Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structure of the integument of southern right whales, Eubalaena australis

Skin (integument) anatomy reflects adaptations to particular environments. It is hypothesized that cetacean (whale) integument will show unique anatomical adaptations to an aquatic environment, particularly regarding differences in temperature, density, and pressure. In this study, the gross and histological structure of the southern right whale integument is described and compared with terrestrial mammals and previous descriptions of mysticete (baleen whale) and odontocete (toothed whale) species. Samples were taken of the integument of 98 free‐swimming southern right whales, Eubalaena australis, and examined by both light and electron microscopy. Results show that three epidermal layers are present, with the stratum corneum being parakeratotic in nature. As in bowhead whales, southern right whales possess an acanthotic epidermis and a notably thick hypodermis, with epidermal rods and extensive papillomatosis. However, unlike bowhead whales, southern right whales possess an uninterrupted hypodermal layer. Surprisingly, the integument of balaenids (right and bowhead mysticetes) in general is more like that of odontocetes than that of the more closely related balaenopterids (rorqual mysticetes). Similarities to odontocetes were found specifically in the collagen fibers in a fat‐free zone of the reticular dermal layer and the elastic fibers in the dermal and hypodermal layers. Callosities, a distinctive feature of this genus, have a slightly thicker stratum corneum and are usually associated with hairs that have innervated and vascularized follicles. These hairs may function as vibrissae, thus aiding in aquatic foraging by allowing rapid detection of changes in prey density. Although the thick insulatory integument makes right whales bulky and slow‐moving, it is an adaptation for living in cold water. Epidermal thickness, presence of epidermal rods, and callosities may act as barriers against mechanical injury from bodily contact with conspecifics or hard surfaces in the environment (e.g., rocks, ice). Anat Rec, 290:596–613, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adapting Young’s Internet Addiction Test for Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game Users: A Factor Analysis

The Internet Addiction Test (IAT), despite its status as the most-used instrument for measuring addictions to Internet activities, has not adequately illuminated the experiences of and potential for addiction in players of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). Using a factor analysis, this article makes suggestions for improving the IAT’s applicability to online gamers. Players of the game World of Warcraft (n = 5,313) participated in an online survey that included the 20-question IAT modified for gamers. The results suggest the IAT is useful for massively MMORPGs’ users when content-specific modifications to its items are made. Findings indicate a distinct profile for MMORPGs’ symptomology, despite differences in experience, gender, or ethnicity. This research demonstrates the importance of robust sampling of specific media user groups and individualized screening for behavioral addictions.
Improving the Accuracy of Passive Duplicate Address Detection Algorithms over MANET On-demand Routing Protocols

IP auto-configuration in mobile ad hoc networks has attracted much attention. Efficient DAD (duplicate address detection) techniques should be devised to provide each node with its unique address in the network. Generally, DAD schemes can be categorized into two classes: (a) active DAD and (b) passive DAD. In this paper, we focus on passive DAD schemes over on-demand ad-hoc routing protocols such as AODV and DYMO. In order to improve the accuracy of detecting address conflicts, we propose several schemes using additional information including sequence, location, or neighbor information
Improved rapid sampling for in vivo kinetics of intracellular metabolites in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

An integrated approach is used to develop a rapid sampling strategy for the quantitative analysis of in vivo kinetic behavior based on measured concentrations of intracellular metabolites in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Emphasis is laid on small sample sizes during sampling and analysis. Subsecond residence times are accomplished by minimizing the dead volume of the sterile sampling system and by maximizing flow rates through application of vacuum to the sampling tubes in addition to the overpressure in the fermenter. A specially designed sample tube adapter facilitates sampling intervals of 4 to 5 s for various test tube types. Statistical analysis of the results obtained from enzymatic and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) analysis of the metabolite concentrations was used to optimize the sampling protocol. The most notable improvement is reached through the introduction of vacuum drying of the cell extract. The presented system is capable of reliably dealing with fermenter samples as small as 1-g with a variation of less than 3%, and is thus ideally suited for intracellular measurements on small, lab-scale fermenters.
Informed Consent for Thrombolytic Therapy for Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Treated in Routine Clinical Practice

