Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Long-Term Clinical Outcome of 56 Patients with Biopsy-Proven Lupus Nephritis Followed at a Single Center

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcome of 45 female and 11 male patients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis, followed at our hospital between February 1974 and February 1990. In the majority signs of nephritis were present at the time systemic lupus erythematosus was diagnosed (range: —42-156 months) and the median time from onset of nephritis to biopsy was 2 months. The median follow-up from the time of the biopsy was 53.5 months (range: 2-192), the median age at biopsy 25 years and the median serum creatinine level 1.2 mg/dl. Initial renal biopsies had the following histopathological classes according to the World Health Organization criteria (n): I (2); II (10); III (10); IV (28); V (5); VI (1). Over the study period active episodes were treated with high-dose oral prednisone alone or combined with intravenous nitrogen mustard and oral chlorambucil (1974-75), azathioprine (1978-86), cyclophosphamide (1986-90) and/or plasma-exchange (1976-84). These strategies were based on literature data or multicenter studies in which we participated. Eight patients developed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (median: 47 months post-biopsy; range: 20-120). In these, initial biopsies showed class IV in seven, and class V in one. Confounded risk factors for ESRD were class IV biopsy, male gender and serum creatinine level above 1.4 mg/dl. The calculated proportion without ESRD 5 years post-biopsy was 87% (95% confidence limits: 98-76%), and at 10 years 70% (95% confidence limits: 90-49%). Five patients (11.2%) died; causes of death were cerebrovascular accident (n = 2), cerebral lupus (n = 2) and S. aureus sepsis (n = I). Twelve (21.4%) patients had localized herpes zoster infection; six (10.7%) had a salmonella sepsis.
A theory for critically divergent fluctuations of dynamical events at non-ergodic transitions

We theoretically study divergent fluctuations of dynamical events at non-ergodic transitions. We first focus on the finding that a non-ergodic transition can be described as a saddle connection bifurcation of an order parameter for a time correlation function. Then, following the basic idea of Ginzburg-Landau theory for critical phenomena, we construct a phenomenological framework with which we can determine the critical statistical properties at saddle connection bifurcation points. Employing this framework, we analyze a model by considering the fluctuations of an instanton in space-time configurations of the order parameter. We then obtain the exponents characterizing the divergences of the length scale, the time scale and the amplitude of the fluctuations of the order parameter at the saddle connection bifurcation. The results are to be compared with those of previous studies of the four-point dynamic susceptibility at non-ergodic transitions in glassy systems.
A survey on analytical approaches used in RFID based applications

RFID is one of the Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technologies. RFID is simple in concept, but sophisticated in its areas of applications. RFID has contributed a lot to the human well being. It facilitates a lot of processes that require labor intervention. But before adopting an RFID based solution, users need proper guidance throughout the process. This paper clarifies some steps that RFID adopters need to go through. These steps are illustrated in the form of a flowchart that guides the whole process. An explanation of every step is given. The steps start with deciding on the appropriateness of RFID technology for the problem at hand. Once this is confirmed, the focus shifts to data processing. The real time data capturing, made possible with RFID, enables users to grasp great benefit. This happens through the application of analytical tools on the data. These tools include operations research, evolutionary algorithms and other artificial intelligence techniques. The paper gives an overview of these tools that constitute one category of the analytical approaches needed to tackle problems and to enable better decision making in the various sectors presented in the paper. The second category of analytical approaches is related to technology acceptance models which are used to ensure that the developed solution is accepted in the workplace. These are also developed in the paper. Finally, the paper concludes on some system analysis and design issues and highlights avenues for future research.
Temporal dynamics of acoustic stimuli enhance amplitude tuning of inferior colliculus neurons.

Sounds in real-world situations seldom occur in isolation. In spite of this, most studies in the auditory system have employed sounds that serve to isolate physiological responses, namely, at low rates of stimulation. It is unclear, however, whether the basic response properties of a neuron derived thereof, such as its amplitude and frequency selectivities, are applicable to real-world situations where sounds occur in rapid succession. In the present study, we investigated one of the basic response properties of neurons in the bat inferior colliculus (IC), i.e., the rate-level function, to tone pulses in three different configurations: individual tone pulses of constant amplitude at different rates of stimulation, random-amplitude pulse trains, and dynamic-amplitude-modulated pulse trains the temporal pattern of which was similar to what bats encounter in a behavioral context. We reported that for the majority of IC neurons, amplitude selectivity to tone pulses was dependent on the rate of stimulation. In general, the selectivity was greater at high rates or in a behavioral context than at low rates. For a small population of IC neurons, however, the rate of stimulation had little or no effect on their rate-level functions. Thus for IC neurons, responses to sounds presented at low rates may or may not be used to predict the responses to the same stimuli presented at high rates or in a behavioral context. The possible neural mechanisms underlying the rate-dependent effects are discussed.
The study of first order Hamilton – Jacobi – Bellman ( HJB ) equations in infinite dimen

