Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developmental Studies of Maize-Infesting Picture-Winged Flies (Diptera: Ulidiidae)

Abstract Eleven species of picture-winged flies (Diptera: Ulidiidae) attack maize (Zea mays L.) in the Americas. Field and laboratory studies were used to determine developmental times on sweet corn ears for the three most common species attacking the crop in the United States, Chaetopsis massyla (Walker), Euxesta eluta Loew, and Euxesta stigmatias Loew. Egg plus larval stage developmental times were evaluated in early Spring and late Fall 2009, and late Spring 2010, by placing newly deposited eggs in protected ears in the field. Newly formed puparia were removed daily from cages and held in the laboratory to determine pupal developmental times. Developmental times were compared with flies reared on artificial diet in the laboratory. Ear- and diet-reared adults were held until their death to determine adult longevity. Developmental times, including for pupae from ear-reared larvae, were significantly affected by species and season. All three species required nearly twice as long to complete development in the late Fall compared to late Spring studies. Flies required 3–13 d longer to complete development on artificial diet than on ears. Euxesta eluta adults lived two to three times longer than the other species, and females of all species lived 10–15% longer than males. Species and seasonal developmental times are discussed in relation to ear developmental times and control strategies. It is estimated that 16–19 generations per year of all three fly species can develop in the field in the sweet corn production area of southern Florida.
Time-course of the change in blood pressure level in magnesium-deficient Wistar rats

To investigate the relationships between maternal, umbilical cord and piglet fatty acid status, multiparous sows (six per diet) were fed on diets containing supplements (30 g/kg) of either soyabean oil or tuna oil for the last 21 d of pregnancy. The proportions of most fatty acids differed between diets: in particular, the tuna-oil-containing diet supplied more 22:6n-3 and less 18:2n-6 fatty acids than the soyabean-oil-containing diet. Maternal plasma fatty acid concentrations (mg/l) were greater than those in umbilical plasma and 20:4n-6 and 22:6n-3 fatty acids were present in higher proportions (g/100 g fatty acids) in umbilical than maternal plasma. Feeding tuna oil increased the proportionate amounts (g/100 g fatty acids) of total n-3 fatty acids (particularly 22:6n-3) in umbilical cord, plasma and piglet tissues compared with feeding soyabean oil: in contrast, the proportion of 20:4n-6 was decreased by feeding tuna oil. Changes in piglet fatty acid proportions as a result of oil feeding were not influenced by piglet weight. While proportions of the long-chain n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in piglet liver, spleen and reproductive tract (ovaries plus uterus of the female, testes of the male) correlated well with those of umbilical plasma, those in brain and retina were poorly correlated. Therefore umbilical plasma cannot be used to predict the fatty acid status of piglet brain.
Adverse effects of the anabolic steroid, boldenone undecylenate, on reproductive functions of male rabbits

This study was conducted to evaluate the adverse effects of the anabolic steroid, boldenone undecylenate (BOL) on reproductive functions of male rabbits. Thirty white New Zealand mature male rabbits were divided into three groups (10 rabbits each). Group A rabbits served as a control group. Group B rabbits received 4.4 mg/kg body weight (bwt) BOL 5% oily solution. Group C rabbits received 8.8 mg/kg bwt BOL. Rabbits were injected intramuscularly twice weekly for two months. BOL had no significant effect on the bwt and bwt gain. Testes and epididymis weights were decreased significantly in the BOL‐treated groups. BOL caused significant reduction in serum testosterone level, seminal volume, sperm motility, and sperm count. No abnormalities were detected in the sperm morphology of the BOL‐treated groups. Histopathological alterations in the testes and epididymis were marked in the group C rabbits. These results indicate that administration of BOL exerts a significant harmful effect on the reproductive functions of male rabbits.
The Effects of Mental Stress and the Cold Pressure Test on Flow-mediated Vasodilation

