Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phenotype of normal spirometry in an aging population.

RATIONALE In aging populations, the commonly used Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) may misclassify normal spirometry as respiratory impairment (airflow obstruction and restrictive pattern), including the presumption of respiratory disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]). OBJECTIVES To evaluate the phenotype of normal spirometry as defined by a new approach from the Global Lung Initiative (GLI), overall and across GOLD spirometric categories. METHODS Using data from COPDGene (n = 10,131; ages 45-81; smoking history, ≥10 pack-years), we evaluated spirometry and multiple phenotypes, including dyspnea severity (Modified Medical Research Council grade 0-4), health-related quality of life (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score), 6-minute-walk distance, bronchodilator reversibility (FEV1 % change), computed tomography-measured percentage of lung with emphysema (% emphysema) and gas trapping (% gas trapping), and small airway dimensions (square root of the wall area for a standardized airway with an internal perimeter of 10 mm). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Among 5,100 participants with GLI-defined normal spirometry, GOLD identified respiratory impairment in 1,146 (22.5%), including a restrictive pattern in 464 (9.1%), mild COPD in 380 (7.5%), moderate COPD in 302 (5.9%), and severe COPD in none. Overall, the phenotype of GLI-defined normal spirometry included normal adjusted mean values for dyspnea grade (0.8), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (15.9), 6-minute-walk distance (1,424 ft [434 m]), bronchodilator reversibility (2.7%), % emphysema (0.9%), % gas trapping (10.7%), and square root of the wall area for a standardized airway with an internal perimeter of 10 mm (3.65 mm); corresponding 95% confidence intervals were similarly normal. These phenotypes remained normal for GLI-defined normal spirometry across GOLD spirometric categories. CONCLUSIONS GLI-defined normal spirometry, even when classified as respiratory impairment by GOLD, included adjusted mean values in the normal range for multiple phenotypes. These results suggest that among adults with GLI-defined normal spirometry, GOLD may misclassify normal phenotypes as having respiratory impairment.
Indistinguishable Landscapes of Meiotic DNA Breaks in rad50+ and rad50S Strains of Fission Yeast Revealed by a Novel rad50+ Recombination Intermediate

The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe Rec12 protein, the homolog of Spo11 in other organisms, initiates meiotic recombination by creating DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and becoming covalently linked to the DNA ends of the break. This protein-DNA linkage has previously been detected only in mutants such as rad50S in which break repair is impeded and DSBs accumulate. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the DSB distribution in a rad50S mutant is markedly different from that in wild-type (RAD50) meiosis, and it was suggested that this might also be true for other organisms. Here, we show that we can detect Rec12-DNA linkages in Sc. pombe rad50(+) cells, which are proficient for DSB repair. In contrast to the results from Sa. cerevisiae, genome-wide microarray analysis of Rec12-DNA reveals indistinguishable meiotic DSB distributions in rad50(+) and rad50S strains of Sc. pombe. These results confirm our earlier findings describing the occurrence of widely spaced DSBs primarily in large intergenic regions of DNA and demonstrate the relevance and usefulness of fission yeast studies employing rad50S. We propose that the differential behavior of rad50S strains reflects a major difference in DSB regulation between the two species--specifically, the requirement for the Rad50-containing complex for DSB formation in budding yeast but not in fission yeast. Use of rad50S and related mutations may be a useful method for DSB analysis in other species.
An asymmetric ARCH model and the non-stationarity of Clustering and Leverage effects

