Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occupational seafood allergy: a review

BACKGROUND Recent years have seen increased levels of production and consumption of seafood, leading to more frequent reporting of allergic reactions in occupational and domestic settings. This review focuses on occupational allergy in the fishing and seafood processing industry. REVIEW Workers involved in either manual or automated processing of crabs, prawns, mussels, fish, and fishmeal production are commonly exposed to various constituents of seafood. Aerosolisation of seafood and cooking fluid during processing are potential occupational situations that could result in sensitisation through inhalation. There is great variability of aerosol exposure within and among various jobs with reported allergen concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 5.061(μg/m3). Occupational dermal exposure occurs as a result of unprotected handling of seafood and its byproducts. Occupational allergies have been reported in workers exposed to arthropods (crustaceans), molluscs, pisces (bony fish) and other agents derived from seafood. The prevalence of occupational asthma ranges from 7% to 36%, and for occupational protein contact dermatitis, from 3% to 11%. These health outcomes are mainly due to high molecular weight proteins in seafood causing an IgE mediated response. Cross reactivity between various species within a major seafood grouping also occurs. Limited evidence from dose-response relations indicate that development of symptoms is related to duration or intensity of exposure. The evidence for atopy as a risk factor for occupational sensitisation and asthma is supportive, whereas evidence for cigarette smoking is limited. Disruption of the intact skin barrier seems to be an important added risk factor for occupational protein contact dermatitis. CONCLUSION The range of allergic disease associated with occupational exposure to crab is well characterised, whereas for other seafood agents the evidence is somewhat limited. There is a need for further epidemiological studies to better characterise this risk. More detailed characterisation of specific protein antigens in aerosols and associated establishment of dose-response relations for acute and chronic exposure to seafood; the respective roles of skin contact and inhalational exposure in allergic sensitisation and cross reactivity; and the contribution of host associated factors in the development of occupational seafood allergies are important areas for future research.
Medical thoracoscopy: Analysis on diagnostic yield through 30 years of experience

Background: Medical thoracoscopy (MT) or pleuroscopy is a procedure performed to diagnose and treat malignant and benign pleural diseases. Totally 2752 pleuroscopies executed in 1984–2013 in our center were considered in this study. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed. Observational time was divided into six series of 5 years. We calculated MT diagnostic yield and analyzed trends of main diseases diagnosed along the time. Results: Along the 30 years population became progressively older. Number of pleuroscopies firstly increased, then stabilized and decreased in the last 5 years. The overall diagnostic yield of MT was 71%, increasing from 57% to 79%. The diagnostic yield was significantly higher in the presence of monolateral pleural effusion. Cancer represented more than half of diagnosis; tuberculosis was the most common nonneoplastic disease. The frequency of all cancers, mesothelioma, and lung cancer increased through the time; tuberculosis first decreased and then increased. All specimens resulted appropriate during the last 25 years. Conclusion: MT has a great diagnostic yield that can be improved by practice, permitting to achieve a specific histological diagnosis in about 80% of patients. Our experience demonstrates that the accurate selection of the patients undergoing to MT is very important to reach these results.
On the role of the stratosphere in the process of overflow of mesoscale mountains

Abstract. A 2-D, two- and three-layer stratified airflow over a mountain of arbitrary shape is considered on the assumptions that upstream wind velocity and static stability within each layer are constant (Long's model). The stratosphere is simulated by an infinitely deep upper layer with enhanced static stability. The analytical solution for the stream function, as well as first (linear) and second order approximations to the wave drag, are obtained in hydrostatic limit N 1 L/U 0 →∞, where N 1 is the Brunt-Vasala frequency in the troposphere, L is a characteristic length of the obstacle, and U 0 is upstream velocity. The results of numerical computations show the principal role of long waves in the process of interaction between the model layers for a typical mesoscale mountains for which the hydrostatic approximation proves valid in a wide range of flow parameters, in accordance with the earlier conclusions of Klemp and Lilly (1975). Partial reflection of wave energy from the tropopause produces strong influence on the value of wave drag for typical middle and upper tropospheric lapse rates, leading to a quasi-periodic dependance of wave drag on a reduced frequency ( is tropopause height) in the troposphere. The flow seems to be statically unstable for k ≥2 for sufficiently large obstacles (whose height exceeds 1 km). In this case, vast regions of rotor motions and strong turbulence are predicted from model calculations in the middle troposphere and the lower stratosphere. The model calculations also point to a testify for possible important role of nonlinear effects associated with finite height of the mountain on the conditions of wave drag amplification in the process of overflow of real mountains.
Modeling and Analysis of Software Fault Detection and Correction Process by Considering Time Dependency

