Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lifetime History of Major Depression Predicts the Development of the Metabolic Syndrome in Middle-Aged Women

Objective: To prospectively examine the association of major depression with incidence of the metabolic syndrome in women. Methods: Data were drawn from one of seven sites of the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a prospective cohort study of the menopausal transition. Participants were 429 (34.5% African-American) women. Major depression and comorbid diagnoses were assessed via the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition Axis I Disorders at baseline and seven annual follow-up evaluations. The metabolic syndrome was measured at baseline and each follow-up evaluation (except the second) based on National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) criteria. Results: Longitudinal generalized estimating equations (GEE) models indicated that, in women who were free of the metabolic syndrome at baseline, a lifetime major depression history or current major depressive episode at baseline was significantly associated with the onset and presence of the metabolic syndrome during the follow-up (odds ratio = 1.82; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.06–3.14). Survival analyses showed that, in women who were free of the metabolic syndrome at baseline, a lifetime major depression history or current major depressive episode at baseline predicted increased risk of developing the metabolic syndrome during the follow-up (hazard ratio = 1.66; 95% CI = 0.99-3.75). Lifetime history of alcohol abuse or dependence predicted incident metabolic syndrome and attenuated the association between depression and the metabolic syndrome in both models. Conclusions: This study documents that major depression is a significant predictor of the onset of the metabolic syndrome. Intervention studies targeting depression may prevent the development of the metabolic syndrome in women. CAD = coronary artery disease; NHANES = National Health and Nutrition Examination Study; SWAN = Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation; SCID-IV/NP = Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV Axis-I Disorders-Non-Patient Edition; HDL-C = high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; SBP/DBP = systolic/diastolic blood pressure; GEE = generalized estimating equations; OR = odds ratio; CI = Confidence Interval; HR = hazard ratio; HPA = hypothalamic pituitary adrenal; ANS = autonomic nervous system.
Cu „ In , Ga ... Se 2 solar cells with controlled conduction band offset of window Õ Cu „ In , Ga ... Se 2 layers

Our group studied the effects of conduction band offset of window/Cu ~In,Ga! Se2 ~CIGS! layers on CIGS-based solar cell performance. To control the conduction band offset, we considered the use of a window layer of Zn12xMgxO thin film with a controllable band gap as an alternative to the conventional window layer using CdS film. From the measurement of valence band offset between Zn12xMgxO/CIGS layers and the band gap of each layer, we confirmed that the conduction band offset of Zn12xMgxO/CIGS layers could be controlled by changing the Mg content of the Zn12xMgxO film. The CIGS-based solar cells prepared for this study consisted of an ITO/Zn12xMgxO/CIGS/Mo/soda-lime glass structure. When the conduction band minimum of Zn12xMgxO was higher than that of CIGS, the performance of CIGS-based solar cells with a Zn12xMgxO window layer was equivalent to that of CIGS-based solar cells with CdS window layers. We confirmed that the control of the conduction band offset of the window/CIGS layers decreases the majority carrier recombination via the Zn 12xMgxO/CIGS interface defects. ©2001 American Institute of Physics. @DOI: 10.1063/1.1366655 #
Acute upper respiratory tract viral illness and influenza immunization in homes for the elderly

SUMMARY Occupants of 482 long-stay and 33 short-stay beds in 11 Leicester City Council homes for the elderly were studied during a 30-week period from September 1988 to March 1989 to determine the incidence, aetiology, morbidity, and mortality of acute upper respiratory tract viral infections and the use of influenza vaccine. Influenza immunization rates by home ranged from 15·4 to 90% (mean 45%). There were no differences in the distribution of medical conditions by home. The highest immunization rates were seen in people with chest disease (77%), heart disease (60%), diabetes (56%), and those with three medical conditions (75%). There was an average of 0·7 upper respiratory episodes per bed per annum with a mortality of 3·4% (6/179). Half of all episodes were seen by a general medical practitioner and 81 of 90 (90%) referrals were prescribed antibiotics costing approximately £7.50 per patient. Lower respiratory tract complications developed during 45 (25%) of 179 episodes including 3 of 12 coronavirus infections, 3 of 9 respiratory syncytial virus infections, 2 of 4 adenovirus infections, 1 of 11 rhinovirus infections, but none of 5 influenza infections. Respiratory infections were caused mostly by pathogens other than influenza virus during the influenza period documented nationally. This highlights the role of coronaviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, and unidentified agents in the elderly, and questions the assumptions made in American estimates on the impact of influenza and the value of influenza vaccines.
Performance Limits of Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Transistors

