Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phthalate Exposure and Allergy in the U.S. Population: Results from NHANES 2005–2006

Background: Environmental exposures to phthalates, particularly high-molecular-weight (HMW) phthalates, are suspected to contribute to allergy. Objective: We assessed whether phthalate metabolites are associated with allergic symptoms and sensitization in a large nationally representative sample. Methods: We used data on urinary phthalate metabolites and allergic symptoms (hay fever, rhinitis, allergy, wheeze, asthma) and sensitization from participants ≥ 6 years of age in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006. Allergen sensitization was defined as a positive response to at least one of 19 specific IgE antigens (≥ 0.35 kU/L). Odds ratios (ORs) per one log10 unit change in phthalate concentration were estimated using logistic regression adjusting for age, race, body mass index, gender, creatinine, and cotinine. Separate analyses were conducted for children (6–17 years of age) and adults. Results: The HMW phthalate metabolite monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) was the only metabolite positively associated with current allergic symptoms in adults (wheeze, asthma, hay fever, and rhinitis). Mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate and the sum of diethylhexyl phthalate metabolites (both representing HMW phthalate exposures) were positively associated with allergic sensitization in adults. Conversely, in children, HMW phthalate metabolites were inversely associated with asthma and hay fever. Of the low-molecular-weight phthalate metabolites, monoethyl phthalate was inversely associated with allergic sensitization in adults (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.90). Conclusion: In this cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample, HMW phthalate metabolites, particularly MBzP, were positively associated with allergic symptoms and sensitization in adults, but there was no strong evidence for associations between phthalates and allergy in children 6–17 years of age. Citation: Hoppin JA, Jaramillo R, London SJ, Bertelsen RJ, Salo PM, Sandler DP, Zeldin DC. 2013. Phthalate exposure and allergy in the U.S. population: results from NHANES 2005–2006. Environ Health Perspect 121:1129–1134; http://dx.doi. org/10.1289/ehp.1206211 [Online 25 June 2013].
On Adaptive and Online Data Integration

The recent works on integration of large database systems distributed over wide-area networks concentrate on the adaptive and online techniques. Online property of data integration means continuous integration of transmitted data with the already available results. Adaptivity materializes in a form of dynamic adjustments to the data integration plans in a response to the recent characteristics of data transmission. Implementation of adaptive and online data integration needs the specialized systems of operations and transformations of integration plans. This paper describes a new class of elementary operations on increments and/or decrements of data and shows how to express data integration plans as sequences of elementary operations. We demonstrate that class of operations proposed in the paper is sufficient for implementation of online and adaptive data integration systems and we discuss the operational properties of such systems.
Robust speech enhancement using amplitude spectral estimator

This paper focuses on a class of speech enhancement systems using the amplitude spectral estimates of noisy speech and noise to drive a Wiener filter to suppress simultaneously the ensemble of degradations picked up by microphones. A simple stereo microphone set, with left and right channels can be used to provide enough separation that unwanted signals can be reduced significantly to yield an acceptable quality speech signal for hands-free telephony applications in a vehicular environment. A generalized transform approach was introduced and experimental results show great potential when using the DCT as alternatives to the traditional Fourier transform approach to derive the amplitude spectral estimates of the corrupted speech signals and the noise process.
FACTS Based Stabilization for Smart Grid Applications

— Nowadays, Photovoltaic-PV Farms/ Parks and large PV-Smart Grid Interface Schemes are emerging and commonly utilized in Renewable Energy distributed generation. However, PV-hybrid-Dc-Ac Schemes using interface power electronic converters usually has negative impact on power quality and stabilization of modern electrical network under load excursions and network fault conditions in smart grid. Consequently, robust FACTS based interface schemes are required to ensure efficient energy utilization and stabilization of bus voltages as well as limiting switching/fault onrush current condition. FACTS devices are also used in smart grid- Battery Interface and Storage Schemes with PV-Battery Storage hybrid systems as an elegant alternative to renewable energy utilization with backup battery storage for electric utility energy and demand side management to provide needed energy and power capacity under heavy load conditions. The paper presents a robust interface PV-Li-Ion Battery Storage Interface Scheme for Distribution/Utilization Low Voltage Interface using FACTS stabilization enhancement and dynamic maximum PV power tracking controllers. Digital simulation and validation of the proposed scheme is done using MATLAB/Simulink software environment for Low Voltage-Distribution/Utilization system feeding a hybrid Linear-Motorized inrush and nonlinear type loads from a DC-AC Interface VSC-6-pulse Inverter Fed from the PV Park/Farm with a back-up Li-Ion Storage Battery.
Energy Efficiency of Washing Machines

