Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new meeting place: chatting on the Internet, e-dating and sexual risk behaviour among Dutch men who have sex with men

Objective:To describe the process of Internet chatting, and subsequent dating and sexual (risk) behaviour among Dutch men who have sex with men (MSM), and to compare the demographic profile of the Internet sample with a traditional Dutch MSM sample. Design:A self-selected anonymous Internet sample. Methods:Enrolment via a prominent gay chat room. Potential respondents were asked to complete an online questionnaire about chatting and dating, and sexual (risk) behaviour with their last date via chatting (e-date). In 26 days, 5302 questionnaires were returned. Of these, 4984 were evaluated as reliable and were used in the analyses. Results:Eighty-two per cent chatted at least once a week, 88% had ever dated through chatting, and of these 89% had had sex with one or more e-dates. With respect to the last e-date, almost 50% had had anal sex with their last e-date, and 15% reported unprotected anal sex. Especially among HIV-positive men, a high percentage of unprotected anal sex was reported (39%). After correcting for the disclosure of HIV status, this percentage remained twice as high compared with HIV-negative and never-tested men (28 versus 14%). Compared with a traditional MSM sample, the Internet sample was significantly younger, and comprised more non-Dutch and bisexual men, whereas the level of sexual risk behaviour with casual partners was comparable. Conclusion:The Internet is a popular new meeting place for MSM, and attracts men with a different demographic profile. The level of risk behaviour warrants that opportunities for interventions on the Internet are explored, with special attention to HIV-positive chatters.
Evaluation of the modified Micro-ID system for identification of Enterobacteriaceae

Micro-ID is a system designed to identify the Enterobacteriaceae by utilizing reagent-impregnated disks for 15 biochemical tests. Since its initial evaluations, the system has undergone modification in formulation and in its computer data base. In a dual-center evaluation, 306 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were tested: 145 common and typical isolates at the Mayo Clinic and 161 unusual or atypical isolates at the Center for Disease Control. Each laboratory also exchanged 50 cultures to test the system's reproducibility. Micro-ID correctly identified 142 (98%) of the common clinical isolates and 123 (76%) of the unusual or atypical organisms. However, in this latter group, three species tested were not in the system's data base. When these organisms were deleted from the analysis, 138 of 146 (95%) of the unusual or atypical isolates were correctly identified. Analysis of the 100 isolates identified in duplicate revealed 93% reproducibility of genus and species identification and 62% reproducibility of octal code numbers. Of the 31 strains with the same identification but different code numbers, 74% differed in only one biochemical test.
Propofol infusion rate does not affect local pain on injection

Background: Local pain at the site of an i.v. injection of propofol is a well‐known problem, particularly in infants. This randomised investigator‐blinded crossover study was designed to assess the effect of the i.v. bolus infusion rate on propofol‐induced pain at the site of injection.
Circadian clock‐protein expression in cyanobacteria: rhythms and phase setting

The cyanobacterial gene cluster kaiABC encodes three essential circadian clock proteins: KaiA, KaiB and KaiC. The KaiB and KaiC protein levels are robustly rhythmical, whereas the KaiA protein abundance undergoes little if any circadian oscillation in constant light. The level of the KaiC protein is crucial for correct functioning of the clock because induction of the protein at phases when the protein level is normally low elicits phase resetting. Titration of the effects of the inducer upon phase resetting versus KaiC level shows a direct correlation between induction of the KaiC protein within the physiological range and significant phase shifting. The protein synthesis inhibitor chloramphenicol prevents the induction of KaiC and blocks phase shifting. When the metabolism is repressed by either translational inhibition or constant darkness, the rhythm of KaiC abundance persists; therefore, clock protein expression has a preferred status under a variety of conditions. These data indicate that rhythmic expression of KaiC appears to be a crucial component of clock precession in cyanobacteria.
Generating retinal neurons by reprogramming retinal pigment epithelial cells

Importance of the field: Retinal degenerations cause blindness. One potential therapy is cell replacement. Because the human retina lacks regeneration capacity, much attention has been directed towards searching for cells that can differentiate into retinal neurons. Areas covered in this review: We discuss the possibility of using transcription factor genes to channel retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells' capabilities of proliferation and plasticity towards the production of retinal neurons. What the reader will gain: Experiments with chick embryos show that RPE cells – in the eye, in explant, or in a dissociated cell culture – can give rise to cells resembling retinal neurons when reprogrammed with regulatory genes involved in retinal neurogenesis. Depending on the regulatory gene used, reprogramming generates cells exhibiting traits of photoreceptor cells, amacrine cells and/or young ganglion neurons. Take home message: Gene-directed reprogramming of chick RPE can efficiently generate cells that exhibit traits of retinal neurons. Remaining to be addressed is the question of whether the results from chicks apply to mammals. Since the RPE is located adjacent to the neural retina, RPE reprogramming, if successful in mammals, may offer an approach to repopulate the neural retina without involving cell transplantation.
Momentum for Independent versus Group Firms

