Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Difficult Mask Ventilation

Background Maintenance of airway patency and oxygenation are the main objectives of face-mask ventilation. Because the incidence of difficult mask ventilation (DMV) and the factors associated with it are not well known, we undertook this prospective study. Methods Difficult mask ventilation was defined as the inability of an unassisted anesthesiologist to maintain the measured oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry > 92% or to prevent or reverse signs of inadequate ventilation during positive-pressure mask ventilation under general anesthesia. A univariate analysis was performed to identify potential factors predicting DMV, followed by a multivariate analysis, and odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated. Results A total of 1,502 patients were prospectively included. DMV was reported in 75 patients (5%; 95% confidence interval, 3.9–6.1%), with one case of impossible ventilation. DMV was anticipated by the anesthesiologist in only 13 patients (17% of the DMV cases). Body mass index, age, macroglossia, beard, lack of teeth, history of snoring, increased Mallampati grade, and lower thyromental distance were identified in the univariate analysis as potential DMV risk factors. Using a multivariate analysis, five criteria were recognized as independent factors for a DMV (age older than 55 yr, body mass index > 26 kg/m2, beard, lack of teeth, history of snoring), the presence of two indicating high likelihood of DMV (sensitivity, 0.72; specificity, 0.73). Conclusion In a general adult population, DMV was reported in 5% of the patients. A simple DMV risk score was established. Being able to more accurately predict DMV may improve the safety of airway management.
Balanced InP/InGaAs Photodiodes With 1.5-W Output Power

We report InP/InGaAs modified unitraveling-carrier balanced photodiodes (PDs). The back-illuminated PDs were flip-chip bonded on diamond submounts for enhanced heat sinking. The device demonstrated a 3-dB bandwidth of 8 GHz and a 30-dB common-mode rejection ratio at frequencies of <; 10 GHz. High saturation current of > 320 mA, maximum output power of 31.7 dBm (1.5 W) into a 50-Ω load, and good linearity with a third-order intercept point of up to 47 dBm were measured at the 3-dB bandwidth frequency of 8 GHz.
Population-Based Surveillance of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in New Jersey, 2009-2011

Background: Limited epidemiological data exist about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the United States (US). The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry maintains the National ALS Registry and funded state and metropolitan surveillance projects to obtain reliable, timely information about ALS in defined geographic areas. Methods: Neurologists submitted case reports for ALS patients under their care between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011 who were New Jersey residents. A medical record verification form and electromyogram (EMG) report were requested for a sample of case reports. Incidence rates were standardized to the 2000 US Standard Population. Results: The average crude annual incidence rate was 1.87 per 100,000 person-years, the average age-adjusted annual incidence rate was 1.67 per 100,000 person-years, and the point prevalence rate on December 31, 2011 was 4.40 per 100,000 persons. Average annual incidence rates and point prevalence rates were statistically higher for men compared with women; Whites compared with Blacks/African Americans and Asians; and non-Hispanics compared with Hispanics. Conclusions: The project findings contribute new, population-based, state-specific information to epidemiological data regarding ALS. The findings are generally consistent with previously published surveillance studies conducted in the US and abroad.
An efficient broadband left-handed metamaterials with low-loss

In the past decade, left-handed metamaterials (LHMs), which were first named and theoretically discussed by Veselago [1], have been extensively studied throughout the world. They are composed of arrays of split-ring resonators (SRRs) and wires [2], [3] which exhibit negative permittivity and permeability, respectively. The first LHM was constructed and experimentally demonstrated by Smith et al. in 2000 [4]. Then many groups [5], [6] constructed LHMs by printing the SRRs of different shapes and the wires on both sides of the substrates. However, those given LHMs have the drawbacks of high loss and narrow passband. In order to solve those problems above, we propose a new double-sided LHM in this paper, which consists of triangular electromagnetic resonators (TERs) and wires at the opposite sides of the substrate. The LHM can exhibit a low loss and broad negative refraction passband.
Power split e-CVT ship propulsion system

