Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Future instrumentation in positron emission tomography

The solid angle of current cylindrical PET systems and hence the overall sensitivity can be increased by incorporating additional rings of block detectors. However, for a given scintillator volume of LSO, we may optimize the number of detectors and thus the number of rings of blocks in terms of point source and absolute sensitivity (NEMA NU-2 2001). The constant LSO volume restriction implies in the extreme a large axial FOV system with a thin LSO layer or a narrow axial FOV system with a thick LSO layer. The sensitivity values can then be converted into volume and planar sensitivities based on count rates, acquired with a particular phantom. The HiRez detector (Siemens Molecular Imaging) with a varying LSO thickness has been used as the basis for adding extra rings of detectors. The diameter of the system assumed for this study is 85.5 cm and the axial extent ranged from 16.4 cm, that of the current Biograph TruePoint system, up to a maximum of 111 cm. The calculated planar and volume sensitivity values are based on simple geometrical arguments, verified by Geant4 simulations. The calculated NEC values for one set of LSO volume data are from actual experimental data from the Siemens Biograph TruePoint 3 ring scanner and then scaled based on the ratio of the calculated absolute sensitivity to the measured TruePoint absolute sensitivity. Sensitivity data have been obtained for 10, 16 and 23 liters of LSO. The planar sensitivity generally peaks for ring configurations with around 2 cm deep LSO pixels. For the 16 liter LSO data the planar sensitivity peaks for a 33 cm axial FOV while the volume sensitivity peaks at around 65 cm axial FOV. However, the volume sensitivity value at 33 cm is around 75% of the maximum volume sensitivity at 65 cm, suggesting that a 33 cm axial extent may be a better choice for a 16 liter LSO system.
Technetium-99m glucoheptonate as a brain-scanning agent.

Of importance is proposed mechanism that TcGH functions as a substrate for the highly metabolic brain tumor tissue, which results in an enhanced lesion uptake. Significant concentration of Tc chelates in lesions may be related in part to the increased metabolic activity of abnormal tissue. Mechanisms such as enhanced blood clearance, effective penetration of the blood/brain barrier, tissue binding, and other factors, however, must be considered. We have recently analyzed 800 consecutive brain scans using TcGH, and have found the tumor detection rate to be 94%. The detection rate for infarction was slightly greater than 50% within the first week after insult, and increased to 75% after the first week. When a flow study was included, the detection rate for all infarcts was further increased to 90% for the detection of brain tumors TcGH offers certain advantages over TcO/sub 4//sup -/.
Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the frontal sinus

We report a 74‐year‐old Japanese man with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) originating in the frontal sinus. It presented as a cutaneous nodule on his right forehead. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed invasion of the anterior wall of the ethmoid sinus, the frontal bone, and possibly the meninx by a frontal sinus carcinoma. Despite right fronto craniotomy with en bloc resection followed by two courses of radiation therapy and chemotherapy with 5‐fluorouracil and nedaplatin or TS‐1 he died of disease‐related causes 20 months later. Herein, we present a detailed description of this patient and a review of the published work.
A/J Mouse As A Model For Lung Tumorigenesis Caused By Tobacco Smoke: Strengths And Weaknesses

Strain A/J mice have successfully been used to develop an animal model for tobacco smoke carcinogenesis. In 18 individual studies, reported by 4 different laboratories, a significant increase in lung tumor multiplicities following exposure from 50 to 170 mg/m3 of total suspended tobacco smoke particulates was found in 15 studies (83%) and a significant increase in lung tumor incidence in 10 studies (56%). However, tumor multiplicities are comparatively low (from an average of 1.1 to 2.8 tumors per lung). From a toxicological standpoint, this indicates that cigarette smoke is a weak animal carcinogen. Although the assay allowed one to detect substantial chemopreventive activity of a mixture of myo-inositol and dexamethasone, it was less successful in showing efficacy for several other agents.
Conceptualization, Operationalization, and Empirical Evidence for an Individual's Dispositional Resistance to IT-Induced Changes

