Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cognitive susceptibility to smoking and initiation of smoking during childhood: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND The earlier the onset of cigarette smoking the greater the risk of addictive smoking. Because smoking initiation is occurring at ever younger ages, early onset of smoking is primarily a childhood phenomenon. In this study cognitive susceptibility to smoking was examined as a risk factor for childhood onset of cigarette smoking. This was the first prospective investigation of cognitive susceptibility to smoking as a predictor of smoking initiation by children. METHODS Three annual surveys were completed by 788 children who, at baseline, were in the third or fifth grade and had never puffed on a cigarette. RESULTS At baseline, 51% of children had either single or multiple indicators of susceptibility to smoking. Over 2 years, children with single indicators of susceptibility were 80% more likely to initiate smoking, and children with multiple indicators of susceptibility were four times as likely to initiate smoking as nonsusceptible peers. Susceptibility was a stronger predictor of initiation than all other predictors examined, including exposure to family members and friends who smoke cigarettes. CONCLUSION Among abstinent children ages 8 to 10 years, cognitive susceptibility to smoking was a significant predictor of whether they initiated smoking prior to adolescence. Reducing children's susceptibility to smoking could strengthen efforts to prevent early onset of cigarette smoking.
Row Spacing Affects Biomass Yield and Composition of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) as a Lignocellulosic Feedstock for Bioenergy

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a warm-season annual. Kenaf fibers are commonly used for paper pulp and cordage, but it is also a promising lignocellulosic feedstock for bioenergy production, although optimum plant density for biomass production has not been determined for the northern region of the USA. The objective of this study was to determine the best plant density and row spacing of kenaf to maximize biomass yield and chemical composition for biofuel conversion. The experiments were conducted at Fargo and Prosper, ND, in 2010 and 2011. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement where the main plot was tworowspacings (30 and60 cm) and the sub-plot fourplant densities (32, 16, 8, and 4 plants·m-2). Row spacing had a significant effect on both biomass and biofuel yield. Narrower rows had higher biomass and biofuel yield. Maximum biomass and estimated biofuel yield was obtained with the two highest plant densities of 16 and 32 plants·m-2 and fluctuated between 9.45 and 10.22 Mg·ha-1 and 1354 and1464 L·ha-1, respectively. Stem diameter increased with a decrease in plant density. Chemical composition varied with plant density; glucan (27%) and xylan (9.8%) content were lower at the lowest plant density. Ash content was not different among plant densities but it is interesting to mention the very low ash content of kenaf (0.15%). According to the results of this study, it is recommended to plant kenaf at 30-cm rows with a plant density of 16 to 32 plants·m-2 to maximize biomass yield. Kenaf has a tremendous potential as a cellulosic feedstock for biofuel and green chemicals in the Northern Great Plains because of high biomass yield and low ash content.
SOME CONSIDERATIONS OF THE BIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF INTESTINAL MICROORGANISMS.

The relationship of intestinal bacteria to the well-being of the host has been of general interest for over sixty years. Despite numerous studies conducted to determine the r6les of these organisms in health and disease, their functions are not completely understood. The kinds of bacteria found in the digestive tract and their distribution have been extensively studied in many animal species including man. It is known that the ecology of the intestines is very complex; changes which have been found to occur in the numbers and kinds of microorganisms in the intestines are difficult to explain. Nutritionists, bacteriologists and physicians now tend to regard intestinal microorganisms as sources of nutrilites indispensable to the animal host, particularly if the diet is poorly balanced; previously these organisms had been considered only as potential causative agents of gastro-intestinal disturbances. Many of the early investigators considered intestinal bacteria as saprophytes whose putrefactive metabolic products were harmful. Later, it was realized that there are two main types of intestinal bacteria: acid-producing or saccharolytic species, and proteolytic species. The latter group always has been considered harmful or undesirable, but their true significance is not settled. Acidproducing species, on the contrary, always have been deemed desirable for proper conditions in the intestinal tract. Recently, with the help of the rapid advances made in the field of nutrition, considerable evidence has been accumulated which indicates that intestinal bacteria are important in supplying essential growth substances to the host, although it is not certain that they are indispensable. Earlier work now can be re-evaluated with more assurance of drawing valid conclusions. However, there still exists a variety of viewpoints which may eventually be consolidated when more basic work is accomplished. Probably the first observation of intestinal micro6rganisms was made by Leeuwenhoek (17) in about the year 1674. Many of the organisms he saw with his simple microscope no doubt were bacteria. Two centuries later, Escherich initiated what is considered to be the first comprehensive study of intestinal bacteria in human infants, and laid the foundlation for future work in this field.
Effect of ethanol on thrombopoiesis

