Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-precision measurements of δ(17)O and (17) Oexcess of NBS19 and NBS18.

RATIONALE Measurements of oxygen-17 excess ((17)Oexcess) in carbonates have become of great importance. However, to compare results obtained by different laboratories, it is necessary to normalize them to international standards. With this purpose in mind, we measured accurate and high precision δ(17)O and (17)Oexcess values for NBS19 and NBS18, two international standards, for which δ(18)O values are already widely used as the references for carbonates. METHODS The measurements are based on isotopic exchange at steady state between O2 and CO2 over hot platinum sponge at 750°C. Dual-inlet isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) measurements of the δ(17)O and δ(18)O values of this O2 allow δ(17)O values of CO2 to be obtained with very high precision (0.01 to 0.03‰) and, correspondingly, accurate (17)Oexcess values with a precision of 5 per meg. RESULTS We measured, for the first time, the δ(17)O values and (17)Oexcess of CO2 liberated from NBS19 at 25°C (39.196 ± 0.026; 20.276 ± 0.015‰ and -227 ± 4 per meg, respectively) and NBS18 (17.591 ± 0.041‰; 9.253 ± 0.018‰ and 3 ± 5 per meg, respectively). The values are given versus VSMOW. CONCLUSIONS Accurate values of δ(17)O and (17)Oexcess of the international standards NBS19-CO2 and NBS18-CO2 are now available. The new values should be used for normalization of measured oxygen isotope ratios of carbonates to allow meaningful comparison of results among different laboratories.
Talent Search: Student and Parent Perceptions of Out-of-Level Testing

Every year, hundreds of thousands of academically gifted 7th- and 8th-grade students participate in 1 of 4 regional or several local talent searches, through which they take the ACT or SAT as an out-of-level test. Participation in a talent search offers young students the opportunity to learn about their abilities, practice taking the standardized test they will eventually take for college admittance, obtain information about educational opportunities, and become eligible for rigorous summer and weekend education programs with similarly gifted peers. Very little information is available from the perspectives of students and parents regarding what it is like to take these tests as a 7th or 8th grader. We surveyed 909 students and their parents about their reasons for participating in one of the regional talent searches, the ways in which they prepared for the test, and their feelings while taking the test. Results suggest that students participated in the talent search primarily to gain experience taking the test and to learn about their abilities. Students and parents reported that taking the test was a positive experience for the student. Parents reported being proud that their children were invited to take the test and felt that participation was an honor.
Difference in Protein Expression Profile and Chemotherapy Drugs Response of Different Progression Stages of LNCaP Sublines and Other Human Prostate Cancer Cells

Androgen ablation therapy is the primary treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. However, 80-90% of the patients who receive androgen ablation therapy ultimately develop recurrent tumors in 12-33 months after treatment with a median overall survival time of 1-2 years after relapse. LNCaP is a commonly used cell line established from a human lymph node metastatic lesion of prostatic adenocarcinoma. We previously established two relapsed androgen receptor (AR)-rich androgen-independent LNCaP sublines 104-R1 (androgen depleted for 12 months) and 104-R2 cells (androgen depleted for 24 months) from AR-positive androgen-dependent LNCaP 104-S cells. LNCaP 104-R1 and 104-R2 mimics the AR-positive hormone-refractory relapsed tumors in patients receiving androgen ablation therapy. Androgen treatment stimulates proliferation of 104-S cells, but causes growth inhibition and G1 cell cycle arrest in 104-R1 and 104-R2 cells. We investigated the protein expression profile difference between LNCaP 104-S vs. LNCaP 104-R1, 104-R2, PC-3, and DU-145 cells as well as examined the sensitivity of these prostate cancer cells to different chemotherapy drugs and small molecule inhibitors. Compared to 104-S cells, 104-R1 and 104-R2 cells express higher protein levels of AR, PSA, c-Myc, Skp2, BCL-2, P53, p-MDM2 S166, Rb, and p-Rb S807/811. The 104-R1 and 104-R2 cells express higher ratio of p-Akt S473/Akt, p-EGFR/EGFR, and p-Src/Src, but lower ratio of p-ERK/ERK than 104-S cells. PC-3 and DU-145 cells express higher c-Myc, Skp2, Akt, Akt1, and phospho-EGFR but less phospho-Akt and phospho-ERK. Overexpression of Skp2 increased resistance of LNCaP cells to chemotherapy drugs. Paclitaxel, androgen, and inhibitors for PI3K/Akt, EGFR, Src, or Bcl-2 seem to be potential choices for treatment of advanced prostate cancers. Our study provides rationale for targeting Akt, EGFR, Src, Bcl-2, and AR signaling as a treatment for AR-positive relapsed prostate tumors after hormone therapy.
Fructans As DAMPs or MAMPs: Evolutionary Prospects, Cross-Tolerance, and Multistress Resistance Potential

