Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surgical results of orbital decompression for malignant exophthalmos

During the past 75 years, several procedures for surgical correction of malignant exophthalmos have been described. In 1948, Ogura and Walsh first employed the transantral approach for decompression of the orbital contents into the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses. This technique requires controlled incision of the orbital periosteum to balance the eyes.
Influence of visual information on the auditory median plane of the head

When determining the position of sounds, people perceive their subjective auditory median plane of the head (SAMP) displaced towards the side to which the head is turned. The present study investigated the influence of visual input on this effect. A group of congenitally blind and two groups of sighted adults, one with eyes open, one with eyes closed, adjusted the location of a tone presented through headphones in such a way that they perceived it to originate at their SAMP, both with the head straight ahead and turned 60° to the right. While both sighted groups showed a reliable SAMP displacement in the 60° condition, the congenitally blind did not. It is speculated that the blind have learned to integrate proprioceptive information more precisely contributing to superior auditory localization skills.
Toxicogenetic Profile and Cancer Risk in Lebanese

An increasing number of genetic polymorphisms in drug-metabolizing enzymes (DME) were identified among different ethnic groups. Some of these polymorphisms are associated with an increased cancer risk, while others remain equivocal. However, there is sufficient evidence that these associations become significant in populations overexposed to environmental carcinogens. Hence, genetic differences in expression activity of both Phase I and Phase II enzymes may affect cancer risk in exposed populations. In Lebanon, there has been a marked rise in reported cancer incidence since the 1990s. There are also indicators of exposure to unusually high levels of environmental pollutants and carcinogens in the country. This review considers this high cancer incidence by exploring a potential gene–environment model based on available DME polymorphism prevalence, and their impact on bladder, colorectal, prostate, breast, and lung cancer in the Lebanese population. The examined DME include glutathione S-transferases (GST), N-acetyltransferases (NAT), and cytochromes P-450 (CYP). Data suggest that these DME influence bladder cancer risk in the Lebanese population. Evidence indicates that identification of a gene–environment interaction model may help in defining future research priorities and preventive cancer control strategies in this country, particularly for breast and lung cancer.
Variations in Collectivism and Individualism by Ingroup and Culture : Confirmatory Factor Analyses

Five models of collectivism and individualism, which varied by ingroup and measurement specification, were tested with confirmatory factor analyses. The sample consisted of 493 college students from South Korea and the United States, with U.S. students divided between Asian Americans and European Americans. Results indicated that collectivism and individualism are best represented by a 4-factor model with the latent variables Kin Collectivism (KC), Kin Individualism ( KI ), Nonkin Collectivism (NC), and Nonkin Individualism (NI). KC and KI were strongly inversely related, but NC and NI were only moderately so. Whereas KC and NC were moderately related within each of the 3 student groups, KI and NI were moderately related only among Koreans and Asian Americans, and not among European Americans. Thus, the meanings of collectivism and individualism vary with ingroup and culture. Measurement, methodological, and conceptual implications are discussed.
Mining the internet plateau: an exploration of the adoption intention of non-users in Singapore

This study1 examines the factors that affect the intention to adopt the internet among non-users against the backdrop of an emerging internet plateau. Using data from a telephone survey with a representative national sample of non-users in Singapore, this study attempts to understand better what may facilitate or impede non-users to adopt the internet in light of the theory of planned behavior. Findings indicate that, in addition to demographic factors, attitudes toward the internet and perceived control of several internal and external factors are predictive of individuals’ intentions to get online in the future. Implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed.
SINUSOIDAL LINING CELL DAMAGE: THE CRITICAL INJURY IN COLD PRESERVATION OF LIVER ALLOGRAFTS IN THE RAT

