Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Indoor Allergens in Minnesota Schools and Child Care Centers

Elevated concentrations of allergens in the indoor environment may cause allergic sensitization and symptoms. Occupant exposure to indoor allergens in educational facilities should and can be controlled. This study (1) assessed the presence of indoor allergens in Minnesota schools and child care centers, (2) characterized the distribution of allergens in different materials, and (3) evaluated the effect of building and maintenance interventions on allergen concentrations. Settled dust samples were collected from carpet, vinyl tile floors, and upholstered furniture in six schools and seven child care centers before and after interventions. Interventions included changes to cleaning, ventilation, entry mats, furnishings, flooring, and classroom items. The amount of total dust, culturable fungi, and indoor allergens—cockroach, dust mite, cat, and dog—were quantified in the dust samples. Cockroach and dust mite allergens were generally low and below the detection limit, but one dust mite allergen was detected in some areas. Cat and dog allergens were frequently detected at elevated levels, with half the samples above the provisional sensitization risk thresholds and a few samples above the symptom thresholds. Allergen concentrations were highest in upholstered furniture, followed by carpeting and then vinyl floor tile. Cat and dog allergens were lower after the interventions. Cat and dog allergens, but not dust mite and cockroach allergens, seem to be ubiquitous in child care and elementary schools of the U.S. Midwest. These allergens may contribute to sensitization in atopic individuals and occasionally cause symptoms in sensitized allergic individuals. Fleecy materials that are not adequately cleaned, such as upholstered furniture, appear to be the most significant allergen reservoirs. Modest environmental interventions can be implemented by building staff, which should result in lower allergen concentrations.
Inference from Real-World Sparse Measurements

Real-world problems often involve complex and unstructured sets of measurements, which occur when sensors are sparsely placed in either space or time. Being able to model this irregular spatiotemporal data and extract meaningful forecasts is crucial. Deep learning architectures capable of processing sets of measurements with positions varying from set to set, and extracting readouts anywhere are methodologically difficult. Current state-of-the-art models are graph neural networks and require domain-specific knowledge for proper setup. We propose an attention-based model focused on robustness and practical applicability, with two key design contributions. First, we adopt a ViT-like transformer that takes both context points and read-out positions as inputs, eliminating the need for an encoder-decoder structure. Second, we use a unified method for encoding both context and read-out positions. This approach is intentionally straightforward and integrates well with other systems. Compared to existing approaches, our model is simpler, requires less specialized knowledge, and does not suffer from a problematic bottleneck effect, all of which contribute to superior performance. We conduct in-depth ablation studies that characterize this problematic bottleneck in the latent representations of alternative models that inhibit information utilization and impede training efficiency. We also perform experiments across various problem domains, including high-altitude wind nowcasting, two-day weather forecasting, fluid dynamics, and heat diffusion. Our attention-based model consistently outperforms state-of-the-art models in handling irregularly sampled data. Notably, our model reduces the root mean square error (RMSE) for wind nowcasting from 9.24 to 7.98 and for heat diffusion tasks from 0.126 to 0.084.
Actuator Disc Simulations of Influence of Wind Shear on Power Production of Wind Turbines

The influence of ground proximity and/or wind shear on the power production of a wind turbine is studied using full Navier-Stokes simulations combined with an actuator disc approach. The work reveals that the local power coefficient of a disc operating in a sheared inflow at a given local thrust coefficient is higher than in a corresponding uniform inflow. When a ground surface is present, it is shown that the increased power production, caused by the wind shear, decreases with decreasing hub height. If the incoming wind is uniform, then the ground surface does not affect the power production significantly.
MEASUREMENTS OF SLOPES OF HIGH-FREQUENCY WIND WAVES 1

