Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PENGUINS, PETRELS, AND PARSIMONY: DOES CLADISTIC ANALYSIS OF BEHAVIOR REFLECT SEABIRD PHYLOGENY?

Whether or not behavior accurately reflects evolutionary relationships (phylogeny) has been hotly debated by ethologists and comparative psychologists. Previous studies attempting to resolve this question have generally lacked a quantitative, phylogenetic approach. In this study we used behavior and life‐history (BLH) information (72 characters) to generate phylogenetic trees for 18 seabird species (albatrosses, petrels, and penguins). We compared these trees with trees obtained from isozyme electrophoretic analysis of blood proteins (15 loci and 98 electromorphs) and partial mitochondrial 12S ribosomal DNA sequences (381 base pairs). Cladistic analysis of the BLH data set generated three MP trees (tree length = 243, CI = 0.52, RI = 0.57) with significant cladistic structure. The BLH characters were classified into four types (foraging, agonistic, reproductive, and life history) and levels of homoplasy for each type were measured. No significant differences were found among these categories. The BLH trees were shown to be significantly more congruent with the electrophoretic and 12S sequence trees than expected by chance. This indicates that seabird BLH data contains phylogenetic signal. Areas of incongruence between BLH trees and a phylogeny generated by combining the data sets were predicted to result from ecological constraints that did not covary with phylogeny. These predictions were supported by the results of a concentrated changes test. This study found that this BLH data set was no more homoplasious than molecular data and that BLH trees were significantly congruent with molecular trees.
Non-enzymatic Hydrogen Peroxide Sensors Based on Multi-wall Carbon Nanotube/Pt Nanoparticle Nanohybrids

A novel strategy to fabricate a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor was developed by using platinum (Pt) electrodes modified with multi-wall carbon nanotube-platinum nanoparticle nanohybrids (MWCNTs/Pt nanohybrids). The process to synthesize MWCNTs/Pt nanohybrids was simple and effective. Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) were generated in situ in a potassium chloroplatinate aqueous solution in the presence of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and readily attached to the MWCNTs convex surfaces without any additional reducing reagents or irradiation treatment. The MWCNT/Pt nanohybrids were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the redox properties of MWCNTs/Pt nanohybrids-modified Pt electrode were studied by electrochemical measurements. The MWCNTs/Pt-modified electrodes exhibited a favorable catalytic ability in the reduction of H2O2. The modified electrodes can be used to detect H2O2 in the range of 0.01–2 mM with a lower detection limit of 0.3 μM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The sensitivity of the electrode to H2O2 was calculated to be 205.80 μA mM−1 cm−2 at working potential of 0 mV. In addition, the electrodes exhibited an excellent reusability and long-term stability as well as negligible interference from ascorbic acid, uric acid, and acetaminophen.
Structural brain correlates of verbal fluency in Parkinson's disease

Verbal fluency tests are often used to assess cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. These tests have been found to be impaired even in initial stages of this illness. We applied voxel-based morphometry to investigate the neuroanatomic substrates of semantic and phonemic fluency impairment. Correlations between gray matter density and semantic as well as phonemic fluency performance were performed in 32 nondemented Parkinson's disease patients. We found that gray matter of temporal, frontal and cerebellar areas correlated with semantic fluency scores. In contrast, no gray matter correlations were found for phonemic fluency or for general cognitive functions. These results suggest that semantic fluency impairment is reflecting structural gray matter changes in regions involved in language networks.
Structure of Clusters in Methanol-Water Binary Solutions Studied by Mass Spectrometry and X-ray Diffraction

Abstract The structure of clusters in methanol-water solutions in its dependence on the methanol mole fraction xM has been investigated by mass spectrometry on clusters isolated from submicron droplets by adiabatic expansion in vacuum and by X-ray diffraction on the bulk binary solutions. The mass spectra have shown that the average hydration number, (nm), of m-mer methanol clusters decreases with increasing xM , accompanied by two inflection points at xM = ~0.3 and ~0.7. The X-ray diffraction data have revealed a similar change in the number of hydrogen bonds per water and/or methanol oxygen atom at ~2.8 Å. On the basis of both results, most likely models of clusters formed in the binary solutions are proposed: at 0 < xM < 0.3 the tetrahedral-like water cluster is the main species, at 0.3 < xM < 0.7 chain clusters of methanol molecules gradually evolve with increasing methanol content, and finally, at xM > 7 chain clusters of methanol become predominant. The present results are compared with clusters previously found in ethanol-water binary solutions and discussed in relation to anomalies of the heat of mixing of methanol-water binary solutions.
Rare-Earth-Free Electric Motor Design for EV Traction Comparing Overall Vehicle Efficiency Considering Driving Cycle

