Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Features of basal cell carcinomas in basal cell nevus syndrome

Basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS) is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis that is characterized by early onset basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) that define the disease and often lead to diagnosis of the underlying syndrome. The objective of this study was to investigate the anatomic location, subtypes, and impact of BCCs on a group of 61 individuals affected with BCNS attending a research colloquium. Fifty individuals had at least one prior BCC with 22 participants having over 100 lesions. The median age of syndrome diagnosis was 11 years and median age of first BCC was 16 years. Males had more lesions on the upper back, upper extremities, and M‐zone of the face, while females had more lesions on the scalp, back, and lower extremities. Pigmented BCCs were concentrated on the neck, upper trunk, and extremities. Subjects with >100 lesions showed wider anatomic distribution. The number of BCCs did not correlate with any of the other major features of the syndrome. Eighty percent of affected individuals reported great concern related to BCCs, citing the limitations and morbidity of available treatments. Vigilant surveillance, which was found to be inconsistent for participants in this study, is warranted. Future work should include development of a consensus guideline on skin examinations and strategies to optimize therapy of BCCs in this syndrome. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Corneal curvature and thickness development in premature infants.

PURPOSE Analysis of postnatal changes in central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal curvature (CC) in premature infants, their relation, and their possible influence on eye growth and intraocular pressure (IOP) evaluation. METHODS CCT and CC were assessed in both eyes of 56 premature infants, born at 24 to 32 weeks of gestational age (GA), and then two or three times at post-conceptional ages (PCAs) of 28 to 42 weeks. RESULTS CC changed from 65.83 diopters at 28 weeks of PCA to 49.38 diopters at 42 weeks of PCA. CCT decreased from 794 to 559 μm at the same ages. The reductions of these two corneal parameters seem to be related to each other and begin immediately after birth. CONCLUSION In light of the few data available in the literature, these data provide more certainty about the CCT values of premature infants. The importance of CCT and CC fast variations after premature birth concerns both the knowledge of anterior segment development and the correct evaluation of IOP in immature eyes; the influence of these two parameters on the methods of IOP evaluation could be more remarkable at the lowest PCAs.
Seasonal displacements in upper-middle alluvial fan of Chaobai River, Beijing, China, observed by the permanent scatterers technique

Miyun-Huairou-Shunyi area, located on the upper-middle alluvial fan of Chaobai River, is the largest groundwater source region of Beijing, China. The study area is approximately equal to 479km2 and covers three counties. The area includes one ground-water sub-basin, named Chaobai River, which is filled with unconsolidated alluvial deposits that comprise the aquifer system. Groundwater constituted about 66c/o of the municipal water supply in this region [1]. Groundwater withdrawals had not exceeded the natural recharge between 1989 and 1992. During a period of low runoff and extensive ground-water extractions from about 1993 to 2006, ground-water levels fell as much as 25.6 m. Extensive groundwater use in upper-middle alluvial fan of Chaobai River has resulted in the continual decline of piezometric levels associated with the environment consequences of land subsidence.
Directed Energy Beam Improvement Using Binary Control for the Advanced Tactical Laser ( DEBI-BATL )

The effects of direct small-scale actuation on the aerodynamic and aerooptical characteristics of the flow over a hemisphere-on-cylinder turret model (D = 0.61 m) with a round 0.254 m diameter conformal optical window are investigated at M = 0.3 and ReD = 4.46·10 (with additional measurements at M = 0.4 and 0.5). Flow control is effected by arrays of piezoelectricallydriven synthetic jet modules. The cumulative effect of the actuation is manifested by concomitant delay of flow separation and active, dissipative suppression of turbulent motions downstream of separation. The effects of actuation on aero-optical distortions are assessed from the flow dynamics using surface oil visualization, static pressure distributions and hot-film measurements within the separated flow domain. In addition, the suppression of optical distortions across the separated flow is measured directly using a Malley probe over a range of elevation angles. These measurements show that for a fixed actuation level, the active suppression of spectral components of the optical distortion is about 30% within a resolved frequency band 0.5 < f < 25 kHz at M = 0.3.
Generalized Asymptotically I-Lacunary Statistical Equivalent of Order α for Sequences of Sets

In this paper we present , for sequences of sets, the concept of generalized asymptotically $\mathcal{I}$-lacunary statistical equivalent of order $\alpha$, ($0<\alpha \leq 1$), to multiple $L$, where $I$ is an ideal of the subset of $\mathbb{N}$. In addition to this definition inclusion theorems are also presented. The study leaves some interesting open problems
Opsonic Antibodies to Enterococcus faecalis Strain 12030 Are Directed against Lipoteichoic Acid

