Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE EFFICACY OF LSD IN THE TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM.

Comment has often been made (1, 2) on the low scientific standards which prevail in routine clinical trials of new drugs. In fact, the lack L of control groups, follow-up and objective measurements of change have characterized psychiatric research into both pharmacological : and psychological treatment methods (3, 4). This general lack of 1 -sophistication is especially characteristic of recent efforts to examine -. the effectiveness of LSD-25 (d-lysergic acid diethylamide) as an adjunct ,_ to the treatment of alcoholism. Several groups of investigators (5, 6, 7) have reported clinical trials in which LSDwas found to be effective ; in the treatment of alcoholism but the reports of these trials are little : more than the chronicling of clinical procedure. s Smith (5) reported that 12 out of 24 alcoholics given LSD were :l "improved" or "much improved" in terms of their drinking histories. Later, Chwelos et al. (6) reported 15 out of 16 alcoholics, and MacLean et al. (7) 46 out of 61 alcoholics, "improved" or "much improved" :. after LSD. In addition, Chandler and Hartman (8) have reported that d a series of LSD sessions created "considerable improvement" in 17 e "alcohol and/or narcotic addicts," and Eisner and Cohen (9) found _r that 2 out of 3 alcoholics given LSDwere "improved" in terms of s, unstated criteria. :_ As a consequence of these reports, it has been _t concluded that LSDis "effective in the treatment of alcoholism" (7) and _it comprises a major part of the therapy in several treatment centers _e for alcoholics. The aim of this note is to examine closely the studies w purporting to show that Lsn is a useful adjunct to therapy for alcoholism, eIt is hoped that this effort may introduce a note of caution in the
Prognosis of degradation through a dynamic estimation of Remaining Useful Life

All industrial systems and machines are subjected to degradation processes which can be related to the operating conditions. This degradation can cause unwanted stops at any time and major maintenance work sometimes. Prognostic activity is now recognized as a key feature in maintenance strategies, it gives operators a potent tool in decision making by quantifying how much time is left until functionality is lost. The reason is to plan the heavy interventions and to manage the stock of spare parts. In addition, it can be used to improve the characterization of the material proprieties that govern damage propagation for the structure being monitored. The tool for measuring the size of damage and health status in industry is the Remaining Useful Life (RUL), which can be estimated by using four main approaches, namely experience based, model-based, data-driven and hybrid approaches. A new method of prognosis is developed in this paper to improve the accuracy of the system state. This framework of forecasting integrates the model-based information and the hybrid approach, which employs the structured residuals in the first one and the Particle Filter in the second. The performance of the suggested fusion prognostic framework is employed to predict the RUL of battery pack in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV).
The Process of Self-Authorship for New Student Affairs Professionals

Using narrative inquiry, this study explored the process of self-authorship for five new student affairs professionals during their first two years as student affairs professionals. Past research on new professionals focused mainly on what new professionals need to know rather than how they make meaning. The findings suggest that the process of development included realizing that those with a shared identity do not always experience the world similarly, creating their environment upon realizing that it was not going to simply meet their needs, and beginning to question their own thoughts. These findings highlight the need to continue providing intentional developmental opportunities for new professionals.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Bone and cartilage formation in the embryo and repair and turnover in the adult involve the progeny of a small number of cells called mesenchymal stem cells. These cells divide, and their progeny become committed to a specific and distinctive phenotypic pathway, a lineage with discrete steps and, finally, end‐stage cells involved with fabrication of a unique tissue type, e.g., cartilage or bone. Local cuing (extrinsic factors) and the genomic potential (intrinsic factors) interact at each lineage step to control the rate and characteristic phenotype of the cells in the emerging tissue. The study of these mesenchymal stem cells, whether isolated from embryos or adults, provides the basis for the emergence of a new therapeutic technology of self‐cell repair. The isolation, mitotic expansion, and site‐directed delivery of autologous stem cells can govern the rapid and specific repair of skeletal tissues.
Phenotypically distinct B cell development pathways map to the three B cell lineages in the mouse.

