Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance of personal portable radio telephone systems with and without guard channels

Three call handling schemes are presented and compared for a base station which can handle two types of calls (originating and prioritized handoff calls) and serves these calls under the blocked-call-delayed basis. Delayed calls are assumed to be stored in a finite storage buffer. The authors' scheme exclusively allows handoff calls to be stored and to use a fixed number of guard channels. The other two schemes without guard channels allow both types of calls to be stored and prioritized handoff calls to pushout originating calls if the buffer is full. For these three schemes, the blocking probabilities and delay distributions of both types of calls are compared, and a boundary for call handling schemes between with and without guard channels is found. <<ETX>>
Premature Rupture of Membranes and Spontaneous Preterm Labor: Maternal Endometritis Risks

Preterm and term deliveries were analyzed at The Johns Hopkins Hospital from January 1,1976, through December 31, 1977, to determine maternal infection risks associated with premature rupture of the membranes (PROM). Gravidas who delivered preterm infants demonstrated an increased incidence of endometritis with or without PROM. The risk of endometritis attributable solely to PROM was insignificant compared with the risk attributable to preterm delivery. These findings implicate infection in the mechanism of preterm labor, with or without PROM.
Nanoparticles of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) loaded N‐succinyl‐chitosan (Suc‐Chi) for cancer chemotherapy: preparation, characterization — in‐vitro drug release and anti‐tumour activity

N‐Succinyl‐chitosan has favourable properties as a drug carrier, such as biocompatibility, low toxicity and long‐term retention in the body. It is a good candidate for cancer chemotherapy as a polymeric drug carrier. This study describes the preparation and characterization of 5‐fluorouracil‐loaded N‐succinyl‐chitosan nanoparticles (5‐FU‐Suc‐Chi/NP) by an emulsification solvent diffusion method. The influence of the initial 5‐FU concentration on the nanoparticle characteristics and release behaviour in phosphate‐buffered saline solution (PBS) was evaluated. The Suc‐Chi nanoparticles had a particle diameter (Z‐average) in the range 202∼273 nm and a negative zeta‐potential (approx. −27 to −18 mV). The formulation with an initial 5‐FU concentration of 1000 μg mL−1 provided the highest loading capacity (19%) and the highest extent of release (61% at 24 h). The 5‐FU‐Suc‐Chi/NP showed good anti‐tumour activity against Sarcoma 180 solid tumour and mild toxicity. According to the data obtained, this Suc‐Chi‐based nanotechnology opens new and interesting perspectives for cancer chemotherapy.
Does self-ligating brackets type influence the hysteresis, activation and deactivation forces of superelastic NiTi archwires?

OBJECTIVE To compare hysteresis, activation and deactivation forces produced by first-order deformation of Contour 0.014-in NiTi wire (Aditek, Brazil) in four brands of self-ligating brackets: Damon MX, Easy Clip, Smart Clip and In-Ovation. METHODS Activation and deactivation forces were measured in an Instron universal tensile machine at 3 mm/minute speed to a total displacement of 4 mm. Tests were repeated eight times for each bracket/wire combination. Statistical analysis comprised ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons test. RESULTS Using a 4-mm deformation, mean activation forces increased in the following order: Damon = 222 gf, Easy Clip = 228 gf, In-Ovation = 240 gf and Smart Clip = 306 gf. The same order was observed for mean hysteresis values, i.e., 128 gf, 140 gf, 150 gf and 206 gf, respectively. The respective values of deactivation forces for the Damon, Easy Clip, In-Ovation and Smart Clip brackets were 94 gf, 88 gf, 90 gf and 100 gf. CONCLUSIONS Brackets with higher activation forces were accompanied by higher hysteresis values, which resulted in clinically similar deactivation forces, regardless of the type of self-ligating brackets used.
Extending Biochemical Databases by Metabolomic Surveys*

