Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of nationwide tobacco control policies on smoking cessation in high and low educated groups in 18 European countries

Background: Recently a scale was introduced to quantify the implementation of tobacco control policies at country level. Our study used this scale to examine the potential impact of these policies on quit ratios in European countries. Special attention was given to smoking cessation among lower educational groups. Methods: Cross-sectional data were derived from national health surveys from 18 European countries. In the analyses we distinguished between country, sex, two age groups (25–39 and 40–59 years) and educational level. Age-standardised quit ratios were calculated as total former-smokers divided by total ever-smokers. In regression analyses we explored the correlation between national quit ratios and the national score on the Tobacco Control Scale (TCS). Results: Quit ratios were especially high (>45%) in Sweden, England, The Netherlands, Belgium and France and relatively low (<30%) in Lithuania and Latvia. Higher educated smokers were more likely to have quit smoking than lower educated smokers in all age-sex groups in all countries. National score on the tobacco control scale was positively associated with quit ratios in all age-sex groups. The association of quit ratios with score on TCS did not show consistent differences between high and low education. Of all tobacco control policies of which the TCS is constructed, price policies showed the strongest association with quit ratios, followed by an advertising ban. Conclusion: Countries with more developed tobacco control policies have higher quit ratios than countries with less developed tobacco control policies. High and low educated smokers benefit about equally from the nationwide tobacco control policies.
Acoustic analysis of voice in dysarthria following stroke

Although perceptual studies indicate the likelihood of voice disorders in persons with stroke, there have been few objective instrumental studies of voice dysfunction in dysarthria following stroke. This study reports automatic analysis of sustained vowel phonation for 61 speakers with stroke. The results show: (1) men with stroke and healthy elderly men exhibited an identical voice profile, and men with stroke had only one significantly larger noise parameter (SPI—soft phonation index) than young healthy men; and (2) women with stroke and healthy elderly women exhibited an identical voice profile, except that women with stroke exhibited a significantly higher SPI than healthy elderly women. Although there were no significant differences in smoothed pitch perturbation quotient (sPPQ) and SPI between healthy elderly women and healthy young women, women with stroke exhibited significantly larger sPPQ and SPI than healthy young women. It is suggested that studies on sub‐groups of the stroke population that use a combination of perceptual and acoustic analyses will better illuminate the voice dysfunction in dysarthria following stroke.
Comparison of Anticonvulsant Efficacy of Valproate During Prolonged Treatment with One and Three Daily Doses or Continuous (“Controlled Release”) Administration in a Model of Generalized Seizures in Rats

Summary: Recently, sustained‐release (SR) preparations of valproate (VPA) have been developed to minimize or prevent problems associated with plasma level fluctuations during therapy with conventional preparations. In the present experiments, the anticonvulsant activity of VPA was assessed during prolonged treatment with different administration protocols using the intravenous (i.v.) pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)‐infusion seizure threshold model in rats. To simulate a controlled‐release (CR) preparation, VPA was infused at a constant rate through chronically implanted intrajugular catheters in some of the experiments. In all experiments, the PTZ seizure threshold was repeatedly determined in individual rats with chronically implanted intrajugular catheters at daily intervals. Injection of saline three times daily in a control group showed that the PTZ seizure threshold was stable throughout the experiment. Acute administration of VPA 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) significantly increased the seizure threshold. During prolonged treatment with three daily doses of 200 mg/kg i.p., anticonvulsant activity markedly increased on the second day of treatment and thereafter compared to the acute effect of VPA, although plasma levels measured at each seizure threshold determination did not differ significantly. This increase in anticonvulsant activity of VPA during prolonged treatment was much less pronounced with one instead of three daily doses. One daily intraperitoneal injection of VPA (200 mg/kg) plus continuous, constant‐rate intravenous infusion of 400 mg/kg/day led to a marked increase in anticonvulsant activity similar to that in the experiment with three daily doses, indicating that not the peak levels but the duration of maintenance of active drug concentrations was important for development of enhanced anticonvulsant activity. Continuous constant‐rate intravenous infusion of VPA (600 mg/kg/day) without additional bolus injections led to significant increases in seizure threshold for the duration of treatment, although drug levels at time of threshold determination were much lower as compared with those in the experiments with conventional administration, confirming that high peak levels of VPA are not needed for development of anticonvulsant efficacy. In contrast to the experiments with single‐dose injections, continuous infusion of VPA was the only treatment devoid of behavioral adverse effects. The experiments indicate that CR preparations of VPA lead to anticonvulsant efficacy of VPA in the absence of high peak levels in plasma and the adverse effects (AE) associated with such peak levels.
The Rat α1B Adrenergic Receptor Gene Middle Promoter Contains Multiple Binding Sites for Sequence-specific Proteins Including a Novel Ubiquitous Transcription Factor (*)

