Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Molecular Examination of Relatedness, Multiple Paternity, and Cohabitation of the Southern Plains Woodrat (Neotoma Micropus)

Abstract Two hundred twenty-two individuals of the southern plains woodrat (Neotoma micropus) were captured from 198 excavated middens at 10 discrete collecting sites from a single population in south-central Texas. Field data, mitochondrial D-loop haplotypes, and polymorphic microsatellite loci (5–7) were used to determine genetic patterns in parentage, relatedness, and mating strategy. Microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic (average observed heterozygosity = 0.859) and were used to construct genotypes that were unique for each individual (probability of identical genotypes: 1 in 2,104,567). Results indicated a high frequency of multiple paternity (6 of 9 litters), evidence of repeat mating between the same 2 individuals, and no indication of male dominance at any collection site. Examination of these data suggested a promiscuous mating system. Within a site, average relatedness between adult females was similar to that between adult males. A higher level of cohabitation from that previously documented was recorded and finer-scale analyses revealed high levels of relatedness between most cohabiting individuals. Taken with results from other studies of mating behaviors of N. micropus, our results suggest that mating and social behavior of this species are likely influenced by population density.
The Influence of Facebook Engagement on Relationship Quality and Consumer Behavior in the National Basketball Association

ABSTRACT This study investigated the relationships between fans' engagement with their favorite teams' Facebook pages, relationship quality with their favorite team, and purchase and referral intentions using relationship marketing as a framework. Results indicated that individuals who engaged more on Facebook also had greater relationship quality. Additionally, a higher level of engagement with teams' Facebook pages had a significant, positive impact on purchase intentions. The indirect effects of Facebook engagement on purchase and referral intentions as mediated by relationship quality were significant and positive. In summary, Facebook engagement had a positive impact on fans' relationship quality and purchase and referral intentions.
Parainfluenza Virus Type-3 Outbreak in Level II Neonatal Care Unit: Role of Nursing Infants inside Closed Incubators in the Control of the Viral Outbreak

Parainfluenza type 3 virus (PIV-3) outbreaks in neonatal care units are rare. We aimed to report our experience of PIV-3 outbreak in level II neonatal care unit (NCU-II). A retrospective review of medical records of all infants managed in NCU-11 during the PIV-3 outbreak period. During the viral outbreak, 49 infants were cared for in NCU-II, and only 7 infants proved to be infected with PIV-3. The attack rate was 14%. The first 4 infected infants were transferred to standby isolation room outside NCU-II, and the unit was closed. All exposed and infected infants were cohorted, nursed inside closed incubators and other infection control measures were reinforced. Due to bed crises and 5 days after the closure of the unit and before the end of the viral outbreak; the standby isolation room was closed and NCU-II was reopened for new admissions and was divided into 3 zones for: infected, exposed, and newly admitted infants. Three more infants that were initially exposed to index case turned positive. There was no further transmission of the PIV-3 after opening the neonatal unit. Infants nursed in open crib at onset of PIV-3 outbreak were at high risk for infection (P value <0.0001). All infected infants survived and were discharged in good condition. Re-enforcing standard infection control measures, cohorting and placing all the exposed and infected infants inside closed incubators could contain respiratory outbreaks in neonatal nurseries without significant morbidity or mortality and most probably without the need to close the unit.
Energy conservation/envelope theory interventions

Objectives: Treatment approaches for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) have been controversial. This paper provides the theoretical and conceptual background for the Energy Envelope Theory to assist patients and reviews evidence of its treatment efficacy. Methods: Over a 15-year period, efforts were directed to develop a non-pharmacologic intervention that endeavored to help patients to self-monitor and self-regulate energy expenditures and learn to pace activities and stay within their energy envelope. Conclusions: Studies show that the energy envelope approach, which involves rehabilitation methods, helps patients pace activities and manage symptoms and can significantly improve their quality of life.
Effects of psychological stress on plasma interleukins-1 beta and 6, C-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor alpha, anti-diuretic hormone and serum cortisol.

