Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Compact shielded exposure system for the simultaneous long-term UHF irradiation of forty small mammals. II. Dosimetry.

A four-antenna collinear array in an electromagnetically shielded chamber was designed and constructed to preferentially irradiate the brains of a large number of small mammals using cellular telephony microwave signals. Ten animals in special restrainers were positioned symmetrically around a centrally located antenna. These restrainers are resting on a circular structure made of acrylic plastic called a "carousel. " Four carousels are stacked vertically, forming the array, inside a microwave anechoic chamber called a "chamberette. " (Details of the design of this irradiator and of a 12-chamberette irradiation facility are given in a previous article.) In this article, the dosimetry on rats is reported. Both thermometric and thermographic measurements were performed. The average specific absorption rate (SAR) in brain tissue measured thermometrically was 0.85+/-0.34 W/kg per watt of net input power into the radiating antenna. This range agrees with the SAR levels reported in the literature for cellular telephones. Thermographic evaluation using splittable phantoms showed that most of the energy absorbed by the rats is concentrated in and around the brain. Moreover, it was found that the SAR in brain tissue can vary considerably for rats of similar weights, depending on position of the rats' heads inside the restrainers, and that there exists a significant dependence of SAR on animal weight. These variations may be of importance in the interpretation of results of lifelong studies. The data presented clearly show that the chamberette is, dosimetrically, a suitable irradiation system for electromagnetic bioeffects studies in the cellular communication frequency range, especially when a large number of laboratory animals is required.
Association Between Human Paraoxonase Gene Polymorphism and Chronic Symptoms in Pesticide-Exposed Workers

Learning ObjectivesExplain the role of paraoxonase (PON) in organophosphate metabolism and the implications of polymorphism in the human PON gene for farm workers exposed to pesticides.Identify demographic and clinical correlates of chronic toxicity in farm workers exposed to pesticides when applying them to crops.Relate the occurrence of chronic pesticide toxicity to the PON genotypes associated with “fast” and “slow” enzymatic hydrolysis of toxic pesticide metabolites. Pesticides, such as parathion, are metabolized by cytochrome p-450 system to paraoxon, which is a potent cholinesterase inhibitor. Paraoxonase (PON) catalyzes the hydrolysis of these toxic metabolites and protects against pesticide toxicity. A glutamine/arginine (Gln/Arg) polymorphism at amino acid position 192 of PON has been described. The Arg/Arg genotype is associated with higher serum paraoxonase activity compared to Gln/Gln. The Arg/Gln genotype is associated with intermediate serum PON activity. The potential association between PON genotype and symptoms of chronic pesticide toxicity was examined among 100 farm workers. As part of a cross-sectional study of pesticide toxicity among mixed-race farm workers in the Western Cape, South Africa, 100 farm workers were genotyped for polymorphism of the paraoxonase gene at amino acid position 192. Subjects with two or more of the following symptoms were considered to have evidence of chronic toxicity: abdominal pain, nausea, rhinorrhea, dizziness, headache, somnolence, fatigue, gait disturbance, limb numbness, paresthesias, limb pain, or limb weakness. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors of chronic toxicity were previous history of head trauma resulting in loss of consciousness (OR 2.8, 95% CI = 1.7–6.7), having worked as a pesticide applicator (OR 5.4, 95% CI = 3.2–8.9), and having one of the two “slow metabolism” (Gln/Gln or Gln/Arg) genotypes (OR 2.9, 95% CI = 1.7–6.9). Furthermore, the prevalence of chronic toxicity increased in a stepwise fashion from 15% among pesticide nonapplicators with a “fast metabolism” (Arg/Arg) genotype, to 42.9% among pesticide nonapplicators with “slow metabolism” (Gln/Gln or Gln/Arg) genotypes, to 58.8% among pesticide applicators with “fast metabolism” genotype, and 75.0% among pesticide applicators with “slow metabolism” genotypes (P = 0.001). Age, number of years on the job, smoking history, alcohol history, education level, plasma or red blood cell cholinesterase level, or previous history of acute organophosphate poisoning were not statistically significant predictors of chronic toxicity. The PON genotype is an important determinant of a farmworker’s susceptibility to chronic pesticide poisoning.
Cross-border R&D alliance networks: an empirical study of the umbilical cord blood banking industry in emerging markets

