Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of original body size and estimation of allometric relationships for the longfin inshore squid (Loligo pealeii) and northern shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus)

Quantification of predator-prey body size relationships is essential to understanding trophic dynamics in marine ecosystems. Prey lengths recovered from predator stomachs help determine the sizes of prey most influential in supporting predator growth and to ascertain size-specific effects of natural mortality on prey populations (Bax, 1998; Claessen et al., 2002). Estimating prey size from stomach content analyses is often hindered because of the degradation of tissue and bone by digestion. Furthermore, reconstruction of original prey size from digested remains requires species-specific reference materials and techniques. A number of diagnostic guides for freshwater (Hansel et al., 1988) and marine (Watt et al., 1997; Granadeiro and Silva, 2000) prey species exist; however they are limited to specific geographic regions (Smale et al., 1995; Gosztonyi et al., 2007). Predictive equations for reconstructing original prey size from diagnostic bones in marine fishes have been developed in several studies of piscivorous fishes of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean (Scharf et al., 1998; Wood, 2005). Conversely, morphometric relationships for cephalopods in this region are scarce despite their importance to a wide range of predators, such as finfish (Bowman et al., 2000 ; Staudinger, 2006), elasmobranchs (Kohler, 1987), and marine mammals (Gannon et al., 1997; Williams, 1999).
Synthesis, Anti-HIV, and Cytotoxic Activity of New AZT Conjugates of Steroid Acids

Abstract In an attempt to discover potent anti-HIV agents devoid of the serious toxicity of the current HIV-reverse transcriptase inhibitors, three steroid prodrugs of AZT have been synthesized and their anti-HIV profiles determined with CEM-SS cell line. Two of the prodrugs were active against HIV, though weaker than AZT. The third agent was totally inactive against HIV. However, it demonstrated remarkably high anti-growth activities. Further experiments established that growth inhibition of the third agent was caused by induction of apoptosis rather than general necrosis.
Gender disparities in pulmonary hypertension at a tertiary centre in Cameroon.

BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a potent cause of heart failure and has been little investigated in the African setting. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of gender on the clinical presentation, echocardiographic features and outcomes of patients with PH in Douala, Cameroon. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted from March 2012 to December 2013 as part of the Pan African Pulmonary Hypertension Cohort study. PH was diagnosed by echocardiography and defined as a right ventricular systolic pressure >35 mmHg in the absence of acute right heart failure. Patients were followed up for a maximum of 12 months for primary endpoint mortality. RESULTS In total, 130 patients with PH were recruited; 71 (54.6%) were women. The median age was 59.2 years for men and 58.3 years for women (p=0.76). Active smoking and alcohol use were more frequent in men than women (both p<0.001), but women had greater exposure to indoor cooking fumes than men (p<0.001). Previous tuberculosis infection (11.3% v. 1.7%) and S3 gallop rhythm (30.9% v. 11.9%) were more common in women (both p<0.03). Women had a significantly higher mean systolic blood pressure (134 mmHg v. 125 mmHg; p=0.04) and pulse pressure (53.8 mmHg v. 44.9 mmHg; p=0.01) and a lower mean haemoglobin concentration (10.4 g/dL v. 12.4 g/dL; p<0.05) compared with men. Echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction was more frequent in men: mean LV ejection fraction 42.6% v. 51.5% (p=0.01) and mean fractional shortening 21.4% v. 28.6% (p=0.01). The overall mortality rate was 20.3%, and rates were similar in the two groups (Kaplan-Meier log rank 1.1; p=0.30). CONCLUSIONS Despite differences in baseline characteristics including cardiovascular risk factors, mortality rates on follow-up were similar in men and women in this study. However, these different baseline characteristics probably suggest differences in the pathogenesis of PH in men and women in our setting that need further investigation.
Surfactant Protein D of the Innate Immune Defence is Inversely Associated with Human Obesity and SP‐D Deficiency Infers Increased Body Weight in Mice