We have previously defined viability limits in a rat transplantation model. All liver allografts stored in a simple preservation solution (NaCl 0.9%, CaCl2 2 mM) at 4 degrees C for 4 hr or at 37 degrees C for 1 hr were viable upon transplantation, but all those stored at 4 degrees C for 8 hr or at 37 degrees C for 2 hr were nonviable. Only cold-preserved, nonviable livers showed increased vascular resistance, platelet trapping and an initially low, but then high, rise in aspartate transaminase (AST) upon reperfusion, all suggesting injury to the microcirculation, with secondary injury to the hepatocyte. In the present study, we investigated the morphological changes that occur in livers stored for the defined critical times, using light and electron microscopy after perfusion-fixation. Accurate and reproducible identification of specimens as belonging to viable or nonviable and warm- or cold-preserved could be made in this way. Preservation in the cold first resulted in reversible changes consisting of cellular swelling, alterations of intracellular organelles, and partial denudation of the sinusoidal lining (cold-preserved viable group). Later, under conditions of nonviable cold preservation, detachment of cell bodies of sinusoidal lining cells with nuclear changes and almost complete denudation of the sinusoidal lining was observed. Endothelial cells of larger vessels were only injured mildly. In contrast, under conditions of warm preservation, changes involving mitochondria and later nuclei were found in hepatocytes, and blebbing was more extensive. Endothelial cells were spared relatively. We also examined livers stored in isotonic citrate solution at 4 degrees C for 8 hr and 16 hr, the critical times determined for this solution in another model of rat liver transplantation. The findings were very similar to storage in saline with respect to the changes in the sinusoidal lining cells after cold preservation for the two critical times. The results provide convincing evidence of a qualitative difference between warm and cold preservation injury, with relatively selective damage to hepatocytes or sinusoidal lining cells, respectively. Endothelial damage represents the primary event, resulting in the loss of organ viability following hypothermic storage. Thus morphology may serve as a useful viability marker after preservation.
A case of?6p- chromosomal aberration.

CHROMOSOMAL delections are now well documented in man. The first example was the deletion of the short arm of chromosome 18 described by De Grouchy et al.1,2According to the newly proposed nomenclature of the Chicago Conference3this chromosome anomaly is refered to as "18p—". Subsequently the cri du chat or 5p— syndrome was reported by Lejeune et al4and the 18q— syndrome by De Grouchy et al5and Lejeune et al.6Recently, Laurent et al7described one case of Dq— anomaly. The present report describes a new instance of a partial deletion, namely that of the short arm of a C chromosome, probably a 6 (? 6p— aberration). Report of a Case The patient, a boy, born Nov 21, 1966, was the product of the first pregnancy of a 19-year-old mother. His father was 24 years old. The child was born prematurely after 7½
An Extended Radiosity-Graphics Model for Directional Brightness Temperature Research

RGM (Radiosity-Graphics Combined Model) is a 3D computer radiosity-graphics combined model that calculates the radiation regime and BRF (the bidirectional reflectance factor) of complex 3-D scene, such as vegetation canopy. It was originally developed to work in the short wavelengths (0.3-3 μm) within 3D natural scenes that are represented as surface elements with finite dimension and orientation such as leaves, stems, soil patches, etc. RGM was recently transplanted from UNIX workstation to Windows platform and modified to extend its domain of application. This paper presents the changes that were implemented for extending its functions and demonstrated the validity of updated version for DBT (directional brightness temperature) research. Presently, this model works with agricultural crops, on the whole optical domain (thermal infrared included) and with a multi-spectral approach that uses optical databases from 0.3 μm up to 15 μm. KeywordsRGM; Radiosity; DBT
How Patient Comments Affect Consumers’ Use of Physician Performance Measures

