Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of the extended Kuroda transform to the mixed lumped and distributed network model for the spherical modes

A comparison is made between the mixed lumped and distributed equivalent two-port networks for spherical modes, as derived by Thal, and the mixed lumped and distributed equivalent networks for certain classes of nonuniform transmission lines, as derived by Kobayashi. The extended Kuroda transform is used to derive a model for dipolar (radial index of 2) spherical mode propagation consisting of a nonuniform (but dispersionless) transmission line, a single lumped inductor, and an ideal transformer. Four different two-port models for dipolar spherical mode propagation are then compared, including: (1) Thal's mixed lumped and distributed model; (2) a model containing a parabolic nonuniform dispersionless transmission line derived using the extended Kuroda transform; (3) a model containing a second-order binomial form nonuniform dispersionless transmission line also derived using the extended Kuroda transform; and (4) the dispersive nonuniform transmission line model originally given by Marcuvitz. Finally, some motivation for the study of equivalent models is presented.
Texture analysis differentiates persistent and transient T1 black holes at acute onset in multiple sclerosis: A preliminary study

Background and Objective: The persistence of new enhancing T1 hypointense lesions (acute black holes, ABHs) in multiple sclerosis (MS) cannot be predicted visually at lesion onset. Texture analysis using the polar Stockwell transform (PST) applied to conventional MR images however shows promise in quantifying tissue injury early. The objective of this study was to explore whether ABHs that persist (pABHs) differ from those that are transient (tABHs) using PST texture analysis. Methods: Fifteen ABHs (8 pABHs; 7 tABHs) from 9 patients were analyzed on 3T images obtained during a clinical trial. Persistence was defined as remaining T1 hypointense 5–8 months later. NAWM regions were examined to control for changes unrelated to ABHs. Results: At first appearance, there was higher coarse texture indicating greater tissue damage in the pABHs than in the tABHs (p < 0.01). Both had greater coarse texture than the contralateral and general NAWM (p ≤ 0.01). No difference was identified in normalized signal intensity between pABHs and tABHs and neither demonstrated location preference. While tABHs tended to be smaller than pABHs there was no correlation between lesion size and texture (r = 0.44, p > 0.05). Furthermore, coarse texture content appeared to predict persistence of individual lesions. Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that PST texture could predict persistence of tissue injury based on the severity of structural disorganization within acute lesions. While confirmation of this data is required texture analysis may prove to be a valuable tool to quantify tissue damage and predict recovery in proof-of-concept neuroprotection and repair trials.
Intraosseous delivery of paclitaxel-loaded hydroxyapatitealginate composite beads delaying paralysis caused by metastatic spine cancer in rats.

OBJECT Bone is frequently the first site and the only site of breast cancer at recurrence. Local control is important especially for metastatic spine cancer, because epidural spinal cord compression is significantly associated with the quality of life and survival of these patients. The authors have developed a local delivery system of paclitaxel in the form of hydroxyapatite-alginate composite beads. This study was conducted to clarify the therapeutic effect in a rat model of metastatic spine cancer. METHODS Twenty-one rats with metastatic spine cancer were divided into 3 groups: a local treatment group (6 rats), a systemic treatment group (9 rats), and a control group (6 rats). The hind-limb motor function of the animals was monitored daily by using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scale. The authors monitored the disease-free time and survival times. The log-rank test was used to define statistically significant differences between the 3 groups. RESULTS The animals in the control group developed hind-limb paralysis at a mean of 10.8 days and died at a mean of 16.0 days. The animals treated with 2.4 wt% of paclitaxel-loaded hydroxyapatite-alginate composite beads (the local treatment group) showed a 140-150% increase in the disease-free time and survival time compared with that of the control group. Although an approximately 30-fold higher dosage of paclitaxel was administered, the therapeutic effect was not evident in the systemic treatment group. CONCLUSIONS Intraosseous delivery of paclitaxel-loaded hydroxyapatite-alginate composite beads delayed paralysis caused by metastatic spine cancer in rats. The results indicate that intraosseous chemotherapy may provide an effective local treatment of metastatic spine cancer.
Nasolabial Morphologic Changes After a Le Fort I Osteotomy: A Three-Dimensional Anthropometric Study

