Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Resonance Appearance of Monoclonal Gammopathies of Unknown Significance and Multiple Myeloma

Study Design. A prospective multicenter study. Objectives. To evaluate the use of magnetic resonance imaging in the differentiation between monoclonal gammopathies of unknown significance and multiple myeloma. Summary of Background Data. Although multiple myeloma has been studied extensively with magnetic resonance imaging, to the authors' knowledge, no study has evaluated the clinical interest of magnetic resonance imaging in the differentiation between monoclonal gammopathies of unknown significance and multiple myeloma. Methods. The magnetic resonance examinations of the thoracolumbar spine in 24 patients with newly diagnosed monoclonal gammopathies of unknown significance were compared with those performed in 44 patients with newly diagnosed nontreated multiple myeloma. Results. All findings on magnetic resonance examination performed in patients with monoclonal gammopathies of unknown significance were normal, whereas findings on 38 (86%) of the 44 magnetic resonance examinations performed in patients with multiple myeloma were abnormal. Conclusion. Magnetic resonance imaging can be considered as an additional diagnostic tool in differentiating between monoclonal gammopathies of unknown significance and multiple myeloma, which may be helpful when routine criteria are not sufficient. An abnormal finding on magnetic resonance examination in a patient with monoclonal gammopathies of unknown significance should suggest the diagnosis of multiple myeloma after other causes of marrow signal abnormalities are excluded. Magnetic resonance imaging also may be proposed in the long‐term follow‐up of monoclonal gammopathies of unknown significance when a new biologic or clinical event suggests the diagnosis of malignant monoclonal gammopathy.
The Impact of Interorganizational Imitation on New Venture International Entry and Performance

We examine the impact of interorganizational imitation on new venture international entry and subsequent performance. Using a sample of 150 U.S.–based publicly held new ventures, we find that new venture international entry is in part an imitative response to the internationalization of other firms in the venture's home country industry and/or subsets of firms with certain traits or outcomes. We also find that interorganizational imitation moderates the relationship between new venture international entry and profitability, but not the relationship between new venture international entry and sales growth. These findings contribute to the growing body of literature on new venture internationalization.
The Abilities of Babies. A Study in Mental Measurement

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Gisekia (Gisekiaceae): phylogenetic relationships, biogeography, and ecophysiology of a poorly known C₄ lineage in the Caryophyllales.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Gisekiaceae are a monogeneric family of the core Caryophyllales distributed in arid regions of Africa and Asia. The only widespread species of the genus, Gisekia pharnaceoides, performs C4 photosynthesis based on CO2 compensation point measurements. This study investigates the C4 syndrome and its evolution in Gisekia. The infrageneric relationships, distribution and bioclimatic preferences of Gisekia are also investigated. METHODS Leaf gas exchange characteristics, activity of Rubisco and major C4 cycle enzymes, and ultrastructural characteristics of mesophyll and bundle sheath cells are studied for Gisekia pharnaceoides. δ(13)C values and leaf anatomy are analyzed for all species. A dated molecular phylogeny of 39 accessions representing all species of Gisekiaceae and 14 representatives of closely related core Caryophyllales families is generated using four cp markers and ITS. The precise current distribution and bioclimatic niche of Gisekia is assessed on the basis of 520 georeferenced specimen localities. KEY RESULTS All traditionally recognized species of Gisekia are C4 plants with atriplicoid Kranz anatomy. Gisekia pharnaceoides uses the NAD-ME biochemical type. The molecular phylogeny demonstrated two East African clades nested within South African clades, demonstrating migration along the arid areas of eastern Africa during the Late Miocene/Pliocene Epochs. Most traditionally defined species are polyphyletic. CONCLUSIONS Gisekia represents an isolated C4 lineage within core Caryophyllales dating back to the Miocene Epoch and probably spread along the African arid corridor from a South African center of origin. The seven currently recognized species should be treated as one polymorphic species or species complex, Gisekia pharnaceoides agg.
Développement d'inhibiteurs d'entrée du virus VIH-1

