Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HASTE MR cholangiopancreatography in the evaluation of intraductal papillary-mucinous tumors of the pancreas.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) of intraductal papillary-mucinous tumors. METHOD Thirteen patients with intraductal papillary-mucinous tumors were examined by breath-hold MRCP using a half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) sequence with a body phased-array coil. RESULTS Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and MRCP completely imaged the entire main pancreatic duct in 12 and in all 13 patients, respectively. ERCP demonstrated the whole opacification of the cystic lesion in only one patient. MRCP depicted the whole of the cystic lesion in all 11 patients who had cystic lesions. ERCP and MRCP source images depicted a communicating duct between the main pancreatic duct and the cystic lesion in 8 and in all 11 patients, respectively. ERCP depicted papillary projections in the main pancreatic ducts in two patients. MRCP source images depicted papillary projections in the main pancreatic ducts or cystic lesions in five patients. CONCLUSION MRCP may be more useful to reveal the main pancreatic duct, cystic lesion, communicating duct between the main pancreatic duct and cystic lesion, and papillary projections than ERCP in patients with intraductal papillary-mucinous tumors of the pancreas.
Decreased serum angiotensin converting enzyme in adult respiratory distress syndrome associated with sepsis: A preliminary report

Serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) levels were obtained in 24 control patients who were critically ill, in 11 patients with cardiogenic pulmonary edema, in 8 patients with status postcardiopulmonary bypass, and in 12 patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Mean values in cardiogenic pulmonary edema (24.3 ± 3.9 SD) in cardiopulmonary bypass (19.5 ± 3.1) and in patients with ARDS and no sepsis (n = 7, 19.0 ± 5.5) were not significantly different from controls (20.7 ± 2.8). In contrast, patients with ARDS and sepsis had markedly decreased serum ACE levels which fell outside of control range (n = 5, 8.6 ± 2.3). The authors speculate that decreased ACE levels in the combination of sepsis and ARDS are due to the presence of circulating inhibitors of ACE. The finding of decreased serum ACE can be of potential clinical usefulness by raising the possibility of sepsis as the etiology of ARDS before results of blood cultures are available.
Reliability of ROS and RNS detection in hematopoietic stem cells − potential issues with probes and target cell population

ABSTRACT Many studies have provided evidence for the crucial role of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in the regulation of differentiation and/or self-renewal, and the balance between quiescence and proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Several metabolic regulators have been implicated in the maintenance of HSC redox homeostasis; however, the mechanisms that are regulated by ROS and RNS, as well as their downstream signaling are still elusive. This is partially owing to a lack of suitable methods that allow unequivocal and specific detection of ROS and RNS. In this Opinion, we first discuss the limitations of the commonly used techniques for detection of ROS and RNS, and the problem of heterogeneity of the cell population used in redox studies, which, together, can result in inaccurate conclusions regarding the redox biology of HSCs. We then propose approaches that are based on single-cell analysis followed by a functional test to examine ROS and RNS levels specifically in HSCs, as well as methods that might be used in vivo to overcome these drawbacks, and provide a better understanding of ROS and RNS function in stem cells. Summary: In this Opinion article we discuss the reliability of ROS and RNS detection in HSCs, and propose approaches to examine the levels of ROS and RNS specifically in HSCs in vitro and in vivo.
Analysis of dose intensity for adjuvant chemotherapy trials in stage II breast cancer.

