Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Nordic Expert Group for Criteria Documentation of Health Risks from Chemicals and The Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Standards 133. Tetrachloroethylene (per)

Arbete och Hälsa Arbete och Hälsa (Work and Health) is a scientific report series published by the National Institute for Working Life. The series presents research by the Institute's own researchers as well as by others, both within and outside of Sweden. The series publishes scientific original works, disser-tations, criteria documents and literature surveys. Arbete och Hälsa has a broad target-group and welcomes articles in different areas. The language is most often English, but also Swedish manuscripts are welcome. Summaries in Swedish and English as well as the complete original text are available at www.arbetslivsinstitutet. se/ as from 1997. Preface An agreement has been signed by the Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Standards (DECOS) of the Health Council of the Netherlands and the Nordic Expert Group for Criteria Documentation of Health Risks from Chemicals (NEG). The purpose of the agreement is to write joint scientific criteria documents, which could be used by the national regulatory authorities in both the Netherlands and in the Nordic countries. The NEG version presented herein has been adapted to the requirements of NEG and the format of Arbete och Hälsa. The editorial work and technical editing has been carried out by Jill Järnberg, scientific secretary of NEG, at the National Institute for Working Life in Sweden. We acknowledge the Nordic Council of Ministers for its financial support of this project. Abbreviations ATP adenosine triphosphate ALP alkaline phosphatase ALT alanine aminotransferase ASP aspartate aminotransferase BAEP brain stem auditory evoked potentials CNS central nervous system ECD electron capture detection EEG electroencephalogram EPA US Environmental Protection Agency FID flame ionisation detection GC gas chromatography HSE UK Health and Safety Executive γ-GT γ-glutamyl transferase LD 50 lethal dose for 50% of the exposed animals at single administration LDH lactic acid dehydrogenase MS mass spectrometry NIOSH US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NOAEL no observed adverse effect level NTP National Toxicology Program 5'-NU 5'-nucleotidase OR odds ratio PDA protein-droplet accumulation PER perchloroethylene, tetrachloroethene PMR proportional mortality ratio SG-6-P serum glucose-6-phosphatase SGOT serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase SGPT serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase SIR standardised incidence ratio SLDH serum lactic acid dehydrogenase SMOR standardised mortality odds ratio SMR standardised mortality ratio SOCT serum ornithine carbamyl transferase SPMR standardised proportional mortality ratio STEL short-term exposure limit TBAR thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance TCA trichloroacetic acid TCE trichloroethanol TLV threshold limit value TWA time-weighted average
An Analysis of the Earnings of PGA Tour Golfers

>> This article examines the determinants of the earnings of PGA Tour golfers from the period 1992-2001. Our goal is to determine whether the returns to various golf skills have changed over time. In recent years, golf analysts have claimed that driving distance has become the preeminent skill in professional golf, and thus they believe that the old adage “drive for show and putt for dough” no longer holds true in professional golf. Our results lend some limited support for this view because we find that the return to driving distance has increased relative to that of putting ability. Nonetheless, it still remains true that putting ability is still by far the single most important determinant of earnings.
A Content Management System Based on an Event-based Model of Version Management Information in Legislation.

Understanding electronic legislation requires a comprehension of its life- cycle and the events and corresponding transformations that make up this lifecycle. A metadata description attached to the legislative resource represents a time point in this lifecycle. In this paper we advocate an event-based model of version management for legislation. We are currently developing a Content Management System (CMS) based on this model. This paper discusses the event-based model, sketches the infrastructure of the CMS, and relates it to timestamping in METALex documents.
Transmission line model for the input impedance of a slot-coupled rectangular patch antenna

A new transmission line model is proposed for computing the input impedance of a slot-coupled rectangular patch antenna. Based on simple formulae and standard library elements, it is readily implemented in an RF-circuits simulator. Because simulations require little numerical work, it allows one to approach final design parameter values quickly, then to switch over to an EM simulator depending on the required accuracy. Simulations based on this model compare well with experimental data.
Analytic description, measurements, and modeling of 3D-embedded silicon inductance for High-Performance Hybrid Systems Applications

In this paper, the design and the measurements of three-dimensional through silicon vias (TSVs) based-integrated solenoids embedded within high-resistive silicon is presented. Prior to silicon implementation, a rigorous theoretical analysis is proposed to put in obviousness the advantages of using such coil architecture for L and S band applications. This analysis, demonstrates a clear reduction of the footprint passive function lying on the external substrate together with a reduced capacitive coupling with the local environment. Two-port radio frequency measurements have been performed in a wide-frequency range (100 MHz – 50 GHz) in order to support the theoretical investigations. Solenoids exhibit high-quality factors below 4 GHz – Q = 25 @ 2 GHz for a 800 pH device – and clearly outperforms classical planar architecture considered in most of the integrated circuit processes. Two different modeling approaches (compact modeling and EM modeling) are then proposed in order to speed-up their design implementation in a typical CAD design flow. Based on the available data, a good agreement is shown between and simulated data.
The Role of Autophagy at the Nano/Bio Interface - Underlying Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential in Cancer

