Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Iron and Non-Iron-Related Characteristics of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Lesions at 7T MRI

Twenty-one patients with MS and 21 patients with neuromyelitis optica underwent 7T high-resolution 2D-gradient-echo-T2* and 3D-susceptibility-weighted imaging. An in-house-developed algorithm was used to reconstruct quantitative susceptibility mapping from SWI. Of the patients with MS, 19 (90.5%) demonstrated at least 1 quantitative susceptibility mapping–hyperintense lesion, and 11/21 (52.4%) had iron-laden lesions. No quantitative susceptibility mapping–hyperintense or iron-laden lesions were observed in any patients with neuromyelitis optica. The authors conclude that ultra-high-field MR imaging may be useful in distinguishing MS from neuromyelitis optica. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Characterization of iron deposition associated with demyelinating lesions of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica has not been well studied. Our aim was to investigate the potential of ultra-high-field MR imaging to distinguish MS from neuromyelitis optica and to characterize tissue injury associated with iron pathology within lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients with MS and 21 patients with neuromyelitis optica underwent 7T high-resolution 2D-gradient-echo-T2* and 3D-susceptibility-weighted imaging. An in-house-developed algorithm was used to reconstruct quantitative susceptibility mapping from SWI. Lesions were classified as “iron-laden” if they demonstrated hypointensity on gradient-echo-T2*-weighted images and/or SWI and hyperintensity on quantitative susceptibility mapping. Lesions were considered “non-iron-laden” if they were hyperintense on gradient-echo-T2* and isointense or hyperintense on quantitative susceptibility mapping. RESULTS: Of 21 patients with MS, 19 (90.5%) demonstrated at least 1 quantitative susceptibility mapping–hyperintense lesion, and 11/21 (52.4%) had iron-laden lesions. No quantitative susceptibility mapping–hyperintense or iron-laden lesions were observed in any patients with neuromyelitis optica. Iron-laden and non-iron-laden lesions could each be further characterized into 2 distinct patterns based on lesion signal and morphology on gradient-echo-T2*/SWI and quantitative susceptibility mapping. In MS, most lesions (n = 262, 75.9% of all lesions) were hyperintense on gradient-echo T2* and isointense on quantitative susceptibility mapping (pattern A), while a small minority (n = 26, 7.5% of all lesions) were hyperintense on both gradient-echo-T2* and quantitative susceptibility mapping (pattern B). Iron-laden lesions (n = 57, 16.5% of all lesions) were further classified as nodular (n = 22, 6.4%, pattern C) or ringlike (n = 35, 10.1%, pattern D). CONCLUSIONS: Ultra-high-field MR imaging may be useful in distinguishing MS from neuromyelitis optica. Different patterns related to iron and noniron pathology may provide in vivo insight into the pathophysiology of lesions in MS.
2,4,6-Trihydroxy-&agr;-p-methoxyphenylacetophenone (Compound D-58) Is a Potent Inhibitor of Allergic Reactions

The authors investigated the effects of 2,4,6-trihydroxy-&agr;-p-methoxyphenylacetophenone (compound D-58), a potent inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases SYK and Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), on IgE receptor/FcϵRI-triggered mast cell–mediated acute allergic responses in vitro and in vivo. Compound D-58 abrogated IgE receptor/FcϵRI–mediated SYK and BTK activation as well as calcium mobilization in mast cells. Mast-cell degranulation and leukotriene (LT) C4 release was inhibited by compound D-58 in a concentration-dependent fashion. Notably, compound D-58 prevented the mast cell mediator–induced vascular hyperpermeability in an in vivo murine model of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis as measured by the prevention of extravasation of systemically administered Evans blue dye. The results uniquely indicate that compound D-58 has potent antiallergic properties. Therefore, further development of compound D-58 may provide the basis for new and effective treatment programs for severe allergic disorders.
[Effect of hepatic artery embolization on the microwave coagulated area].

