Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tuning the instrument: sonic properties in the spider's web

Spider orb webs are multifunctional, acting to absorb prey impact energy and transmit vibratory information to the spider. This paper explores the links between silk material properties, propagation of vibrations within webs and the ability of the spider to control and balance web function. Combining experimental and modelling approaches, we contrast transverse and longitudinal wave propagation in the web. It emerged that both transverse and longitudinal wave amplitude in the web can be adjusted through changes in web tension and dragline silk stiffness, i.e. properties that can be controlled by the spider. In particular, we propose that dragline silk supercontraction may have evolved as a control mechanism for these multifunctional fibres. The various degrees of active influence on web engineering reveals the extraordinary ability of spiders to shape the physical properties of their self-made materials and architectures to affect biological functionality, balancing trade-offs between structural and sensory functions.
Evaluation of new laser spectrometer techniques for in-situ carbon monoxide measurements

Abstract. Long-term time series of the atmospheric composition are essential for environmental research and thus require compatible, multi-decadal monitoring activities. The current data quality objectives of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for carbon monoxide (CO) in the atmosphere are very challenging to meet with the measurement techniques that have been used until recently. During the past few years, new spectroscopic techniques came to market with promising properties for trace gas analytics. The current study compares three instruments that have recently become commercially available (since 2011) with the best currently available technique (Vacuum UV Fluorescence) and provides a link to previous comparison studies. The instruments were investigated for their performance regarding repeatability, reproducibility, drift, temperature dependence, water vapour interference and linearity. Finally, all instruments were examined during a short measurement campaign to assess their applicability for long-term field measurements. It could be shown that the new techniques perform considerably better compared to previous techniques, although some issues, such as temperature influence and cross sensitivities, need further attention.
Mechanism of plasma catecholamine increases during surgical stress in man.

In order to determine whether the sympathetic nervous system participates in the neuroendocrine response to surgical stress in man, plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) were measured by enzymatic assay in eight patients undergoing elective abdominal operations. Basal NE levels (pre-anesthesia) were comparable to those of 11 normal controls: 180 ± 20 pg/ml, ± sem (patients), vs. 180 ± 20 (controls), but basal E levels were higher: 70 ± 10 (patients) vs. 20 ± 5 (controls), P < . 001. Halothane anesthesia caused no changes of plasma NE (Δ NE = +50 ± 40 pg/ml, p = NS), but suppressed plasma E (Δ E = −50 ± 10 pg/ml, P < .01). During the operation plasma catecholamines rose above anesthesia levels in all patients: Δ NE = +380 ± 60, Δ E = +250 ± 100, both P < . 01. Plasma catecholamines remained elevated through 2 h after surgery: Δ NE (vs. pre-anesthesia baseline) = +290 ± 60, P < . 01, Δ E = +200 ± 60, P < . 05. Throughout the procedure Δ NE correlated with Δ E (r = .75, P < .001). These findin.
The role of parents in young people’s education—a critical review of the causal evidence

There is currently a considerable body of research suggesting that parental involvement is linked to young people’s attainment at school. It is also generally agreed that a number of factors such as parental background, attention, warmth and parenting style are associated with children’s later life outcomes. However, although widely assumed on the basis of these associations, the nature of this causal link has not yet been established. This paper summarises what would be needed to demonstrate that enhanced parental involvement produced better attainment and other outcomes, based on establishing an association, the correct sequence of events, sensitivity to intervention and an explanatory mechanism. It then reports on the findings of a systematic review of available and relevant studies, based on this approach. The search for evidence on the impact of attitudes, expectations and behaviour on attainment yielded 1,008 distinct reports. Of these, 77 were directly about the impact of parental involvement. These confirm that parental involvement and attainment are linked, and in the correct sequence for a causal model. There are several plausible mechanisms to explain why parental involvement might have an impact. And most crucially and unlike all other areas linking attitudes and behaviour to attainment, there is promising evidence that intervening to improve parental involvement could be effective.
Distribution of the CTLA‐4 single nucleotide polymorphisms CT60G>A and +49A>G in psoriasis vulgaris patients and control individuals from a Polish Caucasian population

Psoriasis vulgaris is a multifactorial disease with an autoimmune component, and T lymphocytes seem to be involved in its aetiology. CTLA‐4 molecule is an important down‐regulator of T‐lymphocyte activation, and several polymorphisms of the CTLA‐4 gene were found to be associated with some autoimmune diseases. We examined whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CTLA‐4 gene, CT60A>G and +49A>G, are associated with psoriasis vulgaris. Alleles of these two SNPs were determined by the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Both the CT60G>A and the +49A>G alleles and genotypes were distributed similarly in patients and controls. Although the two SNPs studied here in Poles were in linkage disequilibrium, all four possible two‐locus haplotypes were found, one of them rare; of the remaining three, the haplotype +49G, CT60G was significantly (P = 0.019, OR = 0.58, 95%CI = 0.37–0.91) less frequent in the patient group with disease onset between the ages of 21 and 40 years than in controls and the other patient groups, whereas the frequencies of the other haplotypes were similar in patients and controls. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study on CTLA‐4 CT60 allele frequencies in psoriasis.
Spinal Fractures and Dislocations in Children and Adolescents

