Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perspectives on research and practice in occupational and environmental health: the case of benzene

Readers of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM) are quite familiar with reports that highlight clinical cases or workplace incidents that may represent sentinel events or exposures. There is a storied history of these in the field and there are countless examples of their utility and importance to physicians and researchers. Recently, when I was reviewing the Archives of OEM online ([http://oem.bmj.com/contents-by-date.0.dtl] - browsing this archive is an activity I highly recommend to all) I was struck by the considerable evidence of the active evolution of medicine and science. The archive is replete with published descriptions of occupational disease that, in retrospect, offer striking evidence of the incremental advance in the understanding of mechanism, diagnosis and prognosis in a large number of complex medical conditions. I was particularly attracted to two descriptions of the potential adverse effects of benzene exposure; the first presented in 1966 by the then 32 year old Finnish occupational physician and epidemiologist Sven Hernberg (1) and the second, a paper authored in 1971 by a group of Turkish hematologists headed by Muzaffer Aksoy (2). In 1966 benzene was suspected to be acutely quite toxic to the blood forming tissues and the American Conference of Governmental Hygienists threshold limit value for benzene exposure in the workplace was 25 ppm, having been lowered from35ppm in 1963.
Labels and children's perception of faces.

KATZ, PHYLLIs A. , and SEAVEY, CAROL. Labels and Children's Perception of Faces. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1973, 44, 770-775. The relation between type of label and perception of faces was assessed. 64 secondand sixth-grade Ss were randomly assigned to 4 experimental conditions in which various kinds of labeling training were associated with 4 purple and green smiling and frowning faces. All Ss then judged the similarity of pairs of the faces. Results revealed the predicted effects of labeling only for white children. Labels associated with color cues augmented the perception of color differences, whereas labels based on expression increased differentiation of expression variations, but not of color cues.
Differential phospholipase gene expression by Candida albicans in artificial media and cultured human oral epithelium

Phospholipases B1, B2, C and D of Candida albicans play a significant role in the host invasive process. Hence we evaluated the in vitro expression of PLB1, PLB2, PLC1 and PLD1 in phospholipase‐positive (PL+) and ‐deficient (PL−) C. albicans isolates in egg yolk agar (EYA), yeast peptone dextrose broth (YPD), and in a model of oral candidiasis based on reconstituted human oral epithelium (RHOE). The growth of Candida was then determined in YPD and its cellular invasion was investigated using the RHOE model. The PL+ group demonstrated PLB1, PLB2, PLC1 and PLD1 expression in both EYA and YPD, in contrast to the PL− group, which expressed only PLB2 and PLD1. Although PL+ isolates grew profusely in the RHOE model, they expressed only PLB2, PLC1 and PLD1, and not PLB1. Gene expression investigations could not be carried out with PL− isolates due to their inability to grow in the RHOE model. Significant growth differences in YPD medium were also observed within the PL+ and PL− groups. Taken together, these findings indicate that phospholipase gene expression in C. albicans is differentially affected by their growth milieu, and this in turn may modulate the disease outcomes in vivo.
Muestreo de Imágenes de Rango en el Espacio de Variación de la Orientación

The information provided by a set of range images can be used in order to produce a computational 3D model of the scene. However, each image is refered to the camera coordinates at its acquisition. To fi nd a set of transformations that takes the whole set into a common coordinate system is what we usually call range images registration. One of the mayor problems of this process is produced by arbitrary data that is not relevant for the registration. In this paper I propose a new method of data sampling in which local variation in orientation (curvature) is used. I show that the proposed algorithm performs well against the ones typically used in model reconstruction from range images.
Four mating‐type genes control sexual differentiation in the fission yeast.

