Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Short-term nitrogen dioxide exposure and acute respiratory disease in children.

A CHESS data base from Chattanooga, Tennessee was thoroughly scrutinized and found to be of high enough quality to warrant epidemiological analysis. Using this data base, the relationship between NO2 ambient pollution levels and acute respiratory disease in children was examined. Although a statistically significant relationship was found, it was not monotonic. Indeed, over the range of pollution values experiences, more illness is associated with low pollution values than with high ones. A U-shaped relationship between illness and NO2 concentrations was found in several subpopulations in addition to the entire data set, although for some subpopulations no relationship was found. In contrast, higher ambient sulfate levels were found to have a positive effect on acute respiratory disease incidence in children over the entire period and for different subsamples, although this effect was not significant for either season analyzed separately.
Seroprevalence of subclinical HEV infection in pregnant women from north India: a hospital based study.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major public health problem in the developing countries. HEV infection in pregnant women is more common and fatal in the third trimester. The mortality rate due to HEV-induced hepatitis is as high as 15-20 per cent. The present study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of subclinical HEV infection in pregnant primigravidae women. METHODS A total of 300 asymptomatic healthy primigravidae (gestational age 16-24 wk) with no history of jaundice were included in the study. Prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies was determined by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. RESULTS The overall prevalence of seropositive HEV IgG was 33.67 per cent among the pregnant women. The seropositivity of HEV IgG was significantly high in urban population (P<0.05), and related with the period of settlement (P<0.05) and source of water (P=0.05). Low socio-economic status of the pregnant women appeared to be the only risk factor (OR=1.96, CI=1.17-3.28) associated with HEV IgG antibody. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION In the present study, exposure to HEV during pregnancy was higher in urban (slum areas) than rural population. Socio-economic status was a risk factor for anti-HEV IgG in pregnant women. Early preventive measures if taken, may decrease the maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity of HEV infection.
Observations of NO x , ΣPNs, ΣANs, and HNO 3 at a Rural Site in the California Sierra Nevada Mountains: summertime diurnal cycles

Abstract. Observations of NO, NO2, total peroxy nitrates (ΣPNs), total alkyl nitrates (ΣANs), HNO3, CO, O3, and meteorological parameters were obtained from October 2000 through February 2002 at 1315 m a.s. l. , 38.9° N, 120.6° W on Sierra Pacific Industries land, adjacent to the University of California Blodgett Forest Research Station (UC-BFRS). We describe the data set with emphasis on the diurnal cycles during summertime 2001. We show that transport of the Sacramento urban plume is a primary factor responsible for diurnal variation in total reactive nitrogen mixing ratios as well as in NOx, ΣPNs and ΣANs, all of which exhibit a late afternoon/early evening peak. In contrast, HNO3 has a peak just after local noon indicating that HNO3 is in near steady state during the day with production due to photochemistry and removal by deposition and mixing with the background free troposphere. Boundary layer dynamics influence mixing ratios of all species in the early morning. Analysis of the morning feature suggests that higher mixing ratios of NOx and HNO3 persist in the residual layer than in the nocturnal boundary layer indicating the presence of nocturnal sinks of both species. Nighttime observations also indicate large HNO3 and ΣANs production through oxidation of alkenes by NO3.
PAX1 Methylation as a Potential Biomarker for Cervical Cancer Screening

