Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accurate Detection of Stent-Graft Migration in a Pulsatile Aortic Model Using Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of Roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA) versus computed tomography (CT) for detecting stent-graft migration in an in vitro pulsatile circulation model and to study the feasibility of a nitinol endovascular clip (NEC) as an aortic wall reference marker for RSA. Methods: An aortic model with stent-graft was constructed and connected to an artificial circulation with a physiological flow and pressure profile. Tantalum markers and NECs were used as aortic reference markers for RSA analysis. Stent-graft migrations were measured during pulsatile circulation with RSA and CT. CT images acquired with 64times0.5-mm beam collimation were analyzed with Vitrea postprocessing software using a standard clinical protocol and central lumen line reconstruction. RSA in the model with the circulation switched off was used as the reference standard to determine stent-graft migration. The measurement errors of RSA and CT were determined during pulsatile circulation. Results: The mean measurement error ± standard deviation (maximum) of RSA during pulsatile circulation using the tantalum markers was −0.5±0.16 (0.7) mm. Using the NEC, the mean (maximum) measurement error was −0.4±0.25 (1.1) mm. The mean (maximum) measurement error of CT was −1.1±1.17 (2.8) mm. Conclusion: RSA is an accurate and feasible tool to measure stent-graft migration in a pulsatile environment. Migration measurement with RSA was more accurate than CT in this experimental setup. The nitinol clip tested in this study is potentially feasible as an aortic reference marker in patients after endovascular repair.
Homotopic organization of essential language sites in right and bilateral cerebral hemispheric dominance.

OBJECT Language dominance in the right hemisphere is rare. Therefore, the organization of essential language sites in the dominant right hemisphere is unclear, especially compared with cases involving the more prevalent left dominant hemisphere. METHODS The authors reviewed the medical records of 15 patients who underwent awake craniotomy for tumor or epilepsy surgery and speech mapping of right hemisphere perisylvian language areas at the University of California, San Francisco. All patients were determined to have either complete right-sided or bilateral language dominance by preoperative Wada testing. RESULTS All patients but one were left-handed. Of more than 331 total stimulation sites, 27 total sites were identified as essential for language function (14 sites for speech arrest/anarthria; 12 for anomia; and 1 for alexia). While significant interindividual variability was observed, the general pattern of language organization was similar to classic descriptions of frontal language production and posterior temporal language integration for the left hemisphere. Speech arrest sites were clustered in the ventral precentral gyrus and pars opercularis. Anomia sites were more widely distributed, but were focused in the posterior superior and middle temporal gyri as well as the inferior parietal gyrus. One alexia site was found over the superior temporal gyrus. Face sensory and motor cortical sites were also identified along the ventral sensorimotor strip. The prevalence and specificity of essential language sites were greater in unilateral right hemisphere-dominant patients, compared with those with bilateral dominance by Wada testing. CONCLUSIONS The authors' results suggest that the organization of language in right hemisphere dominance mirrors that of left hemisphere dominance. Awake speech mapping is a safe and reliable surgical adjunct in these rare clinical cases and should be done in the setting of right hemisphere dominance to avoid preventable postoperative aphasia.
Evolution along the crassulacean acid metabolism continuum

Crassulaceanacid metabolism(CAM) isaspecialised modeof photosynthesisthat improves atmospheric CO2 assimilationinwater-limited terrestrial andepiphytichabitatsandinCO2-limited aquatic environments.Incontrast withC3 and C4 plants, CAM plants take up CO2 from the atmosphere partially or predominantly at night. CAM is taxonomically widespreadamongvascularplantsandispresentinmanysucculentspeciesthatoccupysemiaridregions,aswellasintropical epiphytesandinsomeaquaticmacrophytes.Thiswater-conservingphotosyntheticpathwayhasevolvedmultipletimesand isfoundincloseto6%ofvascularplantspeciesfromatleast35families.AlthoughmanyaspectsofCAMmolecularbiology, biochemistryandecophysiologyarewellunderstood,relativelylittleisknownabouttheevolutionaryoriginsofCAM.This review focuses on five main topics: (1) the permutations and plasticity of CAM, (2) the requirements for CAM evolution, (3) the drivers of CAM evolution, (4) the prevalence and taxonomic distribution of CAM among vascular plants with emphasisontheOrchidaceaeand(5)themolecularunderpinningsofCAMevolutionincludingcircadianclockregulationof gene expression.
Hybridization and the origin of species