The mating‐type region of fission yeast consists of three components, mat1, mat2‐P and mat3‐M, each separated by 15 kb. Cell‐type is determined by the alternate allele present at mat1, either P in an h+ or M in an h‐ cell. mat2‐P and mat3‐M serve as donors of information that is transposed to mat1 during a switch of mating type. We have determined the nucleotide sequence of each component of mat. The P and M specific regions are 1104 and 1128 bp, respectively, and bounded by sequences common to each mating‐type cassette (H1; 59 bp and H2; 135 bp). A third sequence is present at mat2‐P and mat3‐M but absent at mat1 (H3; 57 bp), and may be involved in transcriptional repression of these cassettes. mat1‐P and mat1‐M each encode two genes (Pc; 118 amino acids, Pi; 159 amino acids, Mc; 181 amino acids and Mi; 42 amino acids). Introduction of opal or frame‐shift mutations into the open‐reading‐frame of each gene revealed that Pc and Mc are necessary and sufficient for mating and confer an h+ or h‐ mating type respectively. All four genes are required for meiotic competence in an h+/h‐ diploid. The transcription of each mat gene is strongly influenced by nutritional conditions and full induction was observed only in nitrogen‐free medium. The predicted product of the Pi gene contains a region of homology with the homeobox sequence, suggesting that this gene encodes a DNA binding protein that directly regulates the expression of other genes.
Prevalence of drug use in pregnant West Virginia patients.

INTRODUCTION Substance abuse in pregnancy is of serious concern to society as well as health care providers caring for pregnant women and their infants. Various studies have suggested a prevalence of 10 -20%. This study used anonymous sampling of umbilical cord tissue to estimate the prevalence of substance abuse in West Virginia. METHODS For the period of August 2009, as many umbilical cord samples as possible were collected at 8 regionally diverse hospitals in West Virginia. The cord tissue samples were then assayed for amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, marijuana, benzodiazapines, methadone, buprenorphine and alcohol. RESULTS 146 of 759 collected (19.2%) were positive for drugs or alcohol. The regional diversity in drug and alcohol consumption was striking, as was the absence of cocaine, methamphetamine and buprenorphine. Voluntary reporting on birth certificates and other maternal questionnaires underestimated the prevalence by 2-3 fold. CONCLUSION One in five infants born in West Virginia has a significant drug exposure that is not captured by conventional reporting instruments. It is hard to estimate the societal and financial cost since so many infants are exposed.
Prospective predictors of suicide and suicide attempts in 1,556 patients with bipolar disorders followed for up to 2 years.

OBJECTIVES Bipolar disorders are associated with high rates of suicide attempts (SAs) and completions. Several factors have been reported to be associated with suicide in persons with bipolar disorder, but most studies to date have been retrospective and have not utilized multivariate statistics to account for the redundant prediction among variables submitted for analysis. METHODS This study examined the association between baseline clinical and demographic variables and subsequent SAs and completions through 2 years of follow-up of participants in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder using a pattern-mixture model. RESULTS Of the sample with complete data (n = 1,556), 57 patients (3.66%) experienced an SA or completion (CS). Several variables predicted suicidality (SA + CS) in this data set when considered alone, but after controlling for redundant prediction from other baseline characteristics, only history of suicide [odds ratio (OR) = 4.52, p < 0.0001] and percent days depressed in the past year (OR = 1.16, p = 0.036) were significantly associated with SAs and completions. A secondary analysis included a greater number of variables but a smaller sample size (n = 1,014). In the secondary analyses, only prior SAs predicted prospective suicidality (OR = 3.87, p = 0.0029). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that patients with bipolar disorder who present with a history of SAs are over four times as likely to have a subsequent SA or completion. Further studies are needed to evaluate and prevent future attempts in this high-risk cohort.
A Microstrip Bandpass Filter with an Electronically Reconfigurable Transmission Zero

