Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Skin disorders among construction workers following Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita: an outbreak investigation in New Orleans, Louisiana.

OBJECTIVES To determine the extent and scope of the outbreak of skin eruptions, to identify the causes of the acute skin diseases, to identify risk factors for the conditions, and to reduce the dermatologic morbidity among workers repairing buildings damaged by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Military base in New Orleans, Louisiana. PARTICIPANTS Civilian construction workers living and working at a New Orleans military base between August 30, 2005, and October 3, 2005. Living conditions were mainly wooden huts and tents with limited sanitation facilities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Survey of risk factors, physical examination, skin biopsy specimens, and environmental investigation of the occupational and domiciliary exposures. RESULTS Of 136 workers, 58 reported rash, yielding an attack rate of 42.6%. The following 4 clinical entities were diagnosed among 41 workers who had a physical examination (some had >1 diagnosis): 27 (65.9%) having papular urticaria, 8 (19.5%) having bacterial folliculitis, 6 (14.6%) having fiberglass dermatitis, and 2 (4.9%) having brachioradial photodermatitis. All diagnoses except brachioradial photodermatitis were confirmed by histopathologic examination. After adjusting for race/ethnicity and occupation, sleeping in previously flooded huts was statistically significantly (adjusted odds ratio, 20.4; 95% confidence interval, 5.9-70.2) associated with developing papular urticaria, the most common cause of rash in this cluster. CONCLUSIONS We identified 4 distinct clinical entities, although most workers were diagnosed as having papular urticaria. Huts previously flooded as a result of the hurricanes and used for sleeping may have harbored mites, a likely source of papular urticaria. To reduce the morbidity of hurricane-related skin diseases, we suggest avoiding flooded areas, fumigating with an acaricide, and wearing protective clothing.
Sexual violence in armed conflicts: research progress and remaining gaps

Abstract Research on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) has grown rapidly over the last decade. This article consolidates existing social science research on CSRV according to two lines of inquiry: its causes and its consequences. Overall, research has considerably advanced our knowledge of the causes of CRSV, particularly in four aspects: purpose, context, individual motives and intra-group dynamics. However, there is a need to better understand the societal consequences of CRSV, in particular how it affects relations in families, and within and between communities. Overall there remains a shortage of empirical, in particular mixed-method, designs to produce research which is relevant for policymakers and practitioners.
Managing Distributed Temperature Measurements in an Embedded System of a 3-Phase 10 kVA Energy Efficient Switchable Distribution Transformer Employing a Modular Approach

Temperature measurements are one of the most significant factors in condition monitoring and protecting transformers as well as estimating their life expectancy. With switchable transformers, it is also significant to carry out temperature monitoring to protect the switching devices. This paper presents techniques to manage temperature measurements of the windings and core of a 3-phase 10kVA switchable distribution transformer as well as switching devices that connect the tappings of the transformer. Serial digital temperature sensors DS18S20 were utilized to read the temperatures of all intended points which were distributed around the transformer and switching devices. Multi-drop connections through 1-Wire® buses were implemented to interface the sensors with some micro controllers which were located in some separated modules. Furthermore a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus was used to enable the exchange of measurement results between the modules. Software has also been developed to follow a previously developed protocol for communication through the CAN bus. From testing results, it could be shown that the techniques could be implemented by using the embedded system to achieve reliable distributed temperature measurements for the transformer and switching devices. In addition, results of the measurements reveal that the implementation of a parallel configuration of the windings at high loads reduces losses caused by the windings, which in turn improves the efficiency of the transformer.
Ethyl 2-(3-methyl-5-sulfanylidene-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)acetate

The title compound, C7H11N3O2S, exists in the 5-thioxo tautomeric form. The 1,2,4-triazoline ring is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.010 (2) Å for the substituted N atom. The ethyl acetate substituent is almost planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.061 (4) Å for the methylene C atom of the ethoxy group. The angle between the mean plane of this substituent and the mean plane of the 1,2,4-triazoline ring is 89.74 (8)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by a combination of N—H⋯S, C—H⋯N and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds into chains parallel to [100].
Is Environmental Concern in Advertising Related to the State of the Economy? An Exploratory Study from the Wall Street Journal 2007-2011