La premiere etape du cycle viral du virus de l'immunodeficience humaine se deroule grâce a l'interaction entre les glycoproteines d'enveloppe gp120/gp41 et les recepteurs CD4 et CCR5/CXCR4. Les differentes fonctions activees par cette etape, incluant l'attachement, la penetration et la signalisation cellulaire representent des cibles potentielles pour le developpement d'antiretroviraux. Dans ce travail, nous avons developpe des approches permettant d'agir sur chacune de ces etapes a l'aide de peptides synthetiques, d'anticorps anti-peptide et d'inhibiteurs des voies de signalisation. Dans la premiere approche, nous nous sommes interesse au developpement d'analogues peptidiques de la region HRII en evitant les limitations, incluant courte demi-vie et emergence d'isolats de resistance, rencontrees lors de l'utilisation du peptide T-20 (Fuzeon). Nous avons synthetise un peptide de 34 acides amines modelisant la region HRII en incluant des acides amines non naturels de serie D uniquement au niveau de certains sites sensibles a la proteolyse ou dans la totalite de la sequence.Les resultats obtenus montrent que les modifications ponctuelles permettent de : i) maintenir la structure en helice a du peptide, ii) maintenir sa capacite a interagir avec la region HRI, iii) d'augmenter sa demie-vie et iv) de conserver son activite antivirale. Dans la deuxieme approche, nous avons teste la capacite des peptides analogues de la region HRII de VIH-1 et de la boucle V3 de SIV a induire la production d'anticorps neutralisants. Cette etude nous a permis d'aboutir a deux conclusions principales : i) les anticorps anti-HRII peuvent interferer avec l'activite antivirale du peptide administre lors du traitement antiviral, ii) contrairement aux anticorps anti-V3 du VIH-1, les anticorps anti-V3 de SIV sont incapables de neutraliser le virus SIV suggerant des fonctions differentes pour cette region chez HIV-1 et SIV. Dans la troisieme partie, nous avons montre que l'attachement du virus VIH sur son recepteur s'accompagne de l'activation de la voie PKC dont l'isoforme PKC-d. L'inhibition de cet isoforme bloque totalement la replication virale. Ce blocage semble s'operer en interferant avec les etapes post-entree du virus en inhibant la formation des pseudopodes et des filaments d'actine, structure necessaire pour l'etape de la transcription inverse.
Immunolymphoscintigraphy in patients with lymphoma after subcutaneous injection of indium-111-labeled T101 monoclonal antibody.

Indium-111-labeled T101 antibody was injected subcutaneously (s.c.) into the web spaces between the toes of two patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Computer-assisted gamma scintigraphy was used to measure uptake in lymph nodes and clearance from injection sites. Antibodies passed rapidly and very efficiently from the feet to the inguinal-femoral and iliac lymph nodes after s.c. administration. Contrasting patterns of uptake were seen in patients with different lymph node histology, but additional experience will be required to test the possible correlation with degree of lymph node involvement. This technique provides an efficient, noninvasive method for imaging normal and abnormal lymphoid elements in regional lymph nodes, and it may prove useful in the evaluation of patients with lymphoma or other lymph node disorders.
A computational fluid dynamics study of tadpole swimming

The hydrodynamics and undulating propulsion of tadpoles were studied using a newly developed two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling method. The mechanism of thrust generation associated with the flow patterns during swimming is discussed. Our CFD analysis shows that the kinematics of tadpoles is specifically matched to their special shape and produces a jet-stream propulsion with high propulsive efficiency, as high as that achieved by teleost fishes. Investigation of the effect of Reynolds number indicates that the Froude efficiency increases with increasing Reynolds number with no ceiling in generating the jet-stream propulsion. Further studies using tadpole- and fish-shaped models with hindlimbs added to their body profiles reveal that the tadpole shape ­ a globose head with a tapered tail and hindlimbs at the base of the tail ­ allows tadpoles, but not fish, to develop hindlimbs with very little handicap on propulsion. The shapes and kinematics of tadpoles appear to be specially adapted to the requirement of these organisms to transform into frogs.
Perceptions of Doctoral Level Teaching Preparation in Counselor Education

