Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measurement of Tibial Tuberosity–Trochlear Groove Offset Distance by Weightbearing Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Scan

Background: Computed tomography (CT) scans are useful for objectively measuring bone alignment because they show bone detail particularly well, and these scans have been used extensively to assess patellar orientation. The tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) offset distance has been shown to be influenced by knee flexion and weightbearing, yet conventional CT scans are obtained with the subject relaxed, supine, and with the knee in full extension. A new cone-beam CT scanner has been designed to allow for weightbearing images, potentially providing a more physiologically relevant assessment of patellofemoral alignment. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to measure the TT-TG offset in healthy individuals without any history of knee complaints when CT scans were obtained while fully weightbearing on a flexed knee. Our hypothesis was that the TT-TG offset measurement in these healthy knees would be reproducible and less than the historically reported normal range. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers without any history of knee complaint were recruited to undergo a weightbearing cone-beam CT scan of the knee flexed at 30°. The scans were reviewed by a radiologist and an orthopaedic surgeon, and TT-TG offset was measured using the digital tools of a picture archiving and communication system. Paired t tests were used to compare TT-TG offset on 2 separate occasions for both raters. Inter- and intrarater reliability were assessed using a 2-way mixed-effects model intraclass correlation coefficient with corresponding 95% confidence intervals for TT-TG offset. Results: The mean TT-TG offset was 2.7 mm. There were no statistically significant differences in TT-TG offset between raters (P rater1 = .70; P rater2 = .49) and time of read (P time1 = .83; P time2 = .19). Good to moderate interrater reliability was found at the time of both reads, and good intrarater reliability was found for both raters. Conclusion: When measured by CT scan and obtained from a subject while weightbearing on a flexed knee, the TT-TG offset is reproducible and the distance is less than that obtained via a conventional CT scan.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Entry Inhibitors Targeting the F Protein

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the main viral cause of respiratory tract infection in infants as well as some elderly and high-risk adults with chronic pulmonary disease and the severely immunocompromised. So far, no specific anti-RSV therapeutics or effective anti-RSV vaccines have been reported. Only one humanized monoclonal antibody, Palivizumab, has been approved for use in high-risk infants to prevent RSV infection. Ribavirin is the only drug licensed for therapy of RSV infection, but its clinical use is limited by its nonspecific anti-RSV activity, toxic effect, and relatively high cost. Therefore, development of novel effective anti-RSV therapeutics is urgently needed. The RSV envelope glycoprotein F plays an important role in RSV fusion with, and entry into, the host cell and, consequently, serves as an attractive target for developing RSV entry inhibitors. This article reviews advances made in studies of the structure and function of the F protein and the development of RSV entry inhibitors targeting it.
Chromatin Remodeling of Interleukin-17 (IL-17)-IL-17F Cytokine Gene Locus during Inflammatory Helper T Cell Differentiation*

During differentiation of naive CD4+ helper T (TH) cells into effector cells, specific cytokine gene loci undergo extensive changes in chromatin modification. A novel lineage of TH cells that is regulated by transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been identified recently as promoting tissue inflammation. These inflammatory TH (THi) cells, also called TH17 or THIL-17, produce IL-17 and IL-17F, two highly homologous cytokines that have genes located in the same chromosomal region. Here, using chromatin immunoprecipitation techniques, we have demonstrated that similar to the regulation in TH1 and TH2 cell lineages, polarization of THi cells was accompanied by selective chromatin remodeling events. Histone H3 acetylation and Lys-4 tri-methylation were specifically associated with IL-17 and IL-17F gene promoters in THi lineage. At an early stage of T cell activation, histone acetylation on these promoters was greatly promoted by a combination of TGFβ and IL-6, suggesting their synergistic role in initiating chromatin accessibility for transcription factors. Furthermore, we identified multiple noncoding sequences within the IL-17-IL-17F locus conserved across species. These elements were also associated with hyperacetylated histone 3 in a lineage-specific manner and may thus serve as potential regulatory regions. In summary, our results demonstrate for the first time that THi cell differentiation is associated with epigenetic changes in the IL-17-IL-17F locus, which suggests novel mechanisms in T cell functional regulation.
Ferrocene-1-carbaldehyde 4-ethylthiosemicarbazone

