Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lung Cancer Decreased Sharply in First 5 Years After Smoking Cessation in Chinese Men

Background: The rate of decline in lung cancer risk after smoking cessation among male population and the importance of the magnitude of the early decline were not sufficiently defined in the earlier studies. We evaluated the detailed duration-response relationship between years since smoking cessation and lung cancer risk across major histological types in a population-based case-referent study. Methods: We recruited 1208 consecutive incident cases of primary lung cancer among Chinese males from the largest oncology center in Hong Kong during 2004–2006, and 1069 male community referents frequency-matched in 5-year age groups. We performed unconditional multiple logistic regression and generalized additive model incorporating smoothing spline to model the potential nonlinear effect of years since cessation on lung cancer. Results: All histological types of lung cancer were strongly associated with current smoking. We observed a rapidly decreasing odds ratio of lung cancer (>50%) across all major histological types of lung cancer (except for the large cell type) within the first 5 years of quitting; the odds ratio continued to decrease but at a slower rate in the subsequent years. Conclusion: The substantial benefits obtainable within a short period of 5 years' abstinence should convey an encouraging message to chronic smokers, clinicians, and public health workers.
Improving health profile of blood donors as a consequence of transfusion safety efforts

BACKGROUND: Transfusion safety rests heavily on the health of blood donors. Although they are perceived as being healthier than average, little is known about their long‐term disease patterns and to which extent the blood banks' continuous efforts to optimize donor selection has resulted in improvements. Mortality and cancer incidence among blood donors in Sweden and Denmark was investigated.
Effects of high non-phytate phosphorus starter diet on subsequent growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens.

The trial was performed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of non-phytate phosphorus (nPP) in the starter and grower (with phytase inclusion) periods on carcass characteristics, organ weight and weekly variations of growth performance in the grower period. Seven hundred and twenty-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 12 treatments in a completely randomized design. Chickens received two dietary treatments (4.5 g/kg and 6 g/kg nPP) in the starter (0-21 days) and six experimental diets (4 g/kg, 3.1 g/kg, 2.3 g/kg and 2.3 g/kg + 1000 FTU/Kg of feed phytase, 1.5 g/kg, 1.5 g/kg nPP + 1000 FTU/Kg of feed phytase) in the grower period (22-42 days). Results showed that phytase inclusion in the second and third weeks of grower period could increase feed intake significantly. Also, decrease in the concentrations of nPP to 1.5 g/kg caused to decline body weight gain markedly. Moreover, there is a significant difference between 4.5 g/kg and 6 + 4 g/kg nPP (starter+grower) and 1.5 g/kg nPP. Phytase inclusion increased carcass yield and declined liver weight significantly. Dietary treatment of 4.5 + 1.5 g/kg nPP enhanced heart and liver weight markedly. It is concluded that starter diets with increased concentration of nPP (6 g/kg nPP) had no beneficial effects on growth performance in the starter and grower period in the total (0-42 days). Also, it is possible to decrease nPP concentration of grower diets to 1.5 and 2.3 g/kg with and without phytase inclusion respectively.
Interaction of Peroxynitrite with Mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase

Purified mitochondrial cytochrome coxidase catalyzes the conversion of peroxynitrite to nitric oxide (NO). This reaction is cyanide-sensitive, indicating that the binuclear hemea 3/CuB center is the catalytic site. NO production causes a reversible inhibition of turnover, characterized by formation of the cytochrome a 3nitrosyl complex. In addition, peroxynitrite causes irreversible inhibition of cytochrome oxidase, characterized by a decreasedV max and a raised K m for oxygen. Under these conditions, the redox state of cytochromea is elevated, indicating inhibition of electron transfer and/or oxygen reduction reactions subsequent to this center. The lipid bilayer is no barrier to these peroxynitrite effects, as NO production and irreversible enzyme inhibition were also observed in cytochrome oxidase proteoliposomes. Addition of 50 μm peroxynitrite to 10 μm fully oxidized enzyme induced spectral changes characteristic of the formation of ferryl cytochromea 3, partial reduction of cytochromea, and irreversible damage to the CuA site. Higher concentrations of peroxynitrite (250 μm) cause heme degradation. In the fully reduced enzyme, peroxynitrite causes a red shift in the optical spectrum of both cytochromes a anda 3, resulting in a symmetrical peak in the visible region. Therefore, peroxynitrite can both modify and degrade the metal centers of cytochrome oxidase.
The immune-enhancing effects of dietary fibres and prebiotics

