Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Les symptômes de la faillite : le cas de la Belgique

A l’instar de nombreux autres pays, la Belgique a fait face a un nombre croissant de faillites d’entreprises depuis la crise des « subprimes ». Ce nombre a, en effet, augmente d’un peu plus de 43 % entre 2007 et 2012. Sur base d’un echantillon d’entreprises belges couvrant une periode allant de 2002 a 2010, cet article a pour but de developper trois modeles econometriques de prevision construits a partir de six ratios financiers, respectivement a un, trois et cinq ans avant la faillite. Outre l’apport academique a la recherche relative a la prevision des faillites en Belgique, les resultats de cette etude empirique peuvent etre utiles au sein du monde professionnel, notamment pour les institutions financieres interessees par le risque de faillite de leurs partenaires.
Maternal Depression as a Mediator of Intervention in Reducing Early Child Problem Behavior

Maternal depression has been consistently linked to the development of child problem behavior, particularly in early childhood, but few studies have examined whether reductions in maternal depression serve as a mediator in relation to changes associated with a family-based intervention. The current study addressed this issue with a sample of 731 families receiving services from a national food supplement and nutrition program. Families with toddlers between ages 2 and 3 were screened and then randomized to a brief family intervention, the Family Check Up, which included linked interventions that were tailored and adapted to the families needs. Follow-up intervention services were provided at age 3 and follow-up of child outcomes occurred at ages 3 and 4. Latent growth models revealed intervention effects for early externalizing and internalizing problems from 2 to 4, and reductions in maternal depression from ages 2 to 3. In addition, reductions in maternal depression mediated improvements in both child externalizing and internalizing problem behavior after accounting for the potential mediating effects of improvements in positive parenting. The results are discussed with respect to targeting maternal depression in future intervention studies aimed at improving early child problem behavior.
Public health legislation should be changed

EDITOR,—We were interested in Meirion R Evans's article about tuberculosis in the United Kingdom.1 A problem recently arose in this district concerning the screening of contacts of a patient with multidrug resistant tuberculosis acquired in a nosocomial outbreak in the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.2 The contacts identified were sent several invitations to attend the tuberculosis screening clinic, but they failed to attend despite intervention by their general practitioners and the tuberculosis health visitor. As a …
PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM AND MANAGEMENT IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: Phosphorus Homeostasis in Normal Health and in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Special Emphasis on Dietary Phosphorus Intake

Elevated serum phosphorus has been identified as a cardiovascular risk factor in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and a clear understanding of phosphorus homeostasis is very important for practicing nephrologists. At any particular point, serum phosphorus levels reflect the balance between movements of this mineral from and into the intestine, bone, intracellular space, and kidneys. We briefly review here all these exchanges with a particular emphasis on dietary phosphorus intake. Despite all the oral phosphorus binders currently available in the market, dietary restriction of this mineral remains a cornerstone for the prevention and treatment of hyperphosphatemia. An effective restriction of dietary intake of phosphorus requires prescription of a moderate protein intake (0.9–1.0 g/kg/day) and restricted consumption of highly processed fast and convenience foods. Phosphorus added during food processing is an important source of this mineral because of its magnitude and high bioavailabilty. Moreover, as food manufacturers are not required to label the amount of phosphorus added during food processing, a significant amount of the current daily phosphorus intake remains unaccounted when estimating phosphorus intake in CKD patients. The recent development of low phosphorus‐containing food products represents a very useful addition for CKD patients.
Influence of the HLA-DRB1 genotype on antibody development to interferon beta in multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE To determine relevant HLA-DRB1 alleles associated with the susceptibility of anti-interferon beta antibody development in a large patient cohort. DESIGN In a case-control study, HLA-DRB1 genotyping was performed in a discovery cohort (n = 268) and a validation cohort (n = 825). SETTING Patients were recruited in Germany by primary care physicians and neurologists and were mainly of Northern European heritage. PATIENTS All patients had a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and were receiving long-term interferon beta therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The antibody status to interferon beta was determined in all patients by capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and in vivo myxovirus protein A assay and correlated with the HLA-DRB1 genotype. RESULTS In the discovery and validation cohorts, HLA-DRB1*04:01, *04:08, *16:01 were identified as genetic markers that are associated with an increased risk of anti-interferon beta antibody development (P < .05). In addition, alleles with a protective potential were identified, including HLA-DRB1*03:01, *04:04, *11:04. However, after correction for multiple testing, protective alleles did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION The HLA alleles identified in this study seem to be the major genetic determinant of antibody development, allowing the prediction of the individual risk of patients before initiation of therapy.
Immunosuppressive activity of deer antler extracts of cervus korean temminck var. mantchuricus swinhoe, on type II collagen-induced arthritis

