Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy

Purpose: To detect possible morphologic changes in the urethra in an attempt to clarify the effects of thermotherapy (TUMT). Material and Methods: Eighteen patients with symptomatic disturbance in micturition and a prostatic volume of 14–133 cm3 underwent voiding cystourethrogram and retrograde urethrogram before and 6 and 12 months after treatment. TUMT treatment was carried out with a Prostatron unit. Results: No correlation was found between subjective improvement in symptoms and morphologic changes of the urethra. There were more responders among patients who received a high microwave effect. Conclusion: We conclude that there is no evidence to support the view that TUMT leads to significant necrosis in the prostate with loss of tissue and retraction. Our results support the view that TUMT causes denervation of the prostate.
Enhanced Oxidative Stress and Altered Antioxidants in Brains of Bcl‐2‐Deficient Mice

Abstract: Bcl‐2 is an antiapoptotic protein located in the outer mitochondrial membrane. Cellular perturbations associated with programmed cell death may be the consequence of disrupted mitochondrial function as well as excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Numerous studies indicate that Bcl‐2 is involved in opposing cell death induced by oxidative stimuli, but its mode of action is uncertain. We reexamined the role of Bcl‐2 by using a loss‐of‐function model, Bcl‐2 knockout mice. Brains from Bcl‐2‐deficient mice had a 43% higher content of oxidized proteins and 27% lower number of cells in the cerebellum relative to wild‐type mice. Incubation of cerebellar neurons from Bcl‐2 +/+ brains with 0.5 mM dopamine caused 25% cell death, whereas in Bcl‐2‐deficient cells, it resulted in 52% death; glial cells provided protection in both cultures. Splenocytes from Bcl‐2‐deficient mice were also killed more effectively by dopamine as well as paraquat. Bcl‐2‐deficient mice did not survive intraperitoneal injection of MPTP, which caused a decrease in dopamine level in the striatum of Bcl‐2 +/− brains, which was more significant than in wild‐type mice. When compared with Bcl‐2 +/+ brains, brains of 8‐day‐old Bcl‐2‐deficient mice had higher activities of the antioxidant enzymes GSH reductase (192%) and GSH transferase (142%), whereas at the age of 30 days, GSH peroxidase was significantly lower (66%). Activities of GSH transferase and GSH reductase increased significantly (158 and 262%, respectively) from day 8 to day 30 in Bcl‐2 +/+ mice, whereas GSH peroxidase decreased (31%) significantly in Bcl‐2−/− animals. In summary, our results demonstrated enhanced oxidative stress and susceptibility to oxidants as well as altered levels of antioxidant enzymes in brains of Bcl‐2‐deficient mice. It is concluded that Bcl‐2 affects cellular levels of ROS, which may be due to an effect either on their production or on antioxidant pathways.
Investigation into the effect of varying l‐leucine concentration on the product characteristics of spray‐dried liposome powders

Objectives Spray‐dried formulations offer an attractive delivery system for administration of drug encapsulated into liposomes to the lung, but can suffer from low encapsulation efficiency and poor aerodynamic properties. In this paper the effect of the concentration of the anti‐adherent l‐leucine was investigated in tandem with the protectants sucrose and trehalose.
S-Shaped Reliability Growth Modeling for Software Error Detection

This paper investigates a stochastic model for a software error detection process in which the growth curve of the number of detected software errors for the observed data is S-shaped. The software error detection model is a nonhomogeneous Poisson process where the mean-value function has an S-shaped growth curve. The model is applied to actual software error data. Statistical inference on the unknown parameters is discussed. The model fits the observed data better than other models.
The Software Required for the Computer Generation of Virtual Environments

