Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial convergence of crack nucleation using a cohesive finite‐element model on a pinwheel‐based mesh

We consider the use of initially rigid cohesive interface models in a two‐dimensional dynamic finite‐element solution of a fracture process. Our focus is on convergence of finite‐element solutions to a solution of the undiscretized medium as the mesh spacing Δx (and therefore time‐step Δt) tends to zero. We propose the use of pinwheel meshes, which possess the ‘isoperimetric property’ that for any curve C in the computational domain, there is an approximation to C using mesh edges that tends to C including a correct representation of its length, as the grid size tends to zero. We suggest that the isoperimetric property is a necessary condition for any possible spatial convergence proof in the general case that the crack path is not known in advance. Conversely, we establish that if the pinwheel mesh is used, the discrete interface first activated in the finite‐element model will converge to the initial crack in the undiscretized medium. Finally, we carry out a mesh refinement experiment to check convergence of both nucleation and propagation. Our results indicate that the crack path computed in the pinwheel mesh is more stable as the mesh is refined compared to other types of meshes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meiosis in the golden hamster: A confocal microscopy and flow cytometric analysis

In this study, confocal microscopy and flow‐cytometry were utilized to follow meiosis in hamster spermatogenesis. Confocal microscopy was used as an analytical tool to observe spermatocytes inside the tubules following meiotic progression consecutively at defined spermatogenic stages. To study spermatocyte differentiation, the structure of the synaptonemal complex was studied in detail at various stages of hamster spermatogenesis using the antibody against SC3 (the protein of axial/lateral element). The synaptonemal complex was observed from the leptotene stage until the first meiotic division with maximal staining in mid‐pachytene spermatocytes, suggesting a role for SC3 at this postrecombinational stage. In addition, 3‐dimensional (3D) images of synaptonemal complex were observed, providing information about spatial distribution of the chromosomes within the nuclei of spermatocytes at different stages of meiosis. Changes in spermatocyte sizes and DNA condensation allowed assessment of meiosis by flow cytometry. Changes in chromatin condensation at different stages of hamster meiosis were followed, revealing decondensation from early to late pachytene stages. The analysis also allowed a comparing of chromatin status of mitotic and meiotic chromosomes, confirming the less compact structure of the latter, possibly connected to increased transcriptional activity during meiosis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 86–95, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DARPP‐32 genomic fragments drive Cre expression in postnatal striatum

To direct Cre‐mediated recombination to differentiated medium‐size spiny neurons (MSNs) of the striatum, we generated transgenic mice that express Cre recombinase under the regulation of DARPP‐32 genomic fragments. In this reported line, recombination of an R26R reporter allele occurred postnatally in the majority of medium‐size spiny neurons of the dorsal and ventral striatum (caudate nucleus and nucleus accumbens/olfactory tubercle), as well as in the piriform cortex and choroid plexus. Although regulatory fragments were selected to target MSNs, low levels of Cre‐recombinase expression, as detected by β‐galactosidase activity from the R26R reporter gene, were also apparent in widely dispersed areas or cells of the forebrain and hindbrain. These included the primary and secondary motor cortex, and association cortex, as well as in the olfactory bulb and cerebellar Purkinje cells. Notably, expression in these regions was well below that of endogenous DARPP‐32. Analysis of colocalization of β‐galactosidase, as detected either by histochemistry or immunocytochemistry, and DARPP‐32 revealed double‐labeling in almost all DARPP‐32‐expressing MSNs in the postnatal striatum, but not in extrastriatal regions. The DARPP‐32Cre transgenic mouse line thus provides a useful tool to specifically express and/or inactivate genes in mature MSNs of the striatum. genesis 42:37–46, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Universal precautions training of preclinical students: impact on knowledge, attitudes, and compliance.

