Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of Ractopamine Residues in Pigs by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Ractopamine hydrochloride is a xenobiotic that belongs to a large group of s2-adrenergic agonist compounds. s2-Agonists are used in human and veterinary medicine for treatment of lung diseases as bronchodilators, tocolytics and heart tonics (Courtheyn et al., 2002; Malucelli et al., 1994; Meyer & Rinke, 1991). Besides their legal use, these drugs are often misused as growth promoters, to improve carcass composition by decreasing fat to the benefit of muscle mass, gaining higher economic benefit to producers (Anderson et al., 2009; Moody et al., 2000). Ractopamine hydrochloride increases the amount of lean meat and decreases the amount of carcass fat when fed to swine during the last 50 kg of gain, also increasing the rate of weight gain and feed conversion (Anderson et al., 1989; Merkel et al., 1987; Watkins et al., 1990; Williams et al., 1994). The biochemical basis of ractopamine effects is increasing the nitrogen retention, protein synthesis, enhancing lipolysis and suppressing lipogenesis (Apple et al., 2007; Armstrong et al., 2004; Carr et al., 2005; Mills, 2002; Mitchell et al., 1990; Mitchell, 2009). Illegal use of s2-agonists in 5to 10-fold therapeutic doses leads to accumulation of these compounds in animal tissues such as liver, kidney and muscle (Smith, 1998; Smith & Shelver, 2002). High amounts of s2-agonist residues in meat and meat products led to a number of cases of food poisoning in humans in the last 20 years (Brambilla et al. 1997; Garay et al., 1997; Martinez-Navarro, 1990; Pulce at al., 1991; Ramos et al., 2003), although the Council Directive 96/22/EC banned the use of these substances in the European Union. Consequently, detection of s2-agonists in biological material from farm animals is a high priority because of the public health concern; relatively large numbers of samples have to be analyzed and more stringent criteria used in view of the serious public health implications of positive results. In order to provide quality assurance for the consumer and to satisfy legal testing obligations, the ability to detect drug residues at low concentrations has become a very important issue. Although all incidents of poisoning were caused by clenbuterol toxicity, the European Union has placed ban upon the use of all ┚-agonists, thus requiring strict monitoring for the illegal use of this and other ┚-agonists. Ractopamine was approved by the U.S. Food and
Multi-softmax deep neural network for semi-supervised training

In this paper we propose a Shared Hidden Layer Multisoftmax Deep Neural Network (SHL-MDNN) approach for semi-supervised training (SST). This approach aims to boost low-resource speech recognition where limited training data is available. Supervised data and unsupervised data share the same hidden layers but are fed into different softmax layers so that erroneous automatic speech recognition (ASR) transcriptions of the unsupervised data have less effect on shared hidden layers. Experimental results on Babel data indicate that this approach always outperform naive SST on DNN, and it can yield 1.3% word error rate (WER) reduction compared with supervised DNN hybrid system. In addition, if softmax layer is retrained with supervised data, it can lead up to another 0.8% WER reduction. Confidence based data selection is also studied in this setup. Experiments show that this method is not sensitive to ASR transcription errors.
Knowledge on HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Facilitates Vaccine Acceptability among School Teachers in Kitui County, Kenya

Background Vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection have the potential to reduce the burden of cervical cancer. School-based delivery of HPV vaccines is cost-effective and successful uptake depends on school teachers’ knowledge and acceptability of the vaccine. The aim of this study is to assess primary school teachers’ knowledge and acceptability of HPV vaccine and to explore facilitators and barriers of an ongoing Gavi Alliance-supported vaccination program in Kitui County, Kenya. Methods This was a cross-sectional, mixed methods study in Central Division of Kitui County where the Ministry of Health is offering the quadrivalent HPV vaccine to grade four girls. Data on primary school teachers’ awareness, knowledge and acceptability of HPV vaccine as well as facilitators and barriers to the project was collected through self-administered questionnaires and two focus group discussions. Results 339 teachers (60% female) completed the survey (62% response rate) and 13 participated in 2 focus group discussions. Vaccine awareness among teachers was high (90%), the level of knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer among teachers was moderate (48%, SD = 10.9) and females scored higher than males (50% vs. 46%, p = 0.002). Most teachers (89%) would recommend the vaccine to their daughter or close relatives. Those who would recommend the vaccine had more knowledge than those who would not (p = <0.001). The main barriers were insufficient information about the vaccine, poor accessibility of schools, absenteeism of girls on vaccine days, and fear of side effects. Conclusions Despite low to moderate levels of knowledge about HPV vaccine among school teachers, vaccine acceptability is high. Teachers with little knowledge on HPV vaccine are less likely to accept the vaccine than those who know more; this may affect uptake if not addressed. Empowering teachers to be vaccine champions in their community may be a feasible way of disseminating information about HPV vaccine and cervical cancer.
Coadministration of Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Progenitor Cells Enhances the Efficiency of Proangiogenic Cell-Based Therapy