Background:Patients’ comments about doctors are increasingly available on the internet. The effects of these anecdotal accounts on consumers’ engagement with reports on doctor quality, use of more statistically reliable performance measures, and ability to choose doctors wisely are unknown. Objective:To examine the effects of providing patient comments along with standardized performance information in a web-based public report. Design:Participants were randomly assigned to view 1 of 6 versions of a website presenting comparative performance information on fictitious primary care doctors. Versions varied by the combination of information types [Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS), Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS), and patient comments] and number of doctors. Participants:A random sample of working-age adults (N=848) from an online panel representing the noninstitutionalized population of the United States. Main Measures:Time spent and actions taken on the website, probing of standardized measures, and decision quality (chosen doctor rated highest on quantifiable metrics, chosen doctor not dominated by another choice). Secondary outcomes were perceived usefulness and trustworthiness of performance metrics and evaluations of the website. Key Results:Inclusion of patient comments increased time spent on the website by 35%–42% and actions taken (clicks) by 106%–117% compared with versions presenting only CAHPS and HEDIS measures (P<0.01). It also reduced participants’ attention to standardized measures (eg, percentage of time probing HEDIS measures dropped by 67%, P<0.01). When patient comments were present, fewer participants chose the doctor scoring highest on standardized metrics (44%–49% vs. 61%–62%, P<0.01). Conclusions:Including patient comments in physician performance reports enhances consumers’ engagement but reduces their attention to standardized measures and substantially increases suboptimal choices. More research is needed to explore whether integrated reporting strategies could leverage the positive effects of patient comments on consumer engagement without undermining consumers’ use of other important metrics for informing choice among doctors.
Toward automating affordance-based design

Abstract The objective of this research is to develop a computational representation of knowledge associated with affordance-based design (ABD). The ABD ontology formalizes the entities, properties, and relationships within the domains of ABD. The ontology enables designers to describe the affordances of existing products and specify the intended affordances of future products in line with ABD. The ontology consists of 14 concepts and 5 relationships. The ontology is developed using Protégé 4.3 and DL-query to query and reason with the ontology. The ontology is demonstrated using a consumer vacuum cleaner. The formal ontology serves as the basis for developing computer support for ABD applications. When implemented, these design tools will help designers manage the affordances of artifacts being designed, specifying the interacting entities of every affordance when a three-dimensional model of the artifact is available. Further, these software tools could be used to support ABD methods.
The ponto‐cerebellar projection in the rabbit and cat. Experimental investigations

The literature dealing with the pontine nuclei and their fiber connections reveals quite fargoing discrepancies and leaves a vivid impression of the difficulties involved in investigating the ponto-cerebellar connections. Nevertheless we venture an attempt to tackle these problems feeling that the modified Gudden method devised by one of us (Brodal, '39, '40 a ) offers advantages which might yield more definite results than those employed by previous investigators. For comprehensive surveys of the relevant literature we i-efer the reader to Sinnige ( ' 38) , Kappers, Huber and Crosby ( '36), Jacob ( 'as), Winkler ( '27), Bruii ( '17-'18), Nasuda ( '14) and Borowiecki ( '11). Here a short comment may suffice since we return to previous investigations in more detail later on when discussing our own results. The bulk of information concerning the problems in question has been gathered from investigations along two lines, viz. examination of pathological human material and experimental studies on animals. The tables 1 and 2 give a summary of the most important results of previous investigations of tlie ponto-cerebellar projection.
Silencing S1P1 Receptors Regulates Collagen‐V Reactive Lymphocyte‐Mediated Immunobiology in the Transplanted Lung

