Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Technetium-99m-sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy: effect of P-glycoprotein, histology and tumor size on detectability.

UNLABELLED The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) levels, predominant histology and tumor size on the detectability of parathyroid adenomas with 99mTc-sestamibi scans. Although previous studies have shown that positivity correlates with tumor size, false-negative studies have been reported with large tumors and true-positives reported with very small tumors. Recent investigations have reported rapid washout of sestamibi in malignant tumors because of high levels of P-gp, similar to that seen with multidrug chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, we postulated that this mechanism might account for false-negative studies in parathyroid tumors. Preliminary reports have suggested that the predominant histological subtype influences positivity on 99mTc-sestamibi parathyroid scans. METHODS We studied 25 patients with surgically confirmed parathyroid adenomas with 99mTc-sestamibi parathyroid scans. The results of the imaging study were correlated with tissue P-gp levels, predominant histological subtype and size of the surgically removed glands. RESULTS There were 21 true-positive and 4 false-negative results. The size of the adenomas ranged from 0.12 to 8.64 ml. We found no correlation between the results of the dual-phase 99mTc-sestamibi study and either the predominant cell type or the level of P-gp. Positivity did correlate with the size of the adenoma (p=0.73, p < 0.0001). We cannot exclude the possibility that P-gp and cell type may still play a role in individual cases, but we suspect that other yet to be determined factors may influence 99mTc-sestamibi detectability in addition to tumor size.
Attachment disorganization and controlling behavior in middle childhood: maternal and child precursors and correlates

Main, Kaplan, and Cassidy's (1985) conceptualizations of disorganization in infancy and controlling behavior in preschool forged new directions in attachment research. However, there currently is no valid coding system for behavioral manifestations of attachment after 7 years of age. The present study presents the validity of an instrument for coding both disorganized and role-reversed behavior from ages 7 to 9; the Middle Childhood Disorganization and Control (MCDC) scales. In the present study, 43 mother–child dyads at socio-economic risk, followed from infancy, were assessed on the MCDC at age 8. Analyses revealed that children with higher combined punitive/disorganized scores were significantly more likely to: (1) come from families referred for clinical home visiting because of concerns about the quality of the parent–infant relationships; (2) have higher scores for disorganization in infancy if from the clinically-referred subgroup; (3) are more likely to show disorganized representations; and (4) show higher externalizing and internalizing behavior problems. Higher caregiving MCDC scores were associated with more maternal withdrawal behavior in infancy. In conclusion, the present study provided the first validity data for an observational measure of disorganization and control in middle childhood.
Evaluation of systemic markers of inflammation in atomic‐bomb survivors with special reference to radiation and age effects

Past exposure to atomic bomb (A‐bomb) radiation has exerted various long‐lasting deleterious effects on the health of survivors. Some of these effects are seen even after > 60 yr. In this study, we evaluated the subclinical inflammatory status of 442 A‐bomb survivors, in terms of 8 inflammation‐related cytokines or markers, comprised of plasma levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), C‐reactive protein (CRP), IL‐4, IL‐10, and immunoglobulins, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The effects of past radiation exposure and natural aging on these markers were individually assessed and compared. Next, to assess the biologically significant relationship between inflammation and radiation exposure or aging, which was masked by the interrelationship of those cytokines/markers, we used multivariate statistical analyses and evaluated the systemic markers of inflammation as scores being calculated by linear combinations of selected cytokines and markers. Our results indicate that a linear combination of ROS, IL‐6, CRP, and ESR generated a score that was the most indicative of inflammation and revealed clear dependences on radiation dose and aging that were found to be statistically significant. The results suggest that collectively, radiation exposure, in conjunction with natural aging, may enhance the persistent inflammatory status of A‐bomb survivors. —Hayashi, T. , Morishita, Y. , Khattree, R. , Misumi, M. , Sasaki, K. , Hayashi, I. , Yoshida, K. , Kajimura, J., Kyoizumi, S. , Imai, K. , Kusunoki, Y. , Nakachi, K. Evaluation of systemic markers of inflammation in atomic‐bomb survivors with special reference to radiation and age effects. FASEB J. 26, 4765–4773 (2012). www.fasebj. org
Potent Synergy and Sustained Bactericidal Activity of a Vancomycin-Colistin Combination versus Multidrug-Resistant Strains of Acinetobacter baumannii