The gastrointestinal tract is subjected to enormous and continual foreign antigenic stimuli from food and microbes. This organ must integrate complex interactions among diet, external pathogens, and local immunological and non-immunological processes. It is critical that protective immune responses are made to potential pathogens, while hypersensitivity reactions to dietary antigens are minimised. There is increasing evidence that fermentable dietary fibres and the newly described prebiotics can modulate various properties of the immune system, including those of the gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT). This paper reviews evidence for the immune-enhancing effects of dietary fibres. Changes in the intestinal microflora that occur with the consumption of prebiotic fibres may potentially mediate immune changes via: the direct contact of lactic acid bacteria or bacterial products (cell wall or cytoplasmic components) with immune cells in the intestine; the production of short-chain fatty acids from fibre fermentation; or by changes in mucin production. Although further work is needed to better define the changes, mechanisms for immunomodulation, and the ultimate impact on immune health, there is convincing preliminary data to suggest that the consumption of prebiotics can modulate immune parameters in GALT, secondary lymphoid tissues and peripheral circulation. Future protocols on the physiological impact of consuming prebiotics should be designed to include assessments of the gut microflora, gut physiology and the function and composition of the various regions of GALT.
Novel Nuclear Protein Complexes of Dystrophin 71 Isoforms in Rat Cultured Hippocampal GABAergic and Glutamatergic Neurons

The precise functional role of the dystrophin 71 in neurons is still elusive. Previously, we reported that dystrophin 71d and dystrophin 71f are present in nuclei from cultured neurons. In the present work, we performed a detailed analysis of the intranuclear distribution of dystrophin 71 isoforms (Dp71d and Dp71f), during the temporal course of 7-day postnatal rats hippocampal neurons culture for 1h, 2, 4, 10, 15 and 21 days in vitro (DIV). By immunofluorescence assays, we detected the highest level of nuclear expression of both dystrophin Dp71 isoforms at 10 DIV, during the temporal course of primary culture. Dp71d and Dp71f were detected mainly in bipolar GABAergic (≥60%) and multipolar Glutamatergic (≤40%) neurons, respectively. We also characterized the existence of two nuclear dystrophin-associated protein complexes (DAPC): dystrophin 71d or dystrophin 71f bound to β-dystroglycan, α1-, β-, α2-dystrobrevins, α-syntrophin, and syntrophin-associated protein nNOS (Dp71d-DAPC or Dp71f-DAPC, respectively), in the hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, both complexes were localized in interchromatin granule cluster structures (nuclear speckles) of neuronal nucleoskeleton preparations. The present study evinces that each Dp71’s complexes differ slightly in dystrobrevins composition. The results demonstrated that Dp71d-DAPC was mainly localized in bipolar GABAergic and Dp71f-DAPC in multipolar Glutamatergic hippocampal neurons. Taken together, our results show that dystrophin 71d, dystrophin 71f and DAP integrate protein complexes, and both complexes were associated to nuclear speckles structures.
Intrinsic thresholds in polycrystalline Udimet 720

