Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lung cancer and mesothelioma in the pleura and peritoneum among Swedish insulation workers.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the risk of cancer and death in Swedish insulation workers some years after their exposure to asbestos had stopped. One hypothesis was that the risk of lung cancer would tend to decrease some years after the exposure had ended. METHODS: In a cohort study the cancer morbidity and cause of death was investigated in 248 insulation workers and compared with the corresponding morbidity and mortality in the general population. Due to stringent regulations, exposure to asbestos of all types had almost ended in Sweden in the mid-1970s. Through a questionnaire, surviving insulation workers were asked about their exposure to asbestos and their smoking habits. RESULTS: Between 1970 and 1994 there were 86 deaths compared with the 46.0 expected (standardised incidence ratio (SIR) 1.9; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.5 to 2.3), the increase was mainly due to an increased cancer mortality. The morbidity was increased for lung cancer (11 cases v 2.5 expected (SIR 4.4; 95% CI 2.2 to 7.9)), peritoneal mesothelioma (seven cases; no expected incidence could be calculated as the occurrence is too rare in the general population), cancer in pancreas (five cases v 0.7 expected (SIR 7.1; 95% CI 2.3 to 16.7)). No cases of pleural mesothelioma were found. The risk of lung cancer did not tend to approach that of the general population after the exposure to asbestos decreased. CONCLUSIONS: In the 1980s and the early 1990s, Swedish insulation workers still have a highly increased risk of diseases related to asbestos. The attributable risk for death and cancer was about 50%. The study also confirms the previous finding that mesothelioma in insulation workers seems to be situated in the peritoneum more often than in the pleura.
Isolated teeth of Anhangueria (Pterosauria: Pterodactyloidea) from the Lower Cretaceous of Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia

The fossil record of Australian pterosaurs is sparse, consisting of only a small number of isolated and fragmentary remains from the Cretaceous of Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria. Here, we describe two isolated pterosaur teeth from the Lower Cretaceous (middle Albian) Griman Creek Formation at Lightning Ridge (New South Wales) and identify them as indeterminate members of the pterodactyloid clade Anhangueria. This represents the first formal description of pterosaur material from New South Wales. The presence of one or more anhanguerian pterosaurs at Lightning Ridge correlates with the presence of ‘ornithocheirid’ and Anhanguera-like pterosaurs from the contemporaneous Toolebuc Formation of central Queensland and the global distribution attained by ornithocheiroids during the Early Cretaceous. The morphology of the teeth and their presence in the estuarine- and lacustrine-influenced Griman Creek Formation is likely indicative of similar life habits of the tooth bearer to other members of Anhangueria.
Steady free surface flows induced by a submerged ring source or sink

Abstract The steady axisymmetric flow induced by a ring sink (or source) submerged in an unbounded inviscid fluid is computed and the resulting deformation of the free surface is obtained. Solutions are obtained analytically in the limit of small Froude number (and hence small surface deformation) and numerically for the full nonlinear problem. The small Froude number solutions are found to have the property that if the non-dimensional radius of the ring sink is less than $\rho = \sqrt{2} $, there is a central stagnation point on the surface surrounded by a dip which rises to the stagnation level in the far distance. However, as the radius of the ring sink increases beyond $\rho = \sqrt{2} $, a surface stagnation ring forms and moves outward as the ring sink radius increases. It is also shown that as the radius of the sink increases, the solutions in the vicinity of the ring sink/source change continuously from those due to a point sink/source ($\rho = 0$) to those due to a line sink/source ($\rho \ensuremath{\rightarrow} \infty $). These properties are confirmed by the numerical solutions to the full nonlinear equations for finite Froude numbers. At small values of the Froude number and sink or source radius, the nonlinear solutions look like the approximate solutions, but as the flow rate increases a limiting maximum Froude number solution with a secondary stagnation ring is obtained. At large values of sink or source radius, however, this ring does not form and there is no obvious physical reason for the limit on solutions. The maximum Froude numbers at which steady solutions exist for each radius are computed.
Transformational leadership and supply chain management practices: an empirical study

