Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating dispersal rate of the silky cane weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) *

Abstract: The objective of this study was to estimate the silky cane weevil rate of dispersal under near‐natural conditions inside a screened enclosure where an array of buckets was baited with cut sugarcane stalks. One hundred weevils were released and weevils inside the buckets were counted hourly for 8 h, and then 24 and 48 h after release. A passive diffusion model was used to estimate the weevil's dispersal and disappearance rates, within and between rows of buckets with sugarcane. The weevils concentrated around the release point and slowly moved towards the boundaries of the experimental plot over time with an overall average dispersal rate of 2.8 ± 3.58 cm2/h. Dispersal and disappearance rates within and between rows were not significantly different among the time intervals considered (1–8, 8–24 and 24–48 h after release) except for the 1–8 time interval on the array representing the release point when the dispersal rate, D, was significantly higher than those at other time intervals. Continuum of the substratum to disperse from one side of the array to another via a wooden bridge may explain the higher dispersal rate through this array. The number of buckets exposed to the sun during the morning hours was significantly higher on those rows exposed to the sun (south side of the screen enclosure) than on the shaded side. Longer times of bucket exposure to the sun may explain the predominant distribution of weevils in that area suggesting that the weevil population is constantly expanding and retracting according to micro environmental conditions.
Allosteric effects on oxidative and nitrosative reactions of cell‐free hemoglobins

A review of the oxidative and nitrosative reactions of cell‐free hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) shows that these reactions are intimately linked and are subject to allosteric control. Cross‐linking reactions used to produce HBOCs introduce conformational constraints and result in Hbs with reduced responses to heterotropic and homotropic allosteric effectors. The Nernst plots of heme oxidation of cross‐linked HBOCs are shifted to higher potentials relative to unmodified Hb in the absence of allosteric effectors, in accord with their T‐state stabilization and right‐shifted Hill plots of O2 binding. They exhibit enhanced rates of autoxidation and nitrite‐induced oxidation, features that appear due to their having more solvent‐accessible heme pockets. The stability of their NO‐Hb derivatives varies as a result of allosteric effects on the extent of formation of pentacoordinate NO‐heme geometry by α chains and subsequent oxidation of partner β chains. The physiological implications of these findings on the safety, efficacy and design of second generation HBOCs are discussed in the framework of a reaction scheme showing linkages between Hb‐mediated redox reactions. These redox reactions can drive formation of SNO‐Hb and other reactive species and are of significance for the use of cell‐free Hbs in vivo.
The Impact of Strategic Human Resource Management on Organizational Performance

Organizational performance is getting more and more important, especially in a market with greater competition and dynamic. Organizational performance is measured through different indicators. It guarantees the continuity of the organization to be competitive in a global marketplace. Normally, the implementation of performance indicators achieved through human resources. Human resources are the key for keeping the organization in the market so competitive. These human resources need to be managed effectively to achieve the required performance of the organization. It is necessary to manage strategically the human resources and to adapt at its strategy with organizational strategy. The aim of this study is focused on the impact of the strategic management of human resource in achieving organizational performance. This study was conducted based on primary and secondary sources. How much organizations appear competitive in the market through achieving the performance indicators? How important is the management of human resources in achieving organizational performance? So, through the skills, behaviors and attitudes would be expected by human resources to achieve the required performance in the organization.
EBV Can Protect Latently Infected B Cell Lymphomas from Death Receptor-Induced Apoptosis1

The relationship between EBV infection and sensitivity to death receptor (DR)-induced apoptosis is poorly understood. Using EBV− and EBV+ BJAB cells, we provide the first evidence that EBV can protect latently infected B cell lymphomas from apoptosis triggered through Fas or TRAIL receptors. Caspase 8 activation was impaired and cellular FLIP recruitment was enriched in death-inducing signaling complexes formed in EBV-infected BJAB cells relative to parent BJAB cells. Furthermore, latent membrane protein 1 expression alone could reduce caspase activation and confer partial resistance to DR apoptosis in BJAB cells. This protective effect was dependent on C-terminal activating region 2-driven NF-κB activation, which in turn up-regulated cellular FLIP expression in latent membrane protein 1+ BJAB cells. Thus, the ability of latent EBV to block DR apoptosis may help to ensure the survival of host cells during B cell differentiation, and contribute to the development of B cell lymphomas, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
A New Method of Intracranial Pressure Monitoring by EEG Power Spectrum Analysis

Objectives: To investigate the feasibility of Electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum analysis as a noninvasive method for monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP). Methods: The EEG signals were recorded in 62 patients (70 cases) with central nervous system (CNS) disorders in our hospital. By using self-designed software, EEG power spectrum analysis was conducted and pressure index (PI) was calculated automatically. Intracranial pressure was measured by lumbar puncture (LP). Results: We found a significant negative correlation between PI and ICP (r = -0.849, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The PI obtained from EEG analysis is correlated with ICP. Analysis of specific parameters from EEG power spectrum might reflect the ICP.
Visualisation of displacement-distribution parameters in q-space imaging