ABSTRACT A teichoic acid (TA)-like polysaccharide in Enterococcus faecalis has previously been shown to induce opsonic antibodies that protect against bacteremia after active and passive immunization. Here we present new data providing a corrected structure of the antigen and the epitope against which the opsonic antibodies are directed. Capsular polysaccharide isolated from E. faecalis strain 12030 by enzymatic digestion of peptidoglycan and chromatography (enzyme-TA) was compared with lipoteichoic acid (LTA) extracted using butanol and purified by hydrophobic-interaction chromatography (BuOH-LTA). Structural determinations were carried out by chemical analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Antibody specificity was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the opsonophagocytosis assay. After alanine ester hydrolysis, there was structural identity between enzyme-TA and BuOH-LTA of the TA-parts of the two molecules. The basic enterococcal LTA structure was confirmed: 1,3-poly(glycerol phosphate) nonstoichiometrically substituted at position C-2 of the glycerol residues with d-Ala and kojibiose. We also detected a novel substituent at position C-2, [d-Ala→6]-α-d-Glcp-(1→2-[d-Ala→6]-α-d-Glcp-1→). Antiserum raised against enzyme-TA bound equally well to BuOH-LTA and dealanylated BuOH-LTA as to the originally described enzyme-TA antigen. BuOH-LTA was a potent inhibitor of opsonophagocytic killing by the antiserum to enzyme-TA. Immunization with antibiotic-killed whole bacterial cells did not induce a significant proportion of antibodies directed against alanylated epitopes on the TA, and opsonic activity was inhibited completely by both alanylated and dealanylated BuOH-LTA. In summary, the E. faecalis strain 12030 enzyme-TA is structurally and immunologically identical to dealanylated LTA. Opsonic antibodies to E. faecalis 12030 are directed predominantly to nonalanylated epitopes on the LTA molecule.
Are Erectile Dysfunction Medications Causally Related to Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy?

A possible association between erectile dysfunction (ED) medications and the development of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) has been recognized since the first reports in the early 2000s. There is still debate about whether there is a true, causal relationship between the two, or whether the relationship is coincidental. Because erectile dysfunction medications are some of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States and worldwide, this has important public health implications and also influences how we advise patients at risk for nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Two experts debate this topic.
Recent data on cannabinoids and their pharmacological implications in neuropathic pain

Natural cannabinoids have been used for centuries for their psychotropic properties, but their possible therapeutic implications in analgesia have been recently documented. The present review intended to make an analysis of the neuroanatomy and physiology of the cannabinoid system (receptors, functions, agents acting on these receptors) and of its implications in neuropathic pain. There were also described the complex phenomena implicated in the generation and maintenance of neuropathic pain, by high lightening the implications of endogenous cannabinoids in this complex of painful conditions. The pharmacological analgesia test proves of cannabinoid implication in neuropathic pain was sustained by many studies presented in this paper. Therapeutic approaches using natural and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists were reviewed. Therapeutic perspectives in neuropathic pain might involve the development of new agents that influence the cannabinoid system. Thus, peripheral acting cannabinoid 1 receptors agonists, selective cannabinoid 2 receptor agonists and also modulators of endocannabinoids metabolism might be a way to success in the treatment of this complex entity called neuropathic pain.
Expression and pharmacological inhibition of thymidylate synthase and Src kinase in nonsmall cell lung cancer

The combination of cytotoxic chemotherapy with signaling pathway inhibitors represents a potential strategy to improve the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Thymidylate synthase (TS) is an enzyme essential for DNA synthesis, and its overexpression has been associated with the reduced sensitivity to antifolate agents. Src is a tyrosine kinase that modulates the cytotoxicity of cancer cells after drug treatment, and in vitro data indicate that its inhibition could revert the resistance to TS‐inhibiting drugs. Our study investigated the significance of TS and Src expression in NSCLC tissues, and the effects of their pharmacological inhibition in cell lines. In tumor and normal tissues from 94 resected NSCLC patients, TS and Src transcript levels were found positively correlated (RS = 0.66), associated with patients smoking history and overall survival. At multivariate analysis, TS gene expression was an independent prognostic factor (relative risk (RR) = 1.78, from 1.16 to 2.72; p < 0.01). Immunohistochemical detection in tumor specimens confirmed that Src kinase activation, evaluated by phospho‐specific antibody, was associated to a higher TS expression. In cell lines, dasatinib, a Src‐inhibiting agent, synergistically enhanced pemetrexed‐cytotoxicity of A549 cells, as evaluated by MTT and apoptosis assays. The biological explanation for this interaction was based on the upregulation of TS messenger RNA and protein levels induced by pemetrexed, which was significantly prevented by dasatinib cotreatment. The data of our study suggest that TS and Src may belong to a common pathway that bears prognostic significance in NSCLC, and that Src represents a potential target to improve the efficacy of TS‐inhibiting agents.
Deletion of 30 Murine Cytochrome P450 Genes Results In Viable Mice With Compromised Drug Metabolism