After a Le Fort I osteotomy, nasal and labial changes are sometimes undesirable. The aim of this study was to perform a three-dimensional evaluation of the morphologic changes of the nose and lips after a Le Fort I osteotomy with a three-dimensional laser scanner. Twelve female patients who underwent a Le Fort I osteotomy with bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (mean age, 24.2 y) were selected. Three-dimensional facial morphology was measured immediately after surgery and 6 months after surgery with a three-dimensional laser scanner. Analysis of the three-dimensional data was performed with three-dimensional image analyzing software. The evaluation was performed by (1) linear and angular analyses of landmarks, (2) three-dimensional curvature, and (3) visual qualitative analysis using superimposing mapping images. The results were compared control with data taken from volunteers (mean age, 24.5 y). Lateral expansion of nasal alae was commonly observed after surgery. The labial changes were mainly due to movements of the jawbone, and obvious flattening was not detected in this study. There was no relationship between the nasal changes and maxillary advancement. The nasal morphologic changes after a Le Fort I osteotomy consist mainly of a widening of the nasal alae caused by the release of the muscle insertion and their retraction. This change was not influenced by the direction of maxillary movements.
Experimental Infection of Ponies with Borrelia burgdorferi by Exposure to Ixodid Ticks

Seven specific-pathogen-free (SPF) ponies, 1–5 years old, were exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi–infected adult ticks while being treated with dexamethasone over 5 consecutive days. One SPF pony (pony No. 178) was first exposed to laboratory-reared nymphs without B. burgdorferi infection and 3 weeks later was exposed to B. burgdorferi–infected adult ticks with concurrent dexamethasone treatment for 5 consecutive days. Four uninfected ponies treated with dexamethasone, exposed to laboratory-reared ticks without B. burgdorferi infection served as uninfected controls. Clinical signs, bacteriologic culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for bacterial DNA, immunologic responses, and gross lesions and histopathologic changes were investigated during the experiment or at necropsy 9 months after tick exposure. In all of the seven challenged ponies, infection with B. burgdorferi was detected from monthly skin biopsies and various tissues at postmortem examination by culture and by PCR. However, pony No. 178 exposed to laboratory-reared nymphs (without B. burgdorferi infection) and challenged with B. burgdorferi–infected adult ticks 2 months later did not develop a B. burgdorferi infection. All of the infected ponies seroconverted. Control ponies and pony No. 178 were negative by culture, PCR, and serology. Except for skin lesions, we failed to induce any significant histopathologic changes in this study. This is the first report of successful tick-induced experimental infection in ponies by exposure to B. burgdorferi–infected ticks. This Lyme disease model will be very useful to evaluate efficacy of vaccines against the Lyme agent and the effect of antibiotic therapy on horses infected with B. burgdorferi.
Immunogenicity and Safety of an Investigational Fully Liquid Hexavalent Combination Vaccine Versus Licensed Combination Vaccines at 6, 10, and 14 Weeks of Age in Healthy South African Infants

Background: Assessment of primary vaccination of a new fully liquid, hexavalent investigational DTaP-IPV-Hep B-PRP-T vaccine (Hexaxim) in South African infants. Methods: Infants were randomized to the following at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age (Expanded Program on Immunization schedule): DTaP-IPV-Hep B-PRP-T (Group 1; N = 286); DTwP-Hib, hepatitis B, and OPV vaccines (Group 2; N = 286); or DTaP-IPV-Hep B-PRP-T vaccine with hepatitis B vaccine at birth (Group 3; N = 143). Antibody titers were measured before vaccination (pertussis toxoid, filamentous hemagglutinin) and postprimary vaccination (all valences). Noninferiority analyses were performed for Group 1 versus Group 2 for seroprotection rates. Safety was evaluated from parental reports. Results: Noninferiority (Group 1 minus Group 2) was demonstrated for anti-HBs, -PRP, -diphtheria, -tetanus, and -polio 1, 2, 3 (lower 95% confidence interval for the difference was −8.20 to 3.46). Anti-HBs antibody titers ≥10 mIU/mL and anti-PRP ≥0.15 &mgr;g/mL were ≥95.4% in each group. Seroprotection rates were also high for the other antigens. Seroconversion rates (4-fold increase from pre- to postvaccination) were 93.6%, 83.2%, and 95.1% in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, for anti-pertussis toxoid and 93.1%, 57.7%, and 90.0% for anti-filamentous hemagglutinin. Anti-HBs GMTs were 330, 148, and 1913 mIU/mL for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Reactogenicity was similar in each group. Fever ≥39.0°C occurred in 1.7%, 0.4%, and 0.0% of infants in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively; no extensive limb swelling, hypotonic-hyporesponsive episodes, or vaccine-related serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: The new, fully liquid, investigational hexavalent vaccine in the Expanded Program on Immunization schedule, with/without hepatitis B at birth, is highly immunogenic and safe compared with control vaccines, warranting further development.
Decreased Expression of Class II Major Histocompatibility Antigens on Monocytes From Patients With Hodgkin's Disease

