Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic ultrasound in the pre-therapeutic staging of gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma: the diagnostic value in defining patients eligible for a neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen

Introduction: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens have been proven to decrease tumour size and stage and sig- nificantly improve progression-free and overall survival in the treatment of locoregional advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas. Therefore, the pre-therapeutic staging of the tumour extension is of utmost importance for strat- ification of patients into this individualized therapy regimen. Within the last years most experience has been gained using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and it has been considered as a valuable tool for the assessment of locoregion- al disease. Aim: To evaluate the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound for the preoperative staging of locally advanced gastroe- sophageal adenocarcinomas with regard to defining patients' eligibility for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Material and methods: Between January 2006 and June 2007 consecutive patients (n = 47) who underwent resection of a gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma and would have been potentially eligible for neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included in this study. Preoperative EUS staging was compared to the postoperative histopathology results. Further- more, the specificity, sensitivity and positive and negative predictive values for serosal invasion and/or lymph node positivity as an eligibility criterion for neoadjuvant chemotherapy were evaluated. Results: Thirty-seven patients were included in the analysis with adenocarcinomas of the distal oesophagus (n = 7), the oesophagogastric junction (n = 8) and the stomach (n = 22). The overall accuracy for predicting the T stage was 64.9% (n = 24) with an over- and understaging of 13.5% (n = 5) and 21.6% (n = 8), respectively. The overall accuracy for predicting the N stage was 64.7% (n = 22), with an over- and understaging of 26.5% (n = 9) and 8.8% (n = 3). Twenty-five out of 37 patients would have met the eligibility criteria for enrolment in a neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen. The sensitivity was 76% (n = 19/25). The specificity was 75% (n = 9/12). The positive predictive value was 86.4%. The negative predictive value was 60%. Conclusions: In this series the sensitivity and specificity of EUS for identification of patients eligible for neoadjuvant chemotherapy seem acceptable. Especially the positive predictive value, which expresses the probability that a patient identified by EUS as eligible for neoadjuvant chemotherapy met the corresponding histopathological criteria, was high (86.4%). Therefore, it seems justified to apply neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients identified as eligible by EUS. This Original paper
Grazing behavior and milk yield of Senegalese Sahel goat

In northern Senegal, 49 Sahel does, 2:7 0:5-year-old were observed over 1 year while foraging in natural pasture. Does were assigned to three treatments 2 weeks after kidding: ad libitum grazing (group 1), grazing plus daily supplementation with 500 g per animal of concentrate, 66% corn flour, 30% groundnut cake, and 4% mineral and vitamin premix (group 2), and grazing plus 300 g per animal of cottonseed (group 3). The grazing behavior of goats was assessed by direct observation and the milk production was recorded weekly by the double weighing method (four times per day). Goats spent about 80% of their time eating, and time spent walking was higher in the dry season than in the rainy season (5–15% versus 0.6–2.6%). Contribution of ligneous species in the diet peaked in July (96.1%) and January (95%), then decreased reaching 5% in September, corresponding to the peak intake of herbaceous species. The goats preferred the Acacia albida, Maytenus senegalensis and Piliostigma reticulata browse species, and the Ipomea pestigridis, Pennisetum pedicellatum and Brachiaria lata herbaceous species. Supplementation did not significantly affect milk yield which peaked at week 3 (1158 425 g per day per animal) for does from group 1, at week 4 (1045 343 g per day per animal) for group 2, and at week 2 post-partum (980 232 g per day per animal) for those of group 3. In the first month of lactation, body weight (BW) of twins were 1.6 kg lower than singles (P < 0:05). From week 1 to 14 of lactation, does from group 1 lost more BW than those of group 2 ( 0.7 kg versus 0.2 kg; P > 0:05). Plasma urea level was higher in the early stage of lactation then decreased from week 8 post-kidding. Glycemia peaked at 24–48 h post-partum. # 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Systematic Literature Review Self: A Concept in Development