During the years 1962 through 1978 a total of 42 children under the age of 15 years with fractures or dislocations of the spine were admitted to the Royal Brisbane Hospital Complex, Sixty-three percent of these children were males. The predominate causes of injury were fall/jump (40%), road traffic accidents (29%), and water-related injuries (19%). Half the injuries occurred to the cervical spine, while injuries at more than one level occurred in 35% of patients. Cord injuries occurred in 14% of patients, while skeletal and head injuries occurred in over half of the spinal injuries associated with road trauma. The response of the immature spine following trauma differs from that of the adult, especially in respect to a growth potential, ultimate vertebral stability, and neurologic function.
The fine structure of the monkey (Macaca) sertoli cell and its role in maintaining the blood‐testis barrier

The monkey Sertoli cell, a tall columnar cell, extends from the basement membrane of the seminiferous epithelium to the tubule lumen. Its nucleus occupies a basal position and reveals extensive nuclear envelope infoldings. A zone of fine filaments, approximately 0.5 μ in thickness, invests the nucleus and appears to prevent other cell organelles from approaching it. The basal cytoplasm is characterized by numerous mitochondria and abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Lipid droplets, 3 to 4 μ in diameter, membrane‐limited dense bodies of various shapes and densities, Golgi cisternae, scattered free ribosomes and parallel profiles of rough endoplasmic reticulum are common. The more apical portions of the cell contain longitudinally oriented microtubules and rod‐shaped mitochondria, but other organelles are rare.
Structural and thermodynamic consequences of the replacement of zinc with environmental metals on estrogen receptor α–DNA interactions

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) acts as a transcription factor by virtue of the ability of its DNA‐binding (DB) domain, comprised of a tandem pair of zinc fingers, to recognize the estrogen response element within the promoters of target genes. Herein, using an array of biophysical methods, we probe the structural consequences of the replacement of zinc within the DB domain of ERα with various environmental metals and their effects on the thermodynamics of binding to DNA. Our data reveal that whereas the DB domain reconstituted with divalent ions of zinc, cadmium, mercury, and cobalt binds to DNA with affinities in the nanomolar range, divalent ions of barium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, and tin are unable to regenerate DB domain with DNA‐binding potential, although they can compete with zinc for coordinating the cysteine ligands within the zinc fingers. We also show that the metal‐free DB domain is a homodimer in solution and that the binding of various metals only results in subtle secondary and tertiary structural changes, implying that metal coordination may only be essential for binding to DNA. Collectively, our findings provide mechanistic insights into how environmental metals may modulate the physiological function of a key nuclear receptor involved in mediating a plethora of cellular functions central to human health and disease. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alpha-amylase Inhibition and Antioxidant Activity of Marine Green Algae and its Possible Role in Diabetes Management

Aim: In the continuing search for safe and efficient antidiabetic drug, marine algae become important source which provide several compounds of immense therapeutic potential. Alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and antioxidant compounds are known to manage diabetes and have received much attention recently. In the present study, four green algae (Chaetomorpha aerea, Enteromorpha intestinalis, Chlorodesmis, and Cladophora rupestris) were chosen to evaluate alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase inhibitory, and antioxidant activity in vitro. Materials and Methods: The phytochemical constituents of all the extracts were qualitatively determined. Antidiabetic activity was evaluated by inhibitory potential of extracts against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase by spectrophotometric assays. Antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and nitric oxide scavenging assay. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was carried out to determine the major compound responsible for its antidiabetic action. Results: Among the various extracts screened, chloroform extract of C. aerea (IC50 − 408.9 μg/ml) and methanol extract of Chlorodesmis (IC50 − 147.6 μg/ml) showed effective inhibition against alpha-amylase. The extracts were also evaluated for alpha-glucosidase inhibition, and no observed activity was found. Methanol extract of C. rupestris showed notable free radical scavenging activity (IC50 – 666.3 μg/ml), followed by H2O2 (34%) and nitric oxide (49%). Further, chemical profiling by GC-MS revealed the presence of major bioactive compounds. Phenol, 2,4-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl) and z, z-6,28-heptatriactontadien-2-one were predominantly found in the methanol extract of C. rupestris and chloroform extract of C. aerea. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the selected algae exhibit notable alpha-amylase inhibition and antioxidant activity. Therefore, characterization of active compounds and its in vivo assays will be noteworthy. SUMMARY Four green algae were chosen to evaluate alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase inhibitory, and antioxidant activity in vitro C. aerea and Chlorodesmis showed significant inhibition against alpha-amylase, and C. rupestris showed notable free radical scavenging activity No observed activity was found against alpha-glucosidase GC-MS analysis of the active extracts reveals the presence of major compounds which gives an insight on the antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of these algae. Abbreviations used: DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, BHT: Butylated hydroxytoluene, GC-MS: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Online banking information systems acceptance: a structural equation modelling analysis