Background and Purpose— Little is known about informed consent for tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Our objectives were to determine how frequently informed consent is obtained when tPA is given to stroke patients in clinical practice and whether the person providing consent (patient or surrogate) was the appropriate decision-maker. Methods— This retrospective cohort included acute stroke patients given tPA in 10 Connecticut hospitals (1996–1998). Consent was defined as any documentation of discussion about risks and benefits of tPA. Patients had adequate decision-making capacity if they were alert, oriented, and without aphasia or neglect (patient was appropriate decision-maker). Patients with any of these deficits were considered to have diminished capacity (surrogate was appropriate decision-maker). Results— Among 63 patients who received tPA, 53 (84%) had informed consent documented; 16/53 (30%) gave their own consent. Among patients with adequate decision-making capacity, 5/8 (63%) had consent by surrogate. Among patients with diminished capacity, 7/38 (18%) provided their own consent. Conclusions— A substantial percentage of patients who received tPA for stroke had no consent documented. Surrogates often provided consent when the patients had capacity; conversely, patients with diminished capacity sometimes provided their own consent. Given the urgency and weight of the decision regarding tPA, more explicit informed consent and capacity assessment should be considered for treatment protocols.
The effects of prolonged physical exercise on renal function, electrolyte balance and muscle cell breakdown.

BACKGROUND Postexercise proteinuria, hematuria and changes in serum electrolyte balance as well as increased levels of plasma indicators for muscle leakage are believed to be transient and of benign character. METHODS A group of 51 healthy athletes took part in a 100 km race over 14.25 hours. All of them had to reach the finish together. Urine and blood samples were collected before (a) and immediately after running (b) as well as 6 hours after the race (c). RESULTS The serum concentrations of potassium (4.8 +/- 0.5 (a) vs. 4.0 +/- 0.3 (c) mmol/l), protein (73.1 +/- 5.2 (a) vs. 71.1 +/- 3.9 (c) g/l) and albumin (44.0 +/- 2.85 (a) vs. 42.9 +/- 2.8 (c) g/l) decreased significantly (p < 0.0001, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively) but remained within physiological ranges. The serum sodium concentration decreased immediately after the race (136.9 +/- 4.5 (a) vs. 131.1 +/- 2.4 (b) micromol/l, p < 0.0001). The fractional sodium excretion decreased 6 hours, but not immediately after the race (0.78 +/- 0.59 (a) vs. 0.48 +/- 0.82 (c), p < 0.05). Myoglobin (31.8 +/- 6.9 (a), 291.5 +/- 197.2 (b) and 182.2 +/- 135.3 (c) microg/l, p < 0.0001) and creatine kinase (1.13 +/- 0.45 (a), 10.76 +/- 6.9 (b) and 9.46 +/- 15.5 (c) pmol/l, p < 0.0001) increased dramatically. Troponin I was also significantly increased at finish (0.0186 +/- 0.0121 (a) vs. 0.0213 +/- 0.0165 (b) ng/ml, p < 0.05) and positively correlated with myoglobin and creatine kinase, but remained far below the pathologic range. Serum creatinine and urea remained almost unchanged. Glucosuria and hematuria occurred 6 hours after the run in 9.1% and 6.8%, respectively. The erythrocytes examined by phase-contrast microscopy were not damaged in terms of dysmorphic cells. Glomerular-type proteinuria was found in 11.4% of the participants 6 hours after the race. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that long lasting, mild exertion is harmless for renal function, electrolyte balance and skeletal muscle as well as myocardial metabolism in healthy persons.
Effects of short‐term training and detraining on VO2 kinetics: Faster VO2 kinetics response after one training session