Metabolomics can map the large metabolic diversity in species, organs, or cell types. In addition to gains in enzyme specificity, many enzymes have retained substrate and reaction promiscuity. Enzyme promiscuity and the large number of enzymes with unknown enzyme function may explain the presence of a plethora of unidentified compounds in metabolomic studies. Cataloguing the identity and differential abundance of all detectable metabolites in metabolomic repositories may detail which compounds and pathways contribute to vital biological functions. The current status in metabolic databases is reviewed concomitant with tools to map and visualize the metabolome.
Evaluation of Norepinephrine Transporter Expression and Metaiodobenzylguanidine Avidity in Neuroblastoma: A Report from the Children's Oncology Group

Purpose. 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) is used for the diagnostic evaluation of neuroblastoma. We evaluated the relationship between norepinephrine transporter (NET) expression and clinical MIBG uptake. Methods. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (N = 82) and immunohistochemistry (IHC; N = 61) were performed for neuroblastoma NET mRNA and protein expression and correlated with MIBG avidity on diagnostic scans. The correlation of NET expression with clinical features was also performed. Results. Median NET mRNA expression level for the 19 MIBG avid patients was 12.9% (range 1.6–73.7%) versus 5.9% (range 0.6–110.0%) for the 8 nonavid patients (P = 0.31). Median percent NET protein expression was 50% (range 0–100%) in MIBG avid patients compared to 10% (range 0–80%) in nonavid patients (P = 0.027). MYCN amplified tumors had lower NET protein expression compared to nonamplified tumors (10% versus 50%; P = 0.0002). Conclusions. NET protein expression in neuroblastoma correlates with MIBG avidity. MYCN amplified tumors have lower NET protein expression.
Transradial approach for collateral embolisation

Abstract Significant aortopulmonary collaterals in cyanotic CHD patients require closure immediately before definitive intracardiac repair. Traditionally, the transfemoral access has been used for this purpose; however in a few cases, selective and stable hooking of collaterals may be extremely difficult. We describe a case in which we used a new approach for collateral embolisation in a difficult situation.
Hemoptysis in Children : Single Center Experience

celiac disease and another had Wagener disease. Of the 55 patients with localized pulmonary hemorrhage the most common cause was cystic fibrosis (30%) and congenital heart disease (27%), followed by pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (8%), ruptured hydatid cysts (7.3%) and retained foreign body (5.4%). Fifty one out of the 55 (92.7%) with localized hemorrhage had localized patch on the chest x-ray; 40% had previous x-ray within the previous two years showing the same radiological patch at the time of hemoptysis episodes. Massive hemoptysis was found in three patients. Diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy was done in all patients within one week of the episode of hemoptysis. High resolution chest CT-scan was done for all patients with the diffuse type. Dynamic chest CT-scan was done in 50% of patients with localized hemorrhage. Embolization was done in five patients with AV malformation and two patients with cystic fibrosis. Surgical lobectomy was done in those with sequestration, hydatic cyst and one patient with foreign body and another one with localised bronchiectasis.
Modeling aerobic carbon oxidation and storage by integrating respirometric, titrimetric, and off‐gas CO2 measurements

A method for detailed investigation of aerobic carbon degradation processes by microorganisms is presented. The method relies on an integrated use of the respirometric, titrimetric, and off‐gas CO2 measurements. The oxygen uptake rate (OUR), hydrogen ion production rate (HPR), and the carbon dioxide transfer rate (CTR) resulting from the biological as well as physicochemical processes, coupled with a metabolic model characterizing both the growth and carbon storage processes, enables the comprehensive study of the carbon degradation processes. The method allows the formation of carbon storage products and the biomass growth rates to be estimated without requiring any off‐line biomass or liquid‐phase measurements, although the practical identifiability of the system could be improved with additional measurements. Furthermore, the combined yield for biomass growth and carbon storage is identifiable, along with the affinity constant with respect to the carbon substrate. However, the individual yields for growth and carbon storage are not identifiable without further knowledge about the metabolic pathways employed by the microorganisms in the carbon conversion. This is true even when more process variables are measured. The method is applied to the aerobic carbon substrate degradation by a full‐scale sludge using acetate as an example carbon source. The sludge was able to quickly take up the substrate and store it as poly‐β‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB). The PHB formation rate was a few times faster than the biomass growth rate, which was confirmed by off‐line liquid‐ and solid‐phase analysis. The estimated combined yield for biomass growth and carbon storage compared closely to that determined from the theoretical yields reported in literature based on thermodynamics. This suggests that the theoretical yields may be used as default parameters for modeling purposes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
P2X7 nucleotide receptor activation enhances IFNγ‐induced type II nitric oxide synthase activity in BV‐2 microglial cells