The concept of the cross-border collaboration network has been recognised as a useful way to obtain external R&D knowledge resources in the biotechnology industry. Drawing on social capital theory, this study explores how two types of network position (centrality and structural holes) and cross-border collaborative ties affect the cross-border R&D collaborative alliance of the biotechnology firms and how these effects are contingent on exploratory collaboration with their collaboration partners. Analysis of the data collected from 174 cross-border collaboration partners in the emerging biotechnology sector indicates that the two types of network position differ in the extent to which they contribute to the cross-border R&D collaborative alliance. By investigating the contingent role of exploratory collaboration, we find that exploratory collaboration weakens the impact of network centrality on the cross-border R&D collaborative alliance but strengthens the effect of structural holes on the establishment of cross-border R&D collaborative alliance. Results confirm that biotechnology firms’ cross-border R&D knowledge resources need to extend beyond their industry and regional boundaries. More specifically, this study contributes to the debate on whether network centrality and structural holes are complementary and thus enrich contextual cross-border alliance literature.
Physical activity disparities by socioeconomic status among metabolic syndrome patients: The Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Physical activity plays an important role in preventing further progression of metabolic syndrome conditions to cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes. This study investigated physical activity disparities by socioeconomic status among metabolic syndrome patients. The fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2012) data were analyzed (n=19,831). A revised definition of the US National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III was used for screening metabolic syndrome patients. Using International Physical Activity Questionnaire, physical activity adherence was defined as participating in 150+ minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, 75+ minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. Socioeconomic status was measured by level of education and house-hold income. Among metabolic syndrome patients, physical activity adherence rate of first (lowest), second, third, and fourth quartile house-hold income group were 28.31% (95% confidence interval [CI], 26.14–30.28%), 34.68% (95% CI, 32.71–36.70), 37.44% (95% CI, 35.66–39.25), and 43.79% (95% CI, 41.85–45.75). Physical activity adherence rate of groups with elementary or lower, middle-school, high-school, and college or higher education degree were 25.17% (95% CI, 22.95–27.54), 38.2% (95% CI, 35.13–41.00), 39.60% (95% CI, 38.24–41.77), and 36.89% (95% CI, 35.77–38.03), respectively. This study found that physical activity adherence rate was lower in socioeconomically disadvantaged metabolic syndrome patients, which may aggravate health inequity status of Korean society.
TIME Series Evidence on Education and Economic Growth in Indonesia

This paper analyzes the main sources of economic growth in Indonesia with emphasizes on education role in fostering the growth during the New Order Government. To arrive at conclusive results, it employs rigorous econometric techniques and Error Correction Models that consider structural adjustments in the economy. The study finds that physical capital and secondary education, particularly through the Universal Secondary Education Program, give the highest contribution to economic growth. It is also suggested that the negative effect of primary education on the long-run growth is mainly due to over-supply and excess-demand for the graduates following the structural changes in the economy. Keywords:Â Â Â Education, human capital, economic growth, error correction modelÂ Â JEL classification numbers: I25, O15, O43, O53, C22
Selected molecular and microfluidic aspects of mammalian oocyte maturation-perspectives: a review.

