Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selected Diagnostic Ophthalmic Tests in the Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus)

Abstract The following tests were performed on a total of 20 eyes: Schirmer tear test, intraocular pressure (IOP), assessment of conjunctival flora, and pupillary diameter with application of topical tropicamide in 10 healthy captive red kangaroos (Macropus rufus) under manual restraint. The mean Schirmer tear test value was 22.6 ± 6.07 mm/min. The mean intraocular pressure was 17.45 ± 7.23 mm Hg. Values did not differ between eyes or gender for either test, but significant differences were identified for IOP values according to age. The most common bacteria isolated from the conjunctival fornix were Staphylococcus epidermidis (54.5%) and Corynebacterium sp. (18.2%). The mean onset of mydriasis after instillation of 1% tropicamide ophthalmic solution was 16.7 ± 3.34 min and the mean duration of effect was 17.6 ± 8.26 hr. The data obtained in this investigation will aid veterinary ophthalmologists and zoo veterinarians to diagnose ocular diseases in the red kangaroo accurately.
Collaborative Blended Learning Writing Environment: Effects on EFL Students' Writing Apprehension and Writing Performance

This study examined the effects of collaborative blended learning writing environment on students’ writing apprehension and writing performance as perceived by a selected group of EFL students enrolled in one of the international schools in Malaysia. Qualitative case study method was employed using semi-structured interview, learning diaries and observation. Twelve male students enrolled in Class Ten were selected to participate in a 13-week study. To learn how to write collaboratively, the students followed the procedures of the blended learning writing process. Students were divided into three groups and were given the freedom to choose the members of the group they would like to work with. They went through the writing process in face-to-face and online learning modes via the class blog and online Viber discussion. Data collected were analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that the students had positive perceptions towards the collaborative blended learning writing environment they had experienced. They perceived that the collaborative blended learning activities had helped them reduced their writing apprehension and improve their writing performance as they experienced and learnt much knowledge concerning the micro and macro aspects of writing. Students also viewed that their online discussion and collaboration on writing in Viber groups and the class blog had assisted them greatly in their writing task.
Selective decontamination of the digestive tract to prevent postoperative infection: A randomized placebo-controlled trial in liver transplant patients

ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) in patients undergoing elective transplantation of the liver. DesignRandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. SettingTwo academic teaching hospitals. PatientsAdult patients undergoing elective liver transplantation: 26 patients receiving SDD and 29 patients receiving a placebo. InterventionsPatients undergoing SDD were administered 400 mg of norfloxacin once daily as soon as they were accepted for transplantation. Postoperative treatment for this group consisted of 2 mg of colistin, 1.8 mg of tobramycin, and 10 mg of amphotericin B, four times daily, combined with an oral paste containing a 2% solution of the same drugs until postoperative day 30. Prophylactic intravenous administration of antibiotics was not part of the SDD regimen in this study. Control patients were given a similar regimen with placebo drugs. MeasurementsThe mean number of postoperative bacterial and fungal infections in the first 30 days after transplantation was the primary efficacy end point. Days on a ventilator, days spent in the intensive care unit, and medical costs were registered as secondary outcome variables. Main ResultsOf the 26 patients undergoing SDD, 22 (84.5%) developed an infection in the postoperative study period; in the placebo group (n = 29), these numbers were not significantly different (25 patients, 86%). The mean number of postoperative infectious episodes per patient was also not significantly different: 1.77 (SDD) vs. 1.93 (placebo). Infections involving Gram-negative aerobic bacteria and Candida species were significantly less frequent in patients receiving SDD (p < .001 and p < .05). Total costs were higher in the group receiving SDD. ConclusionsSelective decontamination of the digestive tract does not prevent infection in patients undergoing elective liver transplantation and increases the cost of their care. It does, however, affect the type of infection. Infections with Gram-negative bacilli and with Candida species are replaced by infections with Gram-positive cocci.
Clinical and Mortality Risk Factors in Bloodstream Infections with Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae

Objective To investigate the risk factors underlying the occurrence and mortality of bloodstream infections (BSIs) with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Methods Medical information was retrospectively analyzed from 148 cases of patients with Enterobacteriaceae BSIs at a medical center in China, between 2013 and 2015. Results The 30-day mortality rate in the CRE group was 65.4%. Indwelling urethral catheterization, admission to the ICU, use of antibiotics within 30 days, and BSIs from the respiratory system were associated with CRE BSIs. Lung infection, abdominal infection, central venous catheterization, and use of hormones within 30 days were associated with mortality. Conclusion The 30-day mortality rate of CRE BSIs was high. Lung infections, abdominal infections, central venous catheterization, and use of hormones within 30 days increased the mortality rate of Enterobacteriaceae BSIs.
Spinal cord oligodendrocytes develop from a limited number of migratory, highly proliferative precursors

Oligodendrocytes are responsible for myelin formation in spinal cord white matter. In the mature spinal cord, the majority of white matter is localized peripherally. During early development, however, the first oligodendrocyte precursors arise in the ventral ventricular zone of the developing cord. Thus, prior to myelination, both migration and proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursors must occur. When and where these events occur is currently unclear. In the chick spinal cord, oligodendrocyte precursors express antigens recognized by the monoclonal antibody O4. Here we show that all chick spinal cord oligodendrocytes are derived from O4+ cells and all O4+ cells appear to give rise to oligodendrocytes. Analysis of the number and distribution of oligodendrocyte precursors in chick spinal cord at different stages of development suggests that relatively few cells migrate from the ventricular source which then proliferate extensively in white matter. This migration is guided by general dispersive cues. Clonal analysis of oligodendrocyte development in cultures derived from different regions of the rodent spinal cord indicated that the cells that initially populate dorsal and peripheral spinal cord retained similar clonal properties to those in ventral spinal cord, suggesting the migrating cells were immature, highly proliferative precursors. Consistent with these results, BrdU incorporation studies indicate that glial proliferation is extensive and persistent in postnatal rat spinal cord white matter. Together, these studies suggest that spinal cord white matter is initially populated by very immature precursors that then undergo extensive local proliferation prior to myelination. J. Neurosci. Res. 50:157–168, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clino-Pathological Features of Urinary Tract Infection in Rural India

The study was aimed to understand the clino-pathological characteristics of urinary tract infection along with the techniques used in diagnosis and treatment of the presenting infection. The study takes into consideration the various risk factors such as age, sex, and diabetes mellitus which can precipitate a urinary tract infection. The study was conducted at the Global Baroda Hospital, Vadodara and Narhari Hospital, Vadodara in the duration from January to March 2012, under the supervision of Dr. Hiten Kareliya. A questionnaire was prepared in accordance to evaluate risk factors of urinary tract infection. The patients under study were chosen according to specific inclusion criteria. The uropathogens were isolated with the help of biochemical testing. E. coli (38%) was found to be the most prevalent organism followed by Klebsiella and Candida albicans (both 10%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9%), Staphylococcus (7%).
Adolescent Smoking: Are Infrequent and Occasional Smokers Ready to Quit?

We examined motivation for cessation and plans to quit among 945 high school students in 2001 at three levels of smoking frequency (regular, occasional, and infrequent). Surveys were completed at six Illinois high schools. In multivariate models, females (compared to males) and white students (compared to nonwhite students) were more likely to plan to quit, but plans to quit did not differ by smoking level. In multivariate models to predict motivation for cessation, regular smokers were significantly less motivated to quit than were occasional and infrequent smokers, and occasional smokers were less motivated than infrequent smokers; demographic variables were nonsignificant. Infrequent and occasional smokers are motivated to quit and intend to quit soon, making them an attractive target for cessation programs.
A New Cryptogonimid (Digenea) From the Mayan Cichlid, Cichlasoma urophthalmus (Osteichthyes: Cichlidae), in Several Localities of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Abstract Oligogonotylus mayae n. sp. is described from the intestine of the Mayan cichlid Cichlasoma urophthalmus (Günther) in Ría Lagartos, Ría Celestún, and Estero Progreso, Yucatán State. This is the second species described for Oligogonotylus Watson, 1976, the other being O. manteri Watson, 1976. The new species is readily distinguished from O. manteri by the anterior extension of the vitelline follicles. In O. manteri, vitelline follicles are found entirely in the hindbody, extending posteriorly to mid-testicular level. Vitelline follicles in the new species extend from the anterior margin of posterior testis to the region between the ventral sucker and the pharynx. Comparison of approximately 1,850 bases of ribosomal DNA (ITS1, ITS2, 5.8S, and 28S), and 400 bases of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) strongly supports the status of O. mayae as a new species, as compared to O. manteri collected from cichlids in other localities of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala.
Individual Identification of Racehorses from Urine Samples Using a 26‐Plex Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphism Assay