This study examined the time course of short‐term training and detraining‐induced changes in oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 ) kinetics. Twelve men (24 ± 3 years) were assigned to either a 50% or a 70% of V ˙ O 2 m a x training intensity (n = 6 per group). V ˙ O 2 was measured breath‐by‐breath. Changes in deoxygenated‐hemoglobin concentration (Δ[HHb]) were measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy. Moderate‐intensity exercise on‐transient V ˙ O 2 and Δ[HHb] were modeled with a mono‐exponential and normalized (0–100% of response) and the [ H H b ] / V ˙ O 2 ratio was calculated. Similar changes in time constant of V ˙ O 2 ( t V ˙ O 2 ) were observed in both groups. The combined group mean for t V ˙ O 2 decreased ∼14% (32.3 to 27.9 s, P < 0.05) after one training session with a further ∼11% decrease (27.9 to 24.8 s, P < 0.05) following two training sessions. The t V ˙ O 2 p remained unchanged throughout the remaining of training and detraining. A significant “overshoot” in the [ H H b ] / V ˙ O 2 ratio was decreased (albeit not significant) after one training session, and abolished (P < 0.05) after the second one, with no overshoot observed thereafter. Speeding of V ˙ O 2 kinetics was remarkably quick with no further changes being observed with continuous training or during detraining. Improve matching of local O2 delivery to O2 utilization is a mechanism proposed to influence this response.
Iron Losses in a Medium-Frequency Transformer Operated in a High-Power DC–DC Converter

The three-phase dual-active bridge is a dc-dc converter, which is highly suitable for high-power applications. Among others, this is due to the medium-frequency transformer in the ac link, which provides galvanic isolation. The transformer is operated with a square-shaped voltage waveform. The flux density in the transformer core is piecewise linear. However, for the sake of simplicity, the magnetic flux is often assumed sinusoidal. Thereby, the actual iron losses generated in the core material are misinterpreted. This paper discusses the difference between the exact piecewise linear and the sinusoidal course in terms of iron losses. Silicon steel with a thickness of 0.18 mm is measured at a frequency of 1000 Hz, comparing the sinusoidal excitation with the actual one. The measurements are validated using the improved generalized Steinmetz equation. Finally, the transformer core losses are evaluated when the dc-dc converter is operated under load. The results are confirmed through measurement.
Awareness of Farmers about Social Forestry Programme - An Analysis

A study was conducted to assess the awareness level of farmers on various components of Social forestry Programme, implemented by the Social Forestry Department in Kerala State, India. It could be inferred from the study that the awareness level on farm forestry was very high. On the other hand the awareness level on coastal area plantations and fodder plantations was relatively lesser. Variables such as education, material possession, media participation, contact with extension agency and economic motivation had a positive relationship with the awareness level of marginal farmers whereas variables like age, occupation, social participation and risk orientation had a negative influence on awareness. It was also observed that except for education and risk orientation, all the other variables had a positive relationship with the awareness level of small farmers.
Sildenafil for treatment of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. Sildenafil Diabetes Study Group.

CONTEXT Erectile dysfunction is common in men with diabetes. OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil citrate in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes. DESIGN A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible dose-escalation study conducted May through November 1996. SETTING Patients' homes and 19 clinical practice centers in the United States. PATIENTS A total of 268 men (mean age, 57 years) with erectile dysfunction (mean duration, 5.6 years) and diabetes (mean duration, 12 years). INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive sildenafil (n = 136) or placebo (n = 132) as needed, but not more than once daily, for 12 weeks. Patients took the study drug or placebo 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity. The starting dose of sildenafil citrate was 50 mg, with the option to adjust the dose to 100 mg or 25 mg based on efficacy and tolerability, to be taken as needed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-reported ability to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse according to the International Index of Erectile Function and adverse events. RESULTS Two hundred fifty-two patients (94%) completed the study (131/136 in the sildenafil group, 121/132 in the placebo group). By intention-to-treat analysis, at 12 weeks, 74 (56%) of 131 patients in the sildenafil group reported improved erections compared with 13 (10%) of 127 patients in the placebo group (P<.001). The proportion of men with at least 1 successful attempt at sexual intercourse was 61 % (71/ 117) for the sildenafil group vs 22% (25/114) for the placebo group (P<.001). Adverse events related to treatment were reported for 22 (16%) of 136 patients taking sildenafil and 1 (1%) of 132 patients receiving placebo. The most common adverse events were headache (11% sildenafil, 2% placebo), dyspepsia (9% sildenafil, 0% placebo), and respiratory tract disorder (6% sildenafil, 2% placebo), predominantly sinus congestion or drainage. The incidence of cardiovascular adverse events was comparable for both groups (3% sildenafil, 5% placebo). CONCLUSION Oral sildenafil is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes.
Job Stress among Police Personnel

