Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reference intervals for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA125, MUC1, Alfa‐foeto‐protein (AFP), neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) and CA19.9 from the NORIP study

Objective. Adhering to current IFCC recommendations, we calculated upper 97.5 % reference limits for serum tumor markers. Material and methods. Serum samples from 498 healthy individuals from the Nordic reference interval project (NORIP) were investigated for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA125 and MUC1 (episialin, CA15.3) using in‐house immunofluorometric assays and, for α‐foetoprotein (AFP), a PerkinElmer Life Sciences assay, neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) using an in‐house immunoradiometric assay and CA19.9 using a Beckman Access assay. All assays participate in external quality assessment programs. Results. CEA concentrations increased with age and smoking. Upper reference limits for non‐smokers were 3.59 µg/L at 50 years and 4.12 µg/L at 70 years. CA125 concentrations were age‐independent and the upper reference limit was 35.8 kU/L. MUC1 increased with age and body mass index (BMI). Upper reference limits were 31.7 kU/L at 40 years and BMI 24, 37.5 kU/L at 70 years and BMI 24, and 33.7 kU/L at 40 years and BMI 30. AFP increases with age, and the upper reference limits were 3.82 kU/L at 20 years and 8.70 kU/L at 60 years. An upper reference limit for NSE was 8.91 µg/L in non‐smokers; smokers exhibited significantly lower levels. The upper reference limit for individuals expressing CA19.9 was 28.3 kU/L. Conclusions. For AFP, CA125 and CA19.9, the reference levels obtained were close to previously reported reference ranges. Smoking and age were confirmed as covariates for CEA. The associations between MUC1 with age and BMI and between NSE and smoking have not been reported previously.
Evaluative language used by Mandarin-Chinese-speaking dyads in personal narratives: age and socioeconomic differences

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of age and family socioeconomic status (SES) on the evaluative language performance of Mandarin-Chinese-speaking young children and their mothers. The participants were 65 mother–child dyads recruited in Taiwan. Thirty-four of these dyads were from middle-class families and 31 were from working-class families. Narrative conversations of individual dyads were audio-recorded, and transcripts of those conversations were prepared and analyzed using the Child Language Data Exchange System. The primary findings were as follows: (a) mothers of 3-year-olds used more cognitive words; (b) middle-class mothers produced more cognitive words, whereas working-class mothers used more repetitions; (c) 3-year-old children used substantially more evaluative language than 2-year-olds in cognitive words, reported speech, and gratuitous terms; and (d) middle-class children produced more cognitive words than working-class children, whereas working-class children produced more reported speech. The results are discussed in relation to language socialization and the implications for multicultural education are explored.
The Role of Carrion Supply in the Abundance of Deep-Water Fish off California

Few time series of deep-sea systems exist from which the factors affecting abyssal fish populations can be evaluated. Previous analysis showed an increase in grenadier abundance, in the eastern North Pacific, which lagged epibenthic megafaunal abundance, mostly echinoderms, by 9–20 months. Subsequent diet studies suggested that carrion is the grenadier's most important food. Our goal was to evaluate if changes in carrion supply might drive the temporal changes in grenadier abundance. We analyzed a unique 17 year time series of abyssal grenadier abundance and size, collected at Station M (4100 m, 220 km offshore of Pt. Conception, California), and reaffirmed the increase in abundance and also showed an increase in mean size resulting in a ∼6 fold change in grenadier biomass. We compared this data with abundance estimates for surface living nekton (pacific hake and jack mackerel) eaten by the grenadiers as carrion. A significant positive correlation between Pacific hake (but not jack mackerel) and grenadiers was found. Hake seasonally migrate to the waters offshore of California to spawn. They are the most abundant nekton species in the region and the target of the largest commercial fishery off the west coast. The correlation to grenadier abundance was strongest when using hake abundance metrics from the area within 100 nmi of Station M. No significant correlation between grenadier abundance and hake biomass for the entire California current region was found. Given the results and grenadier longevity, migration is likely responsible for the results and the location of hake spawning probably is more important than the size of the spawning stock in understanding the dynamics of abyssal grenadier populations. Our results suggest that some abyssal fishes' population dynamics are controlled by the flux of large particles of carrion. Climate and fishing pressures affecting epipelagic fish stocks could readily modulate deep-sea fish dynamics.
Phytochemical Extraction and Antimicrobial Properties of Azadirachta indica (Neem)

Aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica (Neem) was subjected to in vitro antibacterial assay against human pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp by cup diffusion method. The plant leaves were effective against all the tested organisms. Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) value of 5mg/l was obtained against Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp were found to be resistant with all the solvent extracts except water. A qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed for the detection of secondary plant metabolites (viz., alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, tannins) and reducing sugars. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was also performed by using different solvent system for the analysis of lipid, alkaloids, flavonoids present in plant extract. The active components separated through TLC were subjected to antimicrobial activity against the pathogens. The present study will be successful in identifying candidate plant with different antimicrobial activity which could be further exploited for isolation and characterization of the novel phytochemicals in the treatment of infectious diseases especially in light of the emergence to produce more effective antimicrobial agents.
Double Jeopardy: Older Women and Problem Gambling

The growth in legal gambling in North America, indeed worldwide, has been dramatic in the last three decades. Increased availability of gambling opportunities, as well as social acceptability, has led to a huge growth in the number of older adults who are gambling. Between 1975 and 1998, a large study by the University of Chicago found that the number of older adults (65+) gambling had more than doubled (National Opinion Research Center [NORC], 1999). Research on older adults who gamble or who have gambling problems is just starting to emerge and little is known specifically about older women who gamble, why they gamble or how many are at risk for developing problems. In this article, the existing literature on older women, here defined as including women 55 years and older, and problem gambling will be reviewed. Risk factors associated with age and gender, as well as gambling industry marketing strategies and electronic game machine factors, may place older women at heightened risk for developing gambling problems, especially related to electronic gaming machines (EGMs) 1 . Problem gambling is a “very, very hidden issue” (McNeilly, 2000, as cited in Berns, 1998) amongst the older adult population and research suggests that older women are even less likely to seek help. More research is necessary to inform public awareness campaigns, treatment interventions and social policies regarding older women and gambling.
Nearest Archetype Hull Methods for Large-Scale Data Classification

This paper introduces an efficient geometric approach for data classification that can build class models from large amounts of high dimensional data. We determine a convex model of the data as the outcome of convex hull non-negative matrix factorization, a large-scale variant of Archetypal Analysis. The resulting convex regions or archetype hulls give an optimal (in a least squares sense) bounding of the data region and can be efficiently computed. We classify based on the minimum distance to the closest archetype hull. The proposed method offers (i) an intuitive geometric interpretation, (ii) single as well as multi-class classification, and (iii) handling of large amounts of high dimensional data. Experimental evaluation on common benchmark data sets shows promising results.
Living under a Democracy: Participation and Its Impact on the Living Conditions of the Poor

The Brazilian democratization took place between 1985 and 1988. In 1985, the authoritarian power holders transferred political power to civilians, and in 1988, a new democratic constitution was enacted, thus finalizing the transition. The end of the transition triggered processes of participation in different Brazilian cities, such as São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Recife, and Rio de Janeiro. However, only in Porto Alegre could the political context in the postdemocratization period generate a process of reverting priorities, that is to say, of inverting the pattern of democratic participation and the pattern of public investment at the urban level. In this article, I show the social conditions of the poor in the city of Porto Alegre in 1985, explain the emergence of participatory budgeting in the city, and show how democracy made a difference in the living conditions of the urban poor in the city of Porto Alegre. In the second part of the article, I analyze the recent expansion of participatory budgeting in Brazil and its recent expansion to midsize cities. In the final part of the article, I show how new participatory institutions are being introduced at the federal level of government. Participation at the local and national levels is making a difference in the living conditions of the Brazilian poor.
Candida albicans Scavenges Host Zinc via Pra1 during Endothelial Invasion

The ability of pathogenic microorganisms to assimilate essential nutrients from their hosts is critical for pathogenesis. Here we report endothelial zinc sequestration by the major human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. We hypothesised that, analogous to siderophore-mediated iron acquisition, C. albicans utilises an extracellular zinc scavenger for acquiring this essential metal. We postulated that such a “zincophore” system would consist of a secreted factor with zinc-binding properties, which can specifically reassociate with the fungal cell surface. In silico analysis of the C. albicans secretome for proteins with zinc binding motifs identified the pH-regulated antigen 1 (Pra1). Three-dimensional modelling of Pra1 indicated the presence of at least two zinc coordination sites. Indeed, recombinantly expressed Pra1 exhibited zinc binding properties in vitro. Deletion of PRA1 in C. albicans prevented fungal sequestration and utilisation of host zinc, and specifically blocked host cell damage in the absence of exogenous zinc. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PRA1 arose in an ancient fungal lineage and developed synteny with ZRT1 (encoding a zinc transporter) before divergence of the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Structural modelling indicated physical interaction between Pra1 and Zrt1 and we confirmed this experimentally by demonstrating that Zrt1 was essential for binding of soluble Pra1 to the cell surface of C. albicans. Therefore, we have identified a novel metal acquisition system consisting of a secreted zinc scavenger (“zincophore”), which reassociates with the fungal cell. Furthermore, functional similarities with phylogenetically unrelated prokaryotic systems indicate that syntenic zinc acquisition loci have been independently selected during evolution.
Platelet Rich Fibrin (P.R.F.) in Reconstructive Surgery of Atrophied Maxillary Bones: Clinical and Histological Evaluations

