Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endovascular management of visceral artery aneurysm.

PURPOSE To retrospectively review our experience with visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) treated with percutaneous coil embolization techniques. METHODS Patient records were retrospectively reviewed between 1988 and 1998 for VAA cases treated with catheter-based techniques. Nine patients (5 women; mean age 64 +/- 11 years) with 12 (8 false and 4 true) VAAs were identified. The majority (67%) of these patients presented with symptoms of aneurysm rupture. The etiology of the aneurysm was iatrogenic in 4, pancreatitis in 4, and idiopathic in 4. Ten cases involved the hepatic artery; the other 2 aneurysmal arteries were the middle colic and the gastroduodenal. Selective and superselective catheter techniques were used to obtain access to the VAA. A variety of microcoils were delivered to entirely fill saccular aneurysms, whereas fusiform aneurysms were thrombosed by occluding the inflow and outflow vessels. RESULTS Aneurysm exclusion was achieved in 9 (75%) of the 12 cases. The 3 technical failures resulted from the inability to cannulate the aneurysm neck. Coil embolization of the neck of the aneurysm sac did not result in occlusion of the native vessel, with a single exception. No procedure-related complications or deaths were noted. All patients remained symptom free during a mean follow-up of 46.0 +/- 29.6 months. CONCLUSIONS Percutaneous transcatheter coil embolotherapy is an effective alternative to open surgery for the management of VAAs. This therapy may decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with an open surgical procedure in patients with ruptured aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms, selectively thrombosing the aneurysm while preserving flow in the native vessel.
Effects of shear strain on the conduction band in silicon: An efficient two-band k·p theory

We present an efficient two-band kldrp theory which accurately describes the six lowest conduction band valleys in silicon. By comparing the model with full band pseudo-potential calculations we demonstrate that the model captures both the nonparabolicity effects and the stress-induced band structure modification for general stress conditions. It reproduces the stress dependence of the effective masses and the nonparabolicity parameter. Analytical expressions for the valley shifts and the transversal and longitudinal effective mass modifications induced by uniaxial [110] stress are obtained and analyzed. The low-field mobility enhancement in the direction of tensile [110] stress in {001} SOI FETs with arbitrary small body thickness is due to a modification of the conductivity mass and is shown to be partly hampered by an increase in nonparabolicity at high stress value.
A Golgi study on the globus pallidus of the mouse

The globus pallidus (GP) of the mouse was studied by the rapid Golgi silver impregnation method. The GP was composed of large and mediumsized neurons. The large neurons had stellate cell bodies with a mean diameter of 25 μm by 28 μm and five to seven primary dendrites. The somato of the mediumsized neurons were spindle or fusiform in shape, measured 19 μm by 27 μm in average and emitted three to five primary dendrites. The large neurons were located mainly in the central part of the GP, whereas the medium‐sized neurons were observed in the peripheral part of the GP. Some GP neurons extended their dendrites into the caudatoputamen complex, sublenticular region or internal capsule. The axons of the GP neurons were seen most frequently to course medially or mediocaudally and to enter the internal capsule or fiber bundles traversing the GP; they were rarely observed to run laterally and to travel into the caudatoputamen complex. Some axons of the GP neurons were also observed to emit intra‐ or extra‐nuclear collaterals extending into the sublenticular region.
CIS Associates with the Interleukin-2 Receptor β Chain and Inhibits Interleukin-2-dependent Signaling*

CIS is a cytokine-inducedSH2-containing protein that was originally cloned as an interleukin (IL)-3-inducible gene. CIS is known to associate with the IL-3 receptor β chain and erythropoietin receptor and to inhibit signaling mediated by IL-3 and erythropoietin. We now demonstrate that CIS also interacts with the IL-2 receptor β chain (IL-2Rβ). This interaction requires the A region of IL-2Rβ (residues 313–382), which also mediates the association of IL-2Rβ with Lck and Jak3. Correspondingly, CIS inhibits functions associated with both of these kinases: Lck-mediated phosphorylation of IL-2Rβ and IL-2-mediated activation of Stat5. Thus, we demonstrate that CIS can negatively control at least two independent IL-2 signaling pathways. Although a functional SH2 binding domain of CIS was not required for its interaction with IL-2Rβ in vitro, its phosphotyrosine binding capability was essential for the inhibitory action of CIS. On this basis, we have generated a mutant form of CIS protein with an altered SH2 domain that acts as a dominant negative and should prove useful in further understanding CIS action.
Low incidence of EGFR and HRAS mutations in cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas of a German cohort

