Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the immune response in the synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome.

OBJECTIVE The aetiology of SAPHO (synovitis, acne, palmoplantar pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis) syndrome seems to involve genetic, infectious and immunological components. We examined innate and adaptive immune responses in SAPHO syndrome, as compared with PsA and RA. We also studied the effect of etanercept on immunological parameters. METHODS We studied 29 patients with SAPHO syndrome, as well as 22 patients with RA, 21 patients with PsA and 15 healthy controls. Adaptive immune responses were investigated by assaying total serum immunoglobulins and several autoantibodies. Innate immunity was studied by quantifying blood PMN functions and plasma cytokine levels. PMN responses to Propionibacterium acnes were tested ex vivo. Eight patients who received etanercept for refractory rheumatic disorders were tested before and after 28 days of treatment. RESULTS SAPHO syndrome was associated with elevated IL-8 and IL-18 plasma levels. IL-8 and TNF-alpha production by purified PMN was higher in the three patient groups than in the healthy controls, but the oxidative burst and IL-18 production were normal. No autoantibodies were detected in SAPHO patients. Induction of PMN IL-8 and TNF-alpha production by P. acnes was impaired in the SAPHO group as compared with the RA and PsA groups. After 28 days of etanercept therapy, PMN IL-8 and TNF-alpha production was down-regulated and TNF-alpha plasma levels were increased. CONCLUSIONS These results support the view that the SAPHO syndrome may be triggered by an infectious state involving P. acnes, contributing to the strong humoral and cellular pro-inflammatory responses. Etanercept modulation of PMN activation status emphasizes these new immunological findings.
Repair of Bilateral Complete Cleft Lip: Intraoperative Nasolabial Anthropometry

Synchronous repair of bilateral complete cleft lip and nasal deformity requires conception of three‐dimensional form and fourth‐dimensional changes with growth, as distorted by the malformation. The aim is to obviate typical postoperative nasolabial stigmata. The strategy is to construct fast‐growing features on a smaller scale and slowgrowing features on a normal or slightly larger scale. In this study, intraoperative alterations in nasolabial dimensions were documented by anthropometry in 46 consecutive infants with bilateral complete cleft lip. These values were averaged and compared with measures from normal Caucasian infants at ages 0 to 5 months and 6 to 12 months. Nasal height (n‐sn) and nasal width (al‐al), both fast‐growing features, were set smaller (88 percent and 96 percent, respectively) than those of age‐matched normal infants. In contrast, the slow‐growing features, nasal protrusion (sn‐prn) and columellar length, were constructed longer than normal (130 percent and 167 percent, respectively). Because all labial features grow rapidly, they were made diminutive in this study, with the exception of central vermilion‐mucosal height (median tubercle), which was purposively made full. These maneuvers resulted in a normal, average overall upper‐lip height (snsto). Two technical refinements also are described: (1) construction of deepithelialized bands flanking the philtral flap to improve surface contour; and (2) positioning and fixation of the dislocated alar cartilages, performed entirely through superiomedial nostril rim incisions. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 107: 307, 2001.)
Effects of Epinephrine in Local Anesthetics on the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems: Neurotoxicity and Neural Blood Flow

Epinephrine has been combined with neuraxial and peripheral local anesthetics since Heinrich Braun first experimented with its use as a “chemical tourniquet” in the early 1900s.1 A century of use attests to the general safety of adjuvant epinephrine, yet we have only modest understanding of its intended effects, which include prolonging block duration, reducing plasma concentration of local anesthetics, reducing surgical bleeding, and intensifying anesthesia and analgesia.2-5 The long-held belief that epinephrine exerts most of these effects, including any associated complications, by causing vasoconstriction is doubtlessly too simplistic and has been recently challenged. The few controlled studies that focus on adverse side effects of adjuvant epinephrine are often difficult to interpret and compare because of interspecies differences in neural blood flow,6,7 the technical challenges of measuring epinephrine’s evanescent physiologic effects, and the confounding hemodynamic influences of local anesthetics. After briefly considering the pharmacology of epinephrine, this review examines evidence for its untoward effects when applied to the neuraxial or peripheral nervous systems as part of a regional anesthetic technique. Information is organized by how neurotoxicity is manifested—histopathologic and behavioral effects, physiologic effects, and undesirable clinical consequences.8
Stochastic resonance: from climate to biology

Abstract. In this lecture, I will review some basic aspects of the mechanism of stochastic resonance, first introduced as a possible mechanism to explain long term climatic variation. Since then, there have been many applications of stochastic resonance in physical and biological systems. I will show that in complex system, stochastic resonance can substantially change as a function of the "system complexity". Also, I will briefly mention how to apply stochastic resonance for the case of Brownian motors.
Land-Use Allocation Protects the Peruvian Amazon