Transcription of the rat α1B adrenergic receptor (α1BAR) gene in the liver is controlled by three promoters that generate three mRNAs. The middle promoter (P2), located between −432 and −813 base pairs upstream from the translation start codon and lacking a TATA box, is responsible for generating the major, 2.7-kilobase mRNA species expressed in many tissues (Gao, B., and Kunos, G.(1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 15762-15767). DNase I footprinting using rat liver nuclear extracts identified three protected regions in P2: footprint I (−432 to −452), footprint II(−490 to −540), and footprint III (−609 to −690). Putative response elements in footprints I and III were not analyzed except the AP2 binding site in footprint III, which could be protected by purified AP2 protein. Footprint II contains four sites corresponding to half of the NF-I consensus sequence, but DNA mobility shift assays indicate that this footprint binds two proteins distinct from NF-I: a ubiquitous CP1-related factor and another novel factor, termed α-Adrenergic Receptor Transcription Factor (αARTF), which binds to two separate sites in this region. The αARTF is widely distributed, with the highest amounts found in brain, followed by liver, kidney, lung, and spleen, but no detectable activity in heart. Deletions of αARTF binding sites nearly abolished P2 promoter activity, which suggests that the αARTF is essential for the transcription of the α1BAR gene in most tissues.
A 2.5 GHz low phase noise LC VCO in 0.35μm SiGe BiCMOS technology

A fully integrated low phase noise LC VCO with tail resistor for current control is presented using 0.35 mum SiGe BiCMOS technology. The structure is used to reduce noise of tail current source. The VCO has a tuning range of 480 MHz, from 2.32 GHz to 2.8 GHz and achieves low phase noise of -104.3 dBc/Hz and -124.3 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz and 1 MHz offset frequency from 2.5 GHz carrier. The oscillator draws 5 mA from 5 V supply voltage. The figure-of-merit (FOM) value at 2.5 GHz is around -178 dBc/Hz at the offset frequency of 100 kHz.
Randot stereoacuity testing in young children.

OBJECTIVE The Randot test is a commonly used stereoacuity test with child-friendly targets; however, little has been published about its use for young children. We sought to determine the completion rate of the Randot test among young children with normal vision and to calculate normative values. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The Randot stereoacuity test was administered to 264 children whose ages ranged from 3 to 7 years. Because this was an investigation to determine the percentage of children who could complete the Randot test, children who failed a vision screening modified from the Modified Clinical Technique were excluded to minimize confounding factors (ie, a lack of measurable stereopsis due to vision problems rather than inability to understand the test). Completion rates and cumulative percentages were calculated by age. RESULTS A completion rate of 98.5% was found. Median Randot stereoacuities were 100 seconds of arc for the 3-year-old children, 70 seconds of arc for the 4-year-old children, 50 seconds of arc for the 5-year-old children, 40 seconds of arc for the 6-year-old children, and 45 seconds of arc for the 7-year-old children. Kruskal-Wallis testing revealed a significant change in stereoacuity with age (chi-square, 35.55; df = 4; P < .001), and pairwise comparisons (alpha = 0.05) revealed that the 3- and 4-year-old children were significantly different from the 5-, 6-, and 7-year-old children. CONCLUSIONS Randot stereoacuity can be assessed for most preschool children and all young school-aged children. In the absence of significant refractive error, strabismus, or reduced or unequal acuity, most 4-year-old children should have a Randot stereoacuity of 70 seconds of arc or better and most young school-aged children should have a Randot stereoacuity of 50 seconds of arc.
Molecular epidemiology of adhesin and hemolysin virulence factors among uropathogenic Escherichia coli