In humans, 75% of all drugs are metabolized by the cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase system. Enzymes encoded by the CYP2C, CYP2D, and CYP3A gene clusters account for ∼80% of this activity. There are profound species differences in the multiplicity of cytochrome P450 enzymes, and the use of mouse models to predict pathways of drug metabolism is further complicated by overlapping substrate specificity between enzymes from different gene families. To establish the role of the hepatic and extrahepatic P450 system in drug and foreign chemical disposition, drug efficacy, and toxicity, we created a unique mouse model in which 30 cytochrome P450 genes from the Cyp2c, Cyp2d, and Cyp3a gene clusters have been deleted. Remarkably, despite a wide range of putative important endogenous functions, Cyp2c/2d/3a KO mice were viable and fertile, demonstrating that these genes have evolved primarily as detoxification enzymes. Although there was no overt phenotype, detailed examination showed Cyp2c/2d/3a KO mice had a smaller body size (15%) and larger livers (20%). Changes in hepatic morphology and a decreased blood glucose (30%) were also noted. A five-drug cocktail of cytochrome P450 isozyme probe substrates were used to evaluate changes in drug pharmacokinetics; marked changes were observed in either the pharmacokinetics or metabolites formed from Cyp2c, Cyp2d, and Cyp3a substrates, whereas the metabolism of the Cyp1a substrate caffeine was unchanged. Thus, Cyp2c/2d/3a KO mice provide a powerful model to study the in vivo role of the P450 system in drug metabolism and efficacy, as well as in chemical toxicity.
Widespread Demyelination in the Cerebellar Cortex in Multiple Sclerosis

Neocortical demyelination in the forebrain has recently been identified as an important pathological feature of multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we describe that the cerebellar cortex is a major predilection site for demyelination, in particular in patients with primary and secondary progressive MS. In these patients, on average, 38.7% of cerebellar cortical area is affected, reaching in extreme examples up to 92%. Cerebellar cortical demyelination occurs mainly in a band‐like manner, affecting multiple folia. The lesions are characterized by primary demyelination with relative axonal and neuronal preservation, although some axonal spheroids and a moderate reduction of Purkinje cells are present. Although cortical demyelination sometimes occurs together with demyelination in the adjacent white matter (leukocortical lesions), in most instances, the cortex was affected independently from white matter lesions. We found no correlation between demyelination in the cortex and the white matter, and in some cases, extensive cortical demyelination was present in the near absence of white matter lesions. Our data identify cortical demyelination as a potential substrate of cerebellar dysfunction in MS.
Malignant melanoma of the vulva in a nationwide, 25‐year study of 219 Swedish females

In an epidemiologic study of 219 Swedish females with vulvar melanoma, the authors previously established the incidence of this disease as 0.19 per 100,000 women, with a 3% annual decrease from 1960 to 1984 and a 5‐year relative survival rate of 47%. After reviewing the medical histories of all of the 219 patients, the authors documented their precise clinical and histopathologic features, which, along with treatment, are assessed herein as predictors of survival.
[Construction and characterization of Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 2 (SPI-2) deletion mutant of Salmonella Pullorum S06004].

OBJECTIVE To research the pathogenicity of Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 2 (SPI-2) deletion mutant of Salmonella Pullorum and preliminary explore the feasibility of developing safe attenuated Salmonella Pullorum candidate vaccine strain. METHODS The SPI-2 (-40 kb) deletion mutant of Salmonella Pullorum S06004 was constructed using the λ-red recombinant system. Then the biological characteristics such as growth rate, biochemical properties, genetic stability and virulence were evaluated between the deletion mutant strain S06004ΔSPI2 and its parent strain S06004. RESULTS S06004ΔSPI2 was successfully constructed. The growth rate and biochemical properties of S06004ΔSPI2 were consistent with those of its parent strain S06004. The mutant was stable with the deletion of SPI-2. Chicken lethal test showed that the LD50 of S06004ΔSPI2 was 252 times higher than the parent strain S06004. CONCLUSION The virulence of S06004ΔSPI2 was obviously attenuated. This study provided basic data for further study of the functions of SPI-2, and implied its potential to develop attenuated Salmonella vaccine.
Predicting children's sunscreen use: application of the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior.