Cell-based therapy is a promising approach designed to enhance neovascularization and function of ischemic tissues. Interaction between endothelial and smooth muscle cells regulates vessels development and remodeling and is required for the formation of a mature and functional vascular network. Therefore, we assessed whether coadministration of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and smooth muscle progenitor cells (SMPCs) can increase the efficiency of cell therapy. Unilateral hindlimb ischemia was surgically induced in athymic nude mice treated with or without intravenous injection of EPCs (0.5×106), SMPCs (0.5×106) and EPCs+SMPCs (0.25×106+0.25×106). Vessel density and foot perfusion were increased in mice treated with EPCs+SMPCs compared to animals receiving EPCs alone or SMPCs alone (P<0.001). In addition, capillary and arteriolar densities were enhanced in EPC+SMPC–treated mice compared to SMPC and EPC groups (P<0.01). We next examined the role of Ang-1/Tie2 signaling in the beneficial effect of EPC and SMPC coadministration. Small interfering RNA directed against Ang-1–producing SMPCs or Tie2-expressing EPCs blocked vascular network formation in Matrigel coculture assays, reduced the rate of incorporated EPCs within vascular structure, and abrogated the efficiency of cell therapy. Production of Ang-1 by SMPCs activates Tie2-expressing EPCs, resulting in increase of EPC survival and formation of a stable vascular network. Subsequently, the efficiency of EPC- and SMPC-based cotherapy is markedly increased. Therefore, coadministration of different types of vascular progenitor cells may constitute a novel therapeutic strategy for improving the treatment of ischemic diseases.
Fluoroscopic cervical epidural injections in chronic axial or disc-related neck pain without disc herniation, facet joint pain, or radiculitis

Background While chronic neck pain is a common problem in the adult population, with a typical 12-month prevalence of 30%–50%, there is a lack of consensus regarding its causes and treatment. Despite limited evidence, cervical epidural injections are one of the commonly performed nonsurgical interventions in the management of chronic neck pain. Methods A randomized, double-blind, active, controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of cervical interlaminar epidural injections of local anesthetic with or without steroids for the management of chronic neck pain with or without upper extremity pain in patients without disc herniation, radiculitis, or facet joint pain. Results One hundred and twenty patients without disc herniation or radiculitis and negative for facet joint pain by means of controlled diagnostic medial branch blocks were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups, ie, injection of local anesthetic only (group 1) or local anesthetic mixed with nonparticulate betamethasone (group 2). The primary outcome of significant pain relief and improvement in functional status (≥50%) was demonstrated in 72% of group 1 and 68% of group 2. The overall average number of procedures per year was 3.6 in both groups with an average total relief per year of 37–39 weeks in the successful group over a period of 52 weeks. Conclusion Cervical interlaminar epidural injections of local anesthetic with or without steroids may be effective in patients with chronic function-limiting discogenic or axial pain.
The relations of cognitive strategies with injury, motivation, and performance among marathon runners: Results from two studies

Abstract Two studies, one retrospective and the other prospective, investigated the relation of cognitive strategies (association, dissociation) with injury, motivation, and performance variables among marathon runners. Association was found to predict injury in runners at 4 month follow-up. It appears that association is favored by runners who are more competitive, participate in numerous races, and are heavily invested in running. Contrary to early theorizing, findings demonstrated that dissociation was not related to injury but was related to motivation and performance variables suggesting that dissociating runners tend to run slower, be less competitive, and be less invested in running. It is proposed that motivational and physiological factors account for the use of cognitive strategies among marathon runners.
Interrater reliability of qualitative ultrasound assessment of gastric content in the third trimester of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents in pregnant women undergoing general anaesthesia is one of the most feared complications in obstetric anaesthesia. Bedside gastric ultrasonography is a feasible imaging tool to assess the gastric content. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability of qualitative bedside assessment of the gastric content performed by anaesthesiologists on third trimester pregnant women. METHODS Pregnant women (≥32 weeks gestational age) were randomized to undergo ultrasound (US) assessments of their stomach in a fasting state (>8 h), or after ingestion of clear fluids only, or solid food. Three anaesthesiologists trained in gastric ultrasonography performed the assessments using a low-frequency curved-array US transducer (5-2 MHz). Primary outcome of the study was the consistency of raters in diagnosing the correct status of the gastric content, which was used to determine the interrater reliability among the three anaesthesiologists. Secondary outcomes were overall proportion of correct and incorrect diagnoses and the specific proportions of correct diagnosis across the three gastric content groups. RESULTS We analysed 32 pregnant women. The interrater reliability displayed a kappa statistic of 0.74 (bias corrected 95% CI: 0.68-0.84). The overall proportion of correct diagnosis was 87.5% (84 of 96). The odds of correct diagnosis for 'solid contents' were 16.7 times the odds for 'empty', and 14.3 times for 'clear fluid'. CONCLUSIONS Our results show the consistency of the qualitative US assessment of gastric contents of pregnant women in the third trimester by anaesthesiologists. A kappa of 0.74 suggests substantial agreement in terms of interrater reliability for this diagnostic measurement. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01564030.
Self-regulation and writing: Where do we go from here?