Extending research on the technology acceptance model TAM, this paper develops an extended model of TAM, which besides TAM's original predictors of perceived usefulness PU and perceived ease of use PEOU, includes trust TR as an additional belief factor to predict the behavioural intention BI to use an online banking information system OBIS. The model was tested on a sample of 353 internet users in Pakistan. Using structural equation modelling with AMOS data analysis showed that all the proposed paths were significant and the model explained 44.7% of the variance in BI. As per expectation, highly significant paths were observed between the additional new factor of trust and the PU, followed by PU and BI. These findings suggest that inclusion of an additional factor within TAM extends its capability and validity to predict the individual's acceptance behaviour towards OBIS.
Efficacy and safety of fixed low-dose dalteparin in preventing venous thromboembolism among obese or elderly hospitalized patients: a subgroup analysis of the PREVENT trial.

BACKGROUND We were concerned that a fixed rather than a weight-based dosing regimen of dalteparin sodium to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) might result in decreased efficacy in obese patients and decreased safety in elderly patients. METHODS We retrospectively performed subgroup analyses using the database from the Prospective Evaluation of Dalteparin Efficacy for Prevention of VTE in Immobilized Patients (PREVENT) Trial, a study of 3706 hospitalized, medically ill patients randomized to receive either dalteparin sodium, 5000 U/d, or placebo. The primary end point was a composite of symptomatic VTE, fatal pulmonary embolism, sudden death, or asymptomatic proximal deep venous thrombosis by day 21. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) of 30 or greater for men and 28.6 or greater for women. RESULTS Overall, 1118 patients (30.4%) were obese and 1226 (33.3%) were 75 years or older. In obese patients, the primary end point occurred in 2.8% of the dalteparin and in 4.3% of the placebo groups (relative risk, 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-1.28). In patients 75 years or older, the primary end point was reported in 4.2% of the dalteparin and in 8.0% of the placebo groups (relative risk, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.31-0.87). The dalteparin effect for the primary end point (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.32-0.82) was not attenuated when adjusted for age, sex, obesity, history of VTE, and varicose veins. Dalteparin was not associated with an increase in major hemorrhage by day 21 in obese (0% vs 0.7% placebo; P>.99) and in elderly (1.1% vs 0.7%; P=.12) patients. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that a fixed low dose of dalteparin sodium of 5000 U/d is effective and safe in preventing VTE in obese and elderly hospitalized medical patients.
The pathogenesis of proventricular dilatation disease

Abstract Bornaviruses cause neurologic diseases in several species of birds, especially parrots, waterfowl and finches. The characteristic lesions observed in these birds include encephalitis and gross dilatation of the anterior stomach — the proventriculus. The disease is thus known as proventricular dilatation disease (PDD). PDD is characterized by extreme proventricular dilatation, blockage of the passage of digesta and consequent death by starvation. There are few clinical resemblances between this and the bornaviral encephalitides observed in mammals. Nevertheless, there are common virus-induced pathogenic pathways shared across this disease spectrum that are explored in this review. Additionally, a review of the literature relating to gastroparesis in humans and the control of gastric mobility in mammals and birds points to several plausible mechanisms by which bornaviral infection may result in extreme proventricular dilatation.
Robustly Hedging Variable Annuities with Guarantees under Jump and Volatility Risks

Recent variable annuities offer participation in the equity market and attractive protection against downside movements. Accurately quantifying this additional equity market risk and robustly hedging options embedded in the guarantees of variable annuities are new challenges for insurance companies. Due to sensitivities of the benefits to tails of the account value distribution, a simple Black-Scholes model is inadequate in preventing excessive liabilities. A model which realistically describes the real world price dynamics over a long time horizon is essential for the risk management of the variable annuities. In this article, both jump risk and volatility risk are considered for risk management of lookback options embedded in guarantees with a ratchet feature. We evaluate relative performances of delta hedging and dynamic discrete risk minimization hedging strategies. Using the underlying as the hedging instrument, we show that, under a Black-Scholes model, local risk minimization hedging can be significantly better than delta hedging. In addition, we compare risk minimization hedging using the underlying with that of using standard options. We demonstrate that, under a Merton's jump diffusion model, hedging using standard options is superior to hedging using the underlying in terms of the risk reduction. Finally, we consider a market model for volatility risks in which the at-the-money implied volatility is a state variable. We compute risk minimization hedging by modeling at-the-money Black-Scholes implied volatility explicitly; the hedging effectiveness is evaluated, however, under a joint model for the underlying price and implied volatility. Our computational results suggest that, when implied volatility risk is suitably modeled, risk minimization hedging using standard options, compared to hedging using the underlying, can potentially be more effective in risk reduction under both jump and volatility risks. Copyright The Journal of Risk and Insurance, 2007.
EFL Teaching and Learning at a Vietnamese University: What Do Teachers Say?

