Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Allostatic Load Model Associated with Indoor Environmental Quality and Sick Building Syndrome among Office Workers

This study investigates whether indoor environmental quality (IEQ) influences allostatic load (AL) and whether AL can be a predictor for sick building syndrome (SBS). We also assessed and compared the associations between AL and SBS versus 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and SBS. A total of 115 office workers from 21 offices completed self-reported SBS questionnaires, and provided 11 biomarkers for their AL. Multiple linear regressions and logistic regression analysis were applied to examine the correlations between IEQ and AL or 8-OHdG and between AL or 8-OHdG and SBS, respectively. Our data revealed that the neuroendocrine system was correlated with CO2, the difference between indoor and outdoor CO2 levels (dCO2), and the indoor-outdoor ratio of CO2 (CO2 I/O). Metabolic system effects were associated with illumination. The relationships between illumination, CO2, dCO2, CO2 I/O and 8-OHdG were consistent with those and AL in specific systems. Furthermore, we found that risks for SBS syndromes were related with neuroendocrine and metabolic system of the AL. 8-OHdG was associated with eye dryness or irritation, eye tiredness and vomiting. We conclude that IEQ significantly influences AL and that AL can be a predictor for reporting SBS with information on system-specific effects.
Investigation of TBR1 Hemizygosity: Four Individuals with 2q24 Microdeletions

TBR1 encodes a transcription factor with critical roles in corticogenesis, including cortical neuron migration and axon pathfinding, establishment of regional and laminar identity of cortical neurons, and control of glutamatergic neuronal cell fate. Based upon TBR1’s role in cortical development, we sought to investigate TBR1 hemizygosity in individuals referred for genetic evaluation of intellectual disability and developmental delay. We describe 4 patients with microdeletions identified by molecular cytogenetic techniques, encompassing TBR1 and spanning 2q24.1q31. 1, ranging in size from 2.17 to 12.34 Mb. Only the patient with the largest deletion had a possible cortical malformation. Mild ventriculomegaly is the only common brain anomaly, present in all patients; a Chiari I malformation is seen in 2 patients, and mega cisterna magna is seen in a third. Our findings are consistent with Tbr1 mouse models showing that hemizygosity of the gene requires additional genetic factors for the manifestation of severe structural brain malformations. Other syndromic features are present in these patients, including autism spectrum disorders, ocular colobomas, and craniosynostosis, features that are likely affected by the deletion of genes other than TBR1.
Gastrointestinal amyloid deposition in familial amyloid polyneuropathy

We found degeneration of enteric nerve plexuses in two patients with type I familial amyloid polyneuropathy. Amyloid deposition was more severe in the wall of the stomach than in the rectum. Hypomotility of the upper gastrointestinal tract, resulting from both amyloid deposition in the stomach and upper bowel and degeneration of the intrinsic autonomic nerves, may be responsible for anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. Diarrhea and constipation may be caused by degeneration of the enteric nerve plexuses. Gastric biopsy is valuable and safe in the diagnosis to type I familial amyloid polyneuropathy.
[REMEEX: A possible treatment option in selected cases of sphincter incompetence].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the functional results and morbidity of adjustable tension suburethral tape (REMEEX) in the treatment of urinary incontinence due to severe sphincter incompetence (MUCP < 40 cm H2O) in patients presenting a contraindication to artificial sphincter operated between December 2001 and May 2004. Twelve patients (66.7%) had already undergone incontinence surgery. Ten patients (55.5%) had mixed urinary incontinence. The efficacy of the tape was considered to be good when incontinence resolved completely, partial when incontinence was decreased by > 50% and/or PVR > 100 ml. All other cases were considered to be failures. In April 2005, after a mean follow-up of 26.3 months, retrospective evaluation of the functional results was performed by means of a pad-test and a questionnaire comprising an MHU (urinary disability) score and a Ditrovie score. Complications after each intercurrent event were recorded. RESULTS The initial efficacy of the tape was considered to be good in 13 patients (72.2%) and partial in 4 patients (22.2%) with only one initial failure. Eight patients (44.4%) required secondary adjustment after a mean interval of 5.2 months, with a failure rate of 62.5%. In April 2005, 10 patients (55.5%) had a good result, 2 patients (11.1%) required self-catheterization (partial efficacy) and 6 patients (33.4%) were considered to be failures. In terms of morbidity, we observed 2 bladder injuries (11.1%), 6 superinfections of the device (33.3%), 2 (11.1%) of which required removal of the material. Fifteen patients (83.3%) answered the questionnaire: 6 patients (40%) had an MHU score greater than 3. The mean Ditrovie score was 2.1. 9 patients (60%) had a score less than 2 and 4 patients (26.6%) had a score greater than 3. CONCLUSION The results of this series, in patients in whom artificial sphincter was contraindicated, are satisfactory at the price of acceptable morbidity. Before defining the place of this device in the range of treatment options for sphincter incompetence, our results must be confirmed by a longer series.
A Conceptual Review of Decision Making in Social Dilemmas: Applying a Logic of Appropriateness