Abstract Zimmerman and Risemberg (1997) present a social cognitive model of self-regulated writing. We offer four caveats concerning Zimmerman's and Risemberg's model. First, self-regulation is a field containing multiple theoretical perspectives, and descriptions considerably different from the one offered by Zimmerman and Risemberg can be constructed. Second, self-regulation may play a more modest role in writing than commonly assumed. Third, a high level of self-regulation is a necessary but not sufficient condition to become an expert writer, but the development of a moderate to high degree of self-regulation may be enough to become a competent writer. Fourth, the effects of self-regulation are not always positive. Areas in need of future research are also examined and methods for promoting self-regulatory behaviors in writing are identified.
Global Income Distribution: From the Fall of the Berlin Wall to the Great Recession

The paper presents a newly compiled and improved database of national household surveys between 1988 and 2008. In 2008, the global Gini index is around 70.5 percent having declined by approximately 2 Gini points over this twenty year period. When it is adjusted for the likely under-reporting of top incomes in surveys by using the gap between national accounts consumption and survey means in combination with a Pareto-type imputation of the upper tail, the estimate is a much higher global Gini of almost 76 percent. With such an adjustment the downward trend in the Gini almost disappears. Tracking the evolution of individual country-deciles shows the underlying elements that drive the changes in the global distribution: China has graduated from the bottom ranks, modifying the overall shape of the global income distribution in the process and creating an important global"median"class that has transformed a twin-peaked 1988 global distribution into an almost single-peaked one now. The"winners"were country-deciles that in 1988 were around the median of the global income distribution, 90 percent of whom in terms of population are from Asia. The"losers"were the country-deciles that in 1988 were around the 85th percentile of the global income distribution, almost 90 percent of whom in terms of population are from mature economies.
How technology for comprehension training can support conversation towards the joint construction of meaning

Two studies assessed the role of Separate Control of Shared Space (SCoSS) technology in supporting peer collaborative discussion and comprehension. We hypothesised that providing equitable shared input to two literacy tasks (both good predictors of comprehension skill) would support discussion to promote the joint construction of meaning, and hence individual progress. Study 1: 50 7–9-year-olds took a reading-specific multiple classification (RMC) pre-test, categorising words on two dimensions, before training on the task in pairs using SCoSS, dual-control or individual technology. Discussion produced more accurate post-test classification performance and SCoSS was associated with higher frequency of statements during training that combined both RMC dimensions (surface form and meaning of words). Study 2: 12 8–9-year-olds were pre-tested on story recall and worked in pairs on a SCoSS-supported story construction task, requiring collaborative inference-making, hypothesis generation and selection. Post-test story recall was predicted by the frequency of deductive causal statements during training. We discuss how technology can be used to promote collaboration and discussion that supports joint understanding and individual comprehension development.
Three-dimensional finite element analysis of custom-made ceramic dowel made using CAD/CAM technology.

PURPOSE This study compares the stress distribution in the structure of a loaded endodontically treated maxillary extracted canine restored with either custom-made zirconia (Cercon) or cast gold dowel and core. MATERIALS AND METHODS Standard treatments were implemented to prepare the gutta-percha-filled root canal and dowel space. The tooth along with the dowel and core fabricated pattern resin were prepared to receive an all-ceramic (Cercon) crown. An impression was made for the tooth preparation with the zirconia milled dowel and core in place to fabricate the Cercon crown using CAD/CAM. The restored canine was scanned, and from the scan two models were constructed with the surrounding ligament and bone. Three-dimensional finite element elastic analysis was then carried out for the stress distribution within the different regions of the two models due to a concentrated force of 100 N applied at the mid-lingual area. Analyses were made for three load angulations, vertical, buccolingual horizontal, and an in-between oblique force at 45(o) . Each region of the models was assumed isotropic and homogeneous. The two restored canines with zirconia and gold were compared in terms of the resulting maximum tensile, compressive, and Von Mises stresses. RESULTS Generally, there were no significant differences in the maximum stresses in most regions for both models. Von Mises stresses for zirconia dowel and core was 8.966 MPa and for cast gold dowel and core was 8.752 MPa. The maximum tensile stress for zirconia dowel and core was 9.326 MPa, and for cast gold dowel and core was 8.166 MPa. CONCLUSIONS The present work validates the use of CAD/CAM zirconia material for ceramic dowel and cores. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS CAD/CAM Zirconia can be used for a custom-made dowel and core in an esthetically demanding zone as an esthetic replacement for a metal cast dowel and core when restoring endodontically treated teeth.
Morphological changes in tumour type after radiotherapy are accompanied by changes in gene expression profile but not in clinical behaviour