We have analyzed the relationship between dose intensity of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil (CMF)-containing adjuvant chemotherapy of stage II breast cancer and 3-year relapse-free survival. Studies using only one or two drugs of CMF or melphalan instead of cyclophosphamide were included in the analysis by using simple techniques developed for this purpose. There was a clear-cut relationship between relapse-free survival and dose intensity in trials containing all four prognostic groups: less than 50 years, one to three and more than three positive nodes; and greater than or equal to 50 years, one to three and more than three positive nodes (P less than 10(-5)). Relapse-free survival also correlated with dose intensity for each of the four prognostic groups analyzed separately (P less than .005). Dose intensity was an independently significant correlate of relapse-free survival in multivariate analysis (P less than 10(-5)). This is a retrospective study, and the hypothesis that dose intensity contributes to outcome independently of other variables should be tested prospectively. Methods of increasing dose intensity also require testing in randomized trials before they can be applied to routine clinical practice.
Intraoperative Cardiac Ultrasound Examination Using Vector Flow Imaging

Conventional ultrasound (US) methods for blood velocity estimation only provide one-dimensional and angle-dependent velocity estimates; thus, the complexity of cardiac flow has been difficult to measure. To circumvent these limitations, the Transverse Oscillation (TO) vector flow method has been proposed. The vector flow method implemented on a commercial scanner provided real-time, angle-independent estimates of cardiac blood flow. Epicardiac and epiaortic, intraoperative US examinations were performed on three patients with stenosed coronary arteries scheduled for bypass surgery. Repeating cyclic beat-to-beat flow patterns were seen in the ascending aorta and pulmonary artery of each patient, but these patterns varied between patients. Early systolic retrograde flow filling the aortic sinuses was seen in the ascending aorta as well as early systolic retrograde flow in the pulmonary artery. In diastole, stable vortices in aortic sinuses of the ascending aorta created central antegrade flow. A stable vortex in the right atrium was seen during the entire heart cycle. The measurements were compared with estimates obtained intraoperatively with conventional spectral Doppler US using a transesophageal and an epiaortic approach. Mean differences in peak systole velocity of 11% and 26% were observed when TO was compared with transesophageal echocardiography and epiaortic US, respectively. In one patient, the cardiac output derived from vector velocities was compared with pulmonary artery catheter thermodilution technique and showed a difference of 16%. Vector flow provides real-time, angle-independent vector velocities of cardiac blood flow. The technique can potentially reveal new information of cardiovascular physiology and give insight into blood flow dynamics.
Can Offshore Markets Beat Random Walk? An Evaluation of the Out-of-Sample RMB Exchange Rate Predictability

This study evaluates the in-sample and out-of-sample RMB exchange rate forecasting with a predictor of CNH-CNY pricing differential. Despite significant evidence of in-sample fit of conditional models at short horizons, we find that RMB exchange rate forecasts based on CNH-CNY spreads do not work well out-of-sample. While the poor performance in predicting CNH is mainly driven by the PBC announcement on improving quotation of the central parity of RMB in Aug. 11, 2015, the out-of-sample performance of CNY predictions was consistently worse than its unconditional counterpart before 2015. However, we show that predictive regressions using CNH-CNY spreads can beat random walk even in the CNY market, as long as we remove trend from the CNH-CNY spread. Finally, we discuss policy implications of our forecasting results for pricing power and capital restrictions.
Dopamine receptor transcript expression in striatum and prefrontal and occipital cortex. Focal abnormalities in orbitofrontal cortex in schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND The identification of novel subtypes of the dopamine receptors has renewed interest in the involvement of dopaminergic mechanisms in schizophrenia. We determined the expression of transcripts encoding the dopamine receptors in the brains of schizophrenic patients. METHODS The levels of the messenger RNA molecules encoding the 5 dopamine receptors were quantified in postmortem brain samples from 16 schizophrenic patients and 9 control subjects. Samples from multiple regions of the prefrontal cortex, primary visual cortex, and striatum were subjected to in situ hybridization followed by quantitative image analysis. RESULTS Expression of dopamine receptor transcripts did not differ between schizophrenic patients and controls in striatum or visual cortex. Dramatic decreases of dopamine receptor transcripts were found in the prefrontal cortex, but these changes were restricted to the D3 and D4 receptors, and localized to Brodmann area 11 (orbitofrontal cortex). CONCLUSIONS Cortical dopaminergic neurotransmission may be disrupted in schizophrenia at the level of receptor expression. There appears to be a focal abnormality of D3 and D4 messenger RNA expression in the prefrontal cortex, with down-regulation of both, consistent with prefrontal cortical hypodopaminergia in schizophrenia.
The change of adjacent segment and sagittal balance after thoracolumbar spine surgery.