This paper presents a type of two-pole microstrip bandpass filter with one reconfigurable transmission zero. The couplings between the resonators and the non-resonant nodes are used to generate the transmission zero. The desired tunability of the transmission zero is realized by changing the center frequencies of the two resonators. In the practical designs, varactors are employed to shift the center frequencies of the resonant node. To verify the working principles, filters implementing the proposed topology are fabricated and measured. Good results have been obtained
Isolation and Characterization of a Regulatory Mutant of an Aminoacyl-Transfer Ribonucleic Acid Synthetase in Escherichia coli K-12

From Escherichia coli strain K28, which is temperature sensitive for growth because of a mutation in its seryl-transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) synthetase gene (serS), temperature-resistant mutants were selected which were found to have a fivefold higher level of seryl-tRNA synthetase than the parent strain. The “high-level” character was found to be genetically stable and is due to a mutation in a locus denoted serO. This locus was found to be very closely linked to serS on the genetic map, and the relative gene order was concluded to be serS-serO-serC. In a serO− strain, the normal dependence of seryl-tRNA synthetase (SerRS) activity on changes of exogenous serine concentration was not observed. In a stable heterozygous merodiploid, the serO− mutation is still expressed, i.e., it is cis dominant. These results strongly suggest that serO is an operator site involved in the control of the serS gene.
3D Model Retrieval Based on Fuzzy Correspondences and Hybrid Shape Features

With the emergence of a large number of 3D models, retrieving 3D models is becoming more and more important. It is well known that 3D shape features suffer from sparse sampling and view-based features have the ambiguity of different views for a 3D model. In this paper we present a method which combines 3D shape features with view-based features of 3D model to retrieve models. Moreover, according to the retrieval results by using global features search, we provide a retrieval refinement based on local features correspondences. The results show our method is superior to others in different data sets.
Agricultural Mechanics Specialsists Identficationa And Evaluation Of Agricultural Mechanics Laboratory Management Competencies: A Modified Delphi Approach

Agricultural mechanics is an important part of the total agricultural education program (Phipps, 1983). In many courses, the time allocated for instruction in agricultural mechanics comprises 25-40% of the total instructional time (Phipps, 1980). Much of the agricultural mechanics instruction takes place in the agricultural mechanics laboratory. Therefore, efficient management of the agricultural mechanics laboratory is essential if optimal student learning is to occur (Bear & Hoerner, 1986).
Regression test selection using class, sequence and activity diagrams

Regression test selection is a process to select a subset of existing test cases, which are then used with some new test cases for regression testing. Regression testing ensures that the changes made to the system have not affected the existing functionality. To date, there is no adequate technique which can do regression test selection by considering changes in semantics of operations (along with the other syntax and semantics changes) using UML diagrams. Change in semantics of an operation refers to the change in conditional statements, change in independent paths/unique paths, change in control flow and addition or deletion of any content from the existing functionality. In this study, a novel approach is presented which can do this using class, sequence and activity diagrams. The tool compared old and new versions of UML diagrams to categorise test cases into reusable, retestable, obsolete and newly generated category. Activity diagrams are specifically used to test the semantics of operations. The changed operations corresponding to these activity diagrams are also searched in class and sequence diagrams for regression test selection. This study has been validated by comparison with previous study. It is found that the authors’ work provides significant increase in accuracy.
Polymorphisms in GSTM 1 , GSTTI and GSTP 1 and Nasopharyngeal Cancer in the East of China : a Case-control Study

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is relatively rare on a world scale, but it is endemic in a few well-defined populations (Parkin et al., 2002). In 2002, there were 80,000 new cases worldwide, accounting for 0.7% of all cancers and making it the 23rd most common new cancer in the world ( Parkin et al., 2005). In contrast, it was the fourth most common new malignancy in Hong Kong (Parkin et al., 2002). Based on geographic distribution, the age-standardized incidence rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma for both males and females is < 1 per 100,000 person-years in most regions. However, dramatically elevated rates are observed in the Cantonese population of southern China (including Hong Kong), and intermediate rates are observed in several indigenous populations in South East Asia and in natives of the Arctic region, North Africa and the Middle East ( Parkin et al., 2002). The wide geographic variation at an international levels of NPC in terms of incidence and mortality suggested the role of genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of this cancer. Recently evidence indicated that carcinogen-
Randomized trial testing the effect of vitamin A supplementation on pregnancy outcomes and early mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission in Durban, South Africa. South African Vitamin A Study Group.

