Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy on passive respiratory mechanics in early infancy

We studied the effect of prenatal maternal cigarette smoking on passive expiratory mechanics in 53 healthy infants tested early in infancy (mean ± SD, 5.1 ± 1.5 weeks). Maternal smoking was measured by: 1) questionnaire reports of the number of cigarettes smoked per day; and 2) urine cotinine concentrations (corrected for creatinine) at each visit. Respiratory system mechanics were assessed by the single‐breath occlusion‐passive‐flow‐volume maneuver. In ten infants born to smoking mothers the time constant of the respiratory system was 23% reduced [0.34 vs. 0.44 s; 95% confidence interval (CI), −45% + 1%; P = 0.06]. This was related to an estimated 13% decrease in respiratory system compliance (4.86 vs. 5.62 Ml/cmH2O; 95%Cl, −33% + 6%; P = 0.18) and a 10% reduction in respiratory system resistance (0.073 vs. 0.081 cmH H2O/mL/s; 95%Cl, −42% + 22%; P = 0.56). Functional residual capacity (FRC), measured by helium‐dilution, was also decreased by 13% (78 vs. 90 mL; 95%Cl, −27% + 0.3%; P = 0.06) in smoke‐exposed infants. Forced expiratory flow rates at FRC obtained by thoraco‐abdominal compression were reduced by 28% in infants of smoking mothers (VFRc, 99 vs. 138 rnlis; 95%Cl, −54% + 2%; P = 0.04), as reported previously in a larger sample from this population. This study was limited by small numbers of infants exposed to smoking during pregnancy and by ethnic imbalance among the smoking‐exposed and unexposed groups. Nevertheless, it suggests that the diminished forced expiratory flows observed in infants exposed in utero to maternal tobacco smoking (UTS) are not attributable to increases in lung compliance, resistance, or a delay in passive lung emptying. Rather, the data support the hypothesis that UTS exposure may cause a reduction in airway size as well as alterations in the growth and/or maturation of passive mechanical properties of the respiratory system in healthy newborns. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complete nucleotide sequence of a functional class I HLA gene, HLA‐A3: implications for the evolution of HLA genes.

The complete nucleotide sequence of an active class I HLA gene, HLA‐A3, has been determined. This sequence, together with that obtained for the HLA‐CW3 gene, represents the first complete nucleotide sequence to be determined for functional class I HLA genes. The gene organisation of HLA‐A3 closely resembles that of class I H‐2 genes in mouse: it shows a signal exon, three exons encoding the three extracellular domains, one exon encoding the transmembrane region and three exons encoding the cytoplasmic domain. The complete nucleotide sequences of the active HLA genes, HLA‐A3 and HLA‐CW3, now permit a meaningful comparison of the nucleotide sequences of class I HLA genes by alignment with the sequence established for a HLA‐B7‐specific cDNA clone and the sequences of two HLA class I pseudogenes HLA 12.4 and LN‐ 11A . The comparisons show that there is a non‐random pattern of nucleotide differences in both exonic and intronic regions featuring segmental homologies over short regions, which is indicative of a gene conversion mechanism. In addition, analysis of the frequency of nucleotide substitution at the three base positions within the codons of the functional genes HLA‐A3, HLA‐B7 and HLA‐CW3 shows that the pattern of nucleotide substitution in the exon coding for the 3rd extracellular domain is consistent with strong selection pressure to conserve the sequence. The distribution of nucleotide variation in the other exons specifying the mature protein is nearly random with respect to the frequencies of substitution at the three nucleotide positions of their codons. The evolutionary implications of these findings are discussed.
Short sleep duration, snoring and subjective sleep insufficiency are independent factors associated with both falling asleep and feeling sleepiness while driving.

OBJECTIVE This study of drivers in Tokyo was conducted to clarify the factors related to falling asleep and sleepiness while driving, particularly addressing short sleep duration, loud snoring or apnea witnessed by others and/or subjective sleep insufficiency. METHODS This study was conducted as a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey. Responses from drivers who visited a driver licensing center in Tokyo were evaluated in relation to socio-demographic variables, sleep-related variables and experiences of falling asleep or feeling sleepiness while driving. The analyses included 4,097 experienced drivers. RESULTS Among the 4,097 drivers, 11.4% had experienced at least one incident of falling asleep while driving during the prior year and 67.6% had some prior experience of feeling sleepiness while driving. Logistic regression analyses revealed that witnessed snoring or apnea, short sleep duration and subjective insufficiency of nocturnal sleep were each independently associated with falling asleep and feeling sleepiness while driving. Subjective sleepiness while driving was associated with a sleep duration of less than six hours. However, falling asleep while driving was associated with a sleep duration of less than seven hours. CONCLUSION Drivers with a sleep duration shorter than seven hours have a higher risk of falling asleep while driving without experiencing subjective sleepiness. Irrespective of perceived sleep insufficiency, drivers should sleep more than seven hours, and those suspected of having respiratory pauses during sleep should undergo sleep apnea syndrome screening.
The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is an independent prognostic factor in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, unspecified