ObjectivesDNA methylation is a potential biomarker for early cancer detection. Previous studies suggested that the methylations of several genes are promising markers for the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia at grade III or worse (CIN3+). The purpose of the present study was to explore the feasibility of these DNA methylation testing in cervical cancer screening. MethodsA total of 443 women were recruited from the Yuan’s General Hospital. Cervical scrapings were collected for Papanicolaou (Pap) test by using cervical brushes, and the cytological data were used for analysis. The residual cells on the brush were preserved in phosphate-buffered saline solution at 4°C until DNA extraction. Then, the extracted DNA were used for molecular tests, which included human papillomavirus typing and quantification of the methylation levels for PAX1, SOX1, and NKX6-1 genes. Subjects who had abnormal Pap test results underwent colposcopy or biopsy with subsequent conization or major surgery when biopsy results revealed CIN2+. The final diagnosis for this group was confirmed by colposcopy or pathological examination. The study was approved by the institutional review board of Yuan’s General Hospital, and all the molecular tests were performed by ISO17025 certified laboratories. ResultsThe sensitivity of PAX1m and SOX1m was greater than 80%, and the specificity of PAX1m and NXK6-1m was greater than 80% for the detection of CIN3+ lesions. PAX1m detection alone had a sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 85%, respectively, whereas when used as a cotest with the Pap test, the sensitivity and specificity were 89% and 83%, respectively. ConclusionsPAX1m showed great potential as a biomarker for cervical cancer screening. When incorporating PAX1m detection into current screening protocol, the efficacy of screening could be greatly improved. Moreover, unnecessary referral for colposcopy and biopsy could be reduced up to 60%. However, prospective population-based studies are necessary for further implementation of this screening program.
A low-parasitic collector construction for high-speed SiGe:C HBTs

We present a new collector construction for high-speed SiGe:C HBTs that substantially reduces the parasitic base-collector capacitance by selectively underetching of the collector region. The impact of the collector module on RF performance is demonstrated in separate bipolar processes for npn and pnp devices. A minimum gate delay of 3.2ps was achieved for CML ring oscillators with npn transistors featuring f/sub T//f/sub max/ values of 300GHz/250GHz at BV/sub CEO/ = 1.8V. For pnp devices with f/sub T//f/sub max/ values of 135GHz/140GHz at BV/sub CEO/ = 2.5V a gate delay of 5.9ps is demonstrated. Further vertical scaling of the doping profiles increases f/sub T/ to 380GHz at BV/sub CEO/=1.5V for npn's and 155GHz at BV/sub CEO/ = 2.3V for pnp's, but ring oscillator speed and f/sub max/ degraded.
Clinical Effects of a Standardized Soy Extract in Postmenopausal Women: A Pilot Study

Objective This double‐blind, randomized study was aimed at evaluating comparatively, in postmenopausal women, the activity of a standardized soy extract (SOYSELECT) and placebo when given alone or in combination with conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) on early climacteric symptoms. Lipid profile, pituitary hormones, osteocalcin and endothelin levels, and vaginal and endometrial parameters were also evaluated. Design Participants in the control group were given placebo, and participants in the treated group were given 400 mg/day of a standardized soy extract, corresponding to 50 mg/daily of isoflavones. After 6 weeks of treatment, CEE was also then given to each participant at a dose of 0.625 mg/day for 4 weeks. At the end of this period, soy and placebo treatment were suspended, and, until the end of the study (week 12), participants were administered 10 mg/day of medroxyprogesterone acetate in association with CEE (0.625 mg/day). Results When compared with pretreatment data, on week 6 of the study, a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in the mean number of hot flushes per week was observed in participants who were receiving the standardized soy extract, whereas a more marked relief was observed in both soy and placebo groups during CEE administration. Concurrently, the severity of hot flushes, assessed by means of the Greene climacteric scale, was also reduced in the soy group participants (p < 0.001, by paired t‐test). No soy‐related changes were observed on vaginal cytology, endometrial thickness, uterine artery pulsatility index, or metabolic and hormonal parameters tested. Finally, CEE‐related changes on genital tract, uterine vascular compartment, and pituitary hormones were not modified by soy treatment. Conclusions SOYSELECT may be a safe and efficacious therapy for relief of hot flushes in women who refuse or have contraindications for hormone replacement therapy. (Menopause 2000;7:105‐111. © 2000, The North American Menopause Society.)
High Rates of Primary Mycobacterium avium Complex and Pneumocystis jiroveci Prophylaxis in the United States

