Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early Histopathologic and Ultrastructural Changes in the Heart of Sprague-Dawley Rats Following Administration of Soman

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given atropine methylnitrate (20 mg/kg) and HI-6 (125 mg/kg) ip 10 min before a single injection of 130 μg soman/kg sc, and the heart was examined by light and electron microscopy 10, 25, 45, 90, and 180 min after the onset of seizures. Seizures appeared within 6-11 min after treatment. Control rats were given saline sc in place of soman. Early myocardial lesions consisting of hypercontraction and hyperextension of sarcomeres, focal myocytolysis, and contraction bands were detected in individual or groups of myocardial fibers. Hypercontraction was characterized by shortening of the sarcomere length, disappearance of the I and H bands, and thickening of the Z line. In contrast, hyperextended sarcomeres had thickened I and H bands. Myocytolysis was characterized by a progressively severe focal dissolution of myofilaments and edema of the affected sarcoplasmic area. Contraction bands appeared to result from the breakdown of markedly hypercontracted myofibril bundles. Due to the presence of a number of surviving myofilaments and the preservation of the sarcolemmal tube, distortion of the overall myocytic structure was minimal. Changes in the mitochondria and other intracellular organelles were also minimal and nonspecific. The close resemblance of morphologic findings to those induced by catecholamines supports the view that soman-induced myocardial damage is secondary to a treatment-related release of unphysiologic amounts of endogenous catecholamines.
Prognosis after high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation as first-line treatment in primary CNS lymphoma--a long-term follow-up study.

Background: High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation (HCT – ASCT) is a promising approach in eligible patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). We report long-term data of patients who were treated according to HCT – ASCT containing protocols. Patients and methods: We analyzed survival and relapse rates in 43 (<67 years) immunocompetent patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL being treated according to two different high-dose methotrexate-based protocols followed by high-dose carmustine/thiotepa (BCNU/TT) plus ASCT (±whole brain irradiation). Analysis was conducted for all patients (intention-to-treat) and those patients who actually received HCT – ASCT (per-protocol). Results: Thirty-four patients achieved complete remission, of those 12 relapsed (35%), while 6 of them relapsed 5 years after diagnosis. After a median follow-up of 120 months, median overall survival (OS) was reached after 104 months. Two- and 5-year OS was 81% and 70% and 2- and 5-year event-free survival (EFS) was 81% and 67%, respectively. In per-protocol analysis ( N = 34), 5-year OS and EFS was 82% and 79%, respectively. HCT – ASCT associated related mortality was not observed. Conclusions: Sequential high-dose MTX containing chemotherapy followed by high-dose carmustine/thiotepa plus ASCT (±whole brain irradiation) is safe and leads to high survival rates in eligible patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL. analysis). In a second step, we pooled the patient data from both studies in order to reach more robust estimates for prognostic analysis, survival rates, and relapse rates. Intention-to-treat analysis and per-protocol analysis were also conducted for the pooled data set. We used the Kaplan – Meier product limit method to calculate survival rates. In the pooled analysis, we investigated the impact of age and Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) (both as continuous variables) on survival using Cox regression models. The probability of death due to PCNSL for all patients who received HCT – ASCT was estimated using cumulative incidence rates, where death due to PCNSL and death due to other cause were considered to be competing risks. Median follow-up was estimated using the reversed Kaplan – Meier method [16]. Statistical and the using the program R version 2.13. 1 (the R foundation of statistical computing, http:// www.r-project.org/).
Dermoscopic findings of pigmented Spitz nevus of the sole