This paper investigates the possibility to use a power split e-CVT as the core of a vessel power management unit which is able to produce both mechanical power for driving the propeller shaft, and electrical energy for the onboard electric power system. The proposed power split e-CVT transmission for ship propulsion must guarantee all the features given by traditional drivelines based on pure mechanical systems. In addition, extra features are expected from the new system: saving in weight, volume and cost of the overall driveline, increasing the speed-power range regulation capability of the system, introducing new operating mode (i.e. pure electric operation of a ship), increasing the efficiency of the overall conversion system.
- 1-Computer Simulation of Glioma Growth and Morphology

Despite major advances in the study of glioma, the quantitative links between intratumor molecular/cellular properties, clinically observable properties such as morphology, and critical tumor behaviors such as growth and invasiveness remain unclear, hampering more effective coupling of tumor physical characteristics with implications for prognosis and therapy. Although molecular biology, histopathology, and radiological imaging are employed in this endeavor, studies are severely challenged by the multitude of different physical scales involved in tumor growth, i.e., from molecular nanoscale to cell microscale and finally to tissue centimeter scale. Consequently, it is often difficult to determine the underlying dynamics across dimensions. New techniques are needed to tackle these issues. Here, we address this multi-scalar problem by employing a novel predictive three-dimensional mathematical and computational model based on first-principle equations (conservation laws of physics) that describe mathematically the diffusion of cell substrates and other processes determining tumor mass growth and invasion. The model uses conserved variables to represent known determinants of glioma behavior, e.g., cell density and oxygen concentration, as well as biological functional relationships and parameters linking phenomena at different scales whose specific forms and values are hypothesized and calculated based on in-vitro and in-vivo experiments and from histopathology of tissue specimens from human gliomas. This model enables correlation of glioma morphology to tumor growth by quantifying interdependence of tumor mass on the microenvironment (e.g., hypoxia, tissue disruption) and on the cellular phenotypes (e.g., mitosis and apoptosis rates, cell adhesion strength). Once functional relationships between variables and associated parameter values have been informed, e.g. from histopathology or intra-operative analysis, this model can be used for disease $ Funding from NIH-NIGMS RO1 GM47368 (E.L.B.) + Partial funding from the National Science Foundation and National Cancer Institute *Partial funding from the National Science Foundation, Division of Mathematical Sciences.
Antimicrobial and Anti-Proliferative Effects of Skin Mucus Derived from Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758)

Resistance to chemotherapy occurs in various diseases (i.e., cancer and infection), and for this reason, both are very difficult to treat. Therefore, novel antimicrobial and chemotherapic drugs are needed for effective antibiotic therapy. The aim of the present study was to assess the antimicrobial and anti-proliferative effects of skin mucus derived from Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758). Our results showed that skin mucus exhibited a significant and specific antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria but not against Gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, we also observed a significant antifungal activity against some strains of Candida spp. Concerning anti-proliferative activity, we showed that fish mucus was specifically toxic for acute leukemia cells (HL60) with an inhibition of proliferation in a dose dependent manner (about 52% at 1000 μg/mL of fish skin mucous, FSM). Moreover, we did not observe effects in healthy cells, in neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y), and multiple myeloma cell lines (MM1, U266). Finally, it exhibited strong expression and activity of chitinase which may be responsible, at least in part, for the aforementioned results.
Comparison of Techniques to Evaluate Adiposity in Stunted and Nonstunted Children