OBJECTIVE To study the effect of hepatic artery embolization on the microwave coagulated area, an in vivo animal experiment. METHODS Twenty-four suitable hepatic lobes of ten dogs were divided into two groups: microwave coagulation alone 12 lobes (control group) and hepatic artery occlusion with iodized oil and gelatin sponge particles followed by microwave coagulation 12 (experiment group). Microwave coagulation was delivered with an output of 50 W for 300 or 400 seconds with thermal needles introduced parallel to and 5 approximately 20 mm from the puncture needle. After sacrifice of the dogs, their hepatic lobes were sectioned along the puncture line. Then, the appearance and size of the coagulated area were recorded. The tissue specimens were fixed in formalin for light microscopic evaluation. RESULTS A decline in temperature gradient was detected from the center to the periphery of the affected tissue after the application of microwave coagulation, which was sharper in the control group than in the experimental group. Single polar microwave coagulation at 50 W for 300 seconds produced a necrotic volume of 25 approximately 33 mm in longitudinal diameter and 13 approximately 22 mm in transverse diameter in control group, 33 approximately 44 mm and 24 approximately 32 mm in the experimental group. The coagulation area was slightly bigger when the duration of coagulation was 400 seconds than 300 seconds, without significant difference. CONCLUSION Hepatic artery occlusion, inhibiting the heat loss caused by hepatic arterial blood flow, is able to significantly enlarge the necrotic volume of microwave coagulation.
Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrinological problem in women of reproductive age. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a heterogenous disorder and patients may attend different clinics depending on the main complaint. The exact pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome remains obscure, although there have been insights that have thrown light on this condition. Consensus on the definition of the syndrome has only been recently achieved. The management of polycystic ovary syndrome poses a challenge to the physician as responses to the different treatment regimes have proved to be inconsistent. Diet and lifestyle advice, restoration of menstrual cycle regularity, treatment of hyperandrogenism, treatment of infertility and prevention of long-term consequences form the basis of polycystic ovary syndrome management. This review aims to provide the reader with the latest evidence in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as focus on some of the controversies surrounding its management.
The Resource-Based View within the Export Context: An Integrative Review of Empirical Studies

ABSTRACT Despite widespread research on the resource-based view (RBV) in exporting, there is a lack of any integrative review of the empirical studies connected to resources and capabilities in the extant literature. To address this gap, this study offers a comprehensive review of 129 export-related articles published between 1990 and 2016. Relevant articles were examined through content analysis in terms of the scope of research, research methodology, and conceptual issues. Certain limitations related to the scope of research are identified, particularly with regard to country setting, industry effect, and firm size. Methodologically, the sampling designs, data collection methods, and analytical approaches employed have attracted criticism. The results also demonstrate that, in spite of significant progress in the pertinent literature with respect to conceptual issues, research on the RBV within the export context is still at the stage of identification and conceptualization. This study is expected to contribute considerably to the pertinent body of knowledge by presenting a comprehensive literature review focusing on the RBV. This study also provides new insights by investigating the trends in the evolution of the RBV and by demonstrating the research gaps in the field of exporting which were not addressed by previous academic research.
A Study on Pitch Patterns in Japanese Speakers of English with Verification by Speech Re-Synthesis

Certain irregularities in the utterances of words or phrases often occur in English spoken by Japanese native subject, referred to in this article as Japanese English. Japanese English is linguistically presumed to reflect the phonetic characteristics of Japanese. We consider the prosodic feature patterns as one of the most common causes of irregularities in Japanese English, and that Japanese English would have better prosodic patterns if its particular characteristics were modified. This study investigates prosodic differences between Japanese English and English speakers' English, and shows the quantitative results of a statistical analysis of pitch. The analysis leads to rules that show how to modify Japanese English to have pitch patterns closer to those of English speakers. On the basis of these rules, the pitch patterns of test speech samples of Japanese English are modified, and then re-synthesized. The modified speech is evaluated in a listening experiment by native English subjects. The result of the experiment shows that on average, over three-fold of the English subjects support the proposed modification against original speech. Therefore, the results of the experiments indicate practical verification of validity of the rules. Additionally, the results suggest that irregularities of prominence lie in Japanese English sentences. This can be explained by the prosodic transfer of first language prosodic characteristics on second language prosodic patterns.
A NOTE ON FIXATION DURING PERIMETRY

Small eye movements in the direction of the disappearing stimulus can be observed at kinetic perimetry when the test object enters a scoto‐matous area. These may be responsible for the fact that several field defects, missed at routine manual perimetry, are spotted at automatic perimetry. In the latter case the patient cannot predict the position of next test light, since these are illuminated at random, whereas at kinetic perimetry they are exposed in systematic order.
Buffer stock savings in a New-Keynesian business cycle model

We introduce the tractable buffer stock savings setup of Carroll (2009 NBER Working Paper) into an otherwise conventional New-Keynesian dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with financial frictions. The introduction of a precautionary saving motive arising from an uninsurable risk of permanent income loss, affects the model's properties in a number of interesting ways: it produces a more hump-shaped reaction of consumption in response to both supply (technology) and demand (monetary) shocks, and more pronounced reactions in response to demand shocks. Adoption of the buffer stock savings setup thus offers a more microfounded way, compared to, e.g., habit preferences in consumption, to introduce Keynesian features into the model, serving as a device to curbing excessive consumption smoothing, and to attributing a higher role to demand driven fluctuations. We also discuss steady state effects, determinacy properties as well as other practical issues. (authors' abstract)
Ultrastructure of the rat mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus.