Stress is an inevitable part of police personnel. The purpose of this research is to identify causes of stress and also empirically investigate the socio-demographic factors affecting stress level among police personnel. Multistage random sampling method was employed to select a sample 65 police personnel in Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh). Findings revealed that political pressure, lack of time for family, negative public image and low salary were the primary causes of stress among police personnel. It also emerged that stress is significantly more pronounced among those police personnel who are younger, more educated, posted in rural areas and have less work experience. The findings supplement existing body of knowledge and contribute to the understanding of causes of stress and role of socio-demographic factors in affecting stress level among police personnel.
A New Method of Estimating the Pollen Dispersal Curve Independently of Effective Density

We introduce a novel indirect method of estimating the pollen dispersal curve from mother–offspring genotypic data. Unlike an earlier indirect approach (TwoGener), this method is based on a normalized measure of correlated paternity between female pairs whose expectation does not explicitly depend on the unknown effective male population density (de). We investigate the statistical properties of the new method, by comparison with those of TwoGener, considering the sensitivity to reductions of de, relative to census density, resulting from unequal male fecundity and asynchronous flowering. Our main results are: (i) it is possible to obtain reliable estimates of the average distance of pollen dispersal, δ, from indirect methods, even under nonuniform male fecundity and variable flowering phenology; (ii) the new method yields more accurate and more precise δ-estimates than TwoGener under a wide range of sampling and flowering scenarios; and (iii) TwoGener can be used to obtain approximate de estimates, if needed for other purposes. Our results also show that accurately estimating the shape of the tail of the pollen dispersal function by means of indirect methods remains a very difficult challenge.
Pharmacokinetic Drug Interactions of Vinca Alkaloids: Summary of Case Reports

Involvement of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A subfamily in the metabolism of vincristine is well established. However, information is limited regarding vincristine's drug interaction profile. All the substrates and inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as the azole antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole), cyclosporine, isoniazid, and nifedipine have very high propensity to interfere with vincristine metabolism. The proposed mechanism is most likely attributed to either inhibition of 3A4 enzymes or blockade of P‐glycoprotein pumps. These interactions are clinically significant and can lead to severe vincristine toxicity if not detected. Although case reports discussed here exclusively involve vincristine, it is important to assume that all vinca alkaloids interact in the same manner until proved otherwise, because they share similar metabolism pathways.
Student Engagement in the E-Learning Process and the Impact on Their Grades

This paper presents the results of a study that examines the impact on end-of-year examination grades of the level of student engagement in the e-learning process. The study relates to a level one undergraduate module delivered using a mixture of traditional lectures and e-learning based methods. Greater online interaction is found to have a positive and statistically significant impact on performance. One extra hour of e-learning participation is found to increase the module mark by approximately one percent. The paper also examines the data for the presence of interaction effects between e-learning engagement and personal characteristics. This is undertaken to identify whether or not personal-characteristic-related learning style differences influence the extent to which students benefit from e-learning. It is found that, after controlling for other factors, female students benefited less from e-leaning material than their male counterparts. Tentative evidence is also found of a negative interaction effect in relation to overseas students. It is concluded that in order to improve teaching effectiveness and academic achievement, higher education should consider aiming to develop e-learning teaching strategies that encourage greater engagement and also take into consideration the different learning styles found within the student body.
Chromogranin A as a predictor of radiological disease progression in neuroendocrine tumours.