Abstract Autophagy plays an essential role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by responding to certain stressed conditions such as nutrient deprivation, organelle damage, pathogen infection, and exposure to certain nanomaterials. Through deliberate tuning of the physicochemical properties, the fate of nanomaterial-treated cells is subjected to various cellular toxicity, stress responses, and immune responses, some of which involve various autophagic mechanisms. Beginning from the molecular basis of the autophagy machinery, we will briefly introduce the major understanding of autophagy in inflammation, immunity, cancer metabolism, and therapy. Different working mechanisms will be discussed to classify the impact of physicochemical parameters on autophagy induction or inhibition by engineered nanomaterials. From the perspective of autophagy-targeting cancer therapeutics, we will focus on the advanced nano-formulations for improved drug delivery to impact autophagy in the setting of cancer diseases and designing co-delivery nanomedicine that targets autophagy along with another major cancer pathway to achieve in vivo synergy. Moreover, cancer immunotherapy, aiming at immune cells or checkpoints, is also integrated with autophagy-regulatory components using multiple nano-platforms as an emerging strategy for cancer treatment. Overall, considering the recent breakthroughs of nanotechnology, targeting autophagy in cancer cells, antigen-presenting cells, or other cell types within tumor microenvironment by precisely designed nanomedicine may provide additional solutions for cancer treatment through autophagy-dependent metabolic regulation or immune pathways. However, one should closely monitor the extent of autophagy alternation and side effects from certain nanoparticles to avoid severe toxic responses.
Planar impedance transformer

A transformer with two overlapping windings etched on either side of a planar substrate is presented in this paper. It performs an impedance transformation with a 3.3 ratio within a small area. A simple model is derived, based on well-known formulas for transmission lines and inductance factors of multiple conductors. Magnetic and electric coupling are analyzed separately. An experiment shows a good accuracy for this model.
Control techniques for active power filters

There have been many variants of the active power filter proposed and these variations cover both the circuit topology and the control system employed. Some of the control variants reflect different control objectives but there are still many variants within similar objectives. The available control techniques are described and contrasted in a structured way to identify their performance strengths. Objectives are classified by the supply current components to be corrected and by the response required to distorted grid voltage. The various signal transformations are described in terms of their impact on the distortion identification problem. Time-domain, frequency-domain, instantaneous power and impedance synthesis methods are examined. Additional control functions such as DC-bus voltage and current reference following are also discussed. It is found that a key difference between control methods is the way in which current distortion is treated in the presence of distorted grid voltage.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) In-Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for Pancreaticobiliary Disorders

This is a prospective study done to compare the diagnostic accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in patients undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for pancreaticobiliary disorders.Majority of the study participants were males (63.3%), while the rest 36.78% of them were females and periampullary carcinoma (11.7%) and common bile duct calculus (11.7%) are the common cause of obstruction found on MRCP followed by malignant stricture (10%). The extent of obstruction was determined in most of the study participants (91.7%) by MRCP while the rest 8.3% were not determined by MRCP. The Common bile duct calculus (11.7%) is the common cause of obstruction on ERCP followed by malignant stricture (10%) and Periampullary carcinoma (10%) and 20% of the patients were found to be normal in ERCP. Among them, 71.4 % did not show MRCP and the association was found to be significant. (p- Value < 0.00).
Analysis of Ground Motion: A Comparison of Some Available Methods

The earthquake induced ground motions are transient and nonstationary. Both their amplitude and frequency content vary with time. Analysis and design of structures need to consider these nonstationary characteristics. In studying time series, several methods have been developed and used by researchers and practitioners. Here, a comparison of Fourier Transform (FT), Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT), Hilbert Huang Transform (HHT), and Wavelet Transform (WT) are presented.
Potential ameliorative effects of Ocimum basilicum extract and leaves on testicular toxicity induced by sodium arsenite in male rats