Although the roles of leadership on managing supply chain is widely documented in the literature, there is a paucity of research studies in supply chain management (SCM) literature on examining the influence of transformational leadership style on effectively managing supply chain activities. In this direction, this study investigates the nature of the associations between transformational leadership behaviours and implementation of SCM practices in 95 service firms located in Kingdom of Bahrain. Data were analysed with the help of a series of hierarchical regression analysis. It was found from the analysis that after controlling for firm's age, type, size and capital, leaders' individualised consideration behaviour is positively related to supply chain integration and supply chain characteristics. Further, charismatic leadership and intellectual stimulation behaviours are positively related to just-in-time activities.
The three most common CARD15 mutations associated with Crohn's disease and the chromosome 16 susceptibility locus for systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE To test if the three most common mutations contributing to Crohn's disease on the CARD15/NOD2 gene could contribute also to genetic susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which has been found to be linked to the region of chromosome 16q13 where the CARD15 gene is located. METHODS We obtained DNA samples from the blood of 189 SLE patients (according to the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria) and 194 controls of Spanish ancestry. Genotypes for the three CARD15 mutations (3020insC, 2722G>C and 2104C>T) were determined by hybridization with fluorescence resonance energy transfer probes on a LightCycler real-time polymerase chain reaction system. RESULTS CARD15 genotypes were similar in SLE patients and in controls from the general population (allelic frequencies for 3020insC 0.013 in SLE patients vs 0.013 in controls; for 2722G > C 0.011 vs 0.008; and for 2104C > T 0.032 vs 0.051). CONCLUSION We did not find evidence that the Crohn's disease-associated mutations on CARD15 contributed to SLE susceptibility.
Using novel methodologies to examine the impact of artificial light at night on the cortisol stress response in dispersing Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) fry

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is known to disrupt the nocturnal dispersal behaviour of Atlantic salmon fry, yet the underlying physiological mechanism is unknown. Here novel methodologies are utilised to examine whether behavioural disruption seen in dispersing fry is mediated via a cortisol stress response. Fry showed the capacity to mount a stress response, however, the two methods for sampling cortisol provide conflicting results as to whether ALAN acts as a stressor to dispersing fry.
Earnings Management and Accounting Income Aggregation

Quarterly earnings allow aggregation into annual earnings in four different ways. Fiscal year earnings is one measure of annual earnings, the others being earnings for annual periods ending at interim quarter-ends. We investigate earnings management in fiscal year earnings relative to these alternative measures of firms’ annual earnings. We confirm prior findings in Burgstahler and Dichev (1997. Earnings management to avoid earnings decreases and losses. Journal of Accounting and Economics 24, 99–126) of discontinuities around zero and prior year earnings in histograms of earnings. Subsequent research questions whether these discontinuities are evidence of earnings management. Using histograms of our alternative annual earnings measures, we offer evidence suggesting earnings management is responsible for the discontinuities.
Using Curriculum-based Measurement to Establish Growth Standards for Students with Learning Disabilities

Abstract The purpose of this article is to illustrate how one well-developed, technically strong measurement system, curriculum-based measurement (CBM), can be used to establish academic growth standards for students with learning disabilities in the area of reading. An introduction to CBM and to the basic concepts underlying the use of CBM in establishing growth standards is provided. Using an existing database accumulated over various localities under typical instructional conditions, the use of CBM to provide growth standards is illustrated. Next, normative growth rates under typical instructional conditions are contrasted with CBM growth rates derived from studies of effective practices. Finally, based on these two data sets, issues and conclusions about appropriate methods for establishing academic growth rates using CBM are discussed.
Setting the scene for the paramedic in primary care: a review of the literature

