Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Concentrations of cat and dust-mite allergens in dust samples from 92 large US office buildings from the BASE Study.

UNLABELLED The concentrations of cat (Fel d1) and dust-mite (Der f1 and Der p1) allergens were measured in 92 large office buildings in the US Environmental Protection Agency's Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation (BASE) Study (251 dust samples; one to four samples per building). Fel d1 was detected in almost all buildings and samples (91 buildings, 99%; 235 samples, 94%; range: <0.01-19 microg/g; median: 0.3 microg/g). Cat allergen exceeded 1 microg/g (a lower symptom threshold) in 56 samples (22%) from 45 buildings, but exceeded 8 microg/g (a sensitization threshold) in only two samples (1%) from two buildings. Der f1 or Der p1 was found in approximately half of all buildings and samples (63 and 70% of buildings; 45 and 51% of samples; range: <0.01-53 microg/g and <0.01-25 microg/g; median: <0.02 and 0.03 microg/g, respectively). Mite allergen exceeded 2 microg/g (a sensitization threshold) in seven samples (3%) from five buildings and exceeded 10 microg/g (a symptom threshold) in three samples (1%) from three buildings. Fel d1 concentration was significantly higher in samples collected in summer (June to September, 48 buildings), but cat allergen was not correlated with either mite allergen. Der f1, but not Der p1, concentration tended to be higher in samples collected in winter (December to April, 44 buildings), and the two mite allergens were significantly correlated only in winter. Cat and mite allergens were detected in 78% of representative US office buildings, but the concentrations seldom exceeded levels associated with sensitization or symptom provocation. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The information on the concentrations of cat and dust-mite allergens in representative large US offices has expanded the baseline data available for interpretation of measurements from other building investigations. With suggested refinements, the BASE protocol for measurement of allergen concentrations in dust samples may serve as a guide to future studies of building characteristics, bioaerosol concentrations, and occupant perceptions of the indoor environment.
Metaphor and Mental Duality

Given certain premises, there are both empirical and logical reasons for expecting a certain division of labor in the processing of information by the human brain: a functional bifurcation into what may be called, to a first approximation, "verbal" and "nonverbal" modes of information- processing. This dichotomy is not quite satisfactory, however, for metaphor, which in its most common guise is a literary, and hence a fortiori a "verbal" phenomenon, may in fact be more a function of the "nonverbal" than the "verbal" mode.
Transport of phosphatidylcholine in MDR3-negative epithelial cell lines via drug-induced MDR1 P-glycoprotein.

Human MDR1 P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a membrane efflux pump for cytotoxics, whereas MDR3 P-gp is a phosphatidylcholine transporter. We have examined a role for MDR1 P-gp in phosphatidylcholine transport in MDR3-negative epithelial cells that have been induced to express the MDR1 P-gp by exposure to cytotoxics. The accumulation and retention of the fluorescently labelled phosphatidylcholine analogue, C12-NBD-PC, was studied in resistant, KBV1 and MCFadr, and sensitive, KB3-1 and MCF7, cells. Lower accumulation and decreased retention of C12-NBD-PC was evident in resistant cells, e.g., KBV1 accumulated 56%, and MCFadr accumulated 60%, of C12-NBD-PC levels in KB3-1 and MCF7, respectively. Treatment with the MDR1 P-gp inhibitor, verapamil, altered the kinetics of C12-NBD-PC in the resistant cells to more closely follow the pattern of C12-NBD-PC handling by sensitive cells. Comparison of C12-NBD-PC to that of the model MDR1 P-gp substrate, rhodamine-123, indicated phosphatidylcholine turnover kinetics by MDR1 P-gp to be relatively low. The transport by MDR1 P-gp of phosphatidylcholine from inner to outer membrane leaflet may regulate P-gp function and fulfill a role in the MDR1 multidrug-resistant phenotype.
Job Satisfaction of Secondary School Teachers

Low job satisfaction has been cited as a possible cause of the current teaching crisis in the UK. This article reports on a study that examined job satisfaction among secondary school teachers in different types of secondary school. The results indicate a significant difference in the overall job satisfaction scores of teachers by type of school. Teachers in independent and privately-managed schools exhibited the highest satisfaction levels while those in foundation schools exhibited the lowest. No significant difference in satisfaction was found when the data were analysed by age, gender and length of service.
DELIBERATIVENESS OF ONLINE POLITICAL DISCUSSION