: This paper makes a technical analysis of the methods to increase the energy efficiency of washing machines for student education. Starting from the definition given by the Energy Efficiency Index, the present analysis proposes two methods for increasing the energy efficiency of the washing machines by modifying the standard annual energy consumption (SAEc) and by modifying the annual energy consumption (AEc). These two methods are made per kilogram of clothes for washing machines from the same brand in different energy classes and for washing machines of two different brands. The models analyzed were chosen according to their energy rating A++ and A+++. The results of this analysis propose the energy savings as an energy indicator to inform buyers in choosing a brand and energy class of the washing machine.
The FAF-Drugs2 server: a multistep engine to prepare electronic chemical compound collections

SUMMARY The FAF-Drugs2 server is a web application that prepares chemical compound libraries prior to virtual screening or that assists hit selection/lead optimization before chemical synthesis or ordering. The FAF-Drugs2 web server is an enhanced version of the FAF-Drugs2 package that now includes Pan Assay Interference Compounds detection. This online toolkit has been designed through a user-centered approach with emphasis on user-friendliness. This is a unique online tool allowing to prepare large compound libraries with in house or user-defined filtering parameters. AVAILABILITY The FAF-Drugs2 server is freely available at http://bioserv.rpbs. univ-paris-diderot.fr/FAF-Drugs/.
Encoding of Hindi Text Using Steganography Technique

Establishing hidden communication and conveying information secretly has been of interest since long past ago. One of the method introduce for establishing hidden communication is Steganography. Methods of Steganography have been mostly applied on image, audio, videos and text files while the major characteristics of these methods are to change in the structure and features so as not to be identifiable by human users. Text document are the best example for this. In this paper we produce a new approach for Hindi text Steganography, which uses letter and its diacritics and numerical code. This method is very useful in Hindi Text and in all other similar Indian Languages. Keyword Hindi Text, Cryptography, Steganography, Text Steganography, Text Watermarking, feature coding
Capillaroscopy Image Analysis as an Automatic Image Annotation Problem

Image auto-annotation methods perform the description previously unseen images with a set of words, based on previously shown examples. This is a relatively new paradigm in image processing research domain. Capillaroscopy is a branch of medicine focusing on analysis of vascular changes. Among others, it is a very helpful tool in diagnosis of many rheumatic diseases. The paper presents a preliminary research on usage of image auto-annotation methods for the computer-aided diagnosis from capillaroscopy images.
Assembly Limits the Pharmacological Complexity of ATP-sensitive Potassium Channels*

ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K ATP channels) are formed from an octameric complex of an inwardly rectifying K+ channel (Kir6.1, Kir6.2) and a sulfonylurea receptor (SUR1, SUR2A, and SUR2B). In this study we have attempted to address the question of whether SUR heteromultimers can form using a combination of biochemical and electrophysiological approaches. We have constructed monoclonal stable lines in HEK293 cells co-expressing Kir6.2 with SUR1 and SUR2A. Using coimmunoprecipitation analysis with SUR isotype-specific antibodies two biochemical populations are distinguished, one containing SUR1 and the other SUR2A. It is not possible to detect immune complexes containing both SUR1 and SUR2A. Functional studies were undertaken and whole cell membrane currents were studied using the patch clamp. Concentrations of sulfonylureas and potassium channel openers were determined that selectively inhibited or activated SUR1/Kir6.2 and SUR2A/Kir6.2. In the cell line expressing SUR1/SUR2AKir6.2 we were unable to demonstrate a population of channels with unique pharmacological properties. Thus we conclude from these studies that heteromultimeric channel complexes containing both SUR1 and SUR2A are not formed, suggesting an incompatibility between different SUR subtypes. This incompatibility limits the pharmacological complexity of K ATP channels that may be observed in native tissues.
Assessment of Building Damage in Raqqa during the Syrian Civil War Using Time-Series of Radar Satellite Imagery

