Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal modeling of PM2.5 oxidative potential using source impact and model fusion techniques

Exposure to elevated levels of air pollution can lead to cardiorespiratory disease, birth defects, and cancer. However, observational air quality data are spatially and temporally sparse due to high cost of monitors, limiting the scope of epidemiologic analyses and introducing error in exposure assessments. This dissertation presents the development, evaluation, and applications of multiple mathematical and computational modeling approaches for estimating spatiotemporal trends in air pollutant concentrations where and when data is not available for use in health studies. Specifically, source apportionment techniques with multivariate regression analyses are used to estimate long-term (years 1998—2010) and large-scale (eastern US) spatiotemporal trends in a novel pollutant metric, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) oxidative potential measured with a dithiothreitol assay (OP_DTT). OP_DTT measures a particle’s ability to catalytically generate reactive oxygen species while simultaneously depleting a body’s antioxidant defenses, leading to oxidative stress and, in turn, inflammation in the respiratory tract and cardiovascular system. Results show that biomass burning and vehicle sources are significant contributors to OP_DTT and that OP_DTT exposure presents higher risk ratios for asthma/wheezing and congestive heart failure emergency department visits than PM2.5 mass. Additionally, statistical downscaling techniques and model fusion approaches are developed to simulate fine-scale spatiotemporal trends (250m resolution) in air pollutant concentrations (OP_DTT, PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides) in Atlanta, GA. These methods estimate steep spatial gradients in pollutant concentrations near roadways that monitors and regional air quality models with coarse grid resolutions do not capture. The models developed in this dissertation can estimate concentration fields of air pollutants, including the novel pollutant metric OP_DTT, at regional and local scales, making them valuable tools for current and future epidemiologic and environmental justice research.
An Experimental Test of Risk-Sharing Arrangements

We investigate risk sharing without commitment by designing an experiment to match a simple model of voluntary insurance between two agents when aggregate income is constant. Participants are matched in pairs. Each period, they receive their income with or without a random component h that one person receives; after observing own and counterpart income, each person in a pair can decide to make a transfer to the other person. It is common information that there is a given probability that all pairs will be dissolved at the end of each period, with participants re-matched. At the end of the experiment, one period is randomly drawn to count for cash payment. Participants all face the same variance in their income, but do not necessarily have the same mean income. This setting allows us to experimentally test different implications of risk sharing without commitment. In particular, we find strong evidence of risk sharing and reciprocal behavior, where transfers are higher with a higher continuation probability and with a higher degree of risk aversion. However, transfers are lower with inequality, in contrast with existing models of both risk sharing and social preferences.
TEMPERATURE REGULATION IN PREMATURE INFANTS.

Sixteen serial observations of oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, R.Q. , respiratory rate, rectal temperature, and skin blood flow were made on six premature infants ranging in age from 3 hours to 12 days and weighing from 1.14 to 1.94 kg, utilizing a specially designed climatized chamber at neutral (32-34°C), low (21-23°C), and high (36-38°C) ambient temperatures. Ten premature infants ranging in age from 2½ hours to 18 days were studied at high (36-38°C) ambient temperature. At low ambient temperature, there was a mean increase of 63% in oxygen consumption even in infants under 24 hours of age. At the end of the rewarming period, rectal temperature, which had been lowered during a 20-minute exposure to 21-23°C, nearly recovered to the original level in infants in both of the age groups of 0 to 24 hours and 2 to 5 days, whereas in the 6 to 12 day old group, it returned faster than the former two and it was increased by 0.32 to 1.9°C (mean 0.9°C). At 36-38°C, ambient temperature, the mean oxygen consumption increased 18% in infants ages 2½ to 7½ hours, whereas there was no significant increase in infants ages 10 to 18 days. Sweating and significant vasodilatation generally did not occur even in the older infants. The respiratory rate was increased in most infants. It is suggested that heat loss through the respiratory tract might be important to the premature infant who has a lack of evaporative means at high ambient temperature.
The Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella Surveillance Study in Bangladesh