These days, regarding the high power density, Nd-Fe-B magnet electric motor is widely used in the automotive industry. However, because of the instability of the supply and demand condition on the rare earth materials, the research on the rare earth free magnet electric motor development is actively progressed. In this paper, using the ferrite rare earth free magnet, the electric motor design process is introduced. Except the overall size of the electric motor, some specification is changed to fulfill the conventional model performance specification. Moreover, the optimum design is conducted for improving the electrical performance of the electric motor. From these two types of the electric motor, vehicle simulation is performed by Advanced Vehicle Simulator (ADVISOR) based Matlab Simulink. Finally, compare the mileage and the overall vehicle efficiency from the ADVISOR simulation, for two types of the electric motor is applied to the electric motor model of the simulator, along the driving cycle.
An analysis of the learning curve to achieve competency at colonoscopy using the JETS database

Objective The number of colonoscopies required to reach competency is not well established. The primary aim of this study was to determine the number of colonoscopies trainees need to perform to attain competency, defined by a caecal intubation rate (CIR) ≥90%. As competency depends on completion, we also investigated trainee factors that were associated with colonoscopy completion. Design The Joint Advisory Group on GI Endoscopy in the UK has developed a trainee e-portfolio from which colonoscopy data were retrieved. Inclusion criteria were all trainees who had performed a total of ≥20 colonoscopies and had performed ≤50 colonoscopies prior to submission of data to the e-portfolio. The primary outcome measure was colonoscopy completion. The number of colonoscopies required to achieve CIR ≥90% was calculated by the moving average method and learning curve cumulative summation (LC-Cusum) analysis. To determine factors which determine colonoscopy completion, a mixed effect logistic regression model was developed which allowed for nesting of patients within trainees and nesting of patients within hospitals, with various patient, trainee and training factors entered as fixed effects. Results 297 trainees undertook 36 730 colonoscopies. By moving average analysis, the cohort of trainees reached a CIR of 90% at 233 procedures. By LC-Cusum analysis, 41% of trainees were competent after 200 procedures. Of the trainee factors, the number of colonoscopies, intensity of training and previous flexible sigmoidoscopy experience were significant factors associated with colonoscopy completion. Conclusions This is the largest study to date investigating the number of procedures required to achieve competency in colonoscopy. The current training certification benchmark in the UK of 200 procedures does not appear to be an inappropriate minimum requirement. The LC-Cusum chart provides real time feedback on individual learning curves for trainees. The association of training intensity and flexible sigmoidoscopy experience with colonoscopy completion could be exploited in training programmes.
Treatment of Ocular Itching Associated With Ocular Demodicosis by 5% Tea Tree Oil Ointment

Purpose: To determine whether ocular itching associated with ocular demodicosis can be treated by lid massage with 5% tea tree oil ointment (TTOO). Methods: Twenty-four patients with ocular itching and ocular Demodex were treated with chlortetracycline hydrochloride eye ointment lid massage for 4 weeks and then treatment was switched to TTOO for another 4 weeks. They were examined every 2 weeks and their itching was graded as 0 (none), 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), or 3 (severe). Changes of itching scores and Demodex counts were compared. Results: Before the treatment, all 24 patients reported itching graded as 1 (n = 3), 2 (n = 15), and 3 (n = 6) for a period of 2 weeks to 2 years despite previous topical antibiotics, antiinflammatory medications, or antiallergy medications. Demodex counts per 8 epilated lashes were 5.5 ± 1.6 for all patients but 4.6 ± 1.5, 4.8 ± 1.9, and 7.1 ± 2.1 for patients with grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 itchiness, respectively (P < 0.05 between grade 2 and grade 3). After 4 weeks of chlortetracycline hydrochloride eye ointment treatment, little changes were observed regarding itching and Demodex counts in all patients (P > 0.05). In contrast, after 5% TTOO treatment, 16 patients were totally free of itching and the remaining 8 patients had different degrees of relief (P < 0.01). The Demodex count decreased to 0.7 ± 0.8 for total (P < 0.01). Conclusions: There is a strong correlation between ocular itching and Demodex infestation and between symptomatic resolution and reduction of Demodex counts by daily lid massage with 5% TTOO.
Gender disparity in chronic hepatitis B: Mechanisms of sex hormones