Dear Editor, Pigmented Spitz nevus (PSN) rarely occurs on glabrous skin (palms and soles). Among the Japanese population, the incidence is estimated at 2% (4/205) of all Spitz nevi. Due to its rarity, dermoscopic findings of PSN on glabrous skin are not well known. To our knowledge, only one report described PSN on the palm, which showed a starburst pattern. Here, we report a case of PSN on the sole with characteristic dermoscopic findings. A 28-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our clinic for evaluation of a black macule located on the sole that had appeared 3 months earlier. Physical examination revealed an oval, flat-surfaced, elevated black macule, 5 mm in size, on the lateral center side of the right sole (Fig. 1a). Dermoscopic examination revealed a central black astructural area and a rim of peripheral large blue–black globules and streaks simulating a “starburst” pattern. Although a typical parallel pattern did not exist, spread of pseudopods was observed along the ridges of the skin marking (Fig. 1b, arrows). Two months later, the lesion enlarged to 6 mm in size. The macule was simply excised at this time and processed to histopathological investigation using tissue sections cut perpendicularly to the skin markings. In addition to the routine hematoxylin– eosin section, Masson–Fontana stain was used to clarify the melanin deposits. Histologically, the lesion was symmetrical and characterized by junctional nests of uniform and spindleshaped melanocytes (Fig. 1c). Heavy melanin deposits were seen in the cornified layers and junctional nests as well as in the papillary dermis. There was no pagetoid spread of tumor cells into the epidermis (Fig. 1d). It is noteworthy that melanin columns were distributed from nevus cell nests underlying the surface ridges at the periphery of the lesion (Fig. 2a, asterisk), whereas at the center of the lesion they were observed from both ridges and sulci (Fig. 2b). On glabrous skin, dermoscopic patterns are usually formed by the pigmentation along parallel skin markings. Most acral nevi show pigmentation along the sulci of the skin marking (“parallel furrow” pattern). Furthermore, nevi located on the area receiving direct pressure from bodyweight are known to show a “fibrillar” pattern because the cornified layer has a slanting arrangement. These benign patterns reflect the fact that nests of nevus cells are mainly located in the epidermal rete ridges underlying the surface sulci. In contrast, in melanoma in situ, proliferation of melanocytes is observed in the epidermal rete underlying the surface ridges, which corresponds to a “parallel ridge” pattern on dermoscopy. In the present case, dermoscopic evaluation showed a pattern distinctively different from that of benign acral nevi or melanoma in situ. The unique distribution of melanin deposits in the cornified layer corresponded to the dermoscopic findings of central diffuse pigmentation and pigmentation along the surface ridges at the periphery. The
Four-Component Scattering Power Decomposition With Extended Volume Scattering Model

In the three- or four-component decompositions, polarimetric scattering properties and corresponding physical scattering models play essential roles for power decomposition. This letter proposes an improved four-component scattering power decomposition method that employs a suitable volume scattering model for single- or double-bounce scattering in the polarimetric synthetic aperture radar image analysis. The cross-polarized HV component is created by both single-bounce object (such as vegetation) and double-bounce structures (such as oriented building blocks). It has been difficult to discriminate these two objects (vegetation against oriented buildings) in the decomposed images since the HV component is assigned to the volume scattering due to vegetation only. We propose to extend the volume scattering model suited for two physical scattering models. It is shown that a vegetation area and an oriented urban building area are well discriminated compared to those resulting from the implementation of the existing four-component scattering power decomposition.
Spectral decomposition of the perturbation response of the Schwarzschild geometry.

The radiative Green's function for the one-dimensional wave equation with the Regge-Wheeler and Zerilli potentials is formally constructed from recently developed analytic representations for generalized spheroidal wave functions, and decomposed into a convergent sum over quasinormal modes, an integral around a branch cut in the frequency domain, and a high-frequency remnant of the free-space propagator. This paper discusses the contribution to the time response made by the quasinormal modes and, at very late times, by the branch-cut integral. The initial-value problem is considered for source fields with both compact and extended radial dependences, and the problem of the formal divergence of the integrals of extended sources over quasinormal-mode wave functions is solved. The branch-cut integral produces a weak late-time radiative power-law decay tail that will characterize the astrophysically observed radiation spectrum for times subsequent to the exponential decay of the quasinormal ringing, when (ct-${r}_{\mathrm{*}}$)\ensuremath{\gg}2MG/${c}^{2}$ and (ct-${r}_{\mathrm{*}}$)/${r}_{\mathrm{*}}$\ensuremath{\ll}1. This radiative decay tail is shown to diminish to Price's nonradiative tail in the final limit ct/${r}_{\mathrm{*}}$\ensuremath{\gg}1. The method is applied to a characteristic-value problem used to model the gravitational collapse of massive stars, and to the small-body radial in-fall problem. The analysis presented is generalizable, through the Newman-Penrose formalism and Teukolsky's equations, to obtain the radiative Green's function for perturbations to the Kerr geometry.
Activation of the Clotting System: Heparin-Coated versus Non Coated Systems for Extracorporeal Circulation