The phenomenon of hybridization has fascinated scientists for many decades and in various biological contexts (e.g. Darwin, 1862; Haldane, 1922; Dobzhansky, 1937; Mayr, 1946; Anderson, 1949; Hewitt, 1996; Mallet, 2005). Despite the long history of hybridization research, many open questions remain, some of which can only now be tackled due to the rapid improvement of sequencing technology. The significance of hybridization in speciation processes has long been debated, since hybridization might also promote the fusion of taxa (Seehausen, 2004). Furthermore, interspecific hybridization has often been seen as an exception rather than the rule, but it is meanwhile evident that a large number of species hybridize regularly, even though only a small fraction of a population may be involved (Mallet, 2005). The review by Abbott et al. (2013) highlights the significance and the multitude of possible impacts of hybridization on speciation processes. These vary from direct formation of new hybrid taxa to indirect effects, such as reinforcement of pre-mating barriers in hybrid zones. One important message of the review by Abbott et al. (2013) is that a high number of possible outcomes of hybridization exist, depending on the genetic constitution, demography, ecology and spatial distribution of the species involved – all of which are highly variable. The multidimensional framework in which hybridization takes place and the fact that hybridization relationships are usually asymmetric between the involved taxa and sexes (Wirtz, 1999; Groning & Hochkirch, 2008) creates an extraordinary high number of possible interactions and it will remain a challenging task to disentangle the contribution of each single factor to hybridization dynamics. Here, I want to highlight five aspects, which I consider crucial for understanding the evolutionary role of hybridization: (i) the importance to think in continua rather than in categories, (ii) the need to consider also complete reproductive isolation when discussing possible effects of hybridization, (iii) the importance to distinguish selective effects of hybridization from pure recombination, (iv) the relevance to integrate interdisciplinary information in hybridization research and (v) the potential of natural model systems for the study of hybridization and introgression processes.
Recent Advances on the Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Pancreatic Cancer Progression and Therapies

This review describes the recent advances in the molecular events involved in pancreatic cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Additionally, the importance of deregulated cellular signaling elements as potential targets for developing novel therapeutic strategies against incurable forms of pancreatic cancer is reported. The emphasis is on the critical functions gained by numerous growth factors and their receptors, such as epidermal growth factor receptor, hedgehog signaling, and proangiogenic agents such as vascular endothelial factor and interleukin-8 for the sustained growth, survival, and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells. The molecular mechanisms associated with antitumoral properties and the clinical benefits of gemcitabine alone or in combination with other cytotoxic agents for the treatment of pancreatic cancer are discussed.
On Distinguishing Natural from Cultural Bone in Archaeological Sites

Abstract A quantitative method is presented which assists the archaeologist in distinguishing between bones resulting from human activity and those deposited in archaeological contexts by non-cultural means. The assumption is that relatively incomplete carcasses are more likely to have been deposited or disturbed by extra-corporeal activities such as carnivores, raptorial birds, rodents, stream action, or man. This method is illustrated on faunal data from 3 sites in the High Rock county of extreme northwestern Nevada.
CK1&dgr; and CK1&egr; are components of human 40S subunit precursors required for cytoplasmic 40S maturation

