Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coupling, Reinforcement, and Speciation

During the process of speciation, populations may diverge for traits and at their underlying loci that contribute barriers to gene flow. These barrier traits and barrier loci underlie individual barrier effects, by which we mean the contribution that a barrier locus or trait—or some combination of barrier loci or traits—makes to overall isolation. The evolution of strong reproductive isolation typically requires the origin of multiple barrier effects. Critically, it also requires the coincidence of barrier effects; for example, two barrier effects, one due to assortative mating and the other due to hybrid inviability, create a stronger overall barrier to gene flow if they coincide than if they distinguish independent pairs of populations. Here, we define “coupling” as any process that generates coincidence of barrier effects, resulting in a stronger overall barrier to gene flow. We argue that speciation research, both empirical and theoretical, needs to consider both the origin of barrier effects and the ways in which they are coupled. Coincidence of barrier effects can occur either as a by-product of selection on individual barrier effects or of population processes, or as an adaptive response to indirect selection. Adaptive coupling may be accompanied by further evolution that enhances individual barrier effects. Reinforcement, classically viewed as the evolution of prezygotic barriers to gene flow in response to costs of hybridization, is an example of this type of process. However, we argue for an extended view of reinforcement that includes coupling processes involving enhancement of any type of additional barrier effect as a result of an existing barrier. This view of coupling and reinforcement may help to guide development of both theoretical and empirical research on the process of speciation.
Automated Quality Assessment of Fundus Images via Analysis of Illumination, Naturalness and Structure

In remote medical diagnosis, the percentage of poor-quality fundus images is very high, which requires automated quality assessment of fundus images in the acquisition stage to reduce the retransmission cost. In this paper, we propose a fundus image quality classifier via the analysis of illumination, naturalness, and structure, which use three effective secondary indices (or 5-D feature set) and different classification methods to determine the recommendation indexes of fundus images for further diagnosis. We construct a fundus image database including ‘accept’ and ‘reject’ classes based on the definition of illumination, naturalness, and structure. The model can achieve a sensitivity of 94.69%, specificity of 92.29%, and accuracy of 93.60% for the classifying of the fundus images.
Early Hydration Process of Portland Cement Paste by Electrical Measurement

An electrical measurement technique was used to measure the electrical resistivity of cement paste having varying water/cement (w/c) ratios, and consequently the paste properties and characteristics were analyzed. The different hydration periods were identified from the electrical resistivity curve and the differential electrical resistivity curve. The setting time for the samples is reached before the first peak of the differential electrical resistivity curve, and this can provide a new method to determine setting time by using electrical resistivity measurements. The relation between w/c ratio and bulk resistivity at a fixed curing time follows a power law, so electrical resistivity can be used for determination of the w/c ratio in fresh and hardened cement pastes after calibration.
The influence of three different apical implant designs at stability and osseointegration process: experimental study in rabbits

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to perform a histomorphometric and biomechanical comparison of three implants with different designs of the apical area to promote a better bone initial stability and its correlation with the osseointegration. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty-four tapered implants with same length, diameter and surface properties but with three different apical configurations (Group I: MK4: Group II: C1 and Group III: MK7) were inserted in the tibia of rabbits. Implant stability and bone formation were evaluated by resonance frequency analysis measured at 0, 6, 8 and 12 weeks and by histomorphometric analysis performed at 6, 8 and 12 weeks. RESULTS Statistical test to compare the stability through the implant stability quotient in the four times showed few differences between the groups and time periods proposed, with significance set at P < 0.05. In the bone-implant contact, by comparing the groups in the three times proposed, it was possible concluded that there is a similar behavior among the three implant design (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION With the limitations of this animal study, it can be concluded that the design of the apical area influences the implant stability and the bone-to-implant contact.
Error Analysis of Reconstruction From Linear Canonical Transform Based Sampling

In this paper, we consider the performance of sampling associated with the linear canonical transform (LCT), which generalizes a large number of classical integral transforms and fundamental operations linked to signal processing and optics. First, we revisit sampling approximation in the LCT domain to introduce a generalized approximation operator. Then, we derive an exact closed-form expression for the integrated squared error that occurs when a signal is approximated by a basis of shifted, scaled, and chirp-modulated versions of a generating function in the LCT domain. Several basic properties of the approximation error are presented. The derived results can be applied to a wide variety of sampling approximation schemes in the LCT domain. Finally, experimental examples are given to illustrate the theoretical derivations.
The roles of testosterone and alpha-amylase in exercise-induced sexual arousal in women.