Despite decades of experimental social dilemma research, “theoretical integration has proven elusive” (Smithson & Foddy, 1999, p. 14). To advance a theory of decision making in social dilemmas, this article provides a conceptual review of the literature that applies a “logic of appropriateness” (March, 1994) framework. The appropriateness framework suggests that people making decisions ask themselves (explicitly or implicitly), “What does a person like me do in a situation like this? ” This question identifies 3 significant factors: recognition and classification of the kind of situation encountered, the identity of the individual making the decision, and the application of rules or heuristics in guiding behavioral choice. In contrast with dominant rational choice models, the appropriateness framework proposed accommodates the inherently social nature of social dilemmas, and the role of rule and heuristic based processing. Implications for the interpretation of past findings and the direction of future research are discussed.
Effect of Alkali Silica Reaction ( ASR ) in Geopolymer Concrete

Alkali silica reaction (ASR) occurs due to chemical reaction between hydroxyl ions in the pore water within the concrete matrix and certain forms of silica. This reaction could lead to strength loss, cracking, volume expansion and potentially failure of the structure. This manuscript reports findings of an experimental investigation of the inter-particle bonding between the reactive aggregates and the geopolymer matrix. Specimens were prepared using two Class F and one Class C fly ash stockpiles. Mechanical testing included the potential reactivity of aggregate and length change measurements as per ASTM standards. Petrographic analysis was conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The results suggest that the extent of ASR reactions due to the presence of reactive aggregates in fly ash-based geopolymer concrete is substantially lower than in the case of OPC based concrete, and well below the ASTM specified threshold. The ability to utilize ASR-vulnerable aggregates in the production of geopolymer concrete products would increase the economic and sustainability appeal of this technology, potentially resulting in significant cost savings and reduce carbon footprint by eliminating the need to transport large volumes of high quality aggregates across the country.
[Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. A series of 27 patients: their epidemiological and clinical characteristics. The current situation of the patients and the opinions of their caregivers regarding the diagnostic process].

INTRODUCTION Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a chromosome pathology produced by a deletion in the distal region of the short arm of chromosome 4. It is characterised by the presence of a peculiar phenotype, delayed growth, delayed psychomotor development and epilepsy. AIMS To describe the characteristics of a series of children with WHS, including the mean amount of time spent on reaching the diagnosis, and to evaluate the opinion of the families about the diagnostic process. PATIENTS AND METHODS The researchers contacted the National WHS Association and, through them, contact was established with 29 families affected by the condition. Information was collected about the clinical features of the child and the opinion about the diagnostic process, and the families were asked to present medical reports that confirmed the information they had given. Once a database of information about the patients had been created, it was submitted to a statistical analysis. RESULTS Information was obtained on 27 families. The mean age of the patients is currently 6.94 ± 6.37 years. The mean age of diagnosis was 14.34 months. Delayed intrauterine growth exists in 92.6% of the pregnancies. Epilepsy is present in 92.6% of patients, 44.4% of them in monotherapy. Delayed psychomotor/cognitive development exists in all the patients. Thirty-three per cent of them can walk unaided. The parents rated the treatment offered by physicians with a mean score of 7.25 ± 2.17 and the information they were provided with was given a score of 6.29 ± 2.11. CONCLUSIONS No references have been found regarding the mean age of diagnosis for WHS. In our sample there are important variations in this respect, possibly influenced by the phenotype of the case and the doctor's own experience. The clinical characteristics are similar to the ones that were expected. The estimated degree of dependence is high and, in contrast, the quality of the information received by the family is low.
SCADAVT-A framework for SCADA security testbed based on virtualization technology

