assumed to be optimal. Variables predictive of the development of parathyroid dysfunction were calculated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. ♦ Results Of the patients who started CPD, 15.5% had iPTH values below the ULN (7.6 pmol/L), and an additional 29.5% had an iPTH of less than 3 times the ULN (i.e., between 7.6 and 22.8 pmol/L). We call these two groups of patients the normal/low initial iPTH group. During the follow-up period (3 – 63 months), we found a trend toward increasing iPTH levels. By the end of the study period, 61.2% of those with normal/low initial iPTH remained in the normal/low iPTH range, and 38.8% had converted to a group with an iPTH range higher than 22.8 pmol/L. The patients who converted their iPTH grouping were younger, fewer of them were diabetics (p = not significant), and they were more frequently on low calcium dialysate (p < 0.05). Hyperphosphatemia was an independent risk factor for subsequent iPTH changes during the course of continuous ambulatory PD treatment. All patients in the normal/low iPTH groups had a low prevalence of bone fractures (3.5%). Also, patients who remained in the normal/low iPTH group at the end of the follow-up period did not have more fractures than those who converted to the hyperparathyroid group (3.8% vs 3.1%). We found no differences in bone fractures between patients with iPTH levels below 22.8 and those with levels above 22.8 pmol/L (3.5% vs 5.4%), nor were there differences in patient and technique survival between these two groups. ♦ Conclusion Normal/low initial iPTH is a frequent finding among patients starting CPD. Serum phosphorus was an independent risk factor for subsequent iPTH changes during the course of CPD treatment. Use of low calcium dialysate was significantly higher in patients who converted their iPTH into the high iPTH range. Very few patients with low/normal iPTH had bone-related symptoms (pain and fractures), and their morbidity and mortality did not differ from those patients with a high initial iPTH level.
Contribution of the Closure of Pulmonary Units to Impaired Oxygenation during Anesthesia

Associations between airway closure, alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference (A-aD0l), and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) were investigated in anesthetized, paralyzed, artifically ventilated patients. The difference between closing capacity (CC) and functional residual capacity (FRC) was measured with a modified standard technique using a bolus of N2 to detect airway closure in denitrogenated patients. At Fl0, = 0.4 during anesthesia before application of PEEP, A-aD0, was larger than expected in comparable conscious subjects and increased at about 1 mmHg/yr of age. CC was below FRC in young subjects but above FRC in older subjects, the two coinciding at about age 43 yr. Thus, during anesthesia both A-aDoi and CC-FRC increased with age. The proximity and point of coincidence of CC and FRC suggested that CC is reduced during anesthesia.In patients whose CC exceeded FRC, imposition of PEEP estimated to be sufficient to elevate FRC above CC decreased A-aD0t to a level comparable to that in patients exhibiting airway closure below FRC without PEEP. Patients in whom CC was initially below FRC failed to improve oxygenation with PEEP. At least half of the decrease in A-aD0l associated with application of PEEP persisted for 20–30 min after the withdrawal of PEEP, although the withdrawal resulted in an immediate recurrence of airway closure above FRC. The authors conclude that closure of pulmonary units operates in some circumstances to contribute to pulmonary dysfunction in anesthetized patients but is neither the only nor necessarily the most important such mechanism
Reconciliation and consolation in captive bonobos (Pan paniscus)

Although reconciliation in bonobos (Pan paniscus) has previously been described, it has not been analyzed heretofore by the postconflict (PC) match‐control (MC) method. Furthermore, although reconciliation has been investigated before in this species, consolation has not. In this study we analyzed agonistic and affiliative contacts in all sex‐class combinations to clarify and reevaluate the occurrence of reconciliation in bonobos via the PC‐MC method. We also investigated the occurrence of consolation by analyzing the victims' triadic contact tendency (TCT), the influence of the sex of victims, and the relative occurrence of consolation and reconciliation. We collected 167 pairs of PC‐MC observations in a captive group of bonobos (in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands). The conciliatory tendency (CCT) we obtained was tendentially lower than the mean value previously found for Yerkes captive chimpanzees. Close relationships, which were present in all female–female (FF) and some male–female (MF) dyads, positively affected reconciliation rates. When only adult PC‐MC pairs (157) were considered, the mean TCTs and CCTs did not differ significantly. When we focused on types of PC affiliative contact, in the case of consolation we found a striking preference for sociosexual patterns. As to the relative occurrence of consolation and reconciliation, the highest level of the former was found in the absence of the latter. When reconciliation took place, consolation generally preceded it, suggesting that consolation may be a substitutive behavior. Our findings suggest that even if reconciliation remains the best option, consolation may be an alternative substitute for reconciliation that is used to buffer the tension originating from an unresolved conflict. Reconciliation and consolation are complex phenomena that are probably related to the life history of a group. Given that few studies have been conducted on this subject, we can not at this time make any generalizations regarding conflict resolution in certain species by comparing results among studies. Am. J. Primatol. 62:15–30, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors Aecting College Completion and Student Ability in the U.S. since 1900

