Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nitrates in Municipal Drinking Water and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: An Ecological Cancer Case-Control Study in Taiwan

The relationship between nitrate levels in drinking water and increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) development has been inconclusive. A matched cancer case-control and a nitrate ecology study was used to investigate the association between mortality attributed to NHL and nitrate exposure from Taiwan's drinking water. All deaths due to NHL in Taiwan residents from 2000 through 2006 were obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Taiwan Provincial Department of Health. Controls were deaths from other causes and were pair-matched to the cases by gender, year of birth, and year of death. Each matched control was selected randomly from the set of possible controls for each case. Data on nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) levels of drinking water throughout Taiwan were collected from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation (TWSC). The municipality of residence for cancer cases and controls was presumed to be the source of the subject's nitrate exposure via drinking water. The adjusted odds ratios (OR) for NHL death for those with high nitrate levels in their drinking water, as compared to the lowest tertile, were 1.02 (0.87–1.2) and 1.05 (0.89–1.24), respectively. The results of the present study show that there was no statistically significant association between nitrates in drinking water at levels in this investigation and increased risk of death attributed to NHL.
Study on the optimization of charge-discharge cycle of electric vehicle batteries in the context of Singapore

Continuing environmental concerns are moving electric vehicles into high gear of development. Plug-in type electric and hybrid vehicles are expected in the market anytime. The EV battery- charging load can potentially increase the demand on the utility distribution systems considerably. It is desirable that the EV battery charging load be contained during system off-peak hours without affecting the peak demand, thus utilizing the low cost electricity for charging EV. However, a sizable EV load can introduce a new peak in the early off-peak period. Optimization of the EV charging during the low cost off peak period is formulated to minimize the cost of EV charging in the context of Singapore system. Further, a significant amount remnant EV battery capacity may be available in the early evening hours. They may be utilized to compliment the distribution system if economically viable. The optimization of EV battery charging and discharging is formulated. The case studies presented show that significant saving is possible even at reasonable low levels of EV penetrations.
Mitigating Rice Production Risks from Drought Through Improving Irrigation Infrastructure and Management in China

Rice, China's most important food crop, is highly dependent on irrigation, but an increasing number of extreme drought events have challenged rice production in many regions. This paper investigates the role of local irrigation infrastructure in improving farmers' ability to respond to drought and its effectiveness in mitigating the drought risk in rice production in China. The analysis relies on a momentâ€ based specification of the stochastic production function, capturing mean, variance and skewness effects. Using household survey data from 86 villages in five provinces, we jointly estimate farmers' adaptive irrigation decisions and their effects on rice yield and production risk. Our econometric analyses show that irrigation infrastructure in villages contributes to enhancing farmers' irrigation capacity in adapting to drought, and increased irrigation leads to a significant increase in mean yield and a reduction in exposure to risk as well as downside risk in rice production. The paper concludes with policy implications.
Malignant immunoblastoma: Immunoglobulin synthesis and the progression to leukemia in heterotransplanted acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphatic leukemia, lymphoma, and infectious mononucleosis

The heterotransplantation of cells from human subjects with overt lymphoid neoplasia or infectious mononucleosis into newborn Syrian hamsters treated with antilymphocyte serum results in serially transplantable malignant tumors. These tumors are composed of cells retaining human species‐specific antigen at the cell surface, and hence represent progeny of the implanted human cells rather than tumor cells induced in the hamster by an oncogenic agent. The tumors appear to fall into two categories on the basis of their behavior in the hamster. Category A consists of tumors derived solely from subjects with acute lymphoblastic leukemia secondary to lymphosarcoma, which in the hamster progress to acute leukemia and apparently do not secrete immunoglobulins. Category B consists of tumors derived from all of the remaining diagnostic categories thus far investigated and from acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission as well, which in the hamster secrete immunoglobulins of human type and do not progress to acute leukemia. The descriptive term “malignant immunoblastoma” is provisionally proposed for the category B tumors, to emphasize their experimental derivation as well as their relationship to cells of the immunoglobulin‐secreting type. The hypothesis is advanced that the category A acute leukemias and the category B malignant immunoblastomas therefore may be related to T and B lymphocytes, respectively. The oncogenicity in hamsters of directly injected peripheral blood buffy coat cells from subjects with infectious mononucleosis raises the possibility that this lymphoproliferative disease may be a benign, self‐limiting form of lymphoma. These observations with infectious mononucleosis may provide inferential evidence for the existence in man of hostregulatory, cancer‐preventing mechanisms of perhaps substantial importance.
Genotoxicity of iron chelators in L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells

To further study the mechanism of observed iron mutagenicity and cellular toxicity, a number of different iron chelators were evaluated to select a compound that was not mutagenic and had limited toxicity to mouse lymphoma cells. A series of iron chelators including those used clinically, those under development for clinical applications, and those used in nonclinical applications were evaluated. The mutagenic activity of the iron chelators was assessed in L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells. Eight of the 12 iron chelators that were tested induced mutagenic responses both with and without the addition of S9. Among those chelators used clinically or developed for clinical use, the only compound that did not induce a mutagenic response was the starch deferoxamine conjugate. In contrast, deferoxamine mesylate showed the highest toxicity in this group of chemicals and the concentrations leading to toxicity and mutagenicity between the activated and nonactivated assays were not significantly different. The other three chelators that were not mutagenic were Na2EDTA, phytic acid, and ferrozine. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 38:347–356, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Comparison of Algorithms for Calculating Glaucoma Change Probability Confidence Intervals

PurposeTo evaluate the ability to detect change in standard automated perimetry data using 4 different methods for calculating the glaucoma change probability (GCP). MethodsA database of stable visual fields, collected within 1 week from 35 glaucoma patients and within 6 months from 15 normal patients, was used to determine confidence intervals for GCP using 4 different methods. The methods classified visual field locations on the basis of either defect or mean threshold, and used test-retest data or baseline-less-follow-up data to determine values for the confidence intervals. The specificity of the 4 methods was measured using 3700 locations artificially generated to simulate stable visual field data. The sensitivity of the methods was measured using 3330 artificially generated locations that decreased in either a linear, curvilinear, or bi-linear fashion by 2, 3, or 4 dB per year on average. ResultsUsing GCP with confidence intervals built using the methods described in the literature (on the basis of defect and test-retest differences) resulted in a higher specificity than techniques based on mean threshold. However, the mean-based methods were more sensitive at detecting a decrease in a location. Building confidence intervals using the difference between a baseline and the current measurement (baseline-less-follow-up), rather than test-retest differences, also improved the detection of visual field progression. ConclusionsStratifying baseline visual field measurements based on defect and eccentricity as described in the literature results in an unusually high specificity: 98% accuracy in classifying the same stable data that generated the 95% confidence intervals, rather than the expected 95% accuracy. By stratifying measurements based on mean threshold, and using baseline-less-follow-up rather than test-retest differences to build 95% confidence intervals, sensitivity is increased by 14.1%. This increase in sensitivity comes with a corresponding 2.2% decrease in specificity.
Evaluating crowdsourced relevance assessments using self-reported traits and task speed

Relevance is the strength of the relationship between a user's perceived information need and an information object. Systems designed to help users identify relevant information can often rely on high quality labelled datasets. However, the subjective and personal nature of relevance means that establishing ground truth labels is difficult. In this work, we conduct a user study on text documents to crowdsource relevance assessments against four topics. Workers' self-reported measures and task completion speed are used to calculate a range of ground truth measures against which classification performance can be assessed. Our results indicate that average subjective relevance and confidence-weighted measures are on par with the annotations from an expert panel. Further work is planned to expand these findings.
Mapping spatial variability of geothermal resource in Hokkaido Japan by combination of thermal remote sensing and borehole data

Land surface temperature (LST) anomalies where the temperatures are higher than the background can be used to detect areas with high potential of geothermal resource. This paper focused on mapping the variability of geothermal resource through a combination of Thermal infrared remote sensing (TIR) and borehole data with temperature logging in Hokkaido Island, northern Japan. The result showed that that the zones with the highest geothermal potential in Hokkaido Island are located in the volcanic areas. Moreover, similarity between the distributions of LST and the temperature at a great depth was identified.
Truly Random Number Generators Based On a Double-Scroll Attractor

Two new random number generators (RNGs) based on a double-scroll attractor are presented. Simulation and experimental results, verifying the feasibility of the circuits, are given. We have numerically verified that the bit streams, obtained from the 1D Poincare section of the system, when the map was divided into regions according to distribution, passed the four basic tests of FIPS-140-2 test suite. We have also verified that the binary data, obtained from the hardware realization of the circuit in the same way, passed the full NIST random number test suite. Then, in order to increase the throughput of the generated bit sequences, we have proposed a RNG design which uses a dual oscillator architecture with the chaotic oscillator. Finally, we have experimentally verified that the binary data obtained by this oscillator sampling technique, passed the tests of full NIST random number test suite without post processing for a higher throughput speed. The proposed RNGs can be realized in integrated circuits.
School Based Continuous Professional Development Practices at a Selected General Secondary and Preparatory School in Bahir Dar Town