We propose a new volatility model based on two stylized facts of the volatility in the stock market: clustering and leverage effect. We calibrate our model parameters, in the leading order, with 77 years Dow Jones Industrial Average data. We find in the short time scale (10 to 50 days) the future volatility is sensitive to the sign of past returns, i.e. asymmetric feedback or leverage effect. However, in the long time scale (300 to 1000 days) clustering becomes the main factor. We study non-stationary features by using moving windows and find that clustering and leverage effects display time evolutions that are rather nontrivial. The structure of our model allows us to shed light on a few surprising facts recently found by Chicheportiche and Bouchaud.
Local ice therapy during bouts of acute gouty arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of local application of ice on duration and severity of acute gouty arthritis. METHODS Nineteen patients with acute gout were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups. Group A (n = 10) received topical ice therapy, oral prednisone 30 mg PO tapered to 0 over 6 days and colchicine 0.6 mg/day. Group B was the control group (n = 9), given the same regimen but without the ice therapy. The patients were followed for one week. RESULTS The mean reduction in pain for those patients treated with ice therapy was 7.75 cm (on 10 cm visual analog scale) with standard deviation +/- 2.58 compared with 4.42 cm (+/- SD 2.96) for the control group. Using a Wilcoxon rank-sum test there was a significant difference (p = 0.021 ) in pain reduction between the ice therapy and control groups. Joint circumference and synovial fluid volume also tended to be more effectively reduced after one week of therapy in the ice group compared with controls, but these did not achieve statistical significance. CONCLUSION The group treated with ice had a significantly greater reduction in pain compared with the control group. Although the clinical improvement was impressive, due to the small sample size we could not show statistically significant improvement in all the variables that tended to suggest that effect was more than simply analgesic. Cold applications may be a useful adjunct to treatment of acute gouty arthritis.
Involvement of Glutamate Receptors in Strychnine- and Bicuculline-induced Allodynia in Conscious Mice

Background Glycine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are inhibitory neurotransmitters that appear to be important in sensory processing in the spinal dorsal horn. Intrathecal administration of strychnine (strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor antagonist) or bicuculline (GABAA antagonist) was reported to induce allodynia. Although the strychnine-induced allodynia was shown to be mediated through the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor, it is not clear whether the bicuculline-evoked allodynia is mediated through the glutamate receptor system or how different the allodynia induced by strychnine and bicuculline are. Methods Male ddY mice weighing 20+/-2 g were used in this study. A 27-G stainless-steel needle attached to a microsyringe was inserted between the L5 and L6 vertebrae by a slight modification of the method of Hylden and Wilcox. Drugs in vehicle were injected slowly into the subarachnoid space to conscious mice at 22+/-2 degrees Celsius. The volume of the intrathecal injection was 5 micro liter. Studies on allodynia were carried out essentially according to the method of Yaksh and Harty. Results The intrathecal administration of strychnine or bicuculline in conscious mice resulted in allodynia elicited by nonnoxious brushing of the flanks. The maximum allodynia induced by strychnine was observed 5 min after intrathecal injection, but that induced by bicuculline was observed 10 min after intrathecal injection. Both responses gradually decreased over the experimental period of 50 min. The allodynia induced by strychnine was dose-dependently relieved by NMDA receptor antagonists (D-AP5, ketamine, and 7-Cl-KYNA) and non-NMDA receptor antagonists (GAMS and CNQX) but not by metabotropic receptor antagonists (L-AP3 and L-AP4). On the other hand, allodynia induced by bicuculline was dose-dependently relieved by GAMS, L-AP3, and L-AP4, but not by D-AP5, ketamine, 7-Cl-KYNA, and CNQX. Whereas the strychnine-evoked allodynia was dose-dependently relieved by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Nomega -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor methylene blue, the bicuculline-induced one was dose-dependently relieved by methylene blue but not by L-NAME. Conclusions These results demonstrate that both strychnine- and bicuculline-evoked allodynia were mediated through pathways that include the glutamate receptor and nitric oxide systems but in a different manner. The current study suggests that GABA and glycine may modulate responses to an innocuous tactile stimulus as inhibitory neurotransmitters at presynaptic and postsynaptic sites in the spinal cord, respectively.
ATM is Activated by Default in Mitosis, Localizes at Centrosomes and Monitors Mitotic Spindle Integrity