The purpose of this experimental study was to compare heparin-coated versus non-coated systems for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), to investigate the dynamic course of clotting activation in both groups. Methods. Eight pigs weighing 19.7 (± 1.3) kg, each underwent ECMO for 24 hours. Two groups were formed: in group 1, heparin-coated circuits were used with low dose heparinization (10 IU/kg/hr), whereas in group 2 non-coated circuits with high dose heparinization (60 IU/kg/hr) were used. Coagulation was monitored by measuring prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, antithrombin III (AT III) and specific markers of clotting activation (thrombin-antithrombin III complexes (TAT) and D-dimer). Furthermore, platelet count, hematocrit, activated clotting time (ACT), and plasma heparin concentration were determined regularly. Results. The dynamic course of the specific coagulation activation markers showed some differences: whereas TAT and D-dimer increased quickly in group 2, the increase in group 1 was delayed. Activation marker values tended to be lower in group 1 during the first six hours, after which no more differences between the groups were seen. After 24 hours of ECMO, TAT and D-dimer had nearly returned to baseline values. Platelets showed a continuous decrease throughout the experiment, which was very similar in both groups. Conclusions. The heparin coated system showed a distinct delay in clotting activation during the first six hours of ECMO. After six hours there were no more differences between the groups.
Role of mantle flow in Nubia‐Somalia plate divergence

Present‐day continental extension along the East African Rift System (EARS) has often been attributed to diverging sublithospheric mantle flow associated with the African Superplume. This implies a degree of viscous coupling between mantle and lithosphere that remains poorly constrained. Recent advances in estimating present‐day opening rates along the EARS from geodesy offer an opportunity to address this issue with geodynamic modeling of the mantle‐lithosphere system. Here we use numerical models of the global mantle‐plates coupled system to test the role of present‐day mantle flow in Nubia‐Somalia plate divergence across the EARS. The scenario yielding the best fit to geodetic observations is one where torques associated with gradients of gravitational potential energy stored in the African highlands are resisted by weak continental faults and mantle basal drag. These results suggest that shear tractions from diverging mantle flow play a minor role in present‐day Nubia‐Somalia divergence.
Characteristics of children attending language units in England: a national study of 7-year-olds.

The present investigation examined the characteristics of 7-year-old children attending language units in England. The study involved 242 participants who represented a randomized sample of all 7-year-old children spending 50% of more of the school week in a language unit. Results are discussed in terms of the following questions: what is the non-verbal ability of children attending language units? ; do children attending language units fit the discrepancy criteria between verbal and non-verbal ability diagnostic of specific language impairment (SLI)? ; and what types of language difficulties do children with SLI attending language units have?
Stop the Presses

How does one control an inappropriate tendency? Many studies have investigated this question by measuring the speed with which subjects stop an initiated response. Yet the rapid stopping of an initiated response is apparently underpinned by a neurocognitive mechanism that has global effects on multiple tendencies. This limits such studies as models of cognitive control because they do not explain the selectivity of control over particular tendencies that is apparent in everyday life. We hypothesized that subjects employ a selective stopping mechanism when they have foreknowledge of which response to stop, but employ a global stopping mechanism when they do not have such foreknowledge. Comparing foreknowledge and noforeknowledge conditions, we show that when subjects have foreknowledge, stopping is indeed more selective, as evidenced by less of an effect on the concurrent execution of an alternative response; however, stopping is also slower when subjects have foreknowledge. Thus, selective and global mechanisms of stopping can be dissociated. We suggest that the selective mechanism is used when people maintain the goal of controlling particular responses, whereas the global mechanism is used when it is essential to stop quickly.
Narrative health research: Exploring big and small stories as analytical tools