The first phase of virtual world development has focused on the novel hardware (3-D input and 3-D output) and the graphics demo. The second phase of virtual worlds development will be to focus in on the more significant part of the problem, the software bed underlying real applications. The focus of this paper is on the software required to support large scale, networked, multiparty virtual environments. We discuss navigation (virtual camera view point control and its coupling to real-time, hidden surface elimination), interaction (software for constructing a dialogue from the inputs read from our devices and for applying that dialogue to display changes), communication (software for passing changes in the world model to other players on the network, and software for allowing the entry of previously undescribed players into the system), autonomy (software for playing autonomous agents in our virtual world against interactive players), scripting (software for recording, playing back, and multitracking previous play against live or autonomous players, with autonomy provided for departures from the recorded script), and hypermedia integration (software for integrating hypermedia data—audio, compressed video, with embedded links—into our geometrically described virtual world). All of this software serves as the base for the fully detailed, fully interactive, seamless environment of the third phase of virtual world development. We discuss the development of such software by describing how a real system, the NPSNET virtual world, is being constructed.
Pull-through Branchial Fistulectomy: A Technique for the Otolaryngologist

The complete second branchial fistula consists of a superficial infrahyoid portion and a deep parapharyngeal portion. Through the present technique, the infrahyoid portion is dissected from the neck while the parapharyngeal segment is dissected through the mouth with or without tonsillectomy. Eventually, the whole fistula is pulled out through the mouth. This technique ensures complete fistulectomy and a low recurrence rate, is more cosmetic than the traditional technique, and allows simultaneous tonsillectomy. It may not be satisfactory if the fistula was the seat of repeated infections. This technique is suitable for the otolaryngologist, who is naturally well acquainted with microsurgery and tonsillectomy.
Mechanism and functional impact of CD40 ligand-induced von Willebrand factor release from endothelial cells

Summary Co-stimulation via CD154 binding to CD40, pivotal for both innate and adaptive immunity, may also link haemostasis to vascular remodelling. Here we demonstrate that human platelet-bound or recombinant soluble CD154 (sCD154) elicit the release from and tethering of ultra-large (UL) von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers to the surface of human cultured endothelial cells (ECs) exposed to shear stress. This CD40-mediated ULVWF multimer release from the Weibel-Palade bodies was triggered by consecutive activation of TRAF6, the tyrosine kinase c-Src and phospholipase Cγ1 followed by inositol-1,4,5 tris-phosphate-mediated calcium mobilisation. Subsequent exposure to human washed platelets caused ULVWF multimer-platelet string formation on the EC surface in a shear stress-dependent manner. Platelets tethered to these ULVWF multimers exhibited P-selectin on their surface and captured labelled monocytes from the superfusate. When exposed to shear stress and sCD154, native ECs from wild-type but not CD40 or vWF-deficient mice revealed a comparable release of ULVWF multimers to which murine washed platelets rapidly adhered, turning P-selectin-positive and subsequently capturing monocytes from the perfusate. This novel CD154-provoked ULVWF multimerplatelet string formation at normal to fast flow may contribute to vascular remodelling processes requiring the perivascular or intravascular accumulation of pro-inflammatory macrophages such as arteriogenesis or atherosclerosis.
Didelphic Uterus and Obstructed Hemivagina: Recurrent Hematometra in Spite of Appropriate Classic Surgical Treatment

We report the case of a young girl with uterus didelphys, obstructed vagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis treated by diagnostic laparoscopy and resection of the vaginal septum by a vaginal approach in order to drain the distended uterus. Despite classic surgery, the myometrium on the treated side never recovered its normal function, with subsequent persistence of recurrent hematometra. Laparoscopic subtotal hemihysterectomy had to be performed to avoid retention of hematometra and secondary pelvic inflammatory disease.
Fact versus Fancy concerning the Multimodal Treatment Study for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Findings from the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the MTA, have been much discussed but frequently misinterpreted or mischaracterized. Misinterpretations regarding the specific nature of and rationale for the study design, the effectiveness of the behavioural treatment arm, the possible advantages of combined treatments over single-component (medication management or behavioural therapy) interventions, and the feasibility and applicability of MTA treatments for “real-world”practitioners are addressed. Careful interpretation of the MTA findings suggests that for ADHD symptoms, carefully crafted medication-management approaches are superior to behavioural treatment and to routine community care that includes medication. For non-ADHD areas of functioning (for example, social skills, academic performance), combined treatments may offer modest advantages over single-component approaches. Longer-term outcomes past 14 months of intensive MTA treatments (as well as their relative effectiveness with respect to each other) remain unknown, pending further MTA analyses. The MTA treatments by and large consisted of evidence-based “best practices. ” Thus, rather than characterizing these treatments as in-feasible, the substantially superior outcomes of these treatments (versus routine clinical care) across diverse settings should help set the standard for future treatment practices in real-world settings. Despite important study limitations, the MTA study, by virtue of its size, scope, and length; parallel-groups design; explicit use of manualized, evidence-based treatments; and comprehensive range of outcome assessments sets an important benchmark for future trials testing new treatments for childhood ADHD and defines a new standard for optimal outcomes that can be achieved with the best of clinical care.
Fabrication of healthy and disease-mimicking retinal phantoms with tapered foveal pits for optical coherence tomography