, for determination of ADCfast and ADCslow, respectively The inverse Fourier transform of the signal vs. q-value curve gives the average propagator which is a distribution that describes the probability of finding a molecule at a certain position, after the diffusion time Td=(∆-δ/3). From the displacement, parametric maps of the mean displacement (FWHM), the width at 10% of distribution height (FWTM), the probability of map for zero displacement and the kurtosis were generated. Results Maps pf ADC fast and ADC slow, FWHM, FWTM, probability of zero displacement and kurtosis are shown for a healthy volunteer in Fig 1 and in Fig 3 shows the corresponding images of an MS patient. Values form region of interests (ROI) in different brain tissues are given in Table 1 and the corresponding signal decays and displacement distributions are shown in Fig 2. Fig 1 Images calculated from one of the volunteers demonstrating various brain compartments by ADC maps and q-space analysis. The kurtosis image is calculated from the displacement distribution (i.e. the frequency function) using Fisher kurtosis.
Optic Disc Parameters From Optovue Optical Coherence Tomography: Comparison of Manual Versus Automated Disc Rim Determination

PurposeTo compare optic disc parameters when using manual disc detection versus automated software on RTVue-100 Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography. MethodsNonrandomized comparative study using images obtained from a tertiary-care Glaucoma Clinic from August, 2008 to May, 2009. Four hundred thirty-four patients with mean age of 67.1 years (±13.4) underwent OCT imaging with RTVue-100. Optic disc margins were manually defined by a single, trained operator and redefined with automated software that estimates the position of the retinal pigment epithelium edges. Bland-Altman plots and intraclass correlations measured agreement between the 2 detection methods for various optic disc parameters. ResultsBland-Altman plots/intraclass correlations showed good agreement in the following optic disc parameters: optic disc area, cup area, rim area, cup-to-disc area ratio, cup-to-disc ratio, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. There was no significant difference in measurements when comparing hand versus automated disc contour determination (P>0.05). ConclusionsAutomated determination of the disc margin was in high agreement with subjective, manual assessment and should be used in clinical practice as it can make optical coherence tomography scanning more efficient and standardized, as disc detection would only be done by the software and not biased by multiple operators.
dc electric-field dependence of the dielectric constant in polar dielectrics: Multipolarization mechanism model

The dc electric-field dependence of the relative dielectric constant « r(E) in polar dielectrics is studied. The Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire ~LGD! theory and its approximate treatments in dealing with « r(E) are reviewed. It is found that the LGD theory works well in the case of a single polarization mechanism existing in the dielectrics, and the Johnson relation « r(E)5« r(0)/$11l@« 0« r(0)# 3 E 2 % 1/3 is a reasonable approximate expression describing « r(E). Many polar dielectrics, however, exhibit more than one polarization mechanism contributing to the total dielectric constant. The dielectric response of such polar dielectrics under an external dc electric field cannot be purely described by LGD theory. In this work, we introduce a ‘‘reorientational polarization’’ to describe the ‘‘extrinsic’’ contribution to the dielectric constant, such as might arise from polar clusters, domain-wall motions, fluctuation of microcluster boundaries, defects, etc. A ‘‘ multipolarizationmechanism’’ model is proposed, and a combined equation « r(E)5« r(0)/$11l@« 0« r(0)# 3 E 2 % 1/3 1S( P0x/« 0)@cosh(Ex)# 22 is adopted to describe the total « r(E) response of a polar dielectric, where the first term is Johnson’s relation which represents the ‘‘intrinsic’’ polarization, and the latter represents the ‘‘extrinsic’’ polarization. Agreement between the fitting of this equation to the experimental data is obtained for paraelectrics KTaO3 and Bi:SrTiO3 .
Information Processing Approaches to Cognitive Development

Abstract : This chapter reviews the history and current status of information- processing approaches to cognitive development. Because the approach is so pervasive, it is useful to characterize research in terms of distinctive features, and to organize the features according to whether they are soft-core or hard-core aspects of the information processing approach. Each of these features is illustrated by example, and the hard-core approach is expanded into a detailed analysis of self-modifying production systems and their potential for formulating theories of cognitive development. Keywords: Information processing; Cognitive development; Self modification; Production system.
Tuberculin reactivity and the risk of tuberculosis: a review.

