Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D‐effective solar UV radiation, dietary vitamin D and breast cancer risk

Vitamin D is well known for its important role in calcium and phosphor homeostasis. Recent research suggests that vitamin D also prevent some type of cancers. We studied solar vitamin D effective UV radiation (VD dose), dietary vitamin D, sun‐seeking holidays, use of solarium, frequency of sunburn and breast cancer risk in a large population‐based cohort study. A total of 41,811 women from the prospective Norwegian Women and Cancer Study, aged 40–70 years at baseline, were followed from 1997/1998 to 2007. Dietary vitamin D intake was calculated at baseline. Information on historical VD dose was used as a proxy for cutaneously obtained vitamin D status. Cox proportional hazards model was used. We adjusted for age, height, BMI, baseline menopausal status, use of hormone replacement therapy, use of oral contraception, alcohol, mother's history of breast cancer, mammography and parity. During 8.5 years of follow‐up, 948 new cases of breast cancer were registered using data from the Norwegian Cancer Registry. We found no significant associations between VD dose, or vitamin D intake, or sun‐seeking holidays, or use of solarium, or frequency of sunburn, and breast cancer risk. Relative risks (95% confidence intervals) for highest versus lowest category were 1.17 (0.95–1.44), 0.95 (0.75–1.21), 1.07 (0.87–1.32), 0.93 (0.76–1.14) and 1.10 (0.89–1.36), respectively. Our results do not support an association between vitamin D status, and breast cancer risk.
De-regulated expression of the BRG1 chromatin remodeling factor in bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells induces senescence associated with the silencing of NANOG and changes in the levels of chromatin proteins

Stem cells have a peculiar chromatin architecture that contributes to their unique properties, including uncommitted status, multi/pluripotency and self-renewal. We analyzed the effect of the de-regulation of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) through the silencing and up-regulation of BRG1, which is the ATPase subunit of the complex. The altered expression of BRG1 promoted the senescence of MSC with suppression of the NANOG transcription, which is part of the transcriptional circuitry governing stem cell functions. To gain insight on the way NANOG was silenced, we evaluated how the de-regulated BRG1 expression affect the binding of activators and repressors on the NANOG promoter. We found 4 E2F binding motifs on NANOG promoter, which can be occupied by RB1 and RB2/P130. These are members of the retinoblastoma gene family. In MSC with a silenced BRG1, the relative binding of the 2 retinoblastoma proteins increased, and this was associated with the recruitment of DNMT1. This induced the methylation of CpG on the NANOG promoter. Opposingly, when a high level of BRG1 was present, the same E2F binding motifs were docking sites for BRG1, which induced chromatin compaction without CpG methylation but with increased histone deacetylation, associated with the presence of HDAC1 on E2F binding sites. Besides the sharp regulation of the NANOG expression, we evidenced, through proteomic analysis, that the de-regulation of the SWI/SNF function affected the expression of histones and other nuclear proteins involved in “nuclear architecture,” suggesting that BRG1 may act as global regulator of gene expression.
The Influence of Board Composition on Sustainable Development Disclosure

Despite knowing the potential effect of social reporting on firms' continuity, there is limited research into the influence of the composition of boards of directors on CSR disclosure. This paper adds to the emerging CSR literature empirical evidence by examining how board composition relates to a firm's social and environmental disclosure as well as the implementation of social policies. Using a sample of FTSE 350 firms for the period 2007–2012, the results show that higher board independence facilitates the conveying of firms' good citizenship image through enhancing societal conscience. The results also show that female participation on boards is favorably affecting CSR engagement and reporting as well as the establishment of ethical policies. Hence, the research suggests that boards with higher female participation and independence boost the legitimacy of CSR reporting. Board gender diversity and independence facilitates directing part of the firm's scarce resources toward value maximizing social projects and subsequent reporting on these. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Essays on bond and commodity markets

This study contributes to the existing literature on home bias by exploring the relationship between domestic creditor protection and foreign investment decisions in bond markets. It also investigates how the difference between domestic and foreign creditor protections affects the foreign investment. The impact of domestic creditor protection on cross-border investment in bonds is twofold. A high level of domestic creditor protection increases international diversification. At the same time, an efficient protection of creditor rights at home reduces the sensitivity of foreign investment to foreign creditor protection. These results hold most strongly for investing countries with high levels of domestic creditor protection. In addition, this study shows that the difference between domestic and foreign creditor protections matters for investment decisions: If domestic creditor protection is more efficient than foreign creditor protection, the sensitivity of foreign investment to foreign (domestic) creditor protection decreases (increases). JEL Classification: G02, G11, G15, G30
Shared Care Contributions to Self-Care and Quality of Life in Chronic Cardiac Patients