Many defi nitions for the self coexist in the psychological theory and praxis. This diversity is a result of epistemological basis from which different strategies are selected in order to approach, describe and limit the target object. This paper aims to provide a review on concepts concerning the self and a refl ection on how this concept is articulated in different Psychology theoretical approaches. The impact of the central dilemmas of developmental Psychology to the concept of self is also discussed. Thus, this paper suggests a systematic approach in order to analyze each self defi nition: One should seek to answer how each theory has positioned itself in relation to the dicotomies of stability versus transformation, specifi c versus universal, and inner world versus external world.
Long-term dynamics (1990 to 2004) of the polychaete fauna from the sublittoral soft-bottoms off Punta Coloso (Antofagasta), northern Chile

Long-term monitoring (1990 to 2004) at four stations (50 to 60 m depth) off Punta Coloso, Antofagasta, northern Chile, has allowed us to study temporal changes in the sublittoral macrobenthic polychaete infauna composition and abundance. The numerical contribution of the polychaete fraction to the total fauna was high (65 to 93%), whereas biomass was smaller and variable (20 to 85%). The number of invertebrate species collected per cruise was relatively low (40 to 90 species) and the number of polychaete species ranged from 18 to 37 per cruise (mean = 29.9), with a cumulative number of 56 polychaete species. The most abundant species collected included the small-sized Aricidea pigmentata Carrasco (26.5%), Magelona phyllisae Jones (22.7%), Paraprionospio pinnata (Ehlers) (13.5%), Tharyx longisetosa Hartmann-Schroder (12.1%), and Prionospio peruana Hartmann-Schroder (11.8%). Clear general patterns or tendencies are not seen in temporal variations of polychaete fauna nor when analyzing the seasons individually. P. pinnata was the only dominant species to show a general tendency in abundance fluctuations. Although the study period included two El Nino events (1991-1992 and 1997-1998), a clear dynamic was not seen in either abundance or dominant species. The analyzed data validate or corroborate high stability or persistence over time that has been suggested for polychaete fauna in the study area. Such stability or persistence exists in spite of high seasonal variability and interannual fluctuations in the region’s oceanographic conditions.
Simple Fabrication and Characterization of Piezoelectric Nanogenerators from Cobalt-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanofibers

The ferromagnetic cobalt doped into Zinc Oxide (ZnO) crystals is a promising method for enhancing the performance of Piezoelectric-Based Nano Generators (PENGs). The study reports the characterization and testing PENGs which simply fabricated from cobalt-doped ZnO nanofibers (NFs) synthesized by electro spinning machine. The electro spinning processes were conducted at a flow rate of 4 μL/min and at various cobalt concentrations followed by sintering at a temperature of 500°C. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectra demonstrate that the crystalline diameter of Co-doped ZnO NFs increased as the content of cobalt increased, up to a concentration of 9%. Meanwhile, the maximum output voltage and power density of PENGs with Co-doped ZnO NFs were 221.6 mV and 148.8 nW/cm2, respectively when the PENGs were subjected to a cyclic mechanical load of 0.5 kg. Therefore, PENGs fabricated from Co-doped ZnO NFs are challenging for the next generation of self-powered devices.
Comment on the Publication: Lazarevik V, Kasapinov B. Medical Doctors’ Attitudes towards Pay-For-Reporting in Macedonia: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey. Maced J Med Sci. 2012;5(4):437-443

Abstract We are truly glad for the interest in scientific approach towards the model for Payment-for- Activity (PPU), recently introduced in the Republic of Macedonia, taking in consideration that for the very first time a system is introduced capable of providing exact information on medical interventions or procedures performed in public healthcare facilities, and to use such information for evaluation of physicians’ activity. In this context, we welcome the publication of Lazarevik et al. Medical Doctors’ Attitudes towards Payfor- Reporting in Macedonia: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey. However, in order to further contribute towards the scientific discussion arising around the issue of payment for physicians’ activity; we herewith present the following comments.
On the Dynamics of Distributed Energy Adoption: Equilibrium, Stability, and Limiting Capacity