The pap, prs, pil, and hly operons of the pyelonephritic Escherichia coli isolate J96 code for the expression of P, F, and type 1 adhesins and the production of hemolysin, respectively; the afaI operon of the pyelonephritic E. coli KS52 encodes an X adhesin. Using different segments of these operons as probes, colony hybridizations were performed on 97 E. coli urinary tract and 40 fecal clinical isolates to determine (i) the presence in the infecting bacteria of nucleotide sequences related to virulence operons, and (ii) the phenotypic properties associated with such sequences. Coexpression of P and F adhesins encoded by pap-related sequences was detected more frequently among isolates from patients with pyelonephritis (32 of 49, 65%) than among those with cystitis (11 of 48, 23%; P less than 0.0001) or from fecal specimens (6 of 40, 15%; P less than 0.0001). Therefore, the expression of both adhesins appears to be critical in the colonization of the upper urinary tract. In contrast, afaI-related sequences were detected significantly more frequently among isolates from patients with cystitis, suggesting that this class of X adhesin may have a role in lower urinary tract infections. Urinary tract isolates differed from fecal isolates by a low incidence of type 1 adhesin expression among pil probe-positive isolates. hly-related sequences were only detected in pap probe-positive isolates. The frequency of hemolysin production among pap probe-positive isolates was not associated with a particular pattern of infection. The distribution of these virulence factors was similar in the presence or absence of reflux, indicating that structural abnormalities of the urinary tract did not facilitate colonization by adhesin-negative isolates.
Update on a phase I pharmacologic and pharmacodynamic study of MK-1775, a Wee1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in monotherapy and combination with gemcitabine, cisplatin, or carboplatin in patients with advanced solid tumors.

3068 Background: MK-1775 (MK) is an investigational inhibitor of the Wee1 kinase regulating the G2 checkpoint leading to chemo-sensitization in p53-deficient tumor cells. Down-regulation of pCDC2 upon treatment with MK and chemotherapy serves as biomarker in this study. METHODS Evaluation of safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of MK administered PO as monotherapy and combination with gemcitabine (G), cisplatin (P), or carboplatin (C). PART 1 is a single dose of MK followed by 1 of 3 treatment arms in PART 2A: single MK dose in combination with: 1) 1,000 mg/m2 G, 2) 75 mg/m2 P or 3) C AUC 5. In PART 2B, 5-BID doses of MK are explored in the same 3 arms. PART 3 is a cohort expansion to confirm Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD). 50% reduction of pCDC2 in skin biopsies post-MK vs pre-treatment is considered evidence of target engagement (TE). RESULTS To date, 156 pts (44 in monotherapy/single-dose combination, 112 in multi-dose combination therapy) were treated with MK. No DLTs were observed in monotherapy; 7 (single dose) and 17 pts (multiple dose) experienced DLTs in combination therapy. Most common AEs are hematologic, nausea/vomiting, fatigue. PK was linear from 25 to 1,300 mg MK. MTDs of MK in combination with G, C, P as a single dose and as multiple dose in combination with C and P were identified. TE by pCDC2 occurred in 55% of pts at doses of MK > 100 mg across treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS MK is a first-in-class Wee1 inhibitor that is well tolerated in combination with chemotherapy, with evidence of TE. Clinical and biomarker responses were observed in previously treated pts. [Table: see text].
Nonlinear transmission line as a large signal model for HEMT