As information systems (IS) usage is the missing link from information technology (IT) investments to the business value impact of IT (DeLone and McLean 2003), it is a significant issue for IS researchers and practitioners, if individuals resist using these systems. Several recent models have been developed in order to offer insights which perceptual beliefs foster user resistance. Results reveal perceptual beliefs as perceived threats, technostress, or switching costs as major determinants for user resistance. Nevertheless, user resistance has not been researched from a perspective of predisposed individual differences so far. Consequently, this paper proposes the new construct dispositional resistance to IT-induced changes. This reflects inclinations to resist any kind of IT-related change and discusses resistance from the perspective of individual differences. Within this approach, it is theoretically hypothesized, how this inclination influences perceptual beliefs, intentions, and behaviors. Empirical results reveal strong impacts of the newly proposed construct on technostress.
Comparative Study of Brain Lesions Detected by Magnetic Resonance Imaging between Strabismus and Nonstrabismus in Infancy

Purpose: To elucidate the causative factors in infantile esotropia, we evaluated morphological abnormalities in brain structures of esotropia patients showing any abnormal neurological signs in comparison to those of normal controls. Methods: Sixty-five developmentally normal children participated in this study. Of these 65, 38 demonstrated infantile esotropia and 27 were normal controls. All underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain between 2 and 30 months. Results: Abnormal brain findings were noted in 3 (7.9%) children in the strabismus group, whereas none of the children in the normal control group showed brain lesions. In these 3 cases, brain lesions involved periventricular leukomalacia, enlargement of the lateral ventricles with hypoplasia of the corpus callosum and myelination delay at the anterior horn adjacent to the lateral ventricles. Conclusions: Brain lesions that may disturb normal maturation of the visuomotor system and eventually lead to strabismus could be found in some patients without any episode that would cause birth injury.
Leishmania promastigotes require lipophosphoglycan to actively modulate the fusion properties of phagosomes at an early step of phagocytosis

The lipophosphoglycan (LPG) of Leishmania promastigotes plays key roles in parasite survival in both insect and mammalian hosts. Evidence suggests that LPG decreases phagosome fusion properties at the onset of infection in macrophages. The mechanisms of action of this molecule are, however, poorly understood. In the present study, we used a panoply of Leishmania mutants displaying modified LPG structures to determine more precisely how LPG modulates phagosome–endosome fusion. Using an in vivo fusion assay measuring, at the electron microscope, the transfer of solute materials from endosomes to phagosomes, we provided further evidence that the repeating Gal(β1,4)Man(α1‐PO4) units of LPG are responsible for the alteration in phagosome fusion. The inhibitory effect of LPG on phagosome fusion was shown to be more potent towards late endocytic organelles and lysosomes than early endosomes, explaining how Leishmania promastigotes can avoid degradation in hydrolase‐enriched compartments. The involvement of other repeating unit‐containing molecules, including the secreted acid phosphatase, in the inhibition process was ruled out, as an LPG‐defective mutant (lpg1−) which secretes repeating unit‐containing glycoconjugates was present in highly fusogenic phagosomes. In L. major, oligosaccharide side‐chains of LPG did not contribute to the inhibition process, as Spock, an L. major mutant lacking LPG side‐chains, blocked fusion to the same extent as wild‐type parasites. Finally, dead parasites internalized from the culture medium were not as efficient as live parasites in altering phagosome–endosome fusion, despite the presence of LPG. However, the killing of parasites with vital dyes after their sequestration in phagosomes had no effect on the fusion properties of this organelle. Collectively, these results suggest that living promastigotes displaying full‐length cell surface LPG can actively influence macrophages at an early stage of phagocytosis to generate phagosomes with poor fusogenic properties.
Cotton growth, lint yield, and fiber quality as affected by row spacing and cultivar