The study was undertaken to determine whether psychological stress influences immunobiological functions and is an important preanalytical factor to be considered in connection with blood specimen collection. Two kinds of stress were applied, the Stroop colour conflict test and the thrill of a novice about to make the first jump with a parachute. In both test situations, the level of the stress indicators cortisol or anti-diuretic hormone rose significantly. The concentrations of the cytokines studied did not change significantly. However, in the parachute test significant positive correlations were found, e.g. between the changes of cortisol and C-reactive protein and between anti-diuretic hormone and interleukin-1 beta. This suggests that there is an interaction between the endocrine and the immune systems in the response to a psychological stress.
Surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants.

INTRODUCTION The objective was to evaluate the mortality and the morbidity in neonates operated for persistent ductus arteriosus at Copenhagen University Hospital in the 10-year period from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2007, and to compare the results with results reported in extant literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patient data were collected by retrospective audit of medical charts. Infants with complex heart disease were excluded. The outcomes were mortality, necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), paresis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and chylothorax. For statistical analyses, we used Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS We included 46 neonates among an initial 60 candidates. Gestational age was from 23 + 6 to 34 + 0 weeks (mean 26 + 6.5) and the birth weight ranged from 535 g to 1,793 g (mean 943.5 g). In 93% of the cases, the left atrium diameter (LAD)/aorta diameter (Ao)-ratio measured by echocardiography was greater than or equal to 1.5, and medical closure had been attempted in 93% of the cases. After surgical ligation, there were three cases of paresis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, two cases of chylothorax, eight cases of NEC, four cases of IVH and seven deaths (15.2%). The deaths occurred between three and 119 days postoperatively. Those who died were operated at an earlier age than the remaining patients (p < 0.05) and they tended to be of lower gestational age and to have a lower birth weight (p > 0.05) than those who survived. CONCLUSION The need for ligation of a patent arterial duct in preterm neonates is subject to considerable risk. Total mortality in this vulnerable group of patients was 15%. Although no obviously procedure-related deaths were observed, severe complications and postoperative morbidity occurred.
Extra variable in grain boundary description

Grain boundaries (GBs) in crystalline materials are traditionally described by five crystallographic angles, which are assumed to fully define the GB structure and energy. It has recently been realized that variations in the atomic density λ in the GB region can drastically alter the GB structure and cause transformations between different GB phases. Here we extend the previous studies of Cu 5 GBs by computing the structures and energies of a set of [001] symmetrical tilt GBs over the entire angular range by allowing arbitrary variations in λ. The results confirm the existence of stable and metastable phases in all GBs studied here. There are three types of structural units that can describe all GB structures obtained in this work. The work demonstrates that λ should be added to the description of GBs as an extra thermodynamic parameter that helps predict the GB phases and transformations among them.
Bilateral breast reconstruction with a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap after subcutaneous mastectomy for symptomatic injected breasts

Abstract Breast deformities after augmentation with injectable materials carried out by uncertified medical personnel present challenging problems. Materials include liquid silicone, paraffin, polyacrylamide hydrogels, and unknown gels. They usually cause granulomatous reactions, erythema, pain, and even skin necrosis. Tender masses that cannot be differentiated from breast cancers are the major concern. This retrospective study presents the authors' experience in managing 10 symptomatic injected breasts in five patients during the past 8 years. Subcutaneous mastectomies were carried out using periareolar, inverted “T”, or inframammary approaches combined with breast reconstruction using bilateral pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flaps. All flaps survived well and gave a satisfactory cosmetic appearance. There was no major complication or late occurrence of breast cancers over the following 8 years. Injectable materials used for breast augmentation should be prohibited until more scientific data are available about the long-term effect of these materials in breast tissues. Once the injected breasts become symptomatic, subcutaneous mastectomy and reconstruction with bilateral pedicled TRAM flaps is a reasonable option for the patient.
Mineral composition and nutritive value of some common pasture weeds

