Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probability distribution for the visually observed fractional cloud cover over the ocean

AbstractThe authors suggest a three-parameter bounded distribution from the family of mixed gamma distributions for characterizing the probability density distributions of fractional total and low cloud cover over the global oceans. The authors derive both the continuous form of this distribution and its discrete counterpart, which can be directly applied to cloud cover reports. The distribution is applied to the cloud cover characteristics reported by voluntary observing ships (VOS) for the period from 1950 to 2011 after filtering nighttime observations with poor lunar illumination. The suggested distribution demonstrates a high goodness of fit to the data and good skill in capturing probability distributions with different shapes. The authors present seasonal climatologies of the parameters of the derived distribution for the chosen 60-yr period and demonstrate that applying the PDF-based concept to the analysis of cloud cover allows identification of areas where similar mean cloud amounts can be produc.
THE TECTONIC DEVELOPMENT OF TIMOR: A NEW MODEL AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR PETROLEUM EXPLORATION

It is argued that the two current tectonic models for Timor, namely the overthrust model and imbrication model do not adequately explain some recent observations, such as the continuity of the Australian continental crust underneath Timor, the lack of field evidence for pervasive imbrication or large scale horizontal thrusting, the absence of convincing evidence for allochthonous masses and the 'palaeomagnetic similarity between the Permian of Timor and Australia. An alternative model is developed in which the continental margin of Australia, when reaching the subduction zone, is decoupled from the down-going slab and, as a result of isotatic rebound, is weakly imbricated. Material transfer across the plate margin is limited to surficial olistostrome mass transport, which could have caused some thrust faulting in the younger Tertiary basins in the south. This model presents a simpler structural geometry and predicts continuity with the Sahul Shelf.
Environmental and psycho-social factors related to prostate cancer risk in the Chinese population: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE To study the risk environmental and psycho-social factors associated to prostate cancer (PCa) in Chinese population. METHODS 250 PCa patients and 500 controls were enrolled in this case-control study. Information was collected and logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for relationship between lifestyle, eating habits and psycho-social factors with PCa risk. RESULTS Green vegetables and green tea were associated with a decreased risk of PCa (OR=0.39, 95% CI: 0.28-0.53; OR=0.59, 95% CI: 0.40-0.87, respectively). Family history of PCa (OR=7.16, 95% CI: 2.01-25.49), history of prostate diseases (OR=2.28, 95% CI: 1.53-3.41), alcohol consumption (OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.33-2.90), red meat consumption (OR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.20-2.52), barbecued (OR=2.29, 95% CI: 1.11-4.73) or fried (OR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.24-4.43) foods were related with increased PCa risk. Negative psycho-social factors including occupational setbacks (OR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.00-2.59), marital separation (OR=1.94, 95% CI: 1.29-2.91), self-contained suffering (OR=2.37, 95% CI: 1.58-3.55), and high sensitivity to the personal comments (OR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.18-2.54) were related to PCa. CONCLUSION Regular consumption of green vegetables and green tea may suggest protective effects on PCa. Alcohol consumption, red meat consumption and barbecued or fried foods were associated with PCa. Negative psycho-social factors may also play a role in the incidence of PCa in Chinese population.
Influence of Mechanical Pre–treatment on Fermentable Sugar Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass, Agronomy Research

Mechanical pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass has been extensively applied in biofuel production despite its high energy requirements. To balance the consumed energy with the energy produced, careful selection and evaluation of pre-treatment parameters, equipment and desired outcome is needed. The study aims to determine optimal hay and barley straw biomass particle size in view of sugar yields, energy consumption and treatment time. The results show that there is no significant difference (p > 0.05) in sugar yields from hay biomass with particle sizes 0.25 mm, 1 mm and 10 mm. Energy requirements for the production of 1 kg of sugar from hay range from 1.8–10.7 MJ. At the same time barley straw proved to be inappropriate for sugar extraction due to low sugar yields (below 40 mg g dry mass) and high energy consumption (18.5–76.2 MJ to produce 1 kg sugar). Thus, after the careful selection of biomass, mechanical pre-treatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis can be an effective technique in biofuel production from biomass.
Causes of Short-Term Readmission After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background—Rehospitalization within 30 days after an admission for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is common, costly, and a future target for Medicare penalties. Causes of readmission after PCI are largely unknown. Methods and Results—To illuminate the causes of PCI readmissions, patients with PCI readmitted within 30 days of discharge between 2007 and 2011 at 2 hospitals were identified, and their medical records were reviewed. Of 9288 PCIs, 9081 (97.8%) were alive at the end of the index hospitalization. Of these, 893 patients (9.8%) were readmitted within 30 days of discharge and included in the analysis. Among readmitted patients, 341 patients (38.1%) were readmitted for evaluation of recurrent chest pain or other symptoms concerning for angina, whereas 59 patients (6.6%) were readmitted for staged PCI without new symptoms. Complications of PCI accounted for 60 readmissions (6.7%). For cases in which chest pain or other symptoms concerning for angina prompted the readmission, 21 patients (6.2%) met criteria for myocardial infarction, and repeat PCI was performed in 54 patients (15.8%). The majority of chest pain patients (288; 84.4%) underwent ≥1 diagnostic imaging test, most commonly coronary angiography, and only 9 (2.6%) underwent target lesion revascularization. Conclusions—After PCI, readmissions within 30 days were seldom related to PCI complications but often for recurrent chest pain. Readmissions with recurrent chest pain infrequently met criteria for myocardial infarction but were associated with high rates of diagnostic testing.
Predicting User Satisfaction from Turn-Taking in Spoken Conversations