As a stressful lifestyle has been associated with coronary heart disease, this study aim to evaluate how two stressful tests influence endothelial-dependent vasodilation evaluated by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. FMD following 5 min of occlusion of the forearm was evaluated in young healthy volunteers with measurements of brachial artery diameter and blood flow (BABF) using ultrasound before and during a mental arithmetic task (MAT), and during cold pressure test (COP). MAT and COP increased blood pressure to a similar degree (18-21 mmHg). The COP induced a significant reduction in FMD compared to the baseline levels (from 9.3 - 3.9 to 5.9 - 3.2%, p < 0.01), as well as to the MAT, which in itself did not influence FMD (10.1 - 5.0%). However, as MAT increased BABF during hyperaemia significantly, the FMD to BABF ratio was significantly reduced by both stress tests ( p < 0.05). Time-control experiments showed FMD measurements to be reproducible and that MAT and COP by themselves only marginally affected brachial artery diameter. In conclusion, cold pressure stress induced an impairment in FMD, but no effect was induced by a MAT. However, when FMD was normalized for the degree of hyperaemic blood flow, the driver of the vasodilation in the brachial artery, a reduction in flow-mediated vasodilation was seen during both mental and cold pressure stress.
Third molar root development in relation to chronological age : a large sample sized retrospective study

The aim of the present investigation, which is a continuation and extension of a previous published pilot study [Forensic Sci. Int. 129 (2002) 110], was to calculate the chronological age of an individual based on the dental developmental stages of third molars (so-called wisdom teeth). The evaluated material consisted of 2513 orthopantomograms (OPG’s) of patients all of Belgian Caucasian origin between 15.7 and 23.3 years. The sample of OPG’s was scored by two observers who were calibrated for intraand interobserver reliability by means of k statistics. The k statistics revealed a strong agreement between the intraand interobserver measurements. Further statistical analysis was performed in order to obtain multiple regression formulae for dental age calculation with the chronological age as the independent variable and the third molar developmental stages as dependent variables. Both for males and females a significant Pearson correlation coefficient was noticed for contralateral third molars, a smaller less significant one for the antimeres. For the application of the regression formulae one has to take into consideration the gender, the location and number of wisdom teeth. Probabilities for an individual to be older than 18 years were also calculated in case of fully developed wisdom teeth. # 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Local Directional Pattern Variance (LDPv) Based Face Descriptor for Human Facial Expression Recognition

Automatic facial expression recognition is a challengingproblem in computer vision, and has gained significantimportance in applications of human-computer interaction.This paper presents a new appearance-based feature descriptor,the Local Directional Pattern Variance (LDPv), torepresent facial components for human expression recognition.In contrast with LDP, the proposed LDPv introducesthe local variance of directional responses to encodethe contrast information within the descriptor. Here,the LDPv represenation characterizes both spatial structureand contrast information of each micro-patterns. Templatematching and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifierare used to classify the LDPv feature vector of differentprototypic expression images. Experimental results usingthe Cohn-Kanade database show that the LDPv descriptoryields an improved recognition rate, as compared to existingappearance-based feature descriptors, such as the Gaborwaveletand Local Binary Pattern (LBP).
Modulated Imaging Polarimetry

In this work, image processing algorithms are presented for an advanced sensor classification known collectively as imaging modulated polariemtry. The image processing algorithms presented are novel in that they use frequency domain based approaches, in comparison to the data domain based approaches that all previous algorithms have employed. Under the conditions on the data and imaging device derived in this work, the frequency domain based demodulation algorithms will optimally reduced reconstruction artifacts in a least squared sense. This work provides a framework for objectively comparing polarimeters that modulate in different domains (i.e. time vs. space), referred to as the spectral density response function. The spectral density response function is created as an analog to the modulation transfer function (or the more general transfer function for temporal devices) employed in the design of conventional imaging devices. The framework considers the total bandwidth of the object to be measured, and then can consider estimation artifacts that arise in both time and space due to the measurement modality that has been chosen. Using the framework for objectively comparing different modulated polarimeters (known as the spectral density response function), a method of developing a Wiener filter for multi-signal demodulation is developed, referred to as the polarimetric Wiener filter. This filter is then shown to be optimal for one extensive test case. This document provides one extensive example of implementing the algorithms and spectral density response calculations on a real system, known as the MSPI polariemter. The MSPI polarimeter has been published extensively elsewhere, so only a basic system description here is used as necessary to describe how the methods presented here can be implemented on this system.
Vaccination with Plasmid DNA Activates Dendritic Cells via Toll-Like Receptor 9 (TLR9) but Functions in TLR9-Deficient Mice 1

