Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Age-related blood flow changes in the rat intrinsic laryngeal muscles

Conclusions. These results indicate that a deceased laryngeal blood flow (BF) could be one contributing factor to age-related phonatory and airway dysfunction. Objective. Studies of non-laryngeal muscles suggest that decreased BF may contribute to an age-related decline in muscle performance. We hypothesized that there is an age-related BF decrease to the intrinsic laryngeal muscles. Materials and methods. Intrinsic laryngeal muscle BF was measured in young (3–6 months old; n=11) and old (28–30 months old; n=21) male Fischer 344 rats during quiet respiration using the radiolabeled microsphere technique. Results. BF to the posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) was very high even during this submaximal recruitment, consistent with its specialization for oxidative metabolism and fatigue resistance. The results demonstrated significant (p<0.05) age-related BF decreases in the thyroarytenoid (young, 163; old, 64 ml/min/100 g), cricothyroid (young, 104; old, 52 ml/min/100 g), and PCA (young, 404; old, 235 ml/min/100 g).
Gluconacetobacter tumulisoli sp. nov., Gluconacetobacter takamatsuzukensis sp. nov. and Gluconacetobacter aggeris sp. nov., isolated from Takamatsuzuka Tumulus samples before and during the dismantling work in 2007.

Ten strains of Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacteria were isolated from the burial mound soil collected before the dismantling and samples collected during the dismantling work on the Takamatsuzuka Tumulus in Asuka village, Nara Prefecture, Japan in 2007. On the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of the isolates, they were accommodated in the genus Gluconacetobacter (class Alphaproteobacteria) and can be separated into four groups within the cluster containing the genus Gluconacetobacter. One of the groups demonstrated a phylogenetic position identical to that of Gluconacetobacter asukensis, which was isolated from small holes on plaster walls of the stone chamber interior of Kitora Tumulus in Asuka village, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The remaining three groups consisted of novel lineages within the genus Gluconacetobacter. A total of four isolates were selected from each group and carefully identified using a polyphasic approach. The isolates were characterized on the basis of their possessing Q-10 as the major ubiquinone system and C18 : 1ω7c (58.5-65.2 %) as the predominant fatty acid. A DNA-DNA hybridization test was used to determine that the three lineages represented novel species, for which the names Gluconacetobacter tumulisoli sp. nov., Gluconacetobacter takamatsuzukensis sp. nov. and Gluconacetobacter aggeris sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are T611xx-1-4a(T) ( = JCM 19097(T) = NCIMB 14861(T)), T61213-20-1a(T) ( = JCM 19094(T) = NCIMB 14859(T)) and T6203-4-1a(T) ( = JCM 19092(T) = NCIMB 14860(T)), respectively.
Antenatal corticosteroids: the good, the bad and the unknown

Purpose of review The purpose of this review was to summarize recently published clinical and animal-based studies of antenatal corticosteroids, describe current recommendations for practice, and suggest priority areas for future research. Recent findings A single course of antenatal corticosteroids is known to improve newborn lung function after preterm birth and to reduce the risk of newborn death. Current evidence from animal and clinical studies suggests that additional numbers of courses do not further improve lung function and are associated with risks of adverse consequences. These risks principally include restricted intrauterine growth, altered brain development, postnatal insulin resistance and changes to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Summary The research challenges in this field are now centred on uncovering the mechanisms by which cortisol is involved in programming the fetus for its future metabolic life, and discovering ways in which the effectiveness and safety of antenatal glucocorticoids can be enhanced.
Human phase response curves to three days of daily melatonin: 0.5 mg versus 3.0 mg.

