Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Trial Comparing Early (7 Day) Corticosteroid Cessation Versus Long-Term, Low-Dose Corticosteroid Therapy

Objective:To compare outcomes with early corticosteroid withdrawal (CSWD) and chronic low dose corticosteroid therapy (CCS). Summary Background Data:Final, 5-year results from the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of early CSWD (at 7 days posttransplant) are presented. Methods:Adult recipients of deceased and living donor kidney transplants without delayed graft function were randomized to receive prednisone (5 mg/d after 6 months posttransplant) or CSWD. Blinding was maintained for 5 years. This clinical trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov (NCT00650468). Results:Results in 386 patients CSWD (n = 191), CCS (n = 195) are presented (CSWD; CCS). No differences were observed at 5 years in the proportion of patients experiencing: primary end point (composite of death, graft loss, or moderate/severe acute rejection) (30/191 (15.7%); 28/195 (14.4%)), patient death (11/191(5.8%);13/195 (6.7%)), death-censored graft loss (11/191 (5.8%); 7/195(3.6%)), biopsy confirmed acute rejection (BCAR) (34/191 (17.8%); 21/195 (10.8%), P = 0.058), moderate/severe acute rejection (15/191 (7.9%); 12/195 (6.2%)). Kaplan Meier analyses of the primary end point and its components also showed no differences; but BCAR was higher with CSWD (P = 0.04). Increased BCAR episodes were primarily corticosteroid-sensitive Banff 1A rejections: the incidence of antibody-treated BCAR was similar between groups (11/191 (5.8%); 13/195 (6.7%)). No differences in renal function were observed at 5 years: mean serum creatinine (1.5 ± 0.6; 1.5 ± 0.7 mg/dL), or Cockroft Gault calculated creatinine clearance (58.6 ± 19.7; 59.8 ± 20.5 mL/min). CSWD was associated with improved serum triglycerides (evaluated by mean and median change from baseline) at all time points (except at 5 years measured by mean change). Weight change also demonstrated changes favoring CSWD (median change from baseline at 5 years: 5.1 vs. 7.7 kg, P = 0.05). New onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT) was similar with respect to proportions who required treatment (23/107 (21.5%)); 18/86 (20.9%); however, fewer CSWD patients required insulin for NODAT at 5 years (4/107 (3.7%)); 10/86 (11.6%), P = 0.049). Changes in HgA1c values (from baseline) were lower in CSWD patients at all time points except 4 years. Conclusions:Early CSWD, compared with CCS, is associated with an increase in BCAR primarily because of mild, Banff 1A, steroid-sensitive rejection, yet provides similar long-term renal allograft survival and function. CSWD provides improvements in cardiovascular risk factors (triglycerides, NODAT requiring insulin, weight gain). Tacrolimus/MMF/antibody induction therapy allows early CSWD with results comparable to long-term low dose (5 mg/d) prednisone therapy.
Efficiency of various bile salt preparations for stimulation of Clostridium difficile spore germination

Taurocholate, desoxycholate, and cholate stimulated germination of Clostridium difficile spores in broth medium and enhanced recovery of C. difficile spores on a selective agar medium. Desoxycholate and some crude taurocholate preparations also inhibited multiplication of vegetative cells. At a concentration of 1.2 X 10(-2) M, sodium cholate inhibited multiplication of vegetative cells, but at concentrations of 1.2 X 10(-3) to 2.4 X 10(-3) M, it stimulated germination without inhibiting cell multiplication. Thus, pure sodium taurocholate and sodium cholate may effectively be incorporated in cefoxitin-cycloserine-fructose agar, whereas some crude preparations of sodium taurocholate decrease recovery on this medium.
SMA: smart materials for medical applications