SummaryUnossified horn or pilose antler cut from deer, which belong to the Cervidae generally is termed Nokyong. Nokyong is one of the most famous Korean traditional medicines and has been considered to possess sexual-reinforcing and antiaging actions. In this study, water extract of deer antler extract (DAA) prepared from the growing antler of Cervus korean TEMMINCK var. mantchuricus Swinhoe was used to investigate the efficacy of the DAA on the development of type II collagen (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. Male rats were immunized with an emulsion of 200 μg of CII and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). The rats then were administered by injection a suspension of DAA or phosphate-buffered saline. The effect of DAA on cellular responses to CII was examined. The injection of DAA suppressed the CII-specific secretion of interferon (IFN)-ψ from splenocytes ex vivo. The influence of DAA also was evaluated on the incidence and developmen0105 of arthritis in rat CIA. Rats were immunized twice at a 3-wk interval with bovine CII, with DAA being given by injection once a d for 14 d with four different regimens. A 14-d course of DAA treatment at a daily dose of 100 μg/kg, which began on the d of the first CII immunization, suppressed the development of arthritis, as well as antibody formation and delayed-type hypersensitivity to CII. Treatment with DAA resulted in inhibition of development of arthritis and immune responses to CII.
HBsAg seroclearance in chronic hepatitis B in the Chinese: Virological, histological, and clinical aspects

Few studies have examined Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B who exhibit hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance. We comprehensively studied the biochemical, virological, histological, and clinical aspects of 92 patients with HBsAg seroclearance (median follow‐up, 126 months). Ninety‐two HBsAg‐positive controls matched for age, sex, and duration of follow‐up were also recruited. Liver biochemistry, serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels, and development of clinical complications were monitored. Intrahepatic total and covalently closed circular (ccc) HBV DNA were measured quantitatively in 16 patients. HBV genotype was determined in 30 patients. The mean age at HBsAg seroclearance was 48.8 (+ 13.81) years. There was a significant improvement in serum alanine aminotransferase levels after HBsAg seroclearance (p<0.0001). Patients with genotype B had a higher chance of HBsAg seroclearance than those with genotype C (P = .014). Ninety‐eight percent of patients had undetectable serum HBV DNA. Thirty‐seven percent of patients had low titer of intrahepatic HBV DNA, mainly in the form of cccDNA (71%‐100%). All 14 patients with liver biopsies had near normal histology. There was no difference in the risk of development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between patients with and without HBsAg seroclearance. However, the mean age of HBsAg seroclearance was significantly older in patients with HCC than in patients without HCC (P = .016). In conclusion, patients with HBsAg seroclearance had favorable biochemical, virological, and histological parameters. Intrahepatic HBV DNA level was low and predominantly in the form of cccDNA. However, HCC could still develop, particularly in patients with cirrhosis who had HBsAg seroclearance at an older age. (HEPATOLOGY 2004;39:1694–1701.)
Dislocation induced nonuniform surface morphology of Ti/Al/Ni/Au Ohmic contacts to AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

In this study, Ti/Al/Ni/Au Ohmic contact to AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors was fabricated and demonstrated distribution of bright and dark areas on the surface. Surface element analyses show that it is of great difference in the Ni and Au content between these two kinds of regions. According to transmission electron microscopy and corresponding Electron dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analyses, plenty of Ni was detected in dislocation rich regions while rare Ni was left in dislocation free regions so that Au tended to accumulate in the form of AlAux binary alloy. The surface nonuniformity presented on the surface should be attributed to the nonuniform interfacial reactions resulted from the dislocations.
Nesting ecology of Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows in a tidally restricted salt marsh