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a common human pathogen transmitted worldwide, and its chronic infection is a well‐known risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The sex disparity of HBV‐related liver diseases has been noticed for a long time, which could be attributed to sex hormone effects, other than gender behaviors or environmental impact. This difference is experimentally confirmed in HBV transgenic mice, as well as in immunocompetent mice receiving hydrodynamic delivery of HBV. Androgen and estrogen pathways were identified to play opposite regulations of HBV transcription by targeting viral enhancer I at molecular level. In addition to the direct effects on HBV life cycle, sex hormones may be also involved in the immune response to HBV infection and the progression of associated liver diseases, although the detailed mechanisms are still unclear. Besides, several unaddressed issues such as HBV entry, microRNA profiles, viral integration, and adaptability in which androgen and estrogen axes might be involved are warranted to be delineated. The comprehensive understanding of the sex disparity in HBV virology and pathogenesis will be helpful to provide newly biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and develop novel drugs to manage HBV‐related HCC patients.
Barthel Index—Enhanced Feedback for Effective Cardiac Treatment (BI—EFFECT) Study: Contribution of the Barthel Index to the Heart Failure Risk Scoring System Model in Elderly Adults with Acute Heart Failure in the Emergency Department

To evaluate whether the Enhanced Feedback for Effective Cardiac Treatment (EFFECT) scale for 30‐day prediction of mortality is applicable to elderly adults with acute heart failure (AHF) in emergency departments (EDs) and whether discriminatory power is added with the inclusion of the Barthel Index (BI) to this scale (BI‐EFFECT scale).
A Minimal Extension of the WAM for clp(FD)

We present an abstract instruction set for a constraint solver over ﬁnite domains, which can be smoothly integrated in the WAM architecture. It is based on the use of a single primitive constraint X in r which embeds the core propagation mechanism. Complex user constraints such as linear equations or inequations are compiled into X in r expressions which encode the propagation scheme chosen to solve the constraint. The uniform treatment of a single primitive constraint leads to a better understanding of the overall constraint solving process and makes possible three main global optimizations which encompass many previous particular optimizations of "black box" ﬁnite domains solvers. Implementation results show that this approach combines both simplicity and eﬃciency. Our clp(FD) system is more than twice as fast as CHIP on average, with peak speedup reaching seve
Persistent Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Increases Risk for Carotid Atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in cross-sectional studies. We investigated the longitudinal association of NAFLD with the development of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of 8020 adult men (average age, 49.2 y) without carotid atherosclerosis at baseline who underwent repeated health check-up examinations from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2013. NAFLD status was diagnosed by ultrasonography and classified into 4 groups based on baseline and follow-up findings: none, developed, regressed, or persistent NAFLD. Subclinical carotid atherosclerosis was measured by ultrasound. RESULTS The age-adjusted hazard ratio for subclinical carotid atherosclerosis development comparing participants with persistent NAFLD with those without NAFLD was 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.35; P < .001). The association persisted after adjustment for smoking, alcohol, body mass index, and weight change (hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.25; P = .014), but disappeared after adjustment for metabolic variables. The hazard ratio, comparing subjects with regression of NAFLD vs those with persistent NAFLD, was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.69-0.96; P = .013). The risk of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis development also was higher among participants with a high NAFLD fibrosis score, fibrosis-4 scores, or levels of γ-glutamyl transferase at baseline. CONCLUSIONS In a large cohort study, persistent NAFLD was associated with an increased risk of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis development. This association was explained by metabolic factors that could be potential mediators of the effect of NAFLD. Markers of liver fibrosis also were associated with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis development. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether treatment of NAFLD can reduce this risk.
Destructive behavior of iron oxide in projectile impact

The damage strain values of Q235-A surface oxide scale were obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS) and universal tensile testing machine. The finite element simulation was carried out to study the destruction effects of oxidation at different impact rates. The results show that the damage value of the oxide strain is 0.08%. With the increase of the projectile velocity, the damage area of the oxide scale is increased, and the damage area is composed of the direct destruction area and the indirect failure area. The indirect damage area is caused by the stress/strain to the surrounding expansion after the impact of the steel body.
Mechanisms of high durability performance of plain and blended cements

In this research, an attempt has been made to study the mechanisms controlling the performance of plain and blended cements against corrosion of reinforcement and ASR. The effect of various compositional and environmental factors, such as C3A and alkali contents, concomitant presence of sulfates, temperature and mode of occurrence of chlorides, on chloride binding and pore solution alkalinity has been studied in plain cements, in an effort to evaluate their influence on mechanism of corrosion resistance. Mechanisms controling resistance to corrosion and ASR of blended cements, formulated using fly ash, blast furnace slag and microsilica have been studied through their effect on chemical environment and physical characteristics of hardened concrete. Results show that high C3A cements have more chloride binding capacity than low C3A cements, explaining their higher corrosion resistance. Increase in curing temperature and alkali content of cement and concomitant presence of sulfates decrease chloride binding capacity in plain cements. Plain cement binds more primary chlorides than secondary external chlorides. Fly ash and slag have little effect on chemical environment of concrete compared to microsilica, which drastically increases aggressivity of the chemical environment. The blending materials bring about significant improvement in the physical structure of concrete through pore refinement, decrease in permeability, chloride and oxygen diffusion and increase in electrical resistivity. These significant improvements in the physical characteristics due to blending materials are responsible for the improved corrosion resistance of the blended cements. Also, the blending materials significantly reduce OH concentration in pore solution. The reduction in the OH concentration and possibly the improved physical structure of blended cements are responsible for their incresed resistance against ASR.
Survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by housing subsidy in a tiered public housing system