Surfactant protein D (SP‐D) is a key regulator of pathogen‐induced inflammation. SP‐D is further involved in lipid homeostasis in mouse lung and circulation and recent data have demonstrated that the body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) is influenced by genes in common with SP‐D. The objective of the present study was to describe the association between serum SP‐D and weight, waist circumference or BMI, and furthermore to observe body weight development in SP‐D‐deficient (Spd−/−) mice. As a part of the Danish population‐based twin study (GEMINAKAR) on the metabolic syndrome, we analysed 1476 Danish twins for serum SP‐D and investigated associations with weight, waist circumference and BMI by multiple regression analysis. Serum SP‐D was significantly and inversely associated with weight (P = 0.001) and waist circumference in men (P < 0.001) and to BMI in both genders (P = 0.039 women, P < 0.001 men). The age‐dependent increase in serum SP‐D was most prominent in lean persons (BMI < 20). Spd−/− mice and wild‐type mice were subjected to a feeding study and body weights were recorded in a time course over 24 weeks. Spd−/− mouse weight gain was significantly increased, with 90 mg/week (P < 0.0001) in males on normal chow. Fat percentage was significantly increased by 17% in the Spd−/− male mice (P = 0.003). We conclude, that there is an association between low levels or absent SP‐D and obesity.
Chronic ventilation and social participation: experiences of men with neuromuscular disorders

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate how mechanical ventilation-dependent adults with neuromuscular disorders experience their occupational and social participation. Methods: Data were collected through two successive focus-group discussions with six men (aged 23–40 years) living in the same specialized nursing home in the Netherlands. Results: The results showed that the participants wanted to be involved in activities that provide interaction with others in society or community; they desired social participation. Thematic analysis brought out that the participants wanted to be taken seriously in all aspects of life. Four themes emerged: “Responsibility for risk-taking”, “The influence of dependency”, “Being treated as an employee”, and “Maintaining optimism”. These men appreciated good information from health care providers, wanted to have more autonomy in decision-making and risk-taking – and did not wish to be patronized. They wanted to have a social network to help them suction their tracheal cannula. Also, they would like activities at the activity centre to be more contributing to society and wished to be treated as employees rather than as clients. In view of their short life expectancy, they would also welcome discussions of end-of-life issues in group sessions led by a professional. Facilitating aspects of social participation, i.e. the experience of meaningful occupations in connection with autonomy and self-determination, would provide a more client-centred approach.
An integer linear programming and game theory based optimization for demand-side management in smart grid

We propose a consumption scheduling mechanism for home and neighbourhood area load demand management in smart grid using integer linear programming (ILP) and game theory. The proposed mechanism is able to schedule both the optimal power and the optimal operation time for power-shiftable appliances and time-shiftable appliances respectively according to the power consumption patterns of all the individual appliances. Simulation results for both the centralised and the distributed management scenarios have been presented to demonstrate and verify the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Does narcolepsy symptom severity vary according to HLA-DQB1*0602 allele status?

STUDY OBJECTIVES To investigate associations between HLA-DQB1*0602 allele status and measures of narcolepsy symptom severity. DESIGN Cross-sectional study of population-based narcolepsy patients. SETTING King County, Washington. PARTICIPANTS All prevalent cases (n = 279) of physician-diagnosed narcolepsy ascertained from 2001-2005. INTERVENTIONS N/A. MEASUREMENTS Narcolepsy diagnosis was based on cataplexy status, diagnostic sleep study results, and chart review. The number of HLA-DQB1 alleles was determined from buccal genomic DNA. Symptom severity instruments included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Ullanlinna Narcolepsy Scale (UNS), age of symptom onset, subjective sleep latency and duration, and various clinical sleep parameters. We used linear regression adjusted for African American race and an extended chi-square test of trend to assess relationships across ordered groups defined by allele number (0, 1, or 2). RESULTS Narcolepsy patients were 63% female and 82% Caucasian, with a mean age of 47.6 years (SD = 17.1). One hundred forty-one (51%) patients had no DQB1*0602 alleles; 117 (42%) had one; and 21 (7%) had two. In the complete narcolepsy sample after adjustment for African American race, we observed a linear relationship between HLA-DQB1*0602 frequency and sleepiness as defined by the ESS (P < 0.01), narcolepsy severity as defined by UNS (P < 0.001), age of symptom onset (P < 0.05), and sleep latency (P < 0.001). In univariate analyses, HLA-DQB1*0602 frequency was also associated with napping (P < 0.05) and increased car and work accidents or near accidents (both P < 0.01). Habitual sleep duration was not associated with HLA status. These race-adjusted associations remained for the ESS (P < 0.05), UNS (P < 0.01), and sleep latency (P < 0.001) when restricting to narcolepsy with cataplexy. CONCLUSIONS Narcolepsy symptom severity varies in a linear manner according to HLA-DQB1*0602 allele status. These findings support the notion that HLA-DQ is a disease-modifying gene.
Comparison of human immune responses to purified Vero cell and human diploid cell rabies vaccines by using two different antibody titration methods