Abstract. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become a standard tool in ophthalmology clinics for diagnosing many retinal diseases. Nonetheless, the technical and clinical communities still lack a standardized phantom that could aid in evaluating and normalizing the many protocols and systems used for diagnosis. Existing retinal phantoms are able to mimic the thickness and scattering properties of the retinal layers but are unable to model the morphology of the foveal pit, particularly the tapering of the retinal layers. This work demonstrates a new fabrication procedure that is capable of reliably and consistently replicating the shape and tapered appearance of the retinal layers near the foveal pit using a combination of spin-coating and replica molding. We characterize the effects of using different mold sizes which enable us to achieve a range of pit dimensions. We also present a modified procedure to replicate two diseased states of the retinal tissue, such as retinal detachment and dry aged-related macular degeneration. The ability to create an anatomically correct foveal pit for healthy and disease-mimicking phantoms will allow for a new standard better suited for intra- and inter-system evaluation and for improved comparison of retinal segmentation algorithms.
Broadband nature of power spectra for intermittent maps with summable and nonsummable decay of correlations

We present results on the broadband nature of the power spectrum S ( &ohgr; ) ? > , &ohgr; ∈ ( 0 , 2 π ) ? > , for a large class of nonuniformly expanding maps with summable and nonsummable decay of correlations. In particular, we consider a class of intermittent maps f : [ 0 , 1 ] → [ 0 , 1 ] ? > with f ( x ) ≈ x 1 + γ ? > for x ≈ 0 ? > , where γ ∈ ( 0 , 1 ) ? > . Such maps have summable decay of correlations when γ ∈ 0 , 1 2 ? > , and S ( &ohgr; ) ? > extends to a continuous function on [ 0 , 2 π ] ? > by the classical Wiener–Khintchine theorem. We show that S ( &ohgr; ) ? > is typically bounded away from zero for Hölder observables. Moreover, in the nonsummable case γ ∈ 1 2 , 1 ? > , we show that S ( &ohgr; ) ? > is defined almost everywhere with a continuous extension S ˜ ( &ohgr; ) ? > defined on ( 0 , 2 π ) ? > , and S ˜ ( &ohgr; ) ? > is typically nonvanishing.
Chronic subthalamic nucleus stimulation reduces medication requirements in Parkinson’s disease