Modern transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars with herbicide resistance have rejuvenated an interest in ultra-narrow row cotton production, primarily because of the reduction of weed control problems encountered in the past with ultra-narrow row systems. While the primary goal of ultra-narrow row cotton is to reduce production costs, an agronomic and physiological evaluation of this cropping system is also needed. The objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility of using modern transgenic cotton cultivars in ultra-narrow rows (<38 cm) for cotton production in the Mississippi Delta and to assess the effect of these various systems on cotton growth, lint yield, and fiber quality. Plant height and number of sympodia, total nodes, and total bolls per plant were reduced in cotton grown in ultra-narrow row spacings. In most cases, cotton grown in ultra-narrow rows had lint yields equal to or higher than those attained in the 101-cm spacing. In 2 of 3 yr, row spacing and cultivar interacted to significantly affect mean lint yield. In ultra-narrow rows, glyphosate-resistant transgenic cultivars produced yields equal to or better than conventional cultivars in 2 of 3 yr. Okra-leaf cultivars in narrow row cotton production did not improve lint yield. No conclusions could be made regarding the impact of plant stature on lint yield. Row spacing had little impact on fiber quality. Ultra-narrow row cotton appeared to be a viable agronomic cotton production practice for the Mississippi Delta compared with conventionally-grown cotton based upon lint yield and fiber quality.
Ethnic minorities and psychiatric services.

Black psychiatric out-patients appear to be more likely to receive various physical treatments than do British born patients or white immigrants: major tranquillisers and electroconvulsive therapy. Both black patients and white immigrants are more likely to receive intramuscular medication than the British born and have a pattern of out-patient attendance which involves self-referrals, missed appointments and being seen on booked appointments by the most junior members of the therapeutic team. These findings cannot all be adequately interpreted as the result of demographic differences or differing conceptions of mental illness and readiness to seek treatment. They appear to involve either (a) Differences in psychiatric phenomenology which have not been recognised or (b) Stereotyped attitudes of mental health professionals.
Toxoplasmosis : aspects concerning the epidemiology and the paraimmune prophylaxis

Paraimmunity, as a reactive phenomenon of the host’s organism, induced by various heterogeneous antigens – due to some common antigenic components – appears alongside specific immunity. In bacterial and viral immunology paraimmunity is better known and studied than in parasitic immunology. It is known that, generally speaking, paraimmunity appears simultaneously with specific immunity, induced by the intervention of certain antigens, but it is smaller in intensity than the latter.
The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in alcohol misusers in Chennai, south India.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of various oral mucosal lesions (OML) among alcohol misusers attending a rehabilitation center in Chennai, south India. MATERIALS AND METHODS Qualified dental surgeons examined 500 consecutive alcohol misusers at Ragas Dental College and Hospital and TTK Hospital, India. Thorough history and oral findings were recorded in a pre-determined format. Data entry and statistical analysis were done using SPSS 10.0. 5beta. The variables for this study were OML, Oral Hygiene Index (OHI), age, smoking, and alcohol misuse (type and units consumed and duration of misuse). RESULTS Of the 500 patients, 77% were in the 25-44 years old age group and 84% were married. The mean age of initiation of alcohol misuse was 34 years. In addition to alcohol, 72% smoked tobacco and 96% used other psychoactive substances. The mean alcohol use duration was 12.6 years. A total of 25% of the study group had at least one OML. The common oral lesions were smoker's melanosis (10.2%), oral submucous fibrosis (8%), and leukoplakia (7.4%). Those who misused spirits had a higher incidence of OML than those who misused beer or both. Patients with fair oral hygiene had an odds ratio (OR) of 2.96 for OML compared with an OR of 2.08 for those who had OML with good oral hygiene. CONCLUSION This study indicates that subjects who misuse alcohol have poor oral hygiene and are at risk for the development of periodontal disease and OML. This survey indicates that oral examination and treatment should be a part of the standard care for alcohol misusers at rehabilitation centers.
Evaluation of Serum Immunoglobulins and Complement Components Level in Children with Atopic Dermatitis in Al-Hilla City

Immune status was examined in 30 children with atopic dermatitis, their ages ranged between 1-10 years, were clinically diagnosed in dermatology consultation at Merjan teaching hospital and 15 apparently healthy children were included as a control in the study which lasted from September to December 2012.Immunological parameters test were done by taking venous blood from the patients and healthy children to determine the level of immunoglobulins of IgM, IgG, IgA and complement proteins C3 ,C4 level in their serum . It was shown that positive changes in an immunological assays that were significant increases in IgM, IgG ,IgA , C3 and C4 levels in serum of patients in comparison to healthy children . Key wards: atopic dermatitis, serum immunoglobulin, C3, C4 level, children
Biological characterization of the isoforms of urinary human follicle-stimulating hormone contained in a purified commercial preparation.

