Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Geochemical and geological characteristics of the Jurassic continental black shale in the Southwestern Depression of Tarim Basin

Although Jurassic continental black shale within the Southwestern Depression of Tarim Basin (SDT) have received renewed attention during the past few years due to their potential to be prospected for shale gas, studies on shale characteristics remain rare. In this study, 31 black shale core samples were collected from a well (Buya‐1) drilled recently in the Hetian Sag of the southern SDT, and their geochemical, petrographical, mineralogical, petrophysical, and pore structural characteristics were determined through a series of tests. The results indicate that the black shale has high and variable total organic carbon (TOC) contents ranging between 0.1% and 17.0% (average 3.2%), is dominated by Type III kerogen (gas‐prone), and is in a mature to high‐mature stage. The shale is mainly composed of quartz, clay, and feldspar with mean contents of 40.0% (range = 15.0–72.0%), 51.0% (range = 25–77%), and 5.5% (range = 1–13.0%), respectively. The pore spaces are composed of primary pores, secondary pores, and microfractures. The mean sorbed gas content of the shale is approximately 2.4 m3/t, and the TOC is significantly positively and linearly correlated with the adsorbed gas capacity. The results show that the Jurassic continental shale in the SDT is very favourable for the formation of a large shale gas play, and the middle segment of the Jurassic shale is the most favourable target layer for shale gas exploration due to its greater gas generation capacity, higher mineralogical brittleness, larger gas storage space, and greater gas sorption capacity. This study is significant in guiding subsequent shale gas exploration and development in the Jurassic, SDT, and also is a reference for identifying favourable exploration targets of shale gas resource in other continental basins.
On the Validity of Covariate Adjustment for Estimating Causal Effects

Identifying effects of actions (treatments) on outcome variables from observational data and causal assumptions is a fundamental problem in causal inference. This identification is made difficult by the presence of con-founders which can be related to both treatment and outcome variables. Confounders are often handled, both in theory and in practice, by adjusting for covariates, in other words considering outcomes conditioned on treatment and covariate values, weighed by probability of observing those covariate values. In this paper, we give a complete graphical criterion for covariate adjustment, which we term the adjustment criterion, and derive some interesting corollaries of the completeness of this criterion.
Differential Proteomic Analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana Genotypes Exhibiting Resistance or Susceptibility to the Insect Herbivore, Plutella xylostella

A proteomic study was conducted to investigate physiological factors affecting feeding behaviour by larvae of the insect, Plutella xylostella, on herbivore-susceptible and herbivore-resistant Arabidopsis thaliana. The leaves of 162 recombinant inbred lines (Rils) were screened to detect genotypes upon which Plutella larvae fed least (P. xylostella-resistant) or most (P. xylostella-susceptible). 2D-PAGE revealed significant differences in the proteomes between the identified resistant and susceptible Rils. The proteomic results, together with detection of increased production of hydrogen peroxide in resistant Rils, suggest a correlation between P. xylostella resistance and the production of increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in particular H2O2, and that this was expressed prior to herbivory. Many of the proteins that were more abundant in the Plutella-resistant Rils are known in other biological systems to be involved in limiting ROS damage. Such proteins included carbonic anhydrases, malate dehydrogenases, glutathione S-transferases, isocitrate dehydrogenase-like protein (R1), and lipoamide dehydrogenase. In addition, patterns of germin-like protein 3 isoforms could also be indicative of higher levels of reactive oxygen species in the resistant Rils. Consistent with the occurrence of greater oxidative stress in the resistant Rils is the observation of greater abundance in susceptible Rils of polypeptides of the photosynthetic oxygen-evolving complex, which are known to be damaged under oxidative stress. The combined results suggest that enhanced production of ROS may be a major pre-existing mechanism of Plutella resistance in Arabidopsis, but definitive corroboration of this requires much further work.
An exploratory analysis of cigarette price premium, market share and consumer loyalty in relation to continued consumption versus cessation in a national US panel