Organic dairy farmers often introduce alternative pasture species, such as chicory (Cichorium intybus) and narrow-leaved plantain (Plantago lanceolata), to their swards because of their higher mineral contents, yet they are concerned about the presence of weed species such as docks (Rumex spp.) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale ). The mineral content and nutritive value of both desired and less desired pasture components from an organic dairy farm were analysed and compared. Minerals such as magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, boron, cobalt and selenium were often significantly higher in species such as chicory, narrow-leaved plantain, dandelion, broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius), Californian thistle (Cirsium arvense) and hairy buttercup (Ranunculus sardous) than the perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and white clover (Trifolium repens) components of the sward. Likewise the crude protein levels of these species plus Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus) were significantly higher than for perennial ryegrass. Implications of these findings are discussed in terms of animal nutrition and health.
Lower mortality and earlier start of combination antiretroviral therapy in patients tested repeatedly for HIV than in those with a positive first test

Background:Early diagnosis of HIV-1 infection will probably beneficially impact onward transmission and life expectancy. We compared mortality rates and CD4 cell counts at start of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in patients with different frequencies of diagnostic testing for HIV. Methods:Patients infected with HIV-1 through sexual contact and in follow-up anytime from 2004 through 2008 were selected from the AIDS Therapy Evaluation in the Netherlands national observational HIV cohort and stratified into three groups: patients without a prior negative HIV antibody test (i.e., with a positive first-test result); patients with 1–2 years between the last negative and first positive test; and patients with less than 1 year between tests. Outcome measures were mortality from 2004 through 2008 and CD4 cell count at cART initiation. Results:Of 5494 patients, the mortality rate was highest among the 4067 patients with a positive first test (1.33/100 person-years) and the adjusted relative risk of mortality was 0.50 in 561 patients with tests 1–2 years apart (P = 0.04 compared to patients with a positive first test) and 0.49 (P = 0.02) when tests were less than 1 year apart (n = 866). In patients with a positive first test, 48% had CD4 cell counts less than 200 cells/μl at cART initiation; this proportion was 23–26% in the two groups of repeatedly tested patients (adjusted odds ratio compared to patients with a positive first test 0.43 and 0.37, respectively; both P < 0.0001). Conclusion:Frequent repeated testing for HIV may improve the rate of timely diagnosis and treatment, thereby preventing disease progression.
The differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia. An algorithm for more effective use of laboratory tests.

THE PROCESS of diagnosing primary hyperparathyroidism has been one of exclusion of the other causes of hypercalcemia. In the past decade, since the measurement of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by radioimmunoassay became available through commercial laboratories, its use has grown rapidly. Theoretically, PTH levels should be elevated in primary hyperparathyroidism and possibly in malignancies producing PTH ectopically (pseudohyperparathyroidism); in the other causes of hypercalcemia, the levels should be decreased. 1,2 The number of PTH assays ordered at this hospital has reached 350 per year, whereas during the period of 1970 to 1978 the number of new cases of primary hyperparathyroidism was less than ten per year. This suggested that many physicians were ordering PTH measurements early, if not even first, in the evaluation of hypercalcemia, the expectation being that PTH determinations would separate primary hyperparathyroidism from the other causes of hypercalcemia. Before direct measurements of PTH became available, laboratory tests reflecting a
A High-Performed Sub-Harmonic Self-Oscillating Mixer for Modern Wireless Communication System

A high-performance X-band sub-harmonic self- oscillating mixer (SOM) is proposed. By using a re-configurable transistor pair in conjunction with an open and a short circuit stubs, the proposed SOM is capable of down converting four RF frequency bands with center frequencies at 7.35, 8.65, 11.35 and 12.65 GHz with a conversion gain ranging from 7.83 to 18.7 dB with very high power-added-efficiency. The measured phase noise of the free-running oscillation is -85.4 dBc/Hz at an offset frequency of 100-kHz. With injection locking, the phase noise is reduced to less than -100dBc/Hz at 10-kHz, without affecting the conversion gains. This is the first demonstration of a multi-band sub-harmonic SOM.
Suprachiasmatic neuron numbers and rest–activity circadian rhythms in older humans

