Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Allocating Time Across Multiple Texts: Sampling and Satisficing

Abstract We report two studies investigating readers' ability to allocate limited time adaptively across online texts of varying difficulty. In both studies participants were asked to learn about the human heart and were free to allocate time to 4 separate online texts about the heart but did not have enough time to read them all thoroughly. Of particular interest was whether readers attempted to select the best text for them (by sampling the texts before reading) or to monitor texts while reading them and continue reading any text judged good enough (a satisficing strategy). We argue that both strategies can be considered adaptive, depending on properties of readers, texts, and tasks. Experiment 1 tested readers with a range of background knowledge and allowed them either 7 or 15 min study time. It showed that participants were adaptive in how they allocated their time in that more knowledgeable readers spent more time reading more difficult texts. Satisficing was a much more common strategy than sampling. Experiment 2 showed that providing outline overviews of each text dramatically increased the number of participants using a sampling strategy so that it became the modal strategy. However, this change in strategy had no effect on learning. Outline overviews presumably changed readers' perception of the ease with which relevant dimensions of text quality can be judged.
The Effects of Phacoemulsification on Intraocular Pressure and Topical Medication Use in Patients With Glaucoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 3-Year Data

Purpose: For patients with comorbid cataract and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), guidance is lacking as to whether cataract extraction and traditional filtering surgery should be performed as a staged or combined procedure. Achieving this guidance requires an evidence-based understanding of the effects of phacoemulsification alone on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with POAG. For this reason, a systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to synthesize evidence quantifying the effect of phacoemulsification on IOP and the required number of topical glaucoma medications in patients with cataract and POAG. Materials and Methods: Database searches were last run on August 15, 2016 to identify potentially relevant studies. Identified articles were screened for relevance and meta-analysis was used to compute postoperative mean and percentage reduction in IOP (IOPR%) as well as mean difference in topical glaucoma medications. Results: The search strategy identified 1613 records. Thirty-two studies (1826 subjects) were included in quantitative synthesis. A 12%, 14%, 15%, and 9% reduction in IOP from baseline occurred 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after phacoemulsification. A mean reduction of 0.57, 0.47, 0.38, and 0.16 medications per patient of glaucoma medication occurred 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after phacoemulsification. Conclusions: Phacoemulsification as a solo procedure does lower IOP in patients with POAG, and reduces dependency on topical glaucoma medications. These effects appear to last at least 36 months with gradual loss of the initial effect noted after 2 years. Certain populations appear to experience much greater reductions in IOP than others and future work to identify these high responding patients is needed.
Proliferation precedes differentiation in IGF-I-stimulated myogenesis

The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) have dramatic and complex effects on the growth of many tissues and have been implicated in both the proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle cells. A detailed analysis of gene expression was performed in L6E9 myoblast cultures treated with IGF-I to dissect the early events leading to the stimulation of myogenic differentiation by this growth factor. A time course of transcript accumulation in confluent L6E9 myoblasts treated with defined media containing IGF-I revealed an initial transient decrease in myogenic factors, accompanied by an increase in cell cycle markers and cell proliferation. This pattern was reversed at later time points, when the subsequent activation of myogenic factors resulted in a net increase in structural gene expression and larger myotubes. The data presented here support the hypothesis that IGF-I activates proliferation first, and subsequently stimulates events leading to the expression of muscle-specific genes in myogenic cell cultures.
Mercury and methylmercury concentrations in two newly constructed reservoirs in the Wujiang River, Guizhou, China