SETTING Although various studies have examined the association between tuberculin reactivity and the risk of tuberculosis (TB), this evidence has not been collated and examined to determine the strength and consistency of the association across multiple studies. OBJECTIVE To review the evidence supporting the association between tuberculin reactivity and the risk of TB. DESIGN Prospective studies which included raw data on the incidence of TB according to three or more tuberculin reactor categories were located using electronic search methods. The findings of these studies were recalibrated if necessary and compared. RESULTS All 11 studies identified demonstrated that increased tuberculin skin test (TST) reactivity was associated with an increased risk of TB, and several found that low tuberculin reactivity was associated with a protective effect. The magnitude of the association between TST reactivity and the risk of TB varied substantially. The association between tuberculin reactivity and the risk of TB was greater among studies that reported a lower incidence of TB among the smallest tuberculin reactor category. CONCLUSION All studies reviewed support a positive association between tuberculin reactivity and the risk of TB. However, this review found a substantial degree of variation in the extent of increased risk associated with larger tuberculin reactions.
Autonomic Side Effects of Botulinum Toxin Type B Treatment of Cervical Dystonia and Hyperhidrosis

Recently, botulinum toxin type B (BT-B) has become available to treat muscle hyperactivity in cervical dystonia (CD). When we started the clinical use of BT-B, we noticed a side effect profile not seen with botulinum toxin type A (BT-A) before. Altogether 30 consecutive patients were included in this open controlled study. 24 patients were treated for CD with 11,310 ± 2,616 mouse units (MU) of BT-B (NeuroBloc®) and 6 for focal hyperhidrosis (HH) with 4,000–10,000 MU. In 5 of them, BT-A (Botox®) was used additionally for comparison of effectiveness. In CD, side effects consisted of dryness of mouth (total 21, duration 4.4 ± 2.0 weeks, 10 severe, 7 moderate, 4 mild), accommodation difficulties (7), conjunctival irritation (5), reduced sweating (4), swallowing difficulties (3), heartburn (3), constipation (3), bladder voiding difficulties (2), head instability (1), dryness of nasal mucosa (1) and thrush (1). In HH, side effects consisted of accommodation difficulties (4), dryness of mouth (2) and conjunctival irritation (1). Autonomic side effects occur far more often after BT-B than after BT-A. Their localization suggests systemic BT-B spread. BT-B should be applied carefully in patients with pre-existent autonomic dysfunction, additional anticholinergic treatment and in conditions where anticholinergics are contraindicated.
Incidence of Menstrual Disorders is Not Influenced by Nulliparity

Background: Nulliparity is a condition that has been associated with some oncological gynecological diseases. Since religious community is a realistic example of nulliparous women, the present study aims to evidence if nulliparity is a risk factor for developing menstrual disorders and benign gynecological diseases. Materials and Methods: The present observational retrospective study enrolled 442 women divided in Group A (n=216; Catholic nuns) and Group B (n=226; parous women). All eligible women filled in standardized questionnaires, to obtain data on physiological and pathological aspects of menstrual cycle and related gynecological data. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate statistical analyses, Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher exact test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed that nulliparity is not correlated with a different incidence of menstrual cycle disorders (in term of length or bleeding), or gynecological disorders (ovarian or uterine). Dysmenorrhea is more common in pluriparous women, with a higher use of painkillers in nulliparous women. Conclusion: Therefore, the present study suggests that nulliparity does not represent a risk factor for the development of menstrual irregularity and painful symptomatology, compared with pluriparous women.
Mature and immature extracranial teratomas in children: the UK Children's Cancer Study Group Experience.

PURPOSE The purpose of this article is to describe the features, treatment, and risk factors for relapse of children with mature teratoma (MT) and immature teratoma (IT) to assist future treatment plans. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were younger than 16 years of age and referred to the UK Children's Cancer Study Group centers with biopsy-proven extracranial MT and IT and no prior chemotherapy. Complete excision, with the coccyx in sacrococcygeal patients, and follow-up, including serum alpha-fetoprotein monitoring for early detection of malignant yolk sac tumor (YST) recurrence, were recommended. Carboplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin (JEB) were given for YST relapse, whereas relapsed MT and IT were treated at clinicians' discretion, usually surgically. Pathology was reviewed and treatments, outcome, and prognostic features assessed. RESULTS There were 351 patients, 227 with MT, 124 with IT. Tumor sites were: testis (n = 53), ovary (n = 130), sacrococcygeal region (n = 98), thorax (n = 23), and other (n = 47). Surgical resection was incomplete in 26% of MT and 40% of IT patients; 5-year event-free survival was 92.2% and 85.9%, respectively, and 5-year overall survival was 99% and 95.1%. Poorer outcome occurred with incomplete resection, tumor rupture, nongonadal site (particularly sacrococcygeal), young age, higher stage and grade, and gliomatosis peritonei, but not with cyst fluid aspiration/spillage, tumor enucleation, nodal gliomatosis, or microfoci of YST in the tumor (Heifetz lesions). JEB was effective for YST recurrence, but not for MT or IT. CONCLUSION Treatment remains primarily surgical, with JEB chemotherapy for YST relapse. No definite response followed JEB for pure MT and IT. Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery for sacrococcygeal patients is not advocated.
Multiple sclerosis in Pakistan