Water-surface slopes due to wind waves have been measured in a laboratory wind-wave tunnel. In all measurements, nonlinear effects are important for high-frequency wind waves; nonlinear effects noted are: increase of phase velocity due to finite amplitude of gravity waves, trapping of ripples on the leading slope of gravity wavelets, and limitation of slopes after the explosive growth of waves beyond a critical fetch. The mean square water-surface slope observed in the tunnel showed a complicated behavior as a function of wind speed. The slope increases rapidly above a sharply defined minimum wind speed for wave generation; the minimum wind speed decreases with increasing fetch. There is no large effect of air-water temperature difference. The frequency spectrum of slopes shows (for light winds) two peaks separated by a minimum near the frequency corresponding to waves of minimum-phase velocity. As the wind increases, the frequency difference between peaks tends to increase. Measurements at three frequencies have shown changes of phase velocities of ripples as a function of wind speed that amount to as much as 30% of the theoretical phase velocity appropriate to still water and no wind; much smaller changes are noted for gravity waves. In general, the highest velocities are associated with the strongest winds. Comparisons with Jeffreys' (1924-25) and Phillips' (1957) theories of wave generation show disagreements at short fetches.
Specific suppressor T cells for delayed-type hypersensitivity in susceptible mice immunized against cutaneous leishmaniasis

BALB/c mice injected intravenously with 10(6) or higher doses of formaldehyde-fixed promastigotes (ffp) of Leishmania major developed significantly lower levels of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) compared with uninjected control mice when they were subsequently immunized intradermally with ffp. The suppression of DTH was antigen specific and was also inducible with lethally irradiated promastigotes or soluble parasite antigens. The suppressive effect was adoptively transferable with splenic T cells which express the Lyt-1+2+ and L3T4+ phenotypes. These specific suppressor T cells were active against both the inductive and expressive phases of DTH. They were sensitive to 200 rads of gamma-irradiation in vitro and appeared to manifest the suppressive activity via soluble factors. In spite of this profound suppression of DTH, BALB/c mice injected intravenously with 4 X 10(7) ffp were substantially protected against a challenge infection with L. major promastigotes. The possible relationship between the suppressor T cells for DTH and prophylactic immunization against fatal cutaneous leishmanial infection in susceptible BALB/c mice is discussed.
A Comparative Human Health Risk Assessment of p-Dichlorobenzene-Based Toilet Rimblock Products Versus Fragrance/Surfactant-Based Alternatives

A comparison of the human health risk to consumers using one of two types of toilet rimblock products, either a p-dichlorobenzene-based rimblock or two newer fragrance/surfactant-based alternatives, was conducted. Rimblock products are designed for global use by consumers worldwide and function by releasing volatile compounds into indoor air with subsequent exposure presumed to be mainly by inhalation of indoor air. Using the THERdbASE exposure model and experimentally determined emission data, indoor air concentrations and daily intake values were determined for both types of rimblock products. Modeled exposure concentrations from a representative p-dichlorobenzene rimblock product are an order of magnitude higher than those from the alternative rimblock products due to its nearly pure composition and high sublimation rate. Lifetime exposure to p-dichlorobenzene or the subset of fragrance components with available RfD values is not expected to lead to non-cancer-based adverse health effects based on the exposure concentrations estimated using the THERdbASE model. A similar comparison of cancer-based effects was not possible as insufficient data were available for the fragrance components.
Variable stars in the dwarf irregular galaxy NGC 6822: The photometric catalogue

Deep B, V time-series photometry obtained with the ESO Very Large Telescope has been used to identify variable stars in the dwarf irregular galaxy NGC 6822. We surveyed a 6.8 × 6.8 arcmin area of the galaxy and detected a total number of 390 candidate variables with the optimal image subtraction technique (Alard 2000, A&AS, 144, 363). Light curves on a magnitude scale were obtained for 262 of these variables. Differential flux light curves are available for the remaining sample. In this paper we present the photometric catalogue of calibrated light curves and time-series data, along with coordinates and classification of the candidate variables. A detailed description is provided of the procedures used to identify the variable stars and calibrate their differential flux light curves on a magnitude scale.
The Clinical Picture of Severe Systemic Capillary-Leak Syndrome Episodes Requiring ICU Admission