Abstract Background Shigella is an important cause of diarrhea in Bangladeshi children <5 years of age, with an incidence rate of 4.6 per 100 person-years. However, the report was more than a decade old, and data on Shigella consequences are similarly outdated and heterogeneously collected. Methods Facility-based disease surveillance is planned to be carried out under the Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella Surveillance Study consortium for 2 years with aims to optimize and standardize laboratory techniques and healthcare utilization and coverage survey, clinical and anthropometric data collection, safety monitoring and responsiveness, and other related activities. The EFGH is a cohesive network of multidisciplinary experts, capable of operating in concert to conduct the study to generate data that will pave the way for potential Shigella vaccine trials in settings with high disease burden. The study will be conducted within 7 country sites in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Conclusions We outline the features of the Bangladesh site as part of this multisite surveillance network to determine an updated incidence rate and document the consequences of Shigella diarrhea in children aged 6–35 months, which will help inform policymakers and to implement the future vaccine trials.
Simulating cosmic rays in clusters of galaxies – II. A unified scheme for radio haloes and relics with predictions of the γ-ray emission

The thermal plasma of galaxy clusters lost most of its information on how structure formation proceeded as a result of dissipative processes. In contrast , non-equilibrium distributions of cosmic rays (CR) preserve the information about their injection and transport processes and provide thus a unique window of current and past structure formation processes. This information can be unveiled by observations of non-thermal radiative processes, including radio synchrotron, hard X-ray, andγ-ray emission. To explore this, we use high-resolution simulations of a sample of galaxy clusters spanning a mass range of about two orders of magnitudes, and follow self-consistent CR physics on top of the radiative hydrodynamics. We model relativistic electrons that are accelerated at cosmological st ructure formation shocks and those that are produced in hadronic interactions of CRs with ambient gas protons. We find that the CR proton pressure traces the time integrated non-equilibriu m activities of clusters and is modulated by the recent dynamical activities. In contrast, the p ressure of primary shock-accelerated CR electrons resembles current accretion and merging shock waves that break at the shallow cluster potential in the virial regions. The resulting sync hrotron emission is predicted to be polarised and has an inhomogeneous and aspherical spatial distribution which matches the properties of observed radio relics. We propose a unified sch eme for the generation of giant radio halos as well as radio mini-halos that naturally arise s from our simulated synchrotron surface brightness maps and emission profiles. Giant radio h alos are dominated in the centre by secondary synchrotron emission with a transition to the radio synchrotron radiation emitted from primary, shock-accelerated electrons in the cluster periphery. This model is able to explain the regular structure of radio halos by the dominant contribution of hadronically produced electrons. At the same time, it is able to account for th e observed correlation of mergers with radio halos, the larger peripheral variation of the spe ctral index, and the large scatter in the scaling relation between cluster mass and synchrotron emission. Future low-frequency radio telescopes (LOFAR, GMRT, MWA, LWA) are expected to probe the accretion shock regions of clusters and the warm-hot intergalactic medium, depending on the adopted model for the magnetic fields. The hadronic origin of radio halos can be scrutinised by the detection of pion-decay inducedγ-rays following hadronic CR interactions. The high-energyγ-ray emission depends only weakly on whether radiative or non-radiative gas physics is simulated due to the self-regulated nature of the CR cooling processes. Our models predict aγ-ray emission level that should be observable with the GLAST satellite.
Joint design of a channel-optimized quantizer and multicarrier modulation

We present an algorithm for design of a joint source-channel coder using a channel-optimized quantizer and multicarrier modulation. By changing the power of each subchannel in the multicarrier modulation system, different degrees of error protection can be provided for different bits according to their importance. The algorithm converges to a locally optimum system design. Compared to a Lloyd-Max scalar quantizer or a LBG vector quantizer using single-channel transmission, our optimized code can yield substantial performance improvements. The performance improvements are most pronounced at low channel signal-to-noise ratios.
Formalizing Dynamic Software Updating

