Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Making the Transition from High School to College: The Role of Alcohol-Related Social Influence Factors in Students' Drinking

Using a sample of entering college freshmen (N = 311), the purposes of this study were to examine 1) whether perceived norms for college student alcohol use and problems differed by gender and level of intended Greek involvement (Greek intent); 2) associations between perceived norms, Greek intent, and alcohol use and problems; and 3) whether relations between perceived norms, Greek intent, and alcohol use and problems were moderated by gender. Results revealed no differences in levels of perceived norms for alcohol use and problems as a function of gender or intention to affiliate with a Greek letter organization. Perceived norms demonstrated consistent, significant associations with both alcohol use and problems, while Greek intent demonstrated significant associations only with alcohol problems. Examination of gender effects in associations between perceived norms, Greek intent, and alcohol use and problems revealed a number of differences in these relations. Specifically, Greek intent was significantly associated with measures of alcohol use and problems for men, but not for women. Likewise, the association between perceived norms and alcohol use and problems were significant for men, but not for women. Finally, although perceived norms were a significant predictor of heavy drinking for both men and women, the association was much stronger among male students. These findings suggest that alcohol prevention interventions may benefit from specifically targeting perceived norms among incoming students who are at highest risk (i.e., male pledges).
Nanoparticle oxygen delivery to the ischemic heart

Objective: Currently there are no medications that can be administered to help deliver more oxygen to the myocardial region experiencing abnormal perfusion. The purpose of this study was to look at the nanoparticle dodecafluoropentane in an emulsion as an oxygen carrier. Using nanoparticles as an oxygen carrier is advantageous because they are able to carry oxygen past blockages that are obstructing red blood cells (6-8 µm) due to their smaller size (250 nm). With the reintroduction of oxygen to the ischemic muscle tissue, a reduced infarct size should be seen. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice underwent left anterior descending artery (LAD) ligation using 8-0 monofilament nylon suture. Immediately after ligation of the LAD, the control group received a 200-µl intravenous injection of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The treated group received a dose of 0.6 ml/kg of dodecafluoropentane diluted to a total volume of 200 µl in PBS. The mice were then allowed to recover from anesthesia and were sacrificed 24 hours after the time of ligation. After the mice were sacrificed, the heart was excised and placed at -20°C for 20 minutes. The heart was then sliced into 1-mm sections and stained with tetrazolium red to identify the infarcted area. The area of infarct and ventricle were then analyzed using ImageJ software. Results: The average area of infarct in comparison to the ventricle for the control mice was 29.3±0.04% compared to 11.7±0.02% for the dodecafluoropentane-treated mice. Conclusion: The use of dodecafluoropentane in this murine model of myocardial infarction showed a 60% reduction in infarct size (p<0.01). The possibility of using nanoparticles to deliver oxygen to hypoxic tissues has interesting implications and justifies further study.
Heat illness in the U.S. mining industry.

BACKGROUND Heat illness is relatively common in the underground metalliferous mines of South Africa and Australia. Little is known about heat illness in other forms of mining and there have been no studies of heat illness in the US mining industry. METHODS Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) accident, injury, illness, and employment data were used to study heat illness reported by the US mining industry from January 1, 1983 to December 31, 2001. RESULTS Five hundred thirty eight cases of heat illness were reported. None of these cases were fatal. Four hundred twenty seven cases (79.4%) occurred in the summer months of June, July, and August. Incidence rates of heat illness in underground mining ranged from 0.00275/10(6) person-hours for coal, to 0.168/10(6) person-hours for metal, rate-ratio = 61.1 (P < 0.001). Incidence rates in surface mining ranged from 0.0265/10(6) person-hours for coal, to 0.0644/10(6) person-hours for stone, rate-ratio = 2.43 (P < 0.001). Incidence rates in mills/preparation plants ranged from 0.0255/10(6) person-hours for coal, to 0.417/10(6) person-hours for stone, rate-ratio = 16.4 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Heat illness occurs most frequently in stone mills, metal mills, and underground metal mines. Preventive measures should target the summer months of June, July, and August.
Nutrition Education Alone Improves Dietary Practices but Not Hematologic Indices of Adolescent Girls in Iran