CONTEXT Phase response curves (PRCs) to melatonin exist, but none compare different doses of melatonin using the same protocol. OBJECTIVE The aim was to generate a PRC to 0.5 mg of oral melatonin and compare it to our previously published 3.0 mg PRC generated using the same protocol. DESIGN AND SETTING The study included two 5-d sessions in the laboratory, each preceded by 7-9 d of fixed sleep times. Each session started and ended with a phase assessment to measure the dim light melatonin onset (DLMO). In between were 3 d in an ultradian dim light (<150 lux)/dark cycle (light:dark, 2.5:1.5). PARTICIPANTS Healthy adults (16 men, 18 women) between the ages of 18 and 42 yr participated in the study. INTERVENTIONS During the ultradian days of the laboratory sessions, each participant took one pill per day at the same clock time (0.5 mg melatonin or placebo, double blind, counterbalanced). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Phase shifts to melatonin were derived by subtracting the phase shift to placebo. A PRC with time of pill administration relative to baseline DLMO and a PRC relative to midpoint of home sleep were generated. RESULTS Maximum advances occurred when 0.5 mg melatonin was taken in the afternoon, 2-4 h before the DLMO, or 9-11 h before sleep midpoint. The time for maximum phase delays was not as distinct, but a fitted curve peaked soon after wake time. CONCLUSIONS The optimal administration time for advances and delays is later for the lower dose of melatonin. When each dose of melatonin is given at its optimal time, both yield similarly sized advances and delays.
MicroRNA-146a Feedback Inhibits RIG-I-Dependent Type I IFN Production in Macrophages by Targeting TRAF6, IRAK1, and IRAK21

Upon recognition of viral components by pattern recognition receptors, including TLRs and retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)- like helicases, cells are activated to produce type I IFN and proinflammatory cytokines. These pathways are tightly regulated by host to prevent inappropriate cellular response, but viruses can down-regulate these pathways for their survival. Recently, identification of negative regulators for cytoplasmic RNA-mediated antiviral signaling, especially the RIG-I pathway, attract much attention. However, there is no report about negative regulation of RIG-I antiviral pathway by microRNAs (miRNA) to date. We found that vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection up-regulated miR-146a expression in mouse macrophages in TLR-myeloid differentiation factor 88-independent but RIG-I-NF-κB-dependent manner. In turn, miR-146a negatively regulated VSV-triggered type I IFN production, thus promoting VSV replication in macrophages. In addition to two known miR-146a targets, TRAF6 and IRAK1, we proved that IRAK2 was another target of miR-146a, which also participated in VSV-induced type I IFN production. Furthermore, IRAK1 and IRAK2 participated in VSV-induced type I IFN production by associating with Fas-associated death domain protein, an important adaptor in RIG-I signaling, in a VSV infection-inducible manner. Therefore, we demonstrate that miR-146a, up-regulated during viral infection, is a negative regulator of the RIG-I-dependent antiviral pathway by targeting TRAF6, IRAK1, and IRAK2.
Clomiphene Citrate and Pregnancy Outcome

Summary: Data from Australia and elsewhere have shown consistently that adverse perinatal outcomes such as preterm birth and perinatal mortality are more common in pregnancies resulting from assisted conception with IVF and GIFT than normally conceived pregnancies. Factors that may contribute to the excess of poor outcomes include maternal factors, the assisted conception procedures themselves and possibly the influence of drugs used to induce superovulation. This review examines the medical literature describing pregnancies following ovulation induction with one of the drugs used to induce superovulation, clomiphene citrate, and compares their outcomes with Australian IVF and GIFT pregnancy outcomes.
Monolithic integration of 3-D electroplated microstructures with unlimited number of levels using planarization with a sacrificial metallic mold (PSMM)

A new monolithic integration method for 3-D electroplated microstructures of unlimited number of levels has been developed using unique planarization with a sacrificial metallic mold (PSMM). Contrary to the conventional electroplating mold of photoresist or polyimide, the sacrificial metallic mold (SMM) is used for multiple functions: a sacrificial layer, a planarization layer, and a seed layer for the next-level electroplating as well. We have successfully demonstrated various three-level metallic microstructures, such as levitated on-chip inductors, micro-bridges, micro-cantilevers, and micro-mirrors. The RF performance of the fabricated inductor has shown excellent results of 5 nH, Q-factor of 50 at 5 GHz on glass. This method is very simple, highly adaptable, and IC-compatible, so that it can be used as a versatile tool to integrate various 3-D metallic microstructures in multiple levels.
The attitudes of women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations toward clinical breast examinations and breast self-examinations.