Maturation of oocytes is the most important stage, which determines the subsequent successful fertilization, zygote formation, attainment of blastocyst stage, normal embryo growth and development, as well as appropriate implantation. Since in some species of mammals the efficiency of IVM maturation is still very low, many studies have focused on new combinations of media supplements. In some species of mammals, including pigs, mice, bovines, goats and dogs, EGF, BSA, and progesterone are successfully used as an enhancer of the IVC system. Application of the Lab-on-Chip system in reproductive biology opens new possibilities for the develop - ment of techniques available for the assessment of the developmental competency or potency manifested by mam- malian oocytes and embryos. In most cases, the Lab-on-Chip system was used in mice. However, an increasing number of examples are available in which the system has been applied to evaluate porcine and bovine gametes and embryos. In this article, the role of EGF, BSA and progesterone is described in relation to maturation effi - ciency of mammalian oocytes. Moreover, the possibilities of using microfluidics (Lab-on-Chip) for the detection of oocyte developmental competency are also shown.
What Drives Consumption of Wood Energy in the Residential Sector of Small Cities in Europe and How that Can Affect Forest Resources Locally? The Case of Bragança, Portugal

SUMMARY A study in a small city in Portugal was conducted to improve the understanding of the role of wood energy in the residential energy services in small cities in Europe, the factors affecting the use of wood consumption in households, and how changes in consumption drivers affect forest resources. The hypothesis that small cities in Europe have wood energy consumption much larger than expected was analysed based on survey data collection. Drivers were analysed through statistical modelling. Wood, used in 42% of households, represented 43% of the city's final energy consumption. The probability of wood energy use depended of resident's age, construction type, area and year. The amount of wood used was explained by resident's education, construction type and age, and energy function. Changes in drivers suggest a decrease in wood demand in the near future although new energy products and changes in energy use can balance this trend.
Measurement heart rate based on plastic optical fiber sensor

In this research, we measured heart rate by using sensors based on plastic optical fiber. These sensors are made from fiber optic material with three configurations, i.e., straight, sinusoidal, and spiral. Each sensor configuration was tested and paired in three positions of the human body, i.e., hand, chest, and neck. Each configuration and pairing position were tested for fast, normal, and slow heart rate condition. The light from the LED will propagate along the optical fiber sensor. If the sensor detects the heart rates, the intensity of light in optical fiber will be disrupted and causing loss of power so the light intensity will be smaller, it can be detected by the phototransistor and then converted into an electric voltage. The best measurement obtained in spiral configuration mounted on the neck in a slow heart rate condition with a sensitivity value 0.00231 V.s−1 and a resolution 0.43203 s. This sensor has the advantage of easy fabrication, low cost, real-time measurement, high sensitivity, easy to operate and can be monitored via computer.
Reciprocal inhibition in patients with hand cramps

We studied inhibition of median nerve H-reflex produced by radial nerve stimulation in both arms of 14 patients with hand cramps and 15 normal volunteers. Median nerve stimulation was delivered 1 and 0.5 msec before and 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 10, 20, 30, 50, 75, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 msec after radial nerve stimulation. Recordings were from surface electrodes positioned over flexor carpi radialis. We identified three periods of attenuation of median nerve H-reflex amplitude in the control group. When radial nerve conditioning stimuli were delivered simultaneously, 10 and 75 msec before median nerve test stimuli, H-reflex amplitude diminished to 47%, 61%, and 69%. In the patient group we also found three periods of attenuation at the same delays, but the amount of attenuation was significantly less than in controls. Dividing the patients into two groups, dystonic hand cramp and simple hand cramp, both showed less inhibition than the control group, but the abnormality was greater in the dystonic cramp group. This test is the first to demonstrate physiologic disturbance in patients with hand cramps.
Developing a set of quality indicators for breast cancer care in China.