Introduction. Maxillary bone losses often require additional regenerative procedures: as a supplement to the procedures of tissue regeneration, a platelet concentrate called PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin) was tested for the first time in France by Dr. Choukroun. Aim of the present study is to investigate, clinically and histologically, the potential use of PRF, associated with deproteinized bovine bone (Bio-Oss), as grafting materials in pre-implantology sinus grafting of severe maxillary atrophy, in comparison with a control group, in which only deproteinized bovine bone (Bio-Oss) was used as reconstructive material. Materials and Methods. 60 patients were recruited using the cluster-sampling method; inclusion criteria were maxillary atrophy with residual ridge < 5mm. The major atrophies in selected patients involved sinus-lift, with a second-look reopening for the implant insertion phase. The used grafting materials were: a) Bio-Oss and b) amorphous and membranous PRF together with Bio-Oss. We performed all operations by means of piezosurgery in order to reduce trauma and to optimize the design of the operculum on the cortical bone. The reopening of the surgical area was scheduled at 3 different times. Results. 72 sinus lifts were performed with subsequent implants insertions. We want to underline how the histological results proved that the samples collected after 106 days (Early protocol) with the adding of PRF were constituted by lamellar bone tissue with an interposed stroma that appeared relaxed and richly vascularized. Conclusions. The use of PRF and piezosurgery reduced the healing time, compared to the 150 days described in literature, favoring optimal bone regeneration. At 106 days, it is already possible to achieve good primary stability of endosseous implants, though lacking of functional loading.
Parainfluenza Viruses

SUMMARY Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIV) were first discovered in the late 1950s. Over the last decade, considerable knowledge about their molecular structure and function has been accumulated. This has led to significant changes in both the nomenclature and taxonomic relationships of these viruses. HPIV is genetically and antigenically divided into types 1 to 4. Further major subtypes of HPIV-4 (A and B) and subgroups/genotypes of HPIV-1 and HPIV-3 have been described. HPIV-1 to HPIV-3 are major causes of lower respiratory infections in infants, young children, the immunocompromised, the chronically ill, and the elderly. Each subtype can cause somewhat unique clinical diseases in different hosts. HPIV are enveloped and of medium size (150 to 250 nm), and their RNA genome is in the negative sense. These viruses belong to the Paramyxoviridae family, one of the largest and most rapidly growing groups of viruses causing significant human and veterinary disease. HPIV are closely related to recently discovered megamyxoviruses (Hendra and Nipah viruses) and metapneumovirus.
Psychological Research on Retirement

Retirement as a research topic has become increasingly prominent in the psychology literature. This article provides a review of both theoretical development and empirical findings in this literature in the past two decades. We first discuss psychological conceptualizations of retirement and empirical operationalizations of retirement status. We then review three psychological models for understanding the retirement process and associated antecedents and outcomes, including the temporal process model of retirement, the multilevel model of retirement, and the resource-based dynamic model for retirement adjustment. We next survey the empirical findings regarding how various individual attributes, job and organizational factors, family factors, and socioeconomic context are related to the retirement process. We also discuss outcomes associated with retirement in terms of retirees' financial well-being, physical well-being, and psychological well-being.
Effect of ethanol and methanol on the motility of Saccostrea commercialis sperm and sperm models