Antibody responses to a conventional rabies preexposure regimen of a new purified Vero cell rabies vaccine (PVRV) and a human diploid cell vaccine (HDCV) were compared in 80 healthy Kenyan veterinary students. Forty-three of the students received the PVRV and 37 received the HDCV on days 0, 7, and 28. Antibody responses were monitored by using the rapid fluorescent-focus inhibition test (RFFIT) and an inhibition enzyme immunoassay (INH EIA) on days 0, 7, 28, and 49. Both vaccines elicited a rapid antibody response. A good correlation between the RFFIT titers and the INH EIA titers was obtained (r = 0.90). Our results also showed that the INH EIA was more reproducible and might therefore be a suitable substitute for the more expensive and less reproducible RFFIT. The geometric mean titers determined by both tests in the two groups of students were statistically similar during the test period. The RFFIT and the INH EIA gave comparable geometric mean titers, which differed significantly only on day 28 in the PVRV group. The effect of the new PVRV is comparable to that of the more expensive HDCV, as determined by the present test systems. The PVRV could therefore be the vaccine of choice, especially in tropical rabies-endemic areas, where the high cost of the HDCV has confined its use to a privileged few.
Effect of Substituents on UV-Vis Spectra and RSA Properties of Phthalocyanine Compounds

Abstract : The use of optically transparent materials to modulate or impede laser light in a real time setting is significant. This goal stimulates an interest in metalloporphyrins, phthalocyanines, naphthalocyanins and their derivatives. The most desired derivatives would be optically transparent, absorb laser light and also be soluble in water. Phthalocyanines (PC) with their stable, planar square structure and highly delocalized pi-electron system, are being used in numerous technological applications, such as pigments, in chemical sensors, and more recently as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. The nonlinear optical properties (NLO) of these compounds are of particular importance. Using quantum chemistry methods we study both visual and NLO properties of phthalocyanines complexes with Si as a central atom. The effect of hydrophilic axial substituents of the material on their optical properties is examined. We are mainly interested in the PEG poly(ethylene oxide) as an axial substituent because it is used in our laboratory to synthesize soluble PC complexes.
Common and Specific Elements of Psychosocial Treatments for Bipolar Disorder: A Survey of Clinicians Participating in Randomized Trials

Background. There are 14 randomized trials that indicate the benefits of various adjunctive psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder. Efficient planning of future interventions requires identification of the common, putatively active components of these treatments. We investigated whether different forms of psychotherapy consisted of overlapping versus modality-specific ingredients. Methods. We identified five categories of active psychosocial treatment in 14 trials: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT; 4 studies), family psychoeducation (5 studies), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT; 2 studies), individual psychoeducation (3 studies), and group psychoeducation (5 studies). In this study, 31 investigators and therapists who participated in these trials completed a questionnaire in which they rated the frequency of 17 treatment strategies in their active and treatment-as-usual (TAU) conditions. A content analysis of the results of this questionnaire was then done, in which the active treatments were compared with each other and with TAU on the frequency of use of each strategy. Results. The active modalities were distinguished from TAU by more frequent use of problem-solving and interventions to enhance patients' ability to cope with the stigma of mental illness. With regard to specific approaches, CBT made frequent use of cognitive restructuring and self-rated mood charts. The signature features of IPSRT-regulation of sleep/wake cycles and daily routines-were also regular features in the CBT and group psychoeducation interventions. Communication skills training was a distinctive feature of family treatments. Conclusions. Whereas active psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder have common ingredients, they can also be distinguished from each other and from TAU by the degree to which specific strategies are emphasized. Future research should compare the treatment ingredients identified in this study in terms of their ability to bring about clinical change.
Critical Ischemia Times and Survival Patterns of Experimental Pig Flaps

