Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Essai sur l'efficience informationnelle du marché boursier marocain [Testing the informational efficiency of the moroccan stock market]

The informational efficiency is a topic that animated the debate between financial theorists. The richness and diversity of works that have attempted to study the efficiency reflect the great interest granted by the academic and professional community to this theme. The starting point for efficient market hypothesis is information. In fact, it is according to the nature of information (past, public or non-public) considered that the form of efficiency is determined. Eugene FAMA distinguishes between three forms of efficiency (weak form, semi-strong form, and strong form). The first two forms were generally validated by econometric tests. The third form remains controversial and difficult to verify. In Morocco, the issue of stock market efficiency is a current topic which deserves to be studied. Through this article, we set three main objectives: to test the informational efficiency of Casablanca Stock Exchange, to determine the elements affecting this efficiency and to propose measures to improve it.
Towards a social model of disability : challenging disability discrimination in adult nursing

This portfolio examines, contextualises and evaluates the contribution of six selected publications focussed on the social model of disability and discrimination within adult nursing in the UK. The publications all appear in peer reviewed journals and trace a developing understanding of the concept „disability‟, recognition of the impact of discrimination and the role that nurses play in sustaining this situation. It develops the idea that a shift towards the social model of disability will be instrumental in challenging disability related discrimination. Implications for adult nursing are examined including the potential of social advocacy and the need for a closer relationship between nursing studies and disability studies. The contribution to the knowledge base is unique in the context of adult nursing suggesting that embracing the social model may facilitate a legitimate contribution to the aims of the disability movement. A framework is developed for the evaluation of the contribution of the submitted papers using the concepts; Model of disability, Interests being served, Nonexploitative approaches and Challenging disablism by extensive dissemination [MINC]. The portfolio draws on many more than the six submitted papers in demonstrating an extensive dissemination strategy. The complexity of the concept of disability and the role of nurses in disability research is explored and critiqued. Contemporary critical theory is drawn on as an epistemological base combining critical analysis and reflexivity with empirical procedures. It concludes with tangible links into future developments of this body of work in championing the need for challenging discrimination and the potential use of the social model as a valuable tool in moving towards this goal.
ADP Receptors of Platelets and their Inhibition

Summary ADP plays a crucial role in haemostasis and thrombosis and its receptors are potential targets for antithrombotic drugs. Two G-protein coupled P2 receptors contribute to platelet aggregation: the P2Y1 receptor initiates aggregation through mobilisation of calcium stores, while the more recently identified P2Y12 receptor coupled to adenylyl cyclase inhibition is essential for a full aggregation response to ADP and the stabilisation of aggregates. The latter is defective in certain patients with a selective congenital deficiency of aggregation to ADP. It is also the target of the antithrombotic drug clopidogrel and of ATP analogues and other compounds currently under evaluation. In addition, the P2X1 ionotropic receptor is present in platelets but its role is not yet completely known. Studies in P2Y1 knock-out mice and experimental thrombosis models using selective P2Y1 antagonists have shown that the P2Y1 receptor, like the P2Y12 receptor, is a potential target for new antithrombotic drugs.
F-18 FDG PET in Infectious Diseases in Children

Purpose: The aim is to report our observations regarding the role of F-18 FDG PET in children's infectious processes. Material and Methods: A presentation is made of 3 neonatal infections unresponsive to treatment, 2 invasive infections in immunocompromised children, and 1 discitis in an immunocompetent child. PET or PET/CT was performed to address a specific question pertaining to the management of the diseases. Results were correlated with the clinical outcome. The impact on patient management is discussed. Results: In 1 neonate, PET localized the infection in a bone which allowed surgical curettage. In another one, it localized the infection in recently renewed exogenous material and led to subsequent removal. It was negative in the third one, whose evolution was rapidly favorable. In the immunocompromised children, treatment of invasive infection was adapted according to the metabolic inflammatory activity of the disease. In a limping child with slight abnormalities on bone scintigraphy but major misleading involvement on MRI, PET/CT demonstrated hypermetabolism limited to a disc, thus avoiding further invasive procedures. Conclusions: Although not meant as a first choice examination, F-18 FDG PET should be considered in difficult cases of neonatal infection or in challenging diagnoses like discitis in the young child. It provides more accurate staging and treatment monitoring of the inflammatory process in invasive infections of immunocompromised children.
Effect of hepatic iron concentration reduction on hepatic fibrosis and damage in rats with cholestatic liver disease.