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems monitor and control infrastructures and industrial processes such as smart grid power and water distribution systems. Recently, such systems have been attacked, and traditional security solutions have failed to provide an appropriate level of protection. Therefore, it is important to develop security solutions tailored to SCADA systems. However, it is impractical to evaluate such solutions on actual live systems. This paper proposes a SCADA security testbed based on virtualization technology, and introduces a server which is used as a surrogate for water distribution systems. In addition, this paper presents a case study of two malicious attacks to demonstrate how the testbed can easily monitor and control any automatised processes, and also to show how malicious attacks can disrupt supervised processes.
Crushed and Injected Buprenorphine Tablets: Characteristics of Princeps and Generic Solutions

Self-injection of high-dose buprenorphine is responsible for well-described complications. In 2011, we have been alerted by unusual but serious cutaneous complication among injection buprenorphine users. A prospective data collection identified 30 cases of necrotic cutaneous lesions after injection of filtered buprenorphine solution, among which 25 cases occurred following injection of buprenorphine generics. The main goal of our study was to put forward particularities that could explain the cutaneous complications, by qualitatively and quantitatively confronting particles present in Subutex and generics solutions. We used the same protocol that injected-buprenorphine users: generic or subutex tablets were crushed in sterile water and filtered through 2 filters commonly used (cotton-pad and sterifilt). Solutions were analyzed by laser granulometry, flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy. We have highlighted the wide variation of the quantity and the size of the particles present in solution between the two drugs after cotton-pad filtration. The proportion of particles <10 µm is systematically higher in the generic solutions than with Subutex. All of the insoluble particles found in generic solutions contain silica, whereas non- organic element was to be identified in the insoluble particles of Subutex. One skin biopsy obtained from one patient who developed a necrotic lesion after intravenous injection of filtrated solution of buprenorphine generic, shows non-organic elements. Identification of particles in situ enables us to confirm the presence of silica in the biopsy. Actually the monitoring of patient receiving generic of buprenorphine must be strengthened.
Comparison of MCT Failure Prediction Techniques and Experimental Verification for Biaxially Loaded Glass Fabric-reinforced Composite Laminates

The inability to accurately predict the onset of failure in modern fabric-reinforced composite materials has hindered the implementation of these materials into the mainstream applications. Excessive qualification and structural testing must be performed on composite members as a result of uncertainty in the performance of the material, resulting in significantly higher expenses associated with these materials. This situation can only be improved through the rigorous development of both improved failure and material response prediction capabilities and improved experimental verification. The current study addresses these issues, as well as explores recent developments in numerical predictions and experimental techniques. A combined numerical investigation of damage initiation mechanics and experimental verification of predicted results for a woven glass–vinyl ester composite material is performed. More specifically, 18-oz biased (5 warp/4 fill rovings) plain weave E-glass–vinyl ester laminate with warp rovings oriented in [0/90]s and [0/90/±45]s configurations are investigated. Experimental data for the E-glass–vinyl ester [0/90]s laminate is summarized in a two-dimensional biaxial failure envelope. The feasibility of using thickness-tapered cruciform specimens for generating the experimental biaxial test data is also addressed. Finally, numerical predictions of failure of the fabric-reinforced laminate are developed and compared against the experimental failure envelope for the cross-ply laminate.
FLUID FLOW IN POROUS MEDIA WITH THE LATTICE-BOLTZMANN METHOD