This study is an attempt to determine the relationship between the prevalence of environmental cues in advertisements and the state of the U.S. economy. Advertisements sampled from the Wall Street Journal, a preeminent daily business news publication in the United States, were examined during the years 2007, 2009, and 2011 to determine this relationship. While few direct environmental appeals were found within the sample of advertisements, a variety of indirect environmental cues were utilized for analysis. The results show that there is a quadratic relationship between advertisers’ use of indirect environmental cues and the state of the economy, such that the presence of these cues drops in frequency during the year 2009 and begins to return to pre-recession levels in 2011. What this suggests is that the presence of these cues declined as the Great Recession worsened and then began to increase as the economy began to recover. Potential interpretations are offered.
Multidimensional Space-Vector PWM Algorithm Using Branch Space Voltage Vector

Typical algorithms of multidimensional space-vector pulsewidth modulation (SVPWM) divide (n -1) dimensional space into (n-1)/2 subplanes with decoupling matrix or symmetrical component approach. However, the determination of effective sectors and appropriate space voltage vectors takes a heavy computing burden. Taking the five-phase inverter as example, the relationship between the operation time of branch switches and the dwell times of active space vectors in the SVPWM method is analyzed in this paper. Then, the branch space voltage vector (BSVV) corresponding to the individual active branch voltage is defined and the synthesis of other active space voltage vectors using BSVVs is given. Furthermore, only the BSVVs are chosen as the base vectors to synthesize the reference voltage vector, and a novel SVPWM algorithm is present. The operation time of branch switch is deduced, and the equivalence of the normalized load-phase voltages and operation times of branch switches is emphasized and used to analyze the simulation results. The zero-sequence voltage vector is also included in the algorithm as a parameter and its effects on the dwell time of the BSVVs, the modulation index and the common-mode voltage are explicated. Finally, the extension to an n-phase system is discussed. The algorithm eliminates the selection of sectors and proper active space vectors, and can effectively control the dwell time of switches of multiphase inverter. Experimental results proved the feasibility and effectiveness of the algorithm.
Overexpression of Hif‐1α in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Affects Cell‐Autonomous Angiogenic and Osteogenic Parameters

Reconstruction of large bone defects still represents a major medical challenge. In recent years tissue engineering has developed techniques based on adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that could represent an attractive therapeutical option to treat large bone defects in the future. It has been demonstrated in various animal models that ex vivo expanded MSCs are capable of promoting the regeneration of skeletal defects after implantation. However, for the efficient regeneration of bone in tissue engineering applications, a rapid vascularization of implanted grafts is essential to ensure the survival of cells in the early post‐implantational phase. A promising strategy to enhance vascularization of MSC‐containing implants could consist of overexpression of the angiogenic master transcription factor Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (Hif‐1) in the MSCs in order to induce angiogenesis and support osteogenesis. In the present study, we overexpressed Hif‐1α in MSCs by using recombinant adenoviruses and investigated cell‐autonomous effects. Overexpression of Hif‐1α enhanced proliferation, migration, cell survival and expression of pro‐angiogenic genes. Other parameters such as expression of the osteogenic markers BMP‐2 and RunX2 were decreased. Hif‐1α overexpression had no effect on invasion, senescence and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Our experiments revealed multifarious effects of Hif‐1α overexpression on cell‐autonomous parameters. Therefore, Hif‐1α overexpression may represent a therapeutic option to improve cellular functions of MSCs to treat critical sized bone defects. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 760–768, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determinants of Farmers Preference to Coffee Market Outlet in Jimma Zone: The Case of Coffee Potential Districts

Background and objective: Choice of a marketing outlet is one of the key ingredients to successful marketing of both agricultural and non-agricultural products. The aim of the study was to show determinants of coffee farmers’ preference of coffee market outlet in Southwest Ethiopia/Jimma zone. Methodology: Cross-sectional data was collected from 156 randomly selected rural households of three Districts. Structured questionnaire prepared for household heads were filled by the help of selected and well trained enumerators. The study used multinomial logistic regression model to determine factors determining coffee market outlet preference.
For Safety and Security Reasons: The Cost of Component-Isolation in IoT