This perspective paper proposes that endogenous apoplastic fructans in fructan accumulating plants, released after stress-mediated cellular leakage, or increased by exogenous application, can act as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), priming plant innate immunity through ancient receptors and defense pathways that most probably evolved to react on microbial fructans acting as microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs). The proposed model is placed in an evolutionary perspective. How this type of DAMP signaling may contribute to cross-tolerance and multistress resistance effects in plants is discussed. Besides apoplastic ATP, NAD and fructans, apoplastic polyamines, secondary metabolites, and melatonin may be considered potential players in DAMP-mediated stress signaling. It is proposed that mixtures of DAMP priming formulations hold great promise as natural and sustainable alternatives for toxic agrochemicals.
QSAR models for both mutagenic potency and activity: Application to nitroarenes and aromatic amines

We studied the molecular determinants that discriminate between mutagenic and inactive compounds for: a) aromatic and heteroaromatic amines; b) nitroarenes. Mutagenic activity (data from literature) had been previously assessed in Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli (SOS repair). The Quantitative Structure‐Activity Relationships (QSAR) found were compared with those obtained in the laboratory of Professor C. Hansch for the mutagenic potency of the same compounds. It appears that there is a dramatic difference between the QSARs for potency, and those for yes/no activity: hydrophobicity played a major role in determining the potency of the active compounds, whereas mainly electronic factors differentiated the actives from the inactives. The electronic factors were those expected on the basis of the hypothesized metabolic pathways of the chemicals. Our interpretation is that the electronic factors (together with size/shape, possibly) determine the minimum requirement for the chemicals to be metabolized, whereas the hydrophobicity determines the extent of activity of chemicals that can be metabolized (actives). Moreover, the different QSARs found for the Salmonella strains TA98 and TA100 were discussed in the light of recent progress in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of mutagenicity in these organisms. It is concluded that the nonlinear relationship observed for these chemicals between the two types of QSAR should be taken into account both when planning QSAR studies, and when using mutagenicity data for risk assessment. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mobile phones, brain tumors, and the limits of science

The paper by Lagorio and Röösli [2014] makes a valuable contribution. This paper shows, more clearly than has been done previously, the complexities of epidemiological studies that since 1999 have tried to answer the question of whether radiofrequency emissions from mobile phones increase the risk of brain tumors.The saga of this scientific research is erratic and unsatisfying. Many have considered the possibility that the modest amount of radiofrequency energy from a mobile phone held to the ear could cause brain tumors as being very unlikely. If the key issue is that “ a plausible mechanism must be identified and sup-ported by laboratory evidence ” 2001], the low photon energy and non-ionizing nature of radiofrequency people and do studies a
The Influence of Rainfall and Catchment Critical Scales on Urban Hydrological Response Sensitivity