INTRODUCTION Several studies have demonstrated that moderate exercise increases genital response to erotic stimuli in women. The increase in genital arousal could be the result of various changes that can occur in response to exercise including changes in hormone levels, neurotransmitter levels, mood, and autonomic nervous system activity. AIM The present study was an attempt to shed light on two such mechanisms through which exercise enhances sexual arousal. METHOD Sixteen participants came into the lab on two separate occasions: during one visit, they filled out questionnaires for 20 minutes, and during the other visit, they exercised on a treadmill for 20 minutes. The questionnaires and exercise were both followed by the presentation of a neutral then erotic film during which the women's physiological sexual arousal was measured. Saliva samples were taken at baseline, prefilm, and postfilm. Main Outcome Measures. Subjective arousal was measured using a self-report questionnaire, and genital arousal was measured by a vaginal photoplethysmograph. Testosterone and alpha-amylase (a marker of sympathetic nervous system [SNS] activity) were measured via saliva assays. RESULTS Findings replicated previous studies showing a significant increase in physiological sexual arousal with exercise. There was a significant increase in alpha-amylase across the study in the exercise condition, but not in the no-exercise condition. There were no differences in testosterone levels between the exercise and no-exercise conditions. CONCLUSIONS SNS activity is one mechanism through which exercise increases genital sexual arousal. Testosterone does not mediate the relationship between exercise and genital sexual arousal.
The Naked Researcher Stripping Research down to Its Bare Essentials

The Siobhan Rankin Lecture is given each year at Congress in memory of a previous Chair of the Association. Individuals invited to give this lecture are experts within their chosen fields. In 2005 Professor Judith Tanner was asked to describe her work in encouraging perioperative practitioners to undertake research in clinical practice. This paper is based on Professor Tanner's presentation.
On the critical probability in percolation

For percolation on finite transitive graphs, Nachmias and Peres suggested a characterization of the critical probability based on the logarithmic derivative of the susceptibility. As a first test-case, we study their suggestion for the Erd\H{o}s-R\'enyi random graph G_{n,p}, and confirm that the logarithmic derivative has the desired properties: (i) its maximizer lies inside the critical window p=1/n+\Theta(n^{-4/3}), and (ii) the inverse of its maximum value coincides with the \Theta(n^{-4/3})-width of the critical window. We also prove that the maximizer is not located at p=1/n or p=1/(n-1), refuting a speculation of Peres.
50 years of spermatogenesis: Sertoli cells and their interactions with germ cells

Abstract The complex morphology of the Sertoli cells and their interactions with germ cells has been a focus of investigators since they were first described by Enrico Sertoli. In the past 50 years, information on Sertoli cells has transcended morphology alone to become increasingly more focused on molecular questions. The goal of investigators has been to understand the role of the Sertoli cells in spermatogenesis and to apply that information to problems relating tomale fertility. Sertoli cells are unique in that they are a nondividing cell population that is active for the reproductive lifetime of the animal and cyclically change morphology and gene expression. The numerous and distinctive junctional complexes and membrane specializations made by Sertoli cells provide a scaffold and environment for germ cell development. The increased focus of investigators on the molecular components and putative functions of testicular cells has resulted primarily from procedures that isolate specific cell types from the testicular milieu. Products of Sertoli cells that influence germ cell development and vice versa have been characterized from cultured cells and from the application of transgenic technologies. Germ cell transplantation has shown that the Sertoli cells respond to cues from germ cells with regard to developmental timing and has furthered a focus on spermatogenic stem cells and the stem cell niche. Very basic and universal features of spermatogenesis such as the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium and the spermatogenic wave are initiated by Sertoli cells and maintained by Sertoli-germ cell cooperation.
Verification of an electromagnetic placement device compared with abdominal radiograph to predict accuracy of feeding tube placement.