This paper reports part of a study that documents the factors affecting the efficacy of teaching and learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Vietnamese higher education from the teachers’ perspectives. Individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve EFL teachers at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), Vietnam. The study explored both positive factors and negative factors affecting teaching quality. The findings show that an updated syllabus, modern teaching methods, and adequate facilities and equipment are positive factors identified by the teachers. Nevertheless, there are still many negative factors hindering the efficacy of English teaching and learning, including: insufficient time for English subjects; lack of speaking component in tests and examinations; unequal students’ English abilities; large class sizes; limited support from university leaders; and students’ limited efforts and motivation. The teachers were also given the opportunity to express their expectations about an ideal EFL training program, which included: a balance between financial profit and education quality; more independence for teachers and students in teaching and learning; placement tests; good and enthusiastic teachers; well-equipped classrooms; small class sizes, and student autonomy.
Is pancreaticoduodenectomy justified for septuagenarians and octogenarians?

BACKGROUND/AIMS Almost all of the studies described elderly as beginning at the age 70 and very few focused on the group of patients over 80 years of age. This study was undertaken to compare the surgical risk and prognosis between septuagenarians and octogenarians undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy and to clarify whether or not pancreaticoduodenectomy is justified in octogenarians. METHODOLOGY Among 276 patients with periampullary lesions undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy between 1982 and 2000, octogenarians and septuagenarians were identified. The study concentrated on the surgical risks and outcomes. RESULTS There were 16 (6%) octogenarians and 82 (30%) septuagenarians among our 276 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. Surgical mortality did not significantly increase in octogenarians (13%), as compared to septuagenarians (12%). Surgical morbidity was also similar in both groups (51% in octogenarians vs. 56% in septuagenarians). Octogenarians needed more frequent care in the intensive care unit (69%) postoperatively than septuagenarians (27%), p = 0.001. There was no significant difference in survival, (median survival = 16 months for septuagenarians and 17.6 months for octogenarians), p = 0.137. About half of each group (44.2% septuagenarians and 54.5% octogenarians) still died of the underlying periampullary lesions, p = 0.771. CONCLUSIONS Surgical risk did not significantly increase and prognosis was similar in octogenarians after pancreaticoduodenectomy, as compared to septuagenarians. Therefore, pancreaticoduodenectomy is justified not only in septuagenarians but also in octogenarians if carefully selected.
Stereochemical characteristics of the folate-antifolate transport mechanism in L1210 Leukemia cells.

Summary The rate of influx, extent of concentrative uptake, and the rate of efflux (loss) by active transport in L1210 leukemia cells has been compared for the pteridine antifolates, aminopterin and methotrexate, eight related quinazoline analogs, and two pyrimidine derivatives. The data reveal a difference in the stereochemical specificity for influx and efflux. Influx is preferential in the order pteridine, quinazoline, and pyrimidine. Influx of aminopterin is more rapid than that of methotrexate. l-Glutamylquinazolines were taken up faster than l-aspartylquinazolines, but influx of a d-glutamylquinazoline was slower than the corresponding d-glutamylquinazoline was slower than the corresponding d-aspartyl derivative. Influx of the quinazolines was faster when there was a methyl- or chloro- substitution at position 5. Influx of the pyrimidines was also faster when a methyl group was at position 6. Michaelis constants (Km) for influx of the various analogs varied from 1.42 × 10-6m to over 10-4m. Individual Vmax values were essentially the same (1.87 to 2.22 nmoles/min/g dry weight). The relationship between the values for initial velocity of influx (v), the Km and Vmax obtained with each analog are in agreement with that predicted by the Michaelis-Menten equation and is consistent with the notion that differences in rates of influx are attributable to differences in the affinity of the carrier for the system. Efflux is preferential in the order pteridine, pyrimidine, and quinazoline. Efflux of aminopterin and methotrexate occurs at the same rate. Both aspartyl- and glutamylquinazolines efflux at about the same rate, but the d-aspartyl and d-glutamyl forms efflux more rapidly than the corresponding l forms. A methyl, and particularly a chloro, substitution at position 5 of the quinazoline reduces the rate of efflux. The extent of concentrative uptake observed for each analog directly reflects the relative magnitude at which the influx and efflux processes operate and may be the physiological parameter most relevant to therapeutic efficacy.