We previously showed that ATM is responsible for p53 phosphorylation at Ser15 andlocalization at centrosomes during mitosis. When p53 centrosomal localization is preventedby inhibiting polymerization of spindle microtubules, a stabilized form of p53 is transmittedto daughter cells that arrest in the next G1 phase of the cell cycle after exit from mitosis. ATcells are unable to both localize p53 at centrosomes in mitosis and arrest after exposure tomitotic-spindle poisons. Here we show that during mitosis ATM is activated byphosphorylation at Ser1981 and localizes at centosomes. When mitotic spindle is disrupted bynocodazole, ATM is displaced from centrosomes and co-localizes with phospho-Ser15-p53under the form of spots dispersed in the mitotic cytoplasm. After release from nocodazoleblock,as soon as cells exit mitosis, p53 is redirected to the nucleus and its Ser15phosphorylation is substituted by phosphorylation at Ser46. We suggest that ATM is activatedby default at each mitotic onset and phosphorylates p53 at Ser15 so as to keep it inactive atcentrosomes when the spindle is correctly in place or, in case of inactivation of the mitoticspindle, to maintain the memory of a perturbed mitosis.
Investigation of the effect of upstream airways impedance on regeneration of lip oscillations in trombone performance

CIRMMT, Computational Acoustic Modeling Lab, Schulich School of Music, McGill University, 555 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal, Canada H3A 1E3 Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology (CIRMMT), 527 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 1E3 Computational Acoustic Modeling Lab, Schulich School of Music, McGill University, 555 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 1E3 vincent.freour@mail.mcgill. ca Proceedings of the Acoustics 2012 Nantes Conference 23-27 April 2012, Nantes, France
Wavelet-Coded OFDM for Next Generation Mobile Communications

In this work, we evaluate the performance of Wavelet-Coding into offering robustness for OFDM signals against the combined effects of varying fading and noise bursts. Wavelet-Code enables high diversity gains with a low complex receiver, and, most notably, without compromising the system's spectral efficiency. The results show that the Wavelet-Coded OFDM system achieves a BER of 1E-3 with nearly 6 dB less SNR than the convolutional coded OFDM system in frequency selective channels with a normalized channel response variation rate of &#950;=1E-4.The proposed system fits as a key enabler for the use of mm-wave frequencies in future generation mobile communication due to its robustness against multipath fading.
Metabolic impact of combined hormonal contraceptives containing estradiol

ABSTRACT Introduction: Is the replacement of ethinyl-estradiol (EE) with estradiol (E2) in combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) associated with fewer metabolic effects, leading to a further improvement on safety of hormonal contraceptives? Areas covered: This is a narrative review paper including all available data on the metabolic impact of CHCs containing E2 published in English up to December 2015. Modification of a metabolic variable of interest during the first months of treatment was considered as an outcome. Expert opinion: E2 was extensively used in oral contraceptives associated to nomegestrol acetate (NOMAc) in a monophasic 24 + 4 or its ester E2 valerate to dienogest (DNG) in a quadriphasic 26 + 2 regimen. The impact on the lipid metabolism and the hemostatic system of these preparations seems milder than that caused by EE-based ones, associated with no change of blood pressure. The impact on bone metabolism was instead similar to EE. Data available in the literature are mainly derived from studies having secondary minor metabolic outcomes as the primary end-point, and so currently not completely applicable on the real variables of interest (arterial or venous cardiovascular events, bone fractures). The preliminar parenteral use of E2 seems promising, both transdermal and vaginal, in particular after the introduction of a specific progestin with a high anti-ovulatory activity, like nestorone.
The Budget and the Economy

Brookings Institution Senior Fellow, Peter Orszag, testifies before the Committee on the Budget U.S. Senate on the interactions between the budget and the economy. The focus of his testimony is the economic and budgetary effects of the tax cuts that were passed as part of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA), but that have not yet been implemented. [© Brookings Institution]
Treatment experience and long-term follow-up data in two severe neonatal hyperparathyroidism cases