BACKGROUND Use of an electromagnetic placement device (EMPD) facilitates placement of feeding tubes at the bedside. Standard practice for verification of feeding tube placement is via radiographic confirmation. The purpose of this research study was to assess the accuracy of placement of small-bore feeding tubes (SBFTs) as determined by EMPD interpretation compared with that of abdominal radiograph verification by a radiologist. METHODS This multicenter prospective study enrolled patients requiring bedside feeding tube placement. SBFTs were placed by an experienced investigator using the EMPD. Two abdominal radiographs were then obtained: one after initial SBFT placement and an additional radiograph after injection of contrast. Documentation of location based on clinician interpretation using the EMPD was then compared with radiologist interpretation. RESULTS The final sample size was 194 patients, including 18 pediatric patients. Patient age ranged from 12 days to 102 years. Median time for tube placement was 12 minutes. Of the 194 patients, only 1 patient had data showing discrepancies between the original EMPD verification and the final abdominal radiograph interpretation, providing a 99.5% agreement. No patient experienced complications during SBFT placement, and 15 patients had inadvertent airway placement that was avoided with the use of the EMPD. CONCLUSIONS There was a high percentage of agreement between EMPD and radiologic interpretation after contrast injection. The EMPD aided in avoiding inadvertent airway placement, with no patient complications. This device can be used safely at the bedside to facilitate placement of feeding tubes, leading to the delivery of early enteral nutrition.
Measurement properties of the Chinese version of the Mental Fatigue Scale for patients with traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACT Objectives: To translate the Mental Fatigue Scale into a Chinese version (CMFS), to develop a more valid and precise CMFS by using an item response theory-based model, and to examine the reliability and validity of the CMFS. Methods: One hundred and fifty adults having traumatic brain injury for at least 6 months were included. Each participant completed a battery of questionnaires (i.e. the Chinese version of the Chalder Fatigue Scale [ChCFS], Chinese version of the Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale [CUDOS-Chinese], and CMFS). Two-parameter graded response models were used to evaluate the location and discrimination performance of the CMFS. The reliability and validity of the CMFS were also evaluated. Results: One item investigating ‘increased sleep at night’ (item 14) was removed because it had a low discrimination value (0.86) and provided less information. The internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the 13-item CMFS were high (0.92 and 0.96, respectively). The CMFS score was positively correlated with the ChCFS and the CUDOS-Chinese scores (r = 0.77 and 0.80, respectively). Conclusion: The CMFS provides reliable and valid information on mental fatigue for future research and clinical practice involving patients with traumatic brain injury.
Study of Carboxymethyl Cellulose from Papaya Peels as Binder in Ceramics

Effects of carboxymethyl cellulose from papaya peel (CMCp) on the properties of ceramics were investigated. Cellulose was extracted from papaya peels by NaOH and then it was modified by chloro acetic acid to obtain carboxymethyl cellulose. The prepared CMCp was applied as a binder in ceramic slip in order to increase its viscosity. Sodium silicate was also added into the slip for providing a dispersion of slip and protecting the sedimentation of clay particles. Various concentrations of CMCp and commercial CMC (CMCc) (0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2 and 0.25% w/w of dry weight of clays) were added into the slip. Effect of CMC on viscosity of the slip and the ceramic density were studied. The relationship between the ceramic properties such as, shrinkage, porosity, casting rate and bending strength (both green strength and fired strength), and CMC concentration was also observed. As increasing both CMCp and CMCc, viscosity increased while density decreased. The prepared ceramics (green ware and fired ware) added with CMCp were found to have higher strength and lower in %shrinkage than that of adding with CMCc. The thickness of the ceramic wall adding CMCc increased with increasing CMCc concentration, and time in contrast to that of CMCp as the thickness decreased with increasing CMCp concentration. However, the ceramics with addition of CMCp possessed higher strength than that of the commercial one.
Factors influencing the agreement on histopathological assessments of breast biopsies among pathologists