The performance limits of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide ( MX<sub>2</sub>) transistors are examined with a ballistic MOSFET model. Using an ab initio theory, we calculate the band structures of 2-D transition MX<sub>2</sub>. We find the lattice structures of monolayer MX<sub>2</sub> remain the same as the bulk MX<sub>2</sub>. Within the ballistic regime, the performances of monolayer MX<sub>2</sub> transistors are better compared with those of the silicon transistors if a thin high-κ gate insulator is used. This makes monolayer MX<sub>2</sub> promising 2-D materials for future nanoelectronic device applications.
Hierarchical rank density genetic algorithm for radial-basis function neural network design

In this paper, we propose a genetic algorithm based design procedure for a radial-basis function neural network. A hierarchical rank density genetic algorithm (HRDGA) is used to evolve both the neural network's topology and parameters. In addition, the rank-density based fitness assignment technique is used to optimize the performance and topology of the evolved neural network to deal with the confliction between the training performance and network complexity. Instead of producing a single optimal network, HRDGA provides a set of near-optimal neural networks to the designers or the decision makers so that they can have more flexibility for the final decision-making based on their preferences. In terms of searching for a near-complete set of candidate networks with high performances, the networks designed by the proposed algorithm prove to be competitive, or even superior, to three selected traditional radial-basis function networks for predicting Mackey-Glass chaotic time series.
Multiple Large Shareholders, Control Contests, and Implied Cost of Equity

In this paper, we examine whether the presence of multiple large shareholders alleviates a firm's agency costs and information asymmetry manifested in the cost of equity financing. Using data for 1165 corporations from 8 East Asian and 13 Western European countries, we find evidence that the implied cost of equity decreases with the presence, number, and voting size of large shareholders beyond the controlling owner. We also find that the identity of the second largest shareholder is important in determining the risk of corporate expropriation in family-controlled firms. Our regional analysis reveals that, mainly in East Asian firms, multiple large shareholders structures exert an internal governance role in curbing private benefits and reducing information asymmetry, perhaps to sidestep deficiencies in the external institutional environment.
Assessing Variations in Developmental Outcomes Among Teenage Offspring of Teen Mothers: Maternal Life Course Correlates

This study investigated potential heterogeneity in development among offspring (age 17) of teen mothers and maternal life course as correlates of variation. Using latent class analysis, subgroups of developmental outcomes were identified. Maternal standing in two life course realms (i.e., socioeconomic and domestic) was considered as a potential explanation for heterogeneity in offspring's development. Offspring reported on measures assessing their psychological, academic, and behavioral development. Teen mothers reported on measures of life course realms. Three subgroups of developmental outcomes were identified: on track (52%), at risk (37%), and troubled (11%). Findings suggest that economic hardship and number of pregnancies among teen mothers distinguish developmental patterns among teenage offspring, whereas teen mothers' educational attainment and marital status do not.
Mutation-based inter-class testing