Objective: To reduce antiparkinsonian medication in parkinsonian patients with bilateral high frequency subthalamic nucleus (STN) stimulation. Background: Parkinsonian syndromes are characterized by hyperactivity of the STN. Preliminary data indicate that functional inactivation of the STN may reduce the requirement for dopaminergic therapy in PD. Methods: Bilateral quadripolar leads were implanted stereotactically in the STN of seven patients with advanced PD (mean age, 57.4 years; mean disease duration, 15.4 years). High-frequency stimulation was applied for 24 hours a day. Following implantation, antiparkinsonian medication was reduced to the minimum possible and stimulation was gradually increased. The patients were evaluated in the practically defined “off” and “on” conditions using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and the Schwab & England scale. The average follow-up was 16.3 ± 7.6 months. A battery of neuropsychological tests was applied before and 9 months after the implant. Results: Parkinsonian features improved in all patients—the greatest change seen in rigidity, then tremor, followed by bradykinesia. Compared with the presurgical condition, off-drug UPDRS motor scores improved by 41.9% on the last visit (p = 0.0002), UPDRS activities of daily living (ADL) scores improved by 52.2% (p = 0.0002), and the Schwab & England scale score improved by 213% (p = 0.0002). The levodopa-equivalent daily dose was reduced by 65%. Night sleep improved in all patients due to increased mobility at night, and in five patients insomnia was resolved. All patients gained weight after surgery and their appetite increased. The mean weight gain at the last follow-up was 13% compared with before surgery. During the last visit, the stimulation amplitude was 2.9 ± 0.5 V and the total energy delivered per patient averaged 2.7 ± 1.4 W × 10−6. The results of patient self-assessment scales indicated a marked improvement in five patients and a moderate improvement in the other two. The neuropsychological data showed no changes. Side effects were mild and tolerable. In all cases, a tradeoff between the optimal voltage and the severity of side effects made it possible to control parkinsonian signs effectively. The most marked side effects directly related to STN stimulation consisted of ballistic or choreic dyskinesias of the neck and the limbs elicited by contralateral STN stimulation above a given threshold voltage, which varied depending on the individual. Conclusions: Parkinsonian signs can be controlled by bilateral high-frequency STN stimulation. The procedure is well tolerated. On-state dyskinesias were greatly reduced, probably due to the reduction of total antiparkinsonian medication. Bilateral high-frequency STN stimulation compensated for drug reduction and elicited dyskinesias, which differ from those observed following dopaminergic medication. ADL improved significantly, suggesting that some motor tasks performed during everyday chores, and that are not taken into account in the UPDRS motor score, also improved.
Development of yolk sac and chorioallantoic membranes in the Lord Howe Island skink, Oligosoma lichenigerum

Development of the yolk sac of squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes) differs from other amniote lineages in the pattern of growth of extraembryonic mesoderm, which produces a cavity, the yolk cleft, within the yolk. The structure of the yolk cleft and the accompanying isolated yolk mass influence development of the allantois and chorioallantoic membrane. The yolk cleft of viviparous species of the Eugongylus group of scincid lizards is the foundation for an elaborate yolk sac placenta; development of the yolk cleft of oviparous species has not been studied. We used light microscopy to describe the yolk sac and chorioallantoic membrane in a developmental series of an oviparous member of this species group, Oligosoma lichenigerum. Topology of the extraembryonic membranes of late stage embryos differs from viviparous species as a result of differences in development of the yolk sac. The chorioallantoic membrane encircles the egg of O. lichenigerum but is confined to the embryonic hemisphere of the egg in viviparous species. Early development of the yolk cleft is similar for both modes of parity, but in contrast to viviparous species, the yolk cleft of O. lichenigerum is transformed into a tube‐like structure, which fills with cells. The yolk cleft originates as extraembryonic mesoderm is diverted from the periphery of the egg into the yolk sac cavity. As a result, a bilaminar omphalopleure persists over the abembryonic surface of the yolk. The bilaminar omphalopleure is ultimately displaced by intrusion of allantoic mesoderm between ectodermal and endodermal layers. The resulting chorioallantoic membrane has a similar structure but different developmental history to the chorioallantoic membrane of the embryonic hemisphere of the egg. J. Morphol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two types of spontaneous depolarizations in the interstitial cells freshly prepared from the murine small intestine

To explore the electrophysiological properties of the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and fibroblast‐like cells (FLCs), we developed a new preparation by treating the murine small intestine with collagenase. This thin muscle layer preparation contained at least two types of interstitial cells around the enteric nerve bundles, and the cluster of smooth muscle cells displayed a rhythmic contraction. We morphologically identified ICCs and FLCs and conducted patch clamp experiments on each type of cell. The c‐kit‐positive CD34‐negative ICCs showed spontaneous and rhythmic potential fluctuations, and a large transient inward current was evoked by depolarization under voltage clamp conditions. Once the inward current was triggered, it took a regenerative time course and lasted approximately 500 ms. The current was inactivated by continuous depolarization, and by removal of external Ca2+. The application of acetylcholine (ACh) prolonged the duration of spontaneous depolarization as well as the depolarization‐induced inward current. This inward current showed a reversal potential of around +3 mV and was considered to be due to non‐selective cation channels. The c‐kit‐negative CD34‐positive FLCs showed irregular or regular potential fluctuations, and spontaneous outward current was observed under voltage clamp conditions. This outward current showed a reversal potential of around −80 mV and might be classified as a potassium current. We failed to observe major time‐ and voltage‐dependent currents except the above two currents in the interstitial cells.
Adams As Potential Regulators of Stem Cell Quiescence in the Olfactory Epithelium