Aaltosalmi, Urpo Fluid flow in porous media with the lattice-Boltzmann method Jyväskylä: University of Jyväskylä, 2005, 158 p. (Research report/Department of Physics, University of Jyväskylä, ISSN 0075-465X; 3/2005) ISBN 951-39-2222-7 Diss. The lattice-Boltzmann method has recently become a useful approach for computational fluid dynamics. Simple implementation of boundary conditions together with inherent grid generation makes the method geometrically very versatile, and it is thus convenient for simulating complex systems such as fluid flow in porous media. Solving realistic flow problems has become feasible because of increased computing capabilities and parallel processing, for which the spatially local updating rules of the lattice-Boltzmann method are particularly suitable. In this thesis, fluid dynamics in porous media and the basic principles of the lattice-Boltzmann method are first introduced. Application of the method to flow simulations is then discussed in terms of some practical problems, such as boundary conditions, discretization errors and numerical stability, and benchmark studies are carried out to validate the method. Finally, several single-fluid flow problems in irregular 3D geometries are analyzed numerically. The lattice-Boltzmann simulations are used to find out the quality of tomographic imaging techniques and numerical models of porous media. Dependence of permeability on porosity and other structural properties such as specific surface area, tortuosity, and shape and orientation of particles in the medium, are demonstrated and compared to those given by other methods, theory and experiment. The effects of size and resolution of tomographic images of several paper grades are examined by simulating fluid flow through the images and by image analysis. The lattice-Boltzmann, image analysis and experimental results for the permeability of tomographic images of hand sheets with different refining levels are reported. Models and a tomographic image of sandstone are analyzed by comparing the lattice-Boltzmann and finite-difference results also with experiment. The effect of specific surface area, via fines content and shape of fibres, is demonstrated by the lattice-Boltzman flow simulations through fibre-web-model samples.
Reliability analysis in Symbolic PathFinder

Software reliability analysis tackles the problem of predicting the failure probability of software. Most of the current approaches base reliability analysis on architectural abstractions useful at early stages of design, but not directly applicable to source code. In this paper we propose a general methodology that exploit symbolic execution of source code for extracting failure and success paths to be used for probabilistic reliability assessment against relevant usage scenarios. Under the assumption of finite and countable input domains, we provide an efficient implementation based on Symbolic PathFinder that supports the analysis of sequential and parallel programs, even with structured data types, at the desired level of confidence. The tool has been validated on both NASA prototypes and other test cases showing a promising applicability scope.
Statistical issues in the assessment of health outcomes in children: a methodological review

Summary. The lack of outcome measures that are validated for use on children limits the effectiveness and generalizability of paediatric health care interventions. Statistical epidemiology is a broad concept encompassing a wide range of useful techniques for use in child health outcome assessment and development. However, the range of techniques that are available is often confusing and prohibits their adoption. In the paper an overview of methodology is provided within the paediatric context. It is demonstrated that in many cases assessment can be performed relatively straightforwardly by using standard statistical techniques, although sometimes more sophisticated techniques are required. Examples of both physiological and questionnaire‐based outcomes are given. The usefulness of these techniques is highlighted for achieving specific objectives and ultimately for achieving methodological rigour in clinical outcome studies that are performed in the paediatric population.
Multidimensional Simulations for Early-Phase Spectra of Aspherical Hypernovae: SN 1998bw and Off-Axis Hypernovae

Early-phase optical spectra of aspherical jet-like supernovae (SNe) are presented. We focus on energetic core-collapse SNe, or hypernovae. Based on hydrodynamic and nucleosynthetic models, radiative transfer in the SN atmosphere is solved with a multidimensional Monte Carlo radiative transfer code, SAMURAI. Since the luminosity is boosted in the jet direction, the temperature there is higher than in the equatorial plane by ~2000 K. This causes anisotropic ionization in the ejecta. Emergent spectra are different depending on viewing angle, reflecting both aspherical abundance distribution and anisotropic ionization. Spectra computed with an aspherical explosion model with kinetic energy 20 × 1051 ergs are compatible with those of the Type Ic SN 1998bw if ~10%-20% of the synthesized metals are mixed out to higher velocities. The simulations enable us to predict the properties of off-axis hypernovae. Even if an aspherical hypernova explosion is observed from the side, it should show hypernova-like spectra but with some differences in the line velocity, the width of the Fe absorptions, and the strength of the Na I line.
Quantitative Uitrasound Pulsation Study in Human Carotid Artery Disease