User satisfaction is an important aspect of the user experience while interacting with objects, systems or people. Traditionally user satisfaction is evaluated a-posteriori via spoken or written questionnaires or interviews. In automatic behavioral analysis we aim at measuring the user emotional states and its descriptions as they unfold during the interaction. In our approach, user satisfaction is modeled as the final state of a sequence of emotional states and given ternary values positive, negative, neutral. In this paper, we investigate the discriminating power of turn-taking in predicting user satisfaction in spoken conversations. Turn-taking is used for discourse organization of a conversation by means of explicit phrasing, intonation, and pausing. In this paper, we train different characterization of turn-taking, such as competitiveness of the speech overlaps. To extract turn-taking features we design a turn segmentation and labeling system that incorporates lexical and acoustic information. Given a human-human spoken dialog, our system automatically infers any of the three values of the state of the user satisfaction. We evaluate the classification system on real-life call-center human-human dialogs. The comparative performance analysis shows that the contribution of the turn-taking features outperforms both prosodic and lexical features.
Holding Thermal Receipt Paper and Eating Food after Using Hand Sanitizer Results in High Serum Bioactive and Urine Total Levels of Bisphenol A (BPA)

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting environmental contaminant used in a wide variety of products, and BPA metabolites are found in almost everyone’s urine, suggesting widespread exposure from multiple sources. Regulatory agencies estimate that virtually all BPA exposure is from food and beverage packaging. However, free BPA is applied to the outer layer of thermal receipt paper present in very high (∼20 mg BPA/g paper) quantities as a print developer. Not taken into account when considering thermal paper as a source of BPA exposure is that some commonly used hand sanitizers, as well as other skin care products, contain mixtures of dermal penetration enhancing chemicals that can increase by up to 100 fold the dermal absorption of lipophilic compounds such as BPA. We found that when men and women held thermal receipt paper immediately after using a hand sanitizer with penetration enhancing chemicals, significant free BPA was transferred to their hands and then to French fries that were eaten, and the combination of dermal and oral BPA absorption led to a rapid and dramatic average maximum increase (Cmax) in unconjugated (bioactive) BPA of ∼7 ng/mL in serum and ∼20 µg total BPA/g creatinine in urine within 90 min. The default method used by regulatory agencies to test for hazards posed by chemicals is intra-gastric gavage. For BPA this approach results in less than 1% of the administered dose being bioavailable in blood. It also ignores dermal absorption as well as sublingual absorption in the mouth that both bypass first-pass liver metabolism. The elevated levels of BPA that we observed due to holding thermal paper after using a product containing dermal penetration enhancing chemicals have been related to an increased risk for a wide range of developmental abnormalities as well as diseases in adults.
Tumor Antigen LRRC15 Impedes Adenoviral Infection: Implications for Virus-Based Cancer Therapy

ABSTRACT Adenoviruses for gene or oncolytic therapy are under development. Notable among these strategies is adenoviral delivery of the tumor suppressor p53. Since all therapeutics have limitations in certain settings, we have undertaken retroviral suppressor screens to identify genes conferring resistance to adenovirus-delivered p53. These studies identified the tumor antigen LRRC15, which is frequently overexpressed in multiple tumor types, as a repressor of cell death due to adenoviral p53. LRRC15, however, does not impede p53 function per se but impedes adenoviral infection. Specifically, LRRC15 causes redistribution of the coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptor away from the cell surface. This effect is manifested in less adenoviral binding to the surfaces of LRRC15-expressing cells. This discovery, therefore, not only is important for understanding adenoviral biology but also has potentially important implications for adenovirus-based anticancer therapeutics.
CARTOSAT-1 Stereo Imagery: Potentialities about Orientation, DSM Extraction and Orthorectification