The organic solvents methanol and ethanol at concentrations of 2.5% and 5% (v/v), respectively, were found to significantly (P < 0.001) decrease the radius of curvature and track velocity of S. commercialis sperm. To observe the effects of the solvent directly on the axoneme, S. commercialis sperm models were prepared by extraction with Triton X‐100 and reactivation with ATP in media containing acetate anions, DTT, magnesium, and cAMP. Concentrations of 0.1% Triton X‐100 demembranated sperm while 0.01% and 0.05% Triton X‐100 permeabilized sperm. Sperm models were successfully produced after reactivation with 1 mM ATP. At pH 8.25, 1% (v/v) ethanol or methanol was observed to increase waveform asymmetry and significantly (P < 0.001) decrease track velocity of 0.1% Triton X‐100 demembranated sperm models. Similarly 1% (v/v) ethanol increased tailwave asymmetry and decreased track velocity of 0.01% and 0.05% Triton X‐100 permeabilized sperm models. Reactivated motility of 0.05% Triton X‐100 permeabilized sperm models prepared at pH 7.8 were poor and improved after treatment with 7% (v/v) ethanol, which increased waveform asymmetry and doubled the track velocity of sperm. This stimulatory effect of ethanol was unchanged in the presence of the alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor pyrazole. Concerning the precise mechanism of action of ethanol on the axoneme, we conclude that a stimulatory or inhibitory effect of ethanol is dependent on the pH of the sperm model system used.
A prospective randomised trial of two treatments for wound seroma after breast surgery.

AIMS Seroma formation is a recognised complication of breast surgery causing wound pain and discomfort. It was hypothesised that daily aspiration of symptomatic seromas that formed after breast surgery would encourage flap adherence to the chest wall, thereby allowing swifter resolution of seroma. METHODS Thirty-six patients undergoing mastectomy and/or axillary clearance who formed seroma post operatively, were randomised into two groups either having daily aspiration of seroma or aspiration as required by patient symptoms. RESULTS The daily aspiration required significantly more attendances for aspiration (P<0.005) and the time from surgery to final aspiration was not reduced. CONCLUSION Daily aspiration of symptomatic seroma did not result in swifter resolution.
Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity Assesment of Nigella Sativa Essential Oils

Antifungal activities of ether and methanolic extracts of volatiles oils of Nigella Sativa seeds were tested against pathogenic bacterias and fungies strains.The volatile oil were found to have significant antifungal and antibacterial activities compare to tetracycline, cefuroxime and ciprofloxacin positive controls.The ether and methanolic esxtracts were compared to each other for antifungal and antibacterial activities and ether extracts showed stonger activity than methanolic one. Keywords—Antifungal, antibacterial, essential oils, extraction, Nigella Sativa.
Performance analysis of decode-and-forward relaying with optimum combining in the presence of co-channel interference

Cooperative relaying achieves a wide range of advantages including diversity gain, coverage extension and mitigation of shadowing. Nevertheless, the performance advantages of cooperative relaying diminish considerably if co-channel interference is present. Optimum combining (OC) can be used to mitigate the adverse effects of co-channel interference in wireless communications. The performance of optimum combining in a decode-and-forward relay network with N equal-power interferers is analyzed. The probability density function of the output signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio is obtained and a closed-form expression for the exact outage probability is derived for N ≥M+1 where M is the number of relay nodes. An approximation for the symbol error rate (SER) is presented. The performance results and closed-form expressions for outage probability and for SER suggest that the asymptotic diversity gain of OC is equal to M, which is a significant improvement over maximal-ratio combining, whose asymptotic diversity gain is equal to zero when operating in co-channel interference.
Analyses of the Responses of Staff and Students on Mathematics Mentoring in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria

The search for what will motivate the students to have a better attitude towards learning Mathematics led us to choosing mentoring. Despite the generally accepted belief that only positive effects can result from the implementation of planned mentoring programs, little research has been conducted evaluating mentoring programs, hence this effort to assess the schools’ Mathematics Mentoring exercise in Algebra by sounding the opinions of both staff and students. The present study examines the opinions of staff and students on the change of attitude of students in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria. Sixteen (16—10 male and 6 female) teachers and sixty-six students (66—36 male and 30 female) completed the questionnaires. They were asked to indicate their opinion on how the mentoring exercise has imparted on the students’ performance in Algebra. The validity of the questionnaire was approved by three experts in the field of educational Psychology. The percentage analyses show that majority of the teachers and students agree that the schools’ mentoring program has made positive impact. The chi-square analyses indicate no significant difference between male and female teachers’ and students’ opinions on Declarative, Conceptual and Proportional/Spatial Knowledge of the students. Also, fourteen students (six female students, and eight male students) of the very weak group took both the pre-test and post-test. A t-test was conducted and both groups (the male students and the female students) had significance levels less than 0.05, so there was a statistically significant difference in the scores from the pre-test to the post-test, showing that Mathematics mentoring exercise in Algebra imparted positively on the student. Proponents of mentoring programs hypothesize that mentoring programs could be part of the answer to the problems children/students; however, little research has been conducted evaluating the effectiveness of mentoring programs. Therefore, it is recommended that teachers should go extra mile in doing all they can towards students academic development.