A theory of viscosity solutions in metric spaces based on local slopes was initiated in [39]. In this manuscript we deepen the study of [39] and present a more complete account of the theory of metric viscosity solutions of Hamilton–Jacobi equations. Several comparison and existence results are proved and the main techniques for such metric viscosity solutions are illustrated.
Performance Modelling and Analysis of Connection Admission Control in OFDMA based WiMAX System with MMPP Queuing

This paper presents a problem of queuing theoretic performance modeling and analysis of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) under broad-band wireless networks. We consider a single-cell WiMAX environment in which the base station allocates sub channels to the subscriber stations in its coverage area. The sub channels allocated to a subscriber station are shared by multiple connections at that subscriber station. To ensure the Quality of Service (QoS) performances, two Connection Admission Control (CAC) schemes, namely, threshold-based and queue-aware CAC schemes are considered at a subscriber station. A queuing analytical framework for these admission control schemes is presented considering OFDMA-based transmission at the physical layer. Then, based on the queuing model, both the connection-level and the packetlevel performances are studied and compared with their analogues in the case without CAC. The connection arrival is modeled by a Poisson process and the packet arrival for a connection by a Markov Modulated Poisson Process (MMPP). We determine analytically and numerically different performance parameters, such as connection blocking probability, average number of ongoing connections, average queue length, packet dropping probability, queue throughput and average packet delay.
Mining Knowledge fromWikipedia for the Question Answering task

Although significant advances have been made recently in the Question Answering technology, more steps have to be undertaken in order to obtain better results. Moreover, the best systems at the CLEF and TREC evaluation exercises are very complex systems based on custom-built, expensive ontologies whose aim is to provide the systems with encyclopedic knowledge. In this paper we investigated the use of Wikipedia, the open domain encyclopedia, for the Question Answering task. Previous works considered Wikipedia as a resource where to look for the answers to the questions. We focused on some different aspects of the problem, such as the validation of the answers as returned by our Question Answering System and on the use of Wikipedia categories in order to determine a set of patterns that should fit with the expected answer. Validation consists in, given a possible answer, saying wether it is the right one or not. The possibility to exploit the categories ofWikipedia was not considered until now. We performed our experiments using the Spanish version of Wikipedia, with the set of questions of the last CLEF Spanish monolingual exercise. Results show that Wikipedia is a potentially useful resource for the Question Answering task.
Partially observed cross‐layer optimization for vehicular communications

Vehicular Ad‐hoc Networks (VANETs) that are characterized by frequently changed topology, worse signal noise ratio, and non‐negligible Doppler effect introduce new non‐trivial challenges to Quality‐of‐Service (QoS) provisioning. The methodology of cross‐layer optimization aims to jointly optimize the working behaviors over different layers to achieve a better network performance, eg, throughput and transmission latency. This paper presents a novel cross‐layer optimization method based on Partially Observed Markov Games (POMG) to improve optimization decision against the inaccurate observed context caused by high‐speed movement, sensor errors, and other unavoidable reasons. POMG extends Markov Decision Process (MDP) and Partially Observed Markov Decision Process (POMDP) to dynamically adjust the concerned actions (eg, transmission range, contention window, and bit rate) according to the observed traffic density and thus can improve optimization performance at several aspects, eg,, throughput, channel utilization, delay, and total number of neighbor nodes. The extensive simulations show that POMG could harvest a high entire gain compared with the traditional fixed policy and the other cross‐layer optimization schemes.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews An integrated network model of psychotic symptoms

The full body of research on the nature of psychosis and its determinants indicates that a considerable number of factors are relevant to the development of hallucinations, delusions, and other positive symptoms, ranging from neurodevelopmental parameters and altered connectivity of brain regions to impaired cognitive functioning and social factors. We aimed to integrate these factors in a single mathematical model based on network theory. At the microscopic level this model explains positive symptoms of psy- chosis in terms of experiential equivalents of robust, high-frequency attractor states of neural networks. At the mesoscopic level it explains them in relation to global brain states, and at the macroscopic level in relation to social-network structures and dynamics. Due to the scale-free nature of biological networks, all three levels are governed by the same general laws, thereby allowing for an integrated
Modification of cardiac RYR2 gating by a peptide from the central domain of the RYR2