Software reliability modeling & estimation plays a critical role in software development, particularly during the software testing stage. Although there are many research papers on this subject, few of them address the realistic time delays between fault detection and fault correction processes. This paper investigates an approach to incorporate the time dependencies between the fault detection, and fault correction processes, focusing on the parameter estimations of the combined model. Maximum likelihood estimates of combined models are derived from an explicit likelihood formula under various time delay assumptions. Various characteristics of the combined model, like the predictive capability, are also analyzed, and compared with the traditional least squares estimation method. Furthermore, we study a direct, useful application of the proposed model & estimation method to the classical optimal release time problem faced by software decision makers. The results illustrate the effect of time delay on the optimal release policy, and the overall software development cost.
A composite bacteriophage alters colonization by an intestinal commensal bacterium

The mammalian intestine is home to a dense community of bacteria and its associated bacteriophage (phage). Virtually nothing is known about how phages impact the establishment and maintenance of resident bacterial communities in the intestine. Here, we examine the phages harbored by Enterococcus faecalis, a commensal of the human intestine. We show that E. faecalis strain V583 produces a composite phage (ϕV1/7) derived from two distinct chromosomally encoded prophage elements. One prophage, prophage 1 (ϕV1), encodes the structural genes necessary for phage particle production. Another prophage, prophage 7 (ϕV7), is required for phage infection of susceptible host bacteria. Production of ϕV1/7 is controlled, in part, by nutrient availability, because ϕV1/7 particle numbers are elevated by free amino acids in culture and during growth in the mouse intestine. ϕV1/7 confers an advantage to E. faecalis V583 during competition with other E. faecalis strains in vitro and in vivo. Thus, we propose that E. faecalis V583 uses phage particles to establish and maintain dominance of its intestinal niche in the presence of closely related competing strains. Our findings indicate that bacteriophages can impact the dynamics of bacterial colonization in the mammalian intestinal ecosystem.
Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Severe Pediatric Deformity: Minimum Two-Year Follow-up of Thirty-Five Consecutive Patients

Study Design. Retrospective review of a prospectively accrued patient cohort. Objective. The ability to treat severe pediatric spinal deformity through an all-posterior vertebral column resection (VCR) has obviated the need for a circumferential approach in both primary and revision settings. We examined indications, correction rates, and complications of this challenging procedure in the pediatric population. Summary of Background Data. Traditionally, severe pediatric spinal deformities were treated through a combined anterior/posterior spinal fusion. Methods. Between 2000 and 2005, 35 consecutive patients underwent a posterior-only VCR by 1 of 2 surgeons at a single institution. Patients were divided into 5 diagnostic categories: (1) severe scoliosis (S) (n = 2; mean, 115°; range, 79–150°; average flexibility, 12%); (2) global kyphosis (GK) (n = 3; mean, 101°; range, 91–113°; average flexibility, 16%); (3) angular kyphosis (AK) (n = 10; mean, 86°; range, 45–135°, average flexibility, 23%); (4) kyphoscoliosis (KS) (n = 8; mean kyphosis, 103°/scoliosis 87°; mean combined, 190°; range, 144–237°); (5) congenital scoliosis (CS) (n = 12; mean, 43°; range, 23–69°; average flexibility, 20%). There were 20 primary/15 revision surgeries. There were 20 one-level, 11 two-level, and 4 three-level resections. Results. The major curve correction averaged: Group S = 61°/51%, Group GK = 56°/55%, Group AK = 51°/58%, Group KS = 98°/54%, and Group CS = 24°/60%. The average OR time was 460 minutes (range, 210–822), with an average EBL of 691 mL (range, 125–2200). There were no spinal cord-related complications; however, 2 patients (8.5%) lost intraoperative neuromonitoring data during correction with data returning to baseline following prompt surgical intervention. Two patients had implant revisions, 1 for a delayed deep infection at 2 years and the other for implant prominence at 3-year follow-up. Conclusion. A posterior-based VCR is a safe but challenging technique to treat severe primary or revision pediatric spinal deformities. Intraoperative SCM (especially motor-evoked potentials) is mandatory to prevent spinal cord-related neurologic complications. Dramatic radiographic and clinical correction of these deformities can be obtained via a posterior-only approach.
Perceptions of well-being and physical performance in English elite youth footballers across a season