This paper presents a new large signal modeling technique for FET devices. The proposed method employs distributed approach using nonlinear transmission line based on GCA(Gradual Channel Approximation). The modeling procedure needs only a few S parameter measurements under cold bias condition and simple I-V measurements. The former is used to extract the channel conductance and gate capacitance and the latter to optimize the velocity-field relation. The large signal model can be directly established without any active biased S parameter measurements, ECP extraction, and laborious fitting procedures required in conventional empirical modelings.
Recurrent furunculosis: a review of the literature

Background Community‐associated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA‐MRSA) is increasing in incidence and manifests as skin and soft tissue infections including furuncles. The majority of studies have focused on the epidemiology of single furuncles and not recurrent disease. There is a lack of data concerning the incidence of furunculosis outside the U.S.A.
Phase I trial of the recombinant soluble complement receptor 1 in acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome

ObjectiveTo determine the safety, pharmacokinetics, biological effects, and immunogenicity of recombinant soluble complement receptor 1 (TP10) in patients with acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). DesignOpen label, ascending dosage, phase I trial. SettingTwo academic teaching hospitals. PatientsA total of 24 patients diagnosed with ALI/ARDS. InterventionA single, 30-min intravenous infusion of 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, or 10 mg/kg TP10. Measurements and Main ResultsSerum levels of TP10 increased in proportion to the dose. Mean variable estimates (± sd) were half-life of disposition 69.7 ± 39.7 hrs, plasma clearance 2.39 ± 1.32 mL/hr/kg, and volume of distribution 190.6 ± 135.0 mL/kg. Inhibition of complement activity, measured by CH50, was significant for the interaction of dose and time (p = .024). The C3a levels demonstrated a trend for dose which did not reach statistical significance (p = .090) and soluble C5b-9 levels were significant only for dose (p = .023). As expected by the proposed physiologic mechanism, C4a levels were not affected by TP10, dose, or time. The overall mortality rate was 33%. Neither the type nor the frequency rate of specific adverse events were substantially different between dose groups. Seven adverse events in four patients were thought to be possibly related to TP10. ConclusionsTP10 has a half-life of ∼70 hrs and at doses ≥1 mg/kg, significantly inhibits complement activity at the levels of C3 and C5 in patients with ALI/ARDS. Complement inhibition was more prolonged over time with TP10 doses of 3 and 10 mg/kg. TP10 appears to be safe at the doses tested. Further studies will be required to completely assess the impact of TP10 on pathophysiology and clinical outcome in patients with ALI/ARDS.
Thrombin and histamine activate phospholipase C in human endothelial cells via a phorbol ester‐sensitive pathway

The effects of phorbol esters and synthetic diglycerides on thrombin‐ and histamine‐stimulated increases in inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) were studied in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HEC). Thrombin (0.003–3.0 U/ml) and histamine (10−7–10−4 M) induced rapid increases in [Ca2+]i in suspended cells as monitored with the fluorescent calcium indicator fura‐2. In [3H]myoinositol‐labeled cells, both thrombin (3 U/ml)‐ and histamine (10−4 M)‐induced IP3 increases (195% ± 6% and 98% ± 4%, respectively) occurred in less than 15 sec and were temporally correlated with [Ca2+]i increases. Brief incubations (5–60 min) with different protein kinase C activators [4‐β‐phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (1–100 nM), mezerein (100 nM), and sn‐1,2 dioctanoylglycerol (0.1–10 μM)] attenuated agonist‐induced increases in [Ca2+]i. These compounds also inhibited thrombin‐ and histaminestimulated IP3 formation, thus suggesting a tight coupling between phospholipase C activation and calcium flux in cultured HEC. Overall, these observations suggest that the pathway linking receptors to phospholipase C stimulation in human endothelial cells is sensitive to protein kinase C activation.
Mechanical vibration compensation method for 3D+t multi-particle tracking in microscopic volumes