ABSTRACT Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) presents an increasing challenge to health care. Although colistin has been used as a treatment of last resort, there is concern regarding its potential for toxicity and the emergence of resistance. The mechanism of action of colistin, however, raises the possibility of synergy with compounds that are normally inactive against Gram-negative organisms by virtue of the impermeability of the bacterial outer membrane. This study evaluated the effect of colistin combined with vancomycin on 5 previously characterized epidemic strains and 34 MDRAB clinical isolates by using time-kill assay, microdilution, and Etest methods. For all the isolates, significant synergy was demonstrated by at least one method, with reductions in the MIC of vancomycin from >256 μg/ml to ≤48 μg/ml for all strains after exposure to 0.5 μg/ml colistin. This raises the possibility of the clinical use of this combination for infections due to MDRAB, with the potential for doses lower than those currently used.
Anatomy of the azygos vein examined by computerized tomography imaging.

OBJECTIVE To examine the anatomy of the azygos vein AV using different parameters. Therefore, the diameter of the AV at its opening into the superior vena cava, the opening level of the AV into the superior vena cava, and the position of the AV, with respect to the vertebral column and carina, were examined by CT. METHODS Chest CTs of 103 cases (42 female and 61 male) were reviewed at the Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey between July 2004 and February 2005. The CT examinations were performed with a Philips AU E1 spiral CT (Rotterdam, Netherlands) with the following parameters: 120 Hv; 200 mAs; slice thickness: 7 mm; pitch: 1; reconstruction index: 7 mm. The results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS The diameter of the AV at the opening into the superior vena cava ranged between 4.3 mm and 16 mm. The AV was in the midline in 41 cases. The arching and opening level of the AV was at the fifth thoracic vertebra in most cases. The opening level was most often at the same level as the carina. Hemiazygos veins were detected in 90 patients. CONCLUSION The parameters measured in this study may be useful in surgical procedures of the mediastinum and during the interpretation of chest radiographs.
Syntactic Approach to ECG Rhythm Analysis

A diagnostic system for ECG rhythm monitoring based on syntactic approaches to pattern recognition is presented here. The method proposed exploits the difference in shape and structure between arrhythmic and normal ECG patterns to generate distinctly different descriptions in terms of a chosen set of primitives. A given frame of signal is first approximated piecewise linearly into a set of line segments which are completely specified in terms of their length and slope values. The slope values are quantized into seven distinct levels and a unit-length line segment with a slope value in each of these levels is coded as a slope symbol. Seven such slope symbols constitute the set of primitives. The given signal is represented as a string of such symbols based on the length and angle of the line segments approximating the signal. Context-free languages are used for describing the classes of abnormal and normal ECG patterns considered here. Analysis of actual ECG data shows efficiency comparable with that of existing methods and a saving in processing time.
Bicarbonate formation in cerebrospinal fluid: role in sodium transport and pH regulation.

MAREN, THOMAS H. Bicarbonate formation in cetebrospinal fluid: role in sodium transport and pH regulation. Am. J. Physiol. 222(4) : 885-899. 1972. -Two series of experiments were performed which clarified the role of HCOaformation and movement into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and its relation to sodium transport and pH regulation. In the first, the rates of access of HC03, Na+, and Clfrom plasma to CSF were measured in the dogfish Squalus acanthias by means of their isotopes. The rate constant (kin) values for the three ions were 1.9, 0.19, and 0.14 hr-l, respectively. Assuming that these represent net influx, the composition of CSF as secreted has the same sodium concentration as plasma, with HC03much higher and Cllower than plasma. The rate data and the effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibition suggest that HCOsU reaches the CSF by hydroxylation of gaseous COz at the choroid plexus, and probably at glia. The relations among the rates of the three ions show that the movement of HCOShas an important influence on the movement of sodium and of fluid. In the second series, the PCO~ of the fish was elevated fourfold, and the effect upon CSF HCOawas measured. The procedure caused a striking elevation of CSF HC03 concentration, to fourfold normal, in about 3 hr. As a result, pH regulation was maintained in the CSF during a profound respiratory acidosis in the plasma. The rate of HCOaformation in CSF was reduced to half by carbonic anhydrase inhibition. The data of the two series agree in showing that HCOaformation is a principal feature of CSF formation and that there is a clear homology to the formation of aqueous humor.
Trisomy 14pter → q21: A case with associated ovarian germ cell tumor and review of the literature