Abstract The 2011 English Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) stipulates training volumes that could put elite youth players at high risk of non-functional overreaching. The aim of the study was to assess player perceptions of well-being and physical performance to these high training loads. Fourteen academy football players (mean ± SD: age 17 ± 1 years; stature 179 ± 6 cm; body mass 70.8 ± 8.6 kg, at pre-season) completed a perception of well-being questionnaire 1–4 times per week throughout each training block (pre-season, in-season 1, 2, 3). Physical performance tests were carried out at the end of each training block. Increases in training exposure (P < 0.05; = 0.52) and moderate to large deteriorations in perceptions of well-being (motivation, sleep quality, recovery, appetite, fatigue, stress, muscle soreness P < 0.05; = 0.30–0.53) were evident as the season progressed. A moderate decrease in 30 m sprint performance (P < 0.05; = 0.48), a large improvement in Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test performance (P < 0.05; = 0.93) and small decreases in countermovement jump (P > 0.05; = 0.18) and arrowhead agility (P < 0.05; = 0.24) performance were evident as the season progressed. The present findings show an imbalance between stress and recovery in English elite youth players even when players experience lower training exposure than stipulated by the EPPP.
Role of RhoA in Regulating the Pump Function of Isolated Lymphatics From Hemorrhagic Shock Rats

ABSTRACT The aim of this present study was to examine changes in RhoA protein levels and the role in RhoA in lymphatic contractility and reactivity after hemorrhagic shock. Levels of RhoA and phospho-RhoA in lymphatic tissue isolated from hemorrhagic shock rats were measured, and the contractility and reactivity to substance P of lymphatics isolated from control rats and rats subjected to shock 0.5 and 2 h were determined with an isolated lymphatic perfusion system at a transmural pressure of 3 cmH2O. At the same time, lymphatics isolated from rats subjected to shock 0.5 and 2 h were incubated with agonists and antagonists of RhoA/Rho kinase signaling. Contractile frequency, end-diastolic and end-systolic diameter, and passive diameter were recorded and used to calculate lymphatic tonic index, contractile amplitude, and fractional pump flow. After stimulation with a gradient of substance P, the differences between the preadministration and postadministration values of contractile frequency, contractile amplitude, tonic index, and fractional pump flow were calculated to further assess lymphatic reactivity. RhoA protein levels were significantly increased at 0.5 h after shock but decreased at 2 and 3 h after shock; p-Rho levels were initially increased after shock and subsequently decreased. The contractility and reactivity of 0.5-h-shocked lymphatics were significantly reduced by the RhoA antagonist C3 transferase and the Rho kinase antagonist Y-27632. The RhoA agonist U-46619 increased the contractility and reactivity of 2-h-shocked lymphatics, whereas Y-27632 suppressed the effect of U-46619. Okadaic acid, an inhibitor of myosin light-chain phosphatase, had no effect on the contractility of 2-h-shocked lymphatics, but improved lymphatic reactivity. These results suggest that RhoA is involved in the modulation of lymphatic pump function during hemorrhagic shock and that its effects may be mediated by Rho kinase and MLCP.
Diagnosis of human nematode infections

Many hundreds of millions of people throughout the world are infected by nematodes found in the intestine or tissues with a high prevalence in developing countries. Despite their frequency and morbidity, these infections, which may affect migrants and travelers, remain difficult to diagnosis even in developed countries. This is primarily due to the variety of clinical signs often associated with a lack of highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tools. Parasitological diagnosis is often difficult to achieve and can neither be applied during the pre-patent period nor for parasitic impasses. Serological diagnosis is frequently hampered by a lack of specificity due to cross-reaction with others helminthes. Molecular biology methods still require optimization. The diagnostic approach applied by a clinician of a suspected nematode infection is based on a vast set of data including patient history and way of life, clinical examination, non-specific biological tests and, when available, specific diagnostic tests.
The Effects of Participatory Mode and Task Workload on the Detection of Dynamic System Failures

The ability of operators to detect step changes in the order of control dynamics is investigated as a joint function of a) participatory mode, whether subjects are actively controlling those dynamics or are monitoring an autopilot controlling them, and b) concurrent task workload. Five subjects either tracked or monitored the system dynamics on a two-dimensional pursuit display under single task conditions and concurrently with a "subcritical" tracking task at two difficulty levels Detection performance was faster and only slightly less accurate in the manual as opposed to the autopilot mode. Performance in each mode was derogated by the concurrent tracking requirement, but not by increases in loading task difficulty. Further analysis indicated that manual superiority was attributable to the additional proprioceptive information resulting from operator-control adaptation to the system change.
Daily fluctuations in teachers' well-being: a diary study using the Job Demands–Resources model

