Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using NanoDot dosimetry to study the RS 2000 X-ray Biological Irradiator

Abstract Purpose: To use NanoDot dosimeters to study the RS 2000 X-ray Biological Irradiator dosimetry characteristics and perform in vivo dosimetry for cell or small animal experiments. Methods and materials: We first calibrated the Landauer NanoDot™ Reader by irradiating some NanoDot dosimeters with a set of known doses at specific positions defined by the irradiator. A group of five NanoDot dosimeters were placed at five specific positions where the dose rates were known and provided by the irradiator. Each group was irradiated for a set of times respectively. By correlating the readings of dosimeters with the given irradiated doses, we established the dose-reading relationship for the irradiator under the specific running condition. The established calibration curve was validated by exposing arbitrary known doses to a set of dosimeters, using the Landauer NanoDot™ Reader to measure the doses, and then making the comparison between the two doses. To study the dose gradient of the X-ray inside the irradiated target (dose variation/cm), we placed dosimeters under different thicknesses of water-equivalent bolus and irradiated them, then measured the doses to determine the dose gradient. Results: Using the method described above, we were able to calibrate the Landauer InLight NanoDot™ Reader and use NanoDot dosimeters to measure the actual doses delivered to the targets for the cell/small animal experiments that use the RS 2000 X-ray Biological Irradiator. Conclusions: NanoDots are ideal dosimeters to use for in vivo dosimetry for cell/small animal irradiation experiments. The dose decrease inside the animal tissue is about 20% per cm.
Motivations of Individuals Participating in Social Media: A Cultural Perspective

Social media is an information technology that allows users to communicate and share information. With steadily rising number of users across the globe, individuals participate in various activities, like connecting with friends and community members, sharing information, posting political messages, disaster recovery activities, reading daily news, learning, and entertainment, each driven by different sets of motivations. Culture has an influence on the kind of motivation ― pro-social and personal needs oriented ― that drives social media usage by individuals. Using Hofstede’s (1984b) cultural dimensions, the paper suggests that each of the dimensions will have influences on the social media behaviors differently. Such a cultural perspective helps future social media users to plan the kind of activity and information sharing based on the kind of motivation driving the target audience and the platform providers to design and market accordingly.
Risk of Clostridium difficile-Associated Disease Among Patients Receiving Proton-Pump Inhibitors in a Quebec Medical Intensive Care Unit

Our study was conducted to determine whether use of gastric acid-suppressive agents increased the risk of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) in a medical intensive care unit of one of the first hospitals to be threatened by the current CDAD epidemic in Quebec, Canada. Our findings suggest that efforts to determine risk factors for CDAD should focus on other areas, such as older age and antibiotic use.
Analysts' Forecasts, Market Expectations, and the Misweighting of Firm-Level Information

Because investors’ expectations of future earnings are unobservable, a large body of literature uses the firm-specific consensus analyst forecast to proxy for these expectations. However, prior research documents systematic differences between market expectations and analyst forecasts with respect to their propensities to incorporate some firm-level information. Using data from 1986 through 2012, we examine the extent to which market expectations differ from analyst forecasts by developing an alternative proxy for the market’s expectations of future earnings as reflected in stock returns (i.e., the implied market forecast). Based on predictable errors in the implied market forecast, we create a trading strategy that generates excess returns (of about 8% per year) which cannot be explained by predictable errors in the consensus analyst forecast. In addition, our strategy, which uses predictable errors in the implied market forecast, outperforms a strategy that uses predictable errors in the consensus analyst forecast, especially in recent years. Overall, our results reveal the extent to which market expectations differ from analyst forecasts and underscore the importance of developing alternative proxies for market expectations.
Lysophosphatidylcholine Stimulates the Release of Arachidonic Acid in Human Endothelial Cells*

Lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC) is a product of phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and is present in cell membranes, oxidized lipoproteins, and atherosclerotic tissues. It has the ability to alter endothelial functions and is regarded as a causal agent in atherogenesis. In this study, the modulation of arachidonate release by lyso-PC in human umbilical vein endothelial cells was examined. Incubation of endothelial cells with lyso-PC resulted in an enhanced release of arachidonate in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Maximum arachidonate release was observed at 10 min of incubation with 50 μmlyso-PC. Lyso-PC species containing palmitoyl (C16:0) or stearoyl (C18:0) groups elicited the enhancement of arachidonate release, while other lysolipids such as lysophosphatidylethanolamine, lysophosphatidylserine, lysophosphatidylinositol, or lysophosphatidate were relatively ineffective. Lyso-PC-induced arachidonate release was decreased by treatment of cells with PLA2 inhibitors such aspara-bromophenacyl bromide and arachidonoyl trifluoromethyl ketone. Furthermore, arachidonate release was attenuated in cells grown in the presence of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides that specifically bind cytosolic PLA2 mRNA. Treatment of cells with lyso-PC resulted in a translocation of PLA2 activity from the cytosolic to the membrane fractions of cells. Lyso-PC induced a rapid influx of Ca2+ from the medium into the cells, with a simultaneous enhancement of protein kinase C (PKC) activity in the membrane fractions. The lyso-PC-induced arachidonate release was attenuated when cells were preincubated with specific inhibitors of PKC (staurosporine and Ro31–8220) or a specific inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular regulated kinase kinase (PD098059). Taken together, the results of this study show that lyso-PC caused the elevation of cellular Ca2+ and the activation of PKC, which stimulated cytosolic PLA2 in an indirect manner and resulted in an enhanced release of arachidonate.
Injury Profile in Ice Hockey from the 1970s through the 1990s in Finland

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, types, and mechanisms of injury in Finnish ice hockey players at the highest competition level in different decades. Several teams were observed prospectively during the seasons between 1976 and 1979, and in the 1988 to 1989 and 1992 to 1993 seasons. An injury was defined as any sudden trauma requiring examination and treatment by a physician. The inclusion criteria were the same during the entire study. A total of 641 injuries were recorded. The injury rate per game increased significantly from 54 per 1000 player-hours in the 1970s to 83 per 1000 player-hours in the 1990s. The injury profile in the 1980s and 1990s differed from that in the 1970s. Per 1000 player-years, the rate of contusions as well as of sprains or strains increased significantly with each decade. Checking and unintentional collision with an opponent were common mechanisms of injury throughout the study, and the rate of injury by these mechanisms has continually increased. In conclusion, we suggest that there has been an increase in rough body contact between players, causing an alarming increase in the rate of ice hockey injuries.
Adaptive DC-link STATCOM for power system transient instability damping

Synchronous generator is the most common power source in power systems. However, when transient events such as load switching and fault occur, its mechanical input driving system may not be able to track the change of electrical power output. This results in instability of the generator, which possibly causes further failure of the overall system. This paper presents a technique to provide the system an ability to cope with transient events by improving the ability of STATCOMs that already installed in the network, in order to assist the system for damping electromechanical oscillation. The proposed idea gives the DC-link of STATCOMs the ability to react to real power variation adaptively. Simulation results illustrate that this adaptive DC-link STATCOM has a superior performance for both real and reactive power supports, compared to the ordinary ones. With this enhanced performance STATCOM inside, stability margin of the overall system will be increased.
Data Leakage Prevention for Secure Cross-Domain Information Exchange

Cross-domain information exchange is an increasingly important capability for conducting efficient and secure operations, both within coalitions and within single nations. A data guard is a common cross-domain sharing solution that inspects the security labels of exported data objects and validates that they are such that they can be released according to policy. While we see that guard solutions can be implemented with high assurance, we find that obtaining an equivalent level of assurance in the correctness of the security labels easily becomes a hard problem in practical scenarios. Thus, a weakness of the guard-based solution is that there is often limited assurance in the correctness of the security labels. To mitigate this, guards make use of content checkers such as dirty word lists as a means of detecting mislabeled data. To improve the overall security of such cross-domain solutions, we investigate more advanced content checkers based on the use of machine learning. Instead of relying on manually specified dirty word lists, we can build data-driven methods that automatically infer the words associated with classified content. However, care must be taken when constructing and deploying these methods as naive implementations are vulnerable to manipulation attacks. In order to provide a better context for performing classification, we monitor the incoming information flow and use the audit trail to construct controlled environments. The usefulness of this deployment scheme is demonstrated using a real collection of classified and unclassified documents.
Dynamic Estimation on Output Elasticity of Highway Capital Stock in China

By using the Perpetual Inventory Method to calculate the capital stock of highway in China from 1988 to 2016, the paper builds the State Space Model based on Translog Production Function, according to the Ridge Regression and Kalman Filter Method, the dynamic estimation results of output elasticity are measured continuously and analyzed. The conclusions show that: Firstly, China’s growth speed on highway industry capital stock are divided into three stages which are respectively from 1988 to 2000, from 2001 to 2009 and from 2010 to 2016, during which shows steady growth, between which reflect rapid growth; Secondly, the output elasticity of highway capital stock, being between 0.154 and 0.248, is slightly larger than the output elasticity of human input factor, lower than the output elasticity of the technical level, shows positive effect on transport economy and rises steadily, but the output efficiency is low on the whole; Thirdly, around the year of 2010, the scale pay on highway industry begins to highlight the characteristic of increase.
Proteomic analysis by two-dimensional electrophoresis to identify the normal human chondrocyte proteome stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1beta.