Previous work on critical ischemia time suggested (1) a greater susceptibility of myocutaneous flaps over skin flaps to the ischemia reperfusion injury and (2) that duration of ischemia may affect the survival area of a flap. Using a pig model, 55 animals were operated on and the critical ischemia times and survival patterns of the buttock skin (n = 85) and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous (n = 88) island flaps were determined after being submitted to 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 hours of normothermic ischemia. The average critical ischemia times (CIT50) were determined to be 9 and 10 hours for the buttock skin and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps, respectively. Percentage of total area surviving (%TAS) in those flaps which did survive was adversely affected by increases in the ischemic interval in both flap models. A statistically significant decrease in percentage of total area surviving was found after 6 and 8 hours of ischemia for the buttock skin and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps, respectively.
Measuring the Performance of International Logistics Outsourcing Partnerships: A Dyadic Perspective Analysis.

We analyze the validity of five performance measures of international logistics outsourcing partnerships, using information from both partners. Each partner's assessment of performance is captured by a single construct, which underlies four of the measures. This construct, however, is different for each party. Consequently, we examine a focal partner's perceptions of the other partner's performance assessment, and show that these inter-party perceptions are a poor measure of the latter's actual performance assessment.
Evaluation of Two Molecular Assays for Rapid Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Resistance to Fluoroquinolones in High-Tuberculosis and -Multidrug-Resistance Settings

ABSTRACT The Russian Federation is a high-tuberculosis (TB)-burden country with high rates of drug resistance, including multidrug and extensive drug resistance to TB (M/XDRTB). Rapid diagnosis of resistance to fluoroquinolones (FQs) using molecular assays is essential for the implementation of appropriate drug regimens and prevention of the transmission of XDR strains. A total of 51 individual MDRTB strains were tested by pyrosequencing of the quinolone resistance determining region of the gyrA gene and the GenoType MTBDRsl assay (Hain Lifescience, GmbH, Nehren, Germany), and the results were evaluated against those obtained by phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST). Mutations were detected in 25 (78.1%) FQ-resistant strains, with the majority of mutations (n = 19 [73.0%]) found in codon 94 of the gyrA gene; the novel mutation 1457 C→Τ was found in the gyrB gene. Three mixed allelic variants were detected, which is a well-known phenomenon in areas with high TB and drug-resistant TB rates. The sensitivity and specificity of pyrosequencing (86.2 and 100%, respectively) and MTBDRsl (86.2 and 100%, respectively) were high; however, the results for 5.9% of the analyzed strains were unreadable when MTBDRsl was used. The MTBDRsl and pyrosequencing assays offer a rapid and accurate means for diagnosing resistance to FQs in high-TB-burden areas.
Whole blood–derived platelets: keeping our platelet inventory whole