Faults and failures due to interaction are the bane of testers. Since their subtlety makes them difficult to recognize and even more difficult to reveal by testing, it is important to specify interaction between classes systematically. In this paper, we propose mutation-based inter-class testing technique. Our inter-class testing technique consists of two procedures: test item identification procedure and test case selection procedure. For the test item identification procedure, we develop the Inheritance-Call graph (ICgraph) to identify the taxonomy of interaction of public methods between classes. For the test case selection procedure, we design a new criterion, state-based mutation testing criterion (SMTC), by applying mutation analysis to the state diagram representing class behavior. Mutation analysis is a well-known method for measuring test case adequacy which involves the mutation of a program by the introduction of small syntactic change in the program. The implementation of our proposed technique on a sample program shows that our technique leads to a set of test cases which detect errors in inter-class relation.
Recent Advances in the Treatment of Infant Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Infant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) of less than 12 months old is generally characterized by a high incidence of acute monoblastic or myelomonoblastic leukemia with hyperleukocytosis and extramedullary involvement. Most of the leukemic cells have 11q23 translocations, which lead to the MLL gene rearrangements. The MLL gene rearrangements occur at a high frequency in monoblastic subtype, hyperleukocytosis or young age in infant AML. Compared with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, however, it remains unknown whether prenatal origin exists in the pathogenesis of infant AML. Recently, the treatment outcome of infant AML has been clarified by two study groups, which confirmed the effect of intensive chemotherapy including repeated cycles of cytarabine and anthracyclines for infant AML. Presence of the MLL gene rearrangements, gender, age and white blood cell count showed no influence on the outcome of infant AML. The allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the treatment of choice for infant AML when a matched related donor is available. Monitoring of minimal residual disease by real-time PCR is a useful technique to predict the outcome or efficacy of the treatment in infant AML. Although intensive chemotherapy and/or allogeneic HSCT have cured most AML infants, some still relapse and ultimately die. A need remains for future development by exploiting the unusual biologic properties of leukemic progenitor cells expressing the abnormal MLL gene product.
Effect of dietary fiber and genetic strain on the performance and energy balance of broiler chickens

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary fiber on the performance and energy balance of broiler chickens of a fast-growing strain (Cobb500) and a slow-growing strain (Label Rokens during the period of 1 one to 42 days of used In total, 360 male broilers (240 fast-grorain and 120 slow-grtrain)were, housed in collective cages. A completely randomized experimental dewith in a 3x2 factorial arrangement was applied, consisting of three groups of birds (slow-growing - SG; fast-growing fed ad libitum - FGAL; and fast-growing pair-fed with SG broilers - FGPF) and two iso-protein dis (a 3100 kcal ME/kg low-fiber diet and a 2800 kcal ME/kg high-fiber diet- Hwith containing 14% wheat bran and 4% oat hulls). Dietary fiber level did not affect feed intake (FI); however, it resulted in lower weight gain (WG) and worse feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.001) in birds fed the HFD diet due to its lower energy content. The FGPF group presented higher WG than SG and better FCR (p < 0.001), indicating that fast-growing birds present better performance than SG broilers, even under restricted feed intake. The SG group retained more energy relative to body weight (p < 0.001), which is associated to higher body fat retention in this strain (p < 0.001). The slow-growing strain did not present better use of high-fiber diet than fast-growing strain as expected.
Characteristic immune, apoptosis and inflammatory gene profiles associated with intestinal acute cellular rejection in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded mucosal biopsies

Small bowel transplantation (SBT) is becoming a preferred treatment for patients with irreversible intestinal failure. Despite continuous improvement of immunosuppression, SBT is plagued by a high incidence of acute cellular rejection (ACR) that is frequently intractable. Therefore, there is a need for reliable detection markers and novel immunosuppressive strategies that can achieve better control of ACR. We hypothesized that particular transcriptomes provide critical regulation of the intragraft immune response. The aim of our study was to detect potential molecular biomarkers for identifying ACR in minute mucosal biopsies. We examined 30 intestinal mucosal biopsies (AR/NR; 17/13) obtained from recipients after SBT or multivisceral transplantation. We utilized TaqMan® Gene Signature Arrays (immune, inflammation and apoptosis) and investigated the expression of 280 genes. As one of our validations, we performed immunohistochemistry for selected targets. We detected 252 mRNAs in total, 92 of which were found with significantly different expression levels between the AR and NR groups. Immunohistochemistry showed significantly increased staining for IL1R2, ICAM1, GZMB, and CCL3 (P < 0.05) during ACR. For the first time, we characterize the potential molecular changes that are associated with modulation of histological appearances of intestinal ACR. These differences in transcriptome patterns can be used to identify robust biomarkers and potential novel therapeutic targets for immunosuppressive agents.
Analyse cliométrique des cycles de croissance de l’éducation en France (1815-2003): Vers un modèle à seuil autorégressif