The long crack threshold behaviour of polycrystalline Udimet 720 has been investigated. Faceted crack growth is seen near threshold when the monotonic crack tip plastic zone is contained within the coarsest grain size. At very high load ratios R (=P min/P max) it is possiblefor the monotonic crack tip plastic zone to exceed the coarsest grain size throughout the entire crack growth regime and non1aceted structure insensitive crack growth is then seen down to threshold. Intrinsic threshold values were obtained for non1aceted and faceted crack growth using a constant K max, increasing K min, computer controlled load shedding technique (K is stress intensity factor). Very high R values are obtained at threshold using this technique (0.75-0.95), eliminating closure effects, so the intrinsic resistance of the material to crack propagation is reflected in these values. The intrinsic non1aceted threshold value ΔK th is lower (2.3 MN m -3/2) than the intrinsicfaceted ΔK th value (4.8 MN m -3/2). This is thought to reflect not only the effect of crack branching and deflection (in the faceted case) on the crack driving force, but also the inherent difference in resistance of the material to the two different crack propagation micromechanisms. © 1993 The Institute of Materials.
Andrographis paniculata: a critical appraisal of extraction, isolation and quantification of andrographolide and other active constituents

Andrographispaniculata, referred to as ‘Kalmegh’ in ancient texts, is regarded as a nostrum of the modern world. Oral administration of the leaves of this plant is effective in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, liver toxicity and a variety of other ailments. The practices of adulteration in the original material of this drug have made it imperative to develop techniques to verify the authenticity of the products of this plant for quality assurance. Andrographolide, a bitter diterpenoid, is the major active principle present in the plant, and therefore its determination and quantification in the plant extracts are important. This article provides a detailed account of various extraction and chromatographic techniques used for the identification, isolation and quantification of the various active principles of A. paniculata. Pharmacological properties and phytochemistry of this plant and the physico-chemical properties of these bio-compounds have also been outlined.
An Empirical Investigation of Private Label Supply by National Label Producers

Private labels PLs are ubiquitous in several categories, including groceries, apparel, and appliances. However, existing empirical work has not examined the differential impact of various upstream supply arrangements for PL products or the strategic motives for PL supply. To do so requires one to model the interaction between private and national label NL products both upstream and downstream while accounting for strategic behavior on the part of manufacturers and retailers and retaining essential differences between NL and PL products. We build a model that satisfies these requirements and lets us answer our two research questions: First, can an NL firm profit from being an outsourced PL supplier? Second, what are the upstream and downstream impacts of different PL supply arrangements? We answer these questions by modeling private labels as homogenous products at wholesale, but as differentiated products at retail. In contrast, national label products are differentiated at both wholesale and retail levels. Using structural model estimates for fluid milk in a major metropolitan area, we conduct three counterfactual experiments. We find that both NL producers and retailers profit from adding private labels. We also find that a vertically integrated supply of PL leads to lower prices for end consumers.
Ag85A DNA Vaccine Delivery by Nanoparticles: Influence of the Formulation Characteristics on Immune Responses

The influence of DNA vaccine formulations on immune responses in combination with adjuvants was investigated with the aim to increase cell-mediated immunity against plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen 85A. Different ratios of pDNA with cationic trimethyl chitosan (TMC) nanoparticles were characterized for their morphology and physicochemical characteristics (size, zeta potential, loading efficiency and pDNA release profile) applied in vitro for cellular uptake studies and in vivo, to determine the dose-dependent effects of pDNA on immune responses. A selected pDNA/TMC nanoparticle formulation was optimized by the incorporation of muramyl dipeptide (MDP) as an immunostimulatory agent. Cellular uptake investigations in vitro showed saturation to a maximum level upon the increase in the pDNA/TMC nanoparticle ratio, correlating with increasing Th1-related antibody responses up to a definite pDNA dose applied. Moreover, TMC nanoparticles induced clear polarization towards a Th1 response, indicated by IgG2c/IgG1 ratios above unity and enhanced numbers of antigen-specific IFN-γ producing T-cells in the spleen. Remarkably, the incorporation of MDP in TMC nanoparticles provoked a significant additional increase in T-cell-mediated responses induced by pDNA. In conclusion, pDNA-loaded TMC nanoparticles are capable of provoking strong Th1-type cellular and humoral immune responses, with the potential to be further optimized by the incorporation of MDP.
Vortex Dynamics and Low-Pressure Fluctuations in the Tip-Clearance Flow