We report a patient with trisomy X and a supernumerary marker chromosome. The marker chromosome was characterized by comparative genomic hybridization and shown to be derived from chromosome 14, resulting in trisomy for 14pter → q21. The karyotype was thus redefined as 48,XXX,+mar.rev ish enh(14pterq21). The patient presented with facial dysmorphism and a high‐pitched cry, exhibited severe developmental delay, and developed an aggressive ovarian immature teratoma. In this paper, we also review reports of 11 other patients with constitutional trisomy of the same chromosomal region. Previous studies have identified somatic gains of chromosome 14 in ovarian germ cell tumors. We propose that the constitutional gain of chromosomal 14 material may have predisposed to the development of this tumor. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In Vitro Activities of Linezolid against MultipleNocardia Species

ABSTRACT Linezolid was tested by broth microdilution against 140 clinicalNocardia isolates belonging to seven species. The MIC at which 50% of the strains are inhibited (MIC50) and MIC90 for all species other than Nocardia farcinica were 2 and 4 μg/ml. Linezolid is the first antimicrobial agent demonstrated to be active against allNocardia species.
Responses to parallel fiber stimulation in the guinea pig dorsal cochlear nucleus in vitro.

1. Parallel fibers of the guinea pig dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) were electrically stimulated at the pial surface of the nucleus in a brain-slice preparation. Extracellular field potentials produced by the parallel fibers and postsynaptic cells, and the response of single units were identified and characterized. Responses were compared with those reported for stimulation of parallel fibers in the cerebellum and to those seen with electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve. 2. Stimulation of the DCN parallel fibers generates a consistent set of extracellular field potentials. In layer 1 of the DCN, a short-latency triphasic wave (P1(1)-N1(1)-P2(1)) is followed by a slower negative wave (N2(1)). The onset phase of the N2(1) often exhibits a small positive notch (P2a1). In layer 2, an initial triphasic wave (P1(2)-N1(2)-P2(2)) is followed by a short-latency negative wave (N2(2)) and a slower positive wave (P3(2)). The N1(2) is approximately coincident with the N1(1), whereas the P3(2) is coincident with N2(1). The falling phase of the P3(2) is sometimes interrupted by a brief negative deflection (N3(2)). These field potentials are similar, but not identical to those reported for parallel fiber stimulation in the cerebellum in vivo (15). These responses differ substantially from those produced in the DCN by electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve (50). 3. Low-calcium solutions and pharmacologic manipulations were used to separate pre- and postsynaptic response components in the field potential records. When the slice is bathed in a low-calcium solution the P2a1, N2(1), N2(2), P3(2), and the brief late deflections are abolished. However, the P1(1)-N1(1)-P2(1) and P1(2)-N1(2)-P2(2) remain unaffected. A similar separation of pre- and postsynaptic components can be achieved with 100 microM adenosine or 0.5 mM kynurenic acid. It is concluded that the P1(1)-M1(1)-P2(1) wave is the compound action potential of the unmyelinated parallel fibers, whereas the longer-latency field potential components are generated postsynaptically. 4. The conduction velocity of the parallel fiber volley was measured to be 0.30 m/s at the pial surface, in a line approximately parallel to the strial axis of the nucleus. Mapping experiments reveal that the spread of the P1(1)-N1(1)-P2(1) is greatest along the strial axis, and more limited in the orthogonal direction. 5. Single units were recorded in layer 2. At a distance of 500-700 microns from the stimulating electrode, the latencies of single-unit discharges fall between 2.5 and 4 ms, at the time of the N2(2). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Does the obscured AGN fraction really depend on luminosity