OBJECTIVE. The use of anthropometric measures (eg, skinfold thicknesses, BMI) to assess obesity is not without controversy and has not been explored with respect to the use among groups of children with growth retardation (ie, stunting). Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether growth retardation affects the accuracy of field methods for assessing body composition in children. METHODS. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 stunted children and 30 nonstunted children who were matched for age- and weight-for-height z score and living in the shantytowns of São Paulo, Brazil. Body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass, and percentage of body fat [%BF]) was measured by H218O dilution (reference technique) using group-specific values for the hydration of fat-free mass and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. BMI and body composition that were calculated from 3 pediatric skinfold prediction equations were evaluated for accuracy of %BF in comparison with the reference technique. RESULTS. Stunted children were shorter and weighed less than nonstunted children, but BMI did not differ significantly between groups. All 3 skinfold equations tested resulted in a calculated %BF that was significantly lower than that measured by H218O dilution for both stunted and nonstunted groups, and %BF as calculated by any of the skinfold equations tested did not significantly predict %BF by H218O dilution. In contrast, BMI significantly predicted %BF in both stunted and nonstunted children, and this relationship did not differ by growth status. CONCLUSION. BMI but not skinfolds significantly predicted %BF measured by H218O dilution. The relationship between BMI and %BF did not differ between stunted and nonstunted children; this indicates that BMI can be used in field studies of obesity and stunting. However, the prediction of %BF by BMI is relatively poor in both groups of children, and continued investigation of more accurate field methods for measuring %BF is warranted.
Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Induce CD 8 + Regulatory T Cells In Human Ovarian Carcinoma

To directly dissect the role of each immune component in human tumor immunopathogenesis, we have studied the interaction between dendritic cells and T cells in the tumor environment of patients with ovarian carcinoma. We previously reported that functional plasmacytoid dendritic cells, but not functionally mature myeloid dendritic cells, accumulated in tumor microenvironments. We now show that tumor ascites macrophage-derived dendritic cells induced tumor-associated antigen–specific CD8 T cells with effector functions. Strikingly, tumor ascites plasmacytoid dendritic cells induced interleukin-10CCR7CD45ROCD8 regulatory T cells. Four characteristics have been identified in tumor plasmacytoid dendritic cell–induced CD8 regulatory T cells: (a) induction of CD8 regulatory T cells is independent of CD4CD25 T cells; (b) CD8 regulatory T cells significantly suppress myeloid dendritic cell–mediated tumor-associated antigen–specific T cell effector functions through interleukin10; (c) repetitive myeloid dendritic cell stimulation can recover CD8 regulatory T cell–mediated poor T cell proliferation, but not T cell effector function; (d) CD8 regulatory T cells express functional CCR7, and efficiently migrate with lymphoid homing chemokine MIP-3B. Primary suppressive CCR7CD45ROCD8 T cells are found in the tumor environment of patients with ovarian cancers. Thus, tumor-associated plasmacytoid dendritic cells contribute to the tumor environmental immunosuppressive network. Collectively, tumors manipulate tumor microenvironmental dendritic cell subset distribution and function to subvert tumor immunity. The data are relevant to understanding tumor immunopathology as well as reevaluating tumor immunotherapeutic strategies. (Cancer Res 2005; 65(12): 5020-6)
Dependence and independence of [PSI+] and [PIN+]: a two‐prion system in yeast?

The [PSI+] prion can be induced by overproduction of the complete Sup35 protein, but only in strains carrying the non‐Mendelian [PIN+] determinant. Here we demonstrate that just as [psi−] strains can exist as [PIN+] and [pin−] variants, [PSI+] can also exist in the presence or absence of [PIN+]. [PSI+] and [PIN+] tend to be cured together, but can be lost separately. [PSI+]‐related phenotypes are not affected by [PIN+]. Thus, [PIN+] is required for the de novo formation of [PSI+], not for [PSI+] propagation. Although [PSI+] induction is shown to require [PIN+] even when the only overexpressed region of Sup35p is the prion domain, two altered prion domain fragments circumventing the [PIN+] requirement are characterized. Finally, in strains cured of [PIN+], prolonged incubation facilitates the reappearance of [PIN+]. Newly appearing [PIN+] elements are often unstable but become stable in some mitotic progeny. Such reversibility of curing, together with our previous demonstration that the inheritance of [PIN+] is non‐Mendelian, supports the hypothesis that [PIN+] is a prion. Models for [PIN+] action, which explain these findings, are discussed.
Measurement of distal EMG signals using a wearable device for reading facial expressions

