Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lack of evidence of stimulatory autoantibodies to platelet-derived growth factor receptor in patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe connective tissue disease of unknown etiology, characterized by fibrosis of the skin and multiple internal organs. Recent findings suggested that the disease is driven by stimulatory autoantibodies to platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), which stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and collagen by fibroblasts. These results opened novel avenues of research into the diagnosis and treatment of SSc. The present study was undertaken to confirm the presence of anti-PDGFR antibodies in patients with SSc. METHODS Immunoglobulins from 37 patients with SSc were purified by protein A/G chromatography. PDGFR activation was tested using 4 different sensitive bioassays, i.e., cell proliferation, ROS production, signal transduction, and receptor phosphorylation; the latter was also tested in a separate population of 7 patients with SSc from a different research center. RESULTS Purified IgG samples from patients with SSc were positive when tested for antinuclear autoantibodies, but did not specifically activate PDGFRalpha or PDGFRbeta in any of the tests. Cell stimulation with PDGF itself consistently produced a strong signal. CONCLUSION The present results raise questions regarding the existence of agonistic autoantibodies to PDGFR in SSc.
The British conservative government and the European exchange rate mechanism, 1979-1994

The ERM, the EC budget and monetarism 1979-1983 just saying no, 1983-1985 whose sterling problem? 1986-1987 strife at home and abroad, 1987-1989 there is no alternative, 1989-1990 the more things change, 1990-1994.
Routine database registration of biological therapy increases the reporting of adverse events twentyfold in clinical practice. First results from the Danish Database (DANBIO)

Objective: To present from the Danish Database for Biological Therapies in Rheumatology (DANBIO) the frequencies and types of adverse events as well as risk factors during treatment with biological agents in clinical practice. Methods: Adverse events during the first 2 years of clinical use of biological agents in Denmark were reported to the nationwide DANBIO and compared to the mandatory reports to the Danish Medicines Agency. Results: Almost 90% of the patients treated with biological agents were registered in the DANBIO, and the database picked up 20 times as many adverse events as the Danish Medicines Agency. Infections and hypersensitivity reactions were the most prevalent adverse events. Age, disease duration, and previous number of disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) were found to be risk factors for bacterial infections. Conclusion: A routine‐based Danish database for biological therapies covers approximately 90% of patients and improves the reporting of adverse events.
Antiretroviral Therapy, Especially Efavirenz, Is Associated with Low Bone Mineral Density in HIV-Infected South Africans

Purpose We determined the prevalence and correlates of low bone mineral density (BMD) in HIV-infected South Africans as there is a paucity of such data from Africa. Methods BMD and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured in HIV-positive participants on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and in those not yet on ART (ART-naïve). Results We enrolled 444 participants [median age 35(IQR: 30, 40) years; 77% women]. BMD was low (z score <-2SD) in 17% and 5% of participants at the lumbar spine and total hip, respectively. Total hip [0.909 (SD 0.123) vs 0.956 (SD 0.124) g/cm2, p = 0.0001] and neck of femur BMD [0.796 (SD 0.130) vs 0.844 (SD 0.120) g/cm2, p = 0.0001] were lower in the ART, compared to the ART-naïve group. Vitamin D deficiency was present in 15% of participants and was associated with efavirenz use [adjusted OR 2.04 (95% CI 1.01 to 4.13)]. In a multivariate linear regression, exposure to efavirenz or lopinavir-based ART was associated with lower total hip BMD, whereas higher weight, being male and higher vitamin D concentration were associated with higher total hip BMD (adjusted R2 = 0.28). Age, weight, sex, and the use of efavirenz-based ART were independently associated with lumbar spine BMD (adjusted R2 = 0.13). Conclusions Vitamin D status, use of efavirenz or lopinavir/ritonavir, weight, age and sex are significantly associated with lower BMD in this young cohort of HIV-infected South Africans.
Seen but Not Heard: Injuries and Deaths from Landmines and Unexploded Ordnance in Chechnya, 1994–2005