Disturbance and deforestation have profound ecological and socioeconomic effects on tropical forests, but their diffuse patterns are difficult to detect and quantify at regional scales. We expanded the Carnegie forest damage detection system to show that, between 1999 and 2005, disturbance and deforestation rates throughout the Peruvian Amazon averaged 632 square kilometers per year and 645 square kilometers per year, respectively. However, only 1 to 2% occurred within natural protected areas, indigenous territories contained only 11% of the forest disturbances and 9% of the deforestation, and recent forest concessions effectively protected against clear-cutting. Although the region shows recent increases in disturbance and deforestation rates and leakage into forests surrounding concession areas, land-use policy and remoteness are serving to protect the Peruvian Amazon.
History, Healing, and Hope: Reconceptualizing Crisis Renewal Theory by Developing a Model for Marginalized Communities

This study of two severely-affected, historically-marginalized communities expands current understanding of the crisis renewal theory by revealing the complexity of being prospective in the aftermath of a school shooting and following the devastation of a major hurricane. For the American Indians on the Red Lake Reservation in Minnesota and the African Americans in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, history and group antecedents defined the crisis and complicated the sense-making process. This study proposes a model to reflect the established crisis renewal theory (Figure 1); followed by a community model of renewal (Figure 2) as an alternative perspective.
A global profile of gene promoter methylation in treatment-naïve urothelial cancer

The epigenetic alteration of aberrant hypermethylation in the promoter CpG island of a gene is associated with repression of transcription. In neoplastic cells, aberrant hypermethylation is well described as a mechanism of allele inactivation of particular genes with a tumor suppressor function. To investigate the role of aberrant hypermethylation in the biology and progression of urothelial cancer, we examined 101 urothelial (transitional cell) carcinomas (UC), broadly representative of the disease at presentation, with no prior immunotherapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, by Infinium HM27 containing 14,495 genes. The genome-wide signature of aberrant promoter hypermethylation in UC consisted of 729 genes significant by a Wilcoxon test, hypermethylated in a CpG island within 1 kb of the transcriptional start site and unmethylated in normal urothelium from aged individuals. We examined differences in gene methylation between the two main groups of UC: the 75% that are superficial, which often recur but rarely progress, and the 25% with muscle invasion and poor prognosis. We further examined pairwise comparisons of the pathologic subgroups of high or low grade, invasive or non-invasive (pTa), and high grade superficial or low grade superficial UC. Pathways analysis indicated over-representation of genes involved in cell adhesion or metabolism in muscle-invasive UC. Notably, the TET2 epigenetic regulator was one of only two genes more frequently methylated in superficial tumors and the sole gene in low grade UC. Other chromatin remodeling genes, MLL3 and ACTL6B, also showed aberrant hypermethylation. The Infinium methylation value for representative genes was verified by pyrosequencing. An available mRNA expression data set indicated many of the hypermethylated genes of interest to be downregulated in UC. Unsupervised clustering of the most differentially methylated genes distinguished muscle invasive from superficial UC. After filtering, cluster analysis showed a CpG Island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP)-like pattern of widespread methylation in 11 (11%) tumors. Nine of these 11 tumors had hypermethylation of TET2. Our analysis provides a basis for further studies of hypermethylation in the development and progression of UC.
A Review of Multifaceted Care Approaches for the Prevention and Mitigation of Delirium in Intensive Care Units

Objective: The objective of this review is to examine the effectiveness, implementation, and costs of multifaceted care approaches, including care bundles, for the prevention and mitigation of delirium in patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs). Data Sources: A systematic search using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted utilizing PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Searches were limited to studies published in English from January 1, 1988, to March 31, 2014. Randomized controlled trials and comparative studies of multifaceted care approaches with the reduction of delirium in ICU patients as an outcome and evaluations of the implementation or cost-effectiveness of these interventions were included. Data Extraction: Data on study methods including design, cohort size, interventions, and outcomes were abstracted, reviewed, and summarized. Given the variability in study design, populations, and interventions, a qualitative review of findings was conducted. Data Synthesis: In all, 14 studies met our inclusion criteria: 6 examined outcomes, 5 examined implementation, 2 examined outcomes and implementation, and 1 examined cost-effectiveness. The majority of studies indicated that multifaceted care approaches were associated with improved patient outcomes including reduced incidence and duration of delirium. Additionally, improvements in functional status and reductions in coma and ventilator days, hospital length of stay, and/or mortality rates were observed. Implementation strategies included structured quality improvement approaches with ongoing audit and feedback, multidisciplinary care teams, intensive training, electronic reporting systems, and local support teams. The cost-effectiveness analysis indicated an average reduction of $1000 in hospital costs for patients treated with a multifaceted care approach. Conclusion: Although multifaceted care approaches may reduce delirium and improve patient outcomes, greater improvements may be achieved by deploying a comprehensive bundle of care practices including awakening and breathing trials, delirium monitoring and treatment, and early mobility. Further research to address this knowledge gap is essential to providing best care for ICU patients.
Exploring Secondary Students’ Conceptions about Fire Using a Two-Tier, True/False, Easy-to-Use Diagnostic Test