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, the master mammalian circadian pacemaker, synchronizes endogenous rhythms with the external day–night cycle. Older humans, particularly those with Alzheimer disease (AD), often have difficulty maintaining normal circadian rhythms compared to younger adults, but the basis of this change is unknown. We report that the circadian rhythm amplitude of motor activity in both AD subjects and age‐matched controls is correlated with the number of vasoactive intestinal peptide–expressing SCN neurons. AD was additionally associated with delayed circadian phase compared to cognitively healthy subjects, suggesting distinct pathologies and strategies for treating aging‐ and AD‐related circadian disturbances. Ann Neurol 2015;78:317–322
CD44 Variant Isoforms Promote Metastasis Formation by a Tumor Cell-Matrix Cross-talk That Supports Adhesion and Apoptosis Resistance

CD44 designates a large family of proteins with a considerable structural and functional diversity, which are generated from one gene by alternative splicing. As such, the overexpression of CD44 variant isoform (CD44v) has been causally related to the metastatic spread of cancer cells. To study the underlying mechanism, stable knockdown clones with deletion of exon v7 containing CD44 isoforms (CD44vkd) of the highly metastatic rat adenocarcinoma line BSp73ASML (ASMLwt) were established. ASML-CD44vkd clones hardly form lung metastases after intrafootpad application and the metastatic load in lymph nodes is significantly reduced. Rescuing, albeit at a reduced level, CD44v expression in ASML-CD44vkd cells (ASML-CD44vrsc) restores the metastatic potential. The following major differences in ASMLwt, ASML-CD44vkd, and ASML-CD44vrsc clones were observed: (a) ASMLwt cells produce and assemble a matrix in a CD44v-dependent manner, which supports integrin-mediated adhesion and favors survival. This feature is lost in the ASML-CD44vkd cells. (b) CD44v cross-linking initiates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt activation in ASMLwt cells. Accordingly, apoptosis resistance is strikingly reduced in ASML-CD44vkd cells. The capacity to generate an adhesive matrix but not apoptosis resistance is restored in ASML-CD44vrsc cells. These data argue for a 2-fold effect of CD44v on metastasis formation: CD44v-mediated matrix formation is crucial for the settlement and growth at a secondary site, whereas apoptosis resistance supports the efficacy of metastasis formation. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(2):168–79)
The Comparison of Four Different Methods of Perioperative Eye Protection under General Anesthesia in Prone Position

DOI: 10.4328/JCAM.607 Received: 08.02. 2011 Accepted: 19.02. 2011 Printed: 01.04. 2012 J Clin Anal Med 2012;3(2): 163-5 Corresponding Author: Tolga Kocatürk, Department of Ophthalmology, Bartın State Hospital, 74100, Aydın, Turkey GSM: +905333444111 E-Mail: tolgakocaturk@yahoo.com Özet Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı hipoalerjen yapışkan bant, antibiyotik merhem, suni göz yaşı jeli ve oküler nemlendirici pomadın yüzüstü pozisyonda genel anestezi altında peroperatif göz korumasındaki etkinliğinin karşılaştırılması ve değerlendirilmesidir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Genel anestezi altında en az >90 dakika sürmüş olan spinal cerrahi geçiren 184 hasta (368 göz) rastgele olarak dört gruba ayrıldı. Gözlere hipoalerjen yapışkan bant, antibiyotik merhem, suni gözyaşı jeli veya oküler nemlendirici pomad uygulandı. Hastalara, ameliyattan önce ve sonra, düzeltilmiş görme keskinliği ölçümü, bazal gözyaşı üretimi, korneal ve konjunktival boyanma testlerini içeren detaylı göz muayenesi uygulandı. Bulgular: Bazal gözyaşı üretimi tüm gruplarda preoperatif değerlere göre azaldı (P<0.001 ). Derlenme odasında, korneal epitelyal defekt insidansı grup 1’de %2.72, grup 2’de %2.72, grup 3’de %5.16, grup 4’de %2.17 olmak üzere tüm gruplarda toplam %12.77 olarak bulundu. Göz kapaklarındaki yapışıklık yönünden gruplar arasında anlamlı fark yoktu (p>0.05). Preoperatif ve postoperatif görme keskinlikleri arasında anlamlı fark yoktu. Sonuç: Korneal hasarlardan korunmada tüm yöntemler uygundur. Ancak postoperatif dönemdeki geçici semptomların önlenmesinde hiçbiri tek başına yeterince iyi değildir. Genel anestezi sırasında korneal hasar insidansını azaltmak için gözlerin bant, gel, merhem veya pomad ile korunması gerekir.
The Impact of E-government and E-business on Economic Performance: A Comparative Study of Developing and Developed Countries