Change detection is one of the key tasks of earth observation. In the humanitarian domain, information about the impacts of natural disasters or military conflicts are of particular interest. This study uses time-series of Sentinel-1 radar imagery to identify changes resulting from armed combats in the city of Raqqa, Syria. The concept of permanent scatterers (PS) was applied to the data for the identification of stable information, which is then used for temporal analysis of pixel amplitudes. In an urban context, this gives insights into both the locations of damage and the exact date of the destruction. Instances of damage manually identified by UNOSAT are used for validation. The study shows that Sentinel-1 data can be a suitable indicator for heavy damage, but limitations arise from the comparably low spatial resolution and in cases of moderate changes which do not affect the structure of buildings. The study demonstrates the potential of radar imagery regarding its spatial and temporal resolution and gives examples of detailed analyses at selected areas of special interest.
Cooperative spectrum sensing with collaborative users using individual sensing credibility for cognitive radio network

Cognitive radio (CR) has been considered as one of the promising next-generation communication systems owning to its ability of sensing and making use of vacant channels that are currently unused by licensed users. Reliable spectrum sensing of licensed users is required for CR network to minimize interference to licensed users. However, an individual CR user may find it difficult to reliably detect the activity status of licensed users due to fading and shadowing effects of the channel. In this paper, we propose a cooperative spectrum sensing scheme for collaborative users in which the sensing credibility of each individual user is utilized to improve local and global sensing performance, and reduce the number of reports transmitted through the control channel between CR users and the fusion center (FC). Using this method, few CR users who satisfy the credibility thresholds will transmit their local decisions to the FC one by one according to the states order of their credibility. That is, the CR user with higher reliability will transmit local decision sooner and others with less reliability can use this sensing information to update their local decisions. Finally, all local decisions received at the FC are combined into a global decision using the Chair - Varshney data fusion rule.
Genetic approach to the study of the nervous system.

Beadle & Tatum ( 1) first showed that single step mutants may be used to elucidate complex physiological processes other than the mechanism of inheritance. These workers used mutants to analyze the biochemical pathways of the fungus Neuro­ spora. It has long been realized that mutants may also be helpful in the study of the nervous system (e.g. Ginsburg 2). However, the early approaches relied on spontaneously occurring mutations or on behavioral changes brought about by selective breeding. Benzer (3) proposed that, instead, single step mutations should be induced and appropriate mutants should be screened for use in the study of the nervous system. In the past few years, the technique of induced mutation has been gaining acceptance as potentially one of the most powerful tools available to neuro­ biologists. A wide range of organisms is presently being studied using this technique. Among them are the bacterium Escherichia coli (Adler 4, 5), the paramecium (Kung 6), the nematode (Ward 7), the fruitfty Drosophila (Benzer 3, 8; Pak et al 9; Ikeda & Kaplan 10; Heisenberg 11; Suzuki 12), the cricket (Bentley 13), and the mouse (Sidman et al 14, Wegmann et al 15). The rationale behind this approach lies in the fact that all physiological func­ tions ultimately depend upon genes. Genes, for example, are involved in regulating various physiological functions or in coding for polypeptides that are essential for various physiological processes. Therefore, a single gene mutation alters or removes a single structural or functional unit of a system, allowing the system to be studied in the absence of a single component at a time. The use of mutants seems particularly appropriate for the study of neuronal membrane processes, such as synaptic transmission, action potential generation, and sensory transduction. Because these are molecular processes, the possibility that mutations may be used to introduce specific perturbations at the molecular level is very appealing. In addition, genes are involved in directing the development of an
Assessment of nicotine dependence symptoms in adolescents: a comparison of five indicators.

