Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cancer mortality in workers exposed to dieldrin and aldrin: an update

This study was conducted to investigate the possible long-term health effects, in particular carcinogenic effects, of occupational exposure to the organochlorine insecticides dieldrin and aldrin. We updated an earlier cohort mortality study of 570 employees involved in the production of these insecticides. All of the employees had worked in the production plants between 1 January 1954 and 1 January 1970 and were followed for cause-specific mortality until 1 January 2001. Based on dieldrin levels in blood samples taken during the exposure period, available for 343 workers, individual estimates of the total intake of dieldrin were estimated for all individual subjects in the cohort. The estimated total intake ranged from 11 to 7755 mg of dieldrin, with an average of 737 mg. One hundred and seventy-one workers had died before 1 January 2001, compared with an expected number of 226.6, giving a standardized mortality ratio (SM R) of 75.6 [95% confidence interval (CI): 64.6-87.7]. This deficit in total mortality was mainly attributable to a deficit in cardiovascular disease mortality, but cancer mortality was also lower than expected. The observed number of deaths from rectal cancer was significantly higher than expected (SM R 3/4-300.0; 95% CI: 109.5-649.3), but was most pronounced in the low-intake subgroup and appears to be unrelated to exposure to dieldrin and aldrin. This study reinforces the earlier findings that occupational exposure of workers to significant amounts of dieldrin and aldrin has not led to a higher cancer mortality than would be found in an unexposed population.
Sensitivity of two electron beam tomography protocols for the detection and quantification of coronary artery calcium.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity of two electron beam tomography protocols for detection and quantification of coronary artery calcium. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We selected 101 patients (57% men, mean age 53 +/- 10 years) to undergo two consecutive electron beam tomography and acquired imaging with both a 6-mm and a 3-mm slicing protocol. Three pixels (area, 1.03 mm(2)) and a minimal density of 130 H were used for definition of calcified plaque. RESULTS We found coronary artery calcifications in 46 patients when we used a 6-mm protocol and in 61 patients when we used a 3-mm protocol (p < 0.001). The average total calcium score was 77 (+/-140) with a 6-mm protocol and 251 (+/-395) with a 3-mm protocol (p < 0.005). The average number of calcified lesions per patient was 1.7 for a 6-mm protocol and 3.7 for a 3-mm protocol (p < 0.01). Of 179 individual lesions seen using a 3-mm protocol, 103 (58%) were missed using a 6-mm protocol, and only 27% of the lesions with a calcium score less than or equal to 40 seen with a 3-mm protocol were detected with 6-mm slicing (p < 0.001). The mean lesion attenuation with a 6-mm protocol was 160 (+/-42) H, compared with 218 (+/-44) H with a 3-mm protocol (p < 0.001), indicating a significantly greater partial volume averaging with the former protocol. CONCLUSION A 6-mm slicing protocol is significantly less sensitive than a 3-mm protocol for the detection and quantification of coronary artery calcium. Since one third of coronary events occur in patients with low calcium scores, a 6-mm protocol might be unreliable for risk assessment because of substantial loss of information in this calcium score range.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy does not prolong survival in patients with dementia.

BACKGROUND Artificial feeding by a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube in patients with dementia has increased since the introduction of the endoscopic method of tube placement. Few studies have documented survival benefit from this intervention. This report reviews our experience with PEG tube placement for feeding patients with dementia. METHODS All consultations for PEG tube placement were evaluated by a certified nutrition support nurse (L.M.M.) in consultation with a member of the gastroenterology physician staff (T.O.L.) for 24 months. Evaluation included the attainment of a brief medical history, a physical examination, and a review of comorbid conditions, laboratory variables for nutrition status, and bleeding risk. Interviews with patients or surrogates were conducted, including an explanation of the risks and benefits of PEG tube placement. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare the median survival between patients with dementia who received a PEG tube and patients with dementia in whom PEG tube placement was refused. RESULTS We received 41 consultations for PEG tube placement in patients with dementia. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was performed in 23 patients; 18 patients met the medical criteria for PEG tube placement, but surrogates refused placement. The median survival for the 23 patients who underwent PEG was 59 days; the median survival for the 18 patients who did not undergo PEG was 60 days. CONCLUSION There seems to be no survival benefit in patients with dementia who receive artificial feeding by a PEG tube.
Implementation of the Reference Class Forecasting Method for Projects Implemented in a Chemical Industry Company