The paper presents Nitinol, a Nickel-Titanium shape memory alloy, as a smart material for medical implants and devices. The atomistic nature of shape memory and superelasticity of Nitinol and the associated unique changes in mechanical properties are described. The smartness of the material is exemplified by its use for self-expanding stents. Caused by the stress hysteresis of superelastic Nitinol, these devices exhibit a biased stiffness behavior, i.e. they exert a low chronic outward force on the vessel wall, but resist external deformation with much higher forces. Some recent developments of thin film Nitinol stents and filters are also discussed.
A new technique for unbalance current and voltage estimation with neural networks

In this paper, a new measurement procedure based on neural networks for the estimation of harmonic powers and current/voltage-symmetrical components is presented. The theory foundation is the Park vectors representation of a three-phase voltage/current. The measurement system scheme is built with three neural network blocks. The first block is a feedforward neural network that computes the Park vectors and the zero-phase sequence components. The second block is an adaptive linear neuron (ADALINE) that estimates the harmonic complex coefficients of the current/voltage Park vectors. A third block is another feedforward neural network that obtains symmetrical components of current/voltage harmonics and harmonic active/reactive powers. Finally, to check the measurement method performance, the digital simulation results of a practical case are presented.
Rapidity of Specific Antibody–Antigen Interactions

Analysis of humoral immune responses against viruses has concentrated on studies with serum dilutions, which reflect characteristics pertaining to the diluent buffer but not the serum environment. The majority of virus‐specific antibody in serum from foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV)‐vaccinated cattle bound to antigen within 10–60 s, whereas aspecific reactions evolved more slowly. Upon dilution of sera, the reaction characteristics no longer related to those obtained with the serum, particularly when individual animals were compared. Diagnostic enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) — employing diluted serum — identified little variation in the reactivity of serum samples from different vaccinated cattle. This related to previous analyses showing similar specific antibody titres. In contrast, analyses of serum reactivities over a 10‐ and 60‐s incubation period demonstrated high variation between individual animals. Furthermore, when a challenge infection was performed on vaccinated animals, only those with the higher serum reactivities over a 10‐ and 60‐s incubation were protected. These results demonstrate the importance of the specific serum antibody reactions, which will occur within seconds. Moreover, such qualitative characteristics would be overlooked when employing conventional assays with diluted sera and long incubation periods.
Hostility in Takeovers: In the Eyes of the Beholder?

This paper examines whether hostile takeovers can be distinguished from friendly takeovers, empirically, based on accounting and stock performance data. Much has been made of this distinction in both the popular and the academic literature, where gains from hostile takeovers are typically attributed to the value of replacing incumbent managers and the gains from friendly takeovers are typically attributed to strategic synergies. Alternatively, hostility could reflect just a perceptual distinction arising from different patterns of public disclosure, where negotiated outcomes are the rule and transactions tend to be characterized as friendly when bargaining remains undisclosed throughout, and hostile when the public becomes aware of the negotiation before its resolution. Empirical tests show that most deals described as hostile in the press are not distinguishable from friendly deals in economic terms, and that negotiations are publicized earlier in hostile transactions.
Characterization of nra, a global negative regulator gene in group A streptococci

During sequencing of an 11.5 kb genomic region of a serotype M49 group A streptococcal (GAS) strain, a series of genes were identified including nra (negative regulator of GAS). Transcriptional analysis of the region revealed that nra was primarily monocistronically transcribed. Polycistronic expression was found for the three open reading frames (ORFs) downstream and for the four ORFs upstream of nra. The deduced Nra protein sequence exhibited 62% homology to the GAS RofA positive regulator. In contrast to RofA, Nra was found to be a negative regulator of its own expression and that of the two adjacent operons by analysis of insertional inactivation mutants. By polymerase chain reaction and hybridization assays of 10 different GAS serotypes, the genomic presence of nra, rofA or both was demonstrated. Nra‐regulated genes include the fibronectin‐binding protein F2 gene (prtF2) and a novel collagen‐binding protein (cpa). The Cpa polypeptide was purified as a recombinant maltose‐binding protein fusion and shown to bind type I collagen but not fibronectin. In accordance with nra acting as a negative regulator of prtF2 and cpa, levels of attachment of the nra mutant strain to immobilized collagen and fibronectin was increased above wild‐type levels. In addition, nra was also found to regulate negatively (four‐ to 16‐fold) the global positive regulator gene, mga. Using a strain carrying a chromosomally integrated duplication of the nra 3′ end and an nra–luciferase reporter gene transcriptional fusion, nra expression was observed to reach its maximum during late logarithmic growth phase, while no significant influence of atmospheric conditions could be distinguished clearly.
Pigments of Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria)