The main physicochemical and biological properties of the several isoforms of urinary follicle-stimulating hormone (uFSH) present in a commercially available uFSH preparation were analysed. Purified urinary FSH was submitted to chromatofocusing and several immunoactive forms of uFSH with isoelectric points (pI) ranging from 5.5 to 3.8 were identified. An additional isoform was detected after passing through the chromatofocusing column a 1.0 M NaCl solution (salt peak). Each uFSH isoform or pool of neighbouring isoforms (pI value 5.5-5.1, pool I, 3.8 +/- 1.0% of total immunoactivity recovered; pI value 5.0-4.6, pool II, 18.4 +/- 3.6% of total; pI value 4.5-4.3, pool III, 14.9 +/- 1.5% of total; pI value 4.1, pool IV, 8.2 +/- 1.4% of total; salt peak, pool V, 51.1 +/- 6.4% of total) eluted as single FSH peaks after Sephadex G-100 exclusion chromatography (apparent M(r) 60,000). Even though FSH present within each pool was recognized by a receptor preparation, the receptor binding activity expressed as the radioreceptor assay/radioimmunoassay (RRA/RIA) activity ratio varied with the pI value of the particular uFSH isoform tested; starting from a pI value of 5.5, the receptor binding activity of FSH decreased from 5.9 +/- 0.39 to 2.4 +/- 0.19, as the pI value of the corresponding isoform declined. A similar trend was observed when the potency of each isoform was assessed by an in-vitro bioassay. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A 5E Learning Cycle Approach-Based, Multimedia-Supplemented Instructional Unit for Structured Query Language

With the benefit of multimedia and the learning cycle approach in promoting effective active learning, this paper proposed a learning cycle approach–based, multimedia-supplemented instructional unit for Structured Query Language (SQL) for second-year undergraduate students with the aim of enhancing their basic knowledge of SQL and ability to apply SQL to a database. The students were engaged into the learning unit by using the designed multimedia, were asked to explore SQL syntax errors using a game in the developed instructional multimedia and to share and discuss the cause(s) of the SQL syntax error(s) with the class. They then constructed, practiced, and applied SQL commands, and evaluated their own understanding using the multimedia. Research data were collected through an SQL achievement test, small projects, and a questionnaire. The results showed that the students who participated in this developed instructional unit had better ability to apply SQL to a database compared to other groups of students.
The pharmaceutical industry: our 'silent' partner in the practice of medicine.

INTRODUCTION We practice scientific, evidence-based medicine with an aim to alleviate the suffering of people. At least, that is what most of us think we do. However, some recent reports have shaken my belief in this premise and today I am not sure. I always viewed the pharmaceutical industry as our 'silent' partner in the practice of medicine and at times in the quest for scientific knowledge. These reports have made me sit up and wonder whether it is actually the other way round. The medical profession, it appears now, is the 'mute' partner in someone's quest for money and profit.
MDCT of Tracheobronchial Narrowing in Pediatric Patients

Chest radiographs have been useful for the incidental detection and initial imaging evaluation of clinically suspected central airway narrowing in pediatric patients. However, cross-sectional imaging, such as computed tomography (CT), is frequently required for confirmation of diagnosis, further characterization, and preoperative evaluation of surgical lesions. Recent rapid technologic advancement in CT has allowed CT to assume a pivotal role in the noninvasive evaluation of tracheobronchial narrowing in children, in particular with multidetector computed tomography with postprocessing techniques, including multiplanar reformations and 3-dimensional reconstructions. In this article, the authors review the multidetector computed tomography technique for evaluation of central airway narrowing in children, with emphasis on the use of multiplanar reformations and 3-dimensional reconstructions in the imaging evaluation of the spectrum of intrinsic and extrinsic causes of central airway narrowing in children.
A Comparison of Paper-and-Pencil and Computerized Forms of Line Orientation and Enhanced Cued Recall Tests