Type V collagen (col[V])‐reactive lymphocytes contribute to lung transplant rejection, but the mechanisms for emigration into the graft are unknown. Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate‐1 receptors (S1P1R) are believed to be required for lymphocyte emigration in other studies, but their role in col(V)‐reactive lymphocyte rejection responses is not known. Utilizing small interfering RNA (siRNA) to reduce S1P1R expression on col(V)‐reactive lymphocytes, we examined the role of S1P1R in the rejection response. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed strong expression of S1P1R messenger RNA (mRNA) on col(V)‐reactive lymphocytes isolated from immunized rats. S1P1R‐specific siRNA (S1P1R siRNA) reduced expression of S1P1R mRNA and protein, whereas scramble siRNA (SC siRNA) had no effect. Adoptive transfer of lymphocytes treated with S1P1R siRNA to rat Wistar Kyoto (WKY) lung isograft recipients resulted in retention of cells within the liver with fewer cells in mediastinal lymph nodes when compared to cells exposed to SC siRNA. S1P1R‐deficient cells proliferated in response to alloantigens, but not in response to col(V), and produced less interferon (IFN)‐γ in response to col(V) compared to controls. Downregulating S1P1R did not affect production of interleukin (IL)‐10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, or expression of adhesion molecules critical for migration, but prevented rejection pathology and lowered local levels of IFN‐γ post adoptive transfer. These data demonstrate novel roles of S1P1R, which include regulating emigration and modulating lymphocyte activation.
Temporal Distribution of Clinical Bronchiolitis in the Jerusalem Area – a Preliminary Report

Objective: Bronchiolitis is a clinical syndrome with a seasonal distribution that varies by location. Data regarding its temporal distribution in Israel are limited, and there are no available data specifically for the Jerusalem area. The aim of this study was to investigate the temporal distribution of cases of bronchiolitis that were clinically diagnosed in a system of urgent-care centers based in and around Jerusalem over eight winters. Methods: A unified database of five urgent-care clinics was queried for the total monthly visits of children aged less than age 2 years with a discharge diagnosis of bronchiolitis, from January 1, 2002 to February 13, 2009. The database was also queried for total monthly visits of all children aged less than 2 years in order to calculate the percentage of patients presenting with bronchiolitis. The frequency distribution was plotted in graph form against months of the years 2002 to early 2009. Results: There was a recurring peak in clinical diagnoses of bronchiolitis in December and January for every year evaluated. Conclusions: Clinical bronchiolitis in the Jerusalem area appears to have a consistent annual peak in December and January. This finding is markedly different from many other reported incidence peaks. Confirmatory virologic studies are needed to determine if the clinical presentation of bronchiolitis in the community reflects the true temporal incidence of the disease. MeSH words: Bronchiolitis, epidemiology, respiratory tract diseases, viral diseases
Stable stem cell commitment to the adipocyte lineage by inhibition of DNA methylation: Role of the BMP-4 gene

Previous studies showed that exposure of C3H10T1/2 stem cells to bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) produced cells that convert into adipocytes at high frequency when treated with differentiation inducers. In the present investigation, an independent approach shows that BMP-4 is required for stable commitment of pluripotent stem cells to the adipocyte lineage. Exposure of proliferating 10T1/2 stem cells to 5-azacytidine, a potent DNA methylation inhibitor, gave rise to a subpopulation of cells that can be cloned and that have the capacity to undergo conversion into adipocytes upon treatment with terminal differentiation inducers. Detailed studies performed with a cloned committed subline, the A33 line, verified stable adipocyte lineage determination in the absence of exogenous BMP-4. Remarkably, this cell line expresses and secretes BMP-4 during proliferation in the same time window that exogenous BMP-4 must be added to naïve 10T1/2 cells to induce maximal adipocyte commitment. Furthermore, exposure of A33 cells to noggin, a naturally occurring BMP-4–binding antagonist, during this critical time window blocks subsequent differentiation. The role of BMP-4 in adipocyte lineage commitment is further strengthened by gene expression profiling of proliferating 10T1/2 stem cells and A33 preadipocytes. These findings revealed changes in the molecular circuitry, specifically coordinated changes in the expression of members of the BMP-4 signaling pathway, that distinguish A33 preadipocytes from uncommitted parental 10T1/2 stem cells. Together, these studies provide compelling evidence for the participation of BMP-4 in adipocyte lineage determination.
Persistence of Antibody to Hepatitis B and Protection From Disease Among Alaska Natives Immunized at Birth