OBJECTIVE To characterize perioperative biomechanical changes after thoracic spine surgery. METHODS Fifty-eight patients underwent spinal instrumented fusions and simple laminectomies on the thoracolumbar spine from April 2003 to October 2008. Patients were allocated to three groups; namely, the laminectomy without fusion group (group I, n = 17), the thoracolumbar fusion group (group II, n = 27), and the thoracic spine fusion group (group III, n = 14). Sagittal (ADS) and coronal (ADC) angles for adjacent segments were measured from two disc spaces above lesions at the upper margins, to two disc spaces below lesions at the lower margins. Sagittal (TLS) and coronal (TLC) angles of the thoracolumbar junction were measured from the lower margin of the 11th thoracic vertebra body to the upper margin of the 2nd lumbar vertebra body on plane radiographs. Adjacent segment disc heights and disc signal changes were determined using simple spinal examinations and by magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical outcome indices were determined using a visual analog scale. RESULTS The three groups demonstrated statistically significant differences in terms of angle changes by ANOVA (p < 0.05). All angles in group I showed significantly smaller angles changes than in groups II and III by Turkey's multiple comparison analysis. Coronal Cobb's angles of the thoracolumbar spine (TLC) were not significantly different in the three groups. CONCLUSION Postoperative sagittal balance is expected to change in the adjacent and thoracolumbar areas after thoracic spine fusion. However, its prevalence seems to be higher when the thoracolumbar spine is included in instrumented fusion.
A new half mode substrate integrated waveguide leaky wave antenna

A new half-mode substrate integrated waveguide fed periodic leaky wave antenna is presented. Antipodal tapered slots are used as periodic radiators tapping off the open sidewall of the waveguide. Broadside radiation is enabled by the addition of a matching section to the unit cell. Design techniques are outlined as well as prototype simulations and measurements. The prototype antenna gain is greater than 10dB over an 86° scan range and a 30% bandwidth.
Proving the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Simulation for Training in Laparoscopic Surgery

Objective:The aim of this study was to compare learning curves for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) after training on a proficiency based virtual reality (VR) curriculum with that of a traditionally trained group. Summary Background Data:Simulator-based training has been shown to improve technical performance during real laparoscopic procedures, although research to date has not proven the persistence of this effect over subsequent cases. Material and Methods:Twenty novice surgeons underwent baseline laparoscopic skills testing followed by a 1-day didactic training session. Control subjects (n = 10) performed 5 cadaveric porcine LCs each; VR-trained subjects (n = 10) completed a VR training curriculum followed by 3 porcine LCs each. A further 10 experienced laparoscopic surgeons (>100 LCs) performed 2 porcine LCs each to define benchmark levels. Technical skill assessment was by motion analysis and video-based global rating scores (out of 35). Results:There were no intergroup differences in baseline skill. The first LC revealed significant differences between control and VR groups for time (median 4590 seconds vs. 2165 seconds, P = 0.038), path length (169.2 meters vs. 86.8 meters, P = 0.009), number of movements (2446 vs. 1029, P = 0.009), and video scores (17 vs. 25, P = 0.001). The VR group, although not a control, achieved video and dexterity scores equivalent to expert levels of performance. Conclusions:A proficiency based VR training curriculum shortens the learning curve on real laparoscopic procedures when compared with traditional training methods. This may be a more cost- and time-effective approach, and supports the need for simulator-based practice to be integrated into surgical training programs.
Cough sound analysis for diagnosing croup in pediatric patients using biologically inspired features