Recognition of the paramedic “profession” began in 2003, with the introduction of statutory registration and the promotion of graduate entry. This paper explores the published evidence which surrounds paramedic practice in an attempt to identify the skills, training, and professional capacity which paramedics of the future will require. A systematic analysis was carried out of key reviews and commentaries published between January 1995 and April 2004, and informal discussions with experts and researchers in the field were undertaken. There remains little high quality published evidence with which to validate many aspects of current paramedic practice. To keep pace with service developments, paramedic training must embrace the complexities of autonomous practice. Undoubtedly in the short term, paramedics must be taught to appropriately identify and manage a far wider range of commonly occurring conditions, minor illnesses, and trauma. However, in the longer term, and more importantly, paramedics must learn to work together to take ownership of the basic philosophies of their practice, which must have their foundation in valid and reliable research.
Ocean Planet or Thick Atmosphere: On the Mass-Radius Relationship for Solid Exoplanets with Massive Atmospheres

The bulk composition of an exoplanet is commonly inferred from its average density. For small planets, however, the average density is not unique within the range of compositions. Variations of a number of important planetary parameters—which are difficult or impossible to constrain from measurements alone—produce planets with the same average densities but widely varying bulk compositions. We find that adding a gas envelope equivalent to 0.1%-10% of the mass of a solid planet causes the radius to increase 5%-60% above its gas-free value. A planet with a given mass and radius might have substantial water ice content (a so-called ocean planet), or alternatively a large rocky iron core and some H and/or He. For example, a wide variety of compositions can explain the observed radius of GJ 436b, although all models require some H/He. We conclude that the identification of water worlds based on the mass-radius relationship alone is impossible unless a significant gas layer can be ruled out by other means.
CRISPR-Cas Systems in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 Exhibit Distinct Processing Pathways Involving at Least Two Cas6 and a Cmr2 Protein

The CRISPR-Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindrome Repeats – CRISPR associated proteins) system provides adaptive immunity in archaea and bacteria. A hallmark of CRISPR-Cas is the involvement of short crRNAs that guide associated proteins in the destruction of invading DNA or RNA. We present three fundamentally distinct processing pathways in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 for a subtype I-D (CRISPR1), and two type III systems (CRISPR2 and CRISPR3), which are located together on the plasmid pSYSA. Using high-throughput transcriptome analyses and assays of transcript accumulation we found all CRISPR loci to be highly expressed, but the individual crRNAs had profoundly varying abundances despite single transcription start sites for each array. In a computational analysis, CRISPR3 spacers with stable secondary structures displayed a greater ratio of degradation products. These structures might interfere with the loading of the crRNAs into RNP complexes, explaining the varying abundancies. The maturation of CRISPR1 and CRISPR2 transcripts depends on at least two different Cas6 proteins. Mutation of gene sll7090, encoding a Cmr2 protein led to the disappearance of all CRISPR3-derived crRNAs, providing in vivo evidence for a function of Cmr2 in the maturation, regulation of expression, Cmr complex formation or stabilization of CRISPR3 transcripts. Finally, we optimized CRISPR repeat structure prediction and the results indicate that the spacer context can influence individual repeat structures.
Oxidized phospholipids, Lp(a) lipoprotein, and coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND Lp(a) lipoprotein binds proinflammatory oxidized phospholipids. We investigated whether levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) measured with use of monoclonal antibody E06 reflect the presence and extent of obstructive coronary artery disease, defined as a stenosis of more than 50 percent of the luminal diameter. METHODS Levels of oxidized LDL and Lp(a) lipoprotein were measured in a total of 504 patients immediately before coronary angiography. Levels of oxidized LDL are reported as the oxidized phospholipid content per particle of apolipoprotein B-100 (oxidized phospholipid:apo B-100 ratio). RESULTS Measurements of the oxidized phospholipid:apo B-100 ratio and Lp(a) lipoprotein levels were skewed toward lower values, and the values for the oxidized phospholipid:apo B-100 ratio correlated strongly with those for Lp(a) lipoprotein (r=0.83, P<0.001). In the entire cohort, the oxidized phospholipid:apo B-100 ratio and Lp(a) lipoprotein levels showed a strong and graded association with the presence and extent of coronary artery disease (i.e., the number of vessels with a stenosis of more than 50 percent of the luminal diameter) (P<0.001). Among patients 60 years of age or younger, those in the highest quartiles for the oxidized phospholipid:apo B-100 ratio and Lp(a) lipoprotein levels had odds ratios for coronary artery disease of 3.12 (P<0.001) and 3.64 (P<0.001), respectively, as compared with patients in the lowest quartile. The combined effect of hypercholesterolemia and being in the highest quartiles of the oxidized phospholipid:apo B-100 ratio (odds ratio, 16.8; P<0.001) and Lp(a) lipoprotein levels (odds ratio, 14.2; P<0.001) significantly increased the probability of coronary artery disease among patients 60 years of age or younger. In the entire study group, the association of the oxidized phospholipid:apo B-100 ratio with obstructive coronary artery disease was independent of all clinical and lipid measures except one, Lp(a) lipoprotein. However, among patients 60 years of age or younger, the oxidized phospholipid:apo B-100 ratio remained an independent predictor of coronary artery disease. CONCLUSIONS Circulating levels of oxidized LDL are strongly associated with angiographically documented coronary artery disease, particularly in patients 60 years of age or younger. These data suggest that the atherogenicity of Lp(a) lipoprotein may be mediated in part by associated proinflammatory oxidized phospholipids.
Effect of Atenolol on Left Ventricular Function in Hypertensive Patients