Abstract The current development trend of Internet of Things (IoT) aims for a tighter integration of mobile and stationary devices via various networks. This includes communication of vehicles to roadside infrastructure (V2I), as well as intelligent sensors / actors in Logistics and smart home environments. Compared to isolated traditional embedded systems, the exposure to open networks increases the attack surface, and errors in the networking components could compromise the safety and security of the embedded application or the whole network. But often current system architectures for mass-market IoT devices lack the required isolation concepts. Using a partitioning microkernel and enforcing the use of a microcontroller’s memory protection unit (MPU) facilities, we compare different isolation concepts for a publish/subscribe middleware implementing OMG’s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard and we evaluate our results on an STM32F4 microcontroller. The results of this case study show moderate costs for increased memory usage and additional context switches.
Can transvaginal ultrasonographic evaluation of the endocervical glandular area predict preterm labor among patients who received tocolytic therapy for threatened labor: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective: Increased neonatal morbidity and mortality rates resulting from preterm delivery (PTD) remain as a problem despite increasing evidence about the physiology of uterine contractility process. More predictive signs of preterm labor detected on prenatal ultrasonography like the presence of cervical gland area (CGA) on transvaginal ultrasonography can be a reassuring finding among patients with threatened labor risk. Methods: In this prospective study, 85 pregnant patients at 24–34 weeks of gestation who attended to our high risk pregnancy clinic for threatened labor between March 2011 and March 2012 have been examined by transvaginal ultrasonography to evaluate CGA located around the endocervical canal. Following discharge, the gestational week at birth, birth weight and birth route of patients have been recorded. Results: Among patients with a cervical length (CL) <30 mm and ≥30 mm measured by transvaginal ultrasonography on admission, 82.4% of the patients with a short cervix exhibiting echolucent endocervical glandular area and 42.3% of the patients with short cervix exhibiting echogen endocervical glandular area on sonography delivered at term (p = 0.013). Conclusion: The presence of CGA detected on transvaginal ultrasonography especially when combined with the evaluation of CL during the management of patients with threatened labor can be a reassuring sign for actual probability of PTD.
Theory of Third Best: How to Interpret and Apply

Six decades after the formulation of his (Lipsey & Lancaster, [Lipsey R. G., 1956]) celebrated general theory of the second best, Richard Lipsey has written on the important issue of second‐best and third‐best theories. In particular, he criticizes the theory of third best (see Section 3 below). This paper explains our agreements and differences and reaches the following conclusions. First, several arguments provided do not invalidate the theory of third best, at least if correctly interpreted and applied. We may have useful piecemeal welfare policies after all, if appropriately used. Second, I did not and do not attempt to refute the general result of second‐best theory; both the second‐best and third‐best theories remain valid, if properly interpreted. Third, the usefulness of some general results (properly interpreted and used) and the importance of additional information (if available) on specific context need not be an either–or choice (Section 1). Finally, the third‐best theory is not completely non‐context specific; the distinction between cases of Informational Poverty and Scarcity itself depends on the context. However, it also provides some general guides useful for making piecemeal policies in different contexts (Sections 3 and 4).
Evaluation of Immunohistochemical Fine Sectioning for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective. To determine the level of sentinel lymph node sectioning necessary to accurately detect nodal micrometastasis. Study Design. Cross-sectional. Setting. Tertiary care university medical center. Subjects and Methods. Fine sections of oral squamous cell carcinoma sentinel lymph nodes previously sectioned at 2-mm intervals in a prospective clinical trial were reexamined. The results yielded from prior hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining were compared with results following exhaustive serial sectioning at 150-µm intervals using identical staining methods. These experimental findings were compared with pathologic results of immediate completion selective neck dissection, previously recorded prospectively. Results. Reexamination of 35 sentinel nodes at 150-µm intervals has not revealed any missed micrometastatic disease at 2-mm intervals used initially. Both comparisons of 150-µm sectioning analysis to the original 2-mm section samples and to the neck dissection pathology reports demonstrate a 100% negative predictive value. Conclusion. These data suggest that sentinel lymph node sectioning at 2-mm intervals for oral carcinoma using hematoxylin and eosin staining and then immunohistochemical analysis maximizes efficiency, accuracy, and expenditure for the detection of micrometastasis.
On the issue of ‘multiple’ first failures in competing risks analysis

In the classical competing risks framework, a subject may only fail from one of several distinct causes. However, in the context of cancer clinical trials where information on first relapse is usually of interest, there could be occasions when ‘multiple’ first recurrences are identified at a particular follow‐up. In this instance, the competing risks methodology cannot be implemented without first tackling the issue of ‘tied’ first failure. When the tied events were substantial, Arriagada et al. regarded each competing failure separately, and combined the ‘simultaneous’ failures into a single category for analysis. This paper describes two other methods of accounting for ‘multiple’ failures. First, the ties were dealt with by applying a weighting factor which was equal to the reciprocal of the number of ties. We also considered ‘jittering’ which randomly adds or subtracts a small number to each ‘tied’ event time to randomly break the tie. As illustrated using the data obtained from a randomized trial of patients with operable osteosarcoma, the estimates based on Arriagada's approach have larger standard errors. Estimates from the other alternative methods were similar. Multiple jittering has the advantage of wide applicability in any situation of tied survival times. However, it takes a longer computer running time, especially when the number of replicates is large. The weighted Cox approach is the method of choice where statistical software allows its implementation without extra programming effort. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical model for MOSFET low-frequency noise under cyclo-stationary conditions

