Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pulpwood Quality of the Second Generation Acacia auriculiformis

The physical, chemical and fibre characteristics of the 6, 8 and 10 years old akashmoni ( Acacia auriculiformis ) wood from the second generation seed and their suitability for pulping were assessed and compared with the wood of 10 years old from the first generation seed. The A. auriculiformis of 8 years old had the highest α-cellulose and lower lignin than those of 6 and 10 years old, which are similar to the first generation wood. This study also evaluated the effect of cooking time, temperature and active alkali on kraft pulping. The most important influence factors for pulp yield and kappa number were active alkali charge and time. The highest screened rejects were observed for young tree. Delignification degree of the 1st generation was faster than that of the 2nd generation A. auriculiformis .
Biocompatible lidocaine and prilocaine loaded-nanoemulsion system for enhanced percutaneous absorption: QbD-based optimisation, dermatokinetics and in vivo evaluation

Abstract Barrier properties of the skin and physicochemical properties of the drugs are the main hiccups in delivering local anaesthetic molecules topically. The present work endeavours for systematic optimisation and evaluation of nanoemulsions (NEs) of local anaesthetic drugs, lidocaine and prilocaine, employing the systematic approach of Quality by Design. A 33 Box–Behnken design was employed for systematic optimisation of the factors obtained from screening studies employing Plackett–Burman design and risk assessment studies. The superior permeation rates, and higher concentrations of the drugs in skin layers from the optimised NE carriers, were achieved in permeation and dermatokinetic studies, when compared to marketed cream. Furthermore, rapid onset of action was demonstrated by the NE system in rabbit eye corneal reflex model and biocompatibility was confirmed from the absence of any marked skin change(s) in the normal skin histology. The developed NE systems demonstrated it as a promising carrier for topical delivery of lidocaine and prilocaine.
Group treatment of obesity in primary care practice: A qualitative study of patients’ perspectives

Aims: To explore patients’ experiences of very low calorie diet (VLCD) and subsequent corset treatment of obesity in a primary care setting, and to explore their perceptions of factors influencing weight control. Methods: In western Sweden, five focus group sessions were carried out. The main themes for the discussions were the informants’ perceptions of the treatment they had received and their experiences of living with obesity. The analysis was based on the Grounded Theory methodology. Results: The outcomes reflect obese individuals’ struggle to handle the demands of their life situation and to recognize their own resources. The core category generated was labelled ‘‘Achieving a balance in life and adjusting one’s identity’’. Three categories related to the process of weight reduction were identified: living with obesity, reducing weight and developing self-management. The group treatment with VLCD was positively perceived by the participants, but the corset treatment was considered to be of less value. Conclusions: Maintenance after weight reduction was demanding and the findings indicate a need for extended support. For some individuals the corset treatment could be a psychological support. Follow-up after weight reduction programmes should focus on long-term self-help strategies.
Reference Price Updating, Adaptation, and Trading Volume

Trading an individual stock in mental accounting, crowd’s traders usually buy and sell in terms of narrowly defined gain and loss relative to a reference price about a behavioral value rather than a fundamental value on a trading day. A reference price is the price where trading volume or trading weight is the maximal across different prices on a trading day. The trading action generates a limited number of patterns about cumulative trading volume distribution over a price range because of mental accounting, loss aversion, trading weight, and coherence or agreement in trading. However, a reference price is updated to realize a significant gain and loss from time to time after a large imbalance on a trading day. We study how a past gain or loss elicits people to trade more or less frequently in a time series. We examine their adaptive behaviors to gain or loss in trading by analyzing correlation between realized gain or loss and change in total trading volume in any two consecutive trading days. Crowd’s traders update a reference price about the value of an individual stock via learning and generate a significant realized gain or loss. They adapt to the gain and loss realized by the updating via trading volume increase or decrease significantly in any two consecutive trading days. Our study makes distinction on two types of a reference price in multiple reference prices in trading: a reference price about a value in a time interval and a reference price about realized gain or loss in a time series. It also captures the coexistence of apparently contrary attitudes to risk from crowd’s traders in stock market: risk aversion from sellers and risk seeking from buyers in the gains of high probability; and risk seeking from sellers and risk aversion from buyers for the losses of high probability.
Study on control method using automatic differentiation with application to monowheel robot

This paper presents a computational method based on automatic differentiation using a given Lagrangian function to construct output regulation of the two-dimentional-model-based nonlinear control of a monowheel robot. Hence, we compare the results of both methods that are automatic differentiation and algebraic calculation. The results that are given in the simulations show that automatic differentiation application in nonlinear control design for the monowheel robot is successful.
Long-lived epithelial immunity by tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells in the absence of persisting local antigen presentation