Background Iron-deficiency anemia is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide. Iron-deficiency anemia has particular negative consequences on women in their childbearing years, and its prevention is a high priority in most health systems. Objective This interventional study assessed the effect of nutrition education on hematologic indices, iron status, nutritional knowledge, and nutritional practices of high school girls in Iran. Methods Sixty healthy 16- to 18-year-old girls were randomly selected from two high schools in the city of Ahvaz and divided into two equally matched groups, one that received nutrition education, and one that did not. The education group received instruction in face-to-face sessions, group discussions, and pamphlets for 2 months. The control group did not receive any information during the study. Hematologic tests, corpuscular indices, and serum ferritin levels were measured at baseline and after 2 months. Food-frequency questionnaires were administered and histories taken, clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies observed, anthropometric measurements taken, nutritional knowledge tested, practices determined, and lifestyle questionnaires administered to all subjects. Results There were no statistically significant differences in any baseline characteristics between the two groups. Scores for nutritional knowledge and practices of the education group were significantly higher after two months compared with the baseline (31.4 ± 6 vs. 24.3 ± 5.9 points, p < .001, and 31.2 ± 5 vs. 28.4 ± 5.7 points, p < .05, respectively). The scores in the control group showed no significant changes from baseline to 2 months. Mean corpuscular volume values were elevated in the education group (p < .001) but not in the control group. However, in the control group, serum ferritin concentrations showed about a 17% drop at the end of the study (p < .004). There were no changes in other hematologic, lifestyle, clinical, or anthropometric data compared with baseline after completion of the study in both groups. Conclusion These findings indicate that nutritional education can improve knowledge of healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices. Focused nutritional education using available resources and correcting current dietary habits in a vulnerable group of young women may result in dietary changes that can ultimately improve iron intake.
Mammographic density and risk of breast cancer in Korean women

We carried out this study to evaluate the association between mammographic density adjusted for age and BMI and early-onset breast cancer in Asian women. We recruited 213 Korean patients with breast cancer (45% diagnosed before the age of 50 years) and 630 controls matched for age, menopausal status, and examination date. The percentage and absolute size of dense areas on digital mammograms were measured using a computer-assisted thresholding technique (Cumulus). We carried out an analysis using the conditional logistic regression model with adjustment for covariates. An increase by 1 SD in age and BMI-adjusted absolute dense area and percentage dense area was associated with a 1.15-fold (95% confidence interval: 1.03, 1.29) and 1.20-fold (95% confidence interval: 1.06, 1.37) increased risk of breast cancer, respectively. These associations were stronger for premenopausal disease (P=0.07 and 0.01, respectively) and for disease diagnosed before age 50 (P=0.07 and 0.02, respectively) than for postmenopausal disease (P=0.16 and 0.23, respectively) or later onset disease (P=0.10 and 0.10, respectively). There was no difference in the associations with premenopausal versus postmenopausal and early-onset versus late-onset disease. After adjusting for age and BMI, both a greater absolute dense area and a greater percentage dense area were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly at a young age.
Experimental rain attenuation statistics estimated from radar measurements useful to design satellite communication systems for mobile terminals