Interactions between spatial and temporal variability of rainfall and catchment characteristics strongly influence hydrological response. In urban areas, where runoff generation is fast due to high imperviousness degree, it is especially relevant to capture the high spatiotemporal rainfall variability. Significant progress has been made in the development of spatially distributed rainfall measurements and of distributed hydrological models, to represent the variability of catchment's characteristics. Interactions between rainfall and basin scales on hydrological response sensitivity, however, needs deeper investigation. A previous study investigated the hydrological response in the small urbanized catchment of Cranbrook (8 km2, London, UK) and proposed three dimensionless “scale factors” to identify if the available rainfall resolution is sufficient to properly predict hydrological response. We aim to verify the applicability of these scale factors to larger scales, with a distinct physiographic setting, in Little Sugar Creek (111 km2, Charlotte, USA), to identify the required rainfall resolution and to predict model performance. Twenty‐eight events were selected from a weather radar data set from the National Weather Radar Network, with a resolution of 1 km2 and 15 min. Rainfall data were aggregated to coarser resolutions and used as input for a distributed hydrological model. Results show that scale factors and associated thresholds are generally applicable for characterization of urban flood response to rainfall across spatiotemporal scales. Additionally, application of scale factors in observation‐based analysis supports identification of event characteristics that are poorly captured and critical improvements that need to be made before the model can benefit from high‐resolution rainfall.
Who Wants to Be an Entrepreneur? The Relationship Between Vocational Interests and Individual Differences in Entrepreneurship

The current study examines the relationship between individual differences in entrepreneurship and vocational interests in a sample of 565 adults. Specifically, it investigates associations between vocational interests (as assessed by Holland’s realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional model), entrepreneurial potential (as assessed by measure of entrepreneurial tendencies and abilities [META]), and entrepreneurial activity, both within and outside organizations. Results reveal predictable associations between Holland’s taxonomy of vocational interests and entrepreneurial outcomes. Incremental validity tests show that Holland’s vocational interests predict entrepreneurial activity even when entrepreneurial potential and demographic variables are taken into account. Furthermore, structural equation modeling indicates that META is the strongest and most consistent predictor of entrepreneurial activity. Practical and theoretical implications for vocational guidance and career assessment are considered.
Cumulative advantages and inequality in lifestyle: A Dutch description of distinction in taste

In this article I study Bourdieu's distinction of status groups based on cultural and economic resources using recent data on a representative sample of the Dutch population (N=1561). More specifically, I examine the consequences of a accumulation of cultural and economic resources for taste differentiation. The research question reads: To what extent do people with cultural as well as economic resources differ in taste from people with primarily economic or cultural resources? First, I construct a multi-dimensional social space in which I largely follow Bourdieu in differentiating between a person's amount of resources and type of resources. As an elaboration at each class level a status group that combines cultural and economic resources is considered. Second, I analyze differences in cultural consumption, materialistic preferences and eating and drinking habits, to test whether my representation of the social space is reflected in taste differences. My research clearly shows that in the Netherlands there is taste differentiation between status groups with cumulated resources and status groups with specific types of resources (at each class level). For most of the 36 taste expressions meaningful within-class differences for the group with cumulated resources are revealed.
SCRUTINY OF BRAIN SIGNALS VARIATIONS IN REGIONS CZ, C3 AND C4 UNDER LOCAL EXPOSURE OF EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCY AND WEAK PULSED MAGNETIC FIELD TO PROMOTE NEUROFEEDBACK SYSTEMS