This paper aims to diagnose croup in children using cough sound signal classification. It proposes the use of a time-frequency image-based feature, referred as the cochleagram image feature (CIF). Unlike the conventional spectrogram image, the cochleagram utilizes a gammatone filter which models the frequency selectivity property of the human cochlea. This helps reveal more spectral information in the time-frequency image making it more useful for feature extraction. The cochleagram image is then divided into blocks and central moments are extracted as features. Classification is performed using logistic regression model (LRM) and support vector machine (SVM) on a comprehensive real-world cough sound signal database containing 364 patients with various clinically diagnosed respiratory tract infections divided into croup and non-croup. The best results, sensitivity of 88.37% and specificity of 91.59%, are achieved using SVM classification on a combined feature set of CIF and the conventional mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs).
The Conditions for Isomorphism of Two Graphs and Some Results on Four-Colorable Conjecture

This paper gives a necessary condition for isomorphism of two graphs, and puts forward a new method about judging non-isomorphism of them. Besides, it presents a necessary and sufficient condition for isomorphism of two graphs by using a conclusion known in the reconstruction graph, and a new method for judging isomorphism of two graphs. It also proves the theorem; Let G be the planar graph of order p, then G is at most four colorable when 2 les p <11.
High-dosage tamoxifen as neoadjuvant treatment in minimally invasive surgery for Dupuytren disease in patients with a strong predisposition toward fibrosis: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Tamoxifen, a synthetic nonsteroidal anti-estrogen known to modulate the production of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), has demonstrated effectiveness on fibroblast activity in vitro and in vivo. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of tamoxifen on the outcome of surgery for Dupuytren contractures in patients with a strong predisposition toward fibrosis. METHODS We used a prospective, randomized, double-blind study protocol (conforming to the CONSORT standards) to investigate the influence of tamoxifen compared with placebo on the total passive extension deficit in the finger and patient satisfaction after subtotal fasciectomy in thirty patients with a strong predisposition toward fibrosis (grade, >4 according to the Abe scale). High-dosage tamoxifen (80 mg/day) was administered from six weeks prior until twelve weeks after surgery, and patients were monitored for two years. RESULTS Three months after surgery, patients in the tamoxifen group had a smaller total passive extension deficit and higher satisfaction compared with the placebo group. This positive effect was lost over the two years following cessation of the medication. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that the short-term outcome of Dupuytren disease treatment could be influenced by use of tamoxifen as a neoadjuvant from six weeks prior to three months after subtotal fasciectomy in patients with a strong predisposition toward fibrosis. However, the beneficial effect disappeared within two years after surgery, with worsening of the contractures after the medication was discontinued. Thus, tamoxifen may have a short-term effect on the outcome of surgery for Dupuytren disease.
Microbial Community Stratification Controlled by the Subseafloor Fluid Flow and Geothermal Gradient at the Iheya North Hydrothermal Field in the Mid-Okinawa Trough (Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 331)

ABSTRACT The impacts of lithologic structure and geothermal gradient on subseafloor microbial communities were investigated at a marginal site of the Iheya North hydrothermal field in the Mid-Okinawa Trough. Subsurface marine sediments composed of hemipelagic muds and volcaniclastic deposits were recovered through a depth of 151 m below the seafloor at site C0017 during Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 331. Microbial communities inferred from 16S rRNA gene clone sequencing in low-temperature hemipelagic sediments were mainly composed of members of the Chloroflexi and deep-sea archaeal group. In contrast, 16S rRNA gene sequences of marine group I Thaumarchaeota dominated the microbial phylotype communities in the coarse-grained pumiceous gravels interbedded between the hemipelagic sediments. Based on the physical properties of sediments such as temperature and permeability, the porewater chemistry, and the microbial phylotype compositions, the shift in the physical properties of the sediments is suggested to induce a potential subseafloor recharging flow of oxygenated seawater in the permeable zone, leading to the generation of variable chemical environments and microbial communities in the subseafloor habitats. In addition, the deepest section of sediments under high-temperature conditions (∼90°C) harbored the sequences of an uncultivated archaeal lineage of hot water crenarchaeotic group IV that may be associated with the high-temperature hydrothermal fluid flow. These results indicate that the subseafloor microbial community compositions and functions at the marginal site of the hydrothermal field are highly affected by the complex fluid flow structure, such as recharging seawater and underlying hydrothermal fluids, coupled with the lithologic transition of sediments.
Chronically homeless women's perceived deterrents to contraception.