A prior research finds a significant seasonal momentum in the Taiwanese stock market. While intending to explore rationales for the seasonal momentum, this study use a relatively large dataset to verify whether strength of the momentum is different across independent and group firms. Empirical evidence do not report significant differential momentum effect between the two types of firms, inconsistent with prior findings, which reveal more pronounced momentum on independent firms.
"One animal is no animal"- consequences of measuring animal welfare at herd level

Animal welfare is by definition a characteristic of an individual animal. The aim of animal welfare legislation in Europe is usually to promote animal welfare and protect individual animals from suffering. However, several approaches have been made to create systems for measuring animal welfare at herd level. The aim of this study was to discuss how animals may be affected if a herd approach is used and how this relates to the current animal welfare legislation. Proportions of animals affected, sampling, thresholds and benchmarking are discussed. We conclude that systems based exclusively on group assessment would, if defined narrowly, not be in line with the intentions of a legislation that requires acceptable conditions and outcomes for every individual animal. However, the non-individual approach can be a valuable complement. As some standards use group measures it is important that both producers and consumers are aware of the limitations.
Functional recovery after embolic stroke in rodents by activated protein C

A serine protease activated protein C has been shown to be a powerful neuroprotectant in stressed neurons and in hypoxic brain endothelium. In a clinically relevant model of embolic stroke in rodents, we now show that administration of activated protein C alone or in combination with tissue plasminogen activator, or both, 4 hours after embolic stroke improves the functional outcome and reduces brain infarction within 7 days of stroke. In contrast, tissue plasminogen activator alone was not protective. Thus, activated protein C may be useful as a new stand‐alone therapy for clinical stroke and to extend the time window of thrombolytic therapy. Ann Neurol 2005;58:474–477
Risk factors for delayed postendoscopic mucosal resection hemorrhage in patients with gastric tumor

Objective Although endoscopic mucosal resection has been recognized as the standard treatment for gastric mucosal neoplasm, postendoscopic mucosal resection hemorrhage remains a major complication of endoscopic mucosal resection, and this problem seems to be increasing owing to the development of invasive techniques. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence and grade of postendoscopic mucosal resection hemorrhage and to identify risk factors for delayed postendoscopic mucosal resection hemorrhage in patients with gastric neoplasm. Methods Data of endoscopic mucosal resections performed by three endoscopists were retrospectively collected over 8 years and then analyzed. Immediate postendoscopic mucosal resection hemorrhage was defined as bleeding during the procedure. Delayed postendoscopic mucosal resection hemorrhage was defined when two of the four following parameters were satisfied after the endoscopic mucosal resection period; (i) hematemesis, melena or dizziness, (ii) hemoglobin loss >2 g/dl, (iii) blood pressure decrease >20 mmHg or pulse rate increase >20/min and (iv) Forrest I or IIa–IIb on follow-up endoscopy. Results A total of 157 patients (mean age: 64 years, male : female=44 : 113) were reviewed. Twenty-nine (18.5%) and 13 patients (8.3%) presented with immediate and delayed postendoscopic mucosal resection hemorrhage, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the patient's age (≤65 years; odds ratio 6.11, 95% confidence interval 1.12–33.43), the size of lesion (>15 mm; odds ratio 5.90, 95% confidence interval 1.13–30.87) and the experience of the endoscopist (≤5 years; odds ratio 16.31, 95% confidence interval 1.46–181.97) were significantly predictive variables for the delayed postendoscopic mucosal resection hemorrhage. Conclusion Considering the higher risk of delayed postendoscopic mucosal resection hemorrhage, careful preparation and close monitoring are required for patients who are less than 65 years, have large lesions over 15 mm or if the procedures were performed by an inexperienced endoscopist.
The Nigerian Educational System and Returns to Education

While each tier of education has at various times been the concurrent (joint) responsibility of both Federal and state governments, the former has historically been much more involved at the post secondary level. The shares of Federal Government recurrent and capital expenditures by level of education between 1996 and 2002. Over the period, the share for the (24) Federal universities has varied between roughly 40 and 50 percent of total Federal expenditures, while those for the (16) polytechnics and (20) colleges of education have remained fairly constant (apart from one year) at around 17 percent and 11 percent respectively. Overall, during the whole period, the tertiary education sub sector has received between 68 percent and 80 percent of the total Federal expenditures for education.
The Effect of Oren‐gedoku‐to on Experimental Colitis in Rats