We investigated population size, nest success, and nest-site characteristics of Saltmarsh Sharptailed Sparrows (Ammodramus caudacutus) from 1993 to 1998 in a salt marsh near Galilee, Rhode Island. From 1956 to 1997, tidal flow was restricted in the marsh by construction of a road with small culverts, which resulted in conversion of the marsh from short- and tall-form cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and marsh hay (S. patens) to one dominated by >5 m tall common reed (Phragmites australis). In fall 1997, self-regulating tide gates were installed to restore the historic tidal regime and vegetation. We documented declines in adult sparrow population sizes (17–25% annual decline) and productivity (48% annual decline) while the tidal regime was restricted. Nest success was variable (10–83%) before 1998, with predators accounting for most nest losses. Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows usually nested in marsh hay, short-form cordgrass, and short common reed. After restoration, sparrows nested where vegetation was taller, which permitted greater nest elevation. However, 91% of nests failed due to flooding following installation of new tide gates. We hypothesize that restoration efforts will have short-term negative impacts on Saltmarsh Sharptailed Sparrow populations until salt marsh habitats are restored in higher sections of the marsh.
Mutation of the Calmodulin Binding Motif IQ of the L-type Cav1.2 Ca2+ Channel to EQ Induces Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Death*

Background: Mutation of the IQ motif to EQ abolished in vitro CDI and CDF of the Cav1.2 channel. Results: Cardiac-specific expression of Cav1.2EQ prevents CDI and CDF, reduces ICa, and induces dilated cardiomyopathy. Conclusion: The cardiac-specific EQ mutation leads to premature death. Significance: Survival depends on the expression of a native Cav1.2 protein. Cardiac excitation-contraction coupling (EC coupling) links the electrical excitation of the cell membrane to the mechanical contractile machinery of the heart. Calcium channels are major players of EC coupling and are regulated by voltage and Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM). CaM binds to the IQ motif located in the C terminus of the Cav1.2 channel and induces Ca2+-dependent inactivation (CDI) and facilitation (CDF). Mutation of Ile to Glu (Ile1624Glu) in the IQ motif abolished regulation of the channel by CDI and CDF. Here, we addressed the physiological consequences of such a mutation in the heart. Murine hearts expressing the Cav1.2I1624E mutation were generated in adult heterozygous mice through inactivation of the floxed WT Cav1.2L2 allele by tamoxifen-induced cardiac-specific activation of the MerCreMer Cre recombinase. Within 10 days after the first tamoxifen injection these mice developed dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) accompanied by apoptosis of cardiac myocytes (CM) and fibrosis. In Cav1.2I1624E hearts, the activity of phospho-CaM kinase II and phospho-MAPK was increased. CMs expressed reduced levels of Cav1.2I1624E channel protein and ICa. The Cav1.2I1624E channel showed “CDI” kinetics. Despite a lower sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content, cellular contractility and global Ca2+ transients remained unchanged because the EC coupling gain was up-regulated by an increased neuroendocrine activity. Treatment of mice with metoprolol and captopril reduced DCM in Cav1.2I1624E hearts at day 10. We conclude that mutation of the IQ motif to IE leads to dilated cardiomyopathy and death.
Comparison of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is one of the most widely used bariatric procedures, and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a single-stage procedure for treating morbid obesity is becoming more popular. We compared both techniques to evaluate their efficacy in treating morbid obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases, Medline, Embase, ISI databases and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of LRYGB and LSG for morbid obesity or T2DM published in any language. Statistical analyses were carried out using RevMan software. RESULTS Five worldwide RCTs with 196 patients in the LRYGB group and 200 in the LSG group were included in our analysis. Compared with patients who had LSG, those who had LRYGB had a higher remission rate of T2MD, lost more weight and had lower low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, homeostasis model assessment index and insulin levels. There was no difference in the reoperation rate between the groups. However, patients treated with LRYGB had a higher incidence of complication than those treated with LSG. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis demonstrates that LRYGB is more effective than LSG for the surgical treatment of T2DM and control of metabolic syndrome. However, LSG is safer and has a reduced rate of complications. Further high-quality RCTs with long follow-up periods are needed to provide more reliable evidence.
Dominance oculaire : implications neurophysiologiques et conséquences au niveau de la visuo-motricité