Abstract Introduction: Due to more than a decade of armed conflict and civil unrest, Chechnya is among the regions most affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance worldwide. Hypothesis: The study was performed to assess the magnitude of injuries and deaths due to landmines and unexploded ordnance in Chechnya between 1994 and 2005 and to describe epidemiologic patterns and risk factors for these events. Methods: Surveillance data that included 3,021 civilian non-combatants injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance in Chechnya during 1994–2005 were analyzed. Local non-governmental organizations in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund conducted victim data collection using trained staff to interview victims or their families. Surveillance data were used to describe injury trends, victim demographics, injury types, risk behaviors, and types of explosives related to landmine and unexploded ordnance events. Results: The largest number of injuries occurred in 2000 (716, injury rate 6.6 per 10,000) and 2001 (640, injury rate 5.9 per 10,000). One-quarter of all victims were younger than 18 years, and 19% were females. The case-fatality rate was 23%. Approximately 40% of victims were injured by landmines, 30% by unexploded ordnance, and 7% by booby traps. A large proportion of children and adults were injured while traveling or performing activities of economic necessity; 29% of children were injured while tampering with explosives or playing in a contaminated area. The proportion of victims with lower limb amputations was similar among children and adults (14% and 17%, respectively), whereas the proportion of victims with upper limb amputations was three times higher in children than in adults (12% and 4%, respectively). Most accidents that occurred while the victim was traveling or performing activities of economic necessity were caused by landmines, while most accidents that occurred while the victim was playing near an explosive device or tampering with it were caused by unexploded ordnance. Conclusions: Civilians in Chechnya experienced the highest rates of injury from landmines and unexploded ordnance ever documented, 10 times higher than injury rates reported from such highly affected countries as Afghanistan, Angola, or Cambodia. Urgent efforts to identify, mark, and clear mined areas and/or areas contaminated with unexploded ordnance are needed to prevent further civilian injuries and deaths.
Role of Family and Peers in Initiation and Continuation of Substance Use

Aims: To assess the impact of family and peers on both initiation and continuation of substance use among eighth, ninth and tenth grade adolescent high school students. Design: Population based cross-sectional study. Setting: Two high schools of West Bengal, India. Participants: 416 students in class VIII, IX, and X in two schools. Interventions: None. Measurements: Substance use: initiation, sources, reasons for continuation. Then proportions and chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Materials and Methods: This was a population based cross sectional study conducted among 416 students from class VII, IX and X in two high schools( urban and rural) of West Bengal, India selected by Multistage random sampling. A self administered anonymous pretested close ended questionnaire was used with the main outcome measures of initiation, sources, reasons for continuation of substance use based on WHO study team questionnaire. Results: Prevalence of substance use was found to be higher among the urban students (15.1%) than their rural counterparts (10.7%). The proportion of users was higher in the higher grades as compared to the lower grades. Among urban as well as rural students, 16 years and above were significantly more likely than their counterparts aged 15 years and below to report lifetime use. The mean age of initiation ranged from 12.6 to 13.9 years. Family members and friends were found to have a considerable influence not only on initiation but also important sources for money as well as the substance. Easy availability in the neighborhood was also an important correlate to continuation of substances. Conclusions: Family environment as well as peer groups has an important bearing on initiation and continuation of substance use. Experimentation of substance use motivated by peer groups is common among adolescents and starts early in life. Hence, it is necessary to provide health promotion programs directed toward students and their families which encourage attitude shaping among school children towards self-confidence and adequacy.
Changes of Magnetic Anisotropy of CoPtCr Perpendicular Films Due to Ru Intermediate Layer Under High Gas Pressure

The uniaxial magnetic anisotropy K_u of CoPtCr-SiO2 granular perpendicular recording media increases when they are deposited on a Ru intermediate layer with high Ar gas pressure. In order to clarify the reason for the increase in K_u , we investigated the correlation between K_u of continuous CoPtCr film and the Ar gas pressure of the Ru layer. Six kinds of CoPtCr films with the compositions close to practical CoPtCr-SiO2 recording media were deposited on the Ru layer with the Ar gas pressure varying from 0.6 to 8.0 Pa. The increase in K_u of continuous CoPtCr films was confirmed. Through the investigation on microstructure using X-ray diffraction, we found that the stacking faults or the fraction of face center cubic (FCC) phase of CoPtCr grains were independent on the gas pressure of Ru while the ratio of hexagonal close packed (HCP) crystal constant c/a monotonously decreased with increasing gas pressure. We conclude that the increase in K_u of CoPtCr continuous film is mostly related to the decease of c/a due to high gas pressure of Ru layer.
Multiple schwannomas: schwannomatosis or neurofibromatosis type 2?