ABSTRACT Biogenesis of 40S pre-ribosomal subunits requires many trans-acting factors, among them several protein kinases. In this study, we show that the human casein kinase 1 (CK1) isoforms &dgr; and &egr; are required for cytoplasmic maturation steps of 40S subunit precursors. We show that both CK1&dgr; and CK1&egr; isoforms are components of pre-40S subunits, on which they phosphorylate the ribosome biogenesis factors ENP1/BYSL and LTV1. Inhibition or co-depletion of CK1&dgr; and CK1&egr; results in failure to recycle a series of trans-acting factors including ENP1/BYSL, LTV1, RRP12, DIM2/PNO1, RIO2 and NOB1 from pre-40S particles after nuclear export. Furthermore, co-depletion of CK1&dgr; and CK1&egr; leads to defects in 18S-E pre-rRNA processing. Together, these data demonstrate that CK1&dgr; and CK1&egr; play a decisive role in triggering late steps of pre-40S maturation that are required for acquisition of functionality of 40S ribosomal subunits in protein translation.
An Empirical Investigation of Time-Out With and Without Escape Extinction to Treat Escape-Maintained Noncompliance

The present study evaluates the effectiveness of two time-out (TO) procedures in reducing escape-maintained noncompliance of 4 children. Noncompliant behavioral function was established via a functional assessment (FA), including indirect and direct descriptive procedures and brief confirmatory experimental analyses. Following FA, parents were taught to consequate noncompliance with two different TO procedures, one without and one with escape extinction following TO release. Although results indicate TO without escape extinction is effective in increasing compliance above baseline levels, more optimal levels of compliance were obtained for all 4 children when escape extinction was added to the TO procedures already in place. Results indicate efficacy of TO with escape extinction when applied to escape-maintained noncompliance and are discussed as an initial example of the successful application of TO to behaviors maintained by negative reinforcement.
Competition Between CTL Narrows the Immune Response Induced by Prime-Boost Vaccination Protocols1

Recombinant vaccines encoding strings of virus- or tumor-derived peptides and/or proteins are currently being designed for use against both cancer and infectious diseases. These vaccines aim to induce cytotoxic immune responses against several Ags simultaneously. We developed a novel tetramer-based technique, based on chimeric HLA A2/H-2Kb H chains, to directly monitor the CTL response to such vaccines in HLA-A2 transgenic mice. We found that priming and boosting with the same polyepitope construct induced immune responses that were dominated by CTL of a single specificity. When a mixture of viruses encoding single proteins was used to boost the polyepitope primed response, CTL of multiple specificities were simultaneously expanded to highly effective levels in vivo. In addition, we show that a preexisting response to one of the epitopes encoded within a polyepitope construct significantly impaired the ability of the vaccine to expand CTL of other specificities. Our findings define a novel vaccination strategy optimized for the induction of an effective polyvalent cytotoxic response.
Outcome of curative resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in Northeast Thailand.

AIM To examine survival outcomes of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PCCA) resection including mortality, morbidity and prognostic factors. METHODS Multivariate analyses were carried out based on the survival data of all patients with histologically confirmed PCCA who underwent curative resection at Srinagarind Hospital from January 2006 to December 2011. RESULTS There were 29 (19%) cases of intrahepatic CCA that involved hilar and 124 (81%) with hilar bile-duct cancer. R0 resection was carried out on 66 (43.1%) patients of whom 50 (32.7%) also had lymph node metastasis. The other patients underwent R1 resection. The overall 5-year survival rate was 20.6% (95%CI: 13.8-28.4) and median survival time was 19.9 mo. Postoperative mortality was 2%, and 30% of patients had complications. Patients without lymph node metastasis were 60% less likely to die than those with metastasis. Achieving R0 led to a 58% reduction in the chance of mortality as compared to R1. CONCLUSION To achieve a better survival outcome, focus should center on performing radical surgery and detection of patients with early stage cancer.
MESOLITHIC PLANT EXPLOITATION AT THE BALMA ABEURADOR (FRANCE)

Summary. Research conducted at the Balma Abeurador and a complex of related Epipalaeolithic and Mesolithic sites in the western Languedoc and eastern Pyrenees region of France (Abri de Dourgne, Grotte Gazel, Balma Margineda) reveals the complex processes of cultural and economic development during the early Holocene at a time of significant environmental change. Mesolithic groups expanded their subsistence base into a veritable “broad spectrum” economy including the hunting of large mammals, small game and birds; seasonal fishing for salmonids; collecting terrestrial and marine molluscs; and the gathering of wild legumes, fruits and nuts. The identification at Abeurador of lentils, peas and chick peas morphologically indistinguishable from the early cultigens of Southwest Asia raises the question of incipient cultivation practices in the west Mediterranean as early as 10,000 b.p.
Coronary revascularization alone or with mitral valve repair: outcomes in patients with moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation.