Although circulating memory T cells provide enhanced protection against pathogen challenge, they often fail to do so if infection is localized to peripheral or extralymphoid compartments. In those cases, it is T cells already resident at the site of virus challenge that offer superior immune protection. These tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells are identified by their expression of the α-chain from the integrin αE(CD103)β7, and can exist in disequilibrium with the blood, remaining in the local environment long after peripheral infections subside. In this study, we demonstrate that long-lived intraepithelial CD103+CD8+ TRM cells can be generated in the absence of in situ antigen recognition. Local inflammation in skin and mucosa alone resulted in enhanced recruitment of effector populations and their conversion to the TRM phenotype. The CD8+ TRM cells lodged in these barrier tissues provided long-lived protection against local challenge with herpes simplex virus in skin and vagina challenge models, and were clearly superior to the circulating memory T-cell cohort. The results demonstrate that peripheral TRM cells can be generated and survive in the absence of local antigen presentation and provide a powerful means of achieving immune protection against peripheral infection.
Assessment of Innovative Performance Management in Chinese Police System

After decades of development effort and referring to best practices from other public sectors, an integrated performance management system for the police organizations in China has already been established. However, it is rare that any evaluation of the effect of implementing performance management is conducted either by researchers or practitioners. This study targets police officers as samples from police organizations in Zhejiang Province in China. A questionnaire on evaluation of performance management for police officers was developed which included four factors: job characteristic, leadership style, internal operational mechanism of performance management, and interpersonal relationship. This study also explored the relationship between evaluation of performance management and job satisfaction, and tested the mediating effect of perceived social support on job satisfaction. The practical implications of this study on the Chinese system of policing are discussed.
Serious road injuries in The Netherlands dissected

ABSTRACT Objective: This article discusses the characteristics and injury patterns of serious road injuries (Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale [MAIS] 2+ inpatients) in The Netherlands. Methods: In The Netherlands, the actual number of serious injuries is estimated by linking police data to hospital data. The distribution of serious road injuries over (1) travel mode and gender and (2) crash type and age are compared for the years 2000 and 2011. Moreover, the distribution of the injuries over the body regions is illustrated using colored injury body profiles. Results: The number of serious injuries is higher for men than for women and increased from 16,500 in 2000 to 19,700 in 2011. In 2011, about half (51%) of the serious road injuries were due to a bicycle crash not involving a motor vehicle. The share of casualties aged 60 years and older is relatively high (43% in 2011) in these crashes. The injury body profiles show that head injuries (31%) and injuries to the lower extremities (37%) are most prevalent. Compared to other travel modes, pedestrians and riders of powered 2-wheelers relatively often sustain lower-leg injuries compared to other travel modes. Head injuries are most prevalent in cyclists who are injured in a crash with a motorized vehicle. Cyclists who are injured in a crash not involving a motor vehicle and casualties of 60 years and older relatively often include hip or upper-leg injuries. Conclusion: The characteristics of serious road injuries differ from those of fatalities and the distribution of injuries over the body differs by travel mode, gender, and age.
Caffeic Acid Prevented LPS-Induced Injury of Primary Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells through Inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK Activation

In our previous study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly reduced the cell viability of primary bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMEC) leading to cell apoptosis, which were prevented by caffeic acid (CA) through inhibiting NF-κB activation and reducing proinflammatory cytokine expression. While the underlying mechanism remains unclear, here, we determined that LPS induced the extensive microstructural damage of bMEC, especially the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Then, the obvious reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential and expression changes of apoptosis-associated proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, and casepase-3) indicated that apoptosis signaling through the mitochondria should be responsible for the cell viability decrease. Next, the high-throughput cDNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were employed to verify that the MAPK and JAK-STAT signaling pathways also were the principal targets of LPS. Following, the critical proteins (ERK, JNK, p38, and c-jun) of the MAPK signaling pathways were activated, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) regulated by NF-κB and MAPKs was significantly increased, which can promote a cascade of inflammation that induces cell injury and apoptosis. Meanwhile, CA significantly inhibited the activation of MAPKs and the release of proinflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner, which were similar to its effects on the NF-κB activation that we previously published. So we concluded that CA regulates the proteins located in the upstream of multiple cell signal pathways which can reduce the LPS-induced activation of NF-κB and MAPKs, thus weakening the inflammatory response and maintaining cell structure and function, which accordingly inhibit apoptosis.
The Right Kind Of Telling: An Analysis of Feedback and Learning in a Journalism Epistemic Game