OBJECT The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical outcome of schwannomatosis, a rare condition characterized by multiple nonvestibular schwannomas in the absence of meningiomas, intraspinal ependymomas, and other clinical signs of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). METHODS Nine patients with schwannomatosis treated at one institution are presented and their clinical course during a median follow-up time of 9.9 years is discussed. The patients were typically middle-aged at the time of their first operation (median 43.5 years), none had a positive family history of schwannomatosis or NF2, and none showed cutaneous or ocular signs of NF2. On histopathological examination the tumors from the patients with schwannomatosis showed a lobular appearance and frequent Verocay bodies, signs indicating NF2, more often than 20 sporadic schwannomas that were investigated as controls. Two patients died of unrelated causes at 3.2 and 9.9 years, respectively, of follow up. Magnetic resonance images of the head and spine were obtained in seven patients at the end of the follow-up period. New spinal schwannomas were detected in one patient and a residual schwannoma in three. No germline mutations of the NF2 gene were found in these seven patients. Two additional patients originally included in the schwannomatosis group who were 8.6 and 11.7 years old at initial surgery had NF2. One was diagnosed at follow-up review and the other developed a fulminant disease that led to death in 4 years. CONCLUSIONS The clinical course, long-term outcome, and genetic mechanism of schwannomatosis differ from that of NF2.
Morbidity and mortality of gastrectomy for cancer in Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to define risk factors that predict 30-day morbidity and mortality after gastrectomy for cancer in Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers. METHODS The VA National Surgical Quality Improvement Program prospectively collected data on 708 patients undergoing gastrectomy for cancer in 123 participating VA medical centers from 1991 to 1998. Independent variables included 68 preoperative patient characteristics and 12 intraoperative variables; the dependent variables were 21 defined adverse outcomes and death. Predictive models for 30-day morbidity and mortality were constructed by using stepwise logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The 30-day morbidity rate was 33.3% (236 of 708). The overall 30-day mortality rate was 7.6% (54 of 708). Significant positive predictors of morbidity (P <.05) included current pneumonia, American Society of Anesthesiologists class IV (threat to life), partially dependent functional status, dyspnea on minimal exertion, preoperative transfusion, extended operative time, and increasing age. Significant positive predictors of mortality (P <.05) included do not resuscitate status, prior stroke, intraoperative transfusion, preoperative weight loss, preoperative transfusion, and elevated preoperative alkaline phosphatase level. CONCLUSIONS Risk factors predicting morbidity and mortality rates at VA hospitals after gastrectomy for gastric cancer are reported by using a prospectively collected, multi-institutional database. Assigning relative weights to factors associated with adverse outcomes may help improve patient care.
Internet Search Volume and Stock Return Volatility: The Case of Turkish Companies

This study analyzes the relationship of the volatility ofstock returns and internet search volume (ISV). The dataset consists of 10 Turkish companies listed on the BIST-100 Index of Borsa Istanbul, and encompasses the period between January 2004 - September 2013. The GARCH (1,1) model is applied with two alternative mean specifications. The use of the novel exogenous variable ISV as proxy for investor sentimentis complemented through the inclusion of trading volume.Results show that as the GARCH (1,1) model becomes increasingly nested, volatility persistence declines with however no case of a vanishing G(ARCH) effect.
The Influence of Polysomy 17 on HER2 Gene and Protein Expression in Adenocarcinoma of the Breast: A Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization, Immunohistochemical, and Isotopic mRNA In Situ Hybridization Study