Introduction Brand equity and consumer loyalty play a role in continued purchasing behaviour; however, this research has largely focused on non-addictive products without counter-marketing tactics. We examined the impact of brand equity (price premium, market share) and consumer loyalty (switching rates) on smoking cessation (discontinued cigarette purchases for 1 year) among smokers in a consumer panel. Methods In Spring 2015, we analysed 1077 cigarette-purchasing households in the Nielsen Homescan Panel. We analysed cessation in relation to brand equity, consumer loyalty, other purchasing behaviours (nicotine intake, frequency), sociodemographics and tobacco control activities (per state-specific data) over a 6-year period (2004–2009) using Cox proportional hazard modelling. Results The sample was 13.28% African-American; the average income was $52 334 (SD=31 445). The average price premium and market share of smokers’ dominant brands were $1.31 (SD=0.49) and 15.41% (SD=19.15), respectively. The mean brand loyalty level was 0.90 (SD=0.17), indicating high loyalty. In our final model, a higher price premium and market share were associated with lower quit rates (p=0.039); however, an interaction effect suggested that greater market share was not associated with lower cessation rates for African-American smokers (p=0.006). Consumer loyalty was not associated with cessation. Other predictors of lower quit rates included a higher nicotine intake (p=0.006) and baseline purchase frequency (p<0.001). Tobacco control factors were not significantly associated. Conclusions Smokers of high-equity cigarette brands are less likely to quit, perhaps due to strong brand–consumer relationships. Thus, continued efforts should aim to regulate tobacco marketing efforts in order to disrupt these relationships to promote cessation.
Accelerated kindling epileptogenesis in Tg4510 tau transgenic mice, but not in tau knockout mice

The biologic processes underlying epileptogenesis following a brain insult are not fully understood, but several lines of evidence suggest that hyperphosphorylation of tau may be an important factor in these processes. To provide further insight into the causal relationship between tau and epileptogenesis, this study applied amygdala kindling to rTg4510 mice that, concurrent with other pathologies, overexpress phosphorylated tau, tau knockout mice, or their respective wild‐type controls. Mice were electrically stimulated twice daily, 5 days per week for 3 weeks. Electroencephalography was recorded to measure the primary afterdischarge duration, and the behavioral progression of kindling‐induced seizures was assessed. rTg4510 mice (n = 10) had increased primary afterdischarge durations (p < 0.001), and significantly more rapid progression of kindling (p < 0.001), compared with wild‐type mice (n = 10). Tau knockout mice (n = 7), however, did not differ from their wild‐type counterparts (n = 8) on any of the seizure outcomes. These results suggest that Tg4510 mice are more vulnerable to epileptogenesis, but that the presence of tau itself is not necessary for kindling epileptogenesis to occur.
Primality and identity testing via Chinese remaindering

Gives a simple and new primality testing algorithm by reducing primality testing for a number n to testing if a specific univariate identity over Z/sub n/ holds. We also give new randomized algorithms for testing if a multivariate polynomial, over a finite field or over rationals, is identically zero. The first of these algorithms also works over Z/sub n/ for any n. The running time of the algorithms is polynomial in the size of the arithmetic circuit representing the input polynomial and the error parameter. These algorithms use fewer random bits and work for a larger class of polynomials than all the previously known methods, e.g. the Schwartz-Zippel test (J.T. Schwartz, 1980; R.E. Zippel, 1979), the Chen-Kao (1997) test and the Lewin-Vadhan (1998) test. Our algorithms first transform the input polynomial to a univariate polynomial and then use Chinese remaindering over univariate polynomials to effectively test if it is zero.
Biorthogonal and nonuniform lapped transforms for transform coding with reduced blocking and ringing artifacts

New lapped transforms are introduced. The lapped biorthononal transform (LBT) and hierarchical lapped biorthogonal transform (HLBT) are appropriate for image coding, and the modulated HLBT biorthogonal transform (MMLBT) and nonuniform modulated lapped biorthogonal transform (NMLBT) are appropriate for audio coding. The HLBT has a significantly lower computational complexity than the lapped orthogonal transform (LOT), essentially no blocking artifacts, and fewer ringing artifacts than the commonly used discrete cosine transform (DCT). The LBT and HLBT have transform coding gains that are typically between 0.5 and 1.2 dB higher than that of the DCT. Image coding examples using JPEG and embedded zerotree coders demonstrate the better performance of the LET and HLBT. The NMLBT has fewer ringing artifacts and better reproduction of transient sounds than the MLT, as shown in audio coding examples. Fast algorithms for both the HLBT and the NMLBT are presented.
Clinical results of Trabectome surgery for open-angle glaucoma

Background The purpose of this study was to determine outcomes when using Trabectome surgery and to evaluate factors associated with its effects in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and exfoliation glaucoma (EXG). Methods This was a prospective, non-randomized, observational, comparative cohort study in which Trabectome surgery was used alone in patients with POAG or EXG. Trabectome surgery was considered to have failed when at least one of the following three criteria was fulfilled: intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥21 mmHg and a <20% reduction below the baseline IOP on two consecutive follow-up visits 3 months or more after surgery; need for additional glaucoma surgery; and an increase in number of medications compared with baseline. Results The subjects were 32 males (34 eyes) and 46 females (48 eyes). POAG was observed in 43 eyes and EXG in 39 eyes. IOP after Trabectome surgery decreased significantly from 22.3±6.8 mmHg at baseline to 14.0±3.9 mmHg (23.0% reduction) at month 24 in all cases (P<0.0000). The success rate at 2 years was 51.2% for all cases (POAG, 50.9%; EXG, 49.2%). There was no significant difference in success rate between POAG and EXG (P=0.91). Preoperative IOP (P=0.033) and number of medications (P=0.041) were significant factors for surgical success/failure in multivariate logistic regression. No serious complications were observed. Conclusion Trabectome surgery achieved favorable IOP control and was equally effective in patients with POAG and those with EXG. Its effects were influenced by preoperative IOP and number of preoperative medications.
Importance of Continuous Chest Compressions During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Improved Outcome During a Simulated Single Lay-Rescuer Scenario