Epistemic network analysis provides a useful method for measuring the development of meaningful skills and ways of thinking for participants in epistemic games. This study compares the development of an epistemic frame in a journalism epistemic game, science.net, a role-playing game modeled on authentic journalism practice in which students take on the role of journalists and interact with fellow students and mentors, with a professional journalism practicum. Analyzing the discourse produced by both the game and the practicum through epistemic network analysis ENA shows how the virtual internship produced the same type of mentor feedback as the professional practicum on which it was modeled. Players also were able to learn different aspects of journalistic professional expertise as a result of playing the game, and these learning gains continued to be present months after the game was over. Participants in both the simulation and practicum demonstrated significant increases in journalism performance as measured through ENA. Epistemic games, like science.net, have the potential to reproduce key training practices of professional experiences and develop the components of epistemic frames of particular communities. ENA is a valuable tool for assessing the ability of epistemic games to produce these results.
Diffraction characteristics of superimposed holographic gratings in planar optical waveguides

A coupled-mode analysis of superimposed holographic transmission gratings in single-mode planar optical waveguides is presented. The diffraction characteristics are shown to be sensitive to the polarization of the incident wave, the angular separation of the output waves and the relative index modulation between the gratings. The coupling between gratings affects the diffraction efficiencies and decreases the angular and wavelength selectivities. Nevertheless, good channel separation and high fanout can be obtained together. <<ETX>>
A Study of the Outcome of Primary Excision and Closure Technique in the Management of Lip Leukoderma in 30 Patients

Context: Lips being one of the graceful cosmetic units of the face, any disfigurement, including depigmentation, can be embarrassing, psychologically distressing, and socially stigmatizing. Even with the evolution of various surgical modalities, none of the techniques ensure 100% pigmentation with a good cosmetic appearance. With this background, this study was undertaken to study the efficacy of the technique—primary excision and closure in treatment of lip leukoderma (LL). Aims: To study the efficacy, cosmetic outcome, and recurrence following primary excision and closure technique in the management of LL. Settings and Design: A prospective single-center open-label uncontrolled study. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with LL involving inner margin of the lower lip and those who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. After obtaining consent and physician fitness, patients were posted for primary excision and closure of the vitiliginous area of the lip. Patients were followed up at the immediate postoperative period and 6 months later. Patient satisfaction scale was done by asking the patient to grade the response between one and ten. Statistical Analysis Used: Mean and percentiles. Results: Out of 30 patients, 29 patients achieved complete clearance that was cosmetically acceptable. Only one patient showed recurrence at the end of 6 months. Average patient satisfaction scale showed an average of 9.66. Conclusions: Primary excision and closure technique is one of the safe, inexpensive modality in the management of LL involving the inner margin of the lip with immediate result.
Evaluation of research and innovation policies: a discussion of trends with examples from Germany

Recent changes in the field of evaluation refer to new demands by politics, economies and society to extend the subject of evaluation processes to cross-sectoral research promotion programmes and research institutions, and new developments within the research of evaluation itself. The paper presents an overview of these trends and consequences for the function and methods of evaluation of research and innovation policies against the background of recent German experiences.
Treatment of genital warts in males by pulsed dye laser

Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of the flashlamp‐pumped pulsed dye laser for the treatment of uncomplicated genital warts in adult males. Methods: This was a prospective observational study set in the outpatient clinics of the Department of Andrology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences, the Dermatology Clinic, Cairo University, and the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Suez Canal University. A total of 174 adult male patients with 550 uncomplicated anogenital warts were included. Selective photothermolysis and photocoagulation of the lesions with the flashlamp‐pumped pulsed dye laser was carried out. A pulsed dye laser (wavelength 585 nm, 450 s pulse duration; Cynosure, USA) was used with the following settings: spot size 5–7 mm; fluence 9–10 J/cm2. Results: Complete resolution of treated warts was achieved in 96% of lesions. Side effects were limited, transient and infrequent. Lesion recurrence rate was 5%. Conclusion: The pulsed dye laser has been found to be safe, effective and satisfactory for the treatment of anogenital warts in males. It could be used to selectively destroy warts without damaging the surrounding skin.
Effect of selumetinib vs chemotherapy on progression-free survival in uveal melanoma: a randomized clinical trial.