To construct a system for identifying individual horses from urine samples that are submitted for postracing doping tests, we developed a genotyping assay based on 26‐plex single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). DNA was isolated from urine using a commercially available DNA/RNA extraction kit, and SNP genotyping was achieved with a SNaPshot™ technique. DNA profiles including 26 SNPs were acquired from urine samples and blood/hair samples. Within the studied Thoroughbred population, the 26‐plex assay showed a probability of identity of 5.80 × 10−11. Compared to the conventional short tandem repeat assay, the SNP assay used less DNA, and the rate of successful genotyping was improved to 97% using aliquots of horse urine as small as 140 μL. The urinary DNA could be successfully genotyped under proper storage concerning refrigeration or freeze–thawing. This SNP assay can be used for individual identification when suspicious results are obtained from horse doping tests.
Searching for commonalities in human judgement: The parametric unimodel and its dual mode alternatives

We outline a uniform model of human judgement wherein individuals combine situational information with relevant background knowledge to form conclusions. Several judgemental parameters are identified whose specific intersections determine whether given situational information would affect judgements. Abstraction of features from surface manifestations and focus on underlying commonalities afford theoretical integration across judgemental domains and across processes previously assumed to qualitatively differ. The resulting “unimodel” is juxtaposed conceptually and empirically to popular dual‐mode frameworks, and implications are drawn for a general rethinking of human judgement phenomena.
Epidemiology of occupational exposure to needlestick and body fluids among doctors and medical students in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

Received : October 2011, Accepted : December 2011 Background: Health care workers occupationally are exposed to blood and other body fluids which might increase their risk of acquiring blood-borne pathogens and psychological stress. The aim of the present study was to determine the lifetime occupational exposure to needlestick injuries and body fluids among doctors and medical students in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (2009). Materials and methods : In this descriptive study, 100 doctors and medical students were asked to complete a valid and reliable self-reporting questionnaire regarding their lifetime occupational exposure to needlestick and body fluids. Data were analysed using SPSS. T-test and Chi-square test were used to compare the groups. Results : The results highlighted that 57 (60%) of the respondents had at least one lifetime occupational exposure to needlestick and 45 persons (48.4%) had exposure to body fluids. However, only in 30 (31.5%) cases the event was reported to the appropriate authorities. The highest number of needlestick injuries occurred within the emergency departments (n=29, 51%), during nightshift (n=29, 51%), and with suture needle (n=37, 65%). Conclusion : Occupational exposures to needlestick and body fluids among doctors and medical students in our study have occurred with a relatively high lifetime incidence. Improving medical attentions might have positive effects on decreasing the incidence and prevalence of these constant occupational threats.
High-Speed InGaAs Photodetectors by Selective-Area MOCVD Toward Optoelectronic Integrated Circuits

We report selective-area growth of high-crystalline-quality InGaAs-based photodetectors with optimized InP/GaAs buffers on patterned (100)-oriented silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The composite GaAs and InP buffer was grown using a two-temperature method. The island morphology of the low-temperature GaAs nucleation layer inside the growth well of the SOI substrate was optimized. A medium temperature GaAs layer was inserted prior to the typical high-temperature GaAs to further decrease the dislocation densities and antiphase boundaries. Both normal-incidence photodetectors and butt-coupled waveguide photodetectors were fabricated on the same substrate and showed a low dark current and high-speed performance. This result demonstrates a good potential of integrating photonic and electronic devices on the same Si substrate by direct epitaxial growth.
Optimal estimation of squeezing