A recent article by Montecino-Rodriguez et al. [Montecino-Rodriguez, E. , Leathers, H. & Dorshkind, K. (2006) Nat. Immunol.7, 293-301] has distinguished the early progenitors for B-1 cells, which principally develop in neonates, from early progenitors for B-2 cells, which principally develop in adult bone marrow. Here we introduce syndecan-1 (CD138) and MHC class II (I-A) as markers of early B cell development [Hardy, R. R. , Carmack, C. E. , Shinton, S. A. , Kemp, J. D. & Hayakawa, K. (1991) J. Exp. Med. 173, 1213-1225; Hardy fractions B-D] and show that the expression of these markers distinguishes the predominant B cell development pathway in neonates from the corresponding predominant pathway in adults (both progenitors are present but differently represented in each case). We show that pre-B cells (Hardy fraction D) in the predominant adult pathway express high levels of CD138 and intermediate levels of I-A, whereas the corresponding pre-B cells in the pathway that predominates in neonates do not express either of these markers. As expected, because most of the pre-B cells in adults express CD138, we find that sorted CD138+ adult pre-B cells differentiate to IgM+ B cells in vitro. Sorted CD138- pre-B cells from neonates, the majority subset at this age, also mature to IgM+ cells (without passing through a CD138+ stage). Importantly, our studies here confirm the differential representation of adult and neonatal progenitor populations and further demonstrate that CD138 expression subdivides the adult CD19+, B220-6B2-/low population shown to contain B-1 progenitors in a way consistent with the predominance of B-1b progenitors in adults. Thus, CD138 expression provides a key route to distinguishing early B cell development pathway for what now are clearly three B cell lineages.
Analysis of molecular data of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. (Brassicaceae) with Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

A Geographical Information System (GIS) is used to analyse allelic information of 13 sequenced loci of natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana and to identify geographical structures. GIS provides tools for visualization and analysis of geographical population structures using molecular data. The geographical distribution of the number of variable positions in the alignments, the distribution of recombinant sequence blocks, and the distribution of a newly defined measure, the differentiation index, are studied. The differentiation index is introduced to measure the sequence divergence among individual plants sampled from various geographical localities. The numbers of variable positions and the differentiation index are also used for a metadata analysis covering about 26 kb of the genome. This analysis reveals, for the first time, differences in DNA sequence structures of geographically different populations of A. thaliana. The broadly defined west Mediterranean region consists of accessions with the highest numbers of polymorphic positions followed by the west European region. The GIS technology Kriging is used to define Arabidopsis specific diversity zones in Europe. The highest genetic variability is observed along the Atlantic coast from the western Iberian Peninsula to southern Great Britain, while lowest variability is found in central Europe.
Maturation and Trafficking of Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells in Monkeys: Implications for Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccines1

Human dendritic cells (DC) have polarized responses to chemokines as a function of maturation state, but the effect of maturation on DC trafficking in vivo is not known. We have addressed this question in a highly relevant rhesus macaque model. We demonstrate that immature and CD40 ligand-matured monocyte-derived DC have characteristic phenotypic and functional differences in vitro. In particular, immature DC express CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) and migrate in response to macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), whereas mature DC switch expression to CCR7 and respond exclusively to MIP-3β and 6Ckine. Mature DC transduced to express a marker gene localized to lymph nodes after intradermal injection, constituting 1.5% of lymph node DC. In contrast, cutaneous DC transfected in situ via gene gun were detected in the draining lymph node at a 20-fold lower frequency. Unexpectedly, the state of maturation at the time of injection had no influence on the proportion of DC that localized to draining lymph nodes, as labeled immature and mature DC were detected in equal numbers. Immature DC that trafficked to lymph nodes underwent a significant up-regulation of CD86 expression indicative of spontaneous maturation. Moreover, immature DC exited completely from the dermis within 36 h of injection, whereas mature DC persisted in large numbers associated with a marked inflammatory infiltrate. We conclude that in vitro maturation is not a requirement for effective migration of DC in vivo and suggest that administration of Ag-loaded immature DC that undergo natural maturation following injection may be preferred for DC-based immunotherapy.
Effect of immersion, submersion, and scuba diving on heart rate variability.

BACKGROUND Heart rate variability (HRV) describes the cyclic variations in heart rate and offers a non-invasive tool for investigating the modulatory effects of neural mechanisms elicited by the autonomic nervous system on intrinsic heart rate. OBJECTIVE To introduce the HRV concept to healthy volunteers under control conditions and during scuba diving. In contrast with more established manoeuvres, diving probably activates both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system through various stimuli-for example, through cardiac stretch receptors, respiration pattern, psychological stress, and diving reflex. A further aim of the study was to introduce a measure for determining a candidate's ability to scuba dive by providing (a) standard values for HRV measures (three from the time domain and three from the frequency domain) and (b) physiological responses to a strenuous manoeuvre such as scuba diving. METHODS Twenty five trained scuba divers were investigated while diving under pool conditions (27 degrees C) after the effects of head out immersion and submersion on HRV had been studied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS (a) Immersion under pool conditions is a powerful stimulus for both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. (b) As neither the heart rate nor the HRV changed on going from immersion to submersion, the parasympathetic activation was probably due to haemodynamic alterations. (c) All HRV measures showed an increase in the parasympathetic activity. (d) If a physiological HRV is a mechanism for providing adaptability and flexibility, diving should not provoke circulatory problems in healthy subjects. (e) Either a lower than normal HRV under control conditions or a reduction in HRV induced by diving would be unphysiological, and a scuba diving candidate showing such characteristics should be further investigated.
Italian adaptation of the functional outcome questionnaire – aphasia: initial psychometric evaluation