Introduction: Researchers have long been interested in the effects of low intensity (less than 500 microtesla) and Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields (ELF-MF, less than 300 Hz) on human’s brain activity. In this study, our purpose was to analyze the effect of local magnetic field pulses around brain regions Cz, C3, C4 on human electroencephalogram (EEG) and induction of resonance effect for medical utilization in Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS). Methods: EEG of 15 healthy women was recorded in four sessions (3 exposure sessions and one session as sham). In exposure sessions, ELF-MF pulses were exerted locally for 3 minutes with intensities of 100, 200 and 300 microtesla with frequencies of 10 Hz on region Cz, 18 Hz on region C3 and 14 Hz on region C4. Frequency bands power were extracted from participants' EEGs and were compared during, before and after the exposure with each other and with the sham session. Comparison between exposure groups and sham group were performed with independent t-test and paired t-test. Results: The results showed that pulsed and local ELF-MF decreases the beta band power in all three regions during the exposure (7.9 to 11.6 percent) in comparison with before the exposure with 95% certainty. Meanwhile developed variations during the exposure are transient and different from variations after interruption of exposure. The resonance effect was observed nowhere around the regions. Conclusion: Exertion of ELF-MF pulses on human brain locally change the EEG pattern and alterations persist for 15 minutes after exposure. Also EEG of other central regions varies. Therefore for recognition of effects of these fields and application of them in LENS we should consider simultaneous exposure and interhemispheric ELF-MF.
Treatment of Kasabach‐Merritt syndrome by embolisation of a giant liver hemangioma

We report the case of a 14‐month‐old child with Kasabach‐Merritt Syndrome, due to a giant liver hemangioma. The therapeutic approach consisted of peripheral transcatheter embolisation of the right hepatic artery with Ivalon microspheres without the addition of thrombogenic material. This procedure brought to a sensible permanent reduction of the size of the liver hemangioma with normalisation of the previous altered coagulation parameters after 6 years of follow‐up. Am. J. Hematol. 66:140–141, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of diclofenac sodium-loaded alginate-PVP K 30 microbeads using central composite design

Background and the purpose of the study Diclofenac sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent with a short biological half-life (1–2 hr) and requires multiple dosing. This research was carried out to develop and optimize diclofenac sodium loaded alginate-PVP K 30 microbeads to eliminate the need for multiple dosing and adverse effects. Methods Diclofenac sodium loaded alginate-PVP K 30 microbeads were prepared by ionotropic gelation. Particle size, drug release, swelling, FTIR and SEM analyses were performed. Results Optimized microbeads showed particle size of 0.589±0.054 to 0.620±0.067 mm, and drug entrapment efficiency of 97.88±2.86 to 98.60±3.55%. The in vitro drug release from microbeads was sustained over 10 hrs and followed controlled-release pattern. FTIR analysis indicated the possibility of intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions, i.e., –OH…O=C in microbeads. Conclusion Microbeads for oral controlled delivery of diclofenac sodium were successfully developed by ionotropic gelation.
Online 3D acquisition and model integration

This paper presents a system which yields complete 3D models in a fast and inexpensive way. The major building blocks are a high-speed structured light range scanner and a registration module. The former generates ’raw’ range data whereas the latter performs a fast registration (ICP) and renders the partially integrated model as a preview of the final result. As the scanner uses only a single image to make a reconstruction, it is possible to scan while the object is moved. The use of an adaptive projection pattern gives a more robust behaviour. This allows the system to deal more easily with complicated geometry and texture than most other systems. During the scanning process the model is built up incrementally and rendered on the screen. This real-time visual feedback allows the user to check the current state of the 3D model. Holes or other flaws can be detected during the acquisition process itself. This speeds up the model building process, and solves indirectly the problem of viewplanning. The whole real-time pipeline comprising acquisition, merging and visualization only uses off-the-shelf hardware. A regular desktop PC connected to a camera and LCD projector is turned into a high-speed scanner and modeler. The current implementation has a throughput of approx. 5 fps.
Activating and inhibitory receptors on natural killer cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosis-regulation with interleukin-15