Breast carcinomas with amplification of HER2 on chromosome 17 are associated with HER2 protein overexpression, adversely affecting prognosis and predicting response to Herceptin therapy. Chromosome 17 polysomy is encountered in assessing HER2 gene status, and its impact on HER2 gene and protein expression remains unclear. This impact was investigated in breast carcinomas identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to have a gain of chromosome 17 (CEP17+; n = 56), using a dual probe assay, which detects HER2 gene copy number and enumerates chromosome 17 (HER2/CEP17; Vysis). Cases were immunostained for HER2 protein (CB-11, Ventana), and scored blinded to FISH. A subgroup was evaluated by isotopic in situ hybridization for HER2 mRNA expression. Controls included ten HER2 amplified and ten nonamplified tumors, eusomic for chromosome 17. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for HER2 protein was negative (0 or 1+) in 69% (39 of 56), 2+ in 27% (15 of 56), and 3+ in 3% (2 of 56) of CEP17+ cases. The mean CEP17 copy number among the three groups was similar (3.1, 3.0, and 3.1 for IHC 0/1+, 2+, and 3+, respectively). Isotopic in situ hybridization for HER2 mRNA performed on 26 CEP17+ cases (16 IHC 0-1+, 10 IHC 2+ or 3+) showed no increased HER2 mRNA expression (normalized to β-actin mRNA). The mRNA expression and the IHC staining of the HER2-amplified and nonamplified controls was concordant with their FISH status. These results suggest that chromosome 17 polysomy in the absence of HER2 amplification does not have a significant biologic influence on HER2 gene expression in breast carcinoma.
Use of paraffin wax embedded bone marrow trephine biopsy specimens as a source of archival DNA.

AIMS: To evaluate the use of DNA extracted from paraffin wax embedded trephine biopsy specimens as a source of archival nucleic acid for Southern hybridisation studies and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. METHODS: DNA was extracted simultaneously from paraffin wax embedded bone marrow trephine and lymph node biopsy specimens after incubation of tissue sections for one to five days in lysis mix and proteinase K with periodic sampling. DNA from 10 trephine biopsy specimens was subjected to PCR amplification using HLA-DPB primers to determine whether the extracted nucleic acid was of sufficient quality to permit amplification. RESULTS: For most specimens the greatest yield of high molecular weight DNA was seen after five days' incubation. Unlike lymph node material the quality of extracted nucleic acid and the quantity obtained from trephines was insufficient for Southern blot analysis. PCR amplification using HLA-DPB primers yielded positive results in six out of 10 trephine biopsy specimens. CONCLUSIONS: DNA extracted from paraffin wax embedded trephine biopsy specimens is largely degraded and unsuitable for Southern analysis but serves as a useful source of archival nucleic acid for PCR amplification.
Beyond Kriesiland: EU integration as a super issue after the Eurocrisis

Where some researchers have seen only a limited impact of Europeanisation on national party politics, others have added a separate European Union dimension to the pre-existing economic left-right dimension to model the national political space. This article examines the effects of the European crisis on the national political space across the EU utilising data from the 2014 European Election Survey. It analyses the effect of a country's economic development on the coherence between attitudes towards the EU and economic issues using multilevel regression. Strong evidence is found that in the Southern European debtor states economic and European issues are merging as a result of strong European interference in their economic policy. In the Northern European creditor states a second relevant dimension focuses on cultural issues. These results offer the next step in theorising Europeanisation.
Successful autografting in chronic myelogenous leukaemia using Philadelphia negative blood progenitor cells mobilized with rHuG‐CSF alone in a patient responding to alpha‐interferon