In qualitative health research many researchers use a narrative approach to study lay health concepts and experiences. In this article, I explore the theoretical linkages between the concepts narrative and health, which are used in a variety of ways. The article builds on previous work that conceptualizes health as a multidimensional, positive, dynamic and morally dilemmatic yet meaningful practice. I compare big and small stories as analytical tools to explore what narrative has to offer to address, nuance and complicate five challenges in narrative health research: (1) the interplay between health and other life issues; (2) the taken-for-granted yet rare character of the experience of good health; (3) coherence or incoherence as norms for good health; (4) temporal issues; (5) health as moral practice. In this article, I do not present research findings per se; rather, I use two interview excerpts for methodological and theoretical reflections. These interview excerpts are derived from a health promotion study in the Netherlands, which was partly based on peer-to-peer interviews. I conclude with a proposal to advance narrative health research by sensitizing researchers to different usages of both narrative and health, and the interrelationship(s) between the two.
Impact of working memory training on hot executive functions (decision-making and theory of mind) in children with ADHD: a randomized controlled trial

Background Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have deficits in working memory (WM) and in hot executive functions (EFs) that may be related. The main aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of computerized Cogmed Working Memory Training™ (CWMT) on hot EF decision-making and theory of mind (ToM). Correlational analyses between WM and hot EFs at baseline were also performed to better clarify the nature of this interrelationship. Methods 66 children with combined-type ADHD, aged 7 to 12 years, were included. Participants were randomized (1:1) to an experimental group (CWMT) (n=36) or a control group (non-adaptive training). At baseline, 1-2 weeks, and 6 months after the intervention, participants were assessed using performance-based measures of WM (backward digit span, letter-number sequencing of WISC-IV, and backward spatial span of WMS-III), decision-making (Iowa Gambling Task), and ToM (Happe’s Strange Stories and Folk Psychology Test). Results Statistically significant correlations were found between WM and ToM measures at baseline, but not between WM and decision-making. On adjusted multiple linear regression analysis, there were no significant improvements in any of the outcome measures at either time point. Conclusions There was no relationship between WM and decision-making in ADHD. A relationship was found between WM and ToM, but CWMT did not show far-transfer effects on ToM deficits in ADHD. Other implications of these results are discussed.
Dosimetric optimization of a conical breast brachytherapy applicator for improved skin dose sparing.

PURPOSE Both the AccuBoost D-shaped and round applicators have been dosimetrically characterized and clinically used to treat patients with breast cancer. While the round applicators provide conformal dose coverage, under certain clinical circumstances the breast skin dose may be higher than preferred. The purpose of this study was to modify the round applicators to minimize skin dose while not substantially affecting dose uniformity within the target volume and reducing the treatment time. METHODS In order to irradiate the intended volume while sparing critical structures such as the skin, the current round applicator design has been augmented through the addition of an internal truncated cone (i.e., frustum) shield. Monte Carlo methods and clinical constraints were used to design the optimal cone applicator. With the cone applicator now defined as the entire assembly including the surrounding tungsten-alloy shell holding the HDR 192Ir source catheter, the applicator height was reduced to diminish the treatment time while minimizing skin dose. Monte Carlo simulation results were validated using both radiochromic film and ionization chamber measurements based on established techniques. RESULTS The optimal cone applicators diminished the maximum skin dose by 15%-32% (based on the applicator diameter and breast separation) with the tumor dose reduced by less than 3% for a constant exposure time. Furthermore, reduction in applicator height diminished the treatment time by up to 30%. Radiochromic film and ionization chamber dosimetric results in phantom agreed with Monte Carlo simulation results typically within 3%. Larger differences were outside the treatment volume in low dose regions or associated with differences between the measurement and Monte Carlo simulation environments. CONCLUSIONS A new radiotherapy treatment device was developed and dosimetrically characterized. This set of applicators significantly reduces the skin dose and treatment time while retaining uniform target dose.
Global Feature Tracking and Similarity Estimation in Time‐Dependent Scalar Fields