Shared care is an interpersonal interaction system composed of communication, decision making, and reciprocity; it is used by patients and family caregivers (care dyads) to exchange social support. This study’s purpose was to describe the contributions of shared care to outcomes for individuals with cardiac disease. A secondary data analysis was used to answer the following questions. What is the association between elements of shared care and patient outcomes? Do dyad perceptions of shared care differentially contribute to patient outcomes? Participants in this study were 93 individuals with a cardiac disease and 93 family caregivers. Composite index structured equation modeling was the analytic tool. Caregiver communication and reciprocity were related to patient mental quality of life. Patient communication and reciprocity were related to their own mental and physical quality of life and self-care confidence. Findings from this study contribute a better understanding of how care dyads are integral to patient outcomes.
The relationship between the intensity of intra-amniotic inflammation and the presence and severity of acute histologic chorioamnionitis in preterm gestation

Abstract Objective: Acute histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) is associated with an increased risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the intensity of intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI) and the severity of acute HCA in preterm gestation. Methods: The relationship between the intensity of IAI and the presence and severity of acute HCA was examined in 412 patients with singleton gestations who delivered within 120 h of transabdominal amniocentesis. The concentration of amniotic fluid (AF) matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 was assayed to determine the presence and intensity of IAI. Acute HCA was defined as the presence of inflammatory change in any tissue samples according to the criteria previously reported. The total grade of acute HCA was used to determine the severity of HCA. Results: (1) Patients with IAI had a significantly higher rate of acute HCA than those without IAI [76.9% (133/173)] versus 20.9% (50/239), p < 0.001]. The AF MMP-8 concentration was significantly higher in patients with acute HCA than in those without acute HCA (median [range]; 188.3 ng/ml [0.3–6142.6] versus 1.8 ng/ml [0.3–2845.5], p < 0.001); (2) Of 183 patients with acute HCA, the AF MMP-8 concentration was positively correlated with the severity of acute HCA (p < 0.001). Conclusions: AF MMP-8 concentration was not only a predictor of the presence of acute HCA, but its concentration also correlated with the severity of acute HCA. The higher the intensity of IAI, the worse the degree of acute HCA in preterm gestation.
Leukemia-induced phenotypic and functional defects in natural killer cells predict failure to achieve remission in acute myeloid leukemia

The majority of patients with acute myeloid leukemia will relapse, and older patients often fail to achieve remission with induction chemotherapy. We explored the possibility that leukemic suppression of innate immunity might contribute to treatment failure. Natural killer cell phenotype and function was measured in 32 consecutive acute myeloid leukemia patients at presentation, including 12 achieving complete remission. Compared to 15 healthy age-matched controls, natural killer cells from acute myeloid leukemia patients were abnormal at presentation, with downregulation of the activating receptor NKp46 (P=0.007) and upregulation of the inhibitory receptor NKG2A (P=0.04). Natural killer cells from acute myeloid leukemia patients had impaired effector function against autologous blasts and K562 targets, with significantly reduced CD107a degranulation, TNF-α and IFN-γ production. Failure to achieve remission was associated with NKG2A overexpression and reduced TNF-α production. These phenotypic and functional abnormalities were partially restored in the 12 patients achieving remission. In vitro co-incubation of acute myeloid leukemia blasts with natural killer cells from healthy donors induced significant impairment in natural killer cell TNF-α and IFN-γ production (P=0.02 and P=0.01, respectively) against K562 targets and a trend to reduced CD107a degranulation (P=0.07). Under transwell conditions, the inhibitory effect of AML blasts on NK cytotoxicity and effector function was still present, and this inhibitory effect was primarily mediated by IL-10. These results suggest that acute myeloid leukemia blasts induce long-lasting changes in natural killer cells, impairing their effector function and reducing the competence of the innate immune system, favoring leukemia survival.
Numerical Analysis of Phase Noise Characteristics of SGDBR Lasers

Detailed analyses of the phase noise characteristics of tunable sampled grating distributed Bragg reflector (SGDBR) lasers are presented in this paper. Based on the transmission line laser model, we derive the Langevin rate equations for the photon number and the electric-field phase in the cavity of SGDBR lasers. This model includes the spontaneous emission white noise in active section and the carrier shot noise in passive tuning sections, both of which contribute to the enhancement of the laser phase noise. Based on this model, the frequency modulation (FM) noise spectrum is calculated from the instantaneous laser phase fluctuation. The white noise linewidth and carrier shot noise linewidth are then calculated according to the FM noise spectrum. The linewidth tuning curves as a function of the currents in passive sections are simulated and the laser linewidth is strongly dependent on the tuning currents. Lower white noise linewidth is obtained when the longitudinal mode is located on the longer wavelength side of the total reflection-peak wavelength of the front and back gratings. However, the carrier shot noise linewidth increases with the increase of the injected current within each longitudinal mode. Finally, the impact of structural parameters on the linewidth is discussed.
The Investment Performance of Art in Mainland China