The tip-clearance flow in axial turbomachines is studied using large-eddy simulation with particular emphasis on understanding the unsteady characteristics of the tip-leakage vortical structures and the underlying mechanisms for cavitation-induring low-pressure fluctuations. A systematic and detailed analysis of the velocity and pressure fields has been made in a linear cascade with a moving end-wall. The generation and evolution of the tip-leakage vortical structures have been investigated throughout the cascade using mean streamlines and λ 2 contours. An analysis of the energy spectra and space-time correlations of the velocity fluctuations suggests that the tip-leakage vortex is subject to a pitchwise low frequency wandering motion. Detailed statistics of the pressure fields has been analyzed to draw inferences on cavitation
Monotonic Loading Tests on Semi-Rigid End-Plate Connections with Welded I-Shaped Columns and Beams

8 specimens of beam-to-column bolted end-plate connections with various details and welded I-shaped section columns and beams were tested under monotonic loads. Based on the specification for the end-plate connection rotation proposed, the contribution of the panel zone and the gap between the end-plate and column flange to the joint rotation have been obtained. The influences of both flush and extended types, column stiffeners, end-plate rib stiffeners, bolt sizes and end-plate thicknesses etc on the joint behaviour have been compared. The test results indicate that all these connections tested are typically semi-rigid. For the flush and extended end-plate connection, the joint rotation mainly derives from the relative deformation between the end plate and the column flange and the shearing deformation of the panel zone respectively. Using a special method to measure bolt strain, the bolt tension forces and their development and distribution have been depicted and studied, and two bolt tension force distribution models for end-plate connections using pretensioned bolts are recommended.
Bundle gerbes

Just as C × principal bundles provide a geometric realisation of two-dimensional integral cohomology; gerbes or sheaves of groupoids, provide a geometric realisation of three dimensional integral cohomology through their Dixmier-Douady class. I consider an alternative, related, geometric realisation of three dimensional cohomology called a bundle gerbe. Every bundle gerbe gives rise to a gerbe and most of the well-known examples examples of gerbes are bundle gerbes. I discuss the properties of bundle gerbes, in particular bundle gerbe connections and curvature and their associated Dixmier-Douady class.
Socio-Economic Variables and Nutrient Adequacy of Women in the Vaal Region of South Africa

The aim of this cross-sectional, observational baseline survey was to examine the association between nutrient intakes and selected socio-economic variables in 722 women, aged 19 to 90 years living in peri-urban settlements. Measurements included socio-demographic data and 24-hour recall dietary intake data. The results showed poor nutrient intakes with the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) not met for the mean intakes of all nutrients except carbohydrates, phosphorus, and vitamin B12. The inadequate energy intakes were significantly higher among the women who had lower education (p = .015), lower income (p = .028), and were unemployed (p = .015). The epidemiological value of the study findings is in the contribution to the rationale of appropriate interventions such as income-generating projects as well as household agricultural projects to improve food and nutrient intakes.
Preparation and mechanical and electrical properties of graphene nanosheets–poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites via in situ suspension polymerization

Graphene nanosheets–poly(methyl methacrylate) (GNS–PMMA) nanocomposites were first prepared by in situ suspension polymerization and reduction of graphene oxide using hydrazine hydrate and ammonia. PMMA microspheres with a mean diameter of 2 μm are mainly covalently link to the surface of GNS. The obtained GNS–PMMA composites have not only high electrical conductivity but also enhanced mechanical properties and thermal stability at low loadings of graphene. Especially, the resulting nanocomposites were examined for electrorheological fluids, showing thin and dense chains of particles after application of an electric field. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
What is a case study?