The asymmetric unit of title compound, [Fe(C5H5)(C9H12N3S)], contains two crystallographically independent molecules, A and B. The two cyclopentadienyl (Cp) rings are parallel to each other in both molecules, forming dihedral angles of 2.3 (3) and 1.0 (3)°, respectively, and adopt an eclipsed conformation. The mean plane of the semicarbazone group is twisted slightly away from the attached Cp ring in both molecules, the dihedral angles between the mean plane and the Cp ring being 15.3 (2) and 10.8 (2)°. The ethyl group in molecule A is coplanar with the mean plane of the semicarbazone group [C—N—C—C torsion angle = −175.2 (4)°], whereas it is nearly perpendicular in molecule B [C—N—C—C torsion angle = 84.8 (6)°]. In the crystal structure, intermolecular N—H⋯S hydrogen bonds link the molecules into dimers. These dimers are further linked into chains via intermolecular C—H⋯S hydrogen bonds. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin with a refined ratio of the twin components of 0.265 (2):0.735 (2).
Brain endocannabinoid system is involved in fluoxetine-induced anorexia

Abstract In order to describe the effects of chronic fluoxetine administration on the brain endocannabinoid system in lean and obese Zucker rats, brain immunostaining for the CB1 and CB1-phosphorylated cannabinoid receptors was carried out. Obese Zucker rats showed significantly increased the numbers of neural cells positively immunostained for the CB1-phosphorylated receptor in the striatum, compared to their lean litter-mates. Chronic fluoxetine administration decreased the number of neural cells immunostained for CB1-phosphorylated receptor in several striatal and hippocampal regions of obese Zucker rats, compared to controls treated with saline. In contrast, no change in CB1-phosphorylated receptor immunostaining was observed in fluoxetine-treated lean rats, with respect to controls. Taken together, these results suggest the involvement of the hippocampal and striatal endocannabinoid receptor system in fluoxetine-induced anorexia in lean and obese Zucker rats.
3-D Printed Millimeter-Wave and Terahertz Lenses with Fixed and Frequency Scanned Beam

High-gain and beam-scanning antennas are extremely important in the applications of millimeter-wave (MMW) and terahertz (THz) technologies. Dielectric lens is a suitable candidate for this purpose, because it has no metal and quite small feeding loss. In this paper, discrete dielectric lenses are studied in which periodic antireflection (AR) structures are added to reduce impedance mismatch at the air-dielectric interfaces, leading to higher directivity. Meanwhile, a multifrequency phase matching method is proposed to realize a beam-scanning lens in both MMW and THz regions. The design concept of the beam-scanning lens is applicable to other frequency ranges as well, which opens new opportunities for future lens design. Moreover, three-dimensional (3-D) printing technology is employed to simplify the manufacturing process and reduce the cost. Experiments are done in both MMW and THz regions, and the results verify the concept of lens design. The 3-D printed MMW and THz lenses with fixed and scanning beams demonstrated in this work could be an important step toward MMW and THz communications, radar, and imaging systems for practical applications.
Distribution and genetic association of putative uropathogenic virulence factors iroN, iha, kpsMT, ompT and usp in Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infections in Japan.