Stang A, Trocchi P, Ruschke K, Schmidt‐Pokrzywniak A, Holzhausen H‐J, Löning T, Buchmann J, Thomssen C, Lantzsch T, Hauptmann S, Böcker W & Kluttig A (2011) Histopathology 59, 939–949 Factors influencing the agreement on histopathological assessments of breast biopsies among pathologists
Role of altered mitochondria functions in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus

Mitochondria, main producers of reactive-oxygen species (ROS), were studied to examine their role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). PBMCs and mitochondria were isolated from SLE patients and healthy volunteers for various parameters. Mitochondrial ROS, swelling, hyperpolarization and levels of cytochrome c, caspase3 in the cells were assessed by flow cytometry. ROS was significantly increased in SLE patients (SLE vs controls: 1.83 ± 1.03 vs 1.10 ± 0.35; p < 0.0001). Depolarized state of mitochondria was greater in patients (SLE vs controls: 7.10 ± 5.50% vs 2.5 ± 1.8%; p < 0.05). Mitochondria swelling was found to be significantly altered in patients (SLE vs controls: 112.65 ± 36.56 vs 60.49 ± 20.69; p < 0.001). Expression of cytochrome c and caspase 3 (SLE vs controls: 1.37 ± 0.37% vs 1.01 ± 0.03%; 1.57 ± 0.46% vs 1.06 ± 0.07%; p < 0.05) respectively was found to be significantly increased in SLE. Further, the enzymatic activity of mitochondrial complex was assessed in isolated mitochondria. A significant decrease in activity of Complex I (SLE vs controls: 11.79 ± 3.18 vs 15.10 ± 6.38 nmol NADH oxidized/min/mg protein, p < 0.05); Complex IV (SLE vs control: 9.41 ± 5.16 vs 13.56 ± 5.92 nmol cytochrome c oxidized/min/mg protein, p < 0.05) and Complex V (SLE vs controls: 4.85 ± 1.39 vs 6.17 ± 2.02 nmol ATP hydrolyzed/min/mg protein, p < 0.05) was found in SLE patients in comparison to healthy controls. However, Complex II did not show significant variation in either group (SLE vs controls: 42.2 ± 28.6 vs 61.71 ± 42.3 nmol succinate oxidized/min/mg protein; ns). The decrease in enzyme activities of mitochondrial Complexes I, IV and V on one hand and ROS, hyperpolarization and apoptosis on the other points toward a possible role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of lupus.
Sex differences in visual attention to sexually explicit videos: a preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION Although men appear to be more interested in sexual stimuli than women, this difference is not completely understood. Eye-tracking technology has been used to investigate visual attention to still sexual images; however, it has not been applied to moving sexual images. AIM To investigate whether sex difference exists in visual attention to sexual videos. METHODS Eleven male and 11 female healthy volunteers were studied by our new methodology. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The subjects viewed two sexual videos (one depicting sexual intercourse and one not) in which several regions were designated for eye-gaze analysis in each frame. Visual attention was measured across each designated region according to gaze duration. Sex differences, the region attracting the most attention, and visually favored sex were evaluated. RESULTS In the nonintercourse clip, gaze time for the face and body of the actress was significantly shorter among women than among men. Gaze time for the face and body of the actor and nonhuman regions was significantly longer for women than men. The region attracting the most attention was the face of the actress for both men and women. Men viewed the opposite sex for a significantly longer period than did women, and women viewed their own sex for a significantly longer period than did men. However, gaze times for the clip showing intercourse were not significantly different between sexes. CONCLUSIONS A sex difference existed in visual attention to a sexual video without heterosexual intercourse; men viewed the opposite sex for longer periods than did women, and women viewed the same sex for longer periods than did men. There was no statistically significant sex difference in viewing patterns in a sexual video showing heterosexual intercourse, and we speculate that men and women may have similar visual attention patterns if the sexual stimuli are sufficiently explicit.
Recent advances in the chromium nitride PVD process for forming and machining surface protection

