Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of two different doses of oral cholecalciferol supplementation on serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels in healthy Indian postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial

Aim: To compare the effect of two different doses (500 and 1000 IU/day) of oral vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) on serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in apparently healthy postmenopausal Indian women. Materials and Methods: Serum 25(OH)D, calcium with albumin, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase were measured in 92 apparently healthy postmenopausal women. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of the three groups and received supplementation for 3 months each. Each group received 1000 mg calcium carbonate daily while groups B and C received 500 and 1000 IU of cholecalciferol in addition, respectively. The tests were repeated after 3 months. Results: At baseline, 83.7% subjects had vitamin D deficiency (≤20 ng/mL). The difference in the percentage change in mean serum 25(OH)D levels from baseline in group A (–30.5 ± 5.3%), group B (+8.9 ± 19.7%), and in group C (+97.8 ± 53.3%) was statistically significant (P < 0.001) between the three groups. Serum 25(OH)D level >20 ng/mL was achieved in 4.7% (1/21), 16% (4/25), and 66.67% (12/18) subjects in groups A, B, and C, respectively. No significant change was found in serum calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase levels at 3 months in either of the groups from baseline. Conclusions: Standard dose of cholecalciferol available in “calcium tablets” (250 IU per 500 mg calcium carbonate) is not adequate for achieving optimum serum 25(OH)D levels in Indian postmenopausal women. Higher dose of vitamin D supplementation with 1000 IU/day (500 IU per 500 mg calcium carbonate) daily is superior to the standard dose therapy. For achievement of optimum serum 25(OH)D levels (>30 ng/mL) in Indian postmenopausal women, still higher doses of vitamin D are likely to be required.
Ventricular Fibrillation During No‐Flow Global Ischemia in Isolated Rabbit Hearts

Introduction: The dominant frequency (DF) during ventricular fibrillation (VF) in Langendorff‐perfused guinea pig hearts is higher in left ventricle (LV) than in right ventricle (RV). However, the onset of VF invariably leads to global ischemia. Whether or not a high DF source exists in LV during global ischemia is unknown.
Antibody Recognition and Neutralization Determinants on Domains I and II of West Nile Virus Envelope Protein

ABSTRACT Previous studies have demonstrated that monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against an epitope on the lateral surface of domain III (DIII) of the West Nile virus (WNV) envelope (E) strongly protect against infection in animals. Herein, we observed significantly less efficient neutralization by 89 MAbs that recognized domain I (DI) or II (DII) of WNV E protein. Moreover, in cells expressing Fc γ receptors, many of the DI- and DII-specific MAbs enhanced infection over a broad range of concentrations. Using yeast surface display of E protein variants, we identified 25 E protein residues to be critical for recognition by DI- or DII-specific neutralizing MAbs. These residues cluster into six novel and one previously characterized epitope located on the lateral ridge of DI, the linker region between DI and DIII, the hinge interface between DI and DII, and the lateral ridge, central interface, dimer interface, and fusion loop of DII. Approximately 45% of DI-DII-specific MAbs showed reduced binding with mutations in the highly conserved fusion loop in DII: 85% of these (34 of 40) cross-reacted with the distantly related dengue virus (DENV). In contrast, MAbs that bound the other neutralizing epitopes in DI and DII showed no apparent cross-reactivity with DENV E protein. Surprisingly, several of the neutralizing epitopes were located in solvent-inaccessible positions in the context of the available pseudoatomic model of WNV. Nonetheless, DI and DII MAbs protect against WNV infection in mice, albeit with lower efficiency than DIII-specific neutralizing MAbs.
Bayesian methods for jointly estimating genomic breeding values of one continuous and one threshold trait