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) encompasses a group of rare and aggressive lymphomas. PTCL, unspecified (PTCLU) is the most common subtype of PTCL, and carries a poor prognosis. The International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the Prognostic Index for PTCLU (PIT) scoring systems are powerful risk-stratification tools in patients with PTCL. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a prognostic factor in PTCLU. We retrospectively studied 83 patients with diagnosis of PTCLU. In the univariate analysis, NLR ≥ 4 was associated with worse overall survival (HR 3.96, 95% CI 1.92–8.17; p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, NLR ≥ 4 was independently associated with worse overall survival after adjustment for the PIT score (HR 4.30, 95% CI 1.90–9.69; p < 0.001), and for the IPI score (HR 2.60, 95% CI 1. 12–6.04; p = 0.03). Our study suggests the NLR could be helpful in refining the survival prognostication in patients with PTCLU.
Cross-Layer Error Control for Multimedia Streaming in Wireless/Wireline Packet Networks

In this paper, we propose a cross-layer error control framework for robust and low delay multimedia streaming in tandem-connected IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs and the Internet. For this network configuration, we model the end-to-end delay and packet loss rate as a function of the automatic repeat request (ARQ) and forward error correction (FEC) error control mechanisms that are employed at the application and wireless link layers. The analytical model is used as the basis of a delay-constrained error control algorithm that adapts the protection level at the application and link layers so that the end-to-end packet loss rate is minimized. With extensive simulations, we validate the efficiency of the proposed cross-layer error control methodology for delay-sensitive pre-compressed video streaming.
The Effect of Chronic Exposure to 835.62 MHz FDMA or 847.74 MHz CDMA Radiofrequency Radiation on the Incidence of Spontaneous Tumors in Rats

Abstract La Regina, M. , Moros, E. G. , Pickard, W. F. , Straube, W. L. , Baty, J. and Roti Roti, J. L. The Effect of Chronic Exposure to 835.62 MHz FDMA or 847.74 MHz CDMA Radiofrequency Radiation on the Incidence of Spontaneous Tumors in Rats. Radiat. Res. 160, 143–151 (2003). This study was designed to determine whether chronic exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation from cellular phones increased the incidence of spontaneous tumors in F344 rats. Eighty male and 80 female rats were randomly placed in each of three irradiation groups. The sham group received no irradiation; the Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) group was exposed to 835.62 MHz FDMA RF radiation; and the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) group was exposed to 847.74 MHz CDMA RF radiation. Rats were irradiated 4 h per day, 5 days per week over 2 years. The nominal time-averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) in the brain for the irradiated animals was 0.85 ± 0.34 W/kg (mean ± SD) per time-averaged watt of antenna power. Antennas were driven with a time-averaged power of 1.50 ± 0.25 W (range). That is, the nominal time-averaged brain SAR was 1.3 ± 0.5 W/kg (mean ± SD). This number was an average from several measurement locations inside the brain, and it takes into account changes in animal weight and head position during irradiation. All major organs were evaluated grossly and histologically. The number of tumors, tumor types and incidence of hyperplasia for each organ were recorded. There were no significant differences among final body weights or survival days for either males or females in any group. No significant differences were found between treated and sham-exposed animals for any tumor in any organ. We conclude that chronic exposure to 835.62 MHz FDMA or 847.74 MHz CDMA RF radiation had no significant effect on the incidence of spontaneous tumors in F344 rats.
Effects of anti-fibrillarin antibodies on building of functional nucleoli at the end of mitosis.

During mitosis some nuclear complexes are relocalized at the chromosome periphery and are then reintegrated into the re-forming nuclei in late telophase. To address questions concerning translocation from the chromosome periphery to nuclei, the dynamics of one nucleolar perichromosomal protein which is involved in the ribosomal RNA processing machinery, fibrillarin, was followed. In the same cells, the onset of the RNA polymerase I (RNA pol I) activity and translocation of fibrillarin were simultaneously investigated. In PtK1 cells, RNA pol I transcription was first detected at anaphase B. At the same mitotic stage, fibrillarin formed foci of increasing size around the chromosomes, these foci then gathered into prenucleolar bodies (PNBs) and later PNBs were targeted into the newly formed nucleoli. Electron microscopy studies enabled the visualization of the PNBs forming the dense fibrillar component (DFC) of new nucleoli. Anti-fibrillarin antibodies microinjected at different periods of mitosis blocked fibrillarin translocation at different steps, i.e. the formation of large foci, foci gathering in PNBs or PNB targeting into nucleoli, and thereby modified the ultrastructural organization of the nucleoli as well as of the PNBs. In addition, antibody-bound fibrillarin seemed localized with blocks of condensed chromatin in early G1 nuclei. It has been found that blocking fibrillarin translocation reduced or inhibited RNA pol I transcription. It is postulated that when translocation of proteins belonging to the processing machinery is inhibited or diminished, a negative feed-back effect is induced on nucleolar reassembly and transcriptional activity.
Humpback whale diets respond to variance in ocean climate and ecosystem conditions in the California Current