OBJECTIVE To determine the intracellular proteome of normal human chondrocytes stimulated with interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and to ascertain differences in the protein expression patterns of these 2 cytokines. METHODS Normal human knee cartilage chondrocytes were incubated for 48 hours without stimulation or stimulated with IL-1beta (5 ng/ml) or with TNFalpha (10 ng/ml). For each culture condition, protein extracts from 4 normal subjects were pooled and resolved using 2-dimensional electrophoresis. Protein spots were visualized with Sypro stain, and qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed using PDQuest software. Protein spots were then identified by mass spectrometry, using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight/time-of-flight technology. RESULTS We identified 37 spots by mass spectrometry (MS) or by MS/MS, corresponding to 35 different proteins. In IL-1beta-stimulated chondrocytes, IL-1beta was found to modulate 22 proteins, as compared with unstimulated chondrocytes. All of these proteins except connective tissue growth factor (CCND2) were up-regulated. Proteins involved in cellular metabolism and energy (23%) that were up-regulated or induced by IL-1beta included nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, long-chain fatty acid-coenzyme A ligase 4, delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, triosephosphate isomerase, and an isoform of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. In TNFalpha-stimulated chondrocytes, TNFalpha was found to modulate 20 proteins, as compared with unstimulated chondrocytes. All of these except chitinase 3-like 1 (cartilage glycoprotein 39), proteasome activator complex subunit 2, and G3PDH, were up-regulated. Eighteen proteins were differently modulated by IL-1beta and TNFalpha. Of these, 45% were related to metabolism. CONCLUSION IL-1beta and TNFalpha induce different profiles of intracellular protein expression in healthy human chondrocytes. Most of the proteins that are differently regulated are proteins that are implicated in the generation of cellular energy and in glycolysis.
Information Transfer in a TEM Corrected for Spherical and Chromatic Aberration

Abstract For the transmission electron aberration-corrected microscope (TEAM) initiative of five U.S. Department of Energy laboratories in the United States, a correction system for the simultaneous compensation of the primary axial aberrations, the spherical aberration Cs, and the chromatic aberration Cc has been developed and successfully installed. The performance of the resulting Cc /Cs-corrected TEAM instrument has been investigated thoroughly. A significant improvement of the linear contrast transfer can be demonstrated. The information about the instrument one obtains using Young's fringe method is compared for uncorrected, Cs-corrected, and Cc /Cs-corrected instruments. The experimental results agree well with simulations. The conclusions might be useful to others in understanding the process of image formation in a Cc /Cs-corrected transmission electron microscope.
Condition-dependent strategies of eggshell pigmentation: an experimental study of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

SUMMARY A relationship has been suggested between eggshell colour and female body condition based on the opposing antioxidant properties of the two main eggshell pigments: the antioxidant biliverdin (blue–green) and the pro-oxidant protoporphyrin (brown). We hypothesized that experimentally food-restricted females with low antioxidant capacity would deposit more protoporphyrin and less biliverdin in their eggshells, resulting in eggshells of reduced brightness but increased colour intensity. Two eggs were collected at the beginning and two at the end of a 2 week period from each of 24 female Japanese quails that were either food restricted or receiving ad libitum food (i.e. controls) during that time. Reflectance spectra were recorded and analysed using spectral shape descriptors, chromatic and achromatic contrasts were computed accounting for avian visual sensitivities, and eggshell pigments were quantified. We examined both spot and background pigmentation and found no significant effect of food restriction on eggshell reflectance. However, food-restricted females in lower body condition increased the deposition of protoporphyrin and decreased the amount of biliverdin invested in their eggshells. We hypothesize that in species laying brown-spotted eggshells, females modulate eggshell pigment investment in response to their body condition. According to this hypothesis, we predict that females maintain eggshell colour to limit visible changes that could be detected by predators and thereby conceal their eggs, although this work has yet to be conducted. We suggest that further experimental work on egg camouflage under different environmental conditions will elaborate on the process of pigment deposition and the physiological costs to females of laying heavily pigmented eggshells.
China’s foreign trade: Reform, performance and contribution to economic growth