Expression of class II major histocompatibility (MHC) antigens by peripheral blood monocytes from 12 patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD) were studied employing antiserum and complement‐mediated cytotoxicity. Overall, the expression of class II MHC antigens was significantly decreased on HD monocytes (cytotoxicity index [C.I.] = 60.2 ± 5.8% vs 77.6 ± 2.8%, P < .02). This decrease was most marked in patients with more severe disease. In fact, mean alloantigen expression for patients with advanced stages of disease was 58% of that observed in controls. The number of human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR antigenic sites per cell was also reduced as determined by monoclonal anti‐DR antibody and FACS analysis. There was 38% more HLA‐DR per cell in normal controls than in moderately advanced Hodgkin's patients.
Warty Carcinoma Arising in Condyloma Acuminatum of Urinary Bladder

We describe the case of a 62-year-old man with chronic irritation of the urinary bladder resulting in dysuria and hypogastric pain. Three neoplasms measuring 0.5, 1, and 1.5 cm, respectively, were observed by cystoscopy and removed by transurethral resection (TUR). Histologic examination showed a complex folding of squamous hyperplastic epithelium around a connective tissue core. The superficial epithelium contained numerous koilocytes. The double polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected DNA of type 11 human papillomavirus (HPV). The diagnosis was condyloma acuminatum of bladder. Three months later the patient presented with fever, and a new cytoscopy demonstrated an ulcerated, exophytic 4.5 cm mass. Histopathology showed a squamous carcinoma with papillomatous structure, pronounced viral koilocytosis, and irregular invasive deep margin. HPV type 11 was found with double PCR. The diagnosis was warty carcinoma arising in condyloma acuminatum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of warty carcinoma of the urinary bladder described in the literature. We discuss the relationship between the infection by HPV and the development of condyloma acuminatum, its evolution toward a well-differentiated squamous carcinoma, and its distinction from verrucous carcinoma.
A Multi-Factor Account of Degrees of Awareness

In this paper we argue that awareness comes in degrees, and we propose a novel multi-factor account that spans both subjective experiences and perceptual representations. At the subjective level, we argue that conscious experiences can be degraded by being fragmented, less salient, too generic, or flash-like. At the representational level, we identify corresponding features of perceptual representations-their availability for working memory, intensity, precision, and stability-and argue that the mechanisms that affect these features are what ultimately modulate the degree of awareness. We conclude the paper by demonstrating why the original interpretations of certain empirical findings that apparently pose problems for our account are, in fact, flawed.
Endogenous Interleukin-12 Is Not Required for Resolution of Chlamydophila abortus (Chlamydia psittaci Serotype 1) Infection in Mice