IMPORTANCE Uveal melanoma is characterized by mutations in GNAQ and GNA11, resulting in mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation. OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of selumetinib, a selective, non-adenosine triphosphate competitive inhibitor of MEK1 and MEK2, in uveal melanoma. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Randomized, open-label, phase 2 clinical trial comparing selumetinib vs chemotherapy conducted from August 2010 through December 2013 among 120 patients with metastatic uveal melanoma at 15 academic oncology centers in the United States and Canada. INTERVENTIONS One hundred one patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive selumetinib, 75 mg orally twice daily on a continual basis (n = 50), or chemotherapy (temozolomide, 150 mg/m2 orally daily for 5 of every 28 days, or dacarbazine, 1000 mg/m2 intravenously every 21 days [investigator choice]; n = 51) until disease progression, death, intolerable adverse effects, or withdrawal of consent. After primary outcome analysis, 19 patients were registered and 18 treated with selumetinib without randomization to complete the planned 120-patient enrollment. Patients in the chemotherapy group could receive selumetinib at the time of radiographic progression. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Progression-free survival, the primary end point, was assessed as of April 22, 2013. Additional end points, including overall survival, response rate, and safety/toxicity, were assessed as of December 31, 2013. RESULTS Median progression-free survival among patients randomized to chemotherapy was 7 weeks (95% CI, 4.3-8.4 weeks; median treatment duration, 8 weeks; interquartile range [IQR], 4.3-16 weeks) and among those randomized to selumetinib was 15.9 weeks (95% CI, 8.4-21.1 weeks; median treatment duration, 16.1 weeks; IQR, 8.1-25.3 weeks) (hazard ratio, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.30-0.71; P < .001). Median overall survival time was 9.1 months (95% CI, 6.1-11.1 months) with chemotherapy and 11.8 months (95% CI, 9.8-15.7 months) with selumetinib (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.41-1.06; P = .09). No objective responses were observed with chemotherapy. Forty-nine percent of patients treated with selumetinib achieved tumor regression, with 14% achieving an objective radiographic response to therapy. Treatment-related adverse events were observed in 97% of patients treated with selumetinib, with 37% requiring at least 1 dose reduction. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this hypothesis-generating study of patients with advanced uveal melanoma, selumetinib compared with chemotherapy resulted in a modestly improved progression-free survival and response rate; however, no improvement in overall survival was observed. Improvement in clinical outcomes was accompanied by a high rate of adverse events. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01143402.
Prolonged immobilization compromises up‐regulation of repair genes after tendon rupture in a rat model

It was hypothesized that mobilization vs immobilization after injury would promote tissue healing by regulating gene expression for molecules associated with repair. Cast immobilization vs free mobilization was studied after rat Achilles tendon rupture. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction was performed at 8 and 17 days post‐rupture to assess different growth factors [brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1)] and inflammatory mediators [cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX 1 and COX 2), inducible nitric oxide synthase and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α)] in the healing region. At 8 days post‐injury, tendon mRNA levels were comparable in both groups. However, by day 17, the mRNA levels for BDNF, bFGF, COX 1 and HIF‐1α in the mobilized group had increased significantly. Corresponding mRNA levels in the immobilized group decreased during the same period. There were no significant differences in the expression of NGF, IGF‐1 or COX 2 between the different groups, indicating that injury‐associated expression of these molecules is not overtly influenced by loading. This study supports the notion that prolonged immobilization post‐rupture hampers the healing process by compromising the up‐regulation of repair gene expression in the healing tendon. It might be speculated that a shorter period of immobilization, i.e. 1 week, would not impair the healing process significantly. The findings support the current development of earlier and more active rehabilitation programs after tendon injuries.
The IMPPACT Project: A Model for Studying How Preservice Program Experiences Influence Science Teachers' Beliefs and Practices

If the true efficacy of preservice programs in the overall development of science teachers is to be accurately assessed, researchers and practitioners must work toward establishing a solid research base that critically examines the linkages between teacher preparation, classroom instruction, and pupil learning, to act as a lens to guide practice and feed information back into existing teacher education programs to improve their quality. The U.S. NSF-funded IMPPACT Project represents a multi-university, collaborative research study that was developed in response to the need for empirical evidence regarding the efficacy of science teacher preparation programs. The purposes of this longitudinal, mixed methods study were to: 1) better understand secondary science teachersâ learning of content and pedagogy over time as a result of key interventions within these preparation programs; 2) assess the subsequent impact of this learning on their classroom teaching and student achievement; and 3) determine what factors significantly influenced these teachersâ beliefs and classroom practices following graduation. Interdisciplinary research teams at each university were responsible for collection and analysis of data, while a panel of experts provided the research team with technical assistance. Key research findings and their implications for preservice teacher education programs are highlighted.