This article describes the design of a misconception diagnostic test about fire-related phenomena. It proposes a new test format in which a certainty-measuring tier has been integrated into each of the true/false response choices. This format is argued to be easier for teachers to use than the increasingly popular three-tier format. First, we review the available literature about misconception diagnostic tests and then literature about fire-related misconceptions. We then describe the design process of the test, which was preceded by an interview phase. We then describe its administration to 221 secondary school students. We finally present, in an explorative and accessible manner, the results that were obtained. These results support the existence of previously recorded misconceptions, but also bring certain nuances to some of their previous interpretations. They also support the hypothesis according to which some misconceptions are presumed to be more widespread than they truly are. Conclusive remarks are formulated about the benefits of the use of our—and other— misconception diagnostic tests.
Diffusion-Weighted MRI for the Assessment of Liver Fibrosis: Principles and Applications

The importance of an early identification of hepatic fibrosis has been emphasized, in order to start therapy and obtain fibrosis regression. Biopsy is the gold-standard method for the assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, but it is limited by complications, interobserver variability, and sampling errors. Several noninvasive methods have been recently introduced into clinical routine, in order to detect liver fibrosis early. One of the most diffuse approaches is represented by diffusion-weighted liver MRI. In this review, the main technical principles are briefly reported in order to explain the rationale for clinical applications. In addition, roles of apparent diffusion coefficient, intravoxel incoherent motion, and relative apparent diffusion coefficient are also reported, showing their advantages and limits.
Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field vibration on tooth movement induced by magnetic and mechanical forces: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND This study was designed to determine whether or not high-frequency and low-magnitude vibration affects orthodontic tooth movement caused by magnetic or/and mechanical forces. METHODS Forty-four 7-week-old Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, with each group further divided into experimental and control subgroups. Neodymium-Iron-Boron (Nd-Fe-B) magnets and Sentalloy closed coil springs were placed between maxillary or mandibular first molars and incisors to activate tooth movement. The animals of experimental subgroups were exposed to the vibration induced by pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) whilst the control subgroups were under normal atmosphere. The experiment lasted for 14 days and all of the animals were sacrificed for examination. The changes in the space between the molar and incisor were measured to indicate the amount of tooth movement. RESULTS The coil springs, either with sham or active magnets, move molar much more than magnets alone, regardless of absence or presence of PEMF (p < 0.001). Under PEMF, the coil spring moved significantly more amount of tooth movement than that of coil-magnet combination (p < 0.01), as did the magnets compared to sham magnets (p < 0.019). Under a non-PEMF scenario, there was no significant difference in tooth movement between coil spring and coil-magnets combination, nor was there difference between magnets and sham magnets. CONCLUSIONS It is suggested that the PEMF-induced vibration may enhance the effect of mechanical and magnetic forces on tooth movement.
Modeling other minds

Nine normal volunteers performed a ‘theory of mind’ task while their regional brain blood flow pattern was recorded using the PET [15O]H2O technique. Control conditions induced subjects to attend to the visual and semantic attributes of known objects. In a third condition, subjects had to infer the function of an unfamiliar object from its form. In the ‘theory of mind’ condition, subjects had to infer function based on the form of both familiar and unfamiliar objects and in addition, model the knowledge and rationality of another mind about the function of these objects. Performance during the ‘theory of mind’ condition evoked the activation of a distributed set of neural networks with prominent activation of the left medial frontal lobe (Brodmann area 9) and left temporal lobe (Brodmann areas 21, 39/19, 38). This result suggests that when inferential reasoning depends on constructing a mental model about the beliefs and intentions of others, the participation of the prefrontal cortex is required. When access to such knowledge is affected by central nervous system dysfunction, such as that found in autism, modeling other minds may prove difficult.
Maturity Ogives for South Pacific Albacore Tuna (Thunnus alalunga) That Account for Spatial and Seasonal Variation in the Distributions of Mature and Immature Fish