We sought to evaluate retrospectively the outcomes of patients at our hospital who had moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation and who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) alone or with concomitant mitral valve repair (CABG+MVr). A total of 83 patients had a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and moderate mitral regurgitation: 28 patients underwent CABG+MVr, and 55 underwent CABG alone. Changes in mitral regurgitation, functional class, and left ventricular ejection fraction were compared in both groups.The mean follow-up was 5.1 +/- 3.6 years (range, 0.1-15.1 yr). Reduction of 2 mitral-regurgitation grades was found in 85% of CABG+MVr patients versus 14% of CABG-only patients (P < 0.0001) at 1 year, and in 56% versus 14% at 5 years, respectively (P = 0.1), as well as improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction and functional class. One- and 5-year survival rates were similar in the CABG+MVr and CABG-only groups: 96% +/- 3% versus 96% +/- 4%, and 87% +/- 5% versus 81% +/- 8%, respectively (P = NS). Propensity analysis showed similar results. Recurrent (3+ or 4+) mitral regurgitation was found in 22% and 47% at late follow-up, respectively.In patients with moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation, either surgical approach led to an improvement in functional class. Early and intermediate-term mortality rates were low with either CABG or CABG+MVr. However, an increased rate of late recurrent mitral regurgitation in the CABG+MVr group was observed.
Competition and Coexistence: Exploring Mechanisms That Restrict and Maintain Diversity within Mutualist Guilds

Mutualistic interactions are diverse and widespread and often involve multispecies guilds of mutualists competing for access to one or more partner species. Despite the ubiquity of these interactions, we know little about the dynamics of competition and coexistence within these guilds or how interactions between mutualists and their shared resource (the partner species) may influence these dynamics. In this article, we review the evidence for interspecific competition for partners within mutualist guilds in both plant‐pollinator and ant‐myrmecophyte systems. We then review evidence for the operation of different coexistence mechanisms within these guilds and discuss how the dynamics of competition and coexistence may be uniquely shaped by multispecies mutualist interactions. In particular, we note that adaptive and plastic responses by mutualists to variation in partner quality are likely to play an important role in determining these dynamics. We summarize by considering the ecological conditions that are likely to restrict or promote species coexistence within mutualist guilds. We suggest that these guilds may provide powerful model systems for exploring multiple mechanisms of species coexistence, and we discuss how these mechanisms may be modified by evolutionary adaptation.
Colonial Masters, National Politicos, and Provincial Lords: Central Authority and Local Autonomy in the American Philippines, 1900–1913

When the united states embarked on a campaign of overseas colonial conquest a century ago, it was for some Americans an unquestionably righteous venture in political tutelage. “[God] has made [the English-speaking and Teutonic peoples] adept in government that we may administer government among savage and senile peoples,” proclaimed Indiana Senator Albert J. Beveridge. “And of all our race He has marked the American people as His chosen nation to finally lead in the regeneration of the world” (Snyder 1962). The largest and most important U.S. colony was of course the Philippines, where a campaign of military conquest began in 1898 and continued into the early years of the new century.
The determinants of selection and allocation decisions for health assistance. Which role do health indicators play

This paper analyzes the selection and allocation decisions of major and like-minded bilateral donors as regards development assistance for health for the period of 1990 till 2007. The central question is to what extent health indicators, reflecting the health objectives stated in the Millennium Development Goals, influence such decisions. The analysis reveals that health indicators are important determinants of the selection and allocation process for health assistance but to a different degree at the two stages; HIV prevalence is the proxy with the strongest impact. The results also show that the quality of the institutional environment and the bilateral relations affect the decisions of many donors. The national health expenditures, however, have no systematic effect and the allocation pattern of possible competitors is irrelevant for almost all donors. The evidence illustrates, furthermore, the great heterogeneity among major and like-minded donors as well as the differences between selection and allocation stage.
The spin state of iron in minerals of Earth's lower mantle