Case study is a research methodology, typically seen in social and life sciences. There is no one definition of case study research. However, very simply… ‘a case study can be defined as an intensive study about a person, a group of people or a unit, which is aimed to generalize over several units’. A case study has also been described as an intensive, systematic investigation of a single individual, group, community or some other unit in which the researcher examines in-depth data relating to several variables.
Malicious node detection in wireless sensor networks

Summary form only given. This work provides a solution to identify malicious nodes in wireless sensor networks through detection of malicious message transmissions in a network. A message transmission is considered suspicious if its signal strength is incompatible with its originator's geographical position. We provide protocols for detecting suspicious transmissions - and the consequent identification of malicious nodes - and for disseminating this information in the network. We evaluate the detection rate and the efficiency of our solution along a number of parameters.
UVUDF: ULTRAVIOLET THROUGH NEAR-INFRARED CATALOG AND PHOTOMETRIC REDSHIFTS OF GALAXIES IN THE HUBBLE ULTRA DEEP FIELD

We present photometry and derived redshifts from up to eleven bandpasses for 9927 galaxies in the Hubble Ultra Deep field (UDF), covering an observed wavelength range from the near-ultraviolet (NUV) to the near-infrared (NIR) with Hubble Space Telescope observations. Our Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3)/UV F225W, F275W, and F336W image mosaics from the ultra-violet UDF (UVUDF) imaging campaign are newly calibrated to correct for charge transfer inefficiency, and use new dark calibrations to minimize background gradients and pattern noise. Our NIR WFC3/IR image mosaics combine the imaging from the UDF09 and UDF12 campaigns with CANDELS data to provide NIR coverage for the entire UDF field of view. We use aperture-matched point-spread function corrected photometry to measure photometric redshifts in the UDF, sampling both the Lyman break and Balmer break of galaxies at z ∼ 0.8 ? > – 3.4 ? > , and one of the breaks over the rest of the redshift range. Our comparison of these results with a compilation of robust spectroscopic redshifts shows an improvement in the galaxy photometric redshifts by a factor of two in scatter and a factor three in outlier fraction (OLF) over previous UDF catalogs. The inclusion of the new NUV data is responsible for a factor of two decrease in the OLF compared to redshifts determined from only the optical and NIR data, and improves the scatter at z < 0.5 ? > and at z > 2 ? > . The panchromatic coverage of the UDF from the NUV through the NIR yields robust photometric redshifts of the UDF, with the lowest OLF available.
Noncoherent Detection in Amplify-and-Forward Relay Systems

In amplify-and-forward single-relay systems that employ an average relay power constraint, one-shot detection at the destination terminal is not optimal when the channel between the source and relay terminals is unknown. In this work, we derive the maximum-likelihood (ML) block noncoherent detector and show that it can be expressed as a reduced-rank quadratic form maximization. We introduce an auxiliary real variable and prove that the maximization form can be closely approximated by a rank-2 positive semidefinite quadratic form through appropriate selection of the auxiliary variable. Motivated by recent developments on the polynomial-time maximization of reduced-rank quadratic forms over finite alphabets, we develop an efficient detector that has polynomial complexity in the block length and demonstrated near-ML performance.
Why Do Employers Retrain At-Risk Workers? The Role of Social Capital

Why are some employers willing to retrain workers who are at risk of layoff for new jobs in their organization, whereas others "churn" their workforce through layoffs and outside hiring? The question seems central to understanding why some employers and some jobs are "good," whereas others are not and, more generally, for understanding employment security. The arguments herein use national probability data to examine this question and find that the retraining option is associated with preserving the social capital among current employees. Employers who make greater use of work systems that rely on social capital are more likely to retrain their workers. Alternative explanations - that retraining is an employee benefit associated with employee-friendly policies or is part of overall strategy to invest in training - receive no support. These results extend our understanding of the role that social capital can play in organizations. They also suggest that being a "good" employer may have a great deal to do with other choices about systems of work organization.