CONTEXT Despite the growing number of homeless women of reproductive age, little is known about their reproductive health and contraceptive use. METHODS A representative sample of 974 currently homeless women surveyed in Los Angeles County in 1997 included 229 who were chronically homeless and at risk for unintended pregnancy. The relationships between perceived deterrents among these women and their frequency of contraceptive use were evaluated using chi-square tests. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of contraceptive deterrents. RESULTS The most commonly cited deterrents to contraceptive use were side effects, fear of potential health risks, partner's dislike of contraception and cost (20-27%). Women who reported substantial deterrents were significantly less likely than others to use contraceptives consistently. Perceived deterrents differed by women's characteristics: Hispanic women were more likely than whites to view not knowing how to use contraceptives or which method to use as a deterrent (odds ratios, 9.6-9.8); black women were more likely than whites to cite not knowing which method to use (4.0), lack of storage (5.5), health risks (6.0) and discomfort (3.3). Women with a history of drug abuse had elevated odds of citing not knowing how to use contraceptives, uncertainty about which method to use and cost as deterrents (5.2-7.7). CONCLUSION Homeless women report substantial deterrents that reduce their contraceptive use. The multiplicity and heterogeneity of their perceived deterrents suggest a need for reproductive health services that are more integrated and culturally competent than those currently offered.
Biosynthesis and secretion of fibronectin in human melanoma cells

The biosynthesis and secretion of cellular fibronectin from human melanoma cells have been investigated by pluse‐chase/immunoprecipitation analysis. Melanoma cells synthesize endolglycosidase H (Endo H)‐sensitive glycoprotein precursors of fibronectin glycoproteins which chase to an Endo H‐resistant monomer with an apparent Mr of 240,000 (240 K). This molecule, which has a significantly higher molecular weight than normal plasma or cellular fibronectin, is rapidly secreted by melanoma cells, resulting in the secretion of 80% of newly synthesized fibronectin in 120 min, following a 10‐min biosynthetic pulse. This active secretory process can be inhibited by brief exposure of melanoma cells to sodium monensin (10−7 M), which also results in a modified fibronectin of lower apparent Mr. Monosaccharide‐incorporation studies of melanoma fibronectin reveal that monensin significantly inhibits galactose and fucose incorporation into this glycoprotein, correlating with reported effects of monensin on Golgi apparatus functions. These studies indicate that this tumor‐associated and biosynthetically altered cellular fibronectin is a rapidly secreted major N‐linked glycoprotein of metastatic human melanoma cells.
Shunt Active Power Filter Synthesizing Resistive Loads by Means of Adaptive Inverse Control

The power active filter (APF) is used to suppress the harmonics and compensate the reactive power which are produced by the nonlinear loads. The traditional method of the sinusoidal current synthesis (SCS) would deteriorate the distortion level in the common coupling, thus result in the harmonic propagation through the power distribution system. The method of the resistive load synthesis (RLS) can compensate the mains current in phase with the mains voltage in spit of the mains voltage distort or not. The character of the system is a resistive load. The adaptive inverse control is a novel intelligent control method. The adaptive inverse control is used to control the APF to synthesis the resistive load. The whole power distribution system is regarded as a generalized active power filter. The inverse of the plant model is obtained by using an off-line identification technique. The inverse of the model is used to be the controller to control the action of the active power filter so that the output of the voltage of the dc capacitor to follow the reference input. The action of the active power filter makes the system to synthesize a resistive load. The harmonic propagation can be damped out and the harmonics and reactive power can be compensated. The power factor can be corrected to unity. The simulation and experiment results validate the proposed algorithm