No information is available about the effects of oral atenolol, a cardioselective β-adrenergic blocking agent with no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, on left ventricular function. Atenolol, 100 mg/day, was given to 12 hypertensive patients for 8 weeks, and its effects on mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (Cl) and ejection phase indexes of myocardial performance were examined by echocardiography. Echocardiographic studies were performed before treatment, after 4 weeks of placebo, and repeated after 4 and 8 weeks of atenolol therapy. MAP fell by 14% and 21% after 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. CI fell by 22% and 20% and stroke index (SI) fell by 11% and 7%. Calculated peripheral resistance did not change significantly. Fractional shortening, ejection fraction and normalized mean rate of circumferential fiber shortening did not change. The normalized mean posterior wall velocity decreased after 4 weeks but returned to pretreatment levels after 8 weeks. The septal velocity increased after 8 weeks. End-diastolic volume index (EDVI) did not change, and there was no relationship between changes in heart rate and EDVI. The study shows that atenolol in the resting state has no effect on certain echocardiographic indexes of left ventricular (LV) function when given orally to hypertensive patients with normal LV size and function. The reduction in CI and SI were presumably secondary to a decrease in cardiac venous filling.
A fast histogram-based similarity measure for detecting loop closures in 3-D LIDAR data

We present a fast method of detecting loop closure opportunities through the use of similarity measures on histograms extracted from 3-D LIDAR data. We avoid computationally expensive features and compute histograms over simple global statistics of the LIDAR scans. The resulting histograms encode sufficient information to detect spatially close scans with high precision and recall and can be computed at rates faster than data acquisition on modest consumer-grade hardware. Our approach is able to match previously established results in LIDAR loop closure detection with less computational overhead.
The interface between transcriptional and epigenetic control of effector and memory CD8+ T‐cell differentiation

Immunity to many intracellular pathogens requires the proliferation, differentiation, and function of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). While the majority of effector CTLs die upon clearance of the pathogen, a small proportion of them survive to become long‐lived memory CTLs. Memory CTLs can provide protective immunity against re‐exposure to the same pathogen and are the principle motivation behind T‐cell‐ based vaccine design. While a large body of cellular immunologic research has proven invaluable to define effector and memory CTLs by their different phenotypes and functions, an emerging focus in the field has been to understand how environmental cues regulate CTL differentiation on a genomic level. Genome‐wide studies to profile transcriptional and epigenetic changes during infection have revealed that dynamic changes in DNA methylation patterns and histone modifications accompany transcriptional signatures that define and regulate CTL differentiation states. In this review, we emphasize the importance of epigenetic regulation of CD8+ T‐cell differentiation and the likely role that transcription factors play in this process.
Repetitive chemoembolization of hypovascular liver metastases from the most common primary sites.