We develop a dynamic lifecycle model to study the increases in college completion and average IQ of college students in cohorts born from 1900 to 1972. We discipline the model by constructing historical data on real college costs from printed government reports covering this time period. We find that increases in college completion of 1900 to 1950 birth cohorts are due primarily to changes in college costs, which generate a large endogenous increase in college enrollment. Additionally, we find strong evidence that cohorts born after 1950 underpredicted sharp increases in the college earnings premium they eventually received. Combined with increasing college costs during this time period, this generates a slowdown in college completion, consistent with empirical evidence for cohorts born after 1950. Lastly, we claim that the rise in average college student IQ cannot be accounted for without a decrease in the variance of ability signals. We attribute the increased precision of ability signals primarily to the rise of standardized testing. ∗The authors thank Eleanor Dillon, Todd Schoellman, and participants at the ASU Macroeconomics Workshop for helpful comments. All remaining errors are our own. †Contact Info: Department of Economics, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 879801, Tempe AZ 85287-9801. Email: kevin.donovan@asu.edu ‡Contact Info: Department of Economics, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 879801, Tempe AZ 85287-9801. Email: cmherrington@gmail.com
Adult neurogenesis in primate and rodent spinal cord: comparing a cervical dorsal rhizotomy with a dorsal column transection

Neurogenesis has not been shown in the primate spinal cord and the conditions for its induction following spinal injury are not known. In the first part of this study, we report neurogenesis in the cervical spinal dorsal horn in adult monkeys 6–8 weeks after receiving a well‐defined cervical dorsal rhizotomy (DRL). 5‐Bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered 2–4 weeks following the lesion. Cells colabeled with BrdU and five different neuronal markers were observed in the peri‐lesion dorsal horn 4–5 weeks after BrdU injection. Those colabeled with BrdU and neuron‐specific nuclear protein, and BrdU and glial fibrillary acidic protein were quantified in the dorsal horn peri‐lesion region, and the ipsi‐ and contralateral sides were compared. A significantly greater number of BrdU/neuron‐specific nuclear protein‐ and BrdU/glial fibrillary acidic protein‐colabeled cells were found on the lesion side (P < 0.01). These findings led us to hypothesize that neurogenesis can occur within the spinal cord following injury, when the injury does not involve direct trauma to the cord and glial scar formation. This was tested in rats. Neurogenesis and astrocytic proliferation were compared between animals receiving a DRL and those receiving a dorsal column lesion. In DRL rats, neurogenesis was observed in the peri‐lesion dorsal horn. In dorsal column lesion rats, no neurogenesis was observed but astrocytic activation was intense. The rat data support our hypothesis and findings in the monkey, and show that the response is not primate specific. The possibility that new neurons contribute to recovery following DRL now needs further investigation.
Chronic inflammation promotes myeloid-derived suppressor cell activation blocking antitumor immunity in transgenic mouse melanoma model

Tumor microenvironment is characterized by chronic inflammation represented by infiltrating leukocytes and soluble mediators, which lead to a local and systemic immunosuppression associated with cancer progression. Here, we used the ret transgenic spontaneous murine melanoma model that mimics human melanoma. Skin tumors and metastatic lymph nodes showed increased levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, GM-CSF, and IFN-γ, which correlated with tumor progression. Moreover, Gr1+CD11b+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), known to inhibit tumor reactive T cells, were enriched in melanoma lesions and lymphatic organs during tumor progression. MDSC infiltration was associated with a strong TCR ζ-chain down-regulation in all T cells. Coculturing normal splenocytes with tumor-derived MDSC induced a decreased T-cell proliferation and ζ-chain expression, verifying the MDSC immunosuppressive function and suggesting that the tumor inflammatory microenvironment supports MDSC recruitment and immunosuppressive activity. Indeed, upon manipulation of the melanoma microenvironment with the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil, we observed reduced levels of numerous inflammatory mediators (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, VEGF, S100A9) in association with decreased MDSC amounts and immunosuppressive function, indicating an antiinflammatory effect of sildenafil. This led to a partial restoration of ζ-chain expression in T cells and to a significantly increased survival of tumor-bearing mice. CD8 T-cell depletion resulted in an abrogation of sildenafil beneficial outcome, suggesting the involvement of MDSC and CD8 T cells in the observed therapeutic effects. Our data imply that inhibition of chronic inflammation in the tumor microenvironment should be applied in conjunction with melanoma immunotherapies to increase their efficacy.
Understanding Consolidation through the Architecture of Memories