We use a sample of 151 local non-blazar active galactic nuclei (AGN) selected from the INTEGRAL all-sky hard X-ray survey to investigate if the observed declining trend of the fraction of obscured (i.e. showing X-ray absorption) AGN with increasing luminosity is mostly an intrinsic or selection effect. Using a torus-obscuration model, we demonstrate that in addition to negative bias, due to absorption in the torus, in finding obscured AGN in hard X-ray flux-limited surveys, there is also positive bias in finding unobscured AGN, due to Compton reflection in the torus. These biases can be even stronger taking into account plausible intrinsic collimation of hard X-ray emission along the axis of the obscuring torus. Given the AGN luminosity function, which steepens at high luminosities, these observational biases lead to a decreasing observed fraction of obscured AGN with increasing luminosity even if this fraction has no intrinsic luminosity dependence. We find that if the central hard X-ray source in AGN is isotropic, the intrinsic (i.e. corrected for biases) obscured AGN fraction still shows a declining trend with luminosity, although the intrinsic obscured fraction is significantly larger than the observed one: the actual fraction is larger than ∼85 per cent at L ≲ 10^(42.5) erg s^(−1) (17–60 keV), and decreases to ≲60 per cent at L ≳ 1044 erg s−1. In terms of the half-opening angle θ of an obscuring torus, this implies that θ ≲ 30° in lower luminosity AGN, and θ ≳ 45° in higher luminosity ones. If, however, the emission from the central supermassive black hole is collimated as dL/dΩ ∝ cos α, the intrinsic dependence of the obscured AGN fraction is consistent with a luminosity-independent torus half-opening angle θ ∼ 30°.
Familial cholesteatoma in East Anglia, UK

Abstract Objective: To report a cluster of families affected by cholesteatoma in the East Anglia region of the UK. Setting: Otology service for the population of Norfolk and North Suffolk, East Anglia, UK. Method: Prospective and systematic collection of family history data for patients presenting with cholesteatoma over 10 years. Result: Several families were identified with affected individuals over several generations. Conclusion: There is likely to be a genetic propensity for cholesteatoma in some individuals.
Effects of elevation of serum cholesterol and administration of amphotericin B complexed to lipoproteins on amphotericin B-induced toxicity in rabbits

Amphotericin B was infused into normal rabbits or rabbits made hypercholesterolemic by diet. There was no difference in amphotericin B-induced toxicity between these two groups. Amphotericin B given in a mixture with human low-density lipoproteins was more toxic than when given without lipoproteins.
The rosiglitazone story--lessons from an FDA Advisory Committee meeting.

On July 30, the Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee of the FDA concluded that the use of rosiglitazone for the treatment of type 2 diabetes was associated with an increased risk of myocardial ischemic events. Dr. Clifford Rosen reports.
Effect of Different Bicycle Body Positions on Power Output in Aerobically Trained Females

Aerodynamic bicycle positioning reduces drag but also reduces power output (PO) in males. The effect of aerodynamic bicycle positioning in trained endurance females is unknown. Eighteen females participants (VO2max 49.7 ± 6.3 ml·kg−1·min−1) all with competitive experience performed cycling trials at ventilatory threshold 1 and 2 (VT-1, VT-2) in both an aerodynamic and an upright position. There was a significant difference in PO between the aerodynamic and upright positions at VT-1 (152.7 ± 28.0 Watts and 159.7 ± 33.1 Watts, respectively) but not at VT-2 (191.2 ± 39.1 Watts and 192.4 ± 40.0 Watts, respectively). There were no significant differences in heart rate, oxygen consumption, or cadence between positions at either intensity. At both intensities the individual response was varied and no trends due to years of experience or background (triathlete or cyclist) explained this variability. Therefore, despite the significant mean difference in PO at VT-1, these results indicate that in trained females the effect of aerodynamic positioning is individual.
Collision-Induced Intramolecular Energy Flow in Highly Excited Toluene

