Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of patient quality of life following severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND Severe acute pancreatitis results in significant morbidity and mortality. Clinical experience suggests a significantly reduced quality of life for patients, but few studies exist to confirm this experience. We sought to objectively demonstrate patient quality of life after severe acute pancreatitis. METHODS Forty-two patients were assessed 24-36 months after an episode of severe acute pancreatitis. Patients completed the English Standard Short Form 36 survey (SF-36) and a questionnaire about pancreatic function to assess both their health-related quality of life and symptoms of pancreatic dysfunction. RESULTS Compared with the general Canadian population, survivors of severe acute pancreatitis had significantly reduced SF-36 scores. There is also a significant correlation between the Ranson score at presentation and the SF-36 Physical Composite Score at time of follow-up (rho = -0.47, p = 0.03). Seventy-six percent of patients had ongoing symptoms suggestive of pancreatic dysfunction. These included abdominal pain, diarrhea, unintentional weight loss, new onset of diabetes mellitus and the need for regular pancreatic enzyme supplementation. CONCLUSIONS Survivors of severe acute pancreatitis had a reduced quality of life compared with healthy controls. Higher Ranson scores at presentation may predict which patients are more likely to have poorer outcomes in the first few years of their recovery.
FTCloud: Fault Tolerant Multiple Cloud Storage using Proxy based Storage System

The recent trend is to stripe data across the multiple cloud vendors to provide fault tolerance. But when the cloud fails permanently and lose all its data we recover it with the help of the other surviving cloud which provides data redundancy. The solution is to provide a fault-tolerant multiple cloud storage using a proxy-based storage system called FTCloud, this achieves a cost effective repair for permanent double-cloud failure. FTCloud is built using network-coding based storage scheme called as FMSR(minimum-storage regenerating) codes technique, it provides more fault tolerance and data redundancy than the traditional techniques(e.g. like RAID6) and also use less repair traffic thereby incur less data transfer cost. The key feature of FMSR is that we provide encoding requirement relaxation by preserving the network coding benefits in repair. We implement this concept of FTCloud and deploy it on both local and commercial clouds. We check and validate that FMSR technique provides less cost and high performance in cloud storage operations like upload and download.
Changes in Central and Peripheral Circulation in Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Fetuses at Different Stages of Umbilical Artery Flow Deterioration: New Fetal Cardiac and Brain Parameters

Objective: To evaluate changes in central and peripheral circulation, including new and standard parameters of the fetal brain and heart in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in relation to progressive deterioration of the umbilical artery (UA). Methods: Seventy-two IUGR fetuses were studied longitudinally. IUGR was defined as an estimated fetal weight <10th centile for gestational age. Fetuses were classified according the UA pulsatility index (PI) as: group 1, normal UA-PI (<95th centile; <1.645 z-scores), group 2, UA-PI (≧95th centile and <99th centile; ≧1.645 and <3 z-scores), group 3, UA absent end-diastolic flow, and group 4, UA reversed end-diastolic flow. Middle cerebral artery (MCA), anterior cerebral artery segments 1 (ACA1) and 2 (ACA2), aortic isthmus blood flow index (IFI), modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI), ductus venosus (DV), renal artery (RA), femoral artery (FA) and amniotic fluid index (AFI) were weekly evaluated until delivery. Results: A total of 263 scans were performed (median, 3 (range: 1–23) per patient). There were 6 intrauterine and 2 neonatal deaths. Although all cerebral arteries showed a reduction in the PI, ACA1 showed the earliest vasodilatation. From group 2 onwards, all cerebral vessels had a similar pattern of vasodilatation. Mod-MPI became abnormal at group 1 with no further changes. IFI and DV became constantly abnormal starting from group 2. No changes in the RA-PI or FA-PI were documented. Conclusion: The process of hemodynamic deterioration in IUGR fetuses seems to be earlier represented by the ACA1 and the Mod-MPI. Signs of further deterioration were observed in the DV, IFI and MCA. The peripheral blood in the RA and FA did not show any change. AFI showed a late deterioration process.
MMP20 Proteolysis of Native Amelogenin Regulates Mineralization In Vitro