AIM To assess the effect of iron reduction after phlebotomy in rats with "normal" hepatic iron concentration (HIC) on the progression of hepatic fibrosis, as a result of bile duct ligation (BDL). METHODS Rats underwent phlebotomy before or after sham operation or BDL. Animals undergone only BDL or sham operation served as controls. Two weeks after surgery, indices of hepatic damage and fibrosis were evaluated. RESULTS Phlebotomy lowered HIC. Phlebotomy after BDL was associated with body weight increase, lower hepatic weight, less portal hypertension, less periportal necrosis, less portal inflammation, lower hepatic activity index score and higher albumin levels. On the other hand, phlebotomy before BDL was associated with body weight decrease and hepatic activity index score increase. Phlebotomy after sham operation was not associated with any hepatic or systemic adverse effects. CONCLUSION Reduction of HIC after induction of liver damage may have beneficial effects in BDL rats. However, iron deficiency could induce impairment of liver function and may make the liver more susceptible to insults like BDL.
Interferon-gamma mediates gene expression of IL-18 binding protein in nonleukocytic cells.

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) binding protein is a soluble decoy receptor for IL-18 which efficiently antagonizes biological functions of IL-18 in vitro and in vivo. Since regulation of IL-18 activity likely contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases as well as malignancies, we investigated gene expression of IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) in different human cell systems, namely in the keratinocyte cell line HaCaT, in the colon carcinoma cell line DLD-1, and in primary renal mesangial cells. In unstimulated cells only minute amounts of mRNA coding for IL-18 binding protein were detectable. However, in all three cell types gene expression was markedly upregulated by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). IL-18 is recognized as a pivotal mediator of IFN-gamma production. Therefore, the present data imply that activity of IL-18 is modulated by a negative feedback mechanism which is mediated by IFN-gamma-induced IL-18 binding protein.
[Effects of fluoride on Fas signal pathway in rat incisor cells].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of fluoride on Fas expression, caspase-3 and caspase-8 activity and apoptosis in rat incisor cells. METHODS Forty male SD rats were divided into 4 groups randomly and provided with distilled water containing NaF at the doses of 0, 10, 50 and 100 mg/L respectively. Each group had 10 animals. Five animals were sacrificed at 60 and 90 days respectively. Fas expression was measured with immunohistochemistry, and colorimetric assay was used to examine caspase-3 and caspase-8 activity with enzyme-labelled meter. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry in mandibular incisor cells. RESULTS NaF at the doses of 10, 50 and 100 mg/L for 60 d and 90 d caused Fas overexpression, promoted activity of caspase-3 and caspase-8, increased apoptosis rate in mandibular incisor cells. At 60 days, the value of Fas expression was 0.1819 ± 0.0025 for control, 0.2120 ± 0.0084 for 10 mg/L NaF group, 0.2283 ± 0.0183 for 50 mg/L NaF group, 0.2818 ± 0.0233 for 100 mg/L NaF group. At 90 days, the value of Fas expression was 0.2077 ± 0.0289 for control, 0.2216 ± 0.0105 for 10 mg/L NaF group, 0.2377 ± 0.0059 for 50 mg/L NaF group, 0.2775 ± 0.0088 for 100 mg/L NaF group. Statistics analysis yielded close relationship between the dose of NaF in water and the Fas expression, and also between the dose of NaF in water and caspase-3 activities, and the relative coefficient was 0.9728 (60 d, P < 0.01) and 0.9889 (90 d, P < 0.01) for Fas expression, 0.9533 (60 d, P < 0.01) and 0.9849 (90 d, P < 0.01) for caspase-3 activity respectively. Apoptosis rate and caspase-8 activity also had close relationship with the NaF doses, and the relative coefficient was 0.9733 (90 d, P < 0.01) for apoptosis, 0.9928 (90 d, P < 0.01) for caspase-8. At the doses of 10, 50 and 100 mg/L NaF for 60 d and 90 d, obvious relationship was found between Fas expression and caspase-3 activity, and the relative coefficient was 0.9619 (60 d, P < 0.01) and 0.9912 (90 d, P < 0.01). Obvious relationship between Fas expression and apoptosis, between Fas expression and caspase-8 activity was found in groups for 90 d, and the relative coefficient was 0.9841 (P < 0.01) for apoptosis, 0.9767 (P < 0.01) for caspase-8. CONCLUSIONS Fluoride could induce Fas overexpression and mediate caspase activation and apoptosis at the doses of 10, 50 and 100 mg/L for 60 d and 90 d in rat mandibular incisor cells.
Organochlorine compound residues in human milk in the United Kingdom 1989-1991