OBJECTIVE To examine the psychometric properties, test-retest reliability, and convergent construct validity of five indicators of nicotine dependence (ND) symptoms in adolescents. DESIGN Analysis of baseline data from a prospective study on the natural history of ND in 1264 adolescents aged 12-13 years. SETTING Ten Montreal high schools. SUBJECTS 233 grade 7 students who had smoked cigarettes one or more times in the three months preceding the baseline data collection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Five indicators of ND symptoms including two that are multi-dimensional (a proxy measure of ICD-10 criteria for tobacco dependence; the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC)) and three new indicators of "symptom clusters" that emerged from principal component analysis (ND/cravings, withdrawal symptoms, self medication). RESULTS All five indicators demonstrated acceptable internal and test-retest reliability. The correlation between the HONC and ND/cravings was 0.910. All other correlations between indicators ranged between 0.716-0.824. There was considerable overlap in the independent correlates identified for each indicator. CONCLUSIONS All five indicators performed well psychometrically. Until the meaning, relative importance, and usefulness of each scale is clarified in longitudinal work, decisions regarding which scale(s) are most informative will depend more on the content of the scales, the need for a multi- or unidimensional indicator, and whether or not the scale is theory based.
Protein Undernutrition‐Induced Bone Loss Is Associated with Decreased IGF‐I Levels and Estrogen Deficiency

Protein undernutrition is a known factor in the pathogenesis of osteoporotic fracture in the elderly, but the mechanisms of bone loss resulting from this deficiency are still poorly understood. We investigated the effects of four isocaloric diets with varying levels of protein content (15, 7.5, 5, and 2.5% casein) on areal bone mineral density (BMD), bone ultimate strength, histomorphometry, biochemical markers of bone remodeling, plasma IGF‐I, and sex hormone status in adult female rats. After 16 weeks on a 2.5% casein diet, BMD was significantly decreased at skeletal sites containing trabecular or cortical bone. Plasma IGF‐I was decreased by 29–34% and no estrus sign in vaginal smear was observed. To investigate the roles of estrogen deficiency and protein undernutrition, the same protocol was used in ovariectomized (OVX) or sham‐operated (SHAM) rats, pair‐fed isocaloric diets containing either 15 or 2.5% casein. Trabecular BMD was decreased by either manipulation, with effects appearing to be additive. Cortical BMD was decreased only in rats on a low‐protein diet. This was accompanied by an increased urinary deoxypyridinoline excretion without any change in osteocalcin levels, suggesting an uncoupling between resorption and formation. Isocaloric protein undernutrition decreased bone mineral mass and strength. This effect might be related to decreased plasma IGF‐I and/or estrogen deficiency with a consequent imbalance in bone remodeling.
Intestinal spirochetosis in eight pediatric patients from Southern Sweden

Intestinal spirochetes in humans have been recognized for more than a century, but it is still a matter of debate whether they are just commensal organisms or whether they cause colorectal disease. Most descriptions to date are of adult patients, while reports in the pediatric literature have been scarce. In a retrospective study we found eight children with intestinal spirochetosis. The findings, clinical as well as pathological, with light‐ and electron microscopy, are presented. In all patients, a 3 μm‐thick layer of spirochetes was visualised on the luminal aspect of the epithelial cells covering the enterocytes and part of the gland openings. In five of the eight cases an inflammatory cell reaction was seen by light microscopy and in one patient a picture suggesting intracytoplasmatically located spirochetes was seen by electron microscopy. Despite partial or complete destruction of microvilli, spirochetes were still able to adhere to the enterocyte membranes. In three children there was a clear correlation between treatment and relief of symptoms. In four there was partial improvement and in one child no change in bowel‐related symptoms. We believe that intestinal spirochetes may cause colorectal disease in children. Possible pathogenic mechanisms are discussed.
Nutritional Composition and Antinutritional Factors of Five Wild Edible Fruits Grown in the Mekdela District, South of Wollo, Ethiopia