Objective: Systemic capillary-leak syndrome is a very rare cause of recurrent hypovolemic shock. Few data are available on its clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and outcomes of those patients requiring ICU admission. This study was undertaken to describe the clinical pictures and ICU management of severe systemic capillary-leak syndrome episodes. Design, Setting, Patients: This multicenter retrospective analysis concerned patients entered in the European Clarkson’s disease (EurêClark) Registry and admitted to ICUs between May 1992 and February 2016. Measurements and Main Results: Fifty-nine attacks occurring in 37 patients (male-to-female sex ratio, 1.05; mean ± SD age, 51 ± 11.4 yr) were included. Among 34 patients (91.9%) with monoclonal immunoglobulin G gammopathy, 20 (58.8%) had kappa light chains. ICU-admission hemoglobin and proteinemia were respectively median (interquartile range) 20.2 g/dL (17.9–22 g/dL) and 50 g/L (36.5–58.5 g/L). IV immunoglobulins were infused (IV immunoglobulin) during 15 episodes (25.4%). A compartment syndrome developed during 12 episodes (20.3%). Eleven (18.6%) in-ICU deaths occurred. Bivariable analyses (the 37 patients’ last episodes) retained Sequential Organ-Failure Assessment score greater than 10 (odds ratio, 12.9 [95% CI, 1.2–140]; p = 0.04) and cumulated fluid-therapy volume greater than 10.7 L (odds ratio, 16.8 [1.6–180]; p = 0.02) as independent predictors of hospital mortality. Conclusions: We described the largest cohort of severe systemic capillary-leak syndrome flares requiring ICU admission. High-volume fluid therapy was independently associated with poorer outcomes. IV immunoglobulin use was not associated with improved survival; hence, their use should be considered prudently and needs further evaluation in future studies.
Second‐wave IFN‐based triple therapy for HCV genotype 1 infection: simeprevir, faldaprevir and sofosbuvir

With the approval of second‐wave direct‐acting antivirals simeprevir, sofosbuvir and faldaprevir in 2014–2015, for genotype 1 hepatitis C, patients and doctors will have more treatment options. During a first period, these treatments will still be used with peginterferon and ribavirin. The second wave of IFN‐based triple therapy will have benefits and risk. These treatments have the following advantages: higher efficacy with more patient candidates for a shorten treatment duration (12–24 weeks, instead of 48 weeks). These new treatments appear to have a better safety profile than first generation, with no additional increase in anaemia over peginterferon/ribavirin. Then, these treatments are to take for patients with a decrease in pill burden (these three direct‐acting antivirals are given orally one pill a day). Simeprevir and sofosbuvir may be approved in the US and Europe, in 2014, at the time this manuscript will be released. Approval of faldaprevir will follow. These direct‐acting antivirals with many others will hopefully be combined in future interferon‐free regimens. The goal of this review to summarize the results and safety of simeprevir, faldaprevir and sofosbuvir, to advise physicians and to inform patients on the benefits and risks of these second‐wave IFN‐based regimens for HCV genotype infection.
Diagnosis of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome

The most suitable tissue samples and test procedures for the etiologic diagnosis of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) were found to depend on several variables including the age of the pig from which tissues were collected, the stage of infection (acute or persistent), the available complement of diagnostic reagents, and the urgency in obtaining results. When the diagnosis involved acute infection of congenitally or neonatally infected pigs, and susceptible cell culture(s) was available for virus isolation, then both serum and alveolar macrophages (AM) were reliable samples. Alveolar macrophages flushed from infected lungs provided a temporal advantage, however, in that in addition to their use for virus isolation, i.e., from a lysate of AM, they could be cultured in vitro and examined for the presence of viral antigens by immunofluorescence microscopy (FA) as early as 1 hour after they were added to the culture vessel. The examination of AM in this manner also circumvented the need for additional cell cultures to test for infectious virus. Testing presuckhng sera by indirect FA for antibodies to PRRS virus also was of diagnostic value and, like FA with AM, could be completed soon after sample collection. For older pigs, AM were more reliable than serum, lungs, or any of 27 other tissues evaluated as diagnostic samples and were often the only samples in which infectious virus and viral antigens were detected when pigs were euthanized more than 3 weeks postexposure. A simple procedure for on-farm collection of AM as well as methods for testing AM for viral antigens and neonatal (presuckling) sera for homologous antibody in a modestly equipped laboratory, such as one that might be maintained by a veterinary practitioner, are described and discussed.
Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect preserves right ventricular function