Over the past four decades, China has successfully transformed from a nearly closed state into a fully integrated international economy and has become an active participant in global markets. In particular, since China’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), its foreign trade has achieved rapid growth and transformation. Integration into international production networks and global value chains has seen China evolve into a global manufacturing and trade centre, contributing to its rapid economic growth.
Quality of life in HIV disease as measured by the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire

Objective:To test the acceptability, validity, and internal consistency reliability of the McGill quality of life questionnaire (MQOL) for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Design:The validity of MQOL was tested by having HIV-seropositive outpatients complete the 16-item MQOL, a single-item scale (SIS) measuring overall quality of life (QOL), and a physical symptom questionnaire. Methods:Factor analysis was used as a guide for construction of MQOL subscales. Validity was studied by determining the correlation between MQOL and SIS, and between MQOL physical measures, CD4 counts and the physical symptoms questionnaire. Multiple regression was employed to determine how best to combine MQOL subscales to predict SIS. Results:MQOL was acceptable to this patient population. Factor analysis suggests that MQOL can be represented by five measures: a single item measuring physical well-being and four subscales representing physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, existential well-being, and support. Multiple regression analyses suggest that the existential domain contributes greatly to QOL for people with advanced HIV disease (CD4 counts < 100×106/l). Conclusion:MQOL is an acceptable and valid measure of QOL for people living with HIV/AIDS, with meaningful and reliable subscales as well as a summary score. The inclusion of a measure of existential well-being in MQOL may make it a more valid measure of QOL, especially for people with advanced disease, than QOL instruments which do not include this domain.
Applying Gene Expression, Proteomics and Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Analysis for Complex Trait Gene Identification

Previous quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of an intercross involving the inbred mouse strains NZB/BlNJ and SM/J revealed QTL for a variety of complex traits. Many QTL have large intervals containing hundreds of genes, and methods are needed to rapidly sort through these genes for probable candidates. We chose nine QTL: the three most significant for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, gallstone formation, and obesity. We searched for candidate genes using three different approaches: mRNA microarray gene expression technology to assess >45,000 transcripts, publicly available SNPs to locate genes that are not identical by descent and that contain nonsynonymous coding differences, and a mass-spectrometry-based proteomics technology to interrogate nearly 1000 proteins for differential expression in the liver of the two parental inbred strains. This systematic approach reduced the number of candidate genes within each QTL from hundreds to a manageable list. Each of the three approaches selected candidates that the other two approaches missed. For example, candidate genes such as Apoa2 and Acads had differential protein levels although the mRNA levels were similar. We conclude that all three approaches are important and that focusing on a single approach such as mRNA expression may fail to identify a QTL gene.
Opinions of parents, teachers and school board members regarding healthy eating: a qualitative investigation of lay Thai people's perspectives.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and dental caries is increasing in Thai preschool children. Parents and teachers influence the diet of young children. OBJECTIVE To inform on, and be aware of what foods and drinks the children have consumed MATERIAL AND METHOD The present qualitative study investigated attitudes and practices among parents, school board members and teachers regarding preschool children's eating behaviors and regarding factors influencing children to purchase snacks and beverages. One hundred and fifty five persons took part in 14 focus group discussions. RESULTS Regarding healthy eating in school, the participants were concerned only with the nutritional aspects of healthy eating and the specific foods eaten by the children. Factors influencing children 's food choices included children 's classmates, social factors, socioeconomic status, advertising, packaging, and marketing techniques. CONCLUSION These results made parents, teachers, and school board members realize that their children faced problems regarding their diet and health, and need to seek out their own strategies about how to promote healthy eating among preschool children.
Synthesis of High-Performance PM Motors with Concentrated Windings

The windings concentrated around the teeth offer obvious advantages for the electrical machines with radial air-gap, because the volume of copper used in the end-windings can be reduced. The Joule losses are decreased and the efficiency is improved. These machines are still limited to applications of subfractional power and they generally present a reduced number of phases. In the three-phase machines, the concentrated winding is too often restricted to a winding with a short pitch of 120 electrical degrees, i. e. , to a winding with performances reduced compared to the traditional structures. But there is a significant number of three-phase structures that can support a concentrated winding if the number of poles is increased. In this article, the authors present a synthesis of the structures of three-phase machines with concentrated windings. In the first part, the structures with a regular distribution of the slots are presented. A systematic method is proposed to determine the windings and the performances are discussed. In the second part, the authors present original structures of three-phase machines with concentrated windings that use an irregular distribution of the slots. A specific method to identify these structures is described, and a comparative analysis of the performances of the original and traditional structures is performed by using a field calculation software.