I demonstrate that a member of the protein family A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease (ADAM), ADAM23, is expressed in the olfactory epithelium (OE) and may inhibit neural progenitor cell (NPC) proliferation. I generated a list of ten gene candidates and selected ADAM23 for further study, based on its conserved protein structure and accumulating evidence for its role in cell cycle progression of proliferative cells. I next determined ADAM23 protein localization using immunohistochemistry and measured both mRNA and protein expression post-lesion with RT-qPCR and Western blot. ADAM23 is expressed in multiple cell types of the OE, including glial Sustentacular (Sus) cells and neurons. There are four splice variants present in the OE, and mRNA expression decreases three to four-fold post-lesion but recovers to pre-lesion levels within two weeks (p<0.05, ANOVA). ADAM23 is poised to regulate NPC quiescence through contact with Sus cell end-feet. It may also facilitate important Sus:neuron interactions.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma: International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society (ISRS) Practice Guideline.

Objectives The aim of this systematic review was to develop International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society (ISRS) consensus guideline statements for vestibular schwannoma. Methods A systematic review of the literature was performed up to April 2015. Results A total of 55 full-text articles were included in the analysis. All studies were retrospective, except for 2 prospective quality of life studies. Five-year tumour control rates with Gamma Knife radiosurgery (RS), single fraction linac RS, or fractionated (either hypofractionated or conventional fractionation) stereotactic radiation therapy (FSRT) were similar at 81-100%. The single fraction RS series (linac or Gamma Knife) with tumour marginal doses between 12 and 14 Gy revealed 5-year tumour control rates of 90-99%, hearing preservation rates of 41-79%, facial nerve preservation rates of 95-100% and trigeminal preservation rates of 79-99%. There were 6 non-randomized studies comparing single fraction RS versus FSRT. There was no statistically significant difference in tumour control; HR=1.66 (95% CI 0.81, 3.42), p =0.17, facial nerve function; HR = 0.67 (95% CI 0.30, 1.49), p =0.33, trigeminal nerve function; HR = 0.80 (95% CI 0.41, 1.56), p =0.51, and hearing preservation; HR = 1.10 (95% CI 0.72, 1.68), p =0.65 comparing single fraction RS with FSRT.Nine quality of life reports yielded conflicting results as to which modality (surgery, observation, or radiation) was associated with better quality of life outcomes. Conclusions There are no randomized trials to help guide management of patients with vestibular schwannoma. Within the limitations of the retrospective series, a number of consensus statements were made.
Investigation of millisecond-long analog single-event transients in the LM6144 op amp

A new category of analog single-event transients (SETs) with millisecond-long durations have been experimentally observed in the LM6144 operational amplifier. It is the first time that events with such extreme widths are under investigation in a linear integrated circuit. Relying on heavy-ion broadbeam tests, picosecond pulsed lasers diagnostics, and computer-assisted circuit modeling, we uncover the mechanisms and causes of these anomalous voltage transients. The identification of the problematic area of the IC reveals that the bias/startup circuitry is sensitive to energetic ionizing particles and can be responsible for corrupted circuit operations when subjected to a heavy-ion strike. A circuit hardening solution with minimal impact on the layout and the electrical performances of the op amp are proposed to mitigate this effect.
Validación de Competencias en Titulaciones Universitarias Usando Minería de Datos

Nowadays the successful acquisition of competences is the base for the achievement of the professional skills and, consequently, the educational methodologies need to be reconsidered. This work describes a methodological procedure proposed to help educational experts to assess if the competences developed in a degree program are really acquired by the student. Due to the huge amount of information, this analysis is addressed through Data Mining techniques. The procedure has been successfully tested in the Computer Engineering and in the Telecommunication Engineering degrees of our institution. The analysis of results allowed experts to identify some non promoted competences.