Abstract: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly expressed in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The response of patients with lung cancer to EGFR inhibitors is significantly associated with the presence of EGFR mutations. Although these drugs have already been used for the treatment of advanced cutaneous SCC, the knowledge about EGFR mutations in this cancer is limited to one previous study in the US population. We analysed the presence of EGFR and concomitant HRAS mutations in a German cohort of 31 patients with cutaneous SCC by direct sequencing of EGFR and SNaPshot analysis of concomitant RAS mutations. We found a low prevalence of EGFR mutations (1/31; 3%) and HRAS mutations (1/31; 3%). The detected P741L EGFR mutation was proven to be somatic. Our results indicate that both EGFR and HRAS mutations are rare events in the carcinogenesis of cutaneous SCC, and therefore, only a small subgroup of patients will benefit from the screening for EGFR mutations in the run‐up to targeted therapies with EGFR inhibitors.
An Elegant Means of Self-protection in Gram-negative Bacteria by Recognizing and Extruding Xenobiotics from the Periplasmic Space* 210

Infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosain cystic fibrosis patients is a major cause of mortality. This organism shows wide ranging antibiotic resistance that is largely attributable to the expression of xenobiotic efflux pump(s). Here, we show a novel mechanism by which the resistance-nodulation-division-type xenobiotic transporter expels potential hazards and protects the interior of the cells. The xenobiotic transporters MexB and MexY preferentially export β-lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotics, respectively. When two large extramembrane loops of MexY were replaced by the corresponding loops of MexB, the hybrid protein exhibited β-lactam selectivity (MexB-type), but failed to recognize aminoglycoside. As the transmembrane segment of MexB was replaced with a corresponding transmembrane segment of MexY, one-by-one for all 12 segments, all the hybrid proteins showed MexB-type antibiotic selectivity. These results clearly demonstrated that the resistance-nodulation-division-type efflux pump inP. aeruginosa selects and transports substrates via the domains that largely protrude over the cytoplasmic membrane. The transmembrane segments were unlikely to have been involved in substrate selectivity. These observations led us to propose a novel mechanism by which the xenobiotic transporters in Gram-negative bacteria select and expel substrates from the periplasmic space before potential hazards penetrate into the cytoplasmic membrane.
Neutralization of Endotoxin In Vitro and In Vivo by a Human Lactoferrin-Derived Peptide

ABSTRACT Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) is the major pathogenic factor of gram-negative septic shock, and endotoxin-induced death is associated with the host overproduction of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). In the search for new antiendotoxin molecules, we studied the endotoxin-neutralizing capacity of a human lactoferrin-derived 33-mer synthetic peptide (GRRRRSVQWCAVSQPEATKCFQWQRNMRKVRGP; designated LF-33) representing the minimal sequence for lactoferrin binding to glycosaminoglycans. LF-33 inhibited the coagulation of the Limulus amebocyte lysate and the secretion of TNF-α by RAW 264.7 cells induced by lipid A and four different endotoxins with a potency comparable to that of polymyxin B. The first six residues at the N terminus of LF-33 were critical for its antiendotoxin activity. The endotoxin-neutralizing capacity of LF-33 and polymyxin B was attenuated by human serum. Coinjection of Escherichia coli LPS (125 ng) with LF-33 (2.5 μg) dramatically reduced the lethality of LPS in the galactosamine-sensitized mouse model. Significant protection of the mice against the lethal LPS challenge was also observed when LF-33 (100 μg) was given intravenously after intraperitoneal injection of LPS. Protection was correlated with a reduction in TNF-α levels in the mouse serum. These results demonstrate the endotoxin-neutralizing capability of LF-33 in vitro and in vivo and its potential use for the treatment of endotoxin-induced septic shock.
Hypothalamic Hamartomas Associated With Epilepsy: Ultrastructural Features

Hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs) are associated with a catastrophic form of childhood epilepsy and are intrinsically epileptogenic for the gelastic seizures that are peculiar to this disorder. The cellular mechanisms of seizure generation within HH tissue are unknown. Hypothalamic hamartoma tissue consists of well-differentiated neurons interspersed with glial cells. Based on intrinsic electrophysiologic properties, we hypothesized that small and large HH neurons would have different ultrastructural features. Surgically resected HH tissue samples from 7 patients with refractory epilepsy were studied using electron microscopy. Models of neurons were made from reconstruction of serial sections. Nissl body density, polyribosome density, glycogen density, and the ratio of nuclear area to cytoplasmic area differed significantly between small and large neurons. Abundant small neurons were found in clusters and elaborated terminals that made symmetric, putatively inhibitory, synapses. Symmetric synapses were found predominantly on the soma and proximal dendrites of large projection-like neurons, whereas asymmetric, putatively excitatory, synapses were found primarily on distal dendrites. All samples showed unusual dendritic varicosities. The presence of these morphologically and functionally distinct neurons, the large number of nerve fibers in the neuropil, and the presence of inhibitory and excitatory synapses suggest that HH tissue has the necessary substrate to generate seizures.
Revision of Leptorhynchoides thecatus (Acanthocephala: Illiosentidae), with Morphometric Analysis and Description of Six New Species

Abstract: Six new species of Leptorhynchoides from the southeastern United States are described. These new species were once part of the Leptorhynchoides thecatus complex of species that was previously recognized on the basis of DNA sequence data. Multivariate morphometric analysis including discriminant function analysis and decision tree analysis indicated that each of the species is morphologically distinct. Both analyses classified more than 90% of specimens correctly and most misclassifications occurred between members of 2 pairs of species that are morphologically similar. The most discriminating continuous characters were: trunk length, number of longitudinal rows of hooks, length of the longest hook, and testes width. Hook asymmetry and missing hooks on the proboscis were also important taxonomic characters. The discriminant function and the decision tree generated from the data were used to classify new specimens, yielding a 96% and 84% correct classification rate, respectively. The new taxonomic designations account for much of the previously recognized variability in host use, habitat use, and development as determined by survey data. With the addition of these 6 new taxa, 10 species currently are recognized within the genus.
Re-framing the Use of Technology Enhanced Learning in Public Relations

As universities increasingly embrace technology enhanced learning (TEL) environments, students of communication and public relations face parallels in their use of technology for study and for professional practice that are not typically faced in other disciplines. This paper argues that a re-framing of the thinking about how technology is used in public relations education could have a positive impact on both the learning outcomes and the subsequent professional practice of graduates. It explores the value of viewing new communication technologies as tools to enhance learning, embracing them as ‘extensions of ourselves’ (McLuhan 1964, p. 7) and embedding this approach in teaching to model good communication practice and build learner self-determination.
Dependence of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone-induced Neuronal MAPK Signaling on Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Transactivation*

The hypothalamic decapeptide, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), utilizes multiple signaling pathways to activate extracellularly regulated mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK1/2) in normal and immortalized pituitary gonadotrophs and transfected cells expressing the GnRH receptor. In immortalized hypothalamic GnRH neurons (GT1–7 cells), which also express GnRH receptors, GnRH, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) caused marked phosphorylation of ERK1/2. This action of GnRH and PMA, but not that of EGF, was primarily dependent on activation of protein kinase C (PKC), and the ERK1/2 responses to all three agents were abolished by the selective EGF receptor kinase inhibitor, AG1478. Consistent with this, both GnRH and EGF increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGF receptor. GnRH and PMA, but not EGF, caused rapid phosphorylation of the proline-rich tyrosine kinase, Pyk2, at Tyr402. This was reduced by Ca2+ chelation and inhibition of PKC, but not by AG1478. GnRH stimulation caused translocation of PKCα and -ε to the cell membrane and enhanced the association of Src with PKCα and PKCε, Pyk2, and the EGF receptor. The Src inhibitor, PP2, the C-terminal Src kinase (Csk), and dominant–negative Pyk2 attenuated ERK1/2 activation by GnRH and PMA but not by EGF. These findings indicate that Src and Pyk2 act upstream of the EGF receptor to mediate its transactivation, which is essential for GnRH-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in hypothalamic GnRH neurons.
The Impact of Incident and Prevalent Herpes Simplex Virus-2 Infection on the Incidence of HIV-1 Infection Among Commercial Sex Workers in South Africa