We present the optimal estimation of an unknown squeezing transformation of the radiation field. The optimal estimation is unbiased and is obtained by properly considering the degeneracy of the squeezing operator. For coherent input states, the root-mean square of the estimation scales as ${(2\sqrt{\overline{n}})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ versus the average photon number $\overline{n}$, while it can be improved to ${(2\overline{n})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ by using displaced squeezed states.
Milchleistung und Umweltfaktoren

Zusammenfassung Gegenstand: Der Zusammenhang der Höhe der Milchleistung einer für die Milchproduktion genutzten Herde zur Fruchtbarkeitsleistung und zur Tiergesundheit wird konträr diskutiert. Die Arbeitshypothese (1), dass steigende Herdenmilchmengenleistungen die Fruchtbarkeitsergebnisse verschlechtern, die Milchzellzahlen als Ausdruck der Eutergesundheit, die Remontierungsrate als globalen Kennwert für die Tiergesundheit sowie die Häufigkeit bestimmter Erkrankungen als Bestandsproblem erhöhen, sollte gegen die Alternativhypothesen, es besteht kein Zusammenhang (2) oder es besteht ein differenzierter, wechselnder Zusammenhang (3), geprüft werden. Material und Methoden: Zwischen 1995 bis 2010 erfolgten in 489 Herden 743 als unabhängig geltende Bestandsuntersuchungen. Die Bestandsanamnese erfasste die Herdendaten zur Milchleistung, Fruchtbarkeitsleistung, Milchzellzahl, Remontierungsrate, das Vorhandensein kategorisierter Bestandsprobleme sowie verschiedene Managementinformationen. Der Zusammenhang zwischen der Milchleistungshöhe und den Daten zur Fruchtbarkeit und Tiergesundheit wurde mit einer einfachen und multiplen Regressionsanalyse ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Die Rastzeit wies keine signifikante Beziehung zur Höhe der Herdenmilchleistung auf. In der einfachen Regressionsanalyse waren die Zwischentragezeit, die Zwischenkalbezeit und der Besamungsindex signifikant positiv mit der Höhe der Herdenmilchleistung verbunden. Dieser positive Zusammenhang wurde in der multiplen Regressionsanalyse aufgehoben. Die Milchzellzahl und die Remontierungsrate zeigten in der einfachen wie auch in der multiplen Regressionsanalyse einen signifikant negativen, gegenläufigen Zusammenhang zur Höhe der Milchleistung. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Die Alternativhypothese (3) wurde bestätigt. Höhere Herdenmilchleistungen haben keinen negativen Einfluss auf die Milchzellzahl und die Remontierungsrate als Ausdruck der Eutergesundheit und der allgemeinen Gesundheit. Die Festlegung der Fruchtbarkeitskennziffern sollte die Höhe der Herdenmilchleistung berücksichtigen. Bei steigender Milchleistung kann die Verlängerung der Rastzeit sinnvoll sein, um einer Verschlechterung der Besamungsergebnisse zu begegnen.
THE CLINICAL APPLICATION OF CRRT—CURRENT STATUS: Selection of Modality of Renal Replacement Therapy

The proliferation of new technologies has led to the availability of a broad range of options for the management of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in patients with acute kidney injury. We provide a review of the published literature comparing the continuous RRTs (CRRT) with other modalities of renal support, including intermittent hemodialysis and the more recently described “hybrid” therapies such as sustained, low efficiency dialysis as well as compare arteriovenous and venovenous and convective and diffusive modalities of CRRT. While there is clear evidence that venovenous therapies are superior to arteriovenous therapies, current evidence does not support superiority of convective when compared with diffusive therapies or greater survival or recovery of kidney function with any individual modality of RRT. Selection of modality of RRT should therefore rely on the resources and expertise available.
Tcra gene recombination is supported by a Tcra enhancer- and CTCF-dependent chromatin hub