The morphological features of neoplastic cells, combined with a stromal reaction, determine the presence of cancer at the microscopic level. Malignant tumours arise through a series of genetic alterations, but these do not entirely explain invasive and metastatic behaviour and correlate only weakly with morphological changes. In order to understand the relationship between the morphology of cancer tissue, gene expression, and clinical behaviour, a study of radiation‐induced mucinous rectal carcinoma was performed. Short‐term radiotherapy of rectal carcinoma results in an increased incidence of mucinous carcinoma. A cohort of rectal carcinomas (n = 1304), from patients who participated in a randomized radiotherapy trial, was evaluated for the presence and amount of a mucinous component. The results were compared with data from the pre‐irradiation biopsies and revealed the presence of two distinct classes of mucinous carcinoma in the radiotherapy group, namely pre‐existing (un‐induced; n = 24) and induced mucinous carcinoma (n = 29). Clinical data, pathological parameters, and immunohistochemical data from these patients and their tumours showed that induced mucinous carcinomas were more comparable to typical adenocarcinomas than to pre‐existing mucinous carcinomas. The prognosis of patients with induced mucinous carcinoma was significantly better than that of patients with pre‐existing mucinous carcinomas (91.2% versus 39.3% recurrence‐free interval at 2 years, p = 0.02). Gene expression profiles of the different groups of mucinous carcinomas and adenocarcinomas were analysed using Affymetrix Human Cancer Chips. Surprisingly, despite the difference in prognosis, the expression profile of radiation‐induced mucinous carcinomas was very closely related to that of their un‐induced counterparts. It is shown in the present study that radiation therapy of rectal cancer leads within a few days to substantial changes in both morphology and expression profile. However, the morphology of the pre‐therapy biopsy predicts patient survival far better than post‐therapy expression profiles. It is concluded that tumour morphology equates to expression profile, but that external factors might influence both, leading to sub‐optimal prognostication. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Redefining the L2 Listening Construct Within an Integrated Writing Task: Considering the Impacts of Visual-Cue Interpretation and Note-Taking

Researchers debate whether listening tasks should be supported by visuals. Most empirical research in this area has been conducted on the effects of visual support on listening comprehension tasks employing multiple-choice questions. The present study seeks to expand this research by investigating the effects of video listening passages (vs. audio-only listening passages) on note-taking strategies and subsequent (integrated) writing task performance. Forty international students learning English at Michigan State University participated. Each wrote two English essays, 1 preceded by supporting video listening material and one by audio-only listening material with the order of presentation and the content of the listening material and writing task counter balanced (via Latin squares) to control for order and test-content effects. Participants completed an exit survey concerning their perceptions of the different tasks. Results indicate that there was no significant difference in performance between the two task types (video-based vs. audio-only-based); however, there was a significant difference in note-taking practices—as expected, when test takers watched the video, they took fewer notes. Qualitative data suggest that test takers had mixed perceptions of the usefulness of video. However, the majority of participants preferred the video-based task and believed that video helped them understand the listening passages.
Singularities or emergent losses in radially uniaxial spheres

To find the electrostatic solution of a radially uniaxially anisotropic sphere in a constant external field is fairly straightforward. However, the resulting quasistatic polarizability exhibits many interesting properties including singularities and dubious emergent losses. By removing the origin and adding small losses, it turns out that the solution is valid in a certain limiting sense. Without puncturing the sphere, the potential is singular at the origin if the permittivity is indefinite, and for certain ranges of parameter values infinitesimally small losses give rise to significant effective losses.
Resurgent ethno-nationalism and the renewed demand for Biafra in south-east Nigeria

The renewed demand for Biafra by Igbo people is a rejection of their post-war socio-political and economic condition in Nigeria. Through the processing of primary data, the paper examines this reinvention of Igbo nationalism. It looks at its linkage with the 1999 democratic transition in Nigeria, its implications and management by the government. The paper concludes that the renewed demand for Biafra is caused by perception of inequities and injustice in the distribution of power and resources among the Igbo. Hence a deliberate effort to correct these social problems can assuage ethnic tensions and presumption of political violence in Nigeria.