ABSTRACT This article investigates price determinants and investment performance for paintings from mainland China using hedonic regression analysis applied to a new dataset from over 190,000 auction transactions. The price index obtained indicates that from 2000 to 2015, the average annual appreciation in value of Chinese art was 8.42% in real USD. Compared with American artwork, global artwork, and traditional financial assets, Chinese art possesses a comparatively better risk and return profile and a low correlation with other assets. Finally, regarding the masterpiece effect, the conclusion is that highly priced Chinese art does not underperform the market.
MIMO radar transmit beampattern synthesis based on Genetic Algorithm

MIMO radar is an emerging technology that is attracting the interest of researchers. Each element for MIMO radar systems can transmit an arbitrary waveform, which leads to more flexibility for signal optimization and transmit beampattern synthesis. Here we propose a new method to synthesis MIMO radar transmit beampattern based on Genetic Algorithm. By employing Genetic Algorithm to select the best set of polyphase coded signals, we can approximate a desired beampattern which can hardly be achieved by its phased-array radar counterpart.
UPF at INEX 2010 Towards Query-type based Focused Retrieval

This paper describes our participation at INEX 2010. We participated in two diﬀerent tracks: ad-hoc and data-centric. We ﬁrst propose a classiﬁcation of INEX topics and analyze several characteristics of the relevance assessments from INEX 2009 for each of the topic classes. The goal of our study is to investigate whether there are differences in relevance judgements between topic classes in order to use this information at retrieval time. We also present the experiments we performed on the INEX 2010 data. In the ad-hoc track we study the performance eﬀects of changing the article order (fetching phase) while in the data-centric track we experiment with the use of diﬀerent indices and retrievable element types. Our main ﬁnding is that indexing uniquely movie documents leads to much better performance than indexing the complete collection.
Effects of a Web-Based Intervention on Family Functioning Following Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective: Investigate effectiveness of an online Counselor-Assisted Problem-Solving (CAPS) intervention on family functioning after traumatic brain injury. Methods: Participants were randomized to CAPS (n = 65) or Internet resource comparison (IRC; n = 67). CAPS is a counselor-assisted web-based program. IRC was given access to online resources. Outcomes were examined at 6, 12, and 18 months after baseline. Injury severity, age, and socioeconomic status were examined as moderators. Results: A main effect of time was noted for teen-reported conflict and parent-reported problem solving. CAPS had decreased parent-reported conflict and a reduction in parental effective communication. Effects were specific to subsets of the sample. Conclusion: CAPS, a family-based problem-solving intervention designed to address problem behaviors, had modest effects on some aspects of family functioning compared with IRC. Effects were generally limited to subsets of the families and were not evident across all follow-up assessments.
MATERNAL ANCESTRY OF THE RUTILUS ALBURNOIDES COMPLEX (TELEOSTEI, CYPRINIDAE) AS DETERMINED BY ANALYSIS OF CYTOCHROME b SEQUENCES

Cytochrome b (cyt b) sequences from specimens of the Rutilus alburnoides unisexual complex and five bisexual species were compared to examine hypotheses regarding the origin and maternal ancestry of this complex. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a monophyletic relationship among unisexuals and Leuciscus pyrenaicus, clearly identifying this species as the maternal ancestor. Considerable mtDNA diversity exists among R. alburnoides populations, with many localities exhibiting unique haplotypes. The topology recovered from analysis of cyt b variation among populations suggested that R. alburnoides is polyphyletically derived from their sympatric L. pyrenaicus populations, indicating that unisexual lineages have been generated through multiple hybridization events. Although much less abundant, R. alburnoides is present outside the range of L. pyrenaicus, suggesting that it may have dispersed from the Tejo drainage into the northern basins. In this region, Leuciscus carolitertii is most likely the sexual host for the unisexual complex.
Characterization of the antiviral effects of 2′ carbodeoxyguanosine in ducks chronically infected with duck hepatitis B virus

This study was carried out to evaluate benefits and limitations of long‐term therapy of hepatitis B virus infections with a nucleoside analog inhibitor of virus replication. The model we used was the domestic duck chronically infected with duck hepatitis B virus by in ovo infection. 2′ Carbodeoxyguanosine was used as an inhibitor of viral DNA synthesis. In all animals examined there was a reduction in virus production during therapy. A dose of 2′ carbodeoxyguanosine of 10 μg/kg every other day reduced the number of infected hepatocytes from greater than 95 to 25 to 50 in less than 3 mo, whereas a 10‐fold higher dose produced a decline to less than 10. Histological evaluation revealed mild to moderate liver injury in ducks receiving the higher dose of 2′ carbodeoxyguanosine, suggesting that disappearance of infected hepatocytes may have been accelerated by a toxic effect of the drug. Drug treatment did not completely eliminate duck hepatitis B virus from any duck, and replication was restored in all hepatocytes within a few weeks to several months after antiviral therapy was terminated. Our results suggest that elimination of a chronic infection with a single inhibitor of replication may be difficult in a host that lacks an antiviral immune response capable of eliminating at least a portion of the infected hepatocytes and of ultimately producing antibodies capable of neutralizing residual virus. (Hepatology 1994; 19:398–411).
The Life of a Policy: An Afrocentric Case Study Policy Analysis of Florida Statute 1003.42(h)