A statistical model for the low-frequency (LF) noise behavior of MOSFETs under cyclo-stationary excitation is presented. The model is based on discrete device physics quantities, which are shown to cause statistical variability in LF noise behavior. Good agreement between experimental data, Monte Carlo simulations and model is demonstrated.
Real-Time Implementation of Multi-Dimensional Five-Phase Space Vector PWM Using Look-Up Table Techniques

Space vector PWM (SVPWM) has been recently developed for multi-phase motor drives on the basis of the multidimensional space approach. Although showing excellent characteristics with regard to performance, the multi-dimensional based SVPWM is very difficult for real-time implementation due to the excessive computational demands of the algorithm. A further difficulty stems from the dependence of the computation time on the operating conditions. This paper attempts to alleviate these problems encountered in the real-time implementation of multi-dimensional SVPWM algorithms, by using look-up tables that include off-line information. The performance of the approximate algorithm based on the off-line calculations is evaluated by simulation for different requirements regarding the output voltage synthesis. The algorithm is finally implemented in a TMS320C6711 Texas Instruments DSP, thus proving the feasibility of real time implementation with fixed computational time, at the expense of the additional memory for the look-up table storage.
Polynucleotide phosphorylase functions both as a 3′ → 5′ exonuclease and a poly(A) polymerase in Escherichia coli

Abstract In vitro, polynucleotide phosphorylase of Escherichia coli can both synthesize RNA by using nucleotide diphosphates as precursors and exonucleolytically degrade RNA in the presence of inorganic phosphate. However, because of the high in vivo concentration of inorganic phosphate in exponentially growing cells, it has been assumed that the enzyme works exclusively as an exonuclease. Here we demonstrate that, contrary to this prediction, polynucleotide phosphorylase not only synthesizes long, highly heteropolymeric tails in vivo, but also accounts for all of the observed residual polyadenylylation in poly(A) polymerase I deficient strains. In addition, the enzyme is responsible for adding the C and U residues that are found in poly(A) tails in exponentially growing cultures of wild type E. coli.
Actin filaments and photoreceptor membrane turnover

The shape and turnover of photoreceptor membranes appears to depend on associated actin filaments. In dipterans, the photoreceptor membrane is microvillar. It is turned over by the addition of new membrane at the bases of the microvilli and by subsequent shedding, mostly from the distal ends. Each microvillus contains actin filaments as a component of its cytoskeletal core. Two myosin I‐like proteins co‐localize with the actin filaments. It is suggested that one of the myosin I‐like proteins might be linked to the microvillar membrane. By interacting with the actin filaments, this motor should move the membrane of a microvillus in a distal direction, thus providing a possible mechanism for the turnover of the membrane.
Why did Argentina become a super-exporter of agricultural and food products during the Belle Époque (1880-1929)?

The objective of this paper is to explain, from a cliometric perspective, the determinants of the growth of Argentina’s exports between 1880 and 1929. To do this, we have constructed a gravity model with the principal products exported each year by Argentina to its most important trading partners. In this way, we believe that this study constitutes a relevant and original contribution to the analysis of economic growth from a historical perspective and specifically in explaining the factors determining the export success of the settler countries during the first wave of globalisation. Our results show that Argentina’s export-led growth must be explained from both the supply and demand sides. We also find that the reduction in transatlantic transport costs boosted exports.
Insulin-Responsive Compartments Containing GLUT4 in 3T3-L1 and CHO Cells: Regulation by Amino Acid Concentrations

ABSTRACT In fat and muscle, insulin stimulates glucose uptake by rapidly mobilizing the GLUT4 glucose transporter from a specialized intracellular compartment to the plasma membrane. We describe a method to quantify the relative proportion of GLUT4 at the plasma membrane, using flow cytometry to measure a ratio of fluorescence intensities corresponding to the cell surface and total amounts of a tagged GLUT4 reporter in individual living cells. Using this assay, we demonstrate that both 3T3-L1 and CHO cells contain intracellular compartments from which GLUT4 is rapidly mobilized by insulin and that the initial magnitude and kinetics of redistribution to the plasma membrane are similar in these two cell types when they are cultured identically. Targeting of GLUT4 to a highly insulin-responsive compartment in CHO cells is modulated by culture conditions. In particular, we find that amino acids regulate distribution of GLUT4 to this kinetically defined compartment through a rapamycin-sensitive pathway. Amino acids also modulate the magnitude of insulin-stimulated translocation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Our results indicate a novel link between glucose and amino acid metabolism.