We describe retrospective data from the largest series of patients (n=142) with multiple sclerosis (MS) from Pakistan. Mean age at onset was 27 years, with a female to male ratio of 1.45:1. The disease onset was polysymptomatic in 75% patients. Motor weakness was the most common onset symptom (70%), followed by sensory symptoms (45%). Optico-spinal type of MS was seen in only 3% of patients The courzse was relapsing-remitting (RR) in 81%, primary progressive (PP) in 21%, and secondary progressive (SP) in 4% of patients. Almost three-fourths of the patients were moderately (45%) or severely (31%) disabled at the time of evaluation. Two-thirds of patients with severe disability had a mean disease duration of only 5.2 years. In conclusion, MS is not uncommon in Pakistan, and many patients were found to have severe disability despite short disease duration. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 668-669. http://msj.sagepub. com
Privacy-enhanced personalisation in ambient environments

In ambient environments both quantity and quality of context-aware, personalizable information will continuously increase. Acceptance and benefit will depend on personalization technologies which enable end-users to protect their privacy. However, starting from the experience how users, service providers and network operators nowadays take advantage of personalised services the authors deplore inadequate and intransparent control mechanisms for end-users in current platforms and implementations. The introduction of a structured approach in this paper to privacy requirements engineering helps analysing and identifying threats and challenges in future ambient scenarios. The paper promotes privacy-enhancing technologies, such as user empowerment, user-centric identity management, as well as pseudonyms and client-side personalization and gives an overview on legal requirements.
Profiles of Minority Stressors and Identity Centrality Among Sexual Minority Latinx Youth

Few studies have examined how the amalgamation of minority stressors for youth with multiple marginalized identities is associated with well-being. Additionally, among youth with multiple marginalized identities, identity centrality may clarify the associations between specific types of minority stressors (i.e., bias-based peer victimization, perceived discrimination) and adjustment. This study sought to identify intersectional profiles of perceived peer victimization, perceived discrimination, and identity centrality, specific to either Latinx ethnicity or sexual minority identity in the United States. Demographic characteristics associated with each profile (i.e., age, socioeconomic status, gender nonconformity, survey language, gender, rurality) were examined, as well as associations between profiles and grade point average, self-esteem, and depression. In a sample of 219 in-school Latinx sexual minority youth (47% secondary, 53% postsecondary; Mage = 19 years, SD = 2.3), four profiles of intersectional minority stress (perceived victimization, discrimination) and identity centrality were identified: (a) low stress, low centrality; (b) low stress, high centrality; (c) moderate stress, moderate centrality, and (d) high stress, moderate centrality. Men, youth who were relatively older, socioeconomically advantaged, gender nonconforming, and those living in urban areas had higher probabilities of membership in profiles with moderate and high stress. Compared to the low stress, low centrality profile, profiles with higher levels of intersectional stress were associated with maladjustment, whereas the profile characterized by low stress, high centrality had higher levels of self-esteem.
Polymicrobial respiratory disease in pigs

Abstract Respiratory disease in pigs is common in modern pork production worldwide and is often referred to as porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC). PRDC is polymicrobial in nature, and results from infection with various combinations of primary and secondary respiratory pathogens. As a true multifactorial disease, environmental conditions, population size, management strategies and pig-specific factors such as age and genetics also play critical roles in the outcome of PRDC. While non-infectious factors are important in the initiation and outcome of cases of PRDC, the focus of this review is on infectious factors only. There are a variety of viral and bacterial pathogens commonly associated with PRDC including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), swine influenza virus (SIV), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MHYO) and Pasteurella multocida (PMULT). The pathogenesis of viral respiratory disease is typically associated with destruction of the mucocilliary apparatus and with interference and decrease of the function of pulmonary alveolar and intravascular macrophages. Bacterial pathogens often contribute to PRDC by activation of inflammation via enhanced cytokine responses. With recent advancements in pathogen detection methods, the importance of polymicrobial disease has become more evident, and identification of interactions of pathogens and their mechanisms of disease potentiation has become a topic of great interest. For example, combined infection of pigs with typically low pathogenic organisms like PCV2 and MHYO results in severe respiratory disease. Although the body of knowledge has advanced substantially in the last 15 years, much more needs to be learned about the pathogenesis and best practices for control of swine respiratory disease outbreaks caused by concurrent infection of two or more pathogens. This review discusses the latest findings on polymicrobial respiratory disease in pigs.