Dynamic software updating (DSU) enables running programs to be updated with new code and data without interrupting their execution. A number of DSU systems have been designed, but there is still little rigorous understanding of how to use DSU technology so that updates are safe. As a first step in this direction, we introduce a small update calculus with a precise mathematical semantics. The calculus is formulated as an extension of a typed lambda calculus, and supports updating technology similar to that of the programming language Erlang [2]. Our goal is to provide a simple yet expressive foundation for reasoning about dynamically updateable software. In this paper, we present the details of the calculus, give some examples of its expressive power, and discuss how it might be used or extended to guarantee safety properties.
Use of natural variation reveals core genes in the transcriptome of iron-deficient Arabidopsis thaliana roots

Iron (Fe) is an essential mineral micronutrient for plants and animals. Plants respond to Fe deficiency by increasing root uptake capacity. Identification of gene networks for Fe uptake and homeostasis could result in improved crop growth and nutritional value. Previous studies have used microarrays to identify a large number of genes regulated by Fe deficiency in roots of three Arabidopsis ecotypes. However, a large proportion of these genes may be involved in secondary or genotype-influenced responses rather than in a universal role in Fe uptake or homeostasis. Here we show that a small percentage of the Fe deficiency transcriptome of two contrasting ecotypes, Kas-1 and Tsu-1, was shared with other ecotypes. Kas-1 and Tsu-1 had different timing and magnitude of ferric reductase activity upon Fe withdrawal, and different categories of overrepresented Fe-regulated genes. To gain insights into universal responses of Arabidopsis to Fe deficiency, the Kas-1 and Tsu-1 transcriptomes were compared with those of Col-0, Ler, and C24. In early Fe deficiency (24–48 h), no Fe-downregulated genes and only 10 upregulated genes were found in all ecotypes, and only 20 Fe-downregulated and 58 upregulated genes were found in at least three of the five ecotypes. Supernode gene networks were constructed to visualize conserved Fe homeostasis responses. Contrasting gene expression highlighted different responses to Fe deficiency between ecotypes. This study demonstrates the use of natural variation to identify central Fe-deficiency-regulated genes in plants, and identified genes with potential new roles in signalling during Fe deficiency.
Lobster GABA receptor subunit expressed in neural tissues

A cDNA encoding an ionotropic gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunit was isolated from a lobster (Homarus americanus) cDNA library. A longer version of this cDNA, containing a 108‐bp insert, was also detected. The two cDNAs are predicted to encode alternatively spliced proteins of 485 and 521 amino acids, respectively. The sequences were most similar to the Drosophila RDL (resistance to dieldrin) GABA subunit with 54% identity, and 30–35% identity with vertebrate ionotropic GABA receptor subunits. Only the shorter clone formed functional ion channels when transfected into human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. GABA caused a Cl‐‐selective current in the presence of GABA that was blocked by picrotoxin. The GABA‐induced current was weakly sensitive to the GABAA antagonist, bicuculline, but was enhanced by pentobarbital. Expression of the GABA receptor mRNA was highest in brain and the olfactory organ, but was not detected in leg muscle. These data suggest that the isolated cDNAs are likely to encode proteins that comprise subunits of native GABA receptors expressed in olfactory receptor neurons and projection neurons of the olfactory deutocerebrum. J. Neurosci. Res. 59:534–541, 2000 © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of Cabin Ozone Concentrations on Passenger Reported Symptoms in Commercial Aircraft