Summary:This study investigated the impact of prevalent and incident HSV-2 infection on the incidence of HIV-1 infection in a cohort of female commercial sex workers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Prior to a vaginal microbicide trial, 416 women were screened for antibodies to HIV-1 and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infections and a questionnaire was used to establish behavioral, social, and demographic characteristics. A total of 187 HIV-1-seronegative women were followed up at monthly intervals when blood was drawn and used to detect HIV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies. The median duration of follow-up was 2.2 years. At screening 50% of the women were HIV-1 seropositive and 84% were HSV-2 seropositive. The hazards of HIV-1 among women who were HSV-2 seropositive or seronegative throughout, or among those who seroconverted during the study, were not significantly different. When HSV-2 seroconversion was analyzed as a time-dependent covariate, the hazard ratio for HIV-1 seroconversion was 6.0 (95% CI: 2.6-14.0) times greater among women with incident than among women with prevalent HSV-2 infections. Drawing on other recent studies these data suggest that incident HSV-2 infection increases the risk of HIV-1 infection; the effect wanes with time since infection; and the effect is significantly greater for men than it is for women.
Intraoperative frozen section analysis during nerve sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: feasibility study.

PURPOSE Nerve sparing radical prostatectomy may allow preservation of potency but it can increase positive surgical margins. We used intraoperative frozen section (IFS) analysis to monitor the nerve sparing procedure in laparoscopic prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 100 patients with localized prostatic carcinoma underwent bilateral intrafascial nerve sparing laparoscopic prostatectomy with IFS. A wedge of tissue was cut from base to apex in the region of the neurovascular bundles (NVBs) and analyzed on frozen section. If carcinoma was detected at the inked margin, the corresponding NVB was resected. Definitive margin status was evaluated after permanent section analysis of IFS prostatectomy specimens and eventually NVB specimens. RESULTS IFS analysis was positive in 24 patients, as confirmed in all by permanent section of the wedges. Three of these patients had positive margins in the prostate specimen at another site. Of the 76 tumors with negative IFSs 1 had positive margins on permanent sections of the wedges and 8 had positive margins on the prostate specimen at another site. IFS led to a decrease in the overall positive margin status from 33% to 12% and from 26.1% to 7.9% in pT2 tumors. Tumor was found on NVB resection in 8 cases (33%). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that IFS analysis is a reliable method by which to monitor nerve sparing during laparoscopic prostatectomy. IFS could allow the surgeon to offer a nerve sparing procedure more frequently without compromising cancer control.
Neural and non‐neural mediation of propionate‐induced contractile responses in the rat distal colon

Abstract Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including propionate, butyrate and acetate, are fermentation products of carbohydrates in the colon. We investigated the contractile effects of SCFAs on the rat distal colon. Mechanical activity of the circular muscle in strip preparations was recorded in vitro. Propionate and butyrate concentration‐dependently (10 μmol L−1–10 mmol L−1) induced rapid, large amplitude phasic contractions (the first phase) followed by tonic contractions (the second phase). Acetate itself had no effect on muscle activity, although preincubation with acetate attenuated both phases of the propionate‐induced response. The propionate‐induced phasic contraction was attenuated by atropine, tetrodotoxin and the 5‐HT4 receptor antagonist SB‐204070. The propionate‐induced tonic contraction was attenuated by the cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor piroxicam. Antagonists of 5‐HT1A, 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT3 receptors had no effect on the responses. Propionate‐induced responses were not observed in mucosa‐free preparations. These results suggest that propionate acts on receptors in the mucosa causing the release of 5‐HT from enterochromaffin cells. 5‐HT acts through 5‐HT4 receptors on the endings of intrinsic primary afferent neurones that in turn activate cholinergic motor neurones that contract the circular muscle. Propionate also causes tonic contraction, via prostaglandin release, in the rat distal colon.
Holdfast Formation in Motile Swarmer Cells Optimizes Surface Attachment during Caulobacter crescentus Development