Forecasting Method (RCFM) developed by Kahneman and Tversky for planning and decisionmaking under uncertainty. Project plans are usually prepared on the basis of detailed calculations and arrangements according to selected project management methodology. Undertakings that are planned in this manner often fail and do not achieve their goals. However, the American Planning Association recommends using the RCFM as an additional method. The article presents four groups of projects implemented by a chemical industry company over four years. A few of the projects were accomplished according to the plan in terms of triple constraint i.e. time, cost, and scope. The cost aspect was taken into account in the paper. During the study, the planned and implemented costs of 222 projects were analysed. On the basis of the distribution of cost overruns, according to RCFM, new patterns of planned costs were prepared. The Reference Class Forecasting Method, which was effective for large homogeneous projects turned out to be completely useless for various projects implemented by the chemical company.
EFA6A, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Arf6, interacts with sorting nexin‐1 and regulates neurite outgrowth

The membrane trafficking and actin cytoskeleton remodeling mediated by ADP ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6) are functionally linked to various neuronal processes including neurite formation and maintenance, neurotransmitter release, and receptor internalization. EFA6A is an Arf6‐specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor that is abundantly expressed in the brain. In this study, we identified sorting nexin‐1 (SNX1), a retromer component that is implicated in endosomal sorting and trafficking, as a novel interacting partner for EFA6A by yeast two‐hybrid screening. The interaction was mediated by the C‐terminal region of EFA6A and a BAR domain of SNX1, and further confirmed by pull‐down assay and immunoprecipitation from mouse brain lysates. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated the widespread expression of SNX1 in the mouse brain, which overlapped with the expression of EFA6A in the forebrain. Immunofluorescent analysis revealed the partial colocalization of EFA6A and SNX1 in the dendritic fields of the hippocampus. Immunoelectron microscopic analysis revealed the overlapping subcellular localization of EFA6A and SNX1 at the post‐synaptic density and endosomes in dendritic spines. In Neuro‐2a neuroblastoma cells, expression of either EFA6A or SNX1 induced neurite outgrowth, which was further enhanced by co‐expression of EFA6A and SNX1. The present findings suggest a novel mechanism by which EFA6A regulates Arf6‐mediated neurite formation through the interaction with SNX1.
Isolation and characterization of a novel gene, xMADML, involved in Xenopus laevis eye development

We have identified Xenopus MADM‐like (xMADML), a Xenopus laevis gene related to the murine MADM and the human NRBP genes. xMADML is expressed throughout early development and is expressed most strongly in the developing lens and more weakly in the retina and other anterior tissues. We demonstrate that disruption of xMADML translation by means of morpholino injection results in impaired retina and lens development. Reciprocal transplantation of the presumptive lens ectoderm between morpholino‐injected embryos and those injected solely with a dextran lineage tracer demonstrates that xMADML is necessary in both the lens and the retina for correct development of these eye tissues. Analysis of gene expression after knockdown of xMADML revealed significant alterations in the expression of some genes, including Pax6, xSix3, Sox2, and Sox3, suggesting that xMADML plays a role in regulating gene expression during development of the eye. This investigation is the first in vivo study examining the developmental role of this novel gene and reveals an important role of xMADML in eye tissue development and differentiation. Development Dynamics 235:1845–1857, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design and implementation of a web-based spatial decision support system for flood forecasting and flood risk mapping

The application of flood forecasting model require the efficient management of large spatial and temporal datasets, which involves data acquisition, storage and processing, as well as manipulation, reporting and display results. The complexity of flood forecasting makes it difficult for individual organization to deal effectively with decision-making. Difficulty in linking data, analysis tools and models across organization is one of the barriers to be overcome in developing integrated flood forecasting system. Therefore, it is required to develop Web- based Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS), supporting information exchange and knowledge and model sharing from different organizations on the web. Such a SDSS provide the framework within which spatially distributed real-time data accessed remotely to prepare model input files, model calculation and evaluate model results for flood forecasting and flood risk prediction This paper develops a SDSS for on-line flood forecasting and flood risk mapping in Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM), southern Ontario, Canada, integrating information retrieval, analysis and model analysis for information sharing and decision-making support. This SDSS will improve understanding of the environmental, planning and management issues and emergency management and response associated with the ORM's water environment, and to develop sustainable solutions.
Attitude stabilization of a Quad-rotor UAV based on rotor speed sensing with accelerometer data estimation via Kalman filtering

This paper presents a real-time attitude and altitude stabilization of a Quad-rotor UAV that uses Kalman Filter (KF) to estimate the accelerometer measurements from the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to improve the flight in hovering mode to indoor and outdoor applications. It also presents a control strategy based on speed sensing in each brushless DC motors through a reflective sensor, resulting a robust stabilization on the horizontal plane of the vehicle. A Lyapunov candidate function is presented to demonstrate the stability of the overall system (Quad-rotor). Finally, the experimental results of speed sensing control and estimation of the angular position via Kalman Filter (KF) for stabilizing of the Quad-rotor UAV are presented.
Action of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides on the rat superior cervical ganglion