The death spiral hypothesis in electric utility represents a positive feedback phenomenon in which a regulated utility is driven to financial instability by rising prices and declining demand. We establish conditions for the existence of death spiral and conditions of stable adoption of distributed energy resources. We show in particular that linear tariffs always induce death spiral when the fixed operating cost of the utility rises beyond a certain threshold. For two-part tariffs with connection and volumetric charges, the Ramsey pricing, which myopically optimizes social welfare subject to the revenue adequacy constraint, induces a stable equilibrium. The Ramsey pricing, however, inhibits renewable adoption with a high connection charge. In contrast, a two-part tariff with a small connection charge results in a stable adoption process with a higher level of renewable adoption and greater long-term total consumer surplus. Market data are used to illustrate various solar adoption scenarios.
The use of airborne laser scanning to estimate sawlog volumes

Summary This study of estimation of the sawlog volume of clear-cut stands from airborne laser scanning data considers both theoretical and factual recoveries. Theoretical sawlog volume estimates for the trees were calculated with a taper curve and factual estimates were obtained by multiplying the result by a model-based sawlog reduction factor, to allow for defects. Dominant tree species-specifi c models for the estimation of sawlog volumes per hectare were constructed with laser-based canopy height metrics as independent variables. The models were tested with the use of independently collected test data that consisted of 14 harvester-measured forest stands. Test data included information on the tapering of the stems and the volumes of the actually harvested assortments. The results indicate that the direct laser models are capable of producing satisfactory estimates for both the theoretical and the factual sawlog volumes of a clear-cut stand, with root mean squared errors of 9.1 and 18.0 per cent in the test data, respectively. In conclusion, the method presented here is quite suitable for pre-harvest estimation of sawlog volume, even though in cases where unpredictable defects (e.g. decay as a result of disease) exist the sawlog recoveries may be signifi cantly overestimated.
Active-filament hydrodynamics: instabilities, boundary conditions and rheology

This paper studies several issues that emerge naturally in the hydrodynamic approach to suspensions of self-driven organisms or filaments (Simha and Ramaswamy 2002 Phys. Rev. Lett. 89 058101; Kruse et al 2004 Phys. Rev. Lett. 92 078101; Hatwalne et al 2004 Phys. Rev. Lett. 92 118101). These include: a simple pictorial understanding of the instability of orientationally ordered active suspensions; the effect of translational order as well as finite geometries on these instabilities; the role of depolymerization on the possible types of alignment of active polar particles in restricted geometries; and, lastly, speculations on the relation between contractile active matter and jammed granular matter.
Feasibility study for a demonstration plant for liquefaction and coprocessing of waste plastics and tires

The results of a feasibility study for a demonstration plant for the liquefaction of waste polymers and the coprocessing of waste polymers with coal are presented. The study was carried out by a committee of participants from five universities, the US DOE Federal Energy Technology Center, and Burns & Roe Corporation. The study included an assessment of current recycling practices, a review of pertinent research, and a survey of feedstock availability. A conceptual design for a demonstration plant was developed and a preliminary economic analysis for various feedstock mixes was carried out. The base case for feedstock scenarios was chosen to be 200 tons per day of waste plastic and 100 tons per day of waste tires. For this base case, the return on investment (ROI) was found to range from 8% to 16% as tipping fees for waste plastic and tires increased over a range comparable to that existing in the US. A number of additional feedstock scenarios that were both more and less profitable were also considered and are briefly discussed.
Situational Prevention and Elections in India