ABSTRACT The adhesive holdfast is required for irreversible surface anchoring of Caulobacter crescentus cells. The holdfast is synthesized early during swarmer cell development and, together with pili and a functional flagellum, contributes to optimal attachment during cell differentiation. We present evidence that the timing of holdfast formation in swarmer cells is regulated posttranslationally and is dependent on the diguanylate cyclase PleD.
Mammographic Patterns and Breast Cancer Risk Factors Among Women Having Elective Screening

We assessed the association between Wolfe mammographic patterns and breast cancer risk factors among 239 women who attended the Breast Evaluation Unit screening program of the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, from November 1984 through April 1986. Evaluation consisted of a breast cancer risk assessment based on a questionnaire concerning commonly accepted breast cancer risk factors, along with a physical breast examination and mammogram. Increased age, weight, and parity were associated with a low-risk pattern; late age at first birth, alcohol consumption, and oral contraceptive use were associated with a high-risk pattern. Our findings support those of previous studies, except for those concerning use of oral contraceptives. Further exploration is needed to ascertain whether the association of oral contraceptive use with high-risk patterns indicates a pathway through which estrogens may increase the risk of breast cancer.
Alprazolam extended-release in panic disorder

Alprazolam-XR is an extended-release formulation of alprazolam designed to deliver sustained therapeutic concentrations for 24 h after once-daily dosing. Plasma concentrations gradually decline as the time for the next dose approaches, but still remain above therapeutic minimum levels. The anti-panic efficacy of alprazolam-XR appears to be comparable to the original formulation of alprazolam. The main advantage of the new extended-release formulation appears to be its greater tolerability and safety. The speed with which high-potency benzodiazepines are absorbed, and rise to peak concentrations is correlated with both abuse potential and with the incidence and severity of common adverse events, such as sedation and cognitive and psychomotor impairment. Alprazolam-XR does not exhibit the sudden increases in plasma concentration characteristic of the original formulation of alprazolam. This pharmacokinetic difference appears to translate into a reduced liability of abuse and a reduced incidence of sedation and cognitive and psychomotor impairment during acute therapy. This would appear to give alprazolam-XR a more favourable benefit:risk profile than the original formulation of alprazolam. In addition, the once-daily dosing (as opposed to three or four times per day) reduces clock-watching, increases compliance and it eliminates the penalty of breakthrough anxiety and panic that many patients experience if they inadvertently miss a dose. It should be noted that long-term therapy with alprazolam-XR carries the same risk of dependence and withdrawal during discontinuation as the original formulation of alprazolam.
Dual rotor single- stator axial air gap PMSM motor/generator drive for HEVs: A review of comprehensive modeling and performance characterization

In an effort to simplify the planetary-geared e-CVT for the parallel HEV or the series HEV we hereby propose-in a synthesis of these authors quite a few previous recent IEEExplore papers on the subject- to replace the basically two electric machines and their two power converters by a single, axial-air-gap, electric machine central stator, fed from a single PWM converter with dual frequency voltage output and two independent PM rotors capable to deliver independently torque by adequate vector control. The paper presents preliminary design with Matlab, optimal design via Hooke Jeeves method, sample quasi-2D and 3-D FEM results and dual vector control of a synchronous machine with axial air-gap single stator dual-rotor with permanent surface magnets and different pole pair's number, destined for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) applications. For machine's designing the equivalent 3D magnetic circuits method, that takes into account the saturation and the magnetic field fringing, was used. A control model is developed for a single inverter that produces three phase output voltages with two frequency components. The modeling and performance characterization, and dual vector control show promising results, but experiments, which are now in preparation, are needed to prove the practicality of the proposed system.