The subcellular morphology of the mesencephalic trigeminal (Me5) nucleus in the rat was studied by transmission electron microscopy. Most neurons in the thin rostral as well as in the major caudal part of Me5 appeared as large (40-50 microns), round- to ovoid-shaped unipolar cells. A few neurons (estimated 5%) appeared to be multipolar, usually bipolar. The Me5 neurons had a large, round, centrally located nucleus, and their cytoplasm was characterized by a dense network of lamellar granular endoplasmic reticulum, an abundant Golgi apparatus, many mitochondria and neurofilaments suggesting very active cells with a high rate of synthesis and axoplasmatic transport. Numerous small spinous processes covered the surface of the Me5 neurons. Clustering of 2 or 3 cells was accomplished by maculae, i.e. zones of gap junctions and close cell appositions. Boutons contacting the soma of Me5 neurons and boutons contacting large and small dendrites were defined as axosomatic and axodendritic synapses, respectively. Four types of synaptic boutons were distinguished: (1) S boutons, with round vesicles and asymmetrical as well as symmetrical synapses, (2) F boutons, with pleomorphic admixture of flattened and spherical vesicles and asymmetrical synapses, (3) P boutons, which resembled the F-type boutons but contained predominantly spherical vesicles and symmetrical synapses, and (4) G boutons, characterized by a heterogeneous population of vesicles. This description of the Me5 nucleus is particularly useful for future studies that attempt to correlate the structure of a particular synapse with its function.
Effective number of breeding adults in Bufo bufo estimated from age‐specific variation at minisatellite loci

Estimates of the effective number of breeding adults were derived for three semi‐isolated populations of the common toad Bufo bufo based on temporal (i.e. adult‐progeny) variance in allele frequency for three highly polymorphic minisatellite loci. Estimates of spatial variance in allele frequency among populations and of age‐specific measures of genetic variability are also described. Each population was characterized by a low effective adult breeding number (Nb) based on a large age‐specific variance in mini‐satellite allele frequency. Estimates of Nb (range 21–46 for population means across three loci) were ≊ 55–230‐fold lower than estimates of total adult census size. The implications of low effective breeding numbers for long‐term maintenance of genetic variability and population viability are discussed relative to the species' reproductive ecology, current land‐use practices, and present and historical habitat modification and loss. The utility of indirect measures of population parameters such as Nb and Ne based on time‐series data of minisatellite allele frequencies is discussed relative to similar measures estimated from commonly used genetic markers such as protein allozymes.
A case of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome in a three‐generation family with non‐polyalanine repeat PHOX2B mutation

We describe a three generation family in whom multiple individuals are variably affected due to a PHOX2B non‐polyalanine repeat mutation. This family demonstrates extreme phenotypic variability and autosomal dominant transmission over three generations not previously reported in the wider literature. Novel findings also inclue a history of recurrent second trimester miscarriage. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:E140–E143. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical Testing of Distortion‐Product Otoacoustic Emissions

ABSTRACT Otoacoustic emissions have great promise for use in clinical tests of the functional status of outer hair cells, which represent cochlear structures that make a major contribution to the hearing process. A substantial literature is available concerning the evaluation of outer hair cell function by transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions. However, relatively little attention has been focused on the benefits of testing with distortion-product otoacoustic emissions. The purpose of this presentation is to provide knowledge of the principal advantages offered by distortion-product emissions testing.
Biodegradation of naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene under anaerobic conditions

The biodegradation of naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene were studied in batch reactors using an anaerobic acetate-fed enrichment culture developed from the Greater Peoria Sanitary District Wastewater Treatment Facility. Baseline kinetic experiments showed that maximum specific substrate utilization for the acetate-fed enrichment culture was 2.72 mg acetate/mg cell/day and the endogenous decay coefficient was 0.043 day−1. Maximum specific substrate utilization rates in mg substrate/mg cell/day for naphthalene, phenanthrene and pyrene were 0.57, 0.009 and 0.007, respectively. The half saturation constant KS in mg /L were 0.075, 0.01 and less than 0.01, respectively. The endogenous decay coefficient (in units of day−1) in the presence of naphthalene, phenanthrene and pyrene were 0.06, 0.07 and 0.04, respectively. Results from this study indicated that naphthalene and phenanthrene were more easily biodegradable than pyrene. These results suggest that technologies using anaerobic biodegradation using a relatively simple enrichment culture from a wastewater treatment plant may be successful in treating PAH contaminated wastes.
A Protein's Final ESCRT