In the last decade, there has been a significant growth in applications of e-business as well as e-government in many countries. Research shows that e-business and e-government contribute to the economic performance of countries. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between e-government as well as e-business and economic performance of developing and developed nations, separately. This paper argues and finds that the relationship between e-government as well as e-business and economic performance varies based on the development status of a country given the differences in the technological, organisational and environmental factors between developed and developing nations. More specifically, the results show that e-government is significantly related to economic performance in the case of developing countries and e-business is significantly related to economic performance in developed countries.
Interferon gamma plays a critical role in T cell-dependent liver injury in mice initiated by concanavalin A.

BACKGROUND & AIMS T cell-dependent liver injury involving endogenous tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha can be induced by either concanavalin A in naive mice or by activating anti-CD3 antibody or staphylococcal enterotoxin B in D-galactosamine-sensitized mice. In this study, the role of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) in these T-cell models was addressed. METHODS Mice were pretreated with a neutralizing anti-mouse IFN-gamma antiserum before injection of T cell-activating agents. Plasma cytokine and transaminase levels were determined. Apoptotic cell death was assessed by hepatic DNA fragmentation. RESULTS Anti-IFN-gamma antiserum significantly protected mice from concanavalin A-induced liver injury. Circulating IFN-gamma was completely suppressed, and TNF was reduced by 50%. Recombinant TNF-alpha administered to mice treated with concanavalin A and anti-IFN-gamma antiserum failed to initiate liver injury. Similar results were obtained with recombinant IFN-gamma in concanavalin A-challenged mice under the condition of TNF neutralization. Neither hepatic DNA fragmentation nor release of transaminases was inhibited by anti-IFN-gamma antiserum when liver injury was induced by staphylococcal enterotoxin B or anti-CD3 antibody in D-galactosamine-sensitized mice. CONCLUSIONS Both TNF as well as IFN-gamma are critical mediators of liver injury in concanavalin A-treated mice, whereas hepatic DNA fragmentation and liver failure in the D-galactosamine models depend only on TNF.
Board of Director Characteristics and Earnings Management-Evidence from the Effect of Family-Controlling on Taiwan Corporations

Recently, there were quite a number of accounting scandals and financial fraudulence emerged within American stock markets that led to austere dubiousness about the true financial performance of the company. Unsuitable corporate governance system has been esteemed the root of the matter suffering the serious consequences on financial statement fraud instances. Corrupt morals of firm management provide lessons for Taiwan to stress the pivot of corporate governance. According to the stipulations of Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE) and Taiwan's computerized over-the-counter market (OTC) listing rules, every publicly held company should at least bring two independent directors and one independent supervisor into their boards after 2002. This study examines whether accounting choices are driven by opportunistic managers who exploit lax corporate governance system and the impact of family business group on the effectiveness of governing firm management. This paper finds that firms with family-controlled structure show a poor corporate governance system. However, with respect to lower family-controlled firms, researchers find that boards are more independent than their counterparts. Likewise, abnormal accruals decline when board size exceeds nine board members and when managerial stockholdings exceeds 25%. A negative relation is also found between foreign institutional shareholdings and abnormal accruals. Further investigation provides evidence that family-controlled firms are associated with weak board monitoring.