In Japan and China, Oren‐gedoku‐to (a complex mixture of ingredients derived from plants) has been used as a herbal medicine in the treatment of inflammatory and ulcerative diseases. In other countries salicylazosulfapyridine has been used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. In this study, we have compared the effect of Oren‐gedoku‐to with salicylazosulfapyridine on trinitrobenzene‐sulphonic acid‐induced colonic damage in rats, a model representative of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in man.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Essential Oils from Wild Growing Aromatic Plant Species of Skimmia laureola and Juniperus macropoda from Western Himalaya

The Himalayan region is very rich in a great variety of medicinal plants. In this investigation the essential oils of two selected species are described for their antimicrobial and larvicidal as well as biting deterrent activities. Additionally, the odors are characterized. Analyzed by simultaneous GC-MS and GC-FID, the essential oils’ chemical compositions are given. The main components of Skimmia laureola oil were linalool and linalyl acetate whereas sabinene was found as the main compound for Juniperus macropoda essential oil. Antibacterial testing by agar dilution assay revealed highest activity of S. laureola oil against all tested bacteria, followed by J. macropoda oil. Antifungal activity was evaluated against the strawberry anthracnose causing plant pathogens Colletotrichum acutatum, C. fragariae and C. gloeosporioides. Juniperus macropoda essential oil indicated higher antifungal activity against all three pathogens than S. laureola oil. Both essential oils showed biting deterrent activity above solvent control but low larvicidal activity.
Perceptual video quality evaluation by means of physiological signals

The proliferation of multimedia technology and its wide adoption by users has created the need for more effective metrics for Quality of Experience (QoE). Objective video quality metrics usually under-perform in terms of perceptual quality, thus evaluation is usually performed offline by people, an arduous and time consuming task that is also affected by external conditions and by user preferences. The use of physiological signals, recorded from users exposed to multimedia stimuli, has the potential to offer a more robust and unbiased method for evaluating perceptual quality. In this work, we propose the evaluation of the perceptual quality of video by means of cerebral (Electroencephalography — EEG) and peripheral (Electrocardiography — ECG and Electromyography — EMG) physiological signals. A machine learning approach is employed in order to map features extracted from these signals to a subjective video quality scale. Five 4K video sequences were encoded at different quality levels using the state-of-the-art HEVC codec and their quality was evaluated by real users while recording their physiological signals. The quality levels decided by the proposed model were then evaluated against the user-provided MOSs and the results demonstrated the potential of the proposed method for accurate perceptual video quality evaluation.
Binding characteristics of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors with relation to emission tomography studies

When developing ligands for emission tomography studies, one of the major obstacles lies in the selection of ligand candidates. A previously unattended factor such as the influence of temperature on candidate ligand affinity is likely to play a role. By use of rat brain homogenates, the binding characteristics of [3H]‐(S)‐citalopram and [3H]‐(+)‐McN5652 and the receptor‐ligand interaction at the serotonin transporter of 17 selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were compared at 21°C and 37°C, respectively. Ligand logP values were also calculated. The ratios for Ki at 37°C vs. 21°C varied between 0.2 and 2.2 for the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors considered in this study, with most of the ligands displaying an inverse relationship between Ki and temperature. Ten of the 17 selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were found to have pKi values statistically significantly different at 21°C compared to 37°C (P < 0.05). The logP values ranged between 3.6 and 4.8, except for DASB, 5‐iodo‐6‐nitroquipazine, and paroxetine where logP was 1.9, 2.2, and 5.0, respectively. Kd was 0.71 nM at 37°C and 0.31 nM at 21°C for [3H]‐(S)‐citalopram. For [3H]‐(+)‐McN5652 Kd was 0.11 nM at 37°C and 0.08 nM at 21°C. The association and dissociation was much faster for [3H]‐(S)‐citalopram as compared to [3H]‐(+)‐McN5652. It is concluded that temperature may affect Kd differently and that in vitro dissociation may help to predict whether a given ligand may be useful in PET studies. LogP values do not per se predict the potential of a given ligand as an emission tomography tracer. Synapse 41:203–211, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Public Attitudes toward the Policy Responsibilities of the National and State Governments: Evidence from South Carolina

How do Americans feel about the respective policy responsibilities of the national and state governments? This article addresses this question using data from a public opinion survey in South Carolina. The study has three major findings. First, people do seem to have meaningful opinions about national versus state government responsibilities, regardless of whether the issue is presented in policy-specific or general terms. Second, framing effects do not exist for these attitudes because the aggregate distributions of opinion do not change across the two presentations. Third, citizens' beliefs about specific programmatic activities appear to be derived largely from their more general comparative evaluations of the national and state governments. These findings have important implications for both scholarly theories of and practical political concerns about federalism in the United States.
Improving outcomes in breast cancer: where should we target our efforts?