Under normal and pathological conditions, brain cells release nucleotides that regulate a wide range of cellular responses due to activation of P2 nucleotide receptors. In this study, the effect of extracellular nucleotides on IFNγ‐induced NO release in murine BV‐2 microglial cells was investigated. BV‐2 cells expressed mRNA for metabotropic P2Y and ionotropic P2X receptors. Among the P2 receptor agonists tested, ATP, ADP, 2′,3′‐O‐(4‐benzoylbenzoyl)‐ATP (BzATP), and 2‐methylthio‐ATP (2‐MeSATP), but not UTP, enhanced IFNγ‐induced iNOS expression and NO production, suggesting that the uridine nucleotide receptors P2Y2 and P2Y6 are not involved in this response. U0126, an antagonist for MEK1/2, a kinase that phosphorylates the extracellular signal‐regulated kinases ERK1/2, decreased IFNγ‐induced NO production. BzATP, a potent P2X7 receptor agonist, was more effective than ATP, ADP, or 2‐MeSATP at enhancing IFNγ‐induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Consistent with activation of the P2X7 receptor, periodate‐oxidized ATP, a P2X7 receptor antagonist, and suramin, a non‐specific P2 receptor antagonist, inhibited the effect of ATP or BzATP on IFNγ‐induced NO production, whereas pyridoxal‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulfonic acid (PPADS), an antagonist of several P2X receptor subtypes, was ineffective. These results suggest that activation of P2X7 receptors may contribute to inflammatory responses in microglial cells seen in neurodegenerative diseases.
The CRAFFT Cut-Points and DSM-5 Criteria for Alcohol and Other Drugs: A Reevaluation and Reexamination

Background The CRAFFT, previously validated against DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) diagnostic criteria, is the most widely used screening instrument for alcohol and other substance misuse in adolescents. The present secondary analysis study sought to compare the CRAFFT with the new DSM-5 diagnostic criteria in order to assess the CRAFFT's psychometric properties and determine the optimal cut-point for identifying adolescents in need of further assessment. Methods Participants were primary care patients aged 12–17 (N = 525) who were recruited while waiting for a medical appointment in an urban federally qualified health center in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Participants were administered the CRAFFT and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, second edition, modified to include the new DSM-5 craving item. The authors examined the performance of the CRAFFT in identifying any problem use (defined as 1 or more DSM-5 criteria) and any DSM-5 substance use disorder (2 or more DSM-5 criteria) for alcohol or drugs other than tobacco. The authors examined sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic areas under the curve (AUC) to determine the optimal CRAFFT cut-point(s) for predicting any problem use and any DSM-5 substance use disorder (SUD). Results Examining the CRAFFT as a continuous measure, AUC values were 0.93 for problem use or higher and 0.97 for DSM-5 SUD. Consistent with previously recommended cut-points for the CRAFFT, the cut-point of 2 performed optimally for identifying adolescents both exhibiting problem use of alcohol or drugs and meeting DSM-5 SUD criteria for alcohol or other drugs. Conclusions Despite changes in the DSM substance use diagnostic criteria, the CRAFFT continues to demonstrate excellent sensitivity and specificity at its established cut-point of 2. Additional studies examining the CRAFFT in light of the new DSM-5 diagnostic criteria with more diverse populations are warranted.
A novel approach for coding color quantized images

An approach to the lossy compression of color images with limited palette that does not require color quantization of the decoded image is presented. The algorithm is particularly suited for coding images using an image-dependent palette. The technique restricts the pixels of the decoded image to take values only in the original palette. Thus, the decoded image can be readily displayed without having to be quantized. For comparable quality and bit rates, the technique significantly reduces the decoder computational complexity.
Consumption and production-based CO2 pricing policies: macroeconomic trade-offs and carbon leakage