The complex pigment pattern of fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) cap skins has been studied by LC-DAD and mass spectrometry. Among the betaxanthins the corresponding derivatives of serine, threonine, ethanolamine, alanine, Dopa, phenylalanine and tryptophan are reported for the first time to contribute to the pigment pattern of fly agarics. Betalamic acid, the chromophoric precursor of betaxanthins and betacyanins, muscaflavin and seco-dopas were also detected. Furthermore, the red-purple muscapurpurin and the red muscarubrin were tentatively assigned while further six betacyanin-like components could not be structurally allocated. Stability studies indicated a high susceptibility of pigment extracts to degradation which led to rapid colour loss thus rendering a complete characterization of betacyaninlike compounds impossible at present. Taking into account these difficulties the presented results may be a starting point for a comprehensive characterization of the pigment composition of fly agarics.
High-speed direct Modulation of widely tunable MG-Y laser

The dynamic performance of the modulated-grating Y-branch laser is presented. In order to reach over 40-nm tuning range, the devices utilize an additive Vernier effect and relative tuning of two reflecting gratings. The device shows high (>13 dBm ex-facet) and uniform (<1.2-dB variation) steady state output power over the tuning range, and sidemode suppression ratio >40 dB. The laser behavior under small- and large-signal operation conditions is investigated. The laser exhibits a resonance frequency of 7.4-8.8 GHz at 80-mA bias. A 10-Gb/s eye diagram measurement showed high extinction ratio and signal-to-noise ratio.
Hepatitis C: an epidemiological review

The aim of the study was to analyse the current literature regarding the mode of transmission of HCV and its global prevalence in different groups of people. A systematic review of the literature on the epidemiology of hepatitis C from 1991 to 2000 using computerized bibliographic databases which include Medline, Current Content and Embase. The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) varies tremendously in different parts of the world, with the highest incidence in the Eastern parts of the globe compared with the Western parts. Furthermore, certain groups of individuals such as intravenous drug users are at increased risk of acquiring this disease irrespective of the geographical location. Although the main route of transmission is via contaminated blood, curiously enough in up to 50% of the cases no recognizable transmission factor/route could be identified. Therefore, a number of other routes of transmission such as sexual or household exposure to infected contacts have been investigated with conflicting results. Hepatitis C infection is an important public health issue globally. Better understanding of routes of transmission will help to combat the spread of disease. In order to prevent a world wide epidemic of this disease, urgent measures are required to (i) develop a strategy to inform and educate the public regarding this disease and (ii) expedite the efforts to develop a vaccine.
1 Podocarp Evolution : A Molecular Phylogenetic Perspective