BACKGROUND Skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer in the United States despite the fact that most cases can be prevented by limiting sun exposure. Childhood and adolescence are periods of life during which prolonged sun exposure is particularly common. Accordingly, promoting sun-protective behaviors during these formative years can be of critical importance in preventing skin cancer. The present study applied the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior to the understanding of children's sunscreen use. Based on these theories, it was hypothesized that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control would be related to intentions to use sunscreen, which, in turn, would be related to actual sunscreen use. METHODS Questionnaires measuring sun-related attitudes, beliefs, perceived control, and intentions were administered to 199 fourth graders (ages 9 to 13, mean = 10.3) attending public schools in Florida. Self-report measures of sun-related behavior were administered to the same subjects 1 month later. RESULTS Results of correlational analyses were consistent with study hypotheses. Higher rates of sunscreen use at follow-up were predicted by stronger intentions to use sunscreen assessed 1 month previously. In addition, stronger intentions to use sunscreen were found to be related to more favorable attitudes toward sunscreen use, stronger beliefs that peers and parents favored sunscreen use, and greater perceptions of personal control in using sunscreen. Path and multiple regression analyses identified direct and indirect relationships among study variables that partially confirmed those predicted by the theories and provided support for the use of an expanded model that included perceived behavioral control. CONCLUSIONS The present study confirmed hypotheses derived from the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior regarding the relation of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control to sunscreen use among fourth graders. In addition to their theoretical significance, these findings suggest ways to intervene at the individual, classroom, and family levels to promote greater sunscreen use in this age group.
Isolation and Partial Characterization of Hsp 90 from Candida albicans

Hsp90 is a stress-induced protein involved in many cellular processes including the regulation of signal transduction and steroid hormone response pathways in higher eukaryotic cells. Candida albicans hsp90 has a mass of 82 -Da and has previously been implicated as a virulence factor. A 47-kDa C-terminal fragment of Candida hsp90 is a target for an immune response to C. albicans infections. A C. albicans hsp90 specific polyclonal antibody was developed against a synthetic peptide containing a previously defined epitope of the 47-kDa fragment. This antibody was used to investigate the cellular localization and induction of hsp90 in the fungus. By means of cell surface protein extraction, hsp90 is shown to be localized on the cell surface as well as in the cytoplasm. On the cell surface, it appears only as an 82-kDa protein. In the cytoplasm, anti-hsp90 detected the 82-kDa protein as well as 72-kDa and 47-kDa bands on SDS-PAGE gels. The cytoplasmic protein bands were heat inducible and appeared to be estrogen induced as well, suggesting that C. albicans modulates hsp90 expression in response to environmental changes. Since the 82-kDa protein is also found on the surface of the cells, hsp90 may be directly involved in sensing environmental changes. It may also be important for recognition of its host or elements of the host immune system and antibody responses to the molecule and may therefore be useful for diagnostic or prognostic evaluation. (received 24 July 2002; accepted 19 September 2002)
Collateral and the Choice Between Bank Debt and Public Debt

This paper tests how collateral value affects a firm’s choice between bank debt and public debt by considering the exogenous variation in the market value of a firm’s real-estate assets caused by fluctuations in local real-estate prices. Using local land supply elasticities as an instrument for local real-estate prices, I estimate that a one-standard-deviation increase in collateral value causes bank debt as a fraction of total debt to increase by six percentage points. This paper was accepted by Wei Jiang, finance .
Religious differentials in marital fertility in The Hague (Netherlands) 1860–1909

Previous studies of the marital fertility transition in Europe have found religious differentials. Using data collected from the population registers of The Hague, our aim in this study is to search for answers to the following questions: whether religious differentials result from socio-economic characteristics; to what extent religious ideology explains the behaviour of religious groups; which proximate determinants account for the religious differentials; and whether the Jews were forerunners in the marital fertility transition in Europe. The results provide some evidence of relatively low levels of parity-dependent fertility control among Jews before the transition and among Catholics during the transition. Religious ideology probably accounts for the low level of fertility control among Catholics. The ultimate reason for the relatively high marital fertility among Jews before the transition remains unclear. Our findings do not support the hypothesis that Jews were forerunners in the marital fertility transition.
Characterization of pp85, a target of oncogenes and growth factor receptors

An 85,000-molecular-weight polypeptide (85K polypeptide) has previously been identified as a common substrate for tyrosine phosphorylation upon polyomavirus middle T transformation or upon platelet-derived growth factor stimulation of 3T3 cells. In each case, pp85 has an associated phosphatidylinositol kinase activity. The tissue distribution of pp85 was determined by middle T blotting experiments; the highest levels were found in brain, lung, and spleen tissues. High-resolution examination of 85K by isoelectric focusing demonstrated that there are at least 10 different forms. These were resolved into two families, 85K and 86K; the ratio of the two families changed in different cells. Similar forms were found for pp85 associated with pp60v-src. Individual species within each family differed by phosphorylation. Analysis of pp85 and pp86 by immunoprecipitation with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody showed increasing phosphorylation in response to middle T or pp60v-src transformation. The association of middle T with pp85 and pp60c-src was examined in pulse-chase experiments. Association of middle T with pp60c-src was slow and was accompanied by progressive modification of middle T. pp85 formed a dissociable complex with middle T within 2.5 min.