Les informations visuelles sont preponderantes pour guider le comportement. Malgre une bonne connaissance du systeme visuel, un phenomene representant une lateralisation de celui-ci, le phenomene de dominance oculaire (DO), reste mal compris et finalement peu etudie. Nos travaux de these ont permis de demontrer que cette DO exerce une large influence sur differentes etapes de la transformation des informations visuelles en mouvements manuels ou oculaires et que celle-ci s’exprime en interaction avec d’autres lateralisations du systeme nerveux telles que les lateralisations manuelle et des reseaux attentionnels. Nous montrons egalement son influence sur les processus de transfert d’information entre les deux hemispheres du cerveau. Enfin, nos travaux comportent des retombees cliniques directes : ils introduisent une methode de quantification plus precise de la DO utilisable par les cliniciens pour une meilleure reussite de certaines techniques chirurgicales. En conclusion, nous montrons que la DO constitue un aspect important de la lateralisation du cerveau humain, relativement neglige jusqu’a present.
NBCe1 in Mouse and Human Ameloblasts may be Indirectly Regulated by Fluoride

Enamel biomineralization results in a release of protons into the enamel matrix, causing an acidification of the local microenvironment. This acidification, which may be enhanced by more rapid mineral deposition in the presence of fluoride, must be neutralized by the overlying ameloblasts. The electrogenic sodium bicarbonate co-transporter NBCe1 has been localized in mouse ameloblasts, and has been proposed to have a role in matrix pH regulation. In this study, transcript analysis by PCR showed NBCe1-A present in human ameloblasts, whereas mouse ameloblasts expressed NBCe1-B. In situ hybridization and qPCR in mouse and fetal human incisors showed that NBCe1 mRNA was up-regulated as ameloblasts differentiated. Ingestion of 50 ppm fluoride resulted in an up-regulation of NBCe1 mRNA in maturation-stage mouse ameloblasts in vivo, as compared with controls. NBCe1 expression was up-regulated by low pH, but not by fluoride, in human ameloblast-lineage cells in vitro. The up-regulation of NBCe1 in vivo as enamel maturation and mineralization progressed provides evidence that NBCe1 participates in pH modulation during enamel formation. Up-regulation of NBCe1 in fluorosed maturation ameloblasts in vivo, with no effect of fluoride in vitro, supports the hypothesis that fluoride-enhanced mineral deposition results in acidification of the mineralizing enamel matrix.
Role for tumor necrosis factor as mediator of lung injury following lower torso ischemia.

Ischemia and reperfusion of the ischemic lower torso lead to a neutrophil- (PMN) dependent lung injury characterized by PMN sequestration and permeability edema. This mimics the injury seen after infusion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), a potent activator of PMN and endothelium. This study tests whether TNF is a mediator of the lung injury after lower torso ischemia. Anesthetized rats underwent 4 h of bilateral hindlimb tourniquet ischemia, followed by reperfusion for 10 min, 30 min, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h (n = 6 for each time point). Quantitative lung histology indicated progressive sequestration of PMN in the lungs, 25 +/- 3 (SE) PMN/10 high-power fields (HPF) 10 min after reperfusion vs. 20 +/- 2 PMN/10 HPF in sham animals (NS), increasing to 53 +/- 5 PMN/10 HPF after 4 h vs. 23 +/- 3 PMN/10 HPF in sham animals (P less than 0.01). There was lung permeability, shown by increasing protein accumulation in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, which 4 h after reperfusion was 599 +/- 91 vs. 214 +/- 35 micrograms/ml in sham animals (P less than 0.01). Similarly, there was edema, shown by the lung wet-to-dry weight ratio, which increased by 4 h to 4.70 +/- 0.12 vs. 4.02 +/- 0.17 in sham animals (P less than 0.01). There was generation of leukotriene B4 in BAL fluid (720 +/- 140 vs. 240 +/- 40 pg/ml, P less than 0.01), and in three of six rats tested at this time TNF was detected in plasma, with a mean value of 167 pg/ml. TNF was not detectable in any sham animal. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Measure of trajectory quality in Magnetic Particle Imaging