Citizen participation in online political debate and the Internet's effect on Chinese society have become an important research field. However, few studies so far have examined the use of interactive functions by Chinese newspaper websites to facilitate online discussion of civil issues, or the quality of public debate on the websites of Chinese online newspapers. Using the concept of the public sphere as its theoretical framework, this article aims to advance this line of inquiry through content analysis of the Guangzhou Daily website—Dayoo.com—to explore both the potential and the limits of the Internet in fostering civic engagement. Key variables measured include the quantity of posts and participants, topicality, nature of the argument (i.e. justification, complexity and civility), and responsiveness and homogeneity of contributions. Findings suggest that a political public sphere in Chinese cyberspace is emerging at the incipient stage, where the quality of discourse has reached a certain level but is not yet mature in terms of the complexity of dialogue and the exposure to disagreement.
Visualizing the uncertainty induced by graph layout algorithms

Given a graph structure, different layout algorithms (even different settings of the same algorithm) usually result in different arrangements of vertices, and each layout may reflect certain aspects/parts of the graph more accurately than others. Thus, for high-level graph analysis tasks that rely on the overall arrangement of vertices, drawing conclusions only from one layout is risky. To alleviate the risk, we propose an ensemble framework to capture the commonalities and differences among possible layouts, and help users obtain a comprehensive view of the structure patterns. We leverage a set of layouts that represents the distribution of algorithm outputs. Then, visual features are extracted and analyzed based on various measures of visual similarity. Our framework supports users to analyze individual layouts in the context of the distribution, so that users can quickly identify structures of interest and discover patterns more accurately and comprehensively. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework by applying it to three datasets.
Controlling Physical Objects via the Internet using the Arduino Platform over 802.15.4 Networks

In this work, we expanded the Arduino's capabilities by adding an 802.15. 4 wireless module, in order to expose its functionality as a Web of Things node. The second contribution of our work is a careful description of the necessary steps to make a heterogeneous network interoperate and the implementation of a network stack for the 4 most representative hardware platforms, as used by the relevant research community (Arduino, SunSPOT, TelosB, iSense), in the form of a software library, named mkSense, which enables their intercommunication. Moreover, we describe the design and implementation of a software library which can be used for building “intelligent software” for the Web of Things.
Residential Radon and Risk of Lung Cancer: A Combined Analysis of 7 North American Case-Control Studies

Background: Underground miners exposed to high levels of radon have an excess risk of lung cancer. Residential exposure to radon is at much lower levels, and the risk of lung cancer with residential exposure is less clear. We conducted a systematic analysis of pooled data from all North American residential radon studies. Methods: The pooling project included original data from 7 North American case–control studies, all of which used long-term α-track detectors to assess residential radon concentrations. A total of 3662 cases and 4966 controls were retained for the analysis. We used conditional likelihood regression to estimate the excess risk of lung cancer. Results: Odds ratios (ORs) for lung cancer increased with residential radon concentration. The estimated OR after exposure to radon at a concentration of 100 Bq/m3 in the exposure time window 5 to 30 years before the index date was 1.11 (95% confidence interval = 1.00–1.28). This estimate is compatible with the estimate of 1.12 (1.02–1.25) predicted by downward extrapolation of the miner data. There was no evidence of heterogeneity of radon effects across studies. There was no apparent heterogeneity in the association by sex, educational level, type of respondent (proxy or self), or cigarette smoking, although there was some evidence of a decreasing radon-associated lung cancer risk with age. Analyses restricted to subsets of the data with presumed more accurate radon dosimetry resulted in increased estimates of risk. Conclusions: These results provide direct evidence of an association between residential radon and lung cancer risk, a finding predicted using miner data and consistent with results from animal and in vitro studies.
Understanding the Importance of Context: A Qualitative Study of a Location-Based Exergame to Enhance School Childrens Physical Activity

Many public health interventions are less effective than expected in ‘real life settings’, yet little work is undertaken to understand the reasons why. The effectiveness of complex public health interventions can often be traced back to a robust programme theory (how and why an intervention brings about a change in outcome(s)) and assumptions that are made about the context in which it is implemented. Understanding whether effectiveness (or lack thereof) is due to the intervention or the context is hugely helpful in decisions about whether to a) modify the intervention; b) modify the context; c) stop providing the intervention. Exergames–also known as Active Video Games or AVGS–are video games which use the player's bodily movements as input and have potential to increase physical activity in children. However, the results of a recent pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a location-based exergame (FitQuest) in a school setting were inconclusive; no significant effect was detected for any of the outcome measures. The aim of this study was to explore whether the programme theory for FitQuest was correct with respect to how and why it would change children’s perceptions of physical activity (PA) and exercise self-efficacy in the school setting. A further aim was to investigate the features of the school setting (context) that may impact on FitQuest’s implementation and effectiveness. Qualitative data (gathered during the RCT) were gathered from interviews with teachers and children, and observation of sessions using FitQuest. Thematic analysis indicated that whilst children enjoyed playing the game, engaged with goal setting within the game context and undertook low to vigorous physical activity, there were significant contextual factors that prevented it from being played as often as intended. These included environmental factors (e.g. size of the playground), school factors (cancellations due to other activities), school technology policy (rules relating to mobile phone usage) and teacher factors (engagement with the intervention). A revised logic model for the FitQuest intervention indicates how both the design of exergame technology (intervention) and features of the school environment (context) could be improved to increase chances of effectiveness in the future.
The Recomposition of an Organizational Field: Health Care in Alberta