Arsenite is a major environmental chemical and a known reproductive toxicant that induced the depression of spermatogenesis and androgenesis in males. Arsenic commonly contaminates the environment via insecticides and pesticides and seepage through drinking water. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of ethanolic Ocimum basilicum extract and leaves against testicular toxicity induced by sodium arsenite in male rats. Thirty male albino rats were divided into two main groups: The first main group (5 rats) was kept as (G-) a negative control group. The second main group (25 rats) was injected NaAsO2 (4 mg/kg body weight) in 0.9% NaCl interaperitoneally only twice. After that, the rats were divided into five subgroups as following: subgroup (1): kept as (G+) a positive group. Subgroups (2 & 3) were given ethanolic Ocimum basilicum extract (250 and 500mg/kg bodyweight) and Subgroups (4 & 5) were given powder leaves of Ocimum (equivalent doses) added to the diet for (28 days). At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed and biological evaluations were calculated. The weights of the reproductive organs were recorded. Sperm count, motility, progressive motility and normal form were evaluated. Serum sex hormone (luteinizing hormone, LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone were analyzed. Antioxidant enzymes were assayed in testicular tissue. Results showed that treatment groups were associated with significant increase in sperm parameters, serum sex hormone, GPX, SOD and CAT. In contrast level of MDA were significantly (p≤0.05) decreased as compared with the positive control group. In Conclusions: ethanolic Ocimum basilicum extract and leaves have a potent effect in the treatment of testicular toxicity caused by sodium arsenite. This effect may be due to the presence of flavonoides and antioxidant properties of Ocimum basilicum which may be useful in the treatment of testicular toxicity caused by arsenite.
Large signal design of broadband monolithic microwave frequency dividers

A monolithic regenerative divider by two with a 6-GHz central input frequency has been designed and fully characterized using an improved harmonic balance formulation, suitable to deal with autonomous and phase-locked regimes. The solution paths when the input generator power and frequency are modified have been traced. The output power at the divided frequency has been evaluated as a function of both parameters as well as the output power of the free running oscillator regime. Results have been experimentally verified, and excellent agreement has been obtained. Frequency jumps and hysteresis phenomena often encountered in such devices can be fully analyzed, thus providing a useful tool for a thorough investigation of synchronized devices. <<ETX>>
Cascade switched-capacitor IIR decimating filters

Comprehensive methodologies are described for the design of infinite impulse response switched-capacitor (SC) decimating filters employing either externally cascaded or internally cascaded structures. The former are more appropriate to achieve high decimating factors but suffer from the effects of unwanted aliasing frequency components associated with the intermediate sampling frequencies. The latter overcome this problem but become more complex to design to attain high decimating factors. Such decimating filters allow not only to relax the requirements of continuous-time pre-filters in the context of traditional SC filter systems but also to realize arbitrary baseband and anti-aliasing amplitude responses employing operational amplifiers with more relaxed speed requirements than their traditional SC filters counterparts. Examples are given to illustrate the proposed methodologies. >
Simulation Model for Evaluating and Improving Effectiveness of Freeway Service Patrol Programs

Nonrecurrent congestion caused by highway incidents is a major concern for transportation agencies and millions of road users in most metropolitan areas in the United States. As a low-cost approach to incident management, freeway service patrol programs have gained wide popularity. Although there are many such programs in different parts of the country, there is not much effort to design such programs systematically so that better results can be obtained through efficient use of existing resources. A simulation model has been developed that can be used for designing a new freeway service patrol program configuration as well as improving operations of existing programs. The Hoosier Helper program in northwest Indiana is presented as an example of the model’s application. The information provided in this study would be useful for evaluating and improving the effectiveness of similar patrol programs in other metropolitan areas in Indiana and in other states.
Elimination of fuel pressure fluctuation and multi-injection fuel mass deviation of high pressure common-rail fuel injection system

The influence of fuel pressure fluctuation on multi-injection fuel mass deviation has been studied a lot, but the fuel pressure fluctuation at injector inlet is still not eliminated efficiently. In this paper, a new type of hydraulic filter consisting of a damping hole and a chamber is developed for elimination of fuel pressure fluctuation and multi-injection fuel mass deviation. Linear model of the improved high pressure common-rail system(HPCRS) including injector, the pipe connecting common-rail with injector and the hydraulic filter is built. Fuel pressure fluctuation at injector inlet, on which frequency domain analysis is conducted through fast Fourier transformation, is acquired at different target pressure and different damping hole diameter experimentally. The linear model is validated and can predict the natural frequencies of the system. Influence of damping hole diameter on fuel pressure fluctuation is analyzed qualitatively based on the linear model, and it can be inferred that an optimal diameter of the damping hole for elimination of fuel pressure fluctuation exists. Fuel pressure fluctuation and fuel mass deviation under different damping hole diameters are measured experimentally, and it is testified that the amplitude of both fuel pressure fluctuation and fuel mass deviation decreases first and then increases with the increasing of damping hole diameter. The amplitude of main injection fuel mass deviation can be reduced by 73% at most under pilot-main injection mode, and the amplitude of post injection fuel mass deviation can be reduced by 92% at most under main-post injection mode. Fuel mass of a single injection increases with the increasing of the damping hole diameter. The hydraulic filter proposed by this research can be potentially used to eliminate fuel pressure fluctuation at injector inlet and improve the stability of HPCRS fuel injection.
Large Telescopes and the Moral Economy of Recent Astronomy