CARTOSAT-1 satellite was launched in May 2005; the optical sensor is configured with two pushbroom cameras, namely Aft and Fore, tilted in along track direction by -5° and +26°, providing stereoscopic imagery in the same pass with a ground resolution of 2.5 m. Within the ISRO-ISPRS Cartosat Scientific Assessment Program (C-SAP), investigations were carried out on a stereopair belonging to the test field called TS-6, acquired on 8th June 2005 over the city of Rome, Italy (30 x 7.5 km), in order to test the sensor potentialities for DSM generation. The stereo images were processed with PCI-OrthoEngine software, using a generic rigorous sensor model; the image orientation and the DSM geocoding were based on GCPs collected by GPS surveys with a mean 3D accuracy of 5-10 cm. For the evaluation of the DSM accuracy, it was compared with the DSM generated from a block of 6 aerial photos (scale 1:9’000) over an area of about 3.5 x 4 km. An orientation with horizontal and vertical accuracy at sub-pixel level may be obtained with a “generic rigorous model”; as regards DSM extraction, an accuracy ranging from 1 to 2 pixel, depending on the feature of the land cover (urban zone, bare soil) is achievable with commercial image matchers.
Ozone responses - Russian roulette in plant cells?

Working on a railroad, for a dollar a day Working on a railroad, for a dollar a day Working on a railroad, good buddy, for a dollar a day Got to get my money, gotta get my pay Take this hammer, take it to the captain Take this hammer, take it to the captain Take this hammer, good buddy, take it to the captain Tell him I'm gone, tell him I'm gone If he asks you, was I running If he asks you, was I running If he asks you, good buddy, was I running Tell him I was flying, tell him I was flying If he asks you, was I laughing If he asks you, was I laughing If he asks you, good buddy, was I laughing Tell him I was crying, tell him I was crying This old hammer, rings like silver This old hammer, rings like silver This old hammer, good buddy, rings like silver Shine like gold, buddy and it shine like gold Lyrics, Trad. This thesis is based on the following publications, which will be referred to in the text with their Roman numerals. In addition, unpublished data have been included in this thesis. The published papers are reprinted with the permission of the publishers. Growth responses and related biochemical and ultrastructural changes of the photosynthetic apparatus in birch (Betula pendula) saplings exposed to low concentrations of ozone. Tree Physiology 16: 597–605. Differential effects of elevated ozone on two hybrid aspen genotypes predisposed to chronic ozone fumigation: role of ethylene and salicylic acid. Plant Physiology, resubmitted after revision. Ethylene insensitivity modulates ozone-induced cell death in birch (Betula pendula). Lauri Kärenlampi: Leader of the project; editing the publication. Lauri Kärenlampi: Leader of the project; editing the publication. Carl D. Schlagnhaufer: Supervised the isolation of AT-ACS6 and taught the other crucial laboratory techniques; editing the publication. Markku Keinänen: Jasmonic acid and salicylic acid determinations; editing the manuscript. Andrea Polle: Assisting glutathione analysis; commenting on the manuscript. Raili Ruonala: Conducting part of the experiments; providing transgenic ethylene-insensitive birch ert1-1 material and evidence for ethylene insensitivity; part of the cDNA and northern analysis; editing the manuscript. Hannele Tuominen: Generation of transgenic birch etr1-1 lines; part of the experimental designs; conducting part of the experiments; editing the manuscript. 7 ABBREVIATIONS USED ACC 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate ACD ACC deaminase ACS ACC synthase ACO ACC oxidase AOA aminooxyacetic acid APX ascorbate peroxidase AVG aminoethoxyvinylglycine …
Investigating dietary acculturation and intake among US-born and Thailand/Laos-born Hmong-American children aged 9–18 years

Abstract Objective The Hmong are a growing population of South-East Asian immigrants with increasing rates of obesity and diabetes, yet little is known about their dietary consumption patterns. The present study aimed to investigate the dietary intake of Hmong children and whether acculturation and/or time lived in the USA influences dietary intake, BMI and nutritional status. Design Two 24 h dietary recalls were collected on non-consecutive days using the multiple-pass interviewing method and were averaged. Heights and weights were measured, from which BMI was calculated. An acculturation score was computed. Setting Schools, churches, Hmong organizations, and community centres. Subjects Three hundred and thirty-five Hmong children aged 9–18 years from Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA. Results Approximately half of our participants were either overweight or obese. US-born children were significantly heavier, taller, had a higher BMI, and in general consumed more energy, saturated fat and Na than those who were born in Thailand/Laos and were living in the USA for <5 years. Children who were more acculturated to US norms including language use, social connections and dietary habits had higher BMI-for-age and consumed significantly more saturated fat, trans fatty acids, Na and Ca compared with their less acculturated counterparts. Conclusions Diets of most Hmong children appear below the recommendations for fibre, vitamins A, D and E, Ca, P, Mg and K, and are higher in fats, sugars and Na. Living in an obesogenic US environment is a probable reason for poor dietary quality of Hmong and may be a contributing factor to the rising rates of obesity and diabetes in this population.
Six Months of Daily High-Dose Xylitol in High-Risk Schoolchildren: A Randomized Clinical Trial on Plaque pH and Salivary Mutans Streptococci

A randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effect of daily high-dose xylitol chewing gum on plaque pH and salivary mutans streptococci (MS) in a sample of schoolchildren at high risk of caries. The study was performed on 204 subjects (acceptance rate 88.3%). Inclusion criteria were: >1 and <4 carious lesions, and a salivary MS concentration >105 CFU/ml. Subjects were randomly assigned to the xylitol or control group. Study design included one examination at baseline (t₀), one after 3 months of chewing (t1), one after 6 months of chewing (t2) and the last 3 months after the end of chewing period (t3). Plaque pH was assessed using the MicroTouch technique, following a sucrose challenge. The area under the curve (AUC5.7 and AUC6.2) was recorded. Whole saliva was collected in sterile vials and MS CFU/ml were counted. Data were analysed using repeated-measures ANOVA. The main result was that plaque acidogenicity was reduced in both groups. The differences between treatments were statistically significant both for plaque pH and MS concentration; the interaction term for treatment and time was statistically significant (p < 0.01). At t2, the xylitol group children with a salivary MS concentration >105 and those with ≤105 showed significantly lower AUC5.7 and AUC6.2 values than the control group. These results suggest that the long-term use of high-dose non-sucrose chewing gums had beneficial effects on plaque pH, and that this effect was statistically greater when using xylitol chewing gums, both on plaque pH and MS salivary concentration.
Prevalence and phenotype of childhood apraxia of speech in youth with galactosemia.

PURPOSE In this article, the authors address the hypothesis that the severe and persistent speech disorder reported in persons with galactosemia meets contemporary diagnostic criteria for childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). A positive finding for CAS in this rare metabolic disorder has the potential to impact treatment of persons with galactosemia and inform explanatory perspectives on CAS in neurological, neurodevelopmental, and idiopathic contexts. METHOD Thirty-three youth with galactosemia and significant prior or persistent speech sound disorder were assessed in their homes in 17 states. Participants completed a protocol yielding information on their cognitive, structural, sensorimotor, language, speech, prosody, and voice status and function. RESULTS Eight of the 33 participants (24%) met contemporary diagnostic criteria for CAS. Two participants, 1 of whom was among the 8 with CAS, met criteria for ataxic or hyperkinetic dysarthria. Groupwise findings for the remaining 24 participants are consistent with a classification category termed Motor Speech Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (Shriberg, Fourakis et al., 2010a). CONCLUSION The authors estimate the prevalence of CAS in galactosemia at 18 per hundred-180 times the estimated risk for idiopathic CAS. Findings support the need to study risk factors for the high occurrence of motor speech disorders in galactosemia despite early compliant dietary management.
Ethylcellulose-Based Matrix-Type Microspheres: Influence of Plasticizer RATIO as Pore-Forming Agent

In this study, ethylcellulose (EC)-based microsphere formulations were prepared without and with triethyl citrate (TEC) content of 10% and 30% by water-in-oil emulsion-solvent evaporation technique. Diltiazem hydrochloride (DH) was chosen as a hydrophilic model drug and used at different drug/polymer ratios in the microspheres. The aim of the work was to evaluate the influence of plasticizer ratio on the drug release rate and physicochemical characteristics of EC-based matrix-type microspheres. The resulting microspheres were evaluated for encapsulation efficiency, particle size and size distribution, surface morphology, total pore volume, thermal characteristics, drug release rates, and release mechanism. Results indicated that the physicochemical properties of microspheres were strongly affected by the drug/polymer ratio investigated and the concentration of TEC used in the production technique. The surface morphology and pore volume of microspheres significantly varied based on the plasticizer content in the formulation. DH release rate from EC-based matrix-type microspheres can be controlled by varying the DH to polymer and plasticizer ratios. Glass transition temperature values tended to decrease in conjunction with increasing amounts of TEC. Consequently, the various characteristics of the EC microspheres could be modified based on the plasticized ratio of TEC.
Stem cell therapy in utero

Abstract In utero stem cell transplantation represents a new and still experimental therapeutic strategy for diseases related to the hematopoietic system, i. e. hemoglobinopathies, immunodeficiency diseases and metabolic disorders. To date, a total of 21 cases of transplantations using stem cells either of fetal liver or adult bone marrow origin have been reported in the literature. Success has been limited – with the exception of one case of β-thalassemia – to four cases with immunodeficiency diseases. In this review the broad therapeutic implications as well as potentials and limitations of this technique are summarized. Furthermore, ethical considerations based on the use of fetal cells are pointed out and a prospective view concerning experimental and clinical future perspectives including the possibility for gene therapy is presented.