Phylogenetic reconstructions of the relationships among extant taxa can be used to infer the nature of the processes that have generated contemporary patterns of biotic diversity. In this study, we present a molecular phylogenetic hypothesis for the conifer family Podocarpaceae based upon three DNA fragments that have been sampled for approximately 90 taxa. We use Bayesian relaxedclock methods and four fossil constraints to estimate divergence times among the lineages of Podocarpaceae. Our dating analyses suggest that although the family is old (Triassic–Jurassic), the extant species groups are of recent evolutionary origin (midto late Cenozoic), a pattern that could reflect a temporal increase in the rate lineage accumulation or, alternatively, a high and constant rate of extinction. Our data do not support the hypothesis that Podocarpaceae have diversified at a homogeneous rate, instead providing strong evidence for a threeto eightfold increase in diversification associated with the Podocarpoid– Dacrydioid clade, which radiated in the midto late Cretaceous to the earliest Cenozoic, around 60–94 mya. This group includes a predominance of taxa that develop broad leaves and/or leaflike shoots and are distributed predominantly throughout the tropics. Tropical podocarps with broad leaves may have experienced reduced extinction and/or increased speciation coincident with the radiation of the angiosperms, the expansion of megathermal forests, and relatively stable tropical climates that were widespread through the Tertiary.
Systemic absorption of salbutamol following nebulizer delivery in acute asthma

We measured plasma salbutamol concentrations in 35 children with acute asthma attacks before and after nebulizer therapy. The main finding was that older children had higher concentrations than younger children, despite similar dosage regimens. There was no influence of severity of the asthma attack on the following measures: pre‐ and post‐nebulizer concentrations, absolute and percentage change in salbutamol levels with therapy. We conclude that the theoretical risks of high concentrations in young children were not found and we suggest that the very young may indeed require higher doses due to possible problems in nebulizer technique or differences in kinetics.
Early Experiences of Neuroform Stent-Assisted Coiling in Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

Endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms with detachable coils has proven a favorable alternative to surgical clipping. However, coiling has limitations in the treatment of complex or broad neck aneurysms because of possible coil prolapse or coil migration into the parent vessel and long-term angiographic recurrences. To achieve reconstruction of intracranial vessels with preservation of the parent artery, the use of stents has the greatest potential for assisted coil embolization. Three-dimensional coils and reconstructive techniques such as balloon-assisted remodeling may overcome these problems. But these methods had some drawbacks. The Neuroform stent is the most recently developed endovascular stent with self-expandable and micro-delivery properties that are specially designed for the treatment of unruptured intracranial broad neck aneurysms. Aim of the following working is to report a single center experience of stent-assisted coiling on ruptured intracranial aneurysms with assessment of its efficacy and safety, and follow-up findings.
Open source as an innovative approach in computer science education A systematic review of advantages and challenges

This paper presents the results of a systematic literature review (SLR) of the advantages and challenges of using open source (OS) in computer science education. The review highlights an innovative approach of requesting students of computer science to become active members of existing OS communities as part of their curriculum. The acquisition of a wide range of skills, increasing student motivation, support for contextual learning and student-centered courses as well as the availability of a wealth of data to inform and support decision-making by educators are the main advantages as identified by the SLR. Similarly, high barriers to entry in OS projects, difficulties related to student support, assessments, grouping of students and choice of an adequate OS project are the potential challenges. In this paper, the advantages and challenges of using OS in an existing framework of a course design and delivery have been discussed in detail. In particular, the potential impact of OS in computer science education curriculum has been explored from the perspective of education providers.
Identification of various kinds of papers using multi-axial tactile sensor with micro-cantilevers

Various kinds of papers have been identified by active touch of a multi-axial tactile sensor which has micro-cantilevers with strain gauge film on Si. When fine surface of the standard surface roughness scale and the printed stripe pattern on a banknote have been scanned by the tactile sensor, it allows to measure such fine roughness as a resistance change of the gauge film, and the triangular unevenness could be obtained down to 20 μm. Transient responses of the resistance change have been obtained when the sensor was pushed and moved on various kinds of blank papers successively. Some features are extracted from the response by a principal component analysis and the papers are classified in four clusters.
Biosynthesis of Umbelliferose in Aegopodium podagraria.