ABSTRACT A Th1 immune response involving gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production is required to eliminate Chlamydophila abortusinfections. In this study, the role of interleukin-12 (IL-12) in protecting against C. abortus infection was investigated using IL-12−/− and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice to determine the role of this Th1-promoting cytokine. IL-12−/− mice were able to eliminate the C. abortus infection in a primary infection. However, there was a delay in the clearance of bacteria when IL-12−/− mice were infected with a sublethal dose of C. abortus, the delay being associated with a lower production of IFN-γ. The low level of IFN-γ was essential for survival of IL-12−/−infected mice. Both WT and IL-12−/− mice developed a Th1 immune response against C. abortus infection, since they both produced IFN-γ and immunoglobulin G2a antibody isotype. In addition, when mice were given a secondary infectious challenge withC. abortus, a protective host response which resolved the secondary infection was developed by both WT and IL-12−/−mice. The lack of IL-12 resulted in few infiltrating CD4+ T cells in the liver relative to the number in WT mice, although the number of CD8+ T cells was slightly higher. The more intense Th1 response presented by WT mice may have a pathogenic effect, as the animals showed higher morbidity after the infection. In conclusion, these results suggest that although IL-12 expedites the clearance of C. abortus infection, this cytokine is not essential for the establishment of a protective host response against the infection.
Economic Uncertainty Impact in a Small Open Economy: The Case of Chile

We construct the first news-based economic uncertainty index for Chile, which allowed us to rebuild 23 years of the economic uncertainty history of the country and quantify its impact over the economy. We find that an increase in economic uncertainty conveys a fall in GDP, investment and employment even after accounting for the small open economy nature of Chile. In contrast to previous studies for important and developed economies, we do not find evidence of an overshooting effect when uncertainty dissipates; therefore, increases in economic uncertainties have negative effects over the economy even in the long-run. Our estimates suggest that these impacts range from: 10 to 20 percent for aggregate investment, 2.5 and 5 percent for GDP and 1.3 to 4.2 for employment. Extensions suggest that both mining and non-mining investment are affected by economic uncertainty with the former showing a more pronounced decline. We also find that the bulk of the economic uncertainty effect over aggregate investment is via private investment, with some short-run impacts in public investment. Moreover, compared to the GDP response, aggregate consumption responds in almost the same way to an economic uncertainty shock.
Enhancing natural killer cell-mediated lysis of lymphoma cells by combining therapeutic antibodies with CD20-specific immunoligands engaging NKG2D or NKp30

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated through the IgG Fc receptor FcγRIIIa represents a major effector function of many therapeutic antibodies. In an attempt to further enhance natural killer (NK) cell-mediated ADCC, we combined therapeutic antibodies against CD20 and CD38 with recombinant immunoligands against the stimulatory NK cell receptors NKG2D or NKp30. These immunoligands, respectively designated as ULBP2:7D8 and B7-H6:7D8, contained the CD20 scFv 7D8 as a targeting moiety and a cognate ligand for either NKG2D or NKp30 (i.e. ULBP2 and B7-H6, respectively). Both the immunoligands synergistically augmented ADCC in combination with the CD20 antibody rituximab and the CD38 antibody daratumumab. Combinations with ULBP2:7D8 resulted in higher cytotoxicity compared to combinations with B7-H6:7D8, suggesting that coligation of FcγRIIIa with NKG2D triggered NK cells more efficiently than with NKp30. Addition of B7-H6:7D8 to ULBP2:7D8 and rituximab in a triple combination did not further increase the extent of tumor cell lysis. Importantly, immunoligand-mediated enhancement of ADCC was also observed for tumor cells and autologous NK cells from patients with hematologic malignancies, in which, again, ULBP2:7D8 was particularly active. In summary, co-targeting of NKG2D was more effective in promoting rituximab or daratumumab-mediated ADCC by NK cells than co-ligation of NKp30. The observed increase in the ADCC activity of these therapeutic antibodies suggests promise for a ‘dual-dual-targeting’ approach in which tumor cell surface antigens are targeted in concert with two distinct activating NK cell receptors (i.e. FcγRIIIa and NKG2D or B7-H6).
Functional characterization of neuronal pre and postsynaptic α2‐adrenoceptor subtypes in guinea‐pig submucosal plexus