THE LIFE OF A POLICY: AN AFROCENTRIC CASE STUDY POLICY ANALYSIS OF FLORIDA STATUTE 1003.42(H) Under the direction of Joyce. E. King, Ph.D. By Chike Akua The purpose of this study is to examine how members of the community, educators, legislators, and members of the academy organized and mobilized to bring Florida Statute 1003.42(h) into being. This Afrocentric case study policy analysis centers African people, educators, and policymakers as agents, actors, and subjects with agency who determined that such legislation was needed and necessary for the education of African American students and all students. Data, in the form of document analysis, websites in the states of New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and South Carolina with similar laws, and Florida’s Commissioner’s Task Force on African American History, newspaper accounts, and interviews with key people involved in the creation of the Florida legislation, were analyzed using an Africological methodology. Findings include several major themes that emerged about educational curriculum content, intent, needs, and analysis relative to why this legislation was sponsored and passed including: (a) inaccuracy and omission, (b) correction and inclusion, (c) consciousness and competence, (d) policy and priority, (e) power and precedence. The final product includes a theory of Selective Memory Manipulation and a Paradigm for Afrocentric Educational Policy Production and
Patients’ Preferences for Primary Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Survey of the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Korea

Background/Aims The adoption of colonoscopy as a primary colorectal cancer (CRC) screening technique has been argued for in Korea, without evidence of patient preferences. This study aimed to investigate patients’ preferences for the primary CRC screening test for the National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP). Methods Between June and August 2016, 414 individuals aged ≥50 years who participated in the NCSP were prospectively invited to complete a questionnaire regarding their preferences for the primary CRC screening test and the reasons for their selection. Results Among the 396 respondents who completed the questionnaire, 124 individuals (31.3%) preferred the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), whereas 272 individuals (68.7%) preferred colonoscopy. Elderly participants preferred the FIT (p<0.001), whereas participants with a higher education level (p=0.030), a higher income level (p=0.009), or individuals with a family member (p=0.028) or acquaintance (p=0.013) with a history of CRC preferred colonoscopy. Only 12.9% of participants had a bad experience with a previous FIT; however, 39.3% of participants had a bad experience with a previous colonoscopy. Conclusions Colonoscopy was preferred to FIT in a 2.2:1 ratio as the primary CRC screening test for the NCSP. Patients’ preference for colonoscopy should be considered for the NCSP in Korea.
Performance of everolimus-eluting versus paclitaxel-eluting coronary stents in small vessels: results from the SPIRIT III and SPIRIT IV clinical trials.

BACKGROUND Higher rates of adverse cardiac events have been observed in patients with small vessel disease. Therefore, we compared an everolimus-eluting stent (EES) to a paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) for treatment of small (reference vessel diameter: RVD <2.5 mm) and larger vessels (≥2.5 mm) in a pooled analysis from the SPIRIT III (n = 1,002) and SPIRIT IV (n = 3,687) trials (randomized 2:1, EES vs. PES). METHODS Data of 4,689 total patients were pooled for a patient level analysis. Lesion length, RVD, and percent diabetics were matched between stent types. EES versus PES performance was evaluated at 1 year in patients with small (n = 1,019) and larger vessels (n = 2,586) who had a single lesion treated. RESULTS Mean RVD assessed by quantitative coronary angiography in patients with small vessels was 2.24 ± 0.19 and 2.25 ± 0.20 mm in the EES and PES groups, respectively. At 1 year, EES compared to PES in small vessel patients significantly reduced major adverse cardiac events (4.5% vs. 7.9%, P = 0.04), target lesion failure (4.4% vs. 7.9%, P = 0.03), target lesion revascularization (2.4% vs. 5.5%, P = 0.02), and stent thrombosis (0.2% vs. 1.2%, P = 0.04). Relative benefits of EES versus PES were comparable in small and larger vessels (P interaction > 0.05), although the absolute benefits were greater in patients with small vessel disease. CONCLUSION In high-risk patients requiring percutaneous coronary intervention in small coronary arteries, EES results in significantly improved 1-year rates of event-free survival compared to PES, with evidence present for both enhanced safety and efficacy.