This study was carried out to determine the mineral content and nutritional properties of five wild fruits Rhus vulgaris, Rosa abyssinica, Rhus natalensis, Euclea racemosa, and Ficus sur. The proximate composition parameters (moisture, ash, crude fiber, crude fat, and crude protein) and antinutritional factors were evaluated using methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists and elemental analysis using the atomic absorption spectroscopy technique. Among the five wild edible fruit species, Rhus vulgaris had the highest carbohydrate content (83.3 ± 0.28 g/100 g) and a high total energy (344.5 ± 2.21 kcal/100 g). Euclea racemosa was found to have the maximum ash content (12.8 ± 0.37 g/100 g), protein content (3.22 ± 0.01 g/100 g), and moisture (16.24 ± 0.003 g/100 g), respectively. Rhus natalensis showed the highest fiber content (9.54 ± 0.003 g/100 g). Mineral analysis showed that local wild fruits contained a considerable amount of minerals. The calcium concentration ranged from 99.51 mg/100 g in Euclea racemosa to 160.12 mg/100 g in Ficus sur. Potassium concentration varied from 54.34 mg/100 g in Euclea racemosa to 234 mg/100 g in Rhus vulgaris. Iron ranges from 21.4 mg/100 g in Rosa abyssinica to 41 mg/100 g in Rhus natalensis, and zinc ranges from 2.3 mg/100 g in Rhus vulgaris to 4.2 mg/100 g in Ficus sur. A high saponin content (2.12 mg/100 g) and a low tannin content (0.23 mg/100 g) were obtained in Rosa abyssinica. The phytate content (1.52 mg/100 g) and the oxalate content (0.9 mg/100 g) were high in Rhus natalensis. In conclusion, the present study shows that wild fruits can be used as food supplementation in food in a safe area.
A feedback-based access scheme for cognitive radio networks over interference channels with primary queue guarantees

In this paper, we consider a cognitive relaying network in which the secondary user exploits the primary user feedback. Depending on the primary user feedback information and sensing the secondary user accesses the channel with random access probabilities. These access probabilities are smaller when the primary user is sensed to be active or if a negative acknowledgement is overheard over the feedback link. The access probabilities are determined so that the secondary user throughput is maximized without violating certain primary user quality of service (QoS) constraint(s). We consider two QoS constraints, namely, requiring the primary user queue stability and a limit on the average primary user packet delay. We thus consider an interference-based communication model which allows simultaneous transmissions from the primary user and the secondary user. Our scheme provides improvements in the secondary user throughput while maintaining the primary user QoS constraint when compared to a collision-based scheme in which the secondary user backs off when the primary user is either sensed to be active or indicated to be active based on the overheard primary feedback.
Characterization of chromosome 11 breakpoints and the areas of deletion and amplification in patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia

Chromosome 11 abnormalities are found in many hematological malignancies. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a proto‐oncogene MLL (11q23.3) is frequently altered. However, rearrangements involving other regions of chromosome 11 have been reported. Therefore, we have characterized the chromosome 11 breakpoints and common deleted and amplified areas in the bone marrow or peripheral blood cells of newly diagnosed patients with AML. Using molecular–cytogenetic methods (multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH), multicolor banding (mBAND), microarrays, and FISH with bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) probes, chromosome 11 abnormalities were delineated in 54 out of 300 (18%) newly diagnosed AML patients. At least 36 different chromosome 11 breakpoints were identified; two were recurrent (11p15.4 in the NUP98 gene and 11q23.3 in the MLL gene), and three were possibly nonrandom: 11p13 (ch11:29.31‐31.80 Mb), 11p12 (ch11:36.75‐37.49 Mb) and 11q13.2 (68.31‐68.52 Mb). One new MLL gene rearrangement is also described. No commonly deleted region of chromosome 11 was identified. However, some regions were affected more often: 11pter‐11p15.5 (n = 4; ch11:0‐3.52 Mb), 11p14.1‐11p13 (n = 4; ch11:28.00‐31.00 Mb) and 11p13 (n = 4; ch11:31.00‐31.50 Mb). One commonly duplicated (3 copies) region was identified in chromosomal band 11q23.3‐11q24 (n = 9; ch11:118.35‐125.00 Mb). In all eight cases of 11q amplification (>3 copies), only the 5′ part of the MLL gene was affected. This study highlights several chromosome 11 loci that might be important for the leukemogeneic process in AML. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals ,Inc.