In eukaryotic cells, delivery of transmembrane proteins into the lumen of the lysosome for degradation is mediated by the multivesicular body pathway. The function of the ESCRT protein complexes is required for both the formation of multivesicular body lumenal vesicles and the sorting of endosomal cargo proteins into these vesicles. Recent studies have identified additional factors that seem to function as an upstream cargo retention system feeding into the ESCRT machinery, given new insights into the dynamic structure of multivesicular bodies, and identified a potential mechanism for multivesicular body vesicle formation.
Analytical tools for the insurance market and macro-prudential surveillance

This article provides an overview of the analytical tools used by insurance regulators and supervisors for the purposes of market and macro-prudential surveillance. It is largely based on responses from 24 OECD and non-OECD countries to a questionnaire on the use and relative importance of a set of common indicators and analytical tools that provide information on the soundness, performance and competitiveness of the insurance market. The article therefore provides a point of reference on the use of analytical tools for market surveillance and is intended to inform the further development of the OECD Global Insurance Statistics framework.
Understanding Oral Health Promotion Needs and Opportunities of Tobacco Quitline Callers

Objective. Improving oral health and oral health care are important public health goals. Tobacco users and smokers are at particularly high risk for oral disease and warrant targeted intervention efforts. We assessed the need for and acceptability of targeting tobacco quitline callers for an oral health promotion intervention. Methods. We surveyed 816 Washington State Quitline callers to assess their oral health, relevant self-care behaviors, and interest in oral health promotion intervention. Results. Most respondents were female, cigarette smokers, of low socioeconomic status, with no dental insurance. Of the respondents, 79.3% (n=647) had some or all of their natural teeth (e.g., dentate); however, most of these respondents failed to meet recommendations for daily oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) (83.9%, n=543) and had no dental visits in the past year (52.6%, n=340). Similar findings were observed among respondents with no insurance. Many respondents were interested in learning more about how to improve their oral health (57.4%, n=468), willing to speak with a quitline coach about improving their oral health (48.2%, n=393), and open to receiving additional oral health information by mail (62.7%, n=512) or the Internet (50.0%, n=408). People who were receptive to learning how to improve their oral health were significantly more likely to be nonwhite, have a low income, have no dental insurance, and not have visited a dentist in the past year. Conclusion. There is a need and an opportunity to target quitline callers for oral health promotion services, as those most in need of these services were open to receiving them.
High-resolution Velocity Fields of Low-mass Disk Galaxies. I. CO Observations

This paper is the first in a series whose aim is to examine the relative distributions of dark and baryonic matter as a function of star formation history in a representative sample of low-mass disk galaxies. In this paper, we present high-resolution 12CO( ) interferometry for a sample of 26 nearby dwarf galaxies that were obtained from the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy (CARMA). Among these 26 galaxies, 14 have good CO detections, including 6 galaxies previously detected in single-dish CO measurements and 8 newly detected ones. We find a linear correlation between the CO flux and the mid- and far-IR flux from the WISE and IRAS catalogs. Compared to the far-IR flux, the mid-IR flux may be a better indication of whether a galaxy contains sufficient CO for detection at the level of instrument sensitivity of CARMA. This correlation might prove to be useful in future studies to help choosing other CO targets for observation. The median molecular mass (including helium) of our galaxies is , which is consistent with past observations for dwarf galaxies. The molecular content is weakly correlated with the dynamical mass, r-band luminosity and size of the galaxies. The median ratios of molecular mass versus dynamical mass and molecular mass versus r-band luminosity are and , respectively, which are also consistent with past observations for dwarf galaxies.
The Effect of Equal Ratio Ventilation on Oxygenation, Respiratory Mechanics, and Cerebral Perfusion Pressure During Laparoscopy in the Trendelenburg Position

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of equal ratio ventilation (ERV) on oxygenation, respiratory mechanics, and the cerebral perfusion pressure during pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position. Thirty patients undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection (25 to 65 y) were enrolled. Mechanical ventilator was set to volume-controlled mode at an inspiratory to expiratory (I:E) ratio of 1:2 with a tidal volume of 8 mL/kg of ideal body weight with a 5 cm H2O positive end-expiratory pressure. Twenty minutes after pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position, the I:E ratio was changed to 1:1 for 20 minutes and then restored to 1:2. No significant changes in arterial oxygen tension and respiratory compliance after adopting ERV. Mean arterial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure decreased significantly over time after adopting the Trendelenburg position during pneumoperitoneum (P=0.014 and 0.005, respectively). In conclusion, there was no improvement in oxygenation or respiratory mechanics with ERV.