The spin state of Fe(II) and Fe(III) at temperatures and pressures typical for the Earth's lower mantle is discussed. We predict an extended high‐spin to low‐spin crossover region along the geotherm for Fe‐dilute systems depending on crystal‐field splitting, pairing energy, and cooperative interactions. In particular, spin transitions in ferromagnesium silicate perovskite and ferropericlase, the dominant lower mantle components, should occur in a wide temperature‐pressure range. We also derive a gradual volume change associated with such transitions in the lower mantle. The gradual density changes and the wide spin crossover regions seem incompatible with lower mantle stratification resulting from a spin transition.
Sex differences in the striatal dopamine D2 receptor binding characteristics in vivo.

OBJECTIVE The authors investigated whether striatal dopamine D2 receptor binding characteristics in vivo are similar in men and women and whether there are sex-related differences in the decline in D2 receptor density due to aging. METHOD Striatal D2 receptor density (Bmax), affinity (Kd), and binding potential (Bmax/Kd) were measured with positron emission tomography and [11C]raclopride in 54 healthy subjects (33 men and 21 women). RESULTS Women had generally lower D2 receptor affinity than men, and this difference was statistically significant in the left striatum. Bmax and Bmax/Kd tended to decline with age twice as fast in men as in women, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm the age-related reduction of D2 receptor density and binding potential in both sexes in vivo. The lower D2 receptor affinity suggests an increased endogenous striatal dopamine concentration in women. This may have implications for the differential vulnerability of men and women to psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and alcohol and substance dependence.
An Assessment of Dynamic Autoregulation from Spontaneous Fluctuations of Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity: A Comparison of Two Models, Index of Autoregulation and Mean Flow Index

BACKGROUND:Various methods of assessment of cerebral autoregulation, using spontaneous slow fluctuations of blood flow velocity (FV), arterial blood pressure, and cerebral perfusion pressure, have been used in clinical practice. We studied the association between the dynamic index of autoregulation (ARI) and time correlation index (mean flow index, Mx) in a group of patients after head injury. METHODS:Fifty head-injured patients of an average age of 31 yr, sedated, paralyzed, and ventilated (mild hypocapnia) with continuous monitoring of arterial blood pressure and intracranial pressure were studied. Cerebral blood FV was monitored daily for 3 days after injury during periods that were free from interventions (e.g., suctioning). Digitally recorded data were analyzed retrospectively. ARI was calculated as a coefficient graded from 0 (absence of autoregulation) to 9 (strongest autoregulation), describing a dynamic model of autoregulation. Mx was calculated as the correlation coefficient between 40 consecutive 6-s averages of FV and cerebral perfusion pressure and then averaged over the whole recording period. ARI and Mx values, assessed during the first 3 days after injury, were averaged for each patient. RESULTS:ARI and Mx showed moderately strong mutual linear relationship with correlation r = −0.62; P = 0.0001. Both indices correlated with outcome, indicating worse autoregulation in patients achieving unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSION:ARI and Mx agree relatively well in head-injured patients. Autoregulation affects outcome after head injury.
Serum nitrate and NOx levels in preeclampsia are higher than in normal pregnancy

ABSTRACT Objectives: To compare nitric oxide (NO) serum levels in women with and without preeclampsia. Methods: 106 women were classified into preeclampsia group (n = 40) and normotensive group (n = 66). NO content was measured in the serum. Clinical and laboratorial data were recorded for comparison. Results: Preeclampsia presented a significant increase in nitrate and NOx levels compared to the control group. Uric acid, gestational age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and creatinine showed correlation with nitrates and NOx. Conclusion: Increase of NO was observed in preeclampsia women. Failure in the mechanism of action, dependent on cyclic GMP, may justify this finding.