We studied the distribution of different mercury species in two newly created reservoirs (Hongjiadu [HJD] and Suofengying [SFY] Reservoir) within the Wujiang River, Guizhou Province, China. These reservoirs were sampled four times between January, 2007, and November, 2007. Water, soil, and fish tissue samples were collected and analyzed for organic (methylmercury) and total Hg. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content in water was measured as well. In both reservoirs, the DOC concentration was low (range 0.5–4.9 mg/L). Organic matter content in soil collected near the bank of both reservoirs was also low (range 0.4–6.9%). The total MeHg level did not increase significantly with depth in water column, nor did it exhibit a pronounced spatial pattern moving from upstream to the dam. The total MeHg level did not increase significantly with depth in water column, nor did it exhibit a pronounced spatial pattern moving from upstream to the dam. The total Hg content in fish tissue was on average 0.044 mg/kg wet weight, which is a very low content in an international comparison. It is suggested that the studied reservoirs were not active sites of net Hg methylating. Low levels of organic matter (OM) may constrict the evolution of the bulk Hg methylation process occurring in flooded soil. Therefore, we hypothesize that newly constructed reservoirs in the karstic region of Southwest China appear to be much less beset by the problems of MeHg pollution that have been reported for corresponding reservoirs in North America and Europe. However, further research is required to verify this finding. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:530–537. © 2010 SETAC
Intrauterine infection and spontaneous midgestation abortion: is the spectrum of microorganisms similar to that in preterm labor?

OBJECTIVE To determine whether microorganisms associated with intrauterine infection and preterm labor play a contributing role in midgestation abortion. METHODS A 4 year retrospective review of spontaneous midgestation abortions for which autopsy and microbiological cultures of placental and fetal tissue were performed was conducted for a tertiary obstetrics hospital, which included a regional referral service for perinatal and fetal pathology. One hundred twenty-nine spontaneously delivered, nonmacerated, midgestation fetuses or stillbirths (of between 16 and 26 weeks' gestation) and placentas were examined and cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, yeasts, and genital mycoplasmas. RESULTS Microorganisms were recovered in 85 (66%) cases (57% placentas, 49% fetuses). Among the culture positive cases, 81% had histological chorioamnionitis, 28% fetal pneumonitis, 38% clinical signs of infection, and 62% ruptured membranes at the time of miscarriage. These differed significantly from culture-negative cases (44%, 5%, 13%, and 34%, respectively). Group B streptococcus (GBS) was the most significant pathogen, recovered in 21 cases, 13 as the sole isolate, 94% with chorioamnionitis, and 47% in women with intact membranes. Escherichia coli and Ureaplasma urealyticum (22 and 24 cases, respectively) occurred mostly as mixed infections, with ruptured membranes. GBS, MU urealyticum, and Streptococcus anginosus group were individually associated with chorioamnionitis, Bacteroides/Prevotella and S. anginosus with fetal pneumonitis. The spectrum of microorganisms was similar to that in preterm labor at later gestations; however, GBS appeared to be the most significant pathogen in midgestation miscarriage, especially with intact membranes. CONCLUSIONS Unsuspected intrauterine infection underlies many spontaneous midgestation abortions. GBS is a key pathogen in this setting.
Blended Learning on Campus

On the basis of a large-scale project implementing information and communication technology at Roskilde University, Denmark, this paper discusses ways of introducing technologybased blended learning in academic life. We examine some examples of use of systems for computer-mediated collaborative learning and work in Danish Open University education as well as in courses on campus. We further suggest some possibilities for using technology in innovative ways, arguing that innovation is to be found, not in isolated instantiations of systems, but in the form of a deliberate integration of all relevant ICT-features as a whole into the learning environment.
Different flexibility formulae for finite element modelling and analysis of the dynamic behaviour of a structure with bolted joints