In this paper we develop a theoretical model that helps to understand change in mature organizational fields by emphasizing the role of competing institutional logics as part of a radical change process. Our investigation into a large-scale, government-led health reform initiative in Alberta, Canada, is based upon a qualitative case study approach to understanding the process of field recomposition. This study focuses on the later portions of change in an organizational field — that is, rather than explaining the sources of change, we investigate how a field becomes re-established after the implementation of a radical structural change.
Nonlinear observer for the control of bi-tethered multi aerial robots

We consider the problem of state-observation and control for a bi-tethered aerial system composed by a physical chain of two underactuated aerial robots, also called UAVs. The controlled outputs are the Cartesian position of the last robot and the internal forces along the links. We aim at a minimal use of sensors in order to retrieve the full state. For this goal we propose an output transformation method whose applicability implies the system observability. When this is the case we prove that it is possible to design a nonlinear state estimator based on the high gain- and Luenberger- observers that is able to retrieve the state from any dynamic condition. We also demonstrate how this estimator can be employed with a nonlinear controller for the Cartesian position and the link stresses while ensuring the stability in closed-loop. We show the validity of the method for sensorial configurations composed only by two accelerometers (no gyros) and just two encoders, or two accelerometers (no gyros) and just two inclinometers. A realistic simulative validation concludes the paper.
How the manipulation of the Ras homolog enriched in striatum alters the behavioral and molecular progression of Huntington's disease

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Evolution of population genetic structure of the British roe deer by natural and anthropogenic processes (Capreolus capreolus)

Human influence typically impacts on natural populations of conservation interest. These interactions are varied and sometimes complex, and may be negative and unintended or associated with conservation and management strategy. Understanding the details of how these interactions influence and are influenced by natural evolutionary processes is essential to the development of effective conservation strategies. In this study, we investigate a species in Britain that has experienced both negative impact through overhunting in historical times and management efforts through culls and translocations. At the same time, there are regional populations that have been less affected by human influence. We use mtDNA and nuclear microsatellite DNA markers to investigate patterns of connectivity and diversity and find multiple insular populations in Britain that probably evolved within the Holocene (when the habitat was free of ice). We identify three concurrent processes. First, surviving indigenous populations show highly provincial patterns of philopatry, maintaining and generating population structure on a small geographic scale. Second, founder populations into habitat extirpated of native populations have expanded, but remained largely insular. Third, introductions into established populations generate some admixture. We discuss the implications for the evolution of diversity of the integration of natural processes with anthropogenic influences on population size and distribution.
ALU and LINE‐1 hypomethylations in multistep gastric carcinogenesis and their prognostic implications

Focal CpG island hypermethylation and diffuse genomic hypomethylation signify the changes in the DNA methylation status in cancer cells. ALU and LINE‐1 repetitive DNA elements comprise ∼28% of the human genome. PCR‐based measurements of these repetitive DNA elements can be used as a surrogate marker of the genomewide methylation content. Our study aimed to identify the timing of ALU and LINE‐1 hypomethylations during multistep gastric carcinogenesis and their prognostic implications in gastric cancer (GC). In our study, we analyzed the methylation statuses of ALU and LINE‐1 in 249 cases of gastric biopsy samples and another independent set of 198 cases of advanced GC by pyrosequencing. Regardless of the Helicobacter pylori infection status, a significant decrease in the ALU methylation levels was noted during the transitions from chronic gastritis to intestinal metaplasia and from gastric adenoma to GC. LINE‐1 methylation decreased during the transition from intestinal metaplasia to gastric adenoma and no further decrease occurred during the transition from gastric adenoma to GC. A low LINE‐1 methylation status was strongly associated with poor prognosis in GC. A multivariate analysis revealed that LINE‐1 methylation status was an independent prognostic factor. Our findings suggest that ALU and LINE‐1 hypomethylations are early events during multistep gastric carcinogenesis. Furthermore, the LINE‐1 methylation status can be used as a molecular biomarker to define a subset of GC patients with poor prognosis.
Electrostimulation contingencies and attention, electrocortical activity and neurofeedback