Since 2004 School based Continuous Professional Development (CPD) has been implemented in Ethiopian schools with the aim of improving the classroom practices of teachers and consequently improving the achievement of students. However, different reports have revealed that CPD in these schools is not achieving its intended purposes. This necessitates the need to reflect on the CPD practices in our schools so far vis-a-vis the review of the literature on what constitutes successful school based CPD so as to draw lessons for improvement. This study is an attempt to analyze the CPD practices of a selected Secondary and Preparatory school found in Bahir Dar city in light of this review. The study employed a qualitative methodology guided by the interpretive paradigm. Two groups of teachers, the school principal, the cluster supervisor and the school CPD facilitator were purposely selected as sources of data for the study. Interview, focus group discussion and document analysis were used as data gathering tools. Data were analyzed thematically. The analyses of the data revealed that the CPD practices at the selected General Secondary and Preparatory school do not have the basic features of successful teacher professional development programs. Though the administrative structure to run the CPD program is set at school level, the school context is not supportive enough to run the program; the CPD program is not strongly linked with the school improvement program and students’ achievement; and it is not engaging the teachers. So, serious consideration should be given mainly to the capacity development of all the actors involved in the delivery of the program.
Gamma-Cyclodextrin Lowers Postprandial Glycemia and Insulinemia without Carbohydrate Malabsorption in Healthy Adults

Objective: Preliminary in vitro and animal studies have shown that gamma-cyclodextrin (GCD) is a slowly and completely digestible carbohydrate. The objective of this study was to determine the glycemic and insulinemic responses to GCD in humans. Breath hydrogen excretion was measured simultaneously to evaluate carbohydrate malabsorption. Methods: Healthy adult subjects (N = 32) received 50 g of carbohydrate from GCD or a rapidly digested maltodextrin (MD) in a double-masked, randomized, crossover design. Plasma glucose (fingerstick) and serum insulin (venous) concentrations were measured at baseline and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min postprandially. Breath hydrogen excretion was monitored hourly for 8 h postprandially. The severity of gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, cramping, distension, flatulence) was rated by the subjects on a ranked scale for two 24-h periods postprandially. Results: The mean baseline-adjusted peak plasma glucose concentration was 47% lower (P < 0.001), and the mean baseline-adjusted peak serum insulin concentration was decreased by 45% (P < 0.001) after subjects consumed GCD compared with MD. Positive incremental area under the curve (0–120 min) was reduced 45% for plasma glucose and 49% for serum insulin by GCD compared with MD (P < 0.001 in each case). There were no differences between GCD and MD in the proportion of positive breath hydrogen tests and both carbohydrates were equally well tolerated. Conclusions: GCD effectively lowers postprandial glycemia and insulinemia compared with MD, without resulting in appreciable carbohydrate malabsorption or gastrointestinal intolerance.
A Heterocomplex of Iron Superoxide Dismutases Defends Chloroplast Nucleoids against Oxidative Stress and Is Essential for Chloroplast Development in Arabidopsis[W]

There are three iron superoxide dismutases in Arabidopsis thaliana: FE SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE1 (FSD1), FSD2, and FSD3. Their biological roles in chloroplast development are unknown. Here, we show that FSD2 and FSD3 play essential roles in early chloroplast development, whereas FSD1, which is found in the cytoplasm, does not. An fsd2-1 fsd3-1 double mutant had a severe albino phenotype on agar plates, whereas fsd2 and fsd3 single knockout mutants had pale green phenotypes. Chloroplast development was arrested in young seedlings of the double mutant. The mutant plants were highly sensitive to oxidative stress and developed increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during extended darkness. The FSD2 and FSD3 proteins formed a heteromeric protein complex in the chloroplast nucleoids. Furthermore, transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing both the FSD2 and FSD3 genes showed greater tolerance to oxidative stress induced by methyl viologen than did the wild type or single FSD2- or FSD3-overexpressing lines. We propose that heteromeric FSD2 and FSD3 act as ROS scavengers in the maintenance of early chloroplast development by protecting the chloroplast nucleoids from ROS.
Multiple but dissectible functions of FEN‐1 nucleases in nucleic acid processing, genome stability and diseases

Flap EndoNuclease‐1 (FEN‐1) is a multifunctional and structure‐specific nuclease involved in nucleic acid processing pathways. It plays a critical role in maintaining human genome stability through RNA primer removal, long‐patch base excision repair and resolution of dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeat secondary structures. In addition to its flap endonuclease (FEN) and nick exonuclease (EXO) activities, a new gap endonuclease (GEN) activity has been characterized. This activity may be important in apoptotic DNA fragmentation and in resolving stalled DNA replication forks. The multiple functions of FEN‐1 are regulated via several means, including formation of complexes with different protein partners, nuclear localization in response to cell cycle or DNA damage and post‐translational modifications. Its functional deficiency is predicted to cause genetic diseases, including Huntington's disease, myotonic dystrophy and cancers. This review summarizes the knowledge gained through efforts in the past decade to define its structural elements for specific activities and possible pathological consequences of altered functions of this multirole player. BioEssays 27:717–729, 2005. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
White-Light Emission From GaN-Based TJ LEDs Coated With Red Phosphor