OBJECTIVE Large gaps exist between clinical practice and recommended care of breast cancer. Evidence demonstrates that assessment of breast cancer care can help bridge these gaps. However, no valid indicators are currently available for measurement of breast cancer care in China. This study aimed to develop a set of quality indicators to measure and improve the quality of breast cancer care. DESIGN A modified Delphi process was implemented, and each of the six selection criteria (scientific evidence, utility, interpretability, validity, preventability and data availability) for potential indicators was evaluated on a 5-point scale. PARTICIPANTS A 16-member expert panel was assembled, including 10 medical oncologists, 5 surgical oncologists and 1 radiation oncologist. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Quality indicators with mean ratings ≥4, coefficient of variation equal to or <25% and selectivity ≥81.25% in each of the six selection criteria were retained for the face-to-face round. RESULTS Twenty-six indicators were retained from the rating round and five indicators were retrieved in the face-to-face round. A total of 31 indicators constituted the final set of quality indicators, and the number of indicators pertaining to structure, process, communication and cooperation, management of symptoms or treatment toxicity and outcome was 1, 24, 2, 2 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Quality indicators for breast cancer care can be systematically developed and will be utilized as a quality measurement tool for breast cancer care.
Joint longitudinal hurdle and time-to-event models: an application related to viral load and duration of the first treatment regimen in HIV patients initiating therapy.

Shared parameter joint models provide a framework under which a longitudinal response and a time-to-event can be modelled simultaneously. A common assumption in shared parameter joint models has been to assume the longitudinal response is normally distributed. In this paper we instead propose a joint model which incorporates a two-part “hurdle” model for the longitudinal response, motivated in part by longitudinal response data which is subject to a detection limit. The first part of the hurdle model estimates the probability that the longitudinal response is observed above the detection limit, whilst the second part of the hurdle model estimates the mean of the response conditional on having exceeded the detection limit. The time-to-event outcome is modelled using a parametric proportional hazards model, assuming a Weibull baseline hazard. We propose a novel association structure whereby the current hazard of the event is assumed to be associated with the current combined (expected) outcome from the two parts of the hurdle model. We estimate our joint model under a Bayesian framework and provide code for fitting the model using the Bayesian software Stan. We use our model to estimate the association between HIV RNA viral load, which is subject to a lower detection limit, and the hazard of stopping or modifying treatment in HIV patients initiating antiretroviral therapy.
Apoptotic Cell Death in the Normal and Cryptorchid Human Testis: The Effect of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on Testicular Cell Survival

Cryptorchidism is associated with histologic changes in the human testis apparent by 2 y of age. The mechanism accounting for these changes is still unknown. To clarify whether apoptosis plays a role in human cryptorchidism, we evaluated its occurrence in cryptorchid testes of 73 prepubertal boys, 43 of whom had received human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment. The histologic samples in our study included both scrotal and inguinal testes. Using anin situ apoptosis detection method, we were able to demonstrate that both interstitial cells and germ cells were affected and that the specific germ cells undergoing apoptosis were exclusively spermatogonia. Apoptosisin situ was further seen in both scrotal and inguinal testes; in scrotal testes the numbers of apoptotic spermatogonia were 170% of those seen in the cryptorchid testes (p < 0.05). Analysis of apoptotic DNA fragmentation from isolated DNA of a few selected biopsy samples served to validate our in situ findings. The amount of germ cell apoptosis analyzed during the 1st mo after hCG treatment was increased in both scrotal and inguinal testes compared with the amount before treatment (p< 0.001). But after the 1st mo it returned to the initial level, suggesting that hCG (and/or androgen) withdrawal increases germ cell apoptosis in the human testis. Our findings lead to the conclusion that apoptosis is a hormonally controlled, normal phenomenon in a human prepubertal testis and that cryptorchidism decreases its occurrence by reducing the number of germ cells capable of undergoing apoptosis.
LESION OF THE MANDIBLE – A CASE REPORT