This study explores counselor educators‟ perceptions of their doctoral level teaching preparation. Results indicate that observation and feedback from faculty, teaching under supervision, being mentored to teach, and attending seminars on college teaching are positively correlated with participants‟ perceptions of overall teaching preparedness. Implications for counselor education doctoral training and recommendations for further research are presented. This article is available in The Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision: http://repository.wcsu. edu/jcps/vol1/iss2/2
Finasteride 5 mg and sexual side effects: how many of these are related to a nocebo phenomenon?

INTRODUCTION Sexual adverse experiences such as erectile dysfunction (ED), loss of libido, and ejaculation disorders have been consistent side effects of finasteride in a maximum percentage of 15% after 1 year of therapy. Such data could be seen as far from reality, if compared to a higher percentage that may be found in any common clinical practice. AIM This study aims to explain the dichotomy between literature's data and clinical practice data. METHODS One hundred twenty patients with a clinical diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), sexually active and with an International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function (IIEF-EF) domain >/=25 were randomized to receive finasteride 5 mg concealed as an "X compound of proven efficacy for the treatment of BPH" for 1 year with (group 2) or without (group 1) counseling on the drug sexual side effect. The phrase used to inform group 2 patients was ". it may cause erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, problems of ejaculation but these are uncommon". MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The estimation of side effect was conducted at 6 and 12 months using the male sexual function-4 (MSF-4 item) questionnaire and a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS One hundred seven patients completed the study. Group 2 patients (N = 55) reported a significant higher proportion of one or more sexual side effects as compared to group 1 (N = 52) (43.6% vs. 15.3%) (P = 0.03). The incidence of ED, decreased libido, and ejaculation disorders were 9.6, 7.7, and 5.7% for group 1, and 30.9, 23.6, and 16.3% for group 2, respectively (P = 0.02, P = 0.04, and P = 0.06). CONCLUSION In the current study, blinded administration of finasteride was associated with a significantly higher proportion of sexual dysfunction in patients informed on sexual side effects (group 2) as compared to those in which the same information was omitted (group 1) (P = 0.03). A scenario similar to group 2 of the current study is likely to occur in clinical practice, where the patient is counseled by the physician and has access to the drug information sheet. The burden of this nocebo effect (an adverse side effect that is not a direct result of the specific pharmacological action of the drug) has to be taken into account when managing finasteride sexual side effects.
Reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 is associated with cytomegalovirus and age

Recent studies have shown that cytomegalovirus (CMV) may be an emerging marker of immunosenescence. CMV can affect the immune system by directly infecting leukocytes and hematopoietic cells or by eliciting an expansion of oligoclonal CD8+ T cells/contraction of the naïve T cell compartment that may reduce the host's ability to fight other pathogens. To investigate further CMV‐associated changes in immunity, a study was conducted with 1,454 adults (ages 25–91) to determine the association between CMV and reactivation of another latent herpesvirus, Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1), as indexed by antibody titers. Elevated antibody titers to latent HSV‐1 were significantly associated with both CMV seropositivity and high CMV antibody levels. Evaluation by specific age groups (<45, 45–64, and 65+ years old) revealed that this association was detectable early in life (<45 years of age). Increases in HSV‐1 antibodies by age occurred in CMV seropositive individuals but not CMV seronegative subjects. Within CMV seropositive subjects, increases in HSV‐1 antibodies by age were only found in individuals with low CMV antibody levels as those with high CMV antibodies already exhibited elevated HSV‐1 antibodies. These associations remained significant after accounting for body mass index, gender, and socioeconomic status. These results suggest that CMV can influence the immune response to another pathogen and support the concept that CMV may accelerate immunosenescence. J. Med. Virol. 84:1797–1802, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of Lead in Soils of a Rifle/Pistol Shooting Range in Central Florida, USA