This paper applies a DYNK (Dynamic New Keynesian) model to compare the traditional environmental tax reform for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with a taxation scheme that taxes GHG emissions embodied in consumption within the framework of a unilateral policy of the EU-27. The embodied emissions of different commodities are taxed independently of their origin. The GHG tax rates applied are identical and new revenues are in both cases recycled via lower social security contributions of employers. The results show the macroeconomic results, driven by the different impact of the taxation schemes on price competitiveness of EU-27 firms. These differences drive the leakage and show negative leakage in the case of taxing embodied GHG emissions. Both taxation schemes are also regressive for household incomes emphasizing the importance of the choice of revenue recycling. In terms of emission reduction, we find the taxation of emissions embodied in consumption less effective.
Differential regulation of GAD67, enkephalin and dynorphin mRNAs by chronic‐intermittent L‐dopa and A2A receptor blockade plus L‐Dopa in dopamine‐denervated rats

Adenosine A2A receptor antagonists have been proposed as an effective therapy in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In the present study, we compared the modifications on striatal glutamate decarboxylase (GAD67), enkephalin, and dynorphin mRNA levels produced by a chronic‐intermittent administration of L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl‐alanine (L‐dopa) (6 mg/kg) with those produced by the adenosine A2A receptor antagonist SCH 58261 (5 mg/kg) plus L‐dopa (3 mg/kg) in unilaterally 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐lesioned rats. As previously reported, L‐dopa (6 mg/kg) and SCH 58261 (5 mg/kg) plus L‐dopa (3 mg/kg) produced the same degree of turning behavior after the first administration. However, while L‐dopa (6 mg/kg) induced a sensitized turning behavior response during the course of the treatment, which indicated a dyskinetic potential, SCH 58261 (5 mg/kg) plus L‐dopa (3 mg/kg) produced a stable turning behavior response, which was predictive of absence of dyskinetic side effects. Unilateral 6‐OHDA lesion produced an elevation in striatal GAD67 and enkephalin mRNA levels and to a decrease in dynorphin mRNA levels. Chronic‐intermittent L‐dopa (6 mg/kg) treatment increased the striatal levels of GAD67, dynorphin, and enkephalin mRNA in the lesioned side as compared to the vehicle treatment. Chronic‐intermittent SCH 58261 (5 mg/kg) plus L‐dopa (3 mg/kg) as well as L‐dopa (3 mg/kg) or SCH 58261 (5 mg/kg) alone did not produce any significant modification in GAD67, dynorphin, or enkephalin mRNA levels in the lesioned striatum as compared to the striatum of vehicle‐treated rats. The results show that combined SCH 58261 plus L‐dopa did not produce long‐term changes in markers of striatal efferent neurons activity and suggest that the lack of modifications in GAD67 and dynorphin mRNA after SCH 58261 plus L‐dopa might correlate with the lack of turning behavior sensitization which predicts drug dyskinetic potential. Synapse 44:166–174, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evolutionarily Labile Species Interactions and Spatial Spread of Invasive Species

Both exotic and native species have been shown to evolve in response to invasions, yet the impacts of rapidly evolving interactions between novel species pairs have been largely ignored in studies of invasive species spread. Here, I use a mathematical model of an interacting invasive predator and its native prey to determine when and how evolutionary lability in one or both species might impact the dynamics of the invader’s spatial advance. The model shows that evolutionarily labile invaders continually evolve better adapted phenotypes along the moving invasion front, offering an explanation for accelerating spread and spatial phenotype clines following invasion. I then analytically derive a formula to estimate the relative change in spread rate due to evolution. Using parameter estimates from the literature, this formula shows that moderate heritabilities and selection strengths are sufficient to account for changes in spread rates observed in historical and ongoing invasions. Evolutionarily labile native species can slow invader spread when genes flow from native populations with exposure to the invader into native populations ahead of the invasion front. This outcome is more likely in systems with highly diffuse native dispersal, net directional movement of natives toward the invasion front, or human inoculation of uninvaded native populations.
A new approach for cryofixation by high‐pressure freezing