For all trajectories, the energies computed in time and frequency domain agree well. The maximum local magnetization change dM/dt is largest for the spiral and Lissajous trajectories while it is smallest for the Cartesian trajectory. For the Lissajous and Cartesian trajectories, the total magnetization change appears more homogeneous over the field of view (FOV) than for the radial and spiral trajectories, where it is stronger in the center compared to the borders. In general, areas of homogeneous high total magnetization change seem to correspond to areas of high spatial resolution in reconstructed images.
Plasmodium knowlesi Infection in Humans, Cambodia, 2007–2010

Two cases of Plasmodium knowlesi infection in humans were identified in Cambodia by 3 molecular detection assays and sequencing. This finding confirms the widespread distribution of P. knowlesi malaria in humans in Southeast Asia. Further wide-scale studies are required to assess the public health relevance of this zoonotic malaria parasite.
Internationality of the social sciences: Implications for information transfer

The claims of the social sciences to be of universal interest, value, and use are challenged. Citation data show that there is not a free flow of information across language and national boundaries. The implications for the design of a new generation of library and information services which reflect the communication activities and information requirements of social scientists are considered.
Lower Back Pain is Reduced and Range of Motion Increased After Massage Therapy

Study Design: A randomized between-groups design evaluated massage therapy versus relaxation for chronic low back pain. Objectives: Treatment effects were evaluated for reducing pain, depression, anxiety and stress hormones, and sleeplessness and for improving trunk range of motion associated with chronic low back pain. Summary of Background Data: Twenty-four adults (M age = 39.6 years) with low back pain of nociceptive origin with a duration of at least 6 months participated in the study. The groups did not differ on age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity or gender. Methods: Twenty-four adults (12 women) with lower back pain were randomly assigned to a massage therapy or a progressive muscle relaxation group. Sessions were 30 minutes long twice a week for five weeks. on the first and last day of the 5-week study participants completed questionnaires, provided a urine sample and were assessed for range of motion. Results: By the end of the study, the massage therapy group, as compared to the relaxation group, reported experiencing less pain, depression, anxiety and improved sleep. They also showed improved trunk and pain flexion performance, and their serotonin and dopamine levels were higher. Conclusions: Massage therapy is effective in reducing pain, stress hormones and symptoms associated with chronic low back pain. Precis: Adults (M age = 39.6 years) with low back pain with a duration of at least 6 months received two 30-min massage or relaxation therapy sessions per week for 5 weeks. Participants receiving massage therapy reported experiencing less pain, depression, anxiety and their sleep had improved. They also showed improved trunk and pain flexion performance, and their serotonin and dopamine levels were higher.
Performance analyse on millimetre-wave bonding-wire interconnection

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the electrical performance of the bonding-wire interconnection up to 170 GHz. The effects of the wire length, loop height and pad area have all been analyzed. An electrical model for the bonding-wire is discussed. By reducing interconnection distance and optimizing pad area, the performance of the bonding-wire can be enhanced. The acceptable measurement results of the bonding-wire up to 170 GHz are obtained.
Safety measurement for the road transport in northern Norway in wintertime

Northern Norway has adverse geographical and weather condition in wintertime for road transport. Accidents occurs frequently in some areas and the safety of the transport in these areas has been a big concern. This paper analyze the reasons of the accidents and explore the economic and effective method to reduce the accidents. Considering the existing installed system preventing the accidents and the specialty of the geographical condition, this paper suggests developing highly integrated and automatic intelligent system to monitor the road surface and the driver behavior.