The distribution of lead in soil samples collected from both surface (0 to 10 cm) and profile (O 0 to 10 cm, E 11 to 30 cm, Eb 31 to 50 cm, Bw 51 to 100 cm, and C 181 to 200 cm) at a 14-year-old rifle/pistol shooting range located in central Florida were determined using EPA Method 3051a (microwave, HNO3/HCl=3:1, v/v). In addition to total lead analysis, Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) analysis was performed on corresponding samples to determine whether the soils would require special handling as hazardous waste if the soils were to be removed from the range. Total lead in surface soils varied from 330 to 17 850 mg Pb kg−1, with the greatest concentration in the middle of the backstop berm. The TCLP tests indicated that lead in all surface soils exceeded the 5 mg Pb L−1 critical level of federal regulation for solid wastes and hazardous wastes provided by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and would be characterized as hazardous waste. Sequential fractionation and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed that lead carbonate existed predominantly (91.3%) in the berm soil. The weathering of lead bullets in the soil environments formed primarily as hydrocerussite (Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2), with small amounts of massicot (PbO) and cerussite (PbCO3). However, the elevated soil pH, caused by the oxidization and transformation process of elemental lead in lead bullets, could be a significant factor in limiting the migration of lead in the soil.
The Big ‘Whoops!’ in the Study of Intentional Behavior: An Appeal for a New Framework in Understanding Human Actions

AbstractDistinguishing intentional behavior from accidental behavior is a crucial component of social cognition and a major developmental achievement. It has often been assumed that developmental changes in intentional reasoning result from a gradual sophistication in the ability to discern intentions in action. We take issue with this notion, demonstrating that data from cognitive, developmental, and social psychology are more consistent with the hypothesis that it is instead a gradual sophistication in the ability to understand accidents that drives developmental change.
Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome Presenting as Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS), first described in 1955, is a rare clinical syndrome of unknown etiology. CCS is diagnosed clinically, and the presenting symptoms include alopecia, cutaneous hyperpigmentation, gastrointestinal polyposis, and onychodystrophy, often accompanied by diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain. We describe a unique case of CCS that presented with eosinophilic infiltrate on gastric and duodenal biopsies and review the literature pertaining to this rare syndrome.
Impact of interventions on knowledge and adoption of improved technologies in ber (Ziziphus mauritiana) cultivation

The present study was conducted to ascertain the knowledge gain and adoption level of ten specific technologies demonstrated through various interventions during earlier years by the KVK. Barmer, chohtan, Baytoo, Balotra, and Gudamalani blocks of Barmer District were taken for study and 20 beneficiary farmers were randomly selected from each block. The data were collected through personal interview with well-designed questionnaire. The data revealed that the gain in knowledge was more than 50 per cent for technologies viz., time and method of pruning of Ber (72%), use of micronutrient (68%), plant protection techniques and time of planting (65%), method of manure and fertilizer application (58%), drip irrigation (54%) and recommended dose of fertilizer (51%). Similarly, time and method of pruning, plant protection techniques and recommended dose of fertilizer recorded the highest extent of adoption as 63, 56 and 19 per cent, respectively. This could be due to the easiness and effectiveness of technologies at field level application and yield enhancement. Though the acquisition of knowledge for the technologies like value addition (58%), use of micronutrient (68%) and drip irrigation (62%) was high, the number of farmers adopting these technologies were very low i.e., 31, 25 and 13 per cent, respectively.
Factors Associated with Exercise Among Older Adults in a Continuing Care Retirement Community