We present an algorithm for tracking regions in time‐dependent scalar fields that uses global knowledge from all time steps for determining the tracks. The regions are defined using merge trees, thereby representing a hierarchical segmentation of the data in each time step. The similarity of regions of two consecutive time steps is measured using their volumetric overlap and a histogram difference. The main ingredient of our method is a directed acyclic graph that records all relevant similarity information as follows: the regions of all time steps are the nodes of the graph, the edges represent possible short feature tracks between consecutive time steps, and the edge weights are given by the similarity of the connected regions. We compute a feature track as the global solution of a shortest path problem in the graph. We use these results to steer the – to the best of our knowledge – first algorithm for spatio‐temporal feature similarity estimation. Our algorithm works for 2D and 3D time‐dependent scalar fields. We compare our results to previous work, showcase its robustness to noise, and exemplify its utility using several real‐world data sets.
Vascular and Interventional Radiology

Angiograms Peripheral arterial disease DVT treatment IVC filter placement/retrieval Ports Temporary and tunneled dialysis catheters Plasmapheresis catheters Fistulagrams Treatment of recurrent epistaxis Uterine fibroid embolizations Treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome Varicocele treatment Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty Vertebral tumor ablation/ augmentation Percutaneous gastrostomy/ gastrojejunostomy tubes Abscess/fluid drainage Suprapubic catheters Nephrostomy tubes Ureteral stents/stent changes Thoracentesis Paracentesis Biopsies Tumor ablations Trans-arterial liver tumor treatment: including transarterial chemoembolization and trans-arterial radio-embolization Evaluation and treatment of liver disease (biopsies, pressures, TIPS) MiniMally invasive specialists
Molecular Analysis of Riboflavin Synthesis Genes in Bartonella henselae and Use of the ribCGene for Differentiation of Bartonella Species by PCR

ABSTRACT The biosynthesis pathway for riboflavin (vitamin B2), the precursor of the essential cofactors flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide, is present in bacteria and plants but is absent in vertebrates. Due to their conservation in bacterial species and their absence in humans, the riboflavin synthesis genes should be well suited either for detection of bacterial DNA in human specimens or for the differentiation of pathogenic bacteria by molecular techniques. A DNA fragment carrying the genes ribD, ribC, and ribE, which encode homologues of riboflavin deaminase (RibD) and subunits of riboflavin synthetase (RibC and RibE), respectively, was isolated from a plasmid-based DNA library of the human pathogen Bartonella henselae by complementation of aribC mutation in Escherichia coli. Sequence analysis of the ribC gene region in strains of B. henselae, which were previously shown to be genetically different, revealed that the ribC gene is highly conserved at the species level. PCR amplification with primers derived from theribC locus of B. henselae was used to isolate the corresponding DNA regions in B. bacilliformis, B. clarridgeiae, and B. quintana. Sequence analysis indicated that the riboflavin synthesis genes are conserved and show the same operon-like genetic organization in all fourBartonella species. Primer oligonucleotides designed on the basis of localized differences within the ribC DNA region were successfully used to develop species-specific PCR assays for the differentiation of B. henselae, B. clarridgeiae, B. quintana, and B. bacilliformis. The results obtained indicate that the riboflavin synthesis genes are excellent targets for PCR-directed differentiation of these emerging pathogens. The PCR assays developed should increase our diagnostic potential to differentiate Bartonellaspecies, especially B. henselae and the newly recognized species B. clarridgeiae.