Due to elevated ozone concentrations at high altitudes, the adverse effect of ozone on air quality, human perception and health may be more pronounced in aircraft cabins. The association between ozone and passenger-reported symptoms has not been investigated under real conditions since smoking was banned on aircraft and ozone converters became more common. Indoor environmental parameters were measured at cruising altitude on 83 US domestic and international flights. Passengers completed a questionnaire about symptoms and satisfaction with the indoor air quality. Average ozone concentrations were relatively low (median: 9.5 ppb). On thirteen flights (16%) ozone levels exceeded 60 ppb, while the highest peak level reached 256 ppb for a single flight. The most commonly reported symptoms were dry mouth or lips (26%), dry eyes (22.1%) and nasal stuffiness (18.9%). 46% of passengers reported at least one symptom related to the eyes or mouth. A third of the passengers reported at least one upper respiratory symptom. Using multivariate logistic (individual symptoms) and linear (aggregated continuous symptom variables) regression, ozone was consistently associated with symptoms related to the eyes and certain upper respiratory endpoints. A concentration-response relationship was observed for nasal stuffiness and eye and upper respiratory symptom indicators. Average ozone levels, as opposed to peak concentrations, exhibited slightly weaker associations. Medium and long duration flights were significantly associated with more symptoms compared to short flights. The relationship between ultrafine particles and ozone on flights without meal service was indicative of ozone-initiated chemistry.
Smoking Is Associated With Reduced Risk of Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults Contrasting With Increased Risk in Overweight Men With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between smoking habits and risk of autoimmune diabetes in adults and of type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used data from the three surveys of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, spanning 1984–2008 and including a cohort of 90,819 Norwegian men (48%) and women (52%) aged ≥20 years. Incident cases of diabetes were identified by questionnaire and classified as type 2 diabetes (n = 1,860) and autoimmune diabetes (n = 140) based on antibodies to glutamic decarboxylase (GADA) and age at onset of diabetes. Hazard ratios (HRs) adjusted for confounders were estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS The risk of autoimmune diabetes was reduced by 48% (HR 0.52 [95% CI 0.30–0.89]) in current smokers and 58% in heavy smokers (0.42 [0.18–0.98]). The reduced risk was positively associated with number of pack-years. Heavy smoking was associated with lower levels of GADA (P = 0.001) and higher levels of C-peptide (964 vs. 886 pmol/L; P = 0.03). In contrast, smoking was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, restricted to overweight men (1.33 [1.10–1.61]). Attributable proportion due to an interaction between overweight and heavy smoking was estimated to 0.40 (95% CI 0.23–0.57). CONCLUSIONS In this epidemiological study, smoking is associated with a reduced risk of autoimmune diabetes, possibly linked to an inhibitory effect on the autoimmune process. An increased risk of type 2 diabetes was restricted to overweight men.
Clinical and Electrophysiologic Responses to Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors in MuSK-Antibody-Positive Myasthenia Gravis: Evidence for Cholinergic Neuromuscular Hyperactivity

Background and Purpose Patients with muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody (MuSK-Ab)-positive myasthenia gravis (MG) show distinct responses to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). Although clinical responses to AChEIs in MuSK-Ab MG are reasonably well known, little is known about the electrophysiologic responses to AChEIs. We therefore investigated the clinical and electrophysiologic responses to AChEIs in MuSK-Ab-positive MG patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and electrodiagnostic findings of 17 MG patients (10 MuSK-Ab-positive and 7 MuSK-Ab-negative patients) who underwent electrodiagnostic testing before and after a neostigmine test (NT). Results The frequency of intolerance to pyridostigmine bromide (PB) was higher in MuSK-Ab-positive patients than in MuSK-Ab-negative patients (50% vs. 0%, respectively; p=0.044), while the maximum tolerable dose of PB was lower in the former (90 mg/day vs. 480 mg/day, p=0.023). The frequency of positive NT results was significantly lower in MuSK-Ab-positive patients than in MuSK-Ab-negative patients (40% vs. 100%, p=0.035), while the nicotinic side effects of neostigmine were more frequent in the former (80% vs. 14.3%, p=0.015). Repetitive compound muscle action potentials (R-CMAPs) developed more frequently after NT in MuSK-Ab-positive patients than in MuSK-Ab-negative patients (90% vs. 14.3%, p=0.004). The frequency of a high-frequency-stimulation-induced decrement-increment pattern (DIP) was higher in MuSK-Ab-positive patients than in MuSK-Ab-negative patients (100% vs. 17.7%, p=0.003). Conclusions These results suggest that MuSK-Ab-positive MG patients exhibit unique and hyperactive responses to AChEIs. Furthermore, R-CMAP and DIP development on a standard AChEI dose may be a distinct neurophysiologic feature indicative of MuSK-Ab-positive MG.
Purely functional lazy non-deterministic programming