&NA; The objectives of this study were to test a model of the factors that influence exercise activities among a group of older adults living in a continuing care retirement community with a wellness center that features a pool, exercise room, and exercise classes. This was a correlational study using a one‐time survey. A total of 163 residents with an average age of 86.6 years (SD = 6.1) participated in the study. Ninety (55%) of the participants exercised regularly (30 minutes daily), 88% of whom used the wellness center. Of all participating residents, 49% reported using the wellness center. Self‐efficacy and negative outcome expectations directly related to exercise behavior Marital status, resilience, health status, pain, and fear of falling were indirectly related to exercise. All of these factors explained 15% of the variance in exercise behavior. These findings support previous work and provide future direction for research regarding interventions to increase exercise among older adults. Further, access to a wellness center providing exercise opportunities may increase adherence to a regular exercise regimen among older adults.
Fiber Optic Bending Sensor for Water Level Monitoring: Development and Field Test: A Review

In this paper, we describe a low cost optical sensor of water level based on fiber bending effect associated to the use of an elastomeric membrane. The sensor proposed has a particular design to be simple, reliable, and low cost. It is suitable to be used in tubes of embankment dams, tanks, and reservoirs. The sensor uses a standard single mode fiber and can measure the water levels up to 10 m or more, choosing the appropriate membrane. This paper describes the development of the sensor, a theoretical modeling, and the results of laboratory and field tests. Seven sensors were installed in an embankment dam where they have been used in a real time monitoring system based in optical time domain reflectometry.
Contrast Enhancement During Hepatic Computed Tomography: Effect of Total Body Weight, Height, Body Mass Index, Blood Volume, Lean Body Weight, and Body Surface Area

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of total body weight, height, body mass index, blood volume, lean body weight, and body surface area (BSA) on aortic and hepatic contrast enhancement during hepatic computed tomography (CT). Methods We calculated the changes in the CT number per gram of iodine ((&Dgr; Hounsfield units/g [&Dgr;HU/g])) for the aorta and the liver during portal venous phase. We performed linear regression analyses between &Dgr;HU/g and each of the body parameters. Results &Dgr;HU/g and BSA showed the strongest inverse correlation. The correlation coefficients for the aorta and liver were 0.70 and 0.68 for &Dgr;HU/g and total body weight, 0.41 and 0.37 for height, 0.54 and 0.55 for body mass index, 0.68 and 0.59 for blood volume, 0.70 and 0.62 for lean body weight, and 0.71 and 0.68 for BSA, respectively (P < 0.001 for all). Conclusion Our study supports the use of a protocol with iodine dose adjusted for the patient BSA.
Assembly of thick, thin, and titin filaments in chick precardiac explants

De novo cardiac myofibril assembly has been difficult to study due to the lack of available cell culture models that clearly and accurately reflect heart muscle development in vivo. However, within precardiac chick embryo explants, premyocardial cells differentiate and commence beating in a temporal pattern that corresponds closely with myocyte differentiation in the embryo. Immunofluorescence staining of explants followed by confocal microscopy revealed that distinct stages of cardiac myofibril assembly, ranging from the earliest detection of sarcomeric proteins to the late appearance of mature myofibrils, were consistently recognized in precardiac cultures. Assembly events involved in the early formation of sarcomeres were clearly visualized and accurately reflected observations described by others during chick heart muscle development. Specifically, the early colocalization of α‐actinin and titin dots was observed near the cell periphery representing I‐Z‐I‐like complex formation. Myosin‐containing thick filaments assembled independently of actin‐containing thin filaments and appeared centered within sarcomeres when titin was also linearly aligned at or near cell borders. An N‐terminal epitope of titin was detected earlier than a C‐terminal epitope; however, both epitopes were observed to alternate near the cell periphery concomitant with the earliest formation of myofibrils. Although vascular actin was detected within cells during early assembly stages, cardiac actin predominated as the major actin isoform in mature thin filaments. Well‐aligned thin filaments were also observed in the absence of organized staining for tropomodulin at thin filament pointed ends, suggesting that tropomodulin is not required to define thin filament lengths. Based on these findings, we conclude that the use of the avian precardiac explant system accurately allows for direct investigation of the mechanisms regulating de novo cardiac myofibrillogenesis. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.