The effect of a domain peptide DPCPVTc from the central region of the RYR2 on ryanodine receptors from rat heart has been examined in planar lipid bilayers. At a zero holding potential and at 8 mmol L−1 luminal Ca2+ concentration, DPCPVTc induced concentrationdependent activation of the ryanodine receptor that led up to 20-fold increase of PO at saturating DPCPVTc concentrations. DPCPVTc prolonged RyR2 openings and increased RyR2 opening frequency. At all peptide concentrations the channels displayed large variability in open probability, open time and frequency of openings. With increasing peptide concentration, the fraction of high open probability records increased together with their open time. The closed times of neither low- nor high-open probability records depended on peptide concentration. The concentration dependence of all gating parameters had EC50 of 20 μmol L−1 and a Hill slope of 2. Comparison of the effects of DPCPVTc with the effects of ATP and cytosolic Ca2+ suggests that activation does not involve luminal feed-through and is not caused by modulation of the cytosolic activation A-site. The data suggest that although “domain unzipping” by DPCPVTc occurs in both modes of RyR activity, it affects RyR gating only when the channel resides in the H-mode of activity.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Angiography for Cerebral Aneurysms in Correlation With 3D-Digital Subtraction Angiographic Images: A Study of 133 Aneurysms

Background and Purpose— We investigated the sensitivity of 3D–time-of flight (3D-TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in the detection of cerebral aneurysms with the use of 3D digital subtraction angiography as the gold standard. We also evaluated the effects of location and number of aneurysms (and experience of the reader) on the sensitivity. Methods— 3D-TOF MRA was performed in 82 patients with 133 cerebral aneurysms. Each patient underwent rotational angiography. Three-dimensional reconstructed images were obtained from data of the rotational angiography (as the gold standard). A blind study with 4 readers of different experiences was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 3D-TOF MRA for cerebral aneurysms. Results— One hundred five (79%) of all 133 aneurysms were detected with MRA by a neuroradiologist, 100 (75%) were detected by an experienced neurosurgeon, 84 (63%) were detected by a general radiologist, and 80 (60%) were detected by a resident neuroradiologist. For each reader, the detectability was lower for small aneurysms (<3 mm in maximum diameter) and/or for those located at the internal carotid artery and anterior cerebral artery. False-positive aneurysms were 29 for the neuroradiologist, 19 for the neurosurgeon, 31 for the general radiologist, and 30 for the resident neuroradiologist; most of the aneurysms were at the internal carotid artery. Causes of the false-positive and false-negative results included complex flow in a tortuous artery and susceptibility artifacts. Conclusions— Although MRA is useful in the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms, sufficient experience and careful attention are necessary for accurate diagnosis of aneurysms located at the internal carotid and anterior cerebral arteries.
Methylglyoxal Modification of Protein

Methylglyoxal (MG), an endogenous metabolite that increases in diabetes and is a common intermediate in the Maillard reaction (glycation), reacts with proteins and forms advanced glycation end products. In the present study, we identify a novel MG-arginine adduct and also characterize the structure of a major fluorescent adduct. In addition, we describe the immunochemical study on the MG-arginine adducts using monoclonal antibody directed to MG-modified protein. Upon incubation ofN α-acetyl-l-arginine with MG at 37 °C, two nonfluorescent products and one fluorescent product were detected as the major products. The nonfluorescent products were identified as theN δ-(5-hydro-5-methyl-4-imidazolon-2-yl)-l-ornithine derivatives (5-hydro-5-methylimidazolone) and a novel MG-arginine adduct having a tetrahydropyrimidine moiety (N δ-(4-carboxy-4,6-dimethyl-5,6-dihydroxy-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-2-yl)-l-ornithine). On the basis of the following chemical and spectroscopic evidence, the major fluorescent product, putatively identified asN δ-(5-methylimidazolon-2-yl)-l-ornithine (5-methylimidazolone), was found to be identical toN δ-(5-hydroxy-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine-2-yl)-l-ornithine (argpyrimidine): (i) the low and high resolution fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry gave a molecular ion peak atm/z of 297 (M+H) and a molecular formula of C10H25O6N4, respectively, which coincided with argpyrimidine; (ii) the1H NMR spectrum of this product ind6-Me2SO showed a singlet at 2.10 ppm corresponding to six protons; (iii) the peak corresponding to the 5-methylimidazolone derivative was not detected by the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with the mode of selected ion monitoring; (iv) incubation of 5-hydro-5-methylimidazolone, a putative precursor of 5-methylimidazolone, at 37 °C for 14 days scarcely generated 5-methylimidazolone. On the other hand, as an immunochemical approach to the detection of these MG adducts, we raised the monoclonal antibodies (mAb3C and mAb6B) directed to the MG-modified protein and found that they specifically recognized the major fluorescent product, argpyrimidine, as the dominant epitope. The immunohistochemical analysis of the kidneys from diabetic patients revealed the localization of argpyrimidine in intima and media of small artery walls. Furthermore, the accumulation of argpyrimidine was also observed in some arterial walls of the rat brain after middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. These results suggest that argpyrimidine may contribute to the progression of not only long term diabetic complications, such as nephropathy and atherosclerosis, but also the tissue injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion.
Performance Analysis of Microstrip Conformal Antenna Array and Effect of Mutual Coupling for Different Curvature