Following its encoding, a memory undergoes consolidation. It may be possible to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms supporting consolidation by considering the complex architecture of a memory. Any behavior can be split into multiple components. For example, when learning a new skill we simultaneously learn the movement and the goal of that movement. Each of these components has a distinct representation within a memory. The “off-line” processing of each component may follow different rules, providing an explanation for the variety of performance changes supported by consolidation. By viewing a memory as a representation with multiple components, it is possible to bridge the gap between the behavioral changes, which define consolidation, and the biological mechanisms that support those changes. This is partly because different memory components can be mapped onto different neural circuits. With an increased understanding of consolidation, it may become possible to modulate these off-line processes to improve psychiatric and neurological rehabilitation.
“From whence shall they come?” Attracting the new generation of school leaders

The research problem underpinning this study concerns the paucity of applications for the principalship in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Townsville, North Queensland. Deputy principals, assistants to the principal religious education and assistant principals in the Diocese of Townsville are reluctant to apply for the principalship. Initiatives to address this challenge have been unsuccessful. Consequently, the purpose of this research is to explore why few deputy principals, assistants to the principal religious education and assistant principals are applying for principal positions in the Diocese of Townsville. The following specific research questions were generated from a synthesis of the literature. These questions focus the conduct of this study: 1. How do principals, members of school leadership teams and Townsville Catholic Education Office (TCEO) personnel understand the role of a Catholic school principal? 2. Why are deputy principals, assistants to the principal – religious education and assistant principals deterred from applying for the principalship? 3. How can potential applicants be prepared to undertake the principalship in a Catholic school? An epistemological framework of constructionism underpins this study as it explores the meaning constructed through the experiences of school leaders. An interpretivist design is adopted, with Symbolic Interactionism providing the particular interpretivist lens. Case study is the methodology chosen to orchestrate the data gathering strategies of focus group interviews, semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews and surveys. - (Abstract)
Common Histopathological Processes of Phenytoin Drug Eruption

Fifteen patients (6 males and 9 females) with phenytoin drug eruptions which ultimately resulted in various skin manifestations were analyzed histopathologically. The following types of skin manifestations were noted; 2 cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis, 2 cases of mucocutaneous occular syndrome, 6 cases of erythema exudative multiform, 3 cases of lichenoid, and 2 cases of the maculopapular type. All of the biopsied specimens from these different skin manifestations exhibited some of the more common histopathological findings: 1) adhesion of the infiltrated cells to the basal layer of the epidermis, 2) cell infiltration into the epidermis, 3) vacuolation of the basal cells, 4) dyskeratotic cells in the epidermis, and epidermal necrosis.
Values and Context: Taiwan Principal Preparation and Practice from an American Perspective.

This qualitative study explores the preparation and practice of school leaders in Taiwan based on in-depth interviews and observations with six Taiwan school directors serving geographically diverse student populations. The journey leading to school leadership and the challenges that this representative group of educational leaders face are discussed and also compared to the preparation of American school leaders and the challenges that U.S. counterparts experience. As educational systems around the globe work toward educating more students to higher standards of achievement in order to increase national productivity, the insights gained through this study can be used to inform conversation regarding the restructuring of school leader preparation programs to answer the persistent question of “How are great school leaders developed? ” within specific cultural contexts. Key words: Principal preparation, school leadership, Taiwan.
IDIOPATHIC INFANTILE ARTERIAL CALCIFICATION WITH THROMBOTIC MICROANGIOPATHY –A UNIQUE CASE

Idiopathic Infantile Arterial Calcification (IIAC) is a rare syndrome of unknown cause characterized by disruption and calcification of the internal elastic laminae of fetal arteries with calcium deposits leading to fibrosis and occlusion of the arteries. The diagnosis is often made at post-mortem examination. However, in a few cases it has been detected prenatally as in this case. Fewer than 10 cases of antenatal detection of this condition have been reported in the literature. In our case, thrombotic microangiopathy was an added feature, which has not been reported thus far in the literature to the best of our knowledge.
Differences and similarities between bulimia nervosa, compulsive buying and gambling disorder.