OBJECTIVE Poor vitamin A status has been associated with a higher risk for mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 and there is contradictory evidence on the impact of vitamin A on perinatal outcome. We therefore assessed the effect of vitamin A supplementation to mothers on birth outcome and mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1. DESIGN AND METHODS In Durban, South Africa 728 pregnant HIV infected women received either vitamin A (368) or placebo (360) in a randomized, double-blind trial. The vitamin A treatment consisted of a daily dose of 5000 IU retinyl palmitate and 30 mg beta-carotene during the third trimester of pregnancy and 200000 IU retinyl palmitate at delivery. HIV infection results were available on 632 children who were included in the Kaplan-Meier transmission analysis. Results are reported on mother-to-child transmission rates up to 3 months of age. RESULTS There was no difference in the risk of HIV infection by 3 months of age between the vitamin A [20.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 15.7-24.9] and placebo groups (22.3%; 95% CI, 17.5-27.1), nor were there differences in foetal or infant mortality rates between the two groups. Women receiving vitamin A supplement were, however, less likely to have a preterm delivery (11.4% in the vitamin A and 17.4% in the placebo group; P = 0.03) and among the 80 preterm deliveries, those assigned to the vitamin A group were less likely to be infected (17.9%; 95% CI, 3.5-32.2) than those assigned to the placebo group (33.8%; 95% CI, 19.8-47.8). CONCLUSION Vitamin A supplementation, a low-cost intervention, does not appear to be effective in reducing overall mother-to-child transmission of HIV; however, its potential for reducing the incidence of preterm births, and the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in these infants needs further investigation.
Autism‐Spectrum Quotient–Japanese version and its short forms for screening normally intelligent persons with pervasive developmental disorders

Abstract A Japanese version of the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), AQ‐J was administered to 25 normally intelligent high‐functioning pervasive developmental disorder (HPDD) patients (mean age, 24.2 years; 24 male, one female) and 215 controls (mean age, 30.4 years; 86 male, 129 female) randomly selected from the general population. The AQ‐J had satisfactory internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α > 0.70 in the two groups), test–retest reliability, and discriminant validity [i.e. the AQ‐J score was significantly higher in the HPDD (mean, 29.6) than controls (mean, 22.2)]. At a cut‐off of 26, the AQ‐J had satisfactory sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value, but it had low positive predictive value (0.24) possibly due to the facts that the 25 mild HPDD patients scored lower and the controls scored higher on the AQ‐J than British counterparts on the AQ. The AQ‐J‐21 (consisting of 21 items significantly associated with HPDD diagnosis) and the AQ‐J‐10 (consisting of 10 of the 21 items with an effect size >0.17) had higher, although not satisfactory, positive predictive values of 0.35 and 0.46 at cut‐offs of 12 and 7, respectively, than the AQ‐J. The AQ‐J and two short forms are useful not to predict but to rule out mild HPDD, the most difficult part of HPDD to be distinguished from non‐PDD conditions, in persons scoring under the cut‐offs and to consider professionals’ examination of HPDD in persons scoring over them, because their negative predictive values were satisfactory.
Oxidative Dissolution of Arsenopyrite by Mesophilic and Moderately Thermophilic Acidophiles