We report the fabrication of white light-emitting diode (LED) lamps by coating red phosphor onto the green/blue dual-color tunnel-junction (TJ) LED chips. For the dual-color TJ LED chips without phosphor coating, it was found that electroluminescence intensity of the green peak increased faster than that of the blue peak, as we increased the injection current. Under the same injection current, it was found that power consumption and heat generation were larger for the TJ LEDs, as compared with the conventional blue LED chips. By coating 0.1-g red phosphor onto the 660 × 760 μm2 dual-color TJ LED chips, we achieved white LED lamps with color temperature, TC, of 4102 K, color-rending index, CRI, of 68, and the Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage color coordinates of (0.32, 0.36). Furthermore, it was found that TC observed from the dual-color TJ LED+red phosphor white LED lamps were smaller than those observed from the blue LED+yellow phosphor white LED lamps.
Modeling the determinants of dry bulk FFA trading volume from a cross-market perspective of spot and forward

Purpose This study aims to propose a theoretical model to characterize the optimal forward freight agreement (FFA) procurement strategies and investigate the determinants of FFA trading activities from a new cross-market perspective. Findings A two-step model specification is used to empirically test the theoretical results for the Capesize, Panamax and Supramax sectors. It is found that spot demand has a positive relation with FFA trading volume for all three sectors. Moreover, spot demand volatility has a negative relation, while the correlation between spot demand and spot rate has a positive relation with FFA trading volume for the Capesize and Panamax sectors. Originality/value The results show that the expected spot demand is scaled by a “quantity premium,” which is the product of a demand covariance term, a demand riskiness term and a demand volatility term. This can be used by the traders in the FFA market to construct their hedging strategies.
The demand for air quality: evidence from the housing market in Bogotá, Colombia

Abstract Identifying a demand function for air quality is a key input to calculate welfare measurements of pollution abatement policies. We defined intra-urban housing submarkets to apply a Second Stage hedonic pricing model that allowed us to identify an inverse demand function for PM10 reductions in Bogotá. The monthly benefits of compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standard (50 μg/m3 – annual average), and the far more stringent World Health Organization standard (20 μg/m3 – annual average) are valued at US$12.16 and US$189.64 per household, respectively. These values, in turn, represent about 1.35 per cent and 21.04 per cent of the average household income. The hedonic model applied hereby shows that intra-urban housing submarkets are suitable for the identification of a demand function to be used by policy makers interested in evaluating non-marginal benefits (costs) from air quality improvements (deterioration).
Invasive Mycotic Infections Caused by Chaetomium perlucidum, a New Agent of Cerebral Phaeohyphomycosis

ABSTRACT We report the first two cases of invasive human mycoses caused by the phaeoid ascomycete, Chaetomium perlucidum, and review the English literature regarding invasive Chaetomium infections. Fatal disseminated disease involving the brain, heart, lungs, and spleen is described in an acute myelogenous leukemia patient. A second patient with a history of asthma and chronic bronchiectasis experiencing right-middle-lobe syndrome grew C. perlucidum from lung tissue. This study adds C. perlucidum to the list of other known neurotropic Chaetomium species, C. atrobrunneum and C. strumarium, and also documents this organism's ability to disseminate beyond the central nervous system.
Kawasaki Syndrome in Denmark

Objective: To describe the epidemiologic characteristics of Kawasaki syndrome (KS) and to estimate national KS incidence rates among children in Denmark. Methods: A retrospective population-based study using hospital discharge records with a KS diagnosis for children younger than 15 years selected from the Danish National Hospital Register for 1981–2004. Incidence rates were calculated using the number of KS patients and corresponding census data. Results: During 1981–2004, 360 children younger than 15 years were hospitalized with KS in Denmark, with 73% younger than 5 years. In this age group, the average annual incidence of KS gradually increased from 1981 to 1999 and thereafter stabilized at 4.5 to 5.0 per 100,000 person-years. The incidence was greater for boys than for girls (RR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2–2.0) and was highest among infants younger than 1 year (4.5), declining with increasing age (P = 0.03). However, the age-specific decline in incidence was only observed for boys, whereas the incidence for girls remained unchanged by age. The median length of hospital stay was 12 days, and the incidence peaked in the winter months. Conclusions: Major epidemiologic characteristics identified among Danish childhood KS are consistent with those described in previous studies, such as highest incidence among young children and winter-seasonality. The KS incidence rate among children younger than 5 years in Denmark increased steadily during the early study period (coinciding with global recognition of KS) and seems to have stabilized from 1998–1999 onwards. Although the incidence among Danish children was lower than that reported for several other European countries, differences in methodology challenge definite comparisons.