L’objectif de cet article est d’etudier l’evolution, sur longue periode, des effectifs scolarises francais. Au cours du XIXe et XXe siecle, le developpement du systeme educatif s’est effectue non pas lineairement mais de maniere convulsive. Partant de la, nous choisissons une formalisation econometrique en seuil afin d’identifier les ruptures de grandes ampleurs dans la composante cyclique de la serie des effectifs scolarises. Notre approche cliometrique met ainsi en evidence trois « cycles de croissance » de l’Education nationale et apporte une nouvelle interpretation economique de deux siecles d’histoire de la scolarisation.
Emerging biological roles of Cl− intracellular channel proteins

ABSTRACT Cl− intracellular channels (CLICs) are a family of six evolutionary conserved cytosolic proteins that exist in both soluble and membrane-associated forms; however, their functions have long been elusive. Soluble CLICs adopt a glutathione S-transferase (GST)-fold, can induce ion currents in artificial membranes and show oxidoreductase activity in vitro, but there is no convincing evidence of CLICs having such activities in vivo. Recent studies have revealed a role for CLIC proteins in Rho-regulated cortical actin dynamics as well as vesicular trafficking and integrin recycling, the latter of which are under the control of Rab GTPases. In this Commentary, we discuss the emerging roles of CLIC proteins in these processes and the lessons learned from gene-targeting studies. We also highlight outstanding questions regarding the molecular function(s) of these important but still poorly understood proteins. Summary: Emerging evidence points to a role of CLIC proteins in actin dynamics and membrane trafficking.
Characterisation of coral explants : a model organism for cnidarian-1 dinoflagellate studies 2 3

23 24 Coral cell cultures made from reef-building scleractinian corals have the potential to aid in the pursuit 25 of understanding of the cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis. Various methods have previously been 26 described for the production of cell cultures in vitro with a range of success and longevity. In this 27 study, viable tissue spheroids containing host tissue and symbionts (coral explants) were grown from 28 the tissues of Fungia granulosa. The cultured explants remained viable for over two months and 29 showed morphological similarities in tissue structure and internal microenvironment to reef-building 30 scleractinian corals. The photophysiology of the explants (1 week old) closely matched that of the 31 parent coral F. granulosa. This study provides the first empirical basis for supporting the use of coral 32 explants as laboratory models for studying coral symbioses. In particular, it highlights how these 33 small, self-sustaining, skeleton-free models can be useful for a number of molecular, genetic and 34 physiological analyses necessary for investigating host-symbiont interactions at the microscale. 35
User behaviour analysis on LMS and MOOC

This paper presents results of a subjective experiment of user behaviour analysis on state-of-the-art learning management systems (LMS) and massive open online courses (MOOCs). The purpose of this study is to conduct a usability analysis on different eLearning platforms by observing subjects facial expressions, and based on the generated results to speculate which of the platforms are easy to use and work with for a new user. An experiment is designed for this purpose with different tasks that each subject has to perform, while they are being recorded. The facial recordings are analysed to find seven emotional engagement attributes and three sentiment engagement attributes using facial expression software. The results of our work show some very interesting findings. Additionally we have also proposed some recommendations based on an extensive comparison of features among different LMS that will provide better content personalization and customization, thereby improving learning outcome.
Open wound management for treatment of postoperative infections in eight dogs.