AIMS In screening studies of women with BRCA mutations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plus mammography has >90% sensitivity for detecting breast cancer, with negligible benefit from the addition of breast self-examination (BSE) or clinical breast examination (CBE). Yet CBE is still frequently recommended, and BSE is encouraged for these women. We sought to determine the attitudes of high-risk women toward CBE and BSE. METHODS Between November 2005 and May 2006, 137 women with BRCA mutations participating in a screening study consisting of annual MRI and mammography plus semiannual CBE were asked to complete a mailed Likert-type questionnaire. RESULTS Of the 94 (67%) respondents, mean age 47 (range 28-67), 94% strongly agreed or agreed that CBE was an important way to detect breast cancer, and almost all believed it provided an important connection to the healthcare team. Only 10% said it increased anxiety. Of the 71 (77%) who performed BSE at least occasionally, 53 thought that regular BSE gave them a sense of control over their own health. Of the 21(23%) who did not practice BSE at all, only 3 did not believe that BSE was helpful, and it made 9 more worried about breast cancer CONCLUSIONS Although CBE adds little to cancer detection rates in women with BRCA mutations screened with MRI, the majority of these women considered CBE to be reassuring and an important means of connecting with the healthcare team. Compliance with BSE was only moderate, but it gave a significant proportion of women a greater sense of control.
CASE STUDY: THREE ACUTE 241Am INHALATION EXPOSURES WITH DTPA THERAPY

Three workers incurred inhalation exposures to 241Am oxide as a result of waste sorting and compaction activities. The exposure magnitudes were not fully recognized until the following day when an in-vivo lung count identified a significant lung deposition of 241Am in a male worker, and DTPA chelation therapy was initiated. Two additional workers (one female and one male) were then identified as sufficiently exposed to also warrant therapy. In-vivo bioassay measurements were performed over the ensuing 6 mo to quantify the 241Am activity in the lungs, liver, and skeleton. Urine and fecal samples were collected and showed readily detectable 241Am. Clinical lab tests and medical evaluations all showed normal results. There were no significant adverse clinical health effects from the therapy. The estimated 241Am inhalation intakes for the three workers were 1,800 Bq, 630 Bq, and 150 Bq. Lung retention showed somewhat longer pulmonary clearance half-times than standard inhalation class W or absorption Type M assumptions. The three subjects underwent slightly different therapy regimens, with therapy effectiveness factors (defined as the ratio of the reference doses without therapy relative to the final assessed doses) of 4.5, 1.9, and 1.7, respectively.
Exploring Microbial Diversity--A Vast Below

In their Perspective, Curtis and Sloan discuss how there is more to the findings of the Gans et al. paper (in the same issue) than the headline finding of 10different bacteria in soil. The estimation of a species abundance curve for a sample of soil is of significance in its own right, forming a mathematical map for the exploration of the microbial diversity of soil.
Deterministic Generation of Single Photons from One Atom Trapped in a Cavity

A single cesium atom trapped within the mode of an optical cavity is used to generate single photons on demand. The photon wave packets are emitted as a Gaussian beam with temporal profile and repetition rate controlled by external driving fields. Each generation attempt is inferred to succeed with a probability near unity, whereas the efficiency for creating an unpolarized photon in the total cavity output is 0.69 ± 0.10, as limited by passive cavity losses. An average of 1.4 × 104 photons are produced by each trapped atom. These results constitute an important step in quantum information science, for example, toward the realization of distributed quantum networking.
Male/Female Disparity in Starting Pay