Summary. Chronic ethanol abuse causes thrombocytopenia but the underlying mechanism is unknown. To determine the target cells involved, we examined the effects of the drug in vitro on both megakaryocyte progenitor cells (CFU‐Meg) and isolated, maturing megakaryocytes. In the presence of ethanol concentrations of 0.05–2.0 g/dl, megakaryocyte colony formation by mouse CFU‐Meg in soft agar was normal. At 5 g/dl ethanol, colony formation was reduced by 50%; with 7 g/dl ethanol, no megakaryocyte colonies were formed. Acetaldehyde did not inhibit colony formation unless very high concentrations (100 mg/dl) were employed. Isolated guinea‐pig megakaryocytes can maintain their viability and incorporate 3H‐leucine into TCA‐precipitable protein for at least 24 h. Incubation of these maturing megakaryocytes with ethanol did not affect their viability, but at concentrations greater than 120 mg/dl ethanol progressively inhibited protein synthesis. At 0.5 g/dl ethanol, protein synthesis was decreased by 23% while viability was still 93% of control. Like CFU‐Meg, maturing megakaryocytes were resistant to the toxic effects of acetaldehyde. To determine the in vivo correlates of these results, guinea‐pigs were fed 5 g/dl ethanol in a liquid diet. by 11 d, when blood ethanol levels were 20–150 mg/dl, platelet counts in the animals were reduced by 17–29%, while the number of marrow megakaryocytes was unaltered. These data indicate that the site of action of ethanol in suppressing thrombopoiesis is at the level of the maturing megakaryocyte.
The Impact of Technically Focused Values on Market Orientation of Professional Service Firms

ABSTRACT This paper presents results of a study that investigated the impact of technically focused values on the market orientation of engineering service firms. Using the MARKOR scale to measure market orientation and additional measures from services marketing literature to measure technical values, we found that managers in engineering services firms in Australia with stronger technical-focused values tend to show weaker market oriented behaviors. The increasing growth potential for engineering service firms today requires them to pay more attention to their customer needs, and these firms have a need to emphasize the customer-focused values in their organizational cultures.
Relationship between supply chain performance and degree of linkage among supplier, internal integration, and customer

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the relationship between supply chain linkages and supply chain performance (cost‐containment and reliability of supply chain partners). Design/methodology/approach – Multivariate regression models are developed in order to identify the characteristics of determinants of linkages in the supply chain stakeholders (suppliers, internal stakeholders and customers). The survey was administered to individuals identified from a list of US executive officers, directors, presidents, or vice presidents. Among four hundred respondents, 122 were considered as valid from those who practice supply chain management for their business operations.Findings – Internal integration is the most important contributor to cost‐containment while integration with the supplier is the best strategy to achieve supply chain reliable performance. Availability of electronic ordering systems for customers is an important strategy in cost‐containment. Fast and easy ordering is the best strat.
The influence of quality management on orientation to innovation in service firms

This article demonstrates that a context characterized by cohesion, recognition, some degree of formalization, and decentralization can create a work climate that fosters innovation, enabling service firms to adapt better to their environment. The implementation of total quality management (TQM) also influences the variables in the model. The results show that cohesion, recognition, decentralization, and formalization have a positive and significant influence on greater orientation to innovation in service firms and that this influence is greater in firms that have implemented TQM systems. Key words: Total quality management (TQM), orientation to innovation, cohesion, recognition, formalization, decentralization.
Marketing “Gamer Foods”: Qualitative Insights into Responsible Strategy Development

The purpose of this article is to explore the video-gaming experience as a novel consumption occasion for snack foods and to provide insights into responsible marketing strategy development. Consumers' desired food product attributes, their motivating conditions to snack while gaming, and the environment in which this takes place are explored qualitatively through 14 in-depth interviews and 10 separate points of field observation. The findings indicate certain unhealthy food products are valued during the occasion for their social hedonic appeal but also for the basic function of fuelling long marathons of concentration and competition. Results are used to inform strategic considerations which are presented using the traditional marketing mix framework of product, promotion, price, and place of distribution. Therein, management is cautioned toward the obesogenic elements of the consumption occasion and this is a critical consideration throughout. Management is strongly advised to develop and promote healthier snacks as part of facilitating an enabling environment for sustainable food choices.
DNA flow cytometry of histological material from human gastric cancer