BACKGROUND Chromogranin A (CgA) is the best established neuroendocrine biomarker. This study was aimed at investigating the prognostic value of CgA as a predictor of radiological disease progression in neuroendocrine tumour (NET) patients. METHODS Patients with metastatic NETs and evidence of radiological progression (RP) according to RECIST 1.1 were identified from a NET database. Plasma CgA levels were measured 6 and 12 months before RP and at the event of RP. CgA was measured with the Supra-regional-Assay-Service radioimmunoassay (Hammersmith Hospital). RESULTS A total of 152 patients were evaluated including 91 midgut NETs and 61 pancreatic NETs (PNETs). Of these, 56 were G1 NETs, 65 G2, 10 G3, 21 of unknown histology. For all NETs, there was a positive trend in terms of increase of CgA values 6 months prior to RP compared to 12 months before RP. Subgroup analysis at first episode of RP showed that for PNETs there was evidence of a difference in the median CgA levels. CgA 6 months before RP was 100 pmol/L [interquartile 1 (Q1) =53 and Q3 =286.25 pmol/L) and 12 months before was 52 pmol/L (Q1 =36.25 and Q3 =128 pmol/L), W=52, P=0.48. This observation was not confirmed in midgut NETs, where median CgA 6 months before RP was 389.5 pmol/L (Q1 =131.5 and Q3 =791.5 pmol/L) and 12 months before was 319 pmol/L (Q1 =158 and Q3 =753 pmol/L), W=191, P=0.39]. Low grade tumours (G1) had a median CgA value at 6 months significantly higher than at 12 months [181 (Q1 =56.25, Q3 =624) vs. 149.5 (Q1 =44, Q3 =247.25) pmol/L, W=70, P=0.48]. CONCLUSIONS CgA seems to have predictive value 6 months prior to RP for PNETs and G1 tumours. Further prospective analyses are needed to enable more definitive conclusions.
Sample size in studies on diagnostic accuracy in ophthalmology: a literature survey

Aim: To assess the sample sizes used in studies on diagnostic accuracy in ophthalmology. Design and sources: A survey literature published in 2005. Methods: The frequency of reporting calculations of sample sizes and the samples’ sizes were extracted from the published literature. A manual search of five leading clinical journals in ophthalmology with the highest impact (Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Ophthalmology, Archives of Ophthalmology, American Journal of Ophthalmology and British Journal of Ophthalmology) was conducted by two independent investigators. Results: A total of 1698 articles were identified, of which 40 studies were on diagnostic accuracy. One study reported that sample size was calculated before initiating the study. Another study reported consideration of sample size without calculation. The mean (SD) sample size of all diagnostic studies was 172.6 (218.9). The median prevalence of the target condition was 50.5%. Conclusion: Only a few studies consider sample size in their methods. Inadequate sample sizes in diagnostic accuracy studies may result in misleading estimates of test accuracy. An improvement over the current standards on the design and reporting of diagnostic studies is warranted.
Small molecules make big differences: molecular doping effects on electronic and optical properties of phosphorene

Systematical computations on the density functional theory were performed to investigate the adsorption of three typical organic molecules, tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and tetrathiafulvalene (TTF), on the surface of phosphorene monolayers and thicker layers. There exist considerable charge transfer and strong non-covalent interaction between these molecules and phosphorene. In particular, the band gap of phosphorene decreases dramatically due to the molecular modification and can be further tuned by applying an external electric field. Meanwhile, surface molecular modification has proven to be an effective way to enhance the light harvesting of phosphorene in different directions. Our results predict a flexible method toward modulating the electronic and optical properties of phosphorene and shed light on its experimental applications.