Whole blood–derived platelet (WBDP) distribution has declined dramatically in the United States from 32.3% in 2001 to only 7.6% in 2013. This national trend is not reflected in the greater Seattle area where WBDPs still account for approximately 30% of platelet (PLT) distribution. The figures show our technique for manual extraction of plasma from the PLT button created after hard spin of PLT-rich plasma. Applying the Lean manufacturing premise of “right the first time,” our product manufacturing department drilled two screws into each manual extractor and determined optimal positioning of these screws to leave approximately 55 mL of plasma in each WBDP (see figure, left). Furthermore, the satellite bag is placed on a raised shelf behind the plasma extractors to allow controlled flow of extracted plasma (see figure, middle). With this technique, one employee can make at least 12 WBDPs at once (see figure, right). The Acrodose PL system is then used to create leukoreduced prestorage PLT pools (PSPPs) composed of five WBDPs. The PSPPs provide equivalent PLT dose, bacterial contamination testing, and rapidity of issue as apheresis PLTs (APs). Data have also shown that leukoreduced WBDPs have similar hemostatic efficacy and HLA alloimmunization rate compared to leukoreduced APs and that both products carry a low risk of transfusion-related adverse events in the era of viral nucleic acid testing and bacterial testing. With increased regulations and national trends of decreased donations and increased PLT usage, maintenance of an adequate PLT supply is becoming more challenging. WBDPs maximize the whole blood donor’s gift and may help mitigate PLT shortages.
Naupliar Development of Tigriopus japonicus Mori, 1932 (Copepoda: Harpacticidae)

Six naupliar stages of Tigriopus japonicus Mori, 1932 are described from the rocky coast off Keelung, northeastern Taiwan. A key for the identification of stages is provided. Naupliar morphology within the Harpacticidae differs among species and even more at the supraspecific level. The present study on nauplii of Tigriopus japonicus confirms the observation that representatives of the Tachidiidae and Harpacticidae (Copepoda-Harpacticoida) show a peculiar reduction of the oral structures from N V to N VI. The nauplii of the Harpacticidae are creeping larvae, and many are not able to swim; however, nauplii of T. japonicus are an exception to this rule.
Proceedings of Workshop AEW10: Concepts in Information Theory and Communications

The 10th Asia-Europe workshop in "Concepts in Information Theory and Communications" AEW10 was held in Boppard, Germany on June 21-23, 2017. It is based on a longstanding cooperation between Asian and European scientists. The first workshop was held in Eindhoven, the Netherlands in 1989. The idea of the workshop is threefold: 1) to improve the communication between the scientist in the different parts of the world; 2) to exchange knowledge and ideas; and 3) to pay a tribute to a well respected and special scientist.
Free-Gap Evaluation for Two-Lane Rural Highways

Studies related to operating speed predicting models' development require vehicles' speed under free-flow conditions to be collected at different sites. Thus, a critical issue is the definition of the gap (or headway) from which the speed of one vehicle is not affected by the speed of the vehicle ahead. In many studies, a 5-s headway was adopted as the reference headway value from which a vehicle could be assumed to travel at a free-flow speed. Justifications for this value's application are not clearly presented in the literature, and some authors suggest the use of other reference values. This paper presents a definition for platoon from observed values of vehicles' time gap. The reference gap value between two successive vehicles considered as traveling in a nonplatoon condition is defined as “free gap. ” A five-step methodology is described and tested for road conditions in Portugal. The application performed showed both the adequacy of the methodology proposed and the convenience of exploratory studies aimed at the identification of platoon gap (or headway) suitable for specific operating speed studies. According to the methodology proposed, a 6-s gap is a suitable reference for future data collection on operating speed on Portuguese roads. This result suggests the need to review the headway reference values found in the literature for representing free-flow general conditions.
A multivariate analysis of factors related to the mortality of blunt trauma admissions to the North Staffordshire Hospital Centre.

OBJECTIVE To identify characteristics of blunt trauma admissions associated with mortality and to derive a linear logistic model for predicting the probability of mortality. DESIGN A prospective observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were collected on blunt trauma patients admitted via the Accident and Emergency Department, North Staffordshire Hospital Centre. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed of potential risk factors associated with mortality. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The main outcome variable was survival or death occurring in hospital within 30 days of admission. Injury Severity Score, age, Revised Trauma Score, and place of injury (road traffic, home, or elsewhere) were independently related to mortality. The effect of age on mortality was best described using three categories: 0-64 excluding 15-24, 15-24, 65+. The survival probability model suggests that a person whose injury occurs in the home has a lower probability of survival than a patient with similar age and trauma scores who is involved in a road traffic accident. A model validation check indicated good agreement between model predictions and patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The authors propose that use of this model may provide a more accurate evaluation of the mortality of British trauma admissions than would be obtained using models based on data from American trauma cases.