PURPOSE Many virulence factors (VFs) have been reported in uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Recently we found a putative uropathogenic island including a gene encoding uropathogenic specific protein (USP). We have described the association between usp and other VFs reported previously. In the current study we examined epidemiological associations among 5 putative uropathogenic VFs. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 427 E. coli strains, including 194, 76 and 107 isolates from patients with cystitis, pyelonephritis and prostatitis, respectively, and 50 isolates from the stool of healthy adults, we detected catecholate siderophore receptor (iroN), iron regulated gene A homologue adhesin (iha), group II capsule (kpsMT) and outer membrane protease T (ompT) by polymerase chain reaction assays. We analyzed their distribution and genetic association. RESULTS Relative prevalence ratios of iroN, iha, kpsMT, ompT and usp were 2.0 to 4.3 times more frequently in urinary tract infection isolates than in fecal isolates. Isolates from prostatitis were frequently associated with iroN, ompT and usp, whereas isolates from pyelonephritis frequently harbored usp. Together with iroN and iha we noted S-/F-fimbriae and iucD aerobactin (OR 95.9 and 187.2), while usp showed a close association with kpsMT and ompT (OR 38.3 and 38.4, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Of the putative uropathogenic VFs examined iroN, iha, kpsMT, ompT and usp were frequently associated with urinary tract infection. Especially iroN and usp were most frequently associated with prostatitis. Some VFs were closely associated with a specific anatomical site of infection. Strong associations among several VFs might indicate not only well-known genetic linkages, but also unknown functional linkages among these VFs.
Returns to College Majors Across Large Metropolitan Areas

In this paper, we provide new evidence that earnings for various college majors differ across large metropolitan areas in the United States. We then set out to explain, at least in part, why these differences exist. We find that the intrinsic elements of geographic areas, such as common agglomeration effects and spatial differences in demand, are an important explanation for all majors. Further, we find that the endogenous sorting of individuals plays less of a role, particularly for domestic-born college graduates. The sorting of lower-paid, foreign-born college graduates, however, increases the estimated dispersion in returns across geographic areas.
Probability densities of second-order polarization mode dispersion including polarization dependent chromatic fiber dispersion

We describe experiments and simulation of second-order polarization mode dispersion (PMD) components in optical fibers with emphasis on polarization-dependent chromatic dispersion (PCD). Excellent agreement is found in comparisons of experimental, simulated, and theoretical probability densities. To our knowledge, these are the first such comparisons for the second-order PMD magnitude and the PCD.
Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration with Primary Closure for Management of Choledocholithiasis: A Retrospective Analysis and Comparison with Conventional T-tube Drainage

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) had become one of the main options for management of choledocholithiasis. This retrospective comparative study aimed to evaluate on the feasibility and advantages of primary closure versus conventional T-tube drainage of the common bile duct (CBD) after laparoscopic choledochotomy. In this retrospective analysis, 100 patients (47 men and 53 women) with choledocholithiasis who underwent primary closure of the CBD (without T-tube drainage) after LCBDE (Group A) were compared with 92 patients who underwent LCBDE with T-tube drainage (Group B). Both groups were evaluated with regard to biliary complications, hospital stay, and recurrence of stones. The mean operation time was 104.12 minutes for Group A and 108.92 minutes for Group B (P = 0.069). The hospital stay was significantly shorter in Group A than that in Group B (6.95 days and 12.05 days, respectively; P < 0.001). In Group A, bile leakage occurred in two patients on postoperative Day 2 and Day 3, respectively. In Group B, bile leakage noted in one patient after removal of the T-tube on Day 14 after operation (P = 1.000). With a median follow-up time of 40 months for both groups, stone recurrence was noted in two patients in Group A and three patients in Group B (P = 0.672). Primary closure of the CBD is safe and feasible in selected patients after laparoscopic choledochotomy. It results in shorter duration of hospital stay without the need for carrying/care of a T-tube in the postoperative period and similar stone recurrence as that of the conventional method.
Combination chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer.