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia. Methods: Two hundred and five persons with stroke-related aphasia and right hemiparesis who received ongoing assistance from a family caregiver were assessed using the Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia, Aachener Aphasie Test, Token Test, Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Functional Assessment Measure (FAM), and Quality of Life Questionnaire for Aphasics (QLQA). The Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia was translated into the Italian language using a translation and back-translation method. Reliability and construct validity of the Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia were evaluated. Results: The Italian version of the Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia showed good internal consistency and test–retest reliability for the overall scale (α = 0.98; ICC = 0.95) and subscales (α = 0.89 for the communicating basic needs (CBN), α = 0.92 for the making routine requests (MRR), α = 0.96 for the communicating new information (CNI), α = 0.93 for the attention/other communication skills (AO); ICC = 0.95 for CBN, ICC = 0.96 for MRR, ICC = 0.97 for CNI and ICC = 0.92 for AO). Significant correlations were found between the Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia and Token Test, QLQA, Aachener Aphasie Test scores, and FAM linguistic scores, indicating good convergent validity. Low correlations were found between Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia and Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices and FIM motor scores, showing good discriminant validity. Conclusions: The overall findings of this study supported the reliability and construct validity of the Italian version of the Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia. This measure holds considerable promise in assessing the functional outcomes of aphasia rehabilitation in Italian-speaking persons with aphasia. Implications for Rehabilitation Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia is a reliable and valid questionnaire in assessing functional communication of Italian-speaking people with aphasia. This measure provides critical information about people with aphasia’s functional and pragmatic communication in home and community settings, contributing significantly to overall quality of life. Since the use of measures of functional communication is recommended in the clinical evaluation of language disease, the Italian version of Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia may be effective in tailoring rehabilitation treatment to the presenting communication problems of people with aphasia and their caregivers.
Microvascular compression: an alternative view and hypothesis.

The concept of microvascular compression (MVC) is discussed critically. The root entry or exit zone is defined: it is much shorter than generally realized. The anatomy of the intracranial vessels is considered, as well as known facts concerning trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia relating to MVC. The results of microvascular decompression (MVD) are analyzed; one-third of patients do not obtain an optimum result. The evidence used to support the hypothesis of MVC, including neurophysiology, is discussed and it is believed to be insufficient and unconvincing. The basis of MVC could be trauma of the nerve during operative dissection and "decompression. " The concept of MVC might be more convincing if MVD can be shown to cure a condition such as spasmodic torticollis, which cannot be remedied by damage to or section of the same cranial nerve or nerves.
Genetics of LDL subclass phenotypes in women twins. Concordance, heritability, and commingling analysis.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) subclass phenotype B, characterized by a predominance of small LDL as determined by gradient gel electrophoresis, has been associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and an atherogenic lipoprotein profile. Previous studies employing complex segregation analysis have demonstrated a major, single gene effect on the inheritance of this phenotype in families. Recently, linkage between this phenotype and variation at the LDL receptor locus on chromosome 19 has been reported. However, variation in LDL subclass phenotypes has also been associated with age, gender, diabetes status, beta-blocker medication, and diet. The present study further evaluates the relative importance of genetic and nongenetic influences on LDL subclass phenotypes and on LDL peak particle diameter (as a reflection of the size of the major LDL subclass) in monozygotic and dizygotic women twin pairs. The analysis is based on 203 monozygotic and 145 dizygotic pairs of adult female twins who participated in the second examination of the Kaiser Permanente Women Twins Study. The average age was 51 years at this exam and 90% were white. Concordance analysis revealed that monozygotic cotwins shared LDL subclass phenotypes more frequently than dizygotic cotwins, and this was confirmed using logistic regression analysis after controlling for potential confounding factors. Heritability analyses suggested that approximately one third to one half of the variation in LDL peak particle diameter, a continuous variable reflecting LDL size, could be attributed to genetic influences. Commingling analysis of the frequency distribution of LDL peak particle diameter identified three distinct subgroups of subjects, one of which corresponded to those subjects with LDL subclass phenotype B. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting on cardiopulmonary bypass with robotically enhanced telemanipulation: report of forty-five cases.