Based on experimental data, we have reported a reliable method to scale the cumulative time T/sub F,T/(A) that rain attenuation A (dB) is exceeded in a fixed satellite system to the time T/sub M,T/(A) that it is exceeded in a satellite system for mobile terminals. Zigzag routes and ring-roads simulated city patterns; straight routes simulated freeways. In all cases, T/sub M,T/(A) can be expressed as T/sub M,T/(A)=/spl xi/T/sub F,T/ (A) with a probability scaling factor /spl xi/ independent of A. The simulations have been made at 19.77 GHz with satellite elevation angle /spl theta/ of 30.6/spl deg/, 45/spl deg/, 60/spl deg/, 80/spl deg/, and 90/spl deg/. For the horizontal structure of rain, we have used a very large number of rain-rate maps of rain storms randomly observed in 1989-1992 by a meteorological radar placed at Spine d'Adda (northern Italy). The vehicle speed was modeled as a log-normal random variable. We found: (a) in zigzag routes, T/sub M,T/(A) 30.6/spl deg/ and for the same pattern, /spl xi/ is fairly independent of /spl theta/. Since the radar rain maps are a reliable estimate of the horizontal structure of rain, the findings, which can be considered frequency-independent, stand as a very good prediction of the results obtainable by experiments.
Quantitative estimation of attenuation in ultrasound video images: correlation with histology in diffuse liver disease.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To determine the relationship between the attenuation of backscatter intensity in B-scan images of the liver and diffuse liver disease in order to assess the usefulness of this method in providing quantitative objective characterization of diffuse liver diseases in general and in fatty liver in particular. METHODS Twenty-four healthy volunteers and 28 patients with elevated liver enzyme levels who underwent liver biopsy were included in this study. An automatic far-field slope (FFS) algorithm that estimates the decrease in amplitude of the backscattered echo as a function of beam depth was implemented on the noncompensated image that was acquired on a commercial phased-array ultrasound system fitted to a custom-built interface card. The images were processed at a work-station. All scans were acquired repeatedly, read, and graded blindly by experienced ultrasound radiologists. Histology obtained via needle biopsy was reviewed without knowledge of the ultrasound findings. RESULTS Analysis of the FFS data for fatty infiltration in all patient groups yielded a sensitivity of 67%, a specificity of 77%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 77%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 67%, and an accuracy of 71%. The mean score of the ultrasound reviewers showed a sensitivity of 82%, a specificity of 66%, a PPV% of 68%, an NPV of 81%, and an accuracy of 72%. Normal FFS values (false-negative) were found in five patients with proved fatty infiltration. All of these patients had coexistent moderate to severe hepatic inflammation. However, FFS data in patients with uncomplicated (pure) fatty infiltration revealed a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 80%, a PPV of 89%, an NPV of 100%, and an accuracy of 92%. The best ultrasound score yielded a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 60%, a PPV of 80%, an NPV of 100%, and an accuracy of 85% in the same patients. CONCLUSIONS The data demonstrate an excellent sensitivity (100%) of the FFS values in patients with uncomplicated fatty infiltration. This was also the only group of patients in whom the FFS score was superior to the radiologists' best score. The FFS method can be used as a tool to follow up the response to a clinical or research treatment and to obtain standardization of pattern interpretation independently of the individual reader.
Improvement in Glucose Tolerance After 1 Wk of Exercise in Patients With Mild NIDDM

We investigated the effects of 1 wk of intense exercise on glucose tolerance in 10 men with abnormal glucose tolerance [7 had mild non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), and 3 had impaired glucose tolerance]. The 7 days of exercise did not result in significant changes in body weight or maximal oxygen uptake. Plasma glucose concentration at 120 min averaged 227 ± 23 mg/dl in an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and 170 ± 18 mg/dl after the 7 days of exercise (P < .001). There was a 36% reduction in the area under the glucose tolerance curve. Plasma insulin concentration at 120 min of the OGTT averaged 172 ± 27μU/ml before and 106 ± 13 μU/ml after 7 days of exercise (P < .001); the area under the insulin curve was decreased by 32%. In contrast to the response to 7 days of exercise, one bout of exercise did not result in an improvement in glucose tolerance. These results provide evidence that regularly performed, vigorous exercise can be effective in decreasing insulin resistance and improving glucose tolerance within 7 days in some patients with mild NIDDM.
Microarray Analysis of the Fetal Hippocampus in the Emx2 Mutant