Genomic selection has become a useful tool for animal and plant breeding. Currently, genomic evaluation is usually carried out using a single-trait model. However, a multi-trait model has the advantage of using information on the correlated traits, leading to more accurate genomic prediction. To date, joint genomic prediction for a continuous and a threshold trait using a multi-trait model is scarce and needs more attention. Based on the previously proposed methods BayesCπ for single continuous trait and BayesTCπ for single threshold trait, we developed a novel method based on a linear-threshold model, i.e., LT-BayesCπ, for joint genomic prediction of a continuous trait and a threshold trait. Computing procedures of LT-BayesCπ using Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm were derived. A simulation study was performed to investigate the advantages of LT-BayesCπ over BayesCπ and BayesTCπ with regard to the accuracy of genomic prediction on both traits. Factors affecting the performance of LT-BayesCπ were addressed. The results showed that, in all scenarios, the accuracy of genomic prediction obtained from LT-BayesCπ was significantly increased for the threshold trait compared to that from single trait prediction using BayesTCπ, while the accuracy for the continuous trait was comparable with that from single trait prediction using BayesCπ. The proposed LT-BayesCπ could be a method of choice for joint genomic prediction of one continuous and one threshold trait.
EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN TAX-TRANSFER SYSTEM ON HOUSEHOLDS INCOME DISTRIBUTION IN BULGARIA: SIMULATION ANALYSIS USING EUROMOD FOR 2011-2015

The paper presents some empirical results about the assessment of the effects from tax-transfer policies on incomes of Bulgarian households for the period 2011-2015 obtained by EUROMOD – the tax-transfer simulation model of the EU – utilizing data from EU SILC survey. The simulation analysis was performed by tracking the changes in household income distribution for any year from the period where the policy parameters from the base year (2011) were replaced by those enacted for each year, holding the population structure and gross household market incomes fixed at the base year. The results show that the changes in the policies brought in income increments mainly for the households in the lowest income groups. Poverty rate decreases by 1.3-2.9 percentage points (depending on several levels experimented for the poverty threshold). Nevertheless, the poverty level in Bulgaria is among the highest in EU and special measures should be launched in order to enhance the living standard of Bulgarian households.
Wideband array for C, X, and Ku-band applications with 5.3∶1 bandwidth

Planar arrays that exploit strong intentional coupling between elements have allowed for very wide bandwidths in low-profile configurations. However, such designs also require complex impedance matching networks that must also be very compact. For many space applications, typically occurring at C-, X-, Ku-, and most recently at Ka-band, such designs require specialized and expensive fabrication techniques. To address this issue, a novel ultra-wideband array is presented, using a simplified feed network to reduce fabrication cost. The array operates from 3.5-18.5 GHz with VSWR<;2.4 at broadside, and is of very low profile, having a total height of λ/10 at the lowest frequency of operation. Validation is provided using a 64-element prototype array, fabricated using common Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technology. The low size, weight, and cost of this array make it attractive for space-borne applications.
A review of dietary factors and its influence on DNA methylation in colorectal carcinogenesis

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the commonest cancer in non-smokers posing a significant health burden in the UK. Observational studies lend support to the impact of environmental factors especially diet on colorectal carcinogenesis. Significant advances have been made in understanding the biology of CRC carcinogenesis in particular epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation. DNA methylation is thought to occur at least as commonly as inactivation of tumour suppressor genes. In fact compared with other human cancers, promoter gene methylation occurs most commonly within the gastrointestinal tract. Emerging data suggest the direct influence of certain micronutrients for example folic acid, selenium as well as interaction with toxins such as alcohol on DNA methylation. Such interactions are likely to have a mechanistic impact on CRC carcinogenesis through the methylation pathway but also, may offer possible therapeutic potential as nutraceuticals.
The incidence of testicular cancer in Royal Air Force personnel.