1 The α2‐adrenoceptors on cell bodies of submucosal neurones, on presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals innervating submucosal neurones, and on presynaptic sympathetic fibres innervating submucosal arterioles were characterized in functional studies by use of subtype selective ligands. 2 Both membrane hyperpolarization and presynaptic inhibition of nicotinic excitatory synaptic potentials (e.p.s.ps) produced by UK 14304 were similarly antagonized by idazoxan, yohimbine, SKF 104078, WB 4101 and ARC‐239. Antagonism was competitive and dissociation equilibrium constants were the same for both effects. 3 Vasoconstriction of submucosal arterioles in response to stimulation of the sympathetic nerves (20 Hz for 2 s) was inhibited by UK 14304 and clonidine; concentrations producing half‐maximum responses were 6 nm and 10 nm respectively. Idazoxan, yohimbine, WB 4101 and SKF 104078 antagonized this action, with dissociation constants similar to those for antagonism of the postsynaptic membrane hyperpolarization and presynaptic inhibition of nicotinic e.p.s.ps. 4 Oxymetazoline was a partial agonist when membrane hyperpolarization or presynaptic inhibition of nicotinic e.p.s.ps were measured but a full agonist when presynaptic inhibition of sympathetically‐mediated arteriolar vasoconstriction was measured. As an agonist, oxymetazoline produced half maximum responses at 80–120 nm; the dissociation constant for oxymetazoline as an antagonist was 130 nm. 5 Neither prazosin nor chlorpromazine (up to 30 μm) altered any of the three responses to α2‐adrenoceptor agonists. 6 It is concluded that α2‐adrenoceptors present on submucosal neuronal cell bodies, on presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals and on presynaptic sympathetic nerve terminals are the α2A subtype. However, functional characterization of this subtype differs from that provided by ligand binding studies.
Structure and function of laminin: anatomy of a multidomain glycoprotein

Laminin is a large (900 kDa) mosaic protein composed of many distinct domains with different structures and functions. Globular and rodlike domains are arranged in an extended four‐armed, cruciform shape that is well suited for mediating between distant sites on cells and other components of the extracellular matrix. The α‐helical coiled‐coil domain of the long arm is involved in the specific assembly of the three chains (A, B1, B2, and possible variants) of laminin and is the only domain composed of multiple chains. It is terminated by a large globular domain composed of five homologous subdomains formed by the COOH‐terminal part of the A chain. Sites for receptor‐mediated cell attachment and promotion of neurite outgrowth reside in the terminal region of the long arm. A second cell attachment site, a cell signaling site with mitogenic action, binding sites for the closely associated glycoprotein nidogen/entactin, and regions involved in calcium‐dependent aggregation are localized in the short arms. These domains, which to a large extent are composed of Cys‐rich repeats with limited homology to EGF, are the most highly conserved regions in laminins of different origin. At present, most structural and functional data have been collected for a laminin expressed by a mouse tumor, which can be readily isolated in native form and dissected into functional fragments by limited proteolysis. Increasing information on laminins from different species and tissues demonstrates considerable variations of structure. Isoforms of laminin assembled from different chains are focally and transiently expressed and may serve distinct functions at early stages of development even before being laid down as major components of basement membranes. — Beck, K. ; Hunter, I. ; Engel, J. Structure and function on laminin: anatomy of a multidomain glycoprotein. FASEB J. 4: 148‐160; 1990.
Growth factors in vitreous and subretinal fluid cells from patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Mechanisms accounting for the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment remain poorly understood. In a previous study, we found the presence of various growth factors in preretinal membranes that were surgically removed from patients with PVR. The present immunohistological study was undertaken in intravitreal and subretinal fluid cells from patients suffering from PVR in various stages of development, in order to seek the presence of 4 growth-promoting factors for retinal pigment epithelial cells: acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-I) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Results were quite similar in vitreous and subretinal fluid. Acidic FGF was found in all vitreous and subretinal specimens, in 30-100% of the examined cells. Immunoreactivity for EGF could be found in 53% of intravitreal cells and 69% of subretinal fluid cells. Positive cells were seen in all vitreous specimens and in all but 1 of the subretinal fluid specimens. IGF-I-containing cells were present in 13 of 15 vitreous specimens and in 18 of 20 subretinal fluid samples (mean percentages of reactivity in positive specimens 70% and 78%, respectively). In contrast, TGF-beta 1 reactivity was found in only 8 of 15 vitreous specimens and in 11 of 20 subretinal samples. Mean percentages of reactive cells were 30% and 50%, respectively. These results suggest that several growth factors could be involved in the proliferation and migration of retinal pigment epithelial cells during the course of PVR. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)