1 The concentrations of some organochlorine pesticides and polychlorobiphenyls have been determined in 193 samples of human milk collected between July 1989 and July 1991. 2 Comparison of the results with those from previous studies in 1979-80, and earlier, shows a continuing decline in residue levels except for polychlorobiphenyls. 3 The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorobiphenyls in human milk samples from resi dents in the United Kingdom compare favourably with data obtained in other countries.
The impact of smoking cessation on patient quality of life.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after twelve months of smoking cessation. METHODS This was a prospective study to evaluate the effectiveness of a smoking cessation program on the quality of life of 60 self-referred subjects, at a public hospital, during the period of August 2006 to December 2007. The program consisted of 2-h group sessions once a week during the first month and then every 15 days over six months, followed by monthly phone contacts for another six months. The treatment was based on behavior modification and the use of bupropion in combination with nicotinic replacement therapy. Abstinence was verified by exhaled CO measurements. Patient HRQoL was quantified using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. Differences in quality of life scores between quitters and non-quitters at twelve months after the initial intervention were evaluated using analysis of covariance with baseline characteristics as covariates. RESULTS Self-reported quality of life scores were significantly higher among the 40 quitters than among the 20 non-quitters. The following SF-36 domains were most affected: role-emotional (p = 0.008); general health (p = 0.006); vitality (p < 0.001); and mental health (p = 0.002). At twelve months after the smoking cessation intervention, the SF-36 mental component and physical component summary scores were higher among quitters than among non-quitters (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Our findings illustrate that smoking abstinence is related to better HRQoL, especially in aspects of mental health.
Retrieving overlapping crystals information from TEM nano‐beam electron diffraction patterns

The diffraction patterns acquired with a transmission electron microscope (TEM) contain Bragg reflections related to all the crystals superimposed in the thin foil and crossed by the electron beam. Regarding TEM‐based orientation and phase characterisation techniques, the nondissociation of these signals is usually considered as the main limitation for the indexation of diffraction patterns. A new method to identify the information related to the distinct but overlapped grains is presented. It consists in subtracting the signature of the dominant crystal before reindexing the diffraction pattern. The method is coupled to the template matching algorithm used in a standard automated crystal orientation mapping tool (ACOM‐TEM). The capabilities of the approach are illustrated with the characterisation of a NiSi thin film stacked on a monocrystalline Si layer. Then, a subtracting‐indexing cycle applied to a 70 nm thick thin foil containing polycrystalline tungsten electrical contacts shows the capability of the technique to recognise small nondominant grains.
Modeling Attributes in Demand Functions of Computerized Business Simulations: An Extension of Teachâ€™s Gravity Flow Algorithm

"The modeling of demand in the marketplace is a critical aspect of any computerized business simulation. Business simulations in particular are supposed to give students insights into the functioning of the â€œreal world. â€ As a result, it is important for the programs to be designed to capture the essential elements and characteristics of the business world. Teach (1984) found most business simulations made very simple assumptions about the marketplace and the way product attributes were modeled. Most simulations assumed homogeneous products and homogeneous consumer preferences. Marketing variables controlled the allocation of demand including: price, advertising, R & D, sales force, compensation, and channels of distribution. Teach found a few simulations incorporated product attributes directly but only one ideal product was assumed to exist in each market segment; and the market segments were independent of each other. "
Comparative pharmacodynamic interaction analysis of triple combinations of caspofungin and voriconazole or ravuconazole with subinhibitory concentrations of amphotericin B against Aspergillus spp.