Socioeconomic status affects survival in patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), even in health systems with universal health care. Singapore has a tiered subsidized housing system, in which income determines eligibility for subsidies by size of apartment. The objective of this study was to assess whether a patient's residential type (small/heavily subsidized, medium/moderate subsidy, large/minimal or no subsidy) influenced mortality. A secondary analysis examined whether patients in smaller subsidized apartments were more likely to present with advanced disease.
Numerical Study of Mixing Flow Regimes Generated by Different Coaxial Jet Geometries

A computational investigation of turbulent mixing of free two air-air coaxial jets with equal densities, annular to core area ratio of 3.5 and velocity ratio of 0.5 is carried out. The flow field is considered incompressible, steady, asymmetric and turbulent. The inner and outer Reynolds numbers, based on mass averaged velocity and equivalent diameters are 8 × 104 and 7.5 × 104. Mixing flow characteristics of two different non-circular coaxial jets are obtained and compared with traditional circular coaxial jet within a relatively short length of X/Di =30. Shape and thickness of the separating wall depend on the geometry of the two coaxial jet; to maintain the AR equal to 3.5. Mixing of free jets is effective in generating the turbulence that improves the combustion and premixed flame burners performance. The simulation is performed using a finite volume scheme and a two-equation (KــــƐ) turbulence model. Results show that velocity decay along the centerline for non-circular coaxial jet is lower than that of circular coaxial jet. Also, inner potential core of non-circular cases is greater than that of circular one. In addition, the reattachment point in case of non-circular coaxial jet is reached after that of circular coaxial jet.
The history of malariotherapy for neurosyphilis. Modern parallels.

THE ACQUIRED immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic and the attempt to deregulate drug approval with the goal of hastening a cure have parallels with another sexually transmitted disease and the search for its cure. Syphilis and one of its dread consequences, neurosyphilis, was a disease that consumed much public health concern, and whose putative "cure," malariotherapy, earned the 1927 Nobel Prize in Medicine for the Austrian psychiatrist Julius Wagner-Jauregg. In reviewing the history of syphilis, the true benefits of malariotherapy are unknown because of the research methods used at the time. Was malariotherapy efficacious? This historical question is relevant to the present debate over drug regulations and AIDS, because abandonment of drug evaluation protocols could return us to the methodologic environment of Wagner-Jauregg's day. It seems worthwhile to review the similarities and differences between the two diseases, social climates, and searches for cures. In Europe and the United States at the
Critical properties of the spherical model in the microcanonical formalism

Due to the equivalence of the statistical ensembles, thermostatic properties of physical systems with short-range interactions can be calculated in different ensembles leading to the same physics. In particular, the ensemble equivalence holds for systems that undergo a continuous phase transition in the infinite volume limit with the result that the properties of the transition can also be investigated in the microcanonical approach. Considering as an example the spherical model, the ensemble equivalence is explicitly demonstrated by calculating the critical properties in the microcanonical ensemble and comparing them to the well known canonical results.
Modeling effects of electron-velocity overshoot in a MOSFET

A simple analytical expression to account for electron-velocity overshoot effects on the performance of very short-channel MOSFETs has been obtained. This new model can be easily included in circuit simulators of systems with a huge number of components. The influence of temperature and low-field mobility on the increase of MOSFET transconductance produced by electron-velocity overshoot as channel lengths are reduced can be easily taken into account in our model. The accuracy of this model has been verified by reproducing experimental and simulated data reported by other authors.
Preserving recommender accuracy and diversity in sparse datasets

Recommender systems combine research from user profiling, information filtering and artificial intelligence to provide users with more intelligent information access. They have proven to be useful in a range of Internet and e-commerce applications. Recent research has shown that a content-based (or case-based) perspective on collaborative filtering for recommendation can provide significant benefits in decision support accuracy over traditional collaborative techniques, particularly as dataset sparsity increases. These benefits derive both from the use of more sophisticated case-based similarity metrics and from the proactive maintenance of item similarity knowledge using data mining. This article presents a natural next step in this ongoing research to improve the quality of recommender systems by validating these findings in the context of more complex models of collaborative filtering, as well as by demonstrating that such techniques also preserve recommendation diversity, one of the key issues affecting traditional recommender systems.