Antigen receptor locus V(D)J recombination requires interactions between widely separated variable (V), diversity (D), and joining (J) gene segments, but the mechanisms that generate these interactions are not well understood. Here we assessed mechanisms that direct developmental stage-specific long-distance interactions at the Tcra/Tcrd locus. The Tcra/Tcrd locus recombines Tcrd gene segments in CD4−CD8− double-negative thymocytes and Tcra gene segments in CD4+CD8+ double-positive thymocytes. Initial Vα-to-Jα recombination occurs within a chromosomal domain that displays a contracted conformation in both thymocyte subsets. We used chromosome conformation capture to demonstrate that the Tcra enhancer (Eα) interacts directly with Vα and Jα gene segments distributed across this domain, specifically in double-positive thymocytes. Moreover, Eα promotes interactions between these Vα and Jα segments that should facilitate their synapsis. We found that the CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) binds to Eα and to many locus promoters, biases Eα to interact with these promoters, and is required for efficient Vα–Jα recombination. Our data indicate that Eα and CTCF cooperate to create a developmentally regulated chromatin hub that supports Vα–Jα synapsis and recombination.
IV. The Nineteenth-Century Revolution in Government: A Reappraisal

Part, at least, of the historian's work consists of the formulation of general notions and the subsequent refinement of these generalities. One advance is made when a notion like romanticism is conceived, another when that notion is broken down and divided, both in terms of time and region and by the clarifications of logic, and fresh categories can be stated. This paper is concerned with proposing and-distinguishing a generalization of this type, an administrative or governmental revolution in the United Kingdom in the nineteenth century. It must be granted at once that this revolution has not the standing of its industrial and agrarian cousins. It can neither match them in ‘scale’ nor present such tangible or arresting phenomena. The very words have scarcely yet entered the historian's vocabulary, except perhaps to the accompaniment of deprecatory inverted commas. And even if the fact of its occurrence be allowed, it is clearly neither the first of its race nor indisputably the foremost. Mr Elton has staked a high claim for the corresponding Tudor change,1 and it is no doubt possible to point to really critical shifts in governmental behaviour in almost every succeeding age.
"Painful legs and moving toes" associated with polyneuropathy.

Three patients showing clinical and electrophysiological evidence of peripheral neuropathy also suffered from the syndrome of "painful legs and moving toes". Polygraphic recordings during wakefulness and sleep were consistent with the hypothesis that pathological afferent discharges arising peripherally may induce, via the spinal cord, motor excitation and pain. A severe disruption of the pattern of sleep was found in all cases.
Role of miR-146a in Enforcing Effect of Specific Immunotherapy on Allergic Rhinitis

ABSTRACT Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the common disorders in airway allergic inflammation. The pathogenesis of AR is unclear. It is accepted that immune deregulation is associated with the pathogenesis of AR. Recent reports suggest that a large number of micro RNAs (miR) can regulate immune functions. This study aims to investigate the role of miR-146a in an enforcing immunotherapy of AR. In this study, a mouse AR model was created. The levels of miR-146a in the mouse nasal mucosa were assessed by real time RT-PCR. A specific immunotherapy was performed in AR mice. The results showed that the AR mice had an AR-like inflammation in the nasal mucosa. Compared with naïve mice, markedly lower levels of miR-146a were detected in AR mice. The co-administration with miR-146a significantly enforced the effect of ovalbumin (OVA)-specific immunotherapy on inhibition of AR inflammation in the nasal mucosa. Further analysis showed that miR-146a induced transforming growth factor-β in dendritic cells; the latter induced naïve CD4+ T cells to differentiate into regulatory T cells. In conclusion, miR-146a can enforce OVA-specific immunotherapy via inducing antigen-specific regulatory T cells. miR-146a may have therapeutic potential to be used in the immunotherapy of allergic diseases.