DNA flow cytometry was performed on fixed embedded histological material from 56 radical gastrectomies for human gastric cancer. The ploidy and proportion of cells in the DNA synthetic phase of the cell cycle (S phase fraction) were estimated and the results correlated with histological features. DNA aneuploidy was encountered in 73 per cent of cases. Aneuploid and diploid tumours both had significantly higher fractions of cells in S phase than normal mucosa. S phase fractions for aneuploid tumours were higher than diploid tumours. There was a trend for tumours exhibiting an infilrating mode of growth and poor tubule formation to have a diploid DNA content and low S phase fraction. No difference was observed between the results obtained from tumours with or without lymph node metastases. Early uniform fixation greatly improved the quality of the flow cytometry results measurable by a reduction in the mean coefficient of variation.
Construction supply chain integration: an elusive goal?

Purpose – To empirically investigate the problems encountered in trying to integrate supply chains in the UK construction industry and to set these problems in the context of the extensive literature on supply chain management and partnering.Design/methodology/approach – A brief review of current supply chain issues in the construction industry is provided. Three case studies of leading construction clients were carried out and these included public and private organisations from different sectors of the economy, public transport, information and communications technology and vehicle manufacturing. A large number of interviews were conducted with the various clients, their main contractors and key subcontractors and suppliers.Findings – The findings reveal that the large number of supply chain partners and the significant level of fragmentation limit the levels of integration that are achievable. The interplay of environmental and procurement related factors renders the realisation of truly integrated sup.
Further analysis of cytoplasmic polyadenylation in Xenopus embryos and identification of embryonic cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding proteins

Early development in Xenopus laevis is programmed in part by maternally inherited mRNAs that are synthesized and stored in the growing oocyte. During oocyte maturation, several of these messages are translationally activated by poly(A) elongation, which in turn is regulated by two cis elements in the 3' untranslated region, the hexanucleotide AAUAAA and a cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE) consisting of UUUUUAU or similar sequence. In the early embryo, a different set of maternal mRNAs is translationally activated. We have shown previously that one of these, C12, requires a CPE consisting of at least 12 uridine residues, in addition to the hexanucleotide, for its cytoplasmic polyadenylation and subsequent translation (R. Simon, J.-P. Tassan, and J.D. Richter, Genes Dev. 6:2580-2591, 1992). To assess whether this embryonic CPE functions in other maternal mRNAs, we have chosen Cl1 RNA, which is known to be polyadenylated during early embryogenesis (J. Paris, B. Osborne, A. Couturier, R. LeGuellec, and M. Philippe, Gene 72:169-176, 1988). Wild-type as well as mutated versions of Cl1 RNA were injected into fertilized eggs and were analyzed for cytoplasmic polyadenylation at times up to the gastrula stage. This RNA also required a poly(U) CPE for cytoplasmic polyadenylation in embryos, but in this case the CPE consisted of 18 uridine residues. In addition, the timing and extent of cytoplasmic poly(A) elongation during early embryogenesis were dependent upon the distance between the CPE and the hexanucleotide. Further, as was the case with Cl2 RNA, Cl1 RNA contains a large masking element that prevents premature cytoplasmic polyadenylation during oocyte maturation. To examine the factors that may be involved in the cytoplasmic polyadenylation of both C12 and C11 RNAs, we performed UV cross-linking experiments in egg extracts. Two proteins with sizes of ~36 and ~45 kDa interacted specifically with the CPEs of both RNAs, although they bound preferentially to the C12 CPE. The role that these proteins might play in cytoplasmic polyadenylation is discussed.
Resistance to change as issue selling in multinational firms

Abstract Strategic change is a challenge because it tends to have repercussions for the organization as well as its members. Existing literature promotes a view that resistance to change is detrimental to an organization, especially during strategic change processes. However, resistance to change can alternatively be viewed as a beneficial factor. Given that middle- and operating-level managers are close to customers and markets and therefore have access to a different source of information than top managers, this article develops ideas about resistance to change as issue selling presents a conceptual model, and proposes a series of testable propositions.
Physiological effects of physical therapy interventions on lumbar intervertebral discs: A systematic review