BACKGROUND Little information exists regarding the impact of universal precautions training programs on preclinical students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. METHODS We developed, implemented, and assessed an educational program in universal precautions for 2nd-year medical and preclinical physician assistant students. Students (n = 170) completed pre- and post-training questionnaires to assess universal precautions knowledge and to evaluate attitudes about their perceived risk for bloodborne pathogen infection, the importance of universal precautions procedures, and their willingness to provide care for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Phlebotomy, intravenous catheter insertion, and arterial blood gas sampling techniques were demonstrated, practiced, and evaluated during practical training sessions. Outcome measures included changes in pre- and posttraining knowledge scores and attitudes, as well as observed compliance with universal precautions during practical training. RESULTS Universal precautions knowledge scores increased significantly after training (P < 0.0001). Personal assessments of the risk of developing HIV due to patient care significantly decreased (P < 0.0001) and willingness to provide care for AIDS patients increased (P = 0.004) following training. Importantly, students reported that high expected rates of contact with HIV-positive and other patient groups would not significantly affect their specialty choice. Observed compliance with universal precautions procedures during practical training ranged from 95 to 99% for glove use, 76 to 77% for direct sharps disposal without needle recapping, and 56 to 78% for handwashing after glove removal during phlebotomy and intravenous catheter insertion. CONCLUSIONS This program is effective in increasing students' knowledge of universal precautions. Training favorably affects students' willingness to care for HIV-positive patients and their assessed risk of developing occupational bloodborne infection.
Comparison of energy expenditure in men and women at rest and during exercise recovery.

The purpose of this study was to compare the energy expenditure (EE) of men and women at rest and during a 1 h recovery from 30 min of exercise at 40% of VO2max. Subjects were five physically active lean men (mean age, % fat, and VO2max = 34.8 +/- 8.1 years, 8.1 +/- 3.2% and 63.8 +/- 8 ml.kg-1.min-1, respectively) and five physically active lean women (mean age, % fat, and VO2max = 26.2 +/- 5.1 years, 17.6 +/- 4.5%, and 50.2 +/- 13.6 ml.kg-1.min-1, respectively). Energy expenditure (EE) was measured continuously by standard open circuit spirometry for 20 min at rest and for 1 h immediately after 30 min of exercise at 40% of VO2max. Independent t tests and ANCOVA were used to compare EE of men and women at rest and during exercise recovery. EE at rest in the men was significantly greater using a t test (p less than .05) than in the women but it was not when the data were adjusted with ANCOVA using body weight, VO2max in ml.kg-1.min-1, and percent body fat as covariates. The EE during 1 h of recovery was also significantly higher in the men using a t test (p less than .05) and after the data were adjusted for differences in VO2max (p less than .02). With body weight and percent fat as covariates. The EE during 1 h of recovery was also significantly higher in the men using a t test (p less than .05) and after the data were adjusted for differences in VO2max (p less than .02). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
CT evaluation of lateral ventricular dilatation after subarachnoid hemorrhage: baseline bicaudate index balues

Abstract Objectives: To define baseline bicaudate index (BCI) values in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods: We reviewed the clinical and radiological information on consecutive adult patients admitted with acute SAH to our hospital between 1 January 2002 and 1 January 2008. Patients without diagnosis of acute hydrocephalus were entered into this study. Age-stratified BCI values were calculated. Results: Our study cohort comprised 108 patients (66 women, 61%). The clinical status at presentation was excellent with a median score of 1 on the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons Scale. Cisternal blood burden was mild to moderate with a median Hijdra score of 17 (out of 30). The upper limits of normal (ninety-fifth percentile) for BCI were 0·12 at age 45 years and under, 0·14 at 55 years, 0·16 at 65 years, and 0·17 thereafter. Conclusion: Albeit not perfect, the BCI is a commonly used linear measure of the lateral ventricular size. We present baseline BCI values in a cohort of patients with acute SAH. A diagnosis of hydrocephalus can be made when the BCI value exceeds the upper limit of normal for age.
THE IMPACT OF WHATSAPP ON INTERACTION IN AN ARABIC LANGUAGE TEACHING COURSE