Objectives: To determine the effects of atrial septal defects (ASD) and their closure on systolic and diastolic right and left ventricular function; and by comparing surgical closure with transcatheter device closure, to establish differences attributable to cardiopulmonary bypass. Design: Cross sectionally guided M mode echocardiographic ventricular long axis function was measured prospectively before and within one week after ASD closure by device in 17 patients and by surgery in 12 patients, and compared with 18 normal subjects. Results: All indices of right ventricular function were impaired after surgery: mean total excursion, −1.89 cm (95% confidence interval (CI), −2.18 to −1.59); peak shortening rate, −9.09 cm/s (−10.82 to −7.35); peak lengthening rate, −9.26 cm/s (−11.09 to −7.43). Total excursion and peak lengthening rate were preserved after device closure, at −0.12 cm (−0.28 to 0.05) and 0.01 cm/s (−2.29 to 2.31), respectively. Left ventricular free wall function was unchanged after closure by either method, while all septal measurements were reduced after closure by either method (changes ranging from −3.51 to −0.32; 95% CI ranging from −4.90 to −0.13). Conclusions: Left ventricular free wall function is unaffected by ASD closure, whereas septal function is impaired, irrespective of the method of closure. Right ventricular function, both systolic and diastolic, is impaired by cardiopulmonary bypass but preserved after device closure. These findings support the transcatheter approach to ASD closure in anatomically suitable defects.
Difficult Life Events, Selective Migration and Spatial Inequalities in Mental Health in the UK

Objective Research has indicated that people moving towards neighbourhoods with disadvantaged socio-economic status have poor health, in particular mental health, but the reasons for this are unclear. This study aims to assess why people moving towards more socio-economically deprived areas have poor mental health. It focuses upon the role of difficult life events that may both trigger moves and damage mental health. This study investigates how mental health and socio-spatial patterns of mobility vary between people moving following difficult life events and for other reasons. Methods Longitudinal analysis of British Household Panel Survey data describing adults’ moves between annual survey waves, pooled over ten years, 1996-2006 (N=122,892 observations). Respondents were defined as ‘difficult life event movers’ if they had experienced relationship breakdown, housing eviction/repossession, or job loss between waves. Respondents were categorised as moving to more or less deprived quintiles using their Census Area Statistic residential ward Carstairs score. Mental health was indicated by self-reported mental health problems. Binary logistic regression models of weighted data were adjusted for age, sex, education and social class. Results The migration rate over one year was 8.5%; 14.1% of movers had experienced a difficult life event during this time period. Adjusted regression model odds of mental health problems among difficult life event movers were 1.67 (95% CI 1.35-2.07) relative to other movers. Odds of difficult life events movers, compared to other movers, moving to a less deprived area, relative to an area with a similar level of deprivation, were 0.70 (95% CI 0.58-0.84). Odds of mental health problems among difficult life event movers relocating to more deprived areas were highly elevated at 2.40 (95% CI 1.63-3.53), relative to stayers. Conclusion Difficult life events may influence health selective patterns of migration and socio-spatial trajectories, reducing moves to less deprived neighbourhoods among people with mental illness.
Temperature‐sensitive DNA repair of ultraviolet damage in human cell lines