ABSTRACT Background context: The use of physical therapy has been recommended in the treatment of low back pain based on primarily mechanical and neurophysiological effects. Recent studies have measured the physiological effects of physical therapy interventions, including manual therapy and traction, on the intervertebral discs (IVD), and these findings may have implications for the long-term management or even prevention of low back pain. Purpose: The objective of this systematic review is to investigate the literature regarding possible physiological effects of physical therapy interventions on the intervertebral disc (IVD). Study design: Systematic Review. Methods: A literature search of published articles through December 2014 resulted in the retrieval of 8 clinical studies assessing the influence of physical therapy interventions on the physiology of the IVD. Results: Three studies, including two using animal models, investigated the effects of 30-minute intermittent traction on disc height. One in vivo animal study and two studies using human subjects assessed changes of disc height associated with static traction. Three studies investigated the effects of lumbar spine manipulation and mobilization on changes in water diffusion within the IVD. All studies confirmed, either directly or indirectly, that their respective intervention influenced disc physiology primarily through water flow. Conclusion: Physical therapy interventions may have an effect on the physiology of the IVD, primarily through water diffusion and molecular transport, which are important for the health of the IVD.
A seven-year survival analysis of caries onset in primary second molars and permanent first molars in different caries risk groups determined at age two years

Objective. To investigate in a group of children (n=183) the effect of possible risk factors registered at the age of 2 years on caries development in 7 years of follow-up, and to study associations between risk groups. Material and methods. Consumption of candies, use of a nursing bottle at night, use of fluorides, toothbrushing, pacifier sucking, and prolonged breastfeeding (≥12 months) were recorded at the age of 2 years. The timing of caries onset in different groups was compared by applying a survival analysis method – the survival curves produced separately for selected teeth in different risk groups. Results. The survival curves of caries onset for both primary and permanent molars were consistently lower for children who consumed candies more than once a week, did not brush their teeth daily, were given a nursing bottle at night or a pacifier at age 2 years. The multivariate survival analysis confirmed that consumption of candies and lack of daily toothbrushing were the factors that had the major impact on caries onset in both primary and permanent molars. Prolonged pacifier sucking (≥2 years) was related only with short duration of breastfeeding. Children with prolonged use of a nursing bottle at night also consumed candies more than once a week, did not brush their teeth regularly, and did not use fluoride tablets. Conclusions. Consumption of candies and inadequate oral hygiene at age 2 years are important long-term risk factors for caries development in both primary and permanent molars.
10-year follow-up of intensive glucose control in type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND During the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who received intensive glucose therapy had a lower risk of microvascular complications than did those receiving conventional dietary therapy. We conducted post-trial monitoring to determine whether this improved glucose control persisted and whether such therapy had a long-term effect on macrovascular outcomes. METHODS Of 5102 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, 4209 were randomly assigned to receive either conventional therapy (dietary restriction) or intensive therapy (either sulfonylurea or insulin or, in overweight patients, metformin) for glucose control. In post-trial monitoring, 3277 patients were asked to attend annual UKPDS clinics for 5 years, but no attempts were made to maintain their previously assigned therapies. Annual questionnaires were used to follow patients who were unable to attend the clinics, and all patients in years 6 to 10 were assessed through questionnaires. We examined seven prespecified aggregate clinical outcomes from the UKPDS on an intention-to-treat basis, according to previous randomization categories. RESULTS Between-group differences in glycated hemoglobin levels were lost after the first year. In the sulfonylurea-insulin group, relative reductions in risk persisted at 10 years for any diabetes-related end point (9%, P=0.04) and microvascular disease (24%, P=0.001), and risk reductions for myocardial infarction (15%, P=0.01) and death from any cause (13%, P=0.007) emerged over time, as more events occurred. In the metformin group, significant risk reductions persisted for any diabetes-related end point (21%, P=0.01), myocardial infarction (33%, P=0.005), and death from any cause (27%, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS Despite an early loss of glycemic differences, a continued reduction in microvascular risk and emergent risk reductions for myocardial infarction and death from any cause were observed during 10 years of post-trial follow-up. A continued benefit after metformin therapy was evident among overweight patients. (UKPDS 80; Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN75451837.)
Subjective Evaluations: Discretionary Bonuses and Feedback Credibility

We provide a new rationale for the use of discretionary bonuses. In a setting with unknown match qualities between a worker and a firm and subjective evaluations by the principal, bonuses are useful in order to make the feedback from the firm to the workers credible. This way workers in good matches are less inclined to accept outside offers.