The following reaction leading to the synthesis of the trisaccharide umbelliferose was demonstrated in an enzyme preparation from leaves of Aegopodium podagraria L. : sucrose + UDP-gal-(14)C --> umbelliferose-(14)C + UDP. Neither galactinol nor galactose 1-phosphate could replace UDP-gal. Among 10 different sugars tested only sucrose was a suitable galatosyl acceptor.
Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Expression Is Increased in Asthmatic Airways and Correlates with Expression of Th2-Attracting Chemokines and Disease Severity1

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is said to increase expression of chemokines attracting Th2 T cells. We hypothesized that asthma is characterized by elevated bronchial mucosal expression of TSLP and Th2-attracting, but not Th1-attracting, chemokines as compared with controls, with selective accumulation of cells bearing receptors for these chemokines. We used in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to examine the expression and cellular provenance of TSLP, Th2-attracting (thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)/CCL17, macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC)/CCL22, I-309/CCL1) and Th1-attracting (IFN-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10)/CXCL10, IFN-inducible T cell α-chemoattractant (I-TAC)/CXCL11) chemokines and expression of their receptors CCR4, CCR8, and CXCR3 in bronchial biopsies from 20 asthmatics and 15 normal controls. The numbers of cells within the bronchial epithelium and submucosa expressing mRNA for TSLP, TARC/CCL17, MDC/CCL22, and IP-10/CXCL10, but not I-TAC/CXCL11 and I-309/CCL1, were significantly increased in asthmatics as compared with controls (p ≤ 0.018). TSLP and TARC/CCL17 expression correlated with airway obstruction. Although the total numbers of cells expressing CCR4, CCR8, and CXCR3 did not significantly differ in the asthmatics and controls, there was evidence of selective infiltration of CD4+/CCR4+ T cells in the asthmatic biopsies which correlated with TARC and MDC expression and airway obstruction. Epithelial cells, endothelial cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and mast cells were significant sources of TSLP and chemokines. Our data implicate TSLP, TARC/CCL17, MDC/CCL22, and IP-10/CXCL10 in asthma pathogenesis. These may act partly through selective development and retention, or recruitment of Th2 cells bearing their receptors.
Epidemiological Analysis of Symptomatic Gonococcal Infection among Male Patients attending STD Clinic

Introduction: Gonorrhoea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae is one of the oldest known bacterial sexually transmitted infection that continues to cause a significant morbidity among the sexually active individuals. Aim: To study the epidemiological pattern of gonococcal infection in male patients with urethral discharge. Materials and Methods: A Retrospective study was conducted in 628 symptomatic male patients who attended Institute of Venereology, Madras Medical College with urethral discharge. Study period was from August 2011 – August 2016. Gram stain and culture was done from urethral discharge. Results: Among 628 cases, gonococci was positive by gram smear in 41 cases and by culture in 43 cases.Majority of them were in age group 20-25 years. Incubation period was 3-5 days in 51%. 90% were unmarried. 26 were homosexual. Conclusion: To conclude gonococcal infection is most prevalent in unmarried males in the age group of 20-25 years with homosexual behaviour.
The TDR Tuberculosis Specimen Bank: a resource for diagnostic test developers.

BACKGROUND The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases established a specimen bank in 1999 to support the development and evaluation of new tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic tools. OBJECTIVE To provide a narrative of the bank's development and discuss lessons learned, the bank's limitations and potential future applications. RESULTS Collection sites were selected in high- and low-prevalence settings. Patients with TB symptoms, consenting to participate and to undergo human immunodeficiency virus testing were enrolled and diagnosed. Serum, sputum, saliva and urine samples were collected and sent to the bank's repositories. The bank has stocked 41,437 samples from 2524 patients at 11 sites worldwide. Ninety-five requests for specimens have been reviewed and 67 sets have been approved. Approved applicants have received sets of 20 or 200 samples. The bank allowed an evaluation of 19 commercial lateral flow tests and showed that none of them had broad global utility for TB diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The establishment and development of the specimen bank have provided a wealth of experience. It is fulfilling a need to provide quality specimens, but the type and number of samples may not fulfil the demands of future end-users. Plans are underway to review the mechanisms of specimen collection and distribution to maximise their impact on product development.