Empirical studies of the earnings of male and female workers persistently reveal a gap that is unexplained by the economic variables in these models. ' This gap has been given two interpretations in the literature. One holds that the gap reflects non-market forces which distort the equilibrium relation among the wages of competing workers. Discrimination, according to this view, prevents female workers from being offered jobs commensurate with their qualifications and "crowds" them into low productivity occupations.2 The alternative interpretation holds that some substantial portion of the gap is an artifact, the result of missing variables, biased parameters, or measurement error. These researchers view the labor market as highly competitive, and, were it possible to correct for all these statistical problems, the measured wage gap would largely vanish.3 This research belongs to the latter category. We argue that a portion of the measured gap, at least that observed between the earnings of young men and women during their first few years with their employers, reflects sex-related differences in the shares of investment in firm-specific human capital borne by workers of each group. Moreover, these variations in investment levels are freely chosen by women and in no way imply long run deficits in their earning power. On the contrary, the model predicts steeper earnings profiles of women who undertake this firm-specific investment. Thus, women's earnings are predicted eventually to overtake and surpass those of equally qualified men. This theory was developed in earlier research by Becker and Lindsay [2] based on a model of Hashimoto [11; 12] and extensions by Parsons [21]. We argued that young women, for nondiscriminatory reasons, elect to shoulder a larger share of this investment than young men. The explanation for this is developed in two stages. The first derives the terms under which both male and female workers share the investment with their employers. The second argues that female workers will be led by these considerations to bear a larger share. Workers of both sexes agree to enter into inflexible wage contracts with employers specifying a share of the investment (i.e., a wage deduction from current MVP) and a post-investment wage. The advantage to such contracts lies in the solution to an assymetric information problem. The
The effects of two out-wintering pad systems compared with free-stalls on dairy cow hoof and limb health

Lameness is one of the most serious health and welfare problems for dairy cows. This study compared hoof health, limb health and locomotion of dairy cows in three over-winter management systems. Treatments were: (1) an indoor free-stall system (FS), (2) outdoors on an uncovered woodchip pad (UP) and (3) outdoors on a covered woodchip pad (CP). Animals were assigned to treatments at drying off, remained on treatment until parturition, then turned out to pasture. Sole lesions were scored on assignment to treatment, at calving, and 6 weeks and 12 weeks post partum. Locomotion and skin lesions were scored on assignment to treatment, and every 2 weeks until parturition. Post-partum locomotion was scored weekly for 13 weeks. More FS cows were affected by limb lesions than CP cows, and these animals had the worst locomotion scores post calving. There was an effect of inspection, and interactive effect of inspection and treatment on sole lesion scores. UP cows had the highest sole lesion scores 12 weeks post partum probably due to softening of the hooves arising from exposure to moisture while on the woodchip pad. However, post partum, UP cows had better locomotion scores, and CP cows tended to have better scores than cows in FS. Both of these treatments were less likely to have a high tracking-up score than cows in FS. It is possible that cows in this treatment were able to exercise more, owing to the secure underfoot surface and lack of barriers, and this promoted limb flexibility. Although woodchip pads provided benefits for limb health and locomotion, the wood chip surface in both outdoor systems did not offer protective benefits to the hooves relative to housing on concrete. However, the provision of shelter on the pad somewhat overcame the problem of high sole lesion scores in the post-partum period.
Burnout and engagement at work as a function of demands and control.

OBJECTIVES The present study was designed to test the demand-control model using indicators of both health impairment and active learning or motivation. METHODS A total of 381 insurance company employees participated in the study. Discriminant analysis was used to examine the relationship between job demands and job control on one hand and health impairment and active learning on the other. RESULTS The amount of demands and control could be predicted on the basis of employees' perceived health impairment (exhaustion and health complaints) and active learning (engagement and commitment). Each of the four combinations of demand and control differentially affected the perception of strain or active learning. Job demands were the most clearly related to health impairment, whereas job control was the most clearly associated with active learning. CONCLUSIONS These findings partly contradict the demand-control model, especially with respect to the validity of the interaction between demand and control. Job demands and job control seem to initiate two essentially independent processes, and this occurrence is consistent with the recently proposed job demands-resources model.
Ten‐year hard and soft tissue results of a pilot double‐blinded randomized controlled trial on immediately loaded post‐extractive implants using platform‐switching concept