Accurate representation of bolted joints in the finite element (FE) model of a built-up structure is a crucial factor in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the dynamic behaviour prediction of the structure. Modelling of bolted joints in industrial structures has not been widely and thoroughly studied, especially in the dynamic response of the bolted joint itself. The aim of this work is to investigate several flexibility formulae for the calculation of the stiffnesses of CBUSH elements for the modelling of the bolted joints. The flexibility formulae used in this work are attributed to Huth, Tate & Rosenfeld, Boeing, Swift and Grumman. The results of the normal modes analysis of the FE models with different flexibility formulae were compared with those obtained from the experimental modal analysis (EMA). EMA was performed to measure the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the structure with bolted joints. The total errors calculated from the comparisons between FE and EMA were recorded for all flexibility formulae. The results of the investigation demonstrated that there are noticeable variations in the total errors recorded using different flexibility formulas for the CBUSH element representing the bolts in the FE model of the structure with bolted joints. It was found that the Swift’s flexibility formula is the most appropriate for the prediction of the natural frequencies of the structure with bolted joints.Accurate representation of bolted joints in the finite element (FE) model of a built-up structure is a crucial factor in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the dynamic behaviour prediction of the structure. Modelling of bolted joints in industrial structures has not been widely and thoroughly studied, especially in the dynamic response of the bolted joint itself. The aim of this work is to investigate several flexibility formulae for the calculation of the stiffnesses of CBUSH elements for the modelling of the bolted joints. The flexibility formulae used in this work are attributed to Huth, Tate & Rosenfeld, Boeing, Swift and Grumman. The results of the normal modes analysis of the FE models with different flexibility formulae were compared with those obtained from the experimental modal analysis (EMA). EMA was performed to measure the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the structure with bolted joints. The total errors calculated from the comparisons between FE and EMA were recorded for all fle.
Development of a bonding interface between steel/steel and steel/Ni by ultrasonic welding

Ultrasonic welding is a solid-state welding technique that can bond materials at a relatively low temperature and pressure. In this study, steel/steel and steel/Ni combinations were successfully bonded by ultrasonic welding, and the development of the bonding interface was examined. The bonding strength was obtained by a lap shear test and increased with welding time, as did the fraction of bonded area observed by SEM. The bonding process sequence was investigated by SEM and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis of a cross-section at the bonding interface. It was revealed that abrasion is caused by oscillation to form small particles consisting of steel and Ni and that the particles are grown and subsequently flattened with welding time. Bonding is achieved by the flattened particles spreading along the bonding interface without any voids.
Equations of State of Iron Sulfide and Constraints on the Sulfur Content of the Earth

New shock and release wave data for pyrrhotite (Fe_(0.9)S) obtained over the pressure range of 3–158 GPa (0.03–1.58 Mbar) suggest that this mineral undergoes a major shock-induced phase change(s) with an onset in the range 2.7–3.8 GPa. Free-surface velocities of Fe_(0.9)S released from states between 8.9 and 24.7 GPa indicate a maximum postshock density of ∼5.54 g/cm^3. A pressure of ∼25 GPa appears to be required to drive the phase transition(s) to completion. A density for the high-pressure phase (hpp) consistent with present static high-pressure X ray data, ∼5.34 g/cm^3, was used to calculate a zero-pressure, adiabatic bulk modulus of 126–128 GPa for the hpp. Release adiabat measurements centered at 152 and 158 GPa are consistent with the assumption that the Hugoniot curve in the 25- to 158-GPa range reflects the properties of a denser polymorph, possibly with eight-fold coordination, which may be similar to the local bonding of sulfur in the liquid core of the earth. Similar, but less well constrained, reductions are presented for pyrite, FeS_2, based on the three data points of Simakov et al. (1974) in the pressure range 88–320 GPa. These are inferred to represent the behavior of an unknown hpp (approximate zero-pressure density of 5.3 g/cm^3) and indicate that this phase forms at a pressure above ∼29 GPa. Reduction of these data yields a zero-pressure bulk modulus for the hpp in the range 205–244 GPa. The raw Hugoniot data for Fe_(0.9)S, FeS_2, and Fe when constrained to the seismologically obtained density-pressure profiles of the outer core of the earth indicate a systematic decrease of apparent sulfur content from 10 to 6.5% with depth. When the shock data are reduced to isotherms, a nearly constant sulfur content in the range 9–12% is inferred. Using these bounds on the sulfur content of the core, and depending on whether an olivine or pyroxene mantle stoichiometry is assumed, the earth can be modeled as being depleted in S by a factor ranging from 1.7 to 3.2 with respect to the abundances of Si and from 2.8 to 7.5 relative to the abundance of Fe, in CCl carbonaceous chondrites. It is concluded that although the shock wave data permit the major light element in the core to be sulfur, the earth can be modeled as being depleted in sulfur, along with other volatile elements. A systematic relation, C_0(km/s) = 7.15 - 0.47 [V bar], was also discovered upon comparison of the inferred densities and bulk sound speeds (C_0) of the hpp's of the iron sulfides with other measurements for 12 sulfides and elemental sulfur. Here inline image is the volume (in cubic centimeters) per mole of atoms.
The Structure and Catalytic Cycle of a Sodium-Pumping Pyrophosphatase