OBJECTIVES To review the incidence of testicular cancer within the Royal Air Force (RAF) compared with the national incidence. METHODS The medical statistics for RAF personnel (supplied by the Central Statistics Office, categorized by occupation) were reviewed for the incidence of testicular cancer and compared to the national rate. RESULTS A significantly elevated incidence of testicular neoplasm was detected in RAF personnel, which was well above the national rate. The increased incidence appeared most marked in those personnel working directly with aircraft. CONCLUSION The only cause of the significantly higher incidence of testicular cancer in RAF personnel is probably related to working with aircraft. This concurs with a finding that aircraft technicians in the US Navy had an increased incidence of testicular cancer, and the exposure to hydrocarbon carcinogens in the workplace was implicated.
A Proposed Preventive Information Security System

Managing computer and network security programs has become an increasingly difficult and challenging job. Dramatic advances in computing and communications technology during the past few years have redirected the focus of data processing from the computing center to the terminals in individual offices and homes. The result is that managers must now monitor security on a more widely dispersed level. These changes are continuing to accelerate, making the security manager's job increasingly difficult. In this paper a better solution for Information Security management has been proposed by designing PrISM (Preventive Information Security Management). PrISM aims to develop and deploy an indigenous Information Security Management System (ISMS) with intrusion prevention capabilities. The objective is to develop an ISMS with appropriate security assurance controls and risk handling processes. This will provide best protection of critical assets against information warfare attacks. The task has been planned by performing reverse engineering of Open Source Security Information Management (OSSIM) system. A detailed discussion on OSSIM and commercially available software Event Horizon has also been presented.
Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Nasal Cultures Collected from Individuals in the United States in 2001 to 2004

ABSTRACT This study characterizes methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates recovered from nasal cultures of noninstitutionalized individuals in the United States obtained in 2001 to 2004 as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Every tenth MSSA isolate and all MRSA isolates were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), screened for multiple toxin genes, and tested for susceptibility to 14 antimicrobial agents. USA200, USA600, and USA900 were the predominant PFGE types among MSSA isolates in both the 2001 to 2002 and the 2003 to 2004 time periods, although they accounted for only 51.3% of 316 MSSA isolates typed in 2001 and 2002 and only 43.4% of 237 MSSA isolates typed in 2003 and 2004. In contrast, USA100, USA800, and USA700 accounted for 80.0% of the 75 MRSA isolates typed in 2001 and 2002, while USA100, USA800, and USA300 accounted for 78.4% of 134 MRSA isolates typed in 2003 and 2004. The proportion of MRSA isolates that were USA300 increased significantly from the first to the second time period (P = 0.03). Most USA200 isolates (both MSSA and MRSA) carried the gene for toxic shock syndrome toxin; however, carriage of the genes encoding Panton-Valentine leukocidin, while common among MRSA of PFGE type USA300, was rare among MSSA USA300 in both time periods. Most MSSA isolates remained susceptible to all antimicrobial agents except erythromycin (79.1 and 76.0% susceptibilities in the 2001 to 2002 and the 2003 to 2004 periods, respectively). In contrast, the proportions of MRSA isolates that were susceptible to chloramphenicol, clindamycin, and erythromycin were lower in 2003 and 2004 than in 2001 and 2002, although none of these differences was statistically significant.
Sperm pellet analysis: a technique to detect the presence of sperm in men considered to have azoospermia by routine semen analysis.