Rural-urban differences in health outcomes, including breast cancer, in the US have been studied for decades, but often with inconsistent findings. Possible reasons include methodological differences, lack of prospective investigations, small number of studies overall, and the tendency to measure rurality as a simple patient-level predictor variable. Studies have tended to assume that the same racial/ethnic cancer disparities found in the general population exist in rural regions, but this conclusion may not always be warranted. Needed are better definitions of rurality; the capability to define important predictor variables such as race, ethnicity, education, and income with greater precision than at present; and data revealing the patient’s own perspective regarding care decisions. Future studies should examine whether the impact of rurality status on outcomes varies with geographic location by including the appropriate interaction terms in the outcome prediction models, as well as patient-reported reasons that might explain the outcomes observed.
Learning and understanding the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis-of-variance-by-ranks test for differences among three or more independent groups.

When several treatment methods are available for the same problem, many clinicians are faced with the task of deciding which treatment to use. Many clinicians may have conducted informal "mini-experiments" on their own to determine which treatment is best suited for the problem. These results are usually not documented or reported in a formal manner because many clinicians feel that they are "statistically challenged. " Another reason may be because clinicians do not feel they have controlled enough test conditions to warrant analysis. In this update, a statistic is described that does not involve complicated statistical assumptions, making it a simple and easy-to-use statistical method. This update examines the use of two statistics and does not deal with other issues that could affect clinical research such as issues affecting credibility. For readers who want a more in-depth examination of this topic, references have been provided. The Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis-of-variance-by-ranks test (or H test) is used to determine whether three or more independent groups are the same or different on some variable of interest when an ordinal level of data or an interval or ratio level of data is available. A hypothetical example will be presented to explain when and how to use this statistic, how to interpret results using the statistic, the advantages and disadvantages of the statistic, and what to look for in a written report. This hypothetical example will involve the use of ratio data to demonstrate how to choose between using the nonparametric H test and the more powerful parametric F test.
A comparative study between fractional order SMC and SMC applied to magnetic levitation system

There is a trend in last one and a half decade to incorporate fractional calculus into the well-known integer order controllers to upgrade it to the respective fractional order controllers to achieve better performance. Such an attempt is made in this paper. This paper presents a comparative study between Sliding Mode Controller and Fractional Order Sliding Mode Controller when applied to a Magnetic Levitation (MagLev) system. The effectiveness of the controllers is tested to levitate a ferromagnetic ball against gravity and control its vertical position to follow standard test signals as reference. A MagLev laboratory setup is used as a platform for experimental validation. The results reveal that FOSMC outperforms SMC in terms of tracking accuracy, speed of response, and chattering.
Doctors’ Perceptions and Use of Evidence-Based Medicine: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

Purpose Many primary qualitative studies of barriers and facilitators for doctors’ use of evidence-based medicine (EBM) are available, but knowledge remains fragmented. This study sought to synthesize the results of these qualitative studies, taking the variability across context (i.e., medical disciplines, career stages, practice settings, and time of study) into account. Method The authors searched PubMed through April 26, 2012, and independently selected studies according to prespecified criteria for relevance and methodological quality. Additionally, they performed a thematic synthesis through line-by-line interpretation, coding, and thematic arrangement of information. Results The search resulted in 1,211 publications, of which 30 studies were included. Five major themes emerged on barriers and facilitators for doctors’ use of EBM: individual mind-set, professional group norms, EBM competencies, balance between confidence and critical reflection, and managerial collaboration. The authors found particular barriers and facilitators across career stages. Although clinical experience and professional status were perceived to be helpful, they could also prevent doctors from identifying information needs and adopting new evidence. Although residents’ lack of clinical experience raised awareness of information needs, residents perceived lack of clinical experience and their hierarchical dependence on staff as barriers to articulating information needs and to translating and introducing evidence to patient care. Conclusions Encouragement of group norms for safe communication and shared learning across career stages is perceived as the most prominent facilitator for EBM.