Background: Alaska Native (AN) children were at high risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection before vaccination began in 1983. We evaluated the long-term protection from hepatitis B (HB) vaccination among AN children immunized when infants. Methods: During 1984–1995, we recruited a convenience sample of AN children who had received a three dose series of HB vaccine starting at birth and had serum antibody to hepatitis B (anti-HBs) concentrations of ≥10 mIU/mL at 7–26 months of age. We evaluated anti-HBs concentrations and the presence of anti-HBc in participants’ sera every other year up to age 16 years. Anti-HB core antigen (anti-HBc)-positive specimens were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and for HBV DNA. Results: We followed 334 children for 3151 person-years (median, 10 years per child) with 1610 specimens collected. Anti-HBs concentrations dropped rapidly among all participants. Among children 2, 5 and 10 years of age, 37 of 79 (47%), 33 of 176 (19%) and 8 of 95 (8%), respectively, had anti-HBs concentrations of ≥10 mIU/mL. Receipt of recombinant vaccine was significantly associated with a more rapid antibody decline (P < 0.001). Six (1.8%) children acquired anti-HBc, 3 of whom had definite breakthrough infections (at least 2 consecutive anti-HBc-positive specimens or at least 1 anti-HBc-positive specimen and HBV DNA detection by PCR). None of these children had detectable hepatitis B surface antigen, and none had symptoms of hepatitis. Conclusions: Anti-HBs concentrations declined over time among AN infants successfully immunized with HB vaccine starting at birth. Transient anti-HBc appeared in a small percentage of children; however, none developed clinical signs of hepatitis or chronic HBV infection.
Ex vivo adenovirus-mediated gene delivery leads to long-term expression in pancreatic islet transplants.

BACKGROUND Replication-deficient adenovirus, one of the most efficient vectors in gene therapy, has been limited by transient transgene expression due to its episomal location and loss during cell division, as well as a host immune response against viral proteins. METHODS Murine pancreatic islets were infected ex vivo with ad5-cytomegalovirus (CMV)-beta-galactosidase and transplanted into diabetic recipients with normalization of glucose metabolism. RESULTS High levels of beta-galactosidase activity were detectable histologically for at least 20 weeks after transplant, and beta-galactosidase and viral mRNA were also present that long. Sera from transplanted animals did not significantly inhibit ad5-CMV-interleukin-2-Ig infection of HeLa cells in vitro, whereas sera from intravenously delivered ad5-CMV-beta-galactosidase drastically diminished HeLa cell infection, suggesting the presence of reduced levels of antibodies in transplanted animals as compared with intravenously infected animals. Immunofluorescent staining of islet isografts infected with ad5-CMV-beta-galactosidase revealed the presence of CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes at all time points, however, no islet destruction was seen. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of islet isografts ex vivo with ad5-CMV-beta-galactosidase results in prolonged transgene expression, possibly due to an attenuated immune response against adenovirus.
Civic Engagement for Nursing Home Residents: A Call for Social Work Action

Civic engagement has been found to be associated with a number of emotional and physical benefits for older adults. For those residing in nursing homes, however, opportunities for civic engagement are limited. Societal barriers such as ageism and practical issues such as transportation can limit their access to activities that promote civic engagement. In this article, we review past research on civic engagement for older adults and explore the challenges and barriers faced by nursing home residents. We conclude with a call for social work professionals to develop, implement, and evaluate interventions that increase civic engagement opportunities for this undervalued group.
Step Tracking in the Presence of Persistent Plant Changes

In this paper, we consider the use of periodic controllers for simultaneous stabilization and step tracking, including the case when there are occasional, though persistent, plant changes. We consider the case of a finite set of admissible models; we provide a design procedure that yields a controller which stabilizes each such model while providing near optimal LQR step tracking. We then demonstrate that this controller has the facility to tolerate occasional (but persistent) switches between these models without an undue effect on the performance. The controller is periodic with a slight nonlinearity.