Postoperative infections are major contributing factors to increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, added expense, and surgical failures. Treatment options include systemic antibiotics alone, surgical debridement and primary or delayed primary closure, various drainage techniques, and open wound management followed by secondary closure or second intention healing (1,2). Management is based on clinical judgement regarding the severity of infection, condition of tissues, presence of foreign materials, and failure of response to less aggressive management. Not all infected wounds require open management, but when indicated, benefits include optimal drainage, and daily inspection, debridement and lavage of the tissues. The eight dogs in this case series were treated at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) between September 1986 and April 1988 (Table 1). Postoperative infections developed either while hospitalized at WCVM or while animals were under the care of a referring veterinarian. Six infections developed following orthopedic surgery, one followed delayed primary closure of a soft tissue wound, and one followed jejunal resection and anastomosis. Wound management following diagnosis of infection was similar in all dogs. Dog 1 developed an infection of the left stifle joint and surrounding soft tissues two months following extracapsular repair of a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament. Number 5 polyester fiber suture (American Cyanamid Co., Pearl River, New York) had been used to perform a lateral retinacular imbrication. A draining tract and local swelling had been unsuccessfully treated with systemic antibiotics for one month by the referring veterinarian. Initial management at WCVM consisted of removal of the suture material, surgical debridement, bacterial culture, antibiotic sensitivity determination, and open wound management. The infection extended into the joint Dog 2 sustained a distal femoral fracture which was repaired using a 6-hole, 3.5 mm bone plate one year prior to the development of a draining tract. Systemic antibiotics, given for one month, were unsuccessful in decreasing drainage. The dog subsequently developed an acute nonweight bearing lameness and was referred.
A channel-erasing 1.8-V-only 32-Mb NOR flash EEPROM with a bitline direct sensing scheme

A 1.8-V-only 32-Mb NOR flash EEPROM has been developed based on the 0.25-/spl mu/m triple-well double-metal CMOS process. A channel-erasing scheme has been implemented to realize a cell size of 0.49 /spl mu/m/sup 2/, the smallest yet reported for 0.25-/spl mu/m CMOS technology. A block decoder circuit with a novel erase-reset sequence has been designed for the channel-erasing operation. A bitline direct sensing scheme and a wordline boosted voltage pooling method have been developed to obtain high-speed reading operation at low voltage. An access time of 90 ns at 1.8 V has been realized.
Association Between Young Australian's Drinking Behaviours and Their Interactions With Alcohol Brands on Facebook: Results of an Online Survey.

AIMS To examine the association of alcohol-brand social networking pages and Facebook users' drinking attitudes and behaviours. METHODS Cross-sectional, self-report data were obtained from a convenience sample of 283 Australian Facebook users aged 16-24 years via an online survey. RESULTS More than half of the respondents reported using Facebook for more than an hour daily. While only 20% had actively interacted with an alcohol brand on Facebook, we found a significant association between this active interaction and alcohol consumption, and a strong association between engagement with alcohol brands on Facebook and problematic drinking. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study demonstrate the need for further research into the complex interaction between social networking and alcohol consumption, and add support to calls for effective regulation of alcohol marketing on social network platforms.
Selectivity and patch measurements of A‐current channels in Helix aspersa neurones.

1. The ionic selectivity of A‐current K+ channels has been measured in single Helix aspersa neurones by recording the reversal potential shift in test solutions containing various monovalent cations. 2. The A‐current channel is permeable to Tl+, K+, Rb+, NH4+ and Cs+. The channels may also be sparingly permeable to Na+ and Li+. Organic cations have an apparent small permeability as judged from their reversal potentials, but this may be an artifact of K+ accumulation. 3. A large patch electrode (3 microns tip) isolated a region that appeared to contain only A‐current channels. This may indicate that A‐current channels are found in the membrane as rafts of at least 3 microns in diameter. 4. The single‐channel conductance calculated from single‐channel current steps was 14 pS.