The purpose of this study was to assess whether a computerized battery of neuropsychological tests could produce similar results as the conventional forms. Comparisons on 77 volunteer undergraduates were carried out with two neuropsychological tests: Line Orientation Test and Enhanced Cued Recall Test. Firstly, students were assigned randomly across the test medium (paper-and-pencil versus computerized). Secondly, the groups were given the same test in the other medium after a 30-day interval between tests. Results showed that the Enhanced Cued Recall Test–Computer-based did not correlate with the Enhanced Cued Recall Test-Paper-and-pencil results. Line Orientation Test–Computer-based scores, on the other hand, did correlate significantly with the Line Orientation Test–Paper-and-pencil version. In both tests, scores were higher on paper-and-pencil tests compared to computer-based tests. Total score difference between modalities was statistically significant for both Enhanced Cued Recall Tests and for the Line Orientation Test. In both computer-based tests, it took less time for participants to complete the tests.
Evaluation of polylactide film for prevention of pericardial adhesion in a rabbit model

OZ Amac: Bu calismada pelvik yapisikliklari onlemede etkinligi kanitlanmis biyoemilebilir polilaktid bariyerin ameliyat sonrasi perikardiyal yapisikliklari onlemedeki etkinligi bir hayvan modelinde degerlendirildi. Ca­lis­ma­ pla­ni:­ Kirk Yeni Zelanda beyaz tavsani esit olarak kontrol ve tedavi gruplarina ayrildi. Deneklere sol anterior torakotomi ve parsiyel perikardiyektomi sonrasi epikardiyal abrazyon uygulandi. Kontrol gruplarinda (grup 1 ve 2) retrosternal yapisikliklara izin vermek icin perikard acik birakildi. Tedavi gruplarinda ise (grup 3 ve 4) perikardiyal defekt 0.02 mm biyoemilebilir polilaktid bariyer ile kapatildi. Ameliyat sonrasi makroskopik ve mikroskopik degerlendirmeler gruplar hakkinda bilgisi olmayan degerlendirmeciler tarafindan grup 1 ve 3’te ucuncu haftanin sonunda, grup 2 ve 4’te ise altinci haftanin sonunda yapildi. Bul gu lar: Makroskopik ve histopatolojik degerlendirmeler kontrol ve tedavi gruplari arasinda adezyon gelisimi acisindan anlamli farklilik olmadigini gosterdi. Ancak polilaktid bariyer tedavi gruplarinda mezotelyum benzeri hucre tabakasinin gelisimini destekledi. So­nuc:­ Polilaktid bariyer mezotel hucre tabakasinin rejenerasyonuna yardimci olsa da perikardiyal yapisikliklarin gelisimini onlememektedir. Anah­tar­ soz­cuk­ler: Biyoemilebilir polilaktid bariyer; kalp cerrahisi; perikardiyal yapisikliklar. ABSTRACT Background:­This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a bioabsorbable polylactide film, which was proven to be effective in preventing pelvic adhesions, in prevention of postoperative pericardial adhesions in an animal model. Methods: Forty New Zealand white rabbits were divided equally into control and treatment groups. Subjects were performed left anterior thoracotomy and partial pericardiectomy followed by epicardial abrasion. In control groups (group 1 and 2), the pericardium was left open to allow retrosternal adhesions. In treatment groups (group 3 and 4), the pericardial defect was closed with 0.02 mm bioabsorbable polylactide film. Postoperative macroscopic and microscopic evaluations were made by the same blinded observers at the end of the third week in group 1 and 3, and at the end of the sixth week in group 2 and 4. Results:­ Macroscopic and histopathologic examinations revealed no significant differences between control and treatment groups in terms of adhesion formation. However, polylactide film supported the growth of a mesotheliumlike layer in the treatment groups. Conclusion:­ Although polylactide film assists in the regeneration of mesothelial cells layer, it does not prevent the development of pericardial adhesions.