AIM The objective of the study was to analyse shared commonalities and differences between bulimia nervosa (BN) and certain impulse-related disorders, namely compulsive buying (CB) and gambling disorder (GD), with respect to general psychopathology and personality traits. METHODS A total of 188 female patients [50 BN without comorbid CB (BN-CB), 49 BN with comorbid CB (BN+CB), 53 GD and 36 CB] and 50 comparison non-psychiatric women participated in the current study. All patients were diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth revised edition, the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised, and other clinical indices. RESULTS A positive-growing trend was observed in psychopathology and personality traits across the four clinical groups. Comorbid BN with CB was associated with highest eating psychopathology and social anxiety. On Novelty Seeking, the CB, GD and BN+CB were similar to each other, whereas BN-CB presented a distinct profile. Moreover, the BN+CB group displayed more dysfunctional personality traits and higher general psychopathology. The clinical groups demonstrated overall higher levels of psychopathology compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate that disorders with impulsive traits (CB, GD, BN+CB and BN-CB) follow a linear trend in general psychopathology and specific personality traits, but differ along specific personality and psychopathological dimensions.
A Soft Detector for Spectrally Efficient Systems With Non-Orthogonal Overlapped Sub-Carriers

Spectrally efficient frequency division multiplexing (SEFDM) improves spectral efficiency, relative to the well known orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). A fast Fourier transform (FFT) detector working with a standard Bahl-Cocke-Jelinek-Raviv (BCJR) decoder based on the Turbo principle is proposed to improve iteratively the system performance. In the presence of multipath fading channel, system modelling results show that the new system with 1024 sub-carriers can save up to 40% of bandwidth compared to the OFDM system. In addition, this work proves that by using the FFT detector, complexity is reduced.
Developmental patterns of serum leptin levels, leptin gene expression in adipose tissue and Ob-Rb gene expression in hypothalamus of Erhualian and Large White pigs

The present study was aimed to investigate the developmental patterns of leptin mRNA expression in dorsal subcutaneous adipose tissue and Ob-Rb mRNA expression in hypothalamus in pigs of different breeds and sexes. Erhualian gilts and boars and Large White boars were sampled at birth, 3, 20, 30, 45, 90, 120 and 180 days of age, respectively. Serum concentration of leptin was measured with RIA and single tube semi-quantitative RT-PCR was applied to determine the relative abundances of mRNA expression using 18S rRNAas an internal standard. The results showed that leptin mRNA expression in adipose tissue increased with age and displayed both sex and breed differences. In Erhualian pigs, females expressed higher leptin mRNA compared with males, and Erhualian boars showed higher abundance of leptin mRNA than Large White boars (P < 0.01). Serum leptin levels were in good agreement with adipose leptin mRNA, displaying similar sex and line differences. In contrast, expression of Ob-Rb mRNA in hypothalamus exhibited a distinctive pattern, decreased gradually after birth, and then increased till weaning. After weaning, Ob-Rb gene expression decreased gradually with age but rose gradually again from 120 to 180 days of age in Erhualian pigs. The expression of Ob-Rb mRNA was higher in Large White pigs than that in Erhualian pigs (P< 0.01). The results suggest that the serum leptin level and leptin gene expression in adipose tissue highly correlate with adiposity.
Management Control Systems in Family Firms: A Review of the Literature and Directions for the Future

Family firms play a significant role in the global economy. Although family firm literature has devoted much time and effort to investigating topics concerning corporate governance, leadership, ownership and succession, accounting issues have received relatively scant attention. In this paper, we assemble and critically review extant literature on the choice of management controls. This is an essential topic for firms as management control systems (MCS) are used to make sure subordinates behave in function of the goals of the firm. Family firms, however, have distinct features, such as differences in governance structures and goals, which can have a significant impact on whether and how MCS are used. We conclude this review paper by providing avenues for future research that can advance our understanding of both the determinants and the outcomes of the choice of MCS.
Mechanical ventilation in patients with acute severe asthma.

PURPOSE Acute respiratory failure necessitating intubation and mechanical ventilation in patients with acute severe asthma is relatively uncommon, and there are few data available regarding positive pressure ventilation in critically ill patients with asthma. We therefore decided to evaluate our experience with the use of mechanical ventilation for acute asthma and to critically review previous reports on this subject. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of all medical records of patients who required mechanical ventilation for acute severe asthma was performed for the period of 1980 to 1988. Various clinical parameters were reviewed and examined via Fisher's exact test for association with survival. RESULTS Twenty-seven patients who underwent ventilation for a total of 32 episodes of mechanical ventilation comprised our study group. The overall mortality was 22%. A total of 76 complications were documented, including six episodes of barotrauma. The mean duration of artificial ventilation was 114 hours for nonsurvivors and 77 hours for survivors (p less than 0.05). CONCLUSION Although there appears to be a trend toward increased survival after mechanical ventilation for acute asthma, ventilation of critically ill asthmatic patients continues to be a potentially perilous venture associated with significant morbidity and mortality.