1 Using a grease‐gap technique, we have investigated the effects of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides on the d.c. potential of the rat isolated superior cervical ganglion (SCG). 2 Of the purines tested, adenosine, adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP), β,γ‐methylene‐adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (β,γ‐MeATP) at up to 300 μm produced concentration‐dependent hyperpolarizations, whereas 2‐methyl‐thio‐ATP (2‐Me.S.ATP) and α,β‐methylene‐ATP (α,β‐MeATP) depolarized ganglia. Of the pyrimidines tested, uridine 5′‐triphosphate (UTP) produced concentration‐dependent depolarizations and cytosine 5′‐triphosphate (CTP) at 1000 μm produced considerably smaller but significant depolarizations. In contrast uridine 5′‐monophosphate (UMP) at 1000 μm hyperpolarized ganglia. The relative order of potency of purines and pyrimidines to depolarize ganglia was:‐ UTP > α,β‐MeATP >> CTP > 2‐Me.S. ATP and to hyperpolarize ganglia was:‐ adenosine = β,γ‐MeATP > ATP > UMP. 3 The ability of purines and pyrimidines to alter the depolarizing response caused by muscarine and of purines to alter depolarization induced by γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) was determined. The relative order of potency of nucleotides in depressing submaximal depolarization caused by muscarine (100 nm) was: adenosine = ATP > β,γ‐MeATP whereas 2‐Me.S. ATP, α,β‐MeATP and UTP did not significantly alter depolarization caused by muscarine. At 100 μm β,γ‐MeATP and adenosine but not ATP potentiated GABA‐induced depolarizations. 4 Hyperpolarizations caused by adenosine, ATP, β,γ‐MeATP and UMP and depolarizations caused by α,β‐MeATP were enhanced in medium containing reduced concentrations of calcium (0.1 mm) and potassium (2 mm). In this medium 8‐phenyltheophylline abolished hyperpolarizations caused by adenosine and reversed hyperpolarizations caused by ATP into depolarizations. Suramin (300 μm), a P2‐purinoceptor antagonist, significantly reduced the depolarizing response caused by α,β‐MeATP and significantly increased hyperpolarizations caused by ATP and β,γ‐MeATP. Suramin (300 μm) did not significantly alter depolarizations caused by 1,1‐dimethyl‐4‐phenylpiperazinium (10 μm), potassium (3 mm) or muscarine (100 nm) and significantly potentiated depolarizations caused by UTP (100 μm). 5 It is concluded that the rat SCG contains P1‐purinoceptors that hyperpolarize the ganglion and diminish sensitivity to muscarine, and P2X‐purinoceptors that depolarize the SCG. There is also some evidence to suggest the presence of receptors for UTP, i.e., pyrimidinoceptors, which depolarize SCG neurones.
Detection and Multigenic Characterization of a Herpesvirus Associated with Malignant Catarrhal Fever in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from Missouri

ABSTRACT Between 1998 and 2001, tissues from four captive white-tailed deer were observed to have histologic lesions of systemic lymphocytic vasculitis. These lesions suggested malignant catarrhal fever, although epizootic hemorrhagic disease and bluetongue were included in the differential diagnosis. Initial diagnostic efforts, including virus isolation and reverse transcription-PCR for epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus and bluetongue virus, failed to identify an etiologic agent. However, consensus primer PCR targeted to the herpesvirus DNA polymerase gene detected viral genomic DNA in each of these four cases. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the amplified product demonstrated that the detected virus was identical over the compared region to the recently described malignant catarrhal fever virus of white-tailed deer (H. Li, N. Dyer, J. Keller, and T. B. Crawford, J. Clin. Microbiol. 38:1313-1318, 2000). Additional nucleotide sequencing of both the DNA polymerase gene and DNA packaging gene followed by phylogenetic analysis solidified this newly recognized herpesvirus as a member of the Gammaherpesvirinae and suggests that this virus, along with ovine herpesvirus 2, alcelaphine herpesvirus 1, alcelaphine herpesvirus 2 and caprine herpesvirus 2, may be part of a separate clade within this subfamily.
A microfluidic microreactor for the synthesis of gold nanorods

A microfluidic microreactor for the synthesis of gold nanorods is fabricated using femtosecond pulse laser microfabrication techniques. Femtosecond pulse lasers are able to etch a wide range of materials that are required for a microreactor, from the photomasks to the microheaters. The heating of the fluid in the microreactor is achieved through the design and fabrication of a microscale heating element incorporated onto the bottom surface of the microreactor which is capable of reaching temperatures greater than 130 °C. Computational fluid dynamic simulations of the heating profile of an optimized microreactor show increased heating performance with respect to a serpentine microreactor. The synthesis of gold nanorods is demonstrated in the optimized microreactor, based on a flow rate of 0.5 µg min−1.
A Profile of Agricultural Education Teachers with Exemplary Rural Agricultural Entrepreneurship Education Programs.