Length and age at maturity are important life history parameters for estimating spawning stock biomass and reproductive potential of fish stocks. Bias in estimates of size and age at maturity can arise when disparate distributions of mature and immature fish within a population are not accounted for in the analysis. Here we investigate the spatial and temporal variability in observed size and age at maturity of female albacore tuna, Thunnus alalunga, using samples collected across the South Pacific. Maturity status was identified using consistent histological criteria that were precise enough to allow for mature but regenerating females to be distinguished from immature females during the non-spawning season, permitting year-round sampling for maturity estimation in albacore. Using generalised linear mixed models, we found that the proportion of mature females at length varied significantly with latitude and time of year. Specifically, females at northern latitudes (∼10–20°S, where spawning occurs) were mature at significantly smaller lengths and ages than females at southern latitudes (∼20–40°S), particularly during the spawning season (October–March). This variation was due to different geographic distributions of mature and immature fish during the year. We present a method for estimating an unbiased maturity ogive that takes into account the latitudinal variation in proportion mature at length during a given season (spawning or non-spawning). Applying this method to albacore samples from the western region of the South Pacific gave a predicted length at 50% mature of ∼87 cm fork length (4.5 years).
More than Words: Quantifying Language to Measure Firms' Fundamentals

We examine whether a simple quantitative measure of language can be used to predict individual firms' accounting earnings and stock returns. Our three main findings are: (1) the fraction of negative words in firm-specific news stories forecasts low firm earnings; (2) firms' stock prices briefly underreact to the information embedded in negative words; and (3) the earnings and return predictability from negative words is largest for the stories that focus on fundamentals. Together these findings suggest that linguistic media content captures otherwise hard-to-quantify aspects of firms' fundamentals, which investors quickly incorporate into stock prices. Copyright (c) 2008 by The American Finance Association.
Prediction and change of health behavior: Applying the reasoned action approach.

Preface. I. Ajzen, D. Albarracin, Predicting and Changing Behavior: A Reasoned Action Approach. D. Trafimow, Distinctions Pertaining to Fishbein and Ajzen's Theory of Reasoned Action. J.N. Cappella, The Role of Discrete Emotions in the Theory of Reasoned Action and Its Successors: Quitting Smoking in Young Adults. R. Hornik, An Extension of the Theory of Reasoned Action and Its Successors to Multiple Behavior Interventions. J. Jaccard, H. Blanton, A Theory of Implicit Reasoned Action: The Role of Implicit and Explicit Attitudes in the Prediction of Behavior. H.C. Triandis, Commentary on Attitudes and Behavior. V. Ottati, N.D. Krumdick, Attitudes and Behavior: Critical Issues. M. Yzer, Does Perceived Control Moderate Attitudinal and Normative Effects on Intention? A Review of Conceptual and Methodological Issues. S.E. Middlestadt, What Is the Behavior? Strategies for Selecting the Behavior to Be Addressed by Health Promotion Interventions. D. Kasprzyk, D.E. Montano, Application of an Integrated Behavioral Model to Understand HIV Prevention Behavior of High Risk Men in Rural Zimbabwe. R.J. Wolitski, J. Zhang, Understanding and Motivating Condom Use Among At-Risk and HIV-Seropositive Persons: A Review and Demonstration of the Applicability of the Theories of Reasoned Action and Planned Behavior. L. Sherr, Through the Theoretical Microscope? Comments on Kasprzyk and Montano, Wolitski and Zhang, and Middlestadt and Yzer. G. Gorn, Commentary on the Theories of Reasoned Action and Planned Behavior and Their Use in Health Promotion. E. Hopkins, C.A. Rietmeijer, Exploring HIV Serosorting as a Preventive Behavior Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Using a Comprehensive Approach to Behavioral Science Theory. S. Pick, Extension of Theory of Reasoned Action Principles for Health Promotion Programs With Marginalized Populations in Latin America. L.S. Jemmott, J.B. Jemmott, Applying the Theory of Reasoned Action to HIV Risk Reduction Behavioral Interventions. S.C. Kalichman, The Theory of Reasoned Action and Advances in HIV/AIDS Prevention. D. Holtgrave, Applied Aspects of Health Promotion Interventions Based on Theory of Reasoned Action and Theory of Planned Behavior. M. Fishbein, A Reasoned Action Approach: Some Issues, Questions, and Clarifications.
Non‐Gaussian invariant measures for the Majda model of decaying turbulent transport

The problem of turbulent transport of a scalar field by a random velocity field is considered. The scalar field amplitude exhibits rare but very large fluctuations whose typical signature are fatter than Gaussian tails for the probability distribution of the scalar. The existence of such large fluctuations is related to clustering phenomena of the Lagrangian paths within the flow. This suggests an approach to turn the large deviation problem for the scalar field into a small deviation, or small ball, problem for some appropriately defined process measuring the spreading with time of the Lagrangian paths. Here, such a methodology is applied to a model proposed by Majda consisting of a white‐in‐time linear shear flow and some generalizations of it where the velocity field has finite, or even infinite, correlation time. The non‐Gaussian invariant measure for the (reduced) scalar field is derived and, in particular, it is shown that the one‐point distribution of the scalar has stretched exponential tails, with a stretching exponent depending of the parameters in the model. Different universality classes for the scalar behavior are identified which, all other parameters being kept fixed, display a one‐to‐one correspondence with a exponent measuring time persistence effects in the velocity field. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.