If they are successfully to carry out a research programme, astronomers need two crucial resources - access to telescopes, and sufficient time allocated on them to make observations and collect data. This paper employs the concept of the `moral economy' - the unwritten expectations and traditions that regulate and structure a community - as an analytical model to examine how astronomers and science managers allocate resources. I use the example of the Gemini 8-Meter Telescopes Project, a recently completed pair of large telescopes in Hawaii and Chile, as a vehicle to explore the moral economy of contemporary astronomy. Paying particular attention to the early years of the project (1987-92), I describe plans to build a new telescope facility for the entire US astronomy community, against the backdrop of the institutional, political and financial forces that shape national and international astronomy. By focusing on the process through which astronomers moved the Gemini telescope project from abstract blueprints and budgets into glass and steel, I examine themes such as access, equity, control and authority in contemporary science.
Mucuna pruriens as adjunct therapy to levodopa in advanced Parkinson’s disease

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder whose treatment in advanced stages is often complex and challenging. The treatment goal at this stage is to provide greater clinical stability, with less “off” time and longer “on” time. Mucuna pruriens (MP) is a legume plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for Parkinsonian-type diseases. This plant contains a diversity of elements, among which levodopa stands out. Objective: We explored the effect of MP as adjunct therapy to levodopa in a PD patient. Methods: We report the case of a 42-year-old woman with PD in advanced stages due to motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. Due to the progression of her disease, the limitations that it generates and the economic inability to opt for other therapies such as surgical treatments, we used MP as an adjunct therapy to levodopa. Results: MP produces a clinical motor effect similar to conventional levodopa. MP shortened the time to reach the “on” state and prolonged this state without exacerbating dyskinesias. Psychiatric side effects were observed only with high dosages of MP. Conclusions: MP shows to be a promising adjunct therapy to levodopa in advanced PD patients without access to other conventional therapies.
Estimation of rate-distortion bounds for compression of ambulatory ECGs

The theoretical rate-distortion bounds for compression of ambulatory electrocardiograms (ECGs) are presented. These bounds estimate the minimum data rate for coding the ECG signal with a given mean-square-error distortion relative to ECGs recorded with a 100-Hz bandwidth. The rate-distortion bounds are calculated from the average power spectrum of an arrhythmia database. The calculations indicate that average coding distortions on the order of 15 mu V RMS are required for storage of 24 h of two-channel ECG in 4 MB. The ECG can be stored with average distortions on the order of 11 mu V when average beats are subtracted before compression. Average beat subtraction reduces the data rate necessary for storage by approximately 100 b/s regardless of distortion level. <<ETX>>
Failure diagnostics using support vector machine

Failure diagnostics is an important part of condition monitoring aiming to identify existing or impending failures. Accurate and efficient failure diagnostics can guarantee that the operator makes the correct maintenance decision, thereby reducing the maintenance costs and improving system availability. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) is discussed in this thesis with the purpose of accurate and efficient failure diagnostics. The SVM utilizes the kernel method to transform input data from a lower dimensional space to a higher dimensional space. In the higher dimensional space, the hitherto linearly non separable patterns can be linearly separated, without compromising the computational cost. This facilitates failure diagnostics as in the higher dimensional space, the existing failure or incipient failure is more identifiable. The SVM uses the maximal margin method to overcome the "overfitting" problem. This problem makes the model fit special data sets. The maximal margin method also makes it suitable for solving small sample size problems. In this thesis, the SVM is compared with another well known technique, the Artificial Neural Network (ANN). In the comparative study, the SVM performs better than the ANN. However, as the performance of the SVM critically depends on the parameters of the kernel function, this thesis proposes using an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) method to obtain the optimal parameters. The ACO optimized SVM is applied to diagnose the electric motor in a railway system. The Support Vector Regression (SVR) is an extension of the SVM. In this thesis, SVR is combined with a time-series to forecast reliability. Finally, to improve the SVM performance, the thesis proposes a multiple kernel SVM. The SVM is an excellent pattern recognition technique. However, to obtain an accurate diagnostics performance, one has to extract the appropriate features. This thesis discusses the features extracted from the time domain and uses the SVM to diagnose failure for a bearing. Another case in this thesis is presented, namely failure diagnostics for an electric motor installed in a railway's crossing and switching system; in this case, the features are extracted from the power consumption signal. In short, the thesis discusses the use of the SVM in failure diagnostics. Theoretically, the SVM is an excellent classifier or regressor possessing a solid theoretical foundation. Practically, the SVM performs well in failure diagnostics, as shown in the cases presented. Finally, as failure diagnostics critically relies on feature extraction, this thesis considers feature extraction from the time domain.