PURPOSE In men considered to have azoospermia by routine semen analyses sperm may be identified after centrifuging the semen. Because these sperm may be used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, we describe our technique and findings of sperm pelleting. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semen centrifugation for sperm pellet analysis was performed in 140 consecutive men in whom no sperm was identified on routine semen analysis and who were categorized as having obstructive or nonobstructive azoospermia. Obstructive azoospermia was defined as failed vasectomy reversal, failed reconstruction for congenital vasal or epididymal occlusion, or an acquired obstruction unrelated to ejaculatory duct obstruction. Patients with congenital absence of the vas deferens or who had undergone vasectomy were not included in the study. Nonobstructive azoospermia was defined as moderate to severe testicular atrophy with markedly elevated serum follicle-stimulating hormone (greater than 3 times normal), or a testicular biopsy that revealed maturational arrest, severe hypospermatogenesis or the Sertoli-cell-only pattern. Obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermia were present in 70 men who provided 109 samples and 70 who provided 103, respectively. RESULTS Motile and nonmotile sperm was identified in 13 of the 70 patients (18.6%) with obstructive and in 16 of the 70 (22.8%) with nonobstructive azoospermia. Pellet variability, that is the absence of sperm in 1 specimen and its presence in another from the same patient, was noted in 7 of the 17 men (41.2%) with obstructive and 2 of the 17 (11.8%) with nonobstructive azoospermia (not statistically significant). Motile sperm was present in the pellets of 6 of the 70 men (8.6%) with obstructive and 15 of the 70 (21.4%) with nonobstructive azoospermia. The median number of motile sperm was lower in the obstructive than in the nonobstructive group (0 sperm in 17 samples versus 5 sperm in 41 samples, p <0.001). The median value of 0 in the obstructive azoospermia group reflects the finding that 9 of the 17 samples did not contain motile sperm. Similarly the median number of nonmotile sperm was lower in the obstructive than in the nonobstructive group (5 versus 8 sperm). CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the presence of motile and nonmotile sperm in a significant number of men considered to have azoospermia by routine semen analysis. Semen centrifugation (sperm pelleting) should be performed in all men considered to have this condition by routine semen analysis, especially those with testicular failure and those in whom intracytoplasmic sperm injection is possible.
Innovation Dynamics and Fiscal Policy: Implications for Growth, Asset Prices, and Welfare

We study the general equilibrium implications of different fiscal policies on macroeconomic quantities, asset prices, and welfare by utilizing two endogenous growth models. The expanding variety model features only homogeneous innovations by entrants. The Schumpeterian growth model features heterogeneous innovations: "incremental" innovations by incumbents and "radical" innovations by entrants. The government levies taxes on labor income and corporate profits and supplies subsidies to consumption, capital investment, and investments in research and development by entrants and, if applicable, incumbents. With these models at hand, we provide new insights on the interplay of innovation dynamics and fiscal policy.
Using Political Financing Reforms to Measure Campaign Spending Effects on Electoral Outcomes

This paper studies the impact of campaign spending on votes in French legislative elections. We exploit the political financing reforms which were adopted in France in the mid-1990s. Under the new laws, spending limits were reduced, legal persons were no longer allowed to finance candidates, and the maximal amount of personal expenditures reimbursed by the State was augmented. We have data on two consecutive elections (one before and one after the reforms) and focus on candidates who competed in both of them. We find that the difference in candidates’ campaign expenses across elections is strongly affected by the reforms. We then estimate a structural vote equation using panel data to control for unobserved characteristics of candidates. Spending has a statistically significant effect, but only for challengers. We cannot reject the hypothesis that challenger spending has the same impact across the various political parties in France.
Delay-dependent dissipative control for uncertain linear neutral systems with discrete and distributed delays

This note deals with the problem of delay-dependent dissipative control for uncertain linear neutral systems with discrete and distributed delays. We develop the design method of dissipative static state feedback controller such that the closed-loop system is asymptotically stable and strictly-dissipative. Sufficient conditions for the existence of the quadratic dissipative controller are obtained by using linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach. Furthermore, a procedure of constructing such a controller from the solution of LMIs is given. It is shown that the solvability of a dissipative controller design problem is implied by the feasibility of LMIs
Structural properties of cellulose and cellulase reaction mechanism