This study aimed to investigate pre-service Arabic language teachers’ perceptions of the impact of integrating WhatsApp mobile instant messaging on the enhancement of their instructional interaction. It also sought to identify the challenges of using this application as a mobile learning tool. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews and an analysis of the postings on WhatsApp platform. The results revealed that WhatsApp had the power to enhance the three types of interactions, 71% of the participants reported that it enhances student-student interaction, 54% reported that it enhances student-content interaction and 42% of the participants stated that it enhances student-instructor interaction. They concluded that WhatsApp platform offers them a space for communicating, expressing ideas and exchanging information anytime and anywhere. However, (a) expenses involved in WhatsApp use, (b) extra work load, (c) distraction to learning and (d) lack of students’ commitment for effective participation were identified as the greatest challenges of effective WhatsApp use for learning purposes.
On the Strongly Connected Components of Random Directed Graphs with Given Degree Sequences

A strongly connected component of a directed graph G is a maximal subgraph H of G such that for each pair of vertices u and v in H, there is a directed path from u to v and a directed path from v to u in H. A strongly connected component is said to be giant if it has linear size. We determine the threshold at which a random directed graph with a well-behaved degree sequence asymptotically almost surely contains a giant strongly connected component. This is a new proof of a result by Cooper and Frieze in [12]. In addition, we predict the site percolation threshold for the presence of a giant strongly connected component in a graph with a well-behaved degree sequence.
Epidemiology of Merkel cell carcinoma in New Zealand: a population‐based study

DEAR EDITOR, Current evidence suggests that ultraviolet (UV) radiation (UVR) exposure is an important risk factor in the aetiology of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). New Zealand (NZ), with its high UV levels and population of mainly Celtic descent, has some of the highest rates of UV-related skin cancers in the world, with particularly high rates of melanoma. Given the similarities in aetiology and biology between MCC and melanoma it could be anticipated that the incidence of MCC in NZ would also be comparatively high. Two recent studies from Queensland and Western Australia (regions with similar UV indices and racial profiles to NZ) have reported the highest rates of MCC in the world. However, to date, no published reports have evaluated the status of MCC in NZ. In order to determine the incidence (and associated trends) of MCC in NZ, as well as describe patient demographics and clinical characteristics, population data on MCC cases over a 10-year period from 2002 to 2011 were collected from the New Zealand Cancer Registry (NZCR) by way of an electronic search of International Classification of Diseases-10 codes. Demographic data (age at diagnosis, site of MCC, year of diagnosis, ethnicity and sex) were extracted. Disease characteristics such as site of occurrence and disease stage at diagnosis were also analysed. Site of occurrence was divided into head and neck, upper limb, lower limb and trunk. MCC stage was reported according to the three-tiered system proposed by Yiengpruksawan et al. (stage I, localized skin disease; stage II, regional lymph node disease; stage III, metastatic disease). Estimated populations were obtained from NZ census data and provided the rate denominators for all analyses. Basic descriptive statistics and figures were used to summarize data. The two-sided Student’s t-test was used to determine whether differences existed between the means of independent samples; the Chi squared test or Fisher’s exact test were used to determine differences in categorical variables. A P-value < 0 05 was considered statistically significant. Age-adjusted incidence rates [per 100 000 person-years (PY)] were calculated for sex, year of diagnosis and 5-year age group using direct standardization to the U.S. standard 2000 population. Linear regression was used to investigate trends in incidence by calendar year. From 2002 to 2011 a total of 356 cases of MCC were reported to the NZCR. Demographic data are displayed in Table 1. MCC typically occurred in elderly patients, with an overall mean SD age at diagnosis of 77 2 11 2 years. Europeans accounted for the majority, making up > 91% of all cases. Most cases were localized (stage I) at time of
The mediating role of job satisfaction between leader-member exchange and turnover intentions.