Following exposure to ultraviolet irradiation (UV), two of three human fibroblast strains and one of three melanoma cell lines showed lower rates of thymine dimer excision during 24 h at 40° C than at 36° C. All lines had lower rates at 32° C. Autoradiographic studies of three fibroblast strains and four melanoma lines incubated for four hours after irradiation revealed decreased unscheduled DNA synthesis at 42° C compared with 36° C. The rate of semiconservative DNA synthesis was decreased at the upper temperature in both series of experiments. All eight cell lines tested showed decreased repair at 42° C, as judged by slower sedimentation and increased heterogeneity of parental DNA in alkaline sucrose gradients. Experiments using the DNA synthesis inhibitor Actinomycin D suggested that these effects were due to temperature‐sensitive repair synthesis. In the two lines studied, preincubation of cells at 42° C apparently increased the extent of UV damage. Although by no means conclusive, these results are consistent with the possibility that temperaturesensitive DNA repair is a contributory factor in some cases of solar carcinogenesis.
Distinctive Features of Drosophila Alternative Splicing Factor RS Domain: Implication for Specific Phosphorylation, Shuttling, and Splicing Activation

ABSTRACT The human splicing factor 2, also called human alternative splicing factor (hASF), is the prototype of the highly conserved SR protein family involved in constitutive and regulated splicing of metazoan mRNA precursors. Here we report that the Drosophila homologue of hASF (dASF) lacks eight repeating arginine-serine dipeptides at its carboxyl-terminal region (RS domain), previously shown to be important for both localization and splicing activity of hASF. While this difference has no effect on dASF localization, it impedes its capacity to shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm and abolishes its phosphorylation by SR protein kinase 1 (SRPK1). dASF also has an altered splicing activity. While being competent for the regulation of 5′ alternative splice site choice and activation of specific splicing enhancers, dASF fails to complement S100-cytoplasmic splicing-deficient extracts. Moreover, targeted overexpression of dASF in transgenic flies leads to higher deleterious developmental defects than hASF overexpression, supporting the notion that the distinctive structural features at the RS domain between the two proteins are likely to be functionally relevant in vivo.
The E ff ects of Peer Racetracks on the Reading Performance of German L2 Students With and Without Behavioral Di ffi culties

Reading difﬁculties in German students are steadily increasing, while reading motivation is decreasing, yet reading is one of the most important aspects of literacy. Complicating matters, reading instruction is challenged by an enormous heterogeneity among the student body, which includes students learning German as a second language and students with behavioral problems. Thus, many teachers are faced with trying to narrow the large gap between strong and weak readers by providing reading support, which often has to start with basic skills, and at the same time meeting the individual students’ needs. The present single-case study assessed the effects of a simple peer-tutored motivational reading racetrack intervention on word ﬂuen-cy within a short period of time for students with and without behavioral problems (N = 9) for whom German is an L2. The results are promising with high overlap indices and the followup data showing stable improvements. Limitations and implications are discussed.
A case-crossover study on transient risk factors of work-related eye injuries

Objectives: To investigate modifiable risk and preventive factors of work-related eye injuries. Methods: A case-crossover study conducted to explore the associations between transient risk factors and work-related eye injuries. Patients seen at seven medical centres in Taiwan with work-related eye injuries over a 4-year period were enrolled in the study. Clinical information was collected from medical charts and detailed information on exposure to eight potentially modifiable factors during the 60 minutes prior to the occurrence of each injury, as well as during the same time interval on the last work day prior to the injury, were obtained using questionnaire surveys. Matched-pair interval analysis was adopted to assess the odds ratios (ORs) for work-related eye injuries given exposure to the eight modifiable factors. Results: A total of 283 subjects were interviewed. Most of these injured workers were young, male, and self-employed or small enterprise workers. The most common injury type was photokeratitis (33.2%), mainly caused by welding (30.4%). The OR for a work-related eye injury was increased with the performance of an unfamiliar task (57.0), operation of a faulty tool or piece of equipment (48.5), distractions (24.0), being rushed (13.0), or fatigued (10.0), and a poor work environment (4.3). Wearing eye protection devices was found to have a significant protective effect on workers who might otherwise have been exposed to eye injuries (OR = 0.4; 95% CI 0.2 to 0.7). Conclusion: Potential modifiable risk and preventive factors for work-related eye injuries were identified using a case-crossover study. This information should be helpful in the development of preventive strategies.