This geometry can offer certain characteristics that can’t be achieve by planner antenna. Antenna is design to function in 2.4 GHz wireless radio band. This work present performance of 4-element conformal antenna array for cylindrical surface and observe effect of mutual coupling between patch. In this, angle is preserved to conform the shape to reduce extra drag. The radius of cylinder is considered to be atleast one quarter wavelength or slightly more. The simulated results shows its resonant frequency is not affected with change in curvature however the radiation patterns are significantly affected more in elevation direction and less in azimuth. Simulations has been carried on CST software.
Role of HMGB1 as a Suitable Biomarker of Subclinical Intestinal Inflammation and Mucosal Healing in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background:Noninvasive biomarkers of high- and low-grade intestinal inflammation and of mucosal healing (MH) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease are currently lacking. We have recently shown that fecal high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a novel biomarker of gut inflammation. We aimed at investigating in a mouse model if HMGB1 was able to foresee both a clinically evident and a subclinical gut inflammation and if its normalization indicated MH. We also aimed at confirming the results in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis. Methods:C57BL6/J mice were treated with increasing doses of dextran sodium sulphate to induce colitis of different severity degrees; 28 with CD, 23 with ulcerative colitis, and 17 controls were also enrolled. Fecal HMGB1 was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting. Results:Fecal HMGB1 increased by 5-, 11-, 18-, and 24-folds with dextran sodium sulphate doses of 0.25%, 0.50%, 1%, and 4%, respectively, showing that the protein detected a high-grade and a subclinical inflammation. After a recovery time of 4-week posttreatment, HMGB1 returned to control levels, paralleling MH. In patients, fecal HMGB1 significantly correlated with endoscopic indexes (Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease [SES-CD], endoscopic Mayo subscore), but not with the disease activity indexes (Crohn's disease Activity Index, partial Mayo score). Conclusions:Fecal HMGB1 is a robust noninvasive biomarker of clinically overt and subclinical gut inflammation; it can also be a surrogate marker of MH. We suggest the use of fecal HMGB1 to monitor the disease course and assess therapy outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease.
A multisite randomized trial of a cognitive skills program for male mentally disordered offenders: violence and antisocial behavior outcomes.

OBJECTIVE Despite a large evidence base indicating that cognitive skills programs can reduce reoffending in individuals without mental illness, there have been no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine their effectiveness in mentally disordered offenders (MDOs). In the first RCT of a cognitive skills program for MDOs, we aimed to investigate whether participation in the Reasoning and Rehabilitation (R&R) program reduced violence and antisocial behavior in this population. METHOD Eighty-four male inpatients with a psychotic disorder and a history of violence were recruited from medium secure forensic hospitals. Participants were randomized to receive the R&R program, consisting of 36 two-hour sessions, or treatment as usual (TAU). Incidents of violence and antisocial behavior (verbal aggression, substance use, and leave violations) were assessed during treatment and at 12-months posttreatment. RESULTS Relative to the TAU group, incident rates of verbal aggression and leave violations during the treatment period were significantly lower in the R&R group; the effect on verbal aggression was maintained at 12-months posttreatment. Half of those randomized to receive R&R did not complete treatment; post hoc analyses were therefore conducted to compare treatment responses in program completers and noncompleters. After controlling for psychopathic traits, incidents of violence, verbal aggression, and leave violations during treatment were significantly lower in program completers, and there were significant effects of program completion on verbal aggression and substance use at 12-months posttreatment. CONCLUSIONS R&R leads to a reduction in incidents of antisocial behavior in MDO populations, with potentially greater impact on those who complete treatment.
De la motivation au décrochage sportif

Sportifs vite contents, manque d’ambition sportive Public de consommateurs (profiteurs, tout est du) Decrochage sportif des jeunes a l’adolescence Moins le gout de l’effort chez les jeunes Declin dans la motivation en cours d’annee Diminution de la motivation pour la competition (pas les memes ambitions) Zapping des jeunes Mons Sportifs centres sur eux-memes Manque de combativit e (jouer sans s’entrainer), les jeunes n’ont pas la patience d’attendre Inertie des membres, esprit de consommateur, manque d’implication Diversite des objectifs chez les sportifs (amusement Vs performance) Difficulte du comportement des adolescents (instabilite, zapping) Abandon frequent chez les adolescents (drop out) Liege
Computerized Testing Software for Assessing Interference Suppression in Children and Adults: The Bivalent Shape Task (BST)

We describe the Bivalent Shape Task (BST), software using the Psychology Experiment Building Language (PEBL), for testing of cognitive interference and the ability to suppress interference. The test is available via the GNU Public License, Version 3 (GPLv3), is freely modifiable, and has been tested on both children and adults and found to provide a simple and fast non-verbal measure of cognitive interference and suppression that requires no reading.