Deficiency in the transcription factor Emx2 causes a specific alteration of hippocampal development, which has been well analyzed morphologically. We are currently using microarrays and in situ hybridization to characterize gene expression in the Emx2 mutant hippocampus. In this report on our preliminary results for the fetal stage, we identify a group of genes for most of which a putative relation to Emx2 pathways has not been previously recognized. Some candidates are development genes or are involved in functional maturation, and show expression in the hippocampal plate and/or developing dentate gyrus. A second class of candidates label neuronal, glial or vascular structures in the outer marginal zone, and likely represent markers for cell populations specifically absent in the mutant. Our results point at pathways and processes altered in the mutant, particularly the Notch and chemokine pathways, the processes of cell migration, axonal guidance and angiogenesis, and the relation of pia and Cajal-Retzius cells with hippocampal morphogenesis.
Streptococcal Pharyngitis in Schoolchildren in Bamako, Mali

Background: Group A streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis is associated with high rates of rheumatic heart disease in developing countries. We sought to identify guidelines for empiric treatment of pharyngitis in low-resource settings. To inform the design of GAS vaccines, we determined the emm types associated with pharyngitis among African schoolchildren. Methods: Surveillance for pharyngitis was conducted among children 5–16 years of age attending schools in Bamako, Mali. Students were encouraged to visit a study clinician when they had a sore throat. Enrollees underwent evaluation and throat swab for isolation of GAS. Strains were emm typed by standard methods. Results: GAS was isolated from 449 (25.5%) of the 1,759 sore throat episodes. Painful cervical adenopathy was identified in 403 children (89.8%) with GAS infection and was absent in 369 uninfected children (28.2%). Emm type was determined in 396 (88.2%) of the 449 culture-positive children; 70 types were represented and 14 types accounted for 49% of isolates. Based on the proportion of the 449 isolates bearing emm types included in the 30-valent vaccine (31.0%) plus nonvaccine types previously shown to react to vaccine-induced bactericidal antibodies (44.1%), the vaccine could protect against almost 75% of GAS infections among Bamako schoolchildren. Conclusions: Two promising strategies could reduce rheumatic heart disease in low-resource settings. Administering antibiotics to children with sore throat and tender cervical adenopathy could treat most GAS-positive children while reducing use of unnecessary antibiotics for uninfected children. Broad coverage against M types associated with pharyngitis in Bamako schoolchildren might be achieved with the 30-valent GAS vaccine under development.
Motor Performance in the Third, Not the Second Month, Predicts Further Motor Development

ABSTRACT. The aim was to verify if motor performance at second or third month of life better predicts further development. The global motor development was assessed by a neurologist and by a physiotherapist in 111 children at 2, 3, 6, and 9 months. At 2 and 3 months a physiotherapist also performed the assessment of qualitative elements. The physiotherapeutic assessment in the third month showed higher compatibility with the neurological assessment. Proper motor performance at third month could ensure the level of at least 7 months in the ninth month of life. Qualitative score above 7 of 15 points in the third month ensured proper development in ninth month. Third month of life is a better predictor of further motor development.
Response of Wheat Germplasm to Infestation of English Grain Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

ABSTRACT The English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (F.), is a destructive insect pest of wheat. In this study, wheat germplasm was evaluated for resistance and tolerance to English grain aphid infestation. Except for spikelet number/spike, the 1,000-kernel weight, spike weight, grain weight/ spike, and sterile spikelet number/spike of infested plants were all significantly impacted by English grain aphid infestation. Of 292 wheat accessions, only one genotype showed English grain aphid high resistance, and most genotypes showed intermediate resistance. Tolerance index values ranged widely among all accessions, but 11 genotypes had high tolerance to English grain aphid. Different resistance and tolerance parameters were positively correlated. Five green bug-resistant genotypes had a betterEnglish grain aphid tolerance index than other genotypes. Eleven genotypes exhibited a high or moderate level of tolerance and moderate level of resistance to English grain aphid. The broad-sense heritability of 1,000-kernel weight loss rate and peak aphid density were also estimated. English grain aphid resistant and tolerant lines identified in our study will be helpful in future breeding programs.
Marketing the Academic Library with Online Social Network Advertising