Rural entrepreneurship education programs may be a great tool for enhancing rural livelihoods and reducing rural outmigration. Entrepreneurship has received attention in school based agricultural education, primarily through implementation of Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs. Very little research has looked at the teaching of entrepreneurship. As a part of a larger research project, this study looked at characteristics of teachers who implement exemplary rural agricultural entrepreneurship education programs. Results revealed that teachers: (a) were experienced, (b) held advanced degrees, (c) had prior experience with entrepreneurship, (d) generally were considered outstanding teachers, and (e) were described as being open minded and enthusiastic. Recommendations are made based on these conclusions.
New aspects and mechanism of kink effect in InAlAs/InGaAs/InP inverted HFETs

The kink effect in InAlAs/InGaAs/InP composite channel heterojunction field effect transistors (HFETs) was investigated as a function of temperature and optical excitation. Drain source and gate current measurements show that above 325 K the kink effect disappears while the impact ionization process is still present. The kink at low temperatures is suppressed by illumination with photons of energy above 1 eV. These results prove that this parasitic effect is mainly related to the presence of traps in the top layers.
DUBs and cancer: The role of deubiquitinating enzymes as oncogenes, non-oncogenes and tumor suppressors

It is increasingly apparent that ubiquitin (Ub) mediated events are critical in cell proliferation. With much attention placed on the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway as a target for pharmacologic intervention, we must consider the role of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) as regulators of these processes. There is a growing recognition of DUBs that are mutated in human cancers suggesting their roles as oncogenes and tumor suppressors. There is also an expanding list of enzymes that play essential roles in pathways that contribute to, or support cellular adaptations required for, malignant transformation (non-oncogenes). (Luo, Cell 2009) Here we review the association of DUBs with cancer beginning with those with known mutations in human disease and concluding with those with a clear role in regulating cancer-relevant pathways. The molecular mechanisms underlying the association with cancer are described along with data regarding altered expression in human diseases. Although few specific, cell permeable, inhibitors exist, DUBs as a class are eminently drugable targets making it important to better understand the sites at which such modulation may have useful effects therapeutically. Given the numbers of ubiquitin-dependent pathways where we do not yet understand the role of deubiquitination, it is certain that the list of cancer-related DUBs will grow in coming years.
Bargaining to work: the effect of female autonomy on female labour supply

Female labour supply is an important outcome for measuring gender equality and is therefore regarded as one of the key indicators for women's empowerment. The empowerment of women through greater labour force participation is well documented in the literature. We argue, however, that the relationship between female labour force participation and empowerment is endogenous. We instead turn our attention to understanding whether greater female household autonomy causes participation in the labour market in the first place. Using the roll out of banking cards associated with the South African government cash transfers as an exogenous shock, we show that financial inclusion improves women's decision making power in the household. In response to this redistribution of bargaining power in the household, we provide evidence of increased female labour force participation. Our results show that becoming a primary decision maker leads to a 92 percentage point increase in the probability that women participate in the labour market.
Natural Language Processing in Medicine: An Overview

Abstract: An overview is given of natural language processing applications in medicine. An attempt has been made to enumerate the most important and known international projects and to summarize their goals, principles, methods and results. A section is devoted to projects involving the Dutch language. A more general discussion about the two fundamental approaches concerning medical language understanding is provided. An extensive bibliography may be useful for those wishing to explore this research domain.
A novel frequency compensation scheme for on-chip low-dropout voltage regulators

A new frequency compensation scheme for linear low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulators with on-chip applications is presented in this paper. The proposed compensation technique uses a single capacitor of only 70 fF, making it suitable for system-on-chip (SoC) applications. The presented low-dropout regulator operates from a supply voltage of 1.8 V to 3 V with dropout voltage of 200 mV. The maximum output current of this LDO regulator is 100 mA with a quiescent current of 25 μA and it is simulated in a 0.35 μm CMOS technology.
Acute complications of central line placement in profoundly thrombocytopenic cancer patients

Morbidities associated with the insertion of central venous catheters in severely thrombocytopenic cancer patients were analyzed in this prospective observational study. One hundred fifteen consecutive thrombocytopenic patients requiring central venous access (internal jugular or subclavian vein cannulation by a modified Seldinger technique) were evaluated.