Triple combination therapy with an antifungal triazole, echinocandin and amphotericin B (AmB) is used in some centres to treat refractory aspergillosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of AmB on the double combinations of caspofungin (CAS) + voriconazole (VOR) or ravuconazole (RAV) against Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus terreus. Isolates were studied in triplicate against CAS/VOR and CAS/RAV combinations by chequerboard broth microdilution. AmB was added to each double combination at concentrations of 0, 0.1 and 0.2 μg ml−1. The fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index was calculated for the double and triple combinations. Comparative analysis was performed by repeated measures analysis followed by Dunnett’s post‐test. The double combinations of CAS/RAV and CAS/VOR were synergistic or additive in most conditions. Addition of AmB to the double combinations resulted in increased FIC indices for A. fumigatus and A. flavus. By contrast, AmB increased the synergism of the double combinations decreasing FIC indices for A. terreus (P < 0.05). RAV and VOR displayed similar synergistic activity with CAS. The addition of sub‐inhibitory amphotericin B concentrations reduced but did not eliminate the synergistic interaction between the echinocandin and triazole against A. fumigatus and A. flavus, while it increased the synergy against A. terreus.
Effects of insulin and amyloid β1–42 oligomers on glucose incorporation and mitochondrial function in cultured rat hippocampal neurons

Aim: The molecular basis for impaired glucose metabolism in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has not been fully clarified. We tested whether insulin and amyloid (A)β1–42 oligomers would regulate glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis directly in cultured rat hippocampal neurons and evaluated possible interactions between insulin signaling and Aβ1–42 oligomers.
Departmental Papers ( SPP ) School of Social Policy and Practice January 1996 Where the Homeless Come From : A Study of the Prior Address Distribution of Families Admitted to Public Shelters in New York City and Philadelphia

This study investigates hypotheses regarding the association of census tract variables with the risk for homelessness. We used prior address information reported by families entering emergency shelters in two large U.S. cities to characterize the nature of that distribution. Three dense clusters of homeless origins were found in Philadelphia and three in New York City, accounting for 67 percent and 61 percent of shelter admissions and revealing that homeless families’ prior addresses are more highly concentrated than the poverty distribution in both cities. The rate of shelter admission is strongly and positively related to the concentration of poor, African-American, and female-headed households with young children in a neighborhood. It is also correlated with fewer youth, elderly, and immigrants. Such areas have higher rates of unemployment and labor force nonparticipation, more housing crowding, more abandonment, higher rates of vacancy, and higher rent-to-income ratios than other areas.
Magnetic Domain-Wall Logic

“Spintronics,” in which both the spin and charge of electrons are used for logic and memory operations, promises an alternate route to traditional semiconductor electronics. A complete logic architecture can be constructed, which uses planar magnetic wires that are less than a micrometer in width. Logical NOT, logical AND, signal fan-out, and signal cross-over elements each have a simple geometric design, and they can be integrated together into one circuit. An additional element for data input allows information to be written to domain-wall logic circuits.
Direct Effect of Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation on Levodopa-Induced Peak-Dose Dyskinesia in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