AIM To evaluate the 10-year post-loading radiological and esthetic outcomes of implants inserted in post-extraction sites and restored with or without platform-switching protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-two patients were scheduled for maxillary post-extractive implant, using a 13 mm in length and 5.5 mm in diameter implant (Global, Sweden & Martina, Padua, Italy). They randomly received definitive restorations using platform-switching concept (abutment 3.8 mm in diameter: test group) or standard restoration (abutment 5.5 mm in diameter: control group). Outcome measures were survival rates of implants and prostheses, peri-implant marginal bone loss and periodontal indices 10 years after prosthetic loading. Moreover, esthetic parameters including soft tissue buccal peri-implant mucosal levels (REC) and mesial and distal papilla height (PH) were taken at definitive restoration, 2 and 10 years thereafter. RESULTS Nineteen implants were analyzed after 10 years of follow-up. No implants nor prostheses failed. The postoperative radiographs demonstrated an overall mean bone loss of 0.18 ± 0.14 mm in the test group and of 0.80 ± 0.40 mm in the control group (P = 0.00108). Test group showed 0.23 ± 0.51 mm of REC gain and PH was of 0.21 ± 0.33 mm on average. On the other side, the control group presented a REC = -0.59 ± 0.80 mm with PH = -1.12 ± 0.55 mm, demonstrating a slight continuous soft tissue shrinkage during the entire follow-up. The mean values were statistically significant different between test and control group for both REC gain (P = 0.01174) and PH (P = 0.0009). CONCLUSIONS With the limitations of this study, immediate single implant restorations rehabilitated with platform-switching protocol may provide peri-implant alveolar bone-level stability and avoid continuous soft tissue shrinkage after 10 years of prosthetic loading compared to a platform-matching restoration. Further studies involving larger sample sizes are required to confirm these preliminary results.
Eliciting preferences for wetland services: a way to manage conflicting land uses

A choice experiment was used to analyse the preferences of residents neighbouring the Erstein polder (Alsace, France) for the different services that it provides. The heterogeneous nature of these preferences was shown through the use of a latent class model. Whilst the population as a whole values the improvement in water quality and the contribution, even partial, to flood protection, preferences differ when it comes to biodiversity and public access to the site. This study shows the potential conflicts between the different uses of the Erstein polder. These conflicts represent different communication themes for the site managers.
Forensic outlier detection for Cognitive Radio Networks

We consider forensic outlier detection instead of traditional outlier detection to enforce spectrum security in a Cognitive Radio Network (CRN). We investigate a CRN where a group of sensors report their local binary decisions to a Fusion Center (FC), which makes a global decision on the availability of the spectrum. To ensure the truthfulness of the sensors, we examine the reported decisions in order to determine whether a specific sensor is an outlier. We propose several optimal detectors (for known parameters) and suboptimal detectors (for the practical cases where the parameters are unknown) to detect three types of outlier sensors: 1) selfish sensor, which reports the spectrum to be occupied when locally detects its vacancy, 2) malicious sensor, which reports the spectrum to be vacant when locally detects its occupancy, 3) malfunctioning sensor, whose reports are not accurate enough (i.e., its performance is close to random guessing). We evaluate the proposed detectors by simulations. Our simulation results reveal that the proposed detectors significantly outperform the Grubb's test. Since the unknown or untrustworthy parameters are accurately estimated by the FC, the proposed suboptimal detectors do not require the knowledge of the spectrum statistics and are insensitive to the parameters reported by the suspected user. These detectors can be used by government agencies for forensic testing in policy control and abuser identification in CRNs.