Recent studies have shown that native phosphorylated full-length porcine amelogenin (P173) and its predominant cleavage product (P148) can inhibit spontaneous calcium phosphate formation in vitro by stabilizing an amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) precursor phase. Since full-length amelogenin undergoes proteolysis by matrix metalloproteinase 20 (MMP20, enamelysin) soon after secretion, the present study was conducted to assess the effect of amelogenin proteolysis on calcium phosphate formation. Calcium and phosphate were sequentially added to protein solutions without and with added MMP20 (ratio = 200:1) under physiological-like conditions of ionic strength (163 mM) in 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4) at 37 °C. Protein degradation with time was assessed by gel-electrophoresis, and mineral products formed were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). MMP20 was found to cleave P173 to primarily generate P148, along with P162, P46-148, and P63/64-148. In sharp contrast, MMP20 did not cleave P148. In addition, the formation of well-aligned bundles of enamel-like hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals was promoted in the presence of P173 with added MMP20, while only ACP particles were seen in the absence of MMP20. Although P148 was found to have a somewhat lower capacity to stabilize ACP and prevent HA formation compared with P173 in the absence of MMP20, essentially no HA formation was observed in the presence of somewhat higher concentrations of P148 regardless of MMP20 addition, due to the lack of observed protein proteolysis. Present findings suggest that ACP transformation to ordered arrays of enamel crystals may be regulated in part by the proteolysis of full-length native amelogenin, while the predominant amelogenin degradation product in developing enamel (e.g., P148) primarily serves to prevent uncontrolled mineral formation during the secretory stage of amelogenesis.
Actitudes de docentes universitarios frente al uso de dispositivos móviles con fines académicos

espanolResumen: El objetivo de este articulo es examinar las actitudes de los docentes universitarios frente al uso de dispositivos moviles con fines academicos (mobile learning) en una institucion de educacion superior de vocacion tecnologica de Colombia. El enfoque metodologico fue cualitativo y para recolectar la informacion se realizaron quince entrevistas semi-estructuradas a profundidad. Con base en la teoria fundamentada se identificaron tres categorias analiticas: conocimiento, actitudes y habilidades, asi como retos y oportunidades en la implementacion de estrategias de mobile learning. Los principales aportes que los entrevistados identificaron de esta modalidad se enfocan en que facilita la movilidad, accesibilidad e interactividad en los procesos educativos, y entre los retos se encuentran la falta de promocion por parte de la academia, capacitacion de los docentes, poca autonomia de aprendizaje en los alumnos y dificultades de accesibilidad de dispositivos moviles adecuados para los estudiantes. EnglishAbstract: The objective of this article is to examine university professors’ attitudes toward the use of mobile devices for academic purposes (mobile learning) in an institution of higher education for technological vocational training in Colombia. Since the methodological focus was qualitative, information was collected from fifteen semi-structured in-depth interviews. Based on theory, three analytical categories were identified: knowledge, attitudes and skills, and challenges and opportunities in implementing strategies of mobile learning. The main contributions the participants identified in mobile learning are improved mobility, accessibility, and interactivity in educational processes; they named challenges in the lack of academic promotion, teacher training, limited autonomy in student learning, and difficulties in accessing adequate mobile devices for students.
Age-grading in retrograde movement: The inflected future in Montréal French

The theoretical focus of this paper concerns the extent to which speakers modify their grammars across their lifespans as adults, and how this relates to community-that is language-change. The particular case we examine is the alternation in French between the inflected future and the periphrastic future, an instance of variation that is the result of a long term trend in which the older inflected form, inherited from Latin, has been retreating in favor of the periphrastic form with aller 'to go'. Both forms are still productive in Quebecois French, as illustrated in example (1), drawn from our 1971 Montreal corpus, in which a speaker alternates within one sentence.
Tunable frequency selective surface based on IDC-loaded electric-LC resonator incorporated with liquid crystal

Characterization of a tunable electric-LC resonator is presented in this work. The tuning is obtained through using liquid crystal material in the central capacitor gap. Fitting the resonator with an interdigital capacitor, increases the total capacitance of the structure as well as the tuning range. An equivalent circuit model synthesis is proposed to simplify the design procedure of the FSS. The result of the full-wave electromagnetic simulation along with the result of circuit simulation indicate a tuning range of 7.73%, between 4.60 to 4.97 GHz. The final resonator designed in this work can be used in an array to form a tunable frequency selective surface.
Use of recombinant human erythropoietin for management of anemia in dogs and cats with renal failure.

OBJECTIVE To test efficacy and safety of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) administration in dogs and cats with naturally developing chronic renal failure. DESIGN Case series. ANIMALS 6 client-owned dogs and 11 client-owned cats with chronic renal failure. PROCEDURES r-HuEPO was administered intravenously or subcutaneously. Erythropoietic effects were monitored by determining CBC, performing cytologic examination of bone marrow aspirates, and measuring serum iron concentration before and during treatment. Development of adverse effects was monitored by performing sequential clinical assessments, CBC, and serum biochemical tests and by measuring indirect blood pressure and anti-r-HuEPO antibody titers. RESULTS Administration of r-HuEPO increased RBC and reticulocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration, and Hct comparably in dogs and cats. Assessments of clinical well-being, including appetite, energy, weight gain, alertness, strength, and playfulness, were improved variably. Adverse effects, including anemia, anti-r-HuEPO antibody production, seizures, systemic hypertension, and iron deficiency, were demonstrated inconsistently in dogs and cats. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Anemia contributes to clinical manifestations of chronic renal failure in dogs and cats. Administration of r-HuEPO has the potential to resolve anemia and improve clinical well-being. However, its administration poses risks of antibody production and adverse effects associated with correction of RBC mass. Use of r-HuEPO in dogs and cats requires conscientious assessment of risks and benefits until homologous forms of erythropoietin are available.
An open randomized comparative study of oral itraconazole pulse and terbinafine pulse in the treatment of onychomycosis.