AIM To evaluate tumor response in patients with hypovascular liver metastases from the most common primary sites treated with chemoembolization. MATERIALS & METHODS Chemoembolization was performed in 190 patients (five groups) who had hypovascular liver metastases from the colon (n = 66), breast (n = 40), uveal malignant melanoma (n = 20), pancreas (n = 48) and stomach (n = 16). Surgical resection of primary sites had been performed for all included patients. Tumor response, survival statistics from the first chemoembolization using Kaplan-Meier method and progression rate of embolized lesions were evaluated by analysis of variance with Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS Multiple comparison between the groups showed no statistical significant difference in local tumor response (H: 9.23; p > 0.05). Survival indices of the patients, including survival rate, progression-free survival rate, median survival time and time to progression, demonstrated significant difference between the groups during the follow-up period (H: 9.7; p = 0.045). The progression rate of treated liver metastases from colon, breast, uvea, pancreas and stomach were 16.6, 17.5, 30.0, 25.0 and 32.0%, respectively (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Hypovascular liver metastases treated with chemoembolization may demonstrate equal local response, but are significantly different in rate of progression and survival.
Microaerobic steroid biosynthesis and the molecular fossil record of Archean life

The power of molecular oxygen to drive many crucial biogeochemical processes, from cellular respiration to rock weathering, makes reconstructing the history of its production and accumulation a first-order question for understanding Earth’s evolution. Among the various geochemical proxies for the presence of O2 in the environment, molecular fossils offer a unique record of O2 where it was first produced and consumed by biology: in sunlit aquatic habitats. As steroid biosynthesis requires molecular oxygen, fossil steranes have been used to draw inferences about aerobiosis in the early Precambrian. However, better quantitative constraints on the O2 requirement of this biochemistry would clarify the implications of these molecular fossils for environmental conditions at the time of their production. Here we demonstrate that steroid biosynthesis is a microaerobic process, enabled by dissolved O2 concentrations in the nanomolar range. We present evidence that microaerobic marine environments (where steroid biosynthesis was possible) could have been widespread and persistent for long periods of time prior to the earliest geologic and isotopic evidence for atmospheric O2. In the late Archean, molecular oxygen likely cycled as a biogenic trace gas, much as compounds such as dimethylsulfide do today.
Crum's Theorem for `Discrete' Quantum Mechanics

In one-dimensional quantum mechanics, or the Sturm-Liouville theory, Crum’s theorem describes the relationship between the original and the associated Hamiltonian systems, which are iso-spectral except for the lowest energy state. Its counterpart in ‘discrete’ quantum mechanics is formulated algebraically, elucidating the basic struc�
Identification of angry faces in the attentional blink

According to cognitive and neural theories of emotion, attentional processing of innate threat stimuli, such as angry facial expressions, is prioritised over neutral stimuli. To test this hypothesis, the present study used a modified version of the rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) paradigm to investigate the effect of emotional face stimuli on the attentional blink (AB). The target stimuli were schematic faces which depicted threatening (angry), positive or neutral facial expressions. Results showed that performance accuracy was enhanced (i.e., the AB was reduced) on trials in which the second target was an angry face, rather than a neutral face. Results extend previous research by demonstrating that angry faces reduce the AB, and that this effect is found for schematic facial expressions. These findings further support the proposal that, when there is competition for attentional resources, threat stimuli are given higher priority in processing compared with non-threatening stimuli.