Background—Interruptions to chest compression–generated blood flow during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are detrimental. Data show that such interruptions for mouth-to-mouth ventilation require a period of “rebuilding” of coronary perfusion pressure to obtain the level achieved before the interruption. Whether such hemodynamic compromise from pausing to ventilate is enough to affect outcome is unknown. Methods and Results—Thirty swine (weight 35±2 kg) underwent 3 minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation before 12 minutes of basic life support CPR. Animals were randomized to receive either standard airway (A), breathing (B), and compression (C) CPR with expired-gas ventilation in a 15:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio or continuous chest compression CPR. Those randomized to the standard 15:2 group had no chest compressions for a period of 16 seconds each time the 2 ventilations were delivered. Defibrillation was attempted at 15 minutes of cardiac arrest. All resuscitated animals were supported in an intensive care environment for 1 hour, then in a maintenance facility for 24 hours. The primary end point of neurologically normal 24-hour survival was significantly better in the experimental group receiving continuous chest compression CPR (12 of 15 versus 2 of 15;P <0.0001). Conclusions—Mouth-to-mouth ventilation performed by single layperson rescuers produces substantial interruptions in chest compression–supported circulation. Continuous chest compression CPR produces greater neurologically normal 24-hour survival than standard ABC CPR when performed in a clinically realistic fashion. Any technique that minimizes lengthy interruptions of chest compressions during the first 10 to 15 minutes of basic life support should be given serious consideration in future efforts to improve outcome results from cardiac arrest.
Prevalence and rate of diagnosis of allergic rhinitis in Europe

To measure the prevalence of allergic rhinitis among European adults and the proportion of undiagnosed subjects, a two-step, cross-sectional, population-based survey in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK was undertaken. Step one of the study involved screening for allergic rhinitis by telephone interview, based on history of symptoms and/or self-awareness of the condition. Step two undertook confirmation of allergic rhinitis in a subset of the subjects screened positive; this was performed by a clinical diagnosis conducted in three to five clinical centres per country, including specific immunoglobulin E tests and a disease-specific questionnaire. A total of 9,646 telephone interviews were conducted between February and April 2001. Self-awareness of allergic rhinitis was reported by 19% of the subjects. Physician-based diagnosis of allergic rhinitis was reported by 13% of the subjects. In step two, 725 clinical assessments were conducted between May and August 2001. A total of 411 of patients, who underwent step two, had investigator-confirmed allergic rhinitis. Among patients with investigator-confirmed allergic rhinitis, 45% had not reported a previous diagnosis by a physician. Prevalence of subjects with clinically confirmable allergic rhinitis estimated by combining step one and step two data ranged from 17% in Italy to 29% in Belgium with an overall value of 23%. This large-scale study confirms that allergic rhinitis has a high prevalence in western Europe and is frequently undiagnosed.
The influence of submarine groundwater discharge on carbon, nutrient and greenhouse gases dynamics in coastal waters

VIII Chapter 1 – Introduction . 1 1.1 General introduction to the dissertation . 2 1.2 Thesis aims and hypothesis . 5 Chapter 2 Groundwater Discharge into an Estuary Using Spatially Distributed Radon Time Series and Radium Isotopes . 7 Abstract . 8. 8 2.
SLC2A9 Genotype Is Associated with SLC2A9 Gene Expression and Urinary Uric Acid Concentration