In this paper we present a quantitative analysis of electrode positions on the side of the face for facial expression recognition using facial bioelectrical signals. We show that distal electrode locations on areas of low facial mobility have a strong amplitude and are correlated to signals captured in the traditional positions on top of the facial muscles. We report on electrode position choice as well successful facial expression identification using computational methods. We also propose a wearable interface device that can detect facial bioelectrical signals distally in a continuous manner while being unobtrusive to the user. The proposed device can be worn on the side of the face and capture signals that are considered to be a mixture of facial electromyographic signals and other bioelectrical signals. Finally we show the design of an interface that can be comfortably worn by the user and makes facial expression recognition possible.
Evaluation of Patients with Community‐Acquired Pneumonia Caused by Zoonotic Pathogens in an Area with a High Density of Animal Farms

Intensive animal farming could potentially lead to outbreaks of infectious diseases. Clinicians are at the forefront of detecting unusual diseases, but the lack of specificity of zoonotic disease symptoms makes this a challenging task. We evaluated patients with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) with known and unknown aetiology in an area with a high livestock density and a potential association with animal farms in the proximity. Between 2008 and 2009, a period coinciding with a large Q fever outbreak in the Netherlands, patients with CAP were tested for the presence of possible respiratory pathogens. The presence and number of farm animals within 1 km of the patients' home address were assessed using geographic information system (GIS) and were compared between cases and age‐matched control subjects. Of 408 patients with CAP, pathogens were detected in 275 (67.4%) patients. The presence of sheep and the number of goats were associated with CAP caused by Coxiella burnetii in a multiple logistic regression model (P < 0.05). CAP with unknown aetiology was not associated with the presence of animal farms (P > 0.10). The use of GIS in combination with aetiology of CAP could be potentially used to target diagnostics and to identify outbreaks of rare zoonotic disease.
A Geometric Characterization of the Persistence of Excitation Condition for the Solutions of Autonomous Systems

The persistence of excitation of signals generated by time-invariant, autonomous, linear, and nonlinear systems is studied using a geometric approach. A rank condition is shown to be equivalent, under certain assumptions, to the persistence of excitation of the solutions of the class of systems considered, both in the discrete-time and in the continuous-time settings. The rank condition is geometric in nature and can be checked a priori, i.e. without knowing explicitly the solutions of the system, for almost periodic systems. The significance of the ideas and tools presented is illustrated by means of simple examples. Applications to model reduction from input–output data and stability analysis of skew-symmetric systems are also discussed.
The Plot Thickens: Surveying Manuals, Drama, and the Materiality of Narrative Form in Early Modern England

cartographic principles as well as the processes of theatrical production. Unlike Puttocks and friends, an audience of "gentlemen" (however loosely defined) is expected to recognize not just the makings of a map, but also to be familiar with the device of a masque. This cartographic and theatrical knowledge converges in a word used synonymously with "device": the theatrical "plat," or "plot. " 634 The Plot Thickens This content downloaded from 157.55. 39.30 on Thu, 26 May 2016 04:42:10 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor. org/terms
Interaction of the Influenza A Virus Nucleocapsid Protein with the Viral RNA Polymerase Potentiates Unprimed Viral RNA Replication

ABSTRACT The influenza A virus polymerase transcribes and replicates the eight virion RNA (vRNA) segments. Transcription is initiated with capped RNA primers excised from cellular pre-mRNAs by the intrinsic endonuclease of the viral polymerase. Viral RNA replication occurs in two steps: first a full-length copy of vRNA is made, termed cRNA, and then this cRNA is copied to produce vRNA. The synthesis of cRNAs and vRNAs is initiated without a primer, in contrast to the initiation of viral mRNA synthesis, and requires the viral nucleocapsid protein (NP). The mechanism of unprimed viral RNA replication is poorly understood. To elucidate this mechanism, we used purified recombinant influenza virus polymerase complexes and NP to establish an in vitro system that catalyzes the unprimed synthesis of cRNA and vRNA using 50-nucleotide-long RNA templates. The purified viral polymerase and NP are sufficient for catalyzing this RNA synthesis without a primer, suggesting that host cell factors are not required. We used this purified in vitro replication system to demonstrate that the RNA-binding activity of NP is not required for the unprimed synthesis of cRNA and vRNA. This result rules out two models that postulate that the RNA-binding activity of NP mediates the switch from capped RNA-primed transcription to unprimed viral RNA replication. Because we showed that NP lacking RNA-binding activity binds directly to the viral polymerase, it is likely that a direct interaction between NP and the viral polymerase results in a modification of the polymerase in favor of unprimed initiation.
Prevention of Eavesdropping in OFDMA Systems