Abstract The calcium sensing receptor (CASR) is expressed most abundantly in the parathyroid glands and the kidney. CASR regulates calcium homeostasis through its ability to modulate parathormone secretion and renal calcium reabsorption. Inactivating mutations in the CASR gene may result in disorders of calcium homeostasis manifesting as familial benign hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FBHH) and neonatal severe hyperparathyroidsm (NSHPT). Two cases were referred with severe hypercalcemia in the neonatal period. Laboratory evaluation revealed severe hypercalcemia and elevated PTH. The parents also had mild hypercalcemia. The serum calcium level did not normalize with conventional hypercalcemia treatment and there was also no response to cinacalcet in case 1. Total parathyroidectomy was performed when the patient was 70 days old. Genetic analysis revealed a novel homozygous p.Arg544* mutation in the CASR gene. Case 2 underwent total parathyroidectomy and autoimplantation when she was 97 days old, but the parathyroid gland implanted into the forearm was removed 27 days later because the hypercalcemia continued. Genetic evaluation revealed a novel homozygous p.Pro682Leu mutation with normal anthropometric measurements. The neurological development is consistent with age in both cases while case 2 has mild mental retardation. No bone deformity or fracture is present in either case and normocalcemia is ensured with calcitriol in both cases.
Four-channel Force Reflecting Teleoperation System Based on ISS Small Gain Theorem

This paper focuses on a new force-reflection (FR) algorithm based on input-to-state stability (ISS) small gain theorem in cooperative work of Single Master-Multiple Slave (SMMS) teleoperation system with time varying communication delay. In this work, we propose a new position tracking control for object grasping and a new FR algorithm based on a PD control to transfer the positions, velocities and force information between both sides of teleoperation. The goal of these methods are to achieve the secure grasping by multiple slave robots and improve the tracking performance of the cooperation SMMS teleoperation system. To analyze stability of the system, the ISS small gain approach is used to show the overall force-reflecting teleoperation to be input-to-state stable. Several experimental results show the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Culture-Dependent and -Independent Identification of Polyphosphate-Accumulating Dechloromonas spp. Predominating in a Full-Scale Oxidation Ditch Wastewater Treatment Plant

The oxidation ditch process is one of the most economical approaches currently used to simultaneously remove organic carbon, nitrogen, and also phosphorus (P) from wastewater. However, limited information is available on biological P removal in this process. In the present study, microorganisms contributing to P removal in a full-scale oxidation ditch reactor were investigated using culture-dependent and -independent approaches. A microbial community analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that a phylotype closely related to Dechloromonas spp. in the family Rhodocyclaceae dominated in the oxidation ditch reactor. This dominant Dechloromonas sp. was successfully isolated and subjected to fluorescent staining for polyphosphate, followed by microscopic observations and a spectrofluorometric analysis, which clearly demonstrated that the Dechloromonas isolate exhibited a strong ability to accumulate polyphosphate within its cells. These results indicate the potential key role of Dechloromonas spp. in efficient P removal in the oxidation ditch wastewater treatment process.
The doughboy premium: an empirical assessment of the relative wages of American veterans of World War I

Abstract This article examines 1940 US census data to assess the relative wages of World War I (WWI) veteran and nonveteran men. Our empirical analysis indicates a 3.6% wage premium for veterans, after controlling earnings-related characteristics. Although lower than comparable estimates for WWII veterans, our results suggest that American veterans of the Great War earned a higher wage premium than those of the Vietnam or Korean conflicts.
Testing Serial Independence against Time Irreversibility

In this paper we propose a unified framework for testing serial independence against time irreversibility. This framework extends the time reversibility tests of Ramsey and Rothman(1996, Journal of Money, Credit and Banking) and Chen, Chou, and Kuan(2000,Journal of Econometrics) in several important directions. It consists of a pair of original-series-based individual and portmanteau tests and the corresponding model diagnostic checks. The former can be used to detect asymmetries in time series, and the latter can be applied to check if such asymmetries are properly explained by an econometric model. A Monte Carlo simulation shows that the proposed tests perform suitably in finite samples. An empirical example further shows that the proposed method is a useful complement to the conventional independence tests for checking the adequacy of different GARCH models.
Salivary secretion of paracetamol in man