The effects of structural properties and their changes during cellulose hydrolysis on the enzymatic hydrolysis rate have been studied from the reaction mechanism point of view. Important findings are the following: (1) The crystallinity index (CrI) of partially crystalline cellulose increases as the hydrolysis reaction proceeds, and a significant slowing down of the reaction rate during the enzymatic hydrolysis is, in large part, attributable to this structural change of cellulose substrate. (2) The crystallinity of completely disordered cellulose, like phosphoric‐acid‐treated cellulose, does not change significantly, and a relatively high hydrolysis rate is maintained during hydrolysis. (3) The specific surface area (SSA) of partially crystalline cellulose decreases significantly during enzymatic hydrolysis while the change in SSA of regenerated cellulose is found to be negligible. (4) The value of degree of polymerization (DP) of highly ordered crystalline cellulose remains practically constant whereas the change in DP of disordered regenerated cellulose is found to be very significant. (5) Combination of these structural effects as well as cellulase adsorption, product inhibition, and cellulase deactivation all have important influence on the rate of cellulase reaction during cellulose hydrolysis. More experimental evidence for a two‐phase model, which is based on degradation of cellulose by simultaneous actions of cellulase complex on the crystalline and amorphous phases, has been obtained. Based on experimental results from this study and other results accumulated, the mode of cellulase action and a possible reaction mechanism are proposed.
[Application of anterolateral thigh free flap to reconstruct defects of the maxillary and midface].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the usefulness of anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of the defect after maxillectomy. METHOD Seventy-two cases with defect after maxillectomy were constructed with anterolateral thigh flap in our department during 10 years. All cases were undertaken total maxillectomy. RESULT All flaps except one were transferred successfully. Patients were satisfied with their appearances. No serious complications had happened. CONCLUSION Anterolateral thigh flap could be an donor flap for the reconstruction of the defect after maxillectomy.
Empirical Study of Spatial Differentiation of Youth Unemployment in Russia

The purpose of the study is to conduct a statistical analysis and to perform a quantitative assessment of the degree and the dynamics of the interregional differences in youth unemployment in Russia between 2005 and 2013. We decompose the interregional differentiation into “within-group” and “between-group” differences. We also analyse the dynamics of the within-group and between-group differences and estimate their contribution to changes in the interregional differentiation of youth unemployment. Additionally, we estimate the degree and the dynamics of the interregional differences of the youth labour market in Russia in times of crisis and recovery growth. The results show a reduction in the interregional differences in unemployment rates between 2005 and 2008, while in 2009–2013, the interregional differentiation of the labour market increased. We found that the socio-economic effects of youth unemployment, as well as the behavioural response to economic shocks in the age groups of 15–19 and 20–29 years were significantly different.
Predictable close-packing similarities between cis- and trans-2-hydroxy-1-cyclooctanecarboxylic acids and trans-2-hydroxy-1-cyclooctanecarboxamide.

In order to extend the experimental data already available on the close packing of cyclopentanes substituted with vicinal COX (X = OH, NH(2)) and OH groups to the analogous cyclohexanes, cycloheptanes and cyclooctanes, (1R*,2S*)-cis-2-hydroxy-1-cyclooctanecarboxylic acid (8C), (1R*,2R*)-trans-2-hydroxy-1-cyclooctanecarboxylic acid (8T) and (1R*,2R*)-trans-2-hydroxy-1-cyclooctanecarboxamide (8T*) were subjected to X-ray crystal structure analysis. In 8T and 8T*, the hydrogen bonds form infinite ribbons of dimers joined by R(2)(2)(12) rings with C(i) symmetry. Two types of dimer alternate along each ribbon. The dimers differ in the donor and acceptor roles of the functional groups. This pattern was previously deduced topologically among the possible forms of association for heterochiral dimers [Kálmán et al. (2002). Acta Cryst. B58, 494-501]. As they have the same pattern of hydrogen bonds, 8T and 8T* are isostructural. The additional donor (i.e. the second hydrogen of the NH(2) group) present in 8T* links the adjacent ribbons so as to form smaller R(2)(2)(8) rings between them. The crystals of the cis stereoisomer 8C are built up from antiparallel hydrogen-bonded helices. The topology and symmetry of this structure are the same as for the close packing of (1R*,2R*,4S*)-4-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-1-cyclopentanecarboxamide [Kálmán et al. (2001). Acta Cryst. B57, 539-550]; only the hydrogen-bond donors and acceptors are interchanged, in the same way as in the two dimer types of 8T and 8T* ribbons. This analogy suggests that helices may originate as homochiral dimers with C(2) symmetry and polymerize into helices during crystal formation. The conformational characteristics of the heterochiral dimers observed in the title compounds and in closely related structures are discussed.