Large, migratory predators are often cited as sentinel species for ecosystem processes and climate‐related changes, but their utility as indicators is dependent upon an understanding of their response to environmental variability. Documentation of the links between climate variability, ecosystem change and predator dynamics is absent for most top predators. Identifying species that may be useful indicators and elucidating these mechanistic links provides insight into current ecological dynamics and may inform predictions of future ecosystem responses to climatic change. We examine humpback whale response to environmental variability through stable isotope analysis of diet over a dynamic 20‐year period (1993–2012) in the California Current System (CCS). Humpback whale diets captured two major shifts in oceanographic and ecological conditions in the CCS. Isotopic signatures reflect a diet dominated by krill during periods characterized by positive phases of the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO), cool sea surface temperature (SST), strong upwelling and high krill biomass. In contrast, humpback whale diets are dominated by schooling fish when the NPGO is negative, SST is warmer, seasonal upwelling is delayed and anchovy and sardine populations display increased biomass and range expansion. These findings demonstrate that humpback whales trophically respond to ecosystem shifts, and as a result, their foraging behavior is a synoptic indicator of oceanographic and ecological conditions across the CCS. Multi‐decadal examination of these sentinel species thus provides insight into biological consequences of interannual climate fluctuations, fundamental to advancing ecosystem predictions related to global climate change.
A Mesolithic Structure at Deepcar, Yorkshire, England, and the Affinities of its associated Flint Industries

Microlithic industries have been known from the Pennines for several generations, and their stratigraphical position at the base of the peat was established by Dr H. Colley March in the Marsden area as long ago as 1883. Although many collections have been made, however, it must be confessed that much less scientific information has been gained from detailed observation than might have been. An outstanding exception to the general rule was the work of Francis Buckley of Greenfield on upland sites, mainly between 1250–1500 feet above sea level on the high ground west of Marsden, during the years immediately following the first world war. Of special relevance to the subject of the present paper was his recognition of concentrations of microlithic material in conjunction with remains of fire-places and his distinction of a basic typological division between ‘Broad-Blade’ and ‘Narrow-Blade’ microlithic industries in the Pennines. The first part of the present paper is concerned with the excavation of a settlement structure and with the description of the flint industry associated with it and the second deals specifically with the affinities of the Broad-Blade industry.
Long‐term stabilization in patients with malignant glioma after treatment with liposomal doxorubicin

Resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and poor blood‐brain barrier penetration are major limitations in the treatment of malignant glioma. To improve drug delivery across the blood‐brain barrier, the authors used doxorubicin as liposomal encapsulated formulation (Caelyx, Scheringh‐Plough, Munich, Germany) in therapy of recurrent malignant glioma.
A Fabry–Pérot Antenna With Two-Dimensional Electronic Beam Scanning

A novel fixed-frequency electronically steerable Fabry-Pérot Antenna (FPA) with electronic two-dimensional (2-D) (azimuth and elevation) steering capability is presented. The configuration is based on a centrally fed Fabry-Pérot cavity (FPC) loaded with a tunable high impedance surface (HIS). Varactor diodes are used to electronically tune the HIS reflection coefficient, forming four azimuthal sectors that are independently controlled by four control signals, respectively. It is demonstrated that this simple configuration generates a pencil beam that can be pointed to eight discrete azimuthal directions, whereas continuous elevation scanning is also attained simultaneously for each azimuthal direction by controlling the leaky-wave propagation constant. The theory, simulation analysis, and experimental results obtained from a prototype operating at 5.5 GHz are presented to validate the antenna design.
Low Malignancy Rates in Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytologies in a Primary Care Setting in Germany.