Background:National data from the mid-1990s demonstrated that many eligible patients with HIV infection do not receive prophylaxis for opportunistic infections (OIs) and that racial and gender disparities existed in OI prophylaxis receipt. Objective:We examined whether demographic disparities in use of OI prophylaxis persist in 2001 and if outpatient care is associated with OI prophylaxis utilization. Research Design:Demographic, clinical, and pharmacy utilization data were collected from 10 U.S. HIV primary care sites in the HIV Research Network. Subjects:This study consisted of adult patients (≥18 years old) in longitudinal HIV primary care. Measures:Indications for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) or Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) prophylaxis were 2 or more CD4 counts less than 200 or 50 cells/mm3 during calendar year (CY) 2001, respectively. Using multivariate logistic regression, we examined demographic and clinical characteristics associated with receipt of PCP or MAC prophylaxis and the association of outpatient utilization with appropriate OI prophylaxis. Results:Among eligible patients, 88.1% received PCP prophylaxis and 87.6% received MAC prophylaxis. Approximately 80% had 4 or more outpatient visits during CY 2001. Adjusting for care site, male gender (odds ratio [OR], 1.47), Medicare coverage (OR, 1.60), and having 4 or more outpatient visits in a year (OR, 2.34) were significantly associated with increased likelihood of PCP prophylaxis. Adjusting for care site, having 4 or more outpatient visits in a year (OR, 1.85) was associated with increased likelihood of receipt of MAC prophylaxis. There were no demographic or insurance characteristics associated with receipt of MAC prophylaxis. Conclusions:The overall prevalence of OI prophylaxis has increased since the mid-1990s, and previous racial and HIV risk factor disparities in receipt of OI prophylaxis have waned. Integration into the healthcare system is an important correlate of receiving OI prophylaxis.
The effects of oil and non-oil exports on economic growth: a case study of the Iranian economy

This study attempts to re-investigate the role of oil and non-oil exports in economic growth in Iran using the multivariate cointegration and Granger causality methods. This study covers the annual data from 1970 to 2008. Throughout this study, our empirical results indicate that the variables are cointegrated and the Granger causality test reveals evidence of uni-directional causality from oil and non-oil exports to economic growth. Therefore, we confirm that the export-led growth hypothesis is valid in Iran. However, results show that oil export has an inverse effect on economic growth, thus we suggest encouraging non-oil export activities in order to stimulate long-term economic growth in Iran.
Comparative efficacy of radiofrequency and laser ablation for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules: systematic review including traditional pooling and bayesian network meta-analysis.

PURPOSE To compare the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and laser ablation (LA) for treatment of benign solid thyroid nodules, using a systematic review including traditional pooling and Bayesian network meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature search in PubMed-MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases identified prospective studies evaluating the percentage mean change [absolute mean change (mL)] in nodule volume after RFA or LA. Studies from January 1, 2000, to November 1, 2013, were included. Review of 128 potential papers, including a full-text review of 33, identified 10 eligible papers covering a total of 184 patients for meta-analysis. The percentage mean change [absolute mean change] in nodule volume over a 6-month follow-up was compared between RFA and LA. RESULTS Based on the traditional frequentist approach, the pooled percentage mean changes (95% confidence interval) of RFA and LA were 76.1% (70.1-82.1) and 49.9% (41.4-58.5), respectively, and the pooled absolute mean changes (95% confidence interval) of RFA and LA were 8.9 mL (6.6-11.2) and 5.2 mL (4.3-6.1), respectively. Based on the Bayesian network meta-analysis, RFA achieved a larger pooled percentage mean change (95% credible interval) and absolute mean change (95% credible interval) compared to LA [77.8% (67.7-88.0) vs 49.5% (26.7-72.4), and 9.2 mL (5.8-11.9) vs 5.3 mL (2.1-8.5), respectively]. The RFA group has the highest probability of having the most efficacious treatment (98.7%). There were no major complications after either RFA or LA. CONCLUSIONS RFA appears to be superior to LA in reducing benign solid thyroid nodule volume, despite the smaller number of treatment sessions without major side effects.
The Effects of Work Values and Work Centrality on Job Satisfaction. A Study With Older Spanish Workers

Since workforces are ageing throughout Europe, interest in the role of age in the workplace is increasing. Older workers with high work centrality are more likely to negotiate a relational contract and express higher levels of job satisfaction than older workers with low work centrality (Armstrong-Stassen and Schlosser, 2008). This study examines the role of work centrality and valued work outcomes as antecedents of job satisfaction. A cross sectional study using questionnaires was conducted. The sample consisted of 203 Spanish employees (Mage = 55.78, SD = 3.01). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses have revealed that job satisfaction was significantly predicted by needed income and work centrality. When work is not an important part of older workers’ lives, they will prefer extrinsic outcomes and will not invest in the relationship with their organization (Grant & Wade-Benzoni, 2009). Implications for research and theory are explored in the conclusion.
Absolute and convective instabilities in nonlinear systems.