AIM The aim of the present study was to investigate whether job satisfaction mediates between leader-member exchange and nurse turnover intentions. BACKGROUND Limited knowledge is available on the mediating role of job satisfaction between leader-member exchange and turnover intentions in the nursing field. METHOD This is a cross-sectional survey study. Data were collected in a US hospital. RESULTS Higher leader-member exchange was associated with lower turnover intentions (β=-0.41, P<0.001). Leader-member exchange was positively related to one's job satisfaction (β=0.50, P<0.001). Job satisfaction was negatively related to turnover intentions (β=-0.64, P<0.001). When leader-member exchange and job satisfaction were both controlled for, the link between leader-member exchange and turnover intentions was no longer significant (β=-0.12, P>0.05). CONCLUSION Job satisfaction mediates the link between leader-member exchange and turnover intentions. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT The present study reinforces the significant role of managers. Nurse managers can try to cultivate a good relationship with the nurses. This can enhance nurses' job satisfaction and in turn lower their turnover intentions.
Aetiology of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder : Are Parenting Styles Causal ?

Introduction Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition that affects an individual’s normal behaviour. It arises from anxiety and is caused by a range of genetic and environmental factors. Objectives To investigate whether parenting styles and behaviours are a causal factor of OCD. Methods To find relevant articles, the following key words were typed into SCOPUS and ISI Web of Knowledge, “OCD” or “Obsessive Compulsive Disorder” AND adult* AND style or bond AND child*. Free articles that were topic specific and published in English were selected. Articles that focused on the biological causes of OCD or other mental disorders were excluded. The chosen articles were then assessed using CASP criteria. Results Findings reported that compulsive behaviours were linked to both maternal and paternal styles of parenting. Authoritarian and dismissive parenting involving low levels of care was found to be a strong predictor of the condition. Symptoms were also observed in highly anxious subjects with little independence. However, the link between over-protectiveness and OCD remains uncertain. Conclusion Parenting styles that are dictatorial in nature and show little concern for individuals are believed to cause Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Due to ambiguity in current literature, more research is needed on overprotective parenting.
Migraine Tweets – What can online behavior tell us about disease?

Social media provides a stream of real-time, user-generated updates from millions of people globally. What can Google and Twitter behavior teach us about migraine? With Google trends (http://www.google.com/trends/) we determined the relative number of “migraine” searches in the United States between 1 January 2007 and 31 July 2012 There were significantly more searches for “migraine” during weekdays than during weekends and holidays like Thanksgiving and Memorial Day (p <0.00001), consistent with studies indicating a decreased risk of migraine attacks on days o3 (1). During the working week, Tuesdays had the highest (p = 0.02) and Fridays the lowest (p = 0.00009) frequency of searches. Second, we used a publicly available online tool —timeuse (http://timeu.se/) — that consists of a timestamped searchable bank of millions of Twitter messages (2). “Migraine” was Tweeted significantly more on weekdays than on weekends (p = 0.00003). During the working week, Monday had the highest and Friday the lowest frequency, and Tweets were most common around 7 a.m. (See Figure 1.) This is consistent with a study on migraine attacks in patients, where these peaked between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. (3). On a population basis, the Tweeting of the terms “stress” and “migraine” were most correlated when the stress time series was lagged two hours (r = 0.67). Figure 1 Tweets of “Migraine” across the day. “Headache” Tweets peaked at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the working week, and at 9:30 on weekend mornings. “Headache” was Tweeted around six times more often than “migraine. ” In 100 sampled Twitter reports of migraine, 81 were from women, 17 were from men and two were without identifiable gender. Both the ratio between headache and migraine, and the ratio between men and women, are comparable to results from large-scale epidemiological studies (4). Many of the sampled Tweets described frustration, symptoms, disease duration, medications and suspected triggers. An in-depth analysis of time series of Tweets by individual migraineurs may provide information on triggers such as sleep deprivation, stress and foods, as may analysis of Google searches and Tweets in relation to sunlight, temperature, latitude (5), cultural events or even barometric pressure. We conclude that online behavior is a rich, free source of voluntary self-reports that can enrich or supplement epidemiological and diary studies on disease.
On free energy calculations using fluctuation theorems of work