BACKGROUND Onychomycosis is a recalcitrant disease of the nails caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds. AIMS To compare the clinical efficacy of oral itraconazole pulse therapy and oral terbinafine pulse therapy in onychomycosis. METHODS A randomized single-blind clinical comparative study was undertaken on 120 patients of onychomycosis during the period March 1999-February 2002. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive oral itraconazole 100 mg, two capsules twice daily for seven days a month and the other group of sixty patients received oral terbinafine 250 mg, one tablet twice daily for seven days every month. Four such monthly pulses were administered for each drug. The patients were evaluated at 4-weekly intervals till sixteen weeks and then at 24, 36 and 48 weeks. RESULTS We observed a clinical cure rate of 82% and mycological cure rate of 90% in the group of patients treated with itraconazole while the group with terbinafine showed clinical and mycological cure rates of 79% and 87% respectively. This difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Both oral itraconazole and terbinafine are effective in the treatment of onychomycosis when administered in the pulse dosage form. Terbinafine is more cost effective while itraconazole has a broader spectrum of antimycotic activity.
A comprehensive profile of the tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) circular RNA and circRNA-miRNA network in the pathogenesis of meningoencephalitis of teleosts.

The pathogenesis of tilapia meningoencephalitis is still unclear, where the involvement of circRNA is considered for its active role as a "miRNA sponge". Therefore, we aimed to investigate the profile of circRNA in tilapia meningoencephalitis further by constructing the circRNA-miRNA network for in-depth mechanism exploration. Briefly, a nile tilapia model of meningitis was established by injecting Streptococcus agalactiae (1.0 × 107 cfu per mL) and we evaluated the infected tilapia brain for the expression profile of circRNAs, their potential functions and their correlation with genes involved in inflammatory pathways. A total of 11 263 circRNAs were identified from RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data in nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), a commercially important fish in China and East Asia. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the biological functions of genes hosting the circRNAs were enriched in the progression of metabolism and binding. Notably, we found that 99% circRNAs in tilapia had abundant miRNA-binding sites and a total of 2136 of the identified circRNAs had two to six miRNA-binding sites. Six circRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR and the final circRNA-miRNA network was constructed. This is the first report of comprehensive identification of O. niloticus circRNAs being differentially regulated in the brain in normal conditions relating to S. agalactiae infection. This work will shed novel light on gene expression mechanisms under disease conditions and may identify circRNAs as new biomarkers for meningoencephalitis and neurodegenerative disorders.
Institutional isomorphism and the persistence of the present international order

International orders reflect the settled arrangements that define relations between states in certain moments in history. Order breaks down when the adopted set of organizational principles that define roles and the terms of those relations cease to operate. International organizations are a central feature of the current order and an important source of legitimacy. This article extracts a set of ideas derived from the new sociological institutionalism literature in organizational analysis and sets out an argument showing their possible implications for the present order. I argue that there are certain organizational features related to institutional isomorphism that may well support the persistence and maintenance of the current international order. The argument is based on the homogeneity of practices and arrangements found in different institutions and organizations. The persistence of those practices and their reproduction in structures are to some extent self-sustaining and may provide additional support to the idea that the current American-led international order may last longer than is often thought while allowing for changes in the distribution of power.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: The Molecule and the Mimic

Our understanding of the immunobiology of PBC has dramatically changed with the application of molecular biology to clinical medicine. Because of the molecular characterization and identification of the mitochondrial autoantigens, it is now possible to define explicitly mitochondrial autoantigens and examine recognition sites at the primary sequence level. In addition, the expression of cloned antigens has facilitated the development of more reliable assays for mitochondrial autoantibodies. The use of cloned recombinant antigens should, one day, replace the traditional AMA immunofluorescence for diagnostic assays. Possible genetic and environmental factors associated with risk for PBC can also be investigated. It is now also possible to begin the task to defining the role of T cells in the immunopathology of PBC and exploring the issue of whether specific immunotherapy is feasible. There is increasing evidence that PDC-E2 or a similar molecule is located on the cell membrane of biliary epithelial cells. The mechanism for this expression remains to be studied. The explosion of data in PBC is an example of the application of new techniques to investigate old problems. This has occurred because of networking between laboratories in many countries and the generous exchange of sera and donation of livers removed at transplantation. Unfortunately, there is no animal model for PBC; if an animal model was found it would have major importance. Finally, we emphasize the need to study patients early in the course of disease in order to define the events that initiate pathology.
Cervical Spine Injury in Association with Craniomaxillofacial Fractures