Abstract The study tests the dynamic nature of the Job Demands–Resources model with regard to both motivational and health impairment processes. It does so by examining whether daily fluctuations in co-workers' support (i.e., a typical job resource) and daily fluctuations in work/family conflict (i.e., a typical job demand) predict day-levels of job satisfaction and mental health through work engagement and exhaustion, respectively. A total of 61 schoolteachers completed a general questionnaire and a daily survey over a period of five consecutive work days. Multilevel analyses provided evidence for both the above processes. Consistently with the hypotheses, our results showed that day-level work engagement mediated the impact of day-level co-workers' support on day-level job satisfaction and day-level mental health, after general levels of work engagement and outcome variables had been controlled for. Moreover, day-level exhaustion mediated the relationship between day-level work/family conflict and day-level job satisfaction and day-level mental health after general levels of exhaustion and outcome variables had been controlled for. These findings provide new insights into the dynamic psychological processes that determine daily fluctuations in employee well-being. Such insights may be transformed into job redesign strategies and other interventions designed to enhance work-related psychological well-being on a daily level.
Towards High Productivity in Precision Grinding

Over the last century, substantial advances have been made, based on improved understanding of the requirements of grinding processes, machines, control systems, materials, abrasives, wheel preparation, coolants, lubricants, and coolant delivery. This paper reviews a selection of areas in which the application of scientific principles and engineering ingenuity has led to the development of new grinding processes, abrasives, tools, machines, and systems. Topics feature a selection of areas where relationships between scientific principles and new techniques are yielding improved productivity and better quality. These examples point towards further advances that can fruitfully be pursued. Applications in modern grinding technology range from high-precision kinematics for grinding very large lenses and reflectors through to medium size grinding machine processes and further down to grinding very small components used in micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) devices. The importance of material issues is emphasized for the range of conventional engineering steels, through to aerospace materials, ceramics, and composites. It is suggested that future advances in productivity will include the wider application of artificial intelligence and robotics to improve precision, process efficiency, and features required to integrate grinding processes into wider manufacturing systems.
ℤNdomain walls in hot = 4 SYM at weak and strong coupling

We study the tensions of domain walls in the deconfined phase of = 4 SUSY Yang-Mills theory on 3 × S1, at weak and strong coupling. We calculate the k-wall tension at one-loop order and find that it is proportional to k(N−k) (Casimir scaling). The two-loops analysis suggests that Casimir scaling persists to this order. The strong coupling calculation is performed by using the AdS/CFT correspondence. We argue that the k-wall should be identified with an NS5-brane wrapping an S4 inside S5 in the AdS-Schwarzschild × S5 background in Type IIB string theory. The tension at strong coupling is compared with the weak coupling result. We also compare our results with those from lattice simulations in pure Yang-Mills theory.
Bet-Hedging Germination of Desert Annuals: Beyond the First Year

Prolonged seed dormancy in desert annuals is thought to be an adaptation to environmental uncertainty. Germination spread over several years could reduce the year-to-year variation in the fitness of a genotype. Previous work has demonstrated that, for a number of species, not all viable seeds germinate under one set of conditions in the first year, but the subsequent fate of the dormant seeds has not been tested. In this study, germination experiments were performed on seeds of six species of winter annuals from Portal, Arizona. Seeds that do not germinate under good conditions in the first year germinate under the same conditions in subsequent years. However, germination fractions in the first 2 yr are not equal fractions of remaining viable seeds, which is the theoretical optimal behavior, and the germination distributions differ greatly among species. Germination under good conditions following a year of bad conditions for germination also differs among species. Germination behavior is age-dependent, and germination trials conducted on seeds of unknown ages from soil samples may give misleading results. These results indicate that seed dormancy acts as a form of bet hedging but that selection for an optimal distribution of germination across years may be weak.
The Influence of Cost and Quality Priorities on the Propensity to Outsource Production

Outsourcing of production has escalated over the past decade due to unprecedented competition and worldwide access to low-cost labor markets. This article examines how cost and quality priorities—two key attributes of manufacturing strategy—influence a manufacturer's propensity to outsource. By doing so, we bridge the existing gap between research on manufacturing strategy and firm boundaries. We develop a theory-based model that links a manufacturer's cost and quality priorities to its plans to outsource production. Our empirical analyses, based on survey data obtained from 867 manufacturing business units, control for firm-specific factors previously shown to impact outsourcing, including asset specificity, uncertainty, and current capabilities in cost and quality. We found that the competitive priority placed on cost played an integral role in sourcing decisions, while, surprisingly, conformance quality priorities did not. The cost result is consistent with our expectations and observations in practice. The significant effect of cost priority on outsourcing shows that any theory of firm boundaries that fails to consider competitive priorities is incomplete. The finding regarding quality, which was counter to our expectations, may partially explain why there is an emergence of so many nonconforming products associated with outsourcing. Taken together, our results provide theoretical insights for future research into how manufacturing managers can improve their decision making on outsourcing production.