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relative effectiveness of different forms of Facebook advertising in promoting the collections and services of academic libraries.Design/methodology/approach – The results of several Facebook advertising campaigns conducted by an academic library in Hong Kong are presented and analyzed. Statistics were gathered from the advertising application integrated into the social networking platform. Conclusions are drawn based on a comparison of the performance metrics of the different advertising approaches that were employed.Findings – In line with an earlier study, the results provide further support for the view that social network advertising has the potential to be a cost‐effective means of marketing academic libraries. It was also found that advertising strategies that draw upon the social features of Facebook were more effective than traditional approaches.Research limitations/implications – Since only the experience of a single institution is consi.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome: a significant association in an Iranian population

Background Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome are common diseases, which may be related. Aim To assess the association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome in a country with high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori. Methods This study was designed as cross-sectional and population-based in Tehran province, Iran. The participants were interviewed by using a valid and reliable questionnaire. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease was defined by weekly or more frequent heartburn and/or acid regurgitation. Irritable bowel syndrome was diagnosed according to the Rome III. The association between these two disorders was calculated using a statistical model that allows the odds ratio (OR) to be measured. Results A total of 6526 individuals were selected randomly, the response rate was 87.8%. Among the respondents, 178 (3.1%) participants reported both the diseases. The OR of having gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome together was estimated to be 16.55 (95% confidence interval: 12.85–21.33) indicating significant association between the two diseases. Thirty-four percent of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and 61.5% with irritable bowel syndrome suffered from both diseases. Sex did not have a significant effect on the OR of coexistence. Older participants were statistically more prone to the coexistence of two diseases. Conclusion The association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome was significantly higher in our community compared with others. Their association occurs predominantly in older participants. Further studies for understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms behind these two diseases are required.
Oestrogenic sensitivity of rat uterine secretion.

Ovariectomized adult rats with closed uteri were treated for 7 days with different oral and s.c. doses of oestradiol, oestrone, oestriol and ethinyl oestradiol. All treatments elicited the production of uterine fluid and the potencies of oestrogens were related to the amount of fluid secreted. Ethinyl oestradiol and oestradiol displayed similar activity when given s.c. A daily dose of 0-003 mg oestradiol/kg resulted in about 700 mg fluid. Oestrone was 3-10 times and oestriol about 100 times less active. Orally, ethinyl oestradiol was the most potent substance and 700 mg secretion was obtained with a dose of 0-03 mg/kg daily. Oestradiol was about 30 times, oestrone about 100 times and oestriol 50 times less active than ethinyl oestradiol by this route. The viscosity of the secretion was unaffected, remaining between 1-6 and 2-4 cP. The pH of the fluid did not change, but that of the uterine lumen diminished slightly. These effects of oestrogens were associated with an increase in the weight of the empty uterus and a decrease in body weight.
The Emergence of Captive Finance Companies and Risk Segmentation of the Consumer Loan Market:Theory and Evidence

A parental seller with market power to some degree in its product market can earn rents. In this context, there is a gain to granting credit for the purchase of the product and thus the establishment of captive finance company for expanding the sales by offering loans to consumers who need financing for purchase of durable good. This paper examines the optimal behavior of such a durable good seller and its captive finance company when the consumer loan market is segmented into captive and independent lending institutions under symmetric and imperfect information on borrowerâ€™s creditworthiness. The model presents that one critical difference for captive finance company will be its credit standard. Specifically, the model indicates that captive finance company will follow a more lenient credit standard, leading to the prediction that the likelihood of repayment of a captive loan is lower than that of a bank loan, other things equal. This prediction is tested using unique data sets drawn from a major credit bureau in the U.S. The analysis of credit bureau data shows that a captive automobile loan is less likely to be repaid than a bank automobile loan, which supports the theoretical prediction.