BACKGROUND Robotically enhanced telemanipulation is a new powerful tool for minimally invasive procedures that allows totally endoscopic cardiac surgery. Between June 1999 and February 2001, 45 robotically enhanced totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting procedures on the arrested heart were performed at our institution with the use of the da Vinci telemanipulation system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc, Mountain View, Calif). METHODS In 37 patients a single-vessel totally endoscopic coronary bypass operation was performed. Eight patients had different types of multivessel revascularization with both internal thoracic arteries. The initial conversion rate was 22% and dropped to 5% in the last 20 patients. Two patients required reexploration via median sternotomy. The first 22 patients had excellent graft patency on discharge. The procedural time for single-vessel totally endoscopic bypass was 4.2 +/- 0.4 hours, bypass time was 136 +/- 11 minutes, and aortic crossclamp time amounted to 61 +/- 5 minutes. CONCLUSION The present data show the feasibility of closed chest single- and double-vessel revascularization, with good clinical results. However, procedural time is prolonged and the complex endoscopic and endoaortic occlusion techniques, as well as the extensive anesthesiologic monitoring, are demanding. The need for conversion to an open procedure diminished after a relatively short learning curve. All postulated benefits of totally endoscopic surgery other than excellent cosmesis must be evaluated in larger cohorts.
A molecular view of the radioresistance of gliomas

Gliomas originate from glial cells and are the most frequent primary brain tumors. High-grade gliomas occur ∼4 times more frequently than low-grade gliomas, are highly malignant, and have extremely poor prognosis. Radiotherapy, sometimes combined with chemotherapy, is considered the treatment of choice for gliomas and is used after resective surgery. Despite great technological improvements, the radiotherapeutic effect is generally limited, due to the marked radioresistance exhibited by gliomas cells, especially glioma stem cells (GSCs). The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are multiple and remain to be fully elucidated. This review attempts to summarize current knowledge on the molecular basis of glioma radioresistance by focusing on signaling pathways, microRNAs, hypoxia, the brain microenvironment, and GSCs. A thorough understanding of the complex interactions between molecular, cellular, and environmental factors should provide new insight into the intrinsic radioresistance of gliomas, potentially enabling improvement, through novel concurrent therapies, of the clinical efficacy of radiotherapy.
Reliability of red blood cell indices and formulas to discriminate between β thalassemia trait and iron deficiency in children

Abstract Iron deficiency (ID) and β thalassemia trait (βTT) are the most common causes of hypochromia and microcytosis. This study evaluates the reliability of some of the red blood cell (RBC) indices and the formulas used in the differentiation between βTT and ID in a cohort of 458 children aged between 1·8 and 7·5 years (mean age 5·6±1·7 years) with mild hypochromic microcytic anemia. Within this group, 243 were confirmed with ID and 215 with βTT. Red cell indices derived from automated red cell analyzers were used to evaluate the following discriminant indices and formulas: Mentzer Index (MI), Green and King Index (G&K), England and Fraser Index (E&F), RBC Distribution Width Index (RDWI), RBC distribution width (RDW) and RBC count. Sensitivity (SENS), specificity (SPEC), positive and negative prognostic value, efficiency (EFF) and Youden's Index (YI) were evaluated. For each index or formula Gauss curves were constructed. The highest SENS was obtained with RDWI (78·9%), while the highest SPEC and YI with E&F (99·1 and 64·2% respectively), the highest EFF (80·2%) with G&K. Gauss curves obtained from βTT and ID children showed a different degree of overlap for each formula or index. In conclusion, none of RBC indices or formulas appears reliable to discriminate between βTT and ID subjects.
Elastic properties of human lens zonules as a function of age in presbyopes.

PURPOSE To investigate the elastic properties of human lens zonules as a function of age in presbyopes. METHODS We studied 16 presbyopic human donor eyes (ages 47-97). Anterior eye sections with crystalline lens, zonules, ciliary body, and sclera were stretched radially. The stretching device consisted of a chamber filled with balanced salt solution and eight radial hooks to hold the anterior eye section. Radial stretching was created with a stepper motor connected to a digital outside micrometer for linear displacement and digital balance for force measurement. Three eye globes were used to test our methodology. For 13 eye globes, the spring constant, elastic modulus of the zonular system, and Young's modulus of the zonules were calculated. RESULTS We found linear dependence for force-elongation and force-strain relationships at all ages. In young presbyopic eyes (ages 47-60), the Young's modulus of the zonules was 340 mN/mm(2), whereas in older eyes (ages 83-97) it was significantly lower at 270 mN/mm(2). However, the correlation coefficient between Young's modulus and age (47-97 years) was not significant with P = 0.063. CONCLUSIONS The zonular system in presbyopic eyes was linear elastic, and the Young's modulus of the zonules decreased 20% from presbyopic age to late presbyopic age. However, there was no significant correlation between Young's modulus and age in presbyopes.