View of a Sodium Pump Membrane-integral pyrophosphatases (M-PPases) found in plants, protozoans, bacteria, and archaea, link pyrophosphate hydrolysis or synthesis to sodium or proton pumping and contribute to generating an electrochemical potential across the membrane. Kellosalo et al. (p. 473) report the structure of the sodium pumping M-PPase from Thermotoga maritima in the resting state with product bound. The structures reveal the conformational changes that are likely to accompany pyrophosphate binding and provide insight into the ion-pumping mechanism. Structures of a Thermotoga maritima sodium ion–pumping, membrane-integral pyrophosphatase provide a model of the pumping mechanism. Membrane-integral pyrophosphatases (M-PPases) are crucial for the survival of plants, bacteria, and protozoan parasites. They couple pyrophosphate hydrolysis or synthesis to Na+ or H+ pumping. The 2.6-angstrom structure of Thermotoga maritima M-PPase in the resting state reveals a previously unknown solution for ion pumping. The hydrolytic center, 20 angstroms above the membrane, is coupled to the gate formed by the conserved Asp243, Glu246, and Lys707 by an unusual “coupling funnel” of six α helices. Comparison with our 4.0-angstrom resolution structure of the product complex suggests that helix 12 slides down upon substrate binding to open the gate by a simple binding-change mechanism. Below the gate, four helices form the exit channel. Superimposing helices 3 to 6, 9 to 12, and 13 to 16 suggests that M-PPases arose through gene triplication.
Planned Randomized Conversion From Tacrolimus to Sirolimus‐Based Immunosuppressive Regimen in De Novo Kidney Transplant Recipients

Planned conversion from tacrolimus to sirolimus was evaluated in de novo kidney transplant recipients. In this multicenter, randomized, open‐label study, 297 patients were initially treated with tacrolimus, mycophenolate sodium and prednisone. Of the 283 patients reaching 3 months, 97 were converted to sirolimus (SRL), 107 were maintained on tacrolimus (TAC) and 79 were patients receiving TAC without criteria to undergo intervention at month 3 (TACex). The primary objective was to show superior estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the SRL group at month 24. Of the 258 patients who completed 24 months, 91 (94%) were in the SRL group, 101 (94%) in the TAC group and 66 (84%) in the TACex group. In the intention‐to‐treat population there were no differences in eGFR (66.2 ± 25.3 vs. 70.7 ± 25.1, p = 0.817) or in the severity of chronic sclerosing lesions scores in 24‐month protocol biopsies. Higher mean urinary protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (0.36 ± 0.69 vs. 0.15 ± 0.53, p = 0.03) and higher incidence of treated acute rejection between months 3–24 (13.4% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.047) were observed in SRL compared to TAC group. In this population planned conversion from TAC to SRL 3 months after kidney transplantation was not associated with improved renal function at 24 months.
NEW antibiotic.