We examined the direct effect of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) on levodopa-induced peak-dose dyskinesia in 45 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) without reducing the levodopa dosage during the early period after surgery. In 8 patients (18%), the dyskinesia was quickly attenuated by bipolar stimulation in an experimental trial (5 min) with the contacts placed within the area above the STN. In contrast, bipolar stimulation using contacts placed within the STN itself tended to provoke or exacerbate the dyskinesia, indicating that dyskinesia could be inhibited by stimulation of the areas above the STN rather than the STN itself. In an attempt to control the cardinal symptoms of PD and dyskinesia at the same time, we employed bipolar stimulation with a longer interpolar distance as a therapeutic procedure (2 weeks), using contacts within the STN as a cathode and contacts within the area above the STN as an anode. Bilateral STN-DBS significantly attenuated the dyskinesia as evaluated by the dyskinesia severity rating scale (p < 0.05). In 24 patients (53%), almost complete control of the dyskinesia was observed. The contacts used as an anode in these patients were located more dorsally compared to those of the remaining patients, suggesting again that the dyskinesia was inhibited by stimulation of the areas above the STN rather than the STN itself. In the area above the STN, pallidothalamic, pallidosubthalamic and subthalamopallidal fibers are densely distributed. It appears that stimulation of these fibers may cause effects similar to thalamic or pallidal DBS and therefore inhibit peak-dose dyskinesia. Bipolar STN-DBS with contacts placed within the area above the STN as an anode appears to represent a useful option for controlling both the cardinal symptoms of PD and peak-dose dyskinesia at the same time.
Usefulness of cutaneous T-cell clonality analysis for the diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in patients with erythroderma.

CONTEXT Demonstration of a dominant T-cell clone in skin biopsy specimens by a molecular assay constitutes an additional diagnostic criterion to differentiate cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) from inflammatory dermatoses. OBJECTIVE To determine which patients, depending on their clinical presentations, could most benefit from a cutaneous T-cell clonality analysis in addition to histopathologic analysis for the diagnosis of CTCL. DESIGN Comparison of sensitivity and specificity of histopathologic analysis and a combination of this method and the detection of a T-cell receptor gamma chain gene rearrangement by polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis performed on skin biopsy specimens obtained at initial presentation. PATIENTS One hundred forty consecutive patients were classified into 4 groups, depending on their clinical presentation: (1) eczematous patches suggestive of early-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) (IA and IB of the TNM classification) (n = 42); (2) plaques, nodules, or tumors that arise on or are associated with plaques suggestive of late-stage MF (IIB and III of the TNM classification) (n = 16); (3) erythroderma (n = 50); and (4) nodules or tumors that arise in normal skin, suggestive of non-MF CTCL (n = 32). RESULTS When compared with histopathologic examination, the addition of clonality analysis increased the sensitivity of CTCL diagnosis in all groups of patients except those with cutaneous lesions suggestive of late-stage MF, because the diagnosis was made based on histopathologic analysis alone in 100% of these cases. The main increase in sensitivity of CTCL diagnosis was observed in patients with erythroderma: 62% with histopathologic analysis alone to 87% with the combination of both methods (P = .04). Diagnostic specificity of molecular assays decreased from 100% to 76% (P = .01) in patients with patch lesions and from 100% to 70% (P = .04) in patients with nodules that occurred in normal skin due to the detection of a T-cell clone in 6 patients with follicular mucinosis without a histologic pattern of MF and in 5 of 20 cases of T-cell pseudolymphoma (25%), respectively. In contrast, a T-cell clone was not detected in the 34 patients with erythroderma of inflammatory origin. CONCLUSION Polymerase chain reaction analysis of cutaneous T-cell clonality could be useful for the diagnosis of CTCL in patients who present with erythroderma.
Area-Efficient Fast-Speed Lateral IGBT With a 3-D n-Region-Controlled Anode

A novel lateral insulated-gate bipolar transistor (LIGBT) structure on an silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate is proposed and discussed. The 3-D n-region-controlled anode concept makes this new structure effectively suppress the negative-differential-resistance (NDR) regime in conducting state, and what is more, during turn- off state, there are two effective paths for electron extraction, and the switching speed is very fast. As simulation results show, without sacrificing the high current-handling capability, the ratios of turn-off times for the proposed structure compared to that of the segment-anode-n-p-n-LIGBT presented earlier and the conventional LIGBT are 1 : 1.57 and 1 : 35.58, respectively. Due to the 3-D anode structure, the proposed device has efficient area usage and can be fabricated by the conventional SOI high-voltage IC process, so it is a promising device used in power ICs.