BACKGROUND Reported results for thyroid nodule fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology mainly originate from tertiary centers. However, thyroid nodule FNA cytology is mainly performed in primary care settings for which the distribution of FNA Bethesda categories and their respective malignancy rates are largely unknown. Therefore, this study investigated FNA cytology malignancy rates of a large primary care setting to determine to what extent current evidence-based strategies for the malignancy risk stratification of thyroid nodules are applied and applicable in such primary care settings. METHODS In a primary care setting, 9460 FNAs of thyroid nodules were retrospectively analyzed from 8380 patients evaluated by one cytologist (I.R.) during a period of two years. The 8380 FNA cytologies were performed by 64 physicians in different private practices throughout Germany in primary care settings. RESULTS The cytopathologic results were classified according to the Bethesda System as non-diagnostic in 19%, cyst/cystic nodule in 21%, benign (including thyroiditis) in 48%, atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) in 6%, follicular neoplasms/suspicious for follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN) in 4%, suspicious for malignancy (SFM) in 1%, and malignant in 1%. The proportion of patients proceeding to surgery or with a follow-up of at least one year and the observed risks of malignancy were 22%/8% for AUS/FLUS, 69%/17% for FN/SFN, 78%/86% for SFM, and 71%/98% for malignant. For 112 cytologically suspicious and malignant FNAs, there were 102 true positives and 10 false positives, considering histology as gold standard. CONCLUSION At variance with other data mostly originating from tertiary centers, these data demonstrate low percentages for malignant, SFM, FN/SFN, and AUS/FLUS, and high percentages for cysts/cystic nodules in this primary care setting in Germany. The risks of malignancy for malignant, SFM, AUS/FLUS, and FN/SFN FNA cytologies are according to Bethesda recommendations.
Identification of Novel Biomarkers for Early Detection of Human Lung Squamous Cell Cancer by Quantitative Proteomics

1 Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics of Chinese Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China 2 Department of General Surgery and Operative Surgery, School of Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China 3 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China 4 Departments of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
A Reassessment of Normal Cervical Range of Motion

Study Design. Intraexaminer and interexaminer/procedure reliability and error analysis using a repeated-measures design. Objective. To quantify sources of discrepancies in cervical range of motion values between two procedures that use the same potentiometric technology. Summary of Background Data. Studies using an early version of an electrogoniometer system, which was connected between a helmet worn by the study participant and a chair on which they sat, reported unusually high values for active and passive cervical range of motion, although measurements were reliable. To understand the sources of the discrepancies between that study and later studies (using upgraded software), the current study was designed to quantify possible sources of error contributed by various components of the procedures: helmet, thoracic reference, chair, and software. Methods. A total of 22 asymptomatic study participants were evaluated in two separate sessions, 1–3 days apart. Components of two procedures were changed systematically in a series of repeated measurements to provide concurrent reliability and to assess sources of error between the two procedures. Results. The reliabilities of both procedures were generally high with no systematic trends, except for lower values for flexion–extension studies with Procedure 2. Procedure 2 also provided systematically greater range of motion values (2–8°) than Procedure 1, except for flexion (half-cycle). The source of the greatest discrepancy between the two procedures was the software, when comparing the original with the updated versions. With regard to the instrumentation, the greatest source of variability was in the thoracic reference post; next was the helmet, and least significant was the type of seat used. A comparison of overall procedure discrepancies and summation of individual elements of the procedures accounted for virtually all of the observed error. Conclusion. The potentiometer-based electrogoniometer is a reliable instrument for determining cervical range of motion. Measurements appear to be more valid when the thoracic reference point is physically attached to the study participant’s body. The original software provided with the system appears to have contributed to systematic overestimation of ranges of motion, but current units provide measurements that are both reliable and valid.
Relationship between the transient inward current and slow inward currents in the sino‐atrial node of the rabbit.

In low K+ (0.3 mM) solutions rabbit sinus node preparations show the oscillatory transient inward current, iTI, already recorded in these conditions in Purkinje and ventricular preparations. The time course of iTI closely resembles that of the slow component of the slow inward current (isi) previously reported by us (Brown, Kimura, Noble, Noble & Taupignon, 1984a) in rabbit sinus node, when recorded near its threshold (‐40 mV). When the duration of voltage‐clamp steps is varied there is a strong correlation between the 'envelope' of isi amplitudes on depolarization and the time course of iTI on hyperpolarization. Although oscillations of iTI become smaller near 0 mV, there is no potential at which the current records are completely flat, suggesting that there is no simple reversal potential. 75% substitution of Na+ by Li+ greatly reduces both iTI and slow isi in about the same proportion. Reducing the activity of the Na‐K exchange pump by the amount expected in 0.3 mM‐K+ solutions is sufficient to induce oscillatory iTI in a computer model of the sino‐atrial node (Noble & Noble, 1984). The model reproduces the current as variations in the Na‐Ca exchange current dependent on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([ Ca]i). The model was also used to test the alternative hypothesis that the slow inward currents might be generated by [Ca]i‐activated non‐specific cation channels. It is shown that this would distort the shape of the repolarization phase of the action potential. It is concluded that the experiments and computations are consistent with the hypothesis that a large fraction of iTI and the slow component of isi could both be generated by Na‐Ca exchange and that only a relatively small fraction might be generated by non‐specific channels.