Several non‐randomized studies suggest a possible survival advantage for chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) patients treated with an autologous stem‐cell transplantation. Due to the possible contribution of residual leukaemic cells present in the inoculum in post‐transplant relapse, several methods are being evaluated to eliminate neoplastic cells or to select ‘normal’ (Ph1 negative) progenitor cells for autografting. Recently, several studies have shown that Ph1 negative blood progenitor cells can be mobilized by rHuG‐CSF alone in patients who have a cytogenetic response to alpha‐interferon (IFN). We describe the first case, as far as we are aware, of a CML patient responding to IFN autografted by using blood progenitor cells collected by rHuG‐CSF alone.
Structure and polymorphisms of human aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AhRR) gene in a French population: relationship with CYP1A1 inducibility and lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE The aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AhRR) protein may dimerize with the AhR nuclear translocator (ARNT) and may compete with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) to bind the xenobiotic responsive elements. The result is a negative feedback mechanism that involves a down regulation of all genes regulated by the AhR transcription factor which positively regulates the expression of the Cytochrome P-4501A1 gene (CYP1A1). METHODS The structure of the AhRR gene was reconstituted, then the genetic polymorphisms of this gene including the promoter were investigated and the link between these polymorphisms, CYP1A1 inducibility and lung cancer incidence in a French population was examined. Four polymorphisms were found, two in the coding region (609G>C and 1977G>C) and two in the 5'-untranslated region (-96G>A and -869A>T). Among the four polymorphisms, only one, the 609G>C has been previously described. The 609G>C and 1977G>C are localized respectively in exon 6 and 12 and lead to Pro554Ala and Asp641His substitutions, respectively. To evaluate the frequency of these allelic variants, a DNA library of a case-control study of lung cancer (164 controls and 171 patients) was screened. These polymorphisms were detected at the same allele frequency (0.40 for 609C, 0.05 for 1977C, 0.24 for -96A and 0.17 for -869T) in both controls and patients. Statistical analysis did not show any relationship between all the mutations found and CYP1A1 inducibility and lung cancer incidence. CONCLUSION None of the polymorphisms were found to play a key role in CYP1A1 inducibility or in the susceptibility to develop lung cancer.
Performance gains and losses from network centrality in cluster located firms: a longitudinal study*

Abstract This paper develops and tests theoretically derived arguments on the performance trade-offs that arise when firms located inside geographical clusters broaden their cluster networks and increase their centrality. Using three-year longitudinal data gathered on a sample of 89 small media firms located in a geographical cluster of Northern Italy, we model growth in revenues and in employees as a function of their centrality in different types of networks. We find an inverted U-shaped effect of centrality across all types of networks. We also find strong evidence of negative interactivity between network types in predicting sales and employee growth. This result not only concurs with the view that centrality brings tangible and intangible benefits, but also provides empirical support for the contention that centrality fosters dispositions and disturbances that undermine performance.
A CMOS 0.18μm 64×64 single photon image sensor with in-pixel 11b time-to-digital converter

The design and characterization of a CMOS 64×64 single-photon avalanche-diode (SPAD) array with in-pixel 11b time-to-digital converter (TDC) is presented. It is targeted for time-resolved imaging, in particular 3D imaging. The achieved pixel pitch is 64μm with a fill factor of 3.5%. The chip was fabricated in a 0. 18μm standard CMOS technology and implements a double functionality: Time-of-Flight estimation and photon counting. The imager features a programmable time resolution for the array of TDCs from 625ps down to 145ps. The measured accuracy of the minimum time bin is lower than ±1LSB DNL and 1.7LSB INL. The TDC jitter over the full dynamic range is less than 1LSB. Die-to-die process variation and temperature are discarded by auto-calibration. Fast quenching/restore circuit on each pixel lowers the power consumption by limiting the avalanche currents. Time gatedoperation is possible as well.
An Investigation of How Career-Related Influences Shape Career-Related Decisions and Behaviors of Black Male Collegians

ii Dedication . iv Acknowledgements . v Vita . xi List of Tables . xvi List of Figures . xvii Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 Purpose of Study and Research Questions . 9 Research Questions . 9 Definitions . 9 Significance of Study . 10 Significance for Practice . 10 Delimitations . 14 Organization of the Study . 15 Chapter 2: Literature Review . 16 Black Males in Higher Education . 17 Black Males – Career Development in K-­‐12 Education . 29 Career Theories and Possible Selves . 34 Chapter Summary . 41 Chapter 3: Methodology . 44 Epistemology . 44 Methodology . 46 Conceptual Framework . 47 Sampling . 49