Objectives SLC2A9 gene variants have been associated with urinary uric acid (UA) concentration, but little is known about the functional mechanism linking these gene variants with UA. SLC2A9 encodes a UA transporter present in the proximal tubule of the kidney, and gene expression levels of SLC2A9 and other genes in the uricosuric pathway (ABCG2, SLC17A1, SLC17A3, and SLC22A12) could potentially mediate the relationship between SLC2A9 gene variants and urinary UA excretion. Methods The association between urinary UA concentrations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the SLC2A9 gene region, expression levels of genes in the uricosuric pathway, and dietary protein intake were analyzed for a sample of non-Hispanic white participants from the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA) cohort. The SLC2A9 SNP most significantly associated with urinary UA concentration was then tested for associations with gene expression levels from uric acid absorption/secretion associated genes. Models including interactions between dietary protein (total, animal, and vegetable) and genetic factors were also assessed. Results The most significant SLC2A9 SNP associated with urinary UA (rs12509955, corrected p = 0.001) was also associated with SLC2A9 gene expression levels (corrected p = 0.0084); however, SLC2A9 gene expression levels were not significantly associated with urinary UA concentrations (p = 0.509). The interactions between rs12509955 and total dietary protein, and SLC2A9 gene-level gene expression and dietary vegetable protein on the outcome of urinary UA were marginally significant (p = 0.11 and p = 0.07, respectively). Gene expression level of one SLC2A9 transcript had a significant interaction with dietary animal protein (SLC2A9-001 ENST00000506583, p = 0.01) and a marginally significant interaction with total dietary protein (p = 0.07) on urinary UA. Conclusion Our results illustrate that SNPs in the SLC2A9 gene influence SLC2A9 gene expression as well as urinary UA excretion. Evidence is also suggestive that gene-by-diet interactions may disproportionately increase urinary UA in genetically susceptible individuals that consume higher amounts of protein.
Decomposition of Polynomials

This diploma thesis is concerned with functional decomposition $f = g \circ h$ of polynomials. First an algorithm is described which computes decompositions in polynomial time. This algorithm was originally proposed by Zippel (1991). A bound for the number of minimal collisions is derived. Finally a proof of a conjecture in von zur Gathen, Giesbrecht & Ziegler (2010) is given, which states a classification for a special class of decomposable polynomials.
Evidence for Antigen-Driven T-Cell Response in Unstable Angina

BackgroundActivation of T cells and macrophages has been associated with unstable angina (UA), but whether this reflects specific immune responses remains unclear. Methods and ResultsWe analyzed the repertoire and the length of complementarity-determining region 3 of the T-cell receptor (TCR) &bgr;-chain variable (BV) gene segments of activated lymphocytes in 23 patients with UA, 13 patients with chronic stable angina (CSA), and 6 normal control subjects. We also tested the proliferation of systemic T cells in response to autologous coronary plaque proteins, oxidized LDL, and Chlamydia pneumoniae as candidate antigens, in vitro. The activated T cell–TCRBV repertoire was perturbed in 13 (57%) of 23 UA patients versus 3 (23%) of 13 CSA patients (P =0.016) and was restricted to 6 (28%) of 21 expanded TCRBV families; all were significantly higher in UA than in CSA patients. At least one monotypic or oligotypic activated TCRBV population was found in 15 (65%) of 23 UA patients and in 3 (23%) of 13 CSA patients (P <0.001). Finally, T cells from UA patients, but not from CSA patients or normal control subjects, proliferated in response to autologous proteins from coronary culprit lesions and/or to oxidized LDL. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the T-cell response observed in UA patients is antigen-driven and directed to antigens contained in the culprit coronary atherosclerotic plaques.
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Stent Thrombosis Late After Implantation of First-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents: A Cause for Concern”

We are grateful for the thorough comments by Agostoni et al and Kereiakes et al, which give us the opportunity to clarify our position. As Agostoni et al point out, important limitations exist in the measurements of luminal dimensions that may be magnified when the change in those dimensions are assessed by measurement of late loss (LL). Furthermore, there is variation in absolute quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) values according to core laboratories, which makes comparison of QCA data problematic.1 Regardless of these facts, QCA of lumen dimensions has long been the backbone of clinical studies in the field of restenosis.2 It has now become crucial to go beyond luminal measurements and to focus on both events that matter to the patient and their …
NHL (diffuse large B cell lymphoma).

INTRODUCTION Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is the sixth most common cancer in the UK; 9443 new cases were diagnosed in the UK in 2002, and it caused 4418 UK deaths in 2003. Incidence rates show distinct geographical variation, with age-standardised incidence rates ranging from 17 per 100,000 in Northern America to 4 per 100,000 in south-central Asia. NHL occurs more commonly in males than in females, and the age-standardized UK incidence increased by 10.3% between 1993 and 2002. METHODS AND OUTCOMES We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of first-line treatments for aggressive, or for relapsed aggressive, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (diffuse large B cell lymphoma)? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library and other important databases up to April 2007 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). RESULTS We found 33 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions. CONCLUSIONS In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: allogeneic stem cell support, chemotherapy (conventional dose salvage, high-dose plus autologous transplant stem cell support, conventional dose in people with chemosensitive disease), CHOP 14, CHOP 21, CHOP 21 with radiotherapy, CHOP 21 with rituximab, MACOP-B, m-BACOD, PACEBOM, and ProMACE-CytaBOM.