In this paper, a novel anti-eavesdropping OFDM system through dynamic subcarrier coordinate interleaving is proposed by exploiting the reciprocal, location-dependent and time-varying nature of wireless channels. The transmitter performs coordinate interleaving at some of the OFDM subcarriers in an opportunistic manner, where the secret interleaving pattern is determined by the instantaneous channel state information (CSI) between the transmitter and intended receiver. More specifically, a subcarrier symbol associated with a channel phase larger than a predefined threshold is coordinate interleaved. Since wireless channels associated with each pair of users at separate locations exhibit independent multipath fading, the frequently updated coordinate interleaving pattern can only be shared between legitimate users based on channel reciprocity. Consequently, eavesdropping is prevented due to mismatched de-interleaving at the eavesdropper. Theoretical analysis and simulation results are provided to validate the proposed system.
Growth hormone levels in pregnancy.

ABSTRACT Serum growth hormone (HGH) levels were measured in 48 subjects during pregnancy with the use of a sensitive radioimmunoassay under conditions in which there was minimal interference from placental lactogen (HPL). The mean fasting, ambulatory serum HGH concentrations in the 3 trimesters of pregnancy are not significantly different from those of nonpregnant female subjects. HGH secretion is stimulated by insulin-induced hypoglycemia, labor and ambulation, but glucose administration failed to suppress the maternal HGH levels. HGH concentrations in cord sera are at least 3-fold greater than in the paired maternal sera. These observations indicate that serum HGH levels are within normal limits during pregnancy and that HGH is secreted in response to physiological stimuli.
A fully inkjet-printed 3D transformer balun for conformal and rollable microwave applications

An original design and prototype for the first-time reported low-cost inkjet printed 1:4 GHz planar, multi-layer transformer is presented. The proposed transformer is a balun and consists of a three-parallel turns center-tapped primary coil and a two turns, including overpasses, secondary coil for conformal and rollable antenna applications. The hosting substrate is Liquid Crystalline Polymer (LCP) by Rogers Corporation, the conductive layers are realized through the nano-particle silver inkjet printing technique and the dielectric layers, used to separate the overpasses of the turns, are made by means of SU-8 inkjet printing. Based on the fabrication technology, we achieved a design with a good maximum available gain (MAG) of about -1.765 dB (given the lossy conductive ink) and high self-resonant frequencies of the coils. The MAG indicates that 67% of the input power is received at the output, given appropriate matching. The transformer has an inductance of 6.1 nH and 14.2 nH for the primary and the secondary respectively at 1.4 GHz. The simulated k-factor is equal to 0.49.
The Antioxidative, Antiaging, and Hepatoprotective Effects of Alkali-Extractable Polysaccharides by Agaricus bisporus

The aim of this work was designed to investigate the antioxidant, antiaging, and hepatoprotective effects of alkali-extractable polysaccharides (AlAPS) and their three purified fractions (AlAPS-1, AlAPS-2, and AlAPS-3) from Agaricus bisporus in D-galactose induced aging mice. For in vitro antioxidant analysis, both AlAPS and its fractions exhibited moderate reducing power, Fe2+-chelating activities, and potent scavenging activities on hydroxyl and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. The in vivo results demonstrated that the polysaccharides, especially AlAPS-2, showed potential antiaging and hepatoprotective effects by enhancing the antioxidant status, decreasing serum hepatic enzyme activities, and improving the lipid metabolism. This study suggested that the polysaccharides extracted and purified from A. bisporus could be exploited as a potent dietary supplement to attenuate aging and prevent age-related diseases.