This paper reports on the tribological properties of commercial Cr–N physical vapour deposition (PVD) processes for enhanced mechanical protection of forming and machining tools. The study is carried out on conventional tooling materials as substrates, i.e. high speed steels (M2) a esses from t techniques f . The results a reover, film t . In terms o it enhanced s ©
Epidemiological Characteristics and Functional Disability of Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Kosovo

Background and objectives: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic recurrent neurological disease that affects the Central Nervous System. This study aims to determine epidemiological factors that affect the appearance of MS, such as: incidence, prevalence, mortality, case appearance in accordance with the disease phase RRMS, SPMS, PPMS, gender, age, age group, and EDSS. Materials and methods: Deals with analyzing diagnosed and treated patients in the Clinic of Neurology in Prishtina during the period of 2003-2012. The research was conducted through a questionnaire applied in the diagnosed cases of MS. Information on patients was gathered from: history of illness, discharge reports and other relevant documents on MS illness. Clinical and epidemiological-descriptive study methods were used. The acquired results are shown through tables, graphics. Statistical processing was conducted with Microsoft Office Excel. Results: From the total number of doubtful hospitalized cases of demyelinization (644) in the Clinic of Neurology in Prishtina, 412 cases (64%) were diagnosed with MS. For the period of 2003–2012 the prevalence of MS has been 19.6 of patients in 100,000 inhabitants. MS incidence rate was 0.95 of patients in 100,000 inhabitants. MS mortality rate was 0.14 of deceased in 100,000 inhabitants. The ratio female – male is 2.3:1. A larger number of patients fall within the age group of 30-39 years-old. Clinical form trends: RRSM 72.3%, SPSM 22.6%, PPSM 5.1%. The rate of EDSS 78.3% (0–3.5), 14.9% (4–6.5), 6.8% (7–9).
School Breakfast-Club Program Changes and Youth Eating Breakfast During the School Week in the COMPASS Study.

BACKGROUND Despite the importance of breakfast consumption, breakfast skipping is common among Canadian youth. This study examines how changes to school-based breakfast programs are associated with breakfast-skipping behavior. METHODS Using school-level longitudinal data from Year 1 (Y1 : 2012-2013) and Year 2 (Y2 : 2013-2014) of the COMPASS study, quasi-experimental methods evaluated the impact over time that changes to school-based breakfast programs had on breakfast skipping or participating in school-based breakfast program. RESULTS Between Y1 and Y2 , the school-level prevalence of breakfast skipping (54.5%-54.9%) and breakfast program participation (12.3%-13.6%) increased. Of the 43 participating schools, 5 implemented a new school breakfast program. Among the intervention schools, 1 school (School 4) observed a significant, and 1 school (School 3) observed a significant increase in the school-level prevalence of skipping breakfast; there was no significant change in the other 3 intervention schools. CONCLUSIONS Despite the availability of free school breakfast programs, the majority of youth skipped breakfast at least once a school week. Owing to the variation in the types of programs implemented, additional evaluation evidence is necessary to determine which students benefited the most from these programs.
An investigation of the association between seizures, autism symptomology, and developmental functioning in young children

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore whether a history of seizures was associated with autism symptom severity and developmental functioning in young children. Methods: Autism symptom severity and developmental functioning were compared between children with and without a history or seizures who either had atypical development or met criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on review of records by a licensed clinical psychologist. Results: Parents of children who met criteria for ASD reported lower levels of autism symptomology when the child had a history of seizures, while the opposite trend was found for children with atypical development. Participants without ASD or seizures had greater developmental functioning than the other groups. Conclusion: The present study emphasizes the need for early identification and diagnosis of both ASD and seizure disorders, as timely intervention for these two conditions may be related to improved outcomes for young children.