Pulsation in the human carotid artery during two complete cardiac cycles was studied by using computer digitized video-frames from B-mode ultrasound images. Eight patients with identifiable atherosclerotic lesions in the common carotid immediately proximal to the bulb area were studied. Diameter, strain, and elastic modulus were compared between lesion site and an adjacent reference segment 1 or 2 cm proximal to the bulb. As controls, nine patients without identifiable lesions were analyzed. The results indicate a significantly wider diameter (p<0.01) at the proximal reference site in patients with lesions as compared to comparable segments in control patients. The strain was significantly lower (p<0.05), whereas the elastic modulus was significantly higher (p<0.05), at the lesion site as compared to the proximal reference sites in patients with lesions. These results may indicate that an initial dilation of the carotid artery followed by loss of wall flexibility may be associated with atherosclerotic lesion formation. (Arteriosclerosis 8:778-781, November/December 1988)
X-Ray Spectroscopy of the Classical Nova V458 Vulpeculae with Suzaku

We conducted a target of opportunity X-ray observation of the classical nova V458 Vulpeculae 88 days after the explosion using the Suzaku satellite. With a 20 ks exposure, the X-ray Imaging Spectrometer detected X-ray emission significantly harder than typical super-soft source emission. The X-ray spectrum shows K lines from N, Ne, Mg, Si, and S, and L-series emission from Fe in highly ionized states. The spectrum can be described by a single temperature (0.64 keV) thin thermal plasma model in collisional equilibrium with a hydrogen-equivalent extinction column density of ~3e21/cm2, a flux of ~1e-12 erg/s/cm2, and a luminosity of ~6e34 erg/s in the 0.3-3.0 keV band at an assumed distance of 13 kpc. We found a hint of an enhancement of N and deficiencies of O and Fe relative to other metals. The observed X-ray properties can be interpreted as the emission arising from shocks of ejecta from an ONe-type nova.
Intakes of Fruit, Vegetables, and Carotenoids and Renal Cell Cancer Risk: A Pooled Analysis of 13 Prospective Studies

Fruit and vegetable consumption has been hypothesized to reduce the risk of renal cell cancer. We conducted a pooled analysis of 13 prospective studies, including 1,478 incident cases of renal cell cancer (709 women and 769 men) among 530,469 women and 244,483 men followed for up to 7 to 20 years. Participants completed a validated food-frequency questionnaire at baseline. Using the primary data from each study, the study-specific relative risks (RR) were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model and then pooled using a random effects model. We found that fruit and vegetable consumption was associated with a reduced risk of renal cell cancer. Compared with <200 g/d of fruit and vegetable intake, the pooled multivariate RR for ≥600 g/d was 0.68 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.54-0.87; P for between-studies heterogeneity = 0.86; P for trend = 0.001]. Compared with <100 g/d, the pooled multivariate RRs (95% CI) for ≥400 g/d were 0.79 (0.63-0.99; P for trend = 0.03) for total fruit and 0.72 (0.48-1.08; P for trend = 0.07) for total vegetables. For specific carotenoids, the pooled multivariate RRs (95% CIs) comparing the highest and lowest quintiles were 0.87 (0.73-1.03) for α-carotene, 0.82 (0.69-0.98) for β-carotene, 0.86 (0.73-1.01) for β-cryptoxanthin, 0.82 (0.64-1.06) for lutein/zeaxanthin, and 1.13 (0.95-1.34) for lycopene. In conclusion, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with decreasing risk of renal cell cancer; carotenoids present in fruit and vegetables may partly contribute to this protection. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(6):1730–9)