Background: The incidence of cervical spine injuries associated with facial fractures varies from study to study. There is general agreement that immediate management of cervical spine injuries is mandatory to prevent further neurologic injury. Nevertheless, disagreement exists as to the actual incidence of cervical spinal trauma in conjunction with various facial fracture patterns. The purpose of this study was to review the incidence of cervical spine injury associated with various types of facial fractures presenting to St. Michael’s Hospital Regional Trauma Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of craniomaxillofacial fracture patients presenting to St. Michael’s Hospital from January 1, 1994, to December 31, 2003, inclusive. Results: The data from this 10-year time span revealed a total of 124 patients with cervical spine injuries drawn from a cohort of 3356 patients with craniomaxillofacial fractures. The overall incidence of cervical spine injury was 3.69 percent. Of these patients, 928 had isolated upper third facial or skull fractures, whereas isolated middle third facial fractures were seen in 716 patients and isolated lower third facial fractures were present in 798 patients. Combined facial fracture patterns, involving two or more facial thirds, accounted for the greatest number of cervical spine injuries, occurring in 8.86 percent (n = 914). Conclusions: The relationship between cervical spinal injuries and craniomaxillofacial trauma has been better defined as it relates to a regional trauma registry. The implications as related to the trauma assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of these injuries are reviewed.
Ahmed glaucoma valve in eyes with preexisting episcleral encircling element

Background: To describe the use of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) in the management of intractable glaucoma in eyes with a preexisting episcleral encircling element. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective, consecutive, noncomparative study. The study included 12 eyes of 12 patients with a preexisting episcleral encircling element that underwent implantation of silicone AGV to treat intractable glaucoma during January 2009 to September 2010. Results: The mean patient age was 25.6 (standard deviation 17.1) years. Five (41.6%) patients were monocular. The indications for AGV were varied. The mean duration between placement of episcleral encircling element and implantation of AGV was 30.5 (33.8) months. The mean follow-up was 37.4 (22.9) weeks. Preoperatively, the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 31.4 (7.9) mmHg and the mean antiglaucoma medications were 2.8. At the final postoperative follow-up, the mean IOP was 12.5 (3.5) mmHg and the mean number of antiglaucoma medications was 0.8 (P < 0.001). The complications observed over the follow-up period did include corneal graft failure in three eyes, tube erosion in two eyes and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in one eye. Conclusion: AGV is an effective option in the management of intractable glaucoma in eyes with a preexisting episcleral encircling element keeping in mind the possibility of significant postoperative complications.
Analysis of the Present Condition of an Allotment Garden in Japan

In Japan, allotment gardens for use by the public have been developed as a means of revitalizing unused agricultural land. Compared with allotment gardens in Europe, their significance in urban planning or welfare services is not clear. For the development of allotment gardens in Japan, a stable supply of agricultural land and a steady demand from the public are essential. This paper analyzes the present condition of Japanese allotment gardens from the viewpoint of the management of such gardens and the needs of their users, with special reference to the Minuma Fureai Garden in Kawaguchi City, Saitama prefecture. The results can be summarized as follows:1) The management of the Minuma Fureai Garden is entrusted to an agricultural cooperative, but all of the expenses for its establishment are paid for by local government. The operation cost exceeds the annual income from user's fees (15, 000 Yen per person per year), and subsidies from the municipality make up 18% of the total income.2) This allotment garden is located in the southern part of the Minuma paddy field, where the transformation of agricultural land is prohibited by law in order to maintain its function as a reservoir to mitigate flooding. This regulation for land use is very important, for it keeps the rent very low.3) A recent deregulation of this rule concerning land use could threaten the existence of the allotment garden. However, according to cost-benefit analysis, the benefits exceed the costs if the external economies of the allotment garden are evaluated in monetary terms. It is necessary to discuss what type of government intervention should take place and the possible introduction of a beneficiary payment system in the future.4) According to a questionnaire survey of the users of the Minuma Fureai Garden, 70% of the users are over 50 years old. It is believed that people who have had agricultural experience tend to use the allotment garden more frequently. However, half of the users had no previous agricultural experience.5) Users were divided into three categories based on their motivation; a communication-oriented group, a family-leisure group, and an individual hobby group.6) Users who re-applied to use the allotment garden again after the one-year contract expired equal 60% of the whole. However, this figure varies depending on the distance from place of residence to the allotment garden.7) Most of the users hope to continue to use the same plot for many years and this contributes to the maintenance of the agricultural land. There are also strong demands for the improvement of facilities such as providing a rest room in the allotment garden. It is very important to satisfy these demands in order to continue to attract the public to use the allotment gardens in the future.