There is a growing body of evidence for diverse ways of modulating neuronal processing to improve cognitive performance. These include brain-based feedback, self-regulation techniques such as EEG-neurofeedback, and stimulation strategies, alone or in combination. The thesis goal was to determine whether a combined strategy would have advantages for normal cognitive function; specifically operant control of EEG activity in combination with transcutaneous electro-acustimulation. In experiment one the association between transcutaneous electroacustimulation (EA) and improved perceptual sensitivity was demonstrated with a visual GO/NOGO attention task (Chen et al, 2011). Furthermore reduced commission errors were related to an electrocortical motor inhibition component during and after alternating high and low frequency EA, whereas habituation in the control group with sham stimulation was related to different independent components. Experiment two applied frequency-domain ICA to detect changes in EEG power spectra from the eyes-closed to the eyes-open state (Chen et al, 2012). A multiple step approach was provided for analysing the spatiotemporal dynamics of default mode and resting state networks of cerebral EEG sources, preferable to conventional scalp EEG data analysis. Five regions were defined, compatible with fMRI studies. In experiment three the EA approach of Exp I was combined with sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) neurofeedback. SMR training improved perceptual sensitivity, an effect not found in a noncontingent feedback group. However, non-significant benefits resulted from EA. With ICA spectral power analysis changes in frontal beta power were associated with contingent SMR training. Possible long-term effects on an attention network in the resting EEG were also found after SMR training, compared with mock SMR training. In conclusion, this thesis has supplied novel evidence for significant cognitive and electrocortical effects of neurofeedback training and transcutaneous electro-acustimulation in healthy humans. Possible implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are considered.
Accuracy of packet loss monitoring over networked CPE

In this paper we study the accuracy achievable when using probing to measure packet loss probability. Active monitoring using packet probing is widely used to measure network performance at the packet level, especially where direct measurements from network nodes is not possible. In this paper we develop an analytical solution that allows us to predict the number of samples (probes) needed to measure packet loss probability. This formula relates the number of probes needed to the networking scenario, the traffic characteristics, the target packet loss probability and the accuracy to which this loss probability must be resolved. We show that the number of probes required to accurately measure the packet loss probability is a highly sensitive function of the link bandwidth, the traffic load and burstiness, and the packet loss probability itself. We quantify how many probes are needed in certain typical scenarios involving either VoIP or generic data traffic models.
Cyclin A/cdk2 Activation Is Involved in Hypoxia-Induced Apoptosis in Cardiomyocytes

Abstract— Cardiomyocytes are terminally differentiated cells characterized as withdrawal cell-cycle machinery, but nonetheless they are known to express cell-cycle regulators. Because many proteins related to the cell cycle induce apoptosis in proliferating cells, we examined the involvement of these proteins in the apoptosis pathway in cardiomyocytes. Primary rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to a severe hypoxic condition to induce apoptosis. The apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes increased to ≈40% under 24 hours of hypoxia as evaluated by the TUNEL method. The cyclin A protein level assessed by immunoblot analysis accumulated in a time-dependent manner in cardiomyocytes, but there was no increase in nonmyocytes. Hypoxia increased the activity of cyclin A–associated kinase but not the activity of cyclin E–associated kinase, and the apoptosis was inhibited by infection of dominant-negative cdk2 adenovirus, suggesting that cyclin A and its associated kinase play significant roles in the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. To investigate the cyclin A–mediated apoptosis, we infected cultured cells with cyclin A adenovirus. Apoptosis was induced in 63±12% of the infected cardiomyocytes in contrast to only 12±3% of the LacZ-infected control cells. In addition, the cells in the hypoxic condition showed an increase in caspase-3 activity and a subsequent decrease in p21cip1/waf1 protein, which is partly cleaved by caspase-3. These findings confirm that cyclin A–associated kinase mediates hypoxia-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes, and they also suggest that additional elements of the cell-cycle–dependent machinery participate in this mechanism.
High Treatment Retention Rate in HIV-Infected Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy at Two Large HIV Clinics in Hanoi, Vietnam

Background Loss to follow-up (LTFU) is viewed as a major challenge in improving retention in HIV treatment. In Vietnam, the reasons for disengagement from clinics and the effect of injection drug use (IDU) on LTFU with unknown outcome (true LTFU) are not well known. Methods Patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) from two HIV clinics in Hanoi were included in this observational study between 2007 and 2012, and followed up every 6 months until the end of 2013. The reasons for disengagement from the clinic, and ART status during imprisonment were investigated in patients with a history of IDU to identify true LTFU. The retention rate at 6–54 months and true LTFU rate were calculated. Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed to identify factors associated with true LTFU. Results There were 1,431 patients, with a follow-up time of 4,371 person-years (median 2.49 years). At the end of the follow-up period, 71 (5.0%) patients died, 79 (5.5%) transferred to other clinics, 16 (1.1%) disengaged from the clinics, and the calculated true LTFU was 45 (3.1%), with 12-month ART retention rate of 95.3% for the entire study population. Imprisonment was the most frequent reason for disengagement from the clinics. True LTFU correlated significantly with low CD4 count and high plasma viral load, but not history of IDU. Conclusion Imprisonment is a major cause of disengagement from HIV care among patients with a history of IDU.