A newly designed high‐pressure freezing machine for cryofixation was established and tested (Leica EMPACT), based on ideas originally proposed by Moor & Riehle in 1968. The new machine, essentially an improved version of our prototype, pressurizes the sample to 2000 bar in a small container (using methylcyclohexane as hydraulic fluid) and at the same time cools the outer surface of the container with a jet of liquid nitrogen. The advantage of this approach is that the machine uses little liquid nitrogen and can be built small and light. The machine is able to vitrify and freeze well a variety of specimens, for example, plant leaves, yeast cells, liver or nerve tissue (more samples are shown at: http://www.ana.unibe.ch/empact). Cooling efficiency is the same as in the traditional machines that use liquid nitrogen to pressurize and simultaneously cool the sample.
Characterization of Bridging Integrator 1 (BIN1) as a Potential Tumor Suppressor and Prognostic Marker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

It has been shown that bridging integrator 1 (BIN1) can interact with c-myelocytomatosis (c-Myc) oncoprotein in cancer. However, the role of BIN1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not clear. In the present study, we investigated the expression and prognostic role of BIN1 in primary HCC and evaluated the function of BIN1 in hepatocarcinogenesis. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, we found significantly decreased expression of BIN1 in primary HCC tumor tissues (n = 42) compared with adjacent normal tissues and in HCC cell lines. Immunohistochemistry analysis also found decreased BIN1 expression in HCC tumor tissues (n = 117). In clinicopathological analysis, loss of BIN1 expression correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with differentiation scores and tumor size. Importantly, decreased expression of BIN1 in tumors was found to be closely associated with a poor prognosis, and we conclude that BIN1 was an independent prognostic factor in a multivariate analysis. In mechanistic studies, restoring BIN1 expression in BIN1-null HCC cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation and induced apoptosis of HCC cells. Furthermore, we found that BIN1 overexpression could significantly suppress the motility and invasion of HCC cells in vitro. Our results indicate that BIN1 may function as a potential tumor suppressor and serve as a novel prognostic marker in HCC patients. The BIN1 molecule might play an important role in tumor growth, cell motility and invasion. Modulation of BIN1 expression may lead to clinical applications of this critical molecule in the control of hepatocellular carcinoma as well as in early and effective diagnosis of this aggressive tumor.
Influencia de la fertirrigación (N-P-K) sobre el desarrollo y producción de plantas de Olivo CV. Manzanilla de Sevilla

En este trabajo se ha estudiado la influencia de la fetirrigacion en una parcela de olivos adultos "Manzanillas de Sevilla", con un abono triple N-P-K (4:1:3). Se establecieron tres tratamientos diferentes , consistentes en aportar las cantidades de fertilizante suficientes para completar 200,400 y 600 g de N por arbol y periodo de riego. Se conto , ademas , con un tratamiento control en el que solo se aplico agua de riego. Durante la fetirrigacion se observo , en lineas generales, una correlacion positiva entre los contenidos de N-NO3, P Y K disponible y la dosis de abono aplicada , en particular en la capa mas superficial y una disminucion de las concentraciones con la profundidad del suelo. Las concentraciones de N-NO3- observadas a 80-90 cm en el tratamiento de mayor dosis fueron lo suficientemente elevadas como para alertar de posibles perdidas por lavado y en consecuencia de ocntaminacion del agua subterranea . Se observo , ademas , una correlacion lineal y positiva entre los tratamientos y los contenidos de N,P y K en hoja. No obstante ,los tratamientos no influyeron en el vigor , volumen de copa, crecimiento del brote frucifero y en los indices de floracion y frucctificacion , entre ellos el cuajado, si bien la cantidad de flor aumento de manera lineal con la dosis aplicada . La produccion en los arboles del tratamiento testigo fue inferior a la de los tratamientos con abono , aunque las diferencias no fueron significativas. La falta de respuesta significativa en los dos ultimos anos pudo deberse a los ataques de repilo y a la poda practicada en enero de 2002 . Los tratamientos influyeron , sin embargo , en determinados parametros relacionados con la calidad de la aceituna de mesa y del aceite. Se observo una correlacion positiva entre el contenido de K en el fruto y la dosis de abono. Dicho aumento favorecio probablemente la acumulacion de agua e influyo positivamente en parametros de calidad c