Ameloblastomas are an enigmatic group of tumours. Their name implies a resemblance to cells of enamel forming organ (dental hard tissues). Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic tumour which is an archetype of a neoplasm where the neoplastic component is epithelial only without contribution from the ectomesenchyme. Most common odontogenic neoplasm in Indian population. Ameloblastoma is locally aggressive, but often asymptomatic, showing a slow growth which is manifested as a facial swelling or radiographic incidental finding. Unicystic ameloblastoma refers to those cystic lesions that show clinical, radiographic, or gross features of a mandibular cyst, but on histological examination show a typical ameloblastomatous epithelium lining with or without luminal tumour growth. We present an unusual case of unicystic ameloblastoma appearing as an interdental radiolucent lesion of the mandible in a 26 years old male patient. In addition, an insight on the various pathologies such as radicular cyst, lateral periodontal cyst, collateral keratocystic odontogenic tumour, Squamous odontogenic tumour, central giant cell granuloma, extra follicular adenomatoid odontogenic tumour, central odontogenic myxoma, glandular odontogenic cyst, calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour, with similar presentations were critically evaluated & discussed in differential diagnosis of such entities. Key-Words: Ameloblastoma; Mandible; Unicystic Plexiform Variety
A glucose sensor fabricated on glass substrate with glucose oxidase immobilized technique

In this paper, we propose a low cost optical biosensor and corresponding measurement system. The biosensor is constructed of the glass substrate and immobilized glucose oxidase (GOx) on it. The sensor is provided with reference and testing windows which are used to achieve the absolute phase variation measurement and minimize the side effect of the reduced activeness of GOx. The corresponding measurement system is based on reflection type circular heterodyne interferometry which provides high sensitivity and real-time detection. Based on the experiment results, the resolution of our method is better than 5 mg/dl for the measured range within 10 to 120 mg/dl.
Transmission line pulse measurements: a tool for developing ESD robust integrated circuits

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a major reliability concern for semiconductors. The product qualification tests for ESD human body model (HBM), machine model (MM), and charged device model (CDM) - are good predictors of susceptibility to ESD, but they are not useful tools during the design of ESD protection circuits. Transmission line pulse (TLP) measurements have become an important tool in the design of on-chip protection. This paper will discuss ESD for semiconductor products, review the product qualification tests (HBM, MM, and CDM), and show how TLP measurements can be used to improve the design process for ESD on-chip protection.
Ultraviolet radiation dose to be applied in recipient zebrafish embryos for germ-line chimaerism is strain dependent.

Germ-line chimaerism is a powerful technique that has proved to be useful to produce viable gametes when transplanted blastomeres colonize the germinal ridges in recipient embryos and obtaining offspring from such transplanted cells. In fish, ionizing radiations were commonly used for embryo penalization to cancelling the cell participation of recipient embryos in development and in gamete production. The ultraviolet (UV) radiation when compared with other radiation types is cheaper, easier and no special installations are required for its use. So, the aim of this work was to establish the optimal UV radiation dose to be applied in zebrafish embryos at mid-blastula transition stage of development, in order to use them as penalized recipient embryos in futures chimaerism assays. A UV germicide lamp was used as radiation source (0.529 mW/cm(2)). Four exposure levels and three exposure times of UV radiation were tested. The survival rates obtained with the non-dechorionated embryos without lid group suggested that it could be the optimal exposure level to achieve the objective proposed. With the obtained results, we concluded that this UV radiation dose for 60 and 30 s are optimal parameters to penalize recipient wild and gold strain zebrafish embryos, respectively in chimaerism assays, but without involving their survival and apparently normal development.
Multi-scale bilateral grid for image tone mapping

Edge-preserving smooth filter has been widely used in tone mapping for HDR images. In this paper, we propose a new optimistic tone mapping method which combines bilateral grid filtering and multi-scale base-detail decomposition. We compare our method with four other filtering methods by computing the PSNR, MSE and timing to demonstrate the advantage of ours. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our method in the context of LDR and HDR tone mapping.
American option: an optimal stopping problem

We show that the problem of pricing the perpetual American options can be treated as an optimal stopping problem. We impose some boundary conditions to arrive at the optimal solutions. We consider the option price, stopping time, strike price and volatility to approach the problem. From the solution, we deduced that the optimal arbitrage free price for the perpetual American put option can only be determined if the optimal value of the stock price of the option is known.