Fifty-three patients with recurrent and advanced stage (III and IV) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were treated with a combination of bleomycin, etoposide (VP-16-213), and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (BEP). Forty-eight patients were appraisable for response. The response rates were 44% for the entire group, 57% in 30 patients with combined squamous-cell and large-cell carcinoma, and 22% in 18 patients with adenocarcinoma (40%, 50%, and 19%, respectively, if patients not appraisable for response are included as nonresponders). The median survival time of patients with squamous-cell and large-cell carcinoma was slightly longer than that of patients with adenocarcinoma (23 weeks v 19 weeks). Patients with responsive disease survived significantly longer (median, 34 weeks) than did patients with unresponsive disease (median, 16 weeks) (P = .001). In the entire group, the median survival time of patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1 was better (23 weeks) than of those with a status of 2 or 3 (15 weeks), but this difference was not seen in the subgroup with squamous-cell and large-cell carcinoma (24 weeks v 23 weeks, respectively). Thus, the performance status was not of prognostic value in the histologic subgroups experiencing the best response rate. There were two treatment-related deaths, but otherwise the toxicity of BEP was acceptable. Only four of the 119 treatment cycles were followed by fever even though there was significant neutropenia (0.5 X 10(9)/L) after 20 of 97 treatment cycles. The majority of patients receiving BEP experienced relief of cough, hemoptysis, pain, and fatigue associated with their disease. There was a good correlation between objective responses and palliation of symptoms. Thus, BEP offers good palliation, particularly for patients with squamous-cell and large-cell lung cancer.
The influence of trait and physical-feature-based orienting strategies on aspects of facial memory.

This paper describes a series of incidental learning experiments in which facial memory is assessed following either a 'connotative feature' task (how likable is this person? ) or a 'distinctive feature task' (what is the most prominent physical feature of this face? ). Subjects saw each target face in a different environmental setting (e.g. pub, carpark) and their memory was tested in two ways: an old/new recognition test, in which each target face was presented in mugshot form (i.e. devoid of the original context), and a second context recall or recognition test in which subjects' ability to remember the environmental context in which each face had appeared was examined. The results showed five important findings: (1) subjects performed the connotative task significantly faster than the distinctive features task; (2) recognition accuracy measured in various ways was identical in the two orienting conditions; (3) recognition latencies to targets and distractors in the yes/no recognition test were significantly faster following connotative processing; (4) recognition latencies to target faces presented in context during learning were significantly faster than targets initially presented devoid of context following connotative processing but not following distinctive features orientation; and (5) context recall and recognition were significantly and substantially higher following connotative processing. These data are discussed in terms of Winograd's (1981) assertion that connotative and physical-feature-based orienting tasks induce the same type of encoding.
Does Smoking or Alcohol Modify the Risk of Epstein-Barr Virus-Positive or -Negative Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Background: The aim was to investigate whether 2 subgroups of Hodgkin lymphoma (Epstein-Barr virus-positive and Epstein-Barr virus-negative) are associated with smoking or alcohol. Methods: Patients with lymphoma diagnosed between age 16 and 69 years in geographically defined areas of England were recruited between 1998 and 2003. One control, matched to each lymphoma case on sex, date of birth, and area of residence, was randomly selected from population registers. Self-reported histories of tobacco and alcohol use were collected during face-to-face interviews with cases and controls. Results: Compared with lifelong nonsmokers, ever-smokers were at increased risk of Hodgkin lymphoma (odds ratio =1.4; 95% confidence interval = 1.1–1.9). This excess was among current smokers, defined as smoking 2 years before diagnosis (1.7; 1.2–2.3). An increasing trend was observed with rising numbers of years smoked. Risks fell as the number of years stopped smoking increased, becoming equivalent to that of a nonsmoker 10 or more years after quitting. Associations were suggested for Epstein-Barr virus-positive Hodgkin lymphoma, but less so for Epstein-Barr negative Hodgkin lymphoma. No associations between Hodgkin lymphoma and alcohol consumption were observed. Conclusions: The association between smoking and Hodgkin lymphoma in general, and Epstein-Barr-positive Hodgkin lymphoma in particular, is consistent with previous studies. Further exploration of the relationship between Hodgkin lymphoma and smoking and of the potential mechanisms by which smoking could interact with Epstein-Barr virus status to increase Hodgkin lymphoma risk are required.
Congress and the President in Times of War