Natural killer (NK) cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE. Interleukin(IL)-15, an NK-enhancing cytokine, is over-expressed in SLE patients. In the present study, we examined the effect of IL-15 on NK cytotoxicity of SLE patients, and the expression of various activating and inhibitory NK receptors on NK cells from SLE patients in relation to disease activity. We also sought to determine how IL-15 would affect the NK receptor expression on NK cells from SLE patients. PBMCs were collected from 88 SLE patients with inactive disease activity (SLEDAI score<6) and active disease activity (SLEDAI score≥6), 26 age-matched healthy adults were used as controls. PBMC were incubated in the presence or absence of IL-15 (10ng/ml) for eighteen hours. CD3-CD56+ lymphoctes were gated using flow cytometry and further divided into CD56dim and CD56bright subsets according to the MFI of CD56. We observed that 1. Serum IL-15 was elevated in SLE patients, and higher in active disease than in inactive disease; 2. NK cytotoxicity of SLE patients was deficient compared to controls and showed an impaired response to IL-15 compared to controls; 3.CD69, CD94, NKG2A, NKp30, and CD158b on NK cells from SLE patients were higher than controls, and could be further enhanced by IL-15; 4. NKp46 expression from SLE patients was higher than controls, but down-regulated by IL-15; 5.Deficient NKG2D and NKAT-2 expression were found on NK cells from SLE patients, which were enhanced by IL-15; 6. A unique NKp46- subset and CD158b+ subsets were observed in NK cells from SLE patients but not controls. 7. Unlike controls, CD158k on NK cells from SLE patients failed to respond to IL-15. Taken together, we demonstrated the aberrant NCR and iNKR expression on NK cells and their distinct response to IL-15 in SLE patients. As IL-15 predominantly aggravates the aberrant NKR expression found in SLE, IL-15 antagonist may have therapeutic benefits in SLE patients.
Reporting “The Polls” in 2004

Media reports of polls indicate how well public opinion polls have been integrated into campaign coverage. This article exam- ines how polls were used in 2004. Although there were relatively lim- ited methodological changes in how polls were conducted in 2004, there were changes in how the polls were treated in the media. Americans in 2004 were subjected to intense debates about polls and to as much reporting about "the polls" as there was of the polls themselves. The dis- cussion of "the polls" in 2004 included claims of electability during the Democratic nominating process, increased reporting about methodolog- ical issues, and heightened political criticisms of "the polls. " The article concludes with a discussion of the current state and the future of news polling.
An Experimental Evaluation of the Reliability of LoRa Long-Range Low-Power Wireless Communication

Recent technological innovations allow compact radios to transmit over long distances with minimal energy consumption and could drastically affect the way Internet of Things (IoT) technologies communicate in the near future. By extending the communication range of links, it is indeed possible to reduce the network diameter to a point that each node can communicate with almost every other node in the network directly. This drastically simplifies communication, removing the need of routing, and significantly reduces the overhead of data collection. Long-range low-power wireless technology, however, is still at its infancy, and it is yet unclear (i) whether it is sufficiently reliable to complement existing short-range and cellular technologies and (ii) which radio settings can sustain a high delivery rate while maximizing energy-efficiency. To shed light on this matter, this paper presents an extensive experimental study of the reliability of LoRa , one of the most promising long-range low-power wireless technologies to date. We focus our evaluation on the impact of physical layer settings on the effective data rate and energy efficiency of communications. Our results show that it is often not worth tuning parameters, thereby reducing the data rate in order to maximize the probability of successful reception, especially on links at the edge of their communication range. Furthermore, we study the impact of environmental factors on the performance of LoRa, and show that higher temperatures significantly decrease the received signal strength and may drastically affect packet reception.
Performance of unimpaired bilingual speakers of German and French on the Screening BAT

The Screening BAT, currently available in ten languages, is a simple and user-friendly test developed to allow for an efficient assessment of multilingual patients and to be used with patients who are in the acute phase of aphasia. It consists in an important reduction of the sub-tests (17 ou f 32) and items (117 out of 472) of the Bilingual Aphasia Test (BAT, Paradis & Libben, 1987). While the different language versions of the BAT have been standardised with 60 healthy subjects, bilingualism was not taken into account in the standardisation. However, previous data obtained for the BAT and the Screening BAT with unimpaired bilingual speakers show that these participants do not reach criterion on all subtests. The aim of the present paper is to provide more comparative data from unimpaired bilingual speakers for the Screening BAT, focussing here on 20 highly educated German-French bilinguals.