either CHmethyl or CHring is in highly excited states. Using the results obtained in the calculations, we discuss the relaxation of the excited CH vibration, and the time evolution of collision-induced intramolecular energy flow from the highly excited CH vibration. Thus, we elucidate the nature and mechanism of competition between methyl CH mode and ring CH mode in transferring energy to the incident atom. We set the initial vibrational energy of the methyl CH bond or the ring CH bond equal to the state just 0.10 eV below the dissociation threshold at 300 K.
Testing the Minimax Theorem in the Field : The Interaction between Pitcher and Batter in Baseball

John von Neumann’s Minimax Theorem is a central result in game theory, but its practical applicability is questionable. While laboratory studies have often rejected its conclusions, recent field studies have achieved more favorable results. This thesis adds to the growing body of field studies by turning to the game of baseball. Two models are presented and developed, one based on pitch location and the other based on pitch type. Hypotheses are formed from assumptions on each model and then tested with data from Major League Baseball, yielding evidence in favor of the Minimax Theorem. May 2013 MMSS Senior Thesis Northwestern University
Activation and Functional Connectivity of the Left Inferior Temporal Gyrus during Visual Speech Priming in Healthy Listeners and Listeners with Schizophrenia

Under a “cocktail-party” listening condition with multiple-people talking, compared to healthy people, people with schizophrenia benefit less from the use of visual-speech (lipreading) priming (VSP) cues to improve speech recognition. The neural mechanisms underlying the unmasking effect of VSP remain unknown. This study investigated the brain substrates underlying the unmasking effect of VSP in healthy listeners and the schizophrenia-induced changes in the brain substrates. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, brain activation and functional connectivity for the contrasts of the VSP listening condition vs. the visual non-speech priming (VNSP) condition were examined in 16 healthy listeners (27.4 ± 8.6 years old, 9 females and 7 males) and 22 listeners with schizophrenia (29.0 ± 8.1 years old, 8 females and 14 males). The results showed that in healthy listeners, but not listeners with schizophrenia, the VSP-induced activation (against the VNSP condition) of the left posterior inferior temporal gyrus (pITG) was significantly correlated with the VSP-induced improvement in target-speech recognition against speech masking. Compared to healthy listeners, listeners with schizophrenia showed significantly lower VSP-induced activation of the left pITG and reduced functional connectivity of the left pITG with the bilateral Rolandic operculum, bilateral STG, and left insular. Thus, the left pITG and its functional connectivity may be the brain substrates related to the unmasking effect of VSP, assumedly through enhancing both the processing of target visual-speech signals and the inhibition of masking-speech signals. In people with schizophrenia, the reduced unmasking effect of VSP on speech recognition may be associated with a schizophrenia-related reduction of VSP-induced activation and functional connectivity of the left pITG.
EFFECT OF THERMAL STIMULATION IN EMBRYOS FROM COBB®GENETIC STRAIN UNDER COMMERCIAL SCALE

Studies aimed at producing stronger birds and with better growth performance are being developed involving the artificial incubation. To that extent, thermal stimulation by the heat of 1.39oC and 1C above the standard, and by cold of 36 ° C fixed, were applied in the last week of the embryonic development (day 14 to day 18) to Cobb® strain birds from 33 to 53 weeks age. With the purpose of evaluating the behavior of the embryos facing these temperature stimuli to identify what are the best amplitude, frequency and the most appropriate period to perform temperature variation, obtaining birds more adapted to the field. It has been observed that heat or cold stimulation did not cause embryo mortality and did not affect the hatching and the quality of the chick for this strain negatively. The weight of the pullet, the residual weight of the yolk, and the peak of birth were not modified. The thermal stimulation during the last week of the birds’ incubation is an available tool to improve hatchery production and quality and performance. However, several variables must be tested.