Functional logic programming and probabilistic programming have demonstrated the broad benefits of combining laziness (non-strict evaluation with sharing of the results) with non-determinism. Yet these benefits are seldom enjoyed in functional programming, because the existing features for non-strictness, sharing, and non-determinism in functional languages are tricky to combine. We present a practical way to write purely functional lazy non-deterministic programs that are efficient and perspicuous. We achieve this goal by embedding the programs into existing languages (such as Haskell, SML, and OCaml) with high-quality implementations, by making choices lazily and representing data with non-deterministic components, by working with custom monadic data types and search strategies, and by providing equational laws for the programmer to reason about their code.
Experimental research on channel closure in braided rivers

The dynamic nature of braided rivers can lead to river bank erosion, bankline shifts and navigational hindrance. River training measures can be implemented in order to mitigate these problems. An alternative to conventional river training works is the closure of a channel within the braided network. Until recent there has been no systematic research on channel closure and guidelines or recommendations were absent. Recent simulations with numerical models on sand-bed braided rivers investigated both the effects of channel closure around the island and on the braided network. The results of these studies have their limitations and validation with physical models or pilot tests are necessary. Therefore, the objective of this thesis is to obtain a better understanding of the local morphodynamic effects of interventions aiming at channel closure in braided rivers. This has been done by conducting flume experiments with a simplified section of a braided river with gravel-bed similarity. At first the laboratory experiment was designed such that a stable and reproducible planform developed. A section, consisting of an upstream fixed Y-shaped confluence followed by an alluvial island surrounded by two channels and fixed outer banks, was used to systematically study the local effects of channel closure. The obtained results were analyzed and compared with the numerical studies of Ostanek Jurina (2017) and Schuurman et al. (2016).
Unaccentedness in Japanese

A characteristic, though not necessary, property of so-called pitch accent languages is the existence of unaccented words. Work on unaccentedness in Japanese has found a concentration of such words in very specific areas of the lexicon, defined in prosodic terms. While unaccentedness might be some kind of default, the prosodic rationale for the way it is distributed over the lexicon is far from clear. This article investigates the underlying structural reasons for the distribution and develops a formal Optimality Theory account, which involves two well-known constraints: RIGHTMOST and NONFINALITY. The tension between the two, usually resolved by ranking (NONFINALITY ≫ RIGHTMOST ), finds another surprising resolution in unaccentedness: no accent, no conflict. Besides providing a more detailed analysis of Japanese word accent, which takes into consideration other mitigating phonological and morphological factors, the article aims to gain an understanding of the similarities and differences between pitch accent and stress accent languages.
Improving acceptability assessment for the labelling of affective speech corpora

In this paper we study how to address the assessment of affective speech corpora. We propose the use of several coefficients and provide guidelines to obtain a more complete background about the quality of their annotation. This proposal has been evaluated employing a corpus of non-acted emotions gathered from spontaneous interactions of users with a spoken dialogue system. The results show that, due to the nature of non-acted emotional corpora, traditional interpretations would in most cases consider the annotation of these corpora unacceptable even with very high inter-annotator agreement. Our proposal provides a basis to argue their acceptability by supplying a more fine-grained vision of their quality. Index Terms: affective corpora, non-acted emotions, interannotator agreement