The acquisition and analysis of data in microscopic systems with spatiotemporal evolution is a very relevant topic. In this work, we describe a method to optimize an experimental setup for acquiring and processing spatiotemporal (3D+t) data in microscopic systems. The method is applied to a three-dimensional multi-tracking and analysis system of free-swimming sperm trajectories previously developed. The experimental set uses a piezoelectric device making oscillate a large focal-distance objective mounted on an inverted microscope (over its optical axis) to acquire stacks of images at a high frame rate over a depth on the order of 250 microns. A problem arise when the piezoelectric device oscillates, in such a way that a vibration is transmitted to the whole microscope, inducing undesirable 3D vibrations to the whole set. For this reason, as a first step, the biological preparation was isolated from the body of the microscope to avoid modifying the free swimming pattern of the microorganism due to the transmission of these vibrations. Nevertheless, as the image capturing device is mechanically attached to the “vibrating” microscope, the resulting acquired data are contaminated with an undesirable 3D movement that biases the original trajectory of these high speed moving cells. The proposed optimization method determines the functional form of these 3D oscillations to neutralize them from the original acquired data set. Given the spatial scale of the system, the added correction increases significantly the data accuracy. The optimized system may be very useful in a wide variety of 3D+t applications using moving optical devices.
Clinical validity of measuring jerk-cost of jaw movement during speech: effect of mouthguard design on smoothness of jaw movements

Improvement of movement smoothness is indicated by reduction of movement jerk-cost. Although jerk-cost of masticatory jaw movement is known to be a sensitive indicator of occlusal abnormalities, an applicability of the jerk-cost measurement to diagnose speech jaw movement is uncertain. The jaw movement during speech is modified in adaptation to oral applications such as complete denture, orthodontic appliances and mouthguards. This study aimed to test sensitivity of the jerk measurement to distinguish between speech jaw movements that are performed in response to insertions of varied types of the mouthguards. Five subjects participated in this study. Mandibular incisor-point movements during speech were recorded at sampling rate of 100 Hz by a stereotaxic device. The subject was asked to read a prescribed Japanese sentence including 170 characters aloud with a normal pitch. Normalized values of the jerk-costs were calculated and compared. The results showed that the jaw movement smoothness was impaired by the insertions of mouthguards. However, the movement smoothness was improved by size reduction of lingual part of the mouthguards. It is concluded that the measurement is capable of sensitive monitoring of the smoothness of the jaw movement in speech articulation.
Protecting precarious workers in the global maritime industry: a case of regulatory failure?

Abstract The maritime industry is one in which precarious employment is the norm. At the same time, it is also among the most hazardous of industries. It is both global and globalised in its structure and organisation and, largely as a consequence of this, the regulation of health and safety of work is subject to special challenges. The Philippines contributes the largest single national group of seafarers working in the maritime industry. The paper examines the arrangements the Philippine state has made to protect its citizens in the industry, who are recruited through temporary employment agencies in the Philippines to work onboard vessels under the charge of foreign ship operators. The paper situates this examination within two wider discourses on regulation — one concerning the protection of the health and safety of workers in precarious employment, and the other addressing the challenge to regulation represented by the processes of globalisation. In the latter case, the paper presents information on the structure and organisation of work in the maritime industry, not because this experience is unique to the industry, but rather because it mirrors forms of restructuring of employment and the regulation of risks that are increasingly in evidence in land-based work. In this respect, the paper finds that the ambivalence of Philippine state institutions concerning the protection of the health, safety and wellbeing of its citizens on the one hand, and their role in facilitating business advantage in the supply of labour to the maritime industry on the other, cannot be relied on to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of Filipino nationals. Finally, the paper makes the point that while it recounts an empirical study largely concerning the regulation of the health and safety consequences of precarious maritime employment of Filipino seafarers, its findings and explanations for them have wider application, not only in the maritime industry and in marginal regions and developing countries, but also for understanding the limitations of national regulatory protection afforded to workers in precarious employment more widely.