The concepts of absolute and convective instability are extended to nonlinear systems with broken Galilean invariance. As an illustrative model we describe the behavior of a flow, homogeneous in a semi-infinite domain, which undergoes a subcritical pitchfork bifurcation. The classical bifurcation phenomenology is shown to be nontrivially affected by the presence of a nonremovable advection term. In particular the existence of a hysteresis loop is shown to be restricted to the nonlinear absolute instability range. A qualitative description of the possible scenarios likely to arise in subcritically bifurcating open flows is outlined and a practical test is suggested to determine the nature of the bifurcation.
Enhancement by the complement membrane attack complex of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced endothelial cell expression of E-selectin and ICAM-1.

Although TNF-alpha and several products of the activated complement system (e.g., C3b, iC3b, and C5a) are known to modulate endothelial cell function in vitro, relatively little is known about the potential modulatory role of the membrane attack complex (MAC) in endothelial cell activation. Using an in vitro neutrophil-endothelial adhesion assay and a quantitative whole cell ELISA to measure endothelial E-selectin and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression, we examined the modulatory role of the MAC in TNF-alpha-induced neutrophil-endothelial cell adhesive interactions. Activation of quiescent human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with TNF-alpha results in a concentration-dependent increase in neutrophil adhesion measured at 4 h. Assembly of sublytic concentrations of the MAC on endothelial cells did not result in changes in neutrophil-HUVEC adhesion measured at 4 h. Activation of HUVECs with TNF-alpha followed by assembly of the MAC resulted in a marked increase in neutrophil binding as compared with that observed in cells treated with TNF-alpha alone. Blocking studies of mAb revealed that in either TNF-alpha-stimulated or TNF-alpha and MAC-activated endothelial cells enhanced neutrophil binding was nearly entirely attributable to E-selectin and ICAM-1. This conclusion was further supported by a whole-cell ELISA, which provided evidence that the MAC augments TNF-alpha-induced up-regulation of both E-selectin and ICAM-1. This study provides data that support the conclusion that the distal complement system (MAC) can enhance TNF-alpha-induced proinflammatory endothelial cell functions.
The DNA of Snakes

The Snake in the Box problem is an NP-Hard problem. The goal is to find the longest maximal snakes (a certain kind of path satisfying particular constraints described as “spread”) in an n-dimensional hypercube [8]. With increasing dimensions the search space grows exponentially and the search for snakes becomes more and more difficult. This article identifies an underlying pattern among the known longest snakes in previously searched dimensions, which resembles the DNA of living cells in many ways. Surprisingly, these generic structures are fundamentally different for the four combinations of odd and even dimension and spread. It briefly explains the reason why they have different underlying structures. In odd dimensions with odd spread, there is one symmetric point and a unique mapping of complementary transition pairs and are discussed in detail in this paper. This article focusses only on one of these – odd dimension with odd spread. Later, it also reports three new lower bounds that are established using these generic structures from previously known longest maximal snakes. Another known longest snake in another odd dimension with odd spread is also found using this approach.
Prospective and randomised public‐health trial on neural network‐assisted screening for cervical cancer in Finland: Results of the first year

Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility and relative validity of interactive neural network assisted screening (Papnet) in primary mass screening for cervical cancer as a public health policy (routine screening). A randomized, ongoing trial involved 152,969 invitees and 108,686 attendees in the organized mass screening in Finland in 1999. Drawing invitations from the population registry, women were randomized 2:1 at an individual level to have their smear analyzed either conventionally or with Papnet. The distribution of smears to different cytological categories, detection rates of dysplasias, in situ carcinomas and cancers were estimated with smears analyzed either conventionally (72,461) or by Papnet (36,225). A total of 108,686 smears were screened and 449 were histologically confirmed as dysplasias and carcinomas. The detection rates for histologically verified carcinoma in situ/severe dysplasia, moderate and mild dysplasias were 0.14%, 0.14% and 0.13% with conventional and 0.14%, 0.14% and 0.11% with Papnet, respectively. The detection rate of invasive cancer was 0.06‰ (n = 4) with conventional method and 0.08‰ (n = 3) with Papnet. None of the differences were statistically significant (p > 0.05). Papnet was able to identify 92.5% of healthy women (normal cytology), and the specificity of conventional smear was 92.9%. The positive predictive value (Pap Classes III–V) of Papnet was slightly but not significantly better (55% vs. 51%). Papnet screening was feasible as a part of routine screening and performed equally well compared to conventional one methods used in Finland. Organized mass screening was practiced very successfully in the last 38 years. We are going to continue the trial to study the potential trends in cervical cancer incidence in both study arms. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A generalization of the Eilenberg-Moore spectral sequence

The purpose of this note is to announce a generalization of the (cobar) spectral sequence of Eilenberg and Moore. Full proofs and further applications will be given elsewhere. In this paper, "space" will mean simplical set, though this is not essential to our arguments, and topological spaces could be used with some modifications. Suppose that X is a cosimphcial space. If K is a field, let K(X) be the cosimphcial simplicial vector space which is obtained by taking the degreewise free K-vector space on the sets X[m](ri) (the square brackets refer to cosimphcial degree, the parentheses to simplicial degree). There is a cosimphcial map X -> K(X) which is the extension of the set map which sends each element into the basis vector which it determines. If | | denotes the "geometric (co)realization" in the sense of Bousfield and Kan [1], there is a realization \X\ -» \K(X)\ of this map. Since \K(X)\ is easily seen to be a K-vector space, we see that there is an obvious extension K(\X\) -+ \K(X)\ which is X-linear. Our main theorem will state that under certain circumstances, this map will be a weak equivalence of simplicial groups. Thus, HJ\X\;K) = n+K{\X\) = n*\K(X)[ There is a standard spectral sequence for TijKfX)! , for which £ ^ = Hp(X[q];K). In order to see that this spectral sequence includes the usual EilenbergMoore spectral sequence, suppose that we have a pair of maps A-* C <B of Kan complexes. Let X[0] = A x B, and let X\n\ = X[0] x C (in Rector's [4] terms, X is the geometric cobar construction @f{A, B)). The coface maps are given by diagonals and by the maps A -> C <B, codegeneracies by projections. Then if D = \X\,D is easily seen to be the homotopy fiber product of A and B over C. Since E\^ = H*{A) ® H*{C) ® H^(B)=^(H^(AlH^B)l the cobar construction on H*(A) and H*(B) over H^C\ we see that EM = Cotor»fXH*(A), H*(B)) (all homology groups with X-coefficients). A second application of this spectral sequence is the computation of the homology of function spaces Y. In order for our convergence conditions to hold, we need that Y be a Kan complex, and that the connectivity of Y
Calculation of effective Enhanced Dynamic Wedge Factors from Segmented Treatment Tables for symmetric and asymmetric photon beams

Purpose:A method for determination of effective transmission factors of the Varian Enhanced Dynamic Wedge (EDW) is investigated. Methods and Material:The model assumes that the EDW factor equals the fraction of monitor units delivered to the geometrical center of the beam. This ”MU fraction approximation” is verified by comparing its predictions with measurements of a series of symmetric and asymmetric fields at a Clinac 2300C/D with 6 MV and 18 MV photon beams. Results:Calculated and measured EDW factors agree typically within 1 %. Mean deviations are found to be less than 0.3 % for 6 MV and 0.2 % for 18 MV photons. Conclusion:Although the model is based on simplified assumptions, its accuracy is comparable with more complicated algorithms and quite sufficient for clinical use.