The increasingly common involvement of the United States in military conflict resonates throughout American political institutions and affects the balance of power in important ways. We examine one particular aspect of executive augmentation of power in times of war—legislative deference—and move beyond a binary approach to the effect of war. Instead, we contend that executive advantage depends on the salience and severity of the conflict. Matters of war often drive upward the prevalence of security concerns in public discourse. Although this can leave the president to compete with Congress on a much more friendly playing field, perceptions of the war’s development can turn the tide. We empirically test our hypotheses with data spanning a 50-year period and find that the salience and severity of war matter, though not equally for both chambers of Congress. The findings hold implications for how we understand the institutional balance of power within and across conflicts, which represents a major aspect of American constitutional design and function.
ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT (AYA) ONCOLOGY: The First A

Whereas adolescents with cancer as a group used to have a better prognosis than children with malignant disease, trends suggest that the overall survival of 15- to 19-year-olds is now worse than in younger patients. Also, the incidence of cancer is higher in 15- to 19-year age span than during the first 15 years of life. In 2006, the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Lance Armstrong Foundation conducted a Program Review Group (PRG) of the Adolescent and young Adult (AYA) problem. Recommendations covered awareness, prevention/cancer control/epidemiology/risk, biology, access, health insurance, clinical care models, clinical trials/research, special populations, psychosocial/behavioral factors, health-related quality of life, and long-term effects. This Commentary reviews each of the primary executive recommendations of the PRG report with respect to their adolescent oncology perspective and application. Primary implementation of the recommendations is responsibility of a new consortium of organizations devoted to assisting adolescents and yound adults with cancer, the LiveStrongTM Yound Adult Alliance, a program of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Prior programs included the Children's Oncology Group AYA Committee and two disease-specific initiatives: the Intergroup Consortium Against Sarcoma and a clinical trial in young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia that will be conducted by Cancer and Leukemia Group B, the Southwest Oncology Group, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. Preliminary evidence indicates that these efforts have already had measurable success.
Regrowth kinetics of cells from different regions of multicellular spheroids of four cell lines

A basic understanding of the recruitment of quiescent tumor cells into the cell would be an important contribution to tumor biology and therapy. As a first step in pursuing this goal, we have investigated the regrowth kinetics of cells from different regions in multicellular spheroids of rodent and human origin. Cells were isolated from four different depths within the spheroids using a selective dissociation techinque. The outer cells were proliferating and resumed growth after replating with a 0–8‐hour lag period, similar to cells from exponentially growing monolayers. with increasing depth of origin, the lag periods prior to regrowth increased to 2–3 times the monolayer doubling time; cells from plateau‐phase monolayers showed a lag period of 1–1.5 times the doubling period. After resuming grwoth, all cells of a given cell line grew with the same doubling time and achieved the same confluency level. The inner spheroid cells and cells from plateau‐phase monolayers had reduced clonogenic efficiencies. The inner cells were initially 1.5–3 times smaller than the outer cells, but began to increase in volume within 4 hours of replating. The fractions of S‐phase cells were greatly decreased with increasing depth of origin in the spheroids; there were long delays prior to s‐phase recovery after plating, to a maximum of 1–1.5 times the normal doubling time. These results suggest that those quiescent cells from spheroids and monolayers which are able ot reenter the cell cycle are predominantly in the G1‐phase. However, quiescent cells from the innemost spheroid region require approximately twice as long ot enter normal cell cycle traverse as cells from plateau‐phase monolayers. The selective dissociation method can isolate very pure populations of proliferating and quiescent cells in a rapid and nonpeturbing manner; this system will be valuable in further characterizing quiescent cells from spheroids.