The purpose of this work was to determine solution- and solid-phase changes associated with the oxidative leaching of arsenopyrite (FeAsS) by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and a moderately thermoacidophilic mixed culture. Jarosite [KFe3(SO4)2(OH)6], elemental sulfur (S0), and amorphous ferric arsenate were detected by X-ray diffraction as solid-phase products. The oxidation was not a strongly acid-producing reaction and was accompanied by a relatively low redox level. The X-ray diffraction lines of jarosite increased considerably when ferrous sulfate was used as an additional substrate for T. ferroxidans. A moderately thermoacidophilic mixed culture oxidized arsenopyrite faster at 45°C than did T. ferroxidans at 22°C, and the oxidation was accompanied by a nearly stoichiometric release of Fe and As. The redox potential was initially low but subsequently increased during arsenopyrite oxidation by the thermoacidophiles. Jarosite, S0, and amorphous ferric arsenate were also formed under these conditions.
Bioactivity of diatomaceous earth to Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in different application conditions

The objective of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal activity of diatomaceous earth (DE) at different ambient temperatures on adult Sitophilus zeamais and progeny, using different doses and exposure periods. The experiments were performed in Petri dishes containing 40 g of the whole corn kernel, treated with DE at doses of 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 kg Mg-1. Each dish was infested with 25 S. zeamais adults and kept at climatic chambers under temperatures of 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 oC. The insect mortality was recorded after six and 15 days from the beginning of the bioassays. The grains evaluated at 15 days were separated from insects and kept in the dishes for another 75 days under the same temperature conditions. After this period the effect of ambient temperature and of diatomaceous earth doses on the emergence of S. zeamais in the F1 generation was evaluated. It was found that the mortality of S. zeamais increased with the higher dose and temperature during the exposure period of six and 15 days. The number of insects emerged reduced with increasing temperature in these two exposure periods. The increase of temperature and exposure period favored the efficacy of DE in lower doses for control of S. zeamais.
The role of nitric oxide in the vascular hyporesponsiveness to methoxamine in portal hypertensive rats

This study examined whether an increased activity of the endothelium‐derived relaxing factor, nitric oxide, may account for the hyporesponsiveness to vasoconstrictors in portal hypertension. We performed dose‐response curves to methoxamine, an α‐adrenoceptor agonist, with and without Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine, a specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, in experimental portal hypertension. Partial portal vein—ligated or sham‐operated rats were pretreated with a continuous intravenous infusion of either Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine (50 μg · kg−1 · min−1) or saline. Thirty minutes after starting the infusion of Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine or saline an infusion of methoxamine (10, 30 and 100 μg · kg−1 · min−1) was added. Total peripheral resistance was calculated from mean arterial pressure and cardiac index. Repeated measurements of cardiac index were performed by a thermodilution technique. In portal vein—ligated rats pretreated with saline, the increase in total peripheral resistance after methoxamine infusion was significantly less than that of sham‐operated rats (0.2 ± 0.1 vs. 1.0 ± 0.3, 0.6 ± 0.1 vs. 1.6 ± 0.3 and 3.7 ± 0.5 vs. 6.1 ± 0.7 mm Hg · ml−1 · min · 100 gm, p < 0.05, methoxamine 10, 30 and 100 μg · kg−1 · min−1, respectively). In the presence of Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine, the change in total peripheral resistance after methoxamine infusion was similar in both groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that a vascular hyporesponsiveness to methoxamine is present in portal vein—ligated rats and that this hyporesponsiveness is reversed by blockade of nitric oxide. This suggests that nitric oxide plays an important role in the arterial vasodilation observed in portal hypertensive states. (HEPATOLOGY 1992;16:1043–1048.)
The Fronto-Parietal Network and Top-Down Modulation of Perceptual Grouping

We examined the role of the fronto-parietal cortex in top-down modulation of perceptual grouping by proximity, collinearity, and similarity, by recording event related brain potentials from two patients with fronto-parietal lesions and eight controls. We found that grouping by proximity and collinearity in the controls was indexed by short-latency activities over the medial occipital cortex and long-latency activities over the occipito-parietal areas. For the patients, however, both the short- and long-latency activities were eliminated or weakened. The results suggest that the fronto-parietal network is involved in facilitation of both the early and late grouping processes in the human brain.