A novel antibiotic, viridenomycin, has been obtained from the culture broth of a streptomycete (strain No. T-24146) isolated from a soil sample collected in Kyoto. The present paper shows that viridenomycin has strong activity against Bacillus subtilis and Trichomonas vaginalis, and is characterized by its strong absorption maximum at 310 nm in the ultraviolet spectrum. The producing organism is identified as a strain of Streptomyces viridochromogenes WAKSMAN and HENRICI, 19481).
Pre and post-natal exposure to ambient level of air pollution impairs memory of rats: the role of oxidative stress

The aims of this study were to evaluate whether air pollution during pre-natal and post-natal phases change habituation and short-term discriminative memories and if oxidants are involved in this process. As secondary objectives, it was to evaluate if the change of filtered to nonfiltered environment could protect the cortex of rats against oxidative stress as well as to modify the behavior of these animals. Wistar, male rats were divided into four groups (n = 12/group): pre and post-natal exposure until adulthood to filtered air (FA); pre-natal period to nonfiltered air (NFA-FA); until (21st post-natal day) and post-natal to filtered air until adulthood (PND21); pre-natal to filtered air until PND21 and post-natal to nonfiltered air until adulthood (FA-NFA); pre and post-natal to nonfiltered air (NFA). After 150 days of air pollution exposure, animals were tested in the spontaneous object recognition test to evaluate short-term discriminative and habituation memories. Rats were euthanized; blood was collected for metal determination; cortex dissected for oxidative stress evaluation. There was a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the NFA group when compared to other groups (FA: 1.730 ± 0.217; NFA-FA: 1.101 ± 0.217; FA-NFA: 1.014 ± 0.300; NFA: 5.978 ± 1.920 nmol MDA/mg total proteins; p = 0.007). NFA group presented a significant decrease in short-term discriminative (FA: 0.603 ± 0.106; NFA-FA: 0.669 ± 0.0666; FA-NFA: 0.374 ± 0.178; NFA: −0.00631 ± 0.106 sec; p = 0.006) and an improvement in habituation memories when compared to other groups. Therefore, exposure to air pollution during both those periods impairs short-term discriminative memory and cortical oxidative stress may mediate this process.
Effect of porous zeolite on temperature-dependent physical properties of polypropylene/octadecane (PP/OD) composite films

Polymeric materials with temperature-dependent gas permeabilities using a phase change material are designed and their applicability as a packaging system investigated. Polypropylene/octadecane/zeolite (PP/OD/ZL) composite films were prepared via extrusion process. ZL was used as a filler to enhance the dispersion and interfacial interaction between the OD and the PP originating from different flowabilities during the extrusion process. (FTIR) and (WAXD) analyses showed that the incorporation of ZL increased the interfacial interaction between PP and OD, resultantly enhancing the thermal stability, mechanical properties, and the oxygen transmittance rate and mechanical properties after contact with food simulants and thermal treatment. When the temperature was elevated from 10 to 30°C, oxygen and water vapor transmittance rate of the composite films increased sharply because of the influence of the OD content. It was surmised that temperature-dependent permeation jump caused by increasing of segmental mobility of OD phase and converting the crystalline structure to an amorphous one of OD phase in the composite films. However, the permeation jump in the composite films was weak-ened as the ZL content increased. These results are related to changes in the interfacial interaction and crystallinity in the composite films due to the addition of ZL.
Compressive Strength of FRP-Confined Concrete at Elevated Temperatures

Many research studies have shown that fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) can be efficiently, economically, and safely used for strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete structures. However, relatively little is known about the behaviour of FRP materials at high temperature, and this is a primary factor that is limiting the widespread application of FRP materials in civil engineering structures. This paper presents the results of an experimental programme to investigate the effect of high temperature on the performance of concrete cylinders externally confined with fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets. For this purpose, 42 small-scale concrete cylinders measuring 100 × 200 mm were cast. Of these 42 specimens, 14 specimens were left unwrapped to be used as baseline or control specimens, 14 specimens were wrapped with one layer of CFRP sheets, and the remaining 14 specimens were wrapped with GFRP sheets. These specimens were exposed to room temperature and heating regimes of 100 and 200 °C for a period of 1, 2, and 3 h. The specimens were tested in compression, and their performance was evaluated after they had been exposed to specific heating regimes. The test results demonstrate that, at a temperature around the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin, CFRP- and GFRP-wrapped specimens experienced a small loss of strength, resulting from melting of epoxy. This damage was more pronounced when the temperature reached 200 °C.