Elections in India are major administrative problems due to the sheer size of the electorate and the geographical expanse of the country. In the 2004 elections there were an estimated 600 million eligible voters and the voting percentage was around 58%. This implied that around 360 million people actually stood in queues to cast their vote. Further, around 1.2 million police personnel were deployed to provide security during the election period. In the democratic polity of the country elections are always combative and require major administrative and police arrangements. Unfortunately, since the sixties elections have been vitiated by the involvement of anti-social elements who were hired to provide muscle power to the candidates and intimidate opponents. Now, many of these criminals have begun to contest the elections. State assemblies as well as the national parliament are witness to the strange phenomenon of charge-sheeted criminals serving as ministers in the government. This so called criminalization of politics is playing havoc with the election process and raising questions about the integrity of the democratic process. The Election Commission and the police administrators have evolved several promising situational preventive mechanisms to deal with this influx of criminalization in the voting process. This paper presents the problems of election process in India and the application of situational prevention techniques in dealing with them.
A study of clinical profile of malaria with special reference to complications and outcome

Background: Malaria has a wide clinical spectrum ranging from uncomplicated disease to a fatal one. The objectives were to study clinical profile of Malaria with special reference to its complications and outcome. Methods: A prospective observational study was done in a tertiary care hospital including total of 300 patients diagnosed with Vivax or Falciparum Malaria. Data on patients’ clinical details with investigations, complications, and outcome was recorded and analysed using SPSS version 17. Results: Out of 300 patients, 179 had Vivax and 121 had Falciparum Malaria. Oliguria, high coloured urine, altered sensorium, convulsion, breathlessness, bleeding was more common in Falciparum malaria. Hypoglycaemia, thrombocytopenia, renal and hepatic involvement and ALI/ARDS were also more common in falciparum group. However, ALI/ARDS was more fatal in vivax group. Complications, outcome and biochemical parameters were correlated with parasite index and the correlations were statistically significant. Out of 22 deaths, 12 patients were from falciparum and 10 were from vivax group. Most common complication leading to death was ARDS/ALI, followed by AKI, convulsion, hepatic involvement and bleeding in decreasing order in both types of Malaria. Three patients with parasitic index 5% died. Conclusions: Clinical profile of Falciparum Malaria was more complicated. Metabolic complications with multi organ involvement, ALI/ARDS and mortality were more in Falciparum Malaria. Correlation of parasitic index with complications, biochemical parameters and outcome in both the groups was statistically significant.
Overtopping a truncated planar beach

Run-up on a truncated impermeable beach is analysed theoretically and experimentally to find the volume of fluid, associated with a single wave event, that flows over the end of the beach. The theoretical calculations investigate the motion using the shallow-water equations and the fluid is allowed to flow freely over the end of the beach. Two models of wave events are considered: dam-break initial conditions, in which fluid collapses from rest to run-up and overtop the beach, and a waveform that models swash associated with the collapse of a long solitary bore. The calculations are made using quasi-analytical techniques, following the hodograph transformation of the governing equations. They yield predictions for the volume of fluid per unit width that overtops the beach, primarily as a function of the dimensionless length of the beach. These predictions are often far in excess of previous theoretical calculations. New experimental results are also reported in which the overtopping volumes due to flows initiated from dam-break conditions are studied for a range of reservoir lengths and heights and for a range of lengths and inclinations of the beach. Without the need for any empirically fitted parameters, good agreement is found between the experimental measurements and the theoretical predictions in regimes for which the effects of drag are negligible.
Vitellogenin dynamics and reproductive morphology at sexual maturity of Philippine Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus L) fed with zinc supplemented diet