Plasma and saliva paracetamol levels were measured by HPLC in ten healthy volunteers who took a therapeutic dose after an overnight fast. Salivary levels of the drug were consistently and significantly higher than those in plasma for the first 50 min after oral ingestion, but saliva and plasma levels correlated closely during the elimination phase. There was a highly significant correlation between the AUC 0‐α calculated from saliva and plasma paracetamol concentration‐time curves. The elevated saliva/plasma ratio for the first 50 min was not due to loss of paracetamol from plasma during sample preparation, binding to plasma protein or adsorption to the buccal mucosa. Administration of probenecid in an attempt to block possible active secretion of paracetamol into saliva did not significantly alter the saliva/plasma concentration ratio for the first 50 min, but did significantly reduce this ratio in the time period 125–360 min. The experimental data conformed to a recently proposed model in which elevated saliva/plasma ratios during the early stages following oral ingestion were related to ongoing absorption into the arterial system.
The influence of perinatal infective factors on ophthalmia neonatorum.

BACKGROUND Ophthalmia neonatorum still blinds approximately 10,000 babies annually worldwide. Identification of contributory maternal perinatal factors could possibly predict which babies are at greater risk for this disease. METHODS In a randomized prospective study of ophthalmia neonatorum in Kenya, we studied the effect of prophylaxis with povidone-iodine, silver nitrate, and erythromycin in 3117 neonates. Four perinatal factors that may promote ophthalmia neonatorum were investigated: maternal vaginitis, birth in a nonsterile environment, presence of meconium at birth, and postnatal development of endometritis. RESULTS No significant difference in the general ophthalmia neonatorum rate was found for any of the four factors (P > .14 by Fisher exact test). However, with regard to venereal ophthalmia neonatorum, the 26 infants born to mothers with vaginitis had a relative risk 5.1 times that of the rest of the infants (P = 0.0013). Their relative risk to develop gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum in particular was 24.9 times the rest of the neonates (P = 0.0000031). Prophylaxis was with povidone-iodine in 12 infants, silver nitrate in two, and erythromycin in 12. The frequency of ophthalmia neonatorum was 25%, 100%, and 33%, respectively (differences not significant). CONCLUSION Neonates born to mothers with vaginitis should be carefully observed for the first postnatal month for the development of ophthalmia neonatorum, even though a prophylactic agent has been used.
Screening for primary angle closure in Mongolia: a randomised controlled trial to determine whether screening and prophylactic treatment will reduce the incidence of primary angle closure glaucoma in an east Asian population

Aim: To describe the methods used and initial results of a prospective study designed to determine whether screening and prophylactic treatment will reduce the incidence of primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) in Mongolia. Methods: A total of 4725 individuals aged 50 years and above were recruited to the study and randomised to intervention or control groups. All subjects had non-mydriatic optic disc examination. The intervention arm had measurement of anterior chamber depth (ACD) by A-scan ultrasound and intraocular pressure (IOP) with Tonopen. Gonioscopy was performed on test positive cases (ACD <2.53 mm or IOP ≥24 mm Hg either eye). Those with occludable angles were offered laser iridotomy. Primary outcome will be incidence of PACG at 5 year follow up. Results: Glaucoma was diagnosed in 128 (2.7%) subjects. Of the remaining 4597, 2293 were randomised to intervention. Intervention as allocated was received by 2280 (99.4%) individuals. 160 (23.4%) of 685 test positive cases had occludable angles, of which 156 were treated with iridotomy. Conclusions: This trial is a further step in determining whether screening and prophylactic treatment for primary angle closure in east Asian populations will reduce the incidence of glaucoma.