Gegenstand der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die Berechnung der freien Energie von analytisch kaum zuganglichen Systemen. Altere stochastische Methoden wie R. Zwanzig's Free Energy Perturbation und Ch. Bennett's Acceptance Ratio Methode wurden jungst unter Ausnutzung der Jarzynski Gleichung und des Crooks'schen Fluktuationstheoremes verallgemeinert und verknupfen derart die Verteilung der in einem Nichtgleichgewichtsprozess verrichteten Arbeit mit der assoziierten Differenz der freien Energie. Wir haben die Acceptance Ratio Methode im Detail studiert, ihre Wirkungsweise anschaulich erlautert, einige Eigenschaften bewiesen und ein Mas fur dessen Konvergenz vorgeschlagen und gepruft. Auserdem haben wir ein Fluktuationstheorem fur einen verallgemeinerten Begriff von Arbeit aufgestellt und fur die Berechnung des chemischen Potentials eines Lennard-Jones Fluides von hoher Dichte angewandt.
Changes of Cerebral Blood Flow, Oxygenation, and Oxidative Metabolism during Graded Motor Activation

In the present studies fMRI and a hypercapnic calibration procedure were used to monitor simultaneous changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood oxygenation, and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO(2)) during activation in the sensorimotor cortex. In the first set of experiments seven volunteers performed bilateral, self-paced finger tapping and in the second set of experiments six volunteers performed bilateral finger tapping with six different frequencies (0.5-3 Hz). During the latter task relative CBF and BOLD signal intensity changes varied linearly as a function of stimulus frequency. In good agreement with recent PET and fMRI data increases in CMRO(2) were smaller than the corresponding changes in CBF during self-paced finger tapping and at all levels of graded motor activation. At a single level of activation and during graded activation there was a positive linear relationship between CBF and CMRO(2) with ratios of approximately 3:1. Comparable proportionality constants have been found in the visual cortex and primary sensory cortex, indicating similarities between the relationship of CBF and CMRO(2) in various cortical regions.
Amiodarone‐induced experimental acute neuropathy in rats

Amiodarone was injected endoneurially at increasing doses into the exposed tibial nerve of rats to study its electrophysiologic and pathologic effects on peripheral nerve fibers. Forty‐five male Wistar rats were used, and each of the following concentrations was injected into 15 nerves: 25 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, and 100 μg/mL. Microinjection of a 25 μg/mL concentration of amiodarone resulted in a subacute, incomplete conduction block evident at day 3 postinjection. This conduction block remained stable until day 10 and recovery was complete at day 35. Microinjection of a 50 μg/mL concentration of amiodarone produced a faster evolving conduction block, and significant axon degeneration (approximately 40% of fibers). Injection of a 100 μg/mL concentration resulted in severe acute motor axon degeneration followed by complete but delayed regeneration. Results of morphological studies closely correlated with electrophysiological findings. Amiodarone thus seems to have a direct toxic effect on axons at high concentrations in the peripheral nerve, and we suggest that different pathological changes described in human amiodarone neuropathy could be related to different concentrations of the drug in the nerve, perhaps due to variability of blood‐nerve barrier efficacy.
Computed Tomography of Normal Cranioencephalic Structures in Two Horses

The purpose of this investigation was to define the anatomy of the cranioencephalic structures in horses using computed tomography (CT). Tranverse images of two isolated equine cadaver heads were obtained using a Toshiba 600 HQ (third‐generation equipment TCT). CT images were compared to corresponding frozen cross‐sections of the cadaver head. Relevant anatomical structures were identified and labelled at each level. The resulting images provided excellent anatomic detail of the structures of the central nervous system and associated formations. Annotated CT images from this study are intended as a reference for clinical CT imaging studies of the equine head.