The vitellogenin (Vtg) is a precursor for the synthesis of egg yolk protein. Feeding with zinc-supplemented diet is hypothesized to increase the circulating Vtg thereby enhancing reproductive development. A total of 80 ducks, aged 16 weeks old, were randomly assigned to treatment groups; namely: group A with 40 ducks fed with 30 ppm zinc-supplemented diet (zinc positive) and group B with 40 ducks fed with no added zinc (zinc negative). The circulating Vtg at sexual maturity (155.11±10.83 days old) were determined from the blood sera. The sera were assayed for Vtg in duplicate using 96–well microplate and read the optical density at 415nm. The zinc concentration of the samples was calculated using the nonlinear regression =OD = a x [Zn2+] / (b + [Zn2+]. Results show that the circulating Vtg in the blood sera of ducks at sexual maturity were 0.69±0.07 Gg Zn dL-1. The feeding of zinc-treated diet had no significant influenced on the concentration of circulating Vtg. There was also insignificant difference in the reproductive morphology of ducks fed with or without added zinc. The Vtg concentration had no correlation with reproductive parameters but found to be positively correlated with liver weight (H=0.21) and negatively correlated with body weight (H = -0.24).
How Accessibility to Seeds Affects the Potential Adoption of an Improved Rice Variety: The Case of The New Rice for Africa (NERICA) in The Gambia

This study estimates the adoption gap of NERICA that exists in the population when access to seeds is a constraint. Treatment evaluation technique is applied to con-sistently estimate the potential NERICA adoption rate and its determinants using panel data from a stratified random sample of 515 rice farmers in The Gambia. The results show that the NERICA adoption rate could have been 76% instead of the observed 66% sample estimate in 2010 provided that every rice farmer had been aware of NERICA’s existence before the 2010 rice growing season. However, further investigation finds that if all the rice farmers had been aware of and had access to NERICA seeds, adoption would have been 92%. This reveals that if awareness had not been a constraint, 16% of farmers would have failed to adopt NERICA due to lack of access to seeds. Farmer contact with extension services and access to in-kind credit are significant determinants of access to and adoption of NERICA varieties.
Octocoral diversity of Balikçi Island, the Marmara Sea

Abstract We investigated the octocoral diversity of Balikci Island in the Marmara Sea. Three sites were sampled by diving, from 20 to 45 m deep. Nine species were found, two of which are first records for Turkish fauna: Alcyonium coralloides and Paralcyonium spinulosum. Scientific identification of Alcyonium acaule in the Turkish seas was also done for the first time in this study.
Random amplification of genomic ends (RAGE) as an efficient method for isolation and cloning of promoters and uncloned genomic regions

Isolation of complete coding sequences and regulatory regions is critical for the complete characterization of a gene. Efficient methods to obtain complete genomic or regulatory is important in the process of isolation. The utility of the available genome walking methods are influenced by factors like the size of the genome and the length of the desired sequence. This study utilizes a genome walking method - random amplification of genomic ends (RAGE) efficiently to obtain the 5' – regulatory sequence of a rice stress inducible gene OsAsr1 and to obtain the full length sequence and promoter of the HetR gene of Cylindrospermum stagnale (Cylindrospermum sp. A1345). We demonstrate that this technique can be used for cloning of full length gene and promoters in organisms where whole genome data is unavailable utilising very little sequence information. Our studies show that RAGE can be a strong tool in functional genomics especially in the study of promoters
Sociality of Solitary Smiling: Potentiation by an Implicit Audience

Ss viewed a pleasant videotape either: (a) alone, (b) alone but with the belief that a friend nearby was otherwise engaged, (c) alone but with the belief that a friend was viewing the same videotape in another room, or (d) when a friend was present. S'ssmiling, as estimated by facial electromyography, varied monotonically with the sociality of viewing but not with reported emotion. The findings confirm audience effects for human smiles, demonstrate that the effects do not depend upon the presence of the interactant, and indicate that the smiles are better predicted by social context than by emotion. Both naive and expert independent raters given descriptions of the study made predictions that conformed to previous emotion-based accounts of faces but departed from the findings. The results suggest that some solitary faces may be implicitly social, a view consistent with both contemporary ethology, and role and impression-management theories of behavior. People make faces when they are alone. This curious fact may have been crucial in shaping the most popular contemporary theories of facial expression. These generally hold that whereas some faces reflect social convention, others are quasi-reflexive released displays of felt emotion (Buck, 1984; Darwin, 1872; Ekman, 1972,1973,1977,1984; Ekman & Friesen, 1969,1975,