We analyzed whether the immunobiology of vaccinating plasmid DNA containing a transcription unit for OVA is influenced by immunostimulatory CpG motifs in the plasmid backbone. Indeed, plasmid DNA differentially activated in vitro myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (DCs) provided they expressed the CpG-DNA receptor, Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). Dependent on the DC subset, activation resulted in type 1 IFN production, while both DC subsets produced IL-6 and up-regulated expression of costimulatory molecules CD40 and CD86. In vivo, however, even upon repeated vaccination with plasmid DNA, priming of OVA-specific CTL and clonal expansion of SIINFEKL-specific CD8 T cells were equal in TLR9-positive and TLR9- or MyD88-negative mice. Overall, these results negate a dominant role of CpG-DNA/TLR9 interactions in long-term vaccination protocols.
Convolutionally coded multicarrier DS-CDMA systems in a multipath fading channel. II. Narrow-band interference suppression

For pt.I see ibid., vol.47, p.1570-92 (1999). In Rowitch and Milstein (1999), a convolutionally encoded multicarrier asynchronous direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS-CDMA) system was proposed and compared to a classical single-carrier DS-CDMA system employing a RAKE receiver and the same convolutional code, in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise and multiple-access interference. This paper considers the additional impact of various forms of narrow-band interference on the performance of these two systems and the ability of the multicarrier system to effectively suppress the interference using the innate structure of its receiver. At roughly equivalent receiver complexity, results demonstrate superior performance of the multicarrier system in the presence of such interference, without requiring the addition of a front-end interference suppression filter.
The scattering number of thorn graphs

The scattering number of a non-complete connected graph G is defined by sc(G) = max{w(G − S) − |S| : S ⊂ V(G) and w(G − S) ≥ 2}, where w(G − S) denotes the number of components of the graph G − S. If an interconnection network is modelled as a graph, then the scattering number shows not only the difficulty to break down the network but also the damage that has been caused. This article includes several results on the scattering number of thorn graphs as an interconnection network. In addition, the scattering numbers of graphs obtained via various operations are computed. These operations are union and product. †E-mail: aozan@sci.ege. edu.tr
Identifying Significant Factors Influencing Consumer Trust in an Online Travel Site

The critical role of trust as an enabler, especially in a relationship in which the consumer does not have direct control over the actions of a seller and in which marketers seek long-term relations with their consumers, has been widely recognized in both academia and industry. Based on previous studies in multiple disciplines, this study develops a model representing the determinants of consumer trust in an online travel site and reports the results of an empirical investigation for this model. Theoretically, the study advances our current understanding of consumer trust in e-commerce by proposing a model and providing evidence for the major elements contributing to the formation of this construct. From a managerial perspective, the study provides practitioners with practical insights on how to design Internet marketing strategies that can initiate, develop, and maintain consumer trust.
A population-based cohort study comparing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy

OBJECTIVES:Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become a popular alternative to open cholecystectomy (OC). Previous studies comparing outcomes in LC and OC used small selected cohorts of patients and did not control for comorbid conditions that might affect outcome. The aims of this study were to characterize the morbidity, mortality, and costs of LC and OC in a large unselected cohort of patients.METHODS:We used the population-based North Carolina Discharge Abstract Database (NCHDAD) for January 1, 1991, to September 30, 1994 (n = 850,000) to identify patients undergoing OC and LC. We identified the indications for surgery, complications, and type of perioperative biliary imaging used. We compared length of stay, hospital charges, complications, morbidity, and mortality between OC and LC patients. To account for variations in outcomes from differences in age and comorbidity between the OC and LC groups, we used the age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index in regression analyses quantifying the association between type of surgery and outcome.RESULTS:Our cohort consisted of 43,433 patients (19,662 LC and 23,771 OC). The mean age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index score was slightly higher for the OC compared to the LC group (4.3 vs 4.1, p < 0.05). The OC patients had longer hospitalizations, generated more charges ($12,125 vs$ 9,139, p < 0.05), and required home care more often. The crude risk ratio comparing risk of death in OC to LC was 5.0 (95% CI = 3.9–6.5). After controlling for age, comorbidity, and sex, the odds of dying in the OC group was still 3.3 times (95% CI = 1.4–7.3) greater than in the LC group. In the LC group, the number of patients with acute cholecystitis rose over the study period, whereas the number of patients with chronic cholecystitis declined. In the OC group, the number of patients with acute and chronic cholecystitis declined. The use of intraoperative cholangiography was greater in the OC group but declined in both groups over the study period. The use of ERCP was greater in the LC group and increased in both groups over time.CONCLUSIONS:The introduction of LC has resulted in a change in the management of cholecystitis. Despite a higher proportion of patients with acute cholecystitis, the risk of dying was significantly less in LC than in OC patients, even after controlling for age and comorbidity. Based on lower costs and better outcomes, LC seems to be the treatment of choice for acute and chronic cholecystitis.
Effects of mechanical stress on treeing growth characteristics in HTV silicone rubber

Tensile and compressive stress, produced by the spring clamp device and the banding force after the expansion of silicone rubber stress cone, can affect the electrical properties of silicone rubber in the cable accessories. Electrical tree, one of the main electrical aging phenomena, is supposed to be related to the mechanical stress. In this paper, the treeing growth characteristics considering the tensile and compressive stress were investigated by the pin-plane electrode system respectively. The tensile rate of silicone rubber ranged from 0% to 30%, while the compressive rate varied from 0% to 50%. The results indicate that both the tensile stress and compressive stress affect the treeing propagation characteristics. The appearance probability of bush tree increases and it becomes the main tree structure at higher tensile rate, while branch tree turns into the main tree structure at higher compressive rate. Electrical tree initiation probability becomes higher and the initial time tends to be shorter under the tensile stress, while they show an opposite tendency under the compressive stress. Under tensile stress, the tree length, fractal dimension and accumulated damage become lager as the tensile rate increasing, which indicates that the higher tensile rate accelerates the treeing process. However, under the compressive stress, the treeing growth process shows a converse trend, which demonstrates that the higher compressive rate retards the electrical tree growth.
Aldosterone Escape during Angiotensinconverting Enzyme Inhibitor Therapy in Essential Hypertensive Patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Continuous angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy does not necessarily produce significant decreases in plasma aldosterone levels (aldosterone escape). We examined the role of aldosterone escape in 75 essential hypertensive patients treated with an ACE inhibitor (enalapril maleate [34 patients], imidapril hydrochloride [24 patients] or trandolapril [17 patients]) for 40 weeks. With treatment, blood pressure decreased and plasma renin activity increased, while plasma aldosterone concentrations did not change. Aldosterone escape was observed in 38 of the 75 patients and in 17 of 37 patients with left ventricular hypertrophy before treatment. Left ventricular mass index did not change in patients with aldosterone escape but decreased significantly in patients without aldosterone escape. The present study demonstrated a high incidence of aldosterone escape in patients with essential hypertension despite the use of ACE inhibitors. The results also suggest that aldosterone escape may reverse the beneficial effects of an ACE inhibitor on left ventricular hypertrophy.
Adjuvant methotrexate and citrovorum-factor treatment of osteogenic sarcoma.

Abstract Twenty consecutive patients with osteogenic sarcoma without visible metastases received adjuvant chemotherapy starting three weeks after local treatment of the primary tumor with operation or radiation. Adjuvant chemotherapy consisted of intravenous vincristine followed in 30 minutes by a six-hour infusion of methotrexate. Two hours later citrovorum factor was administered every six hours for 12 doses. Such treatment courses were given at three-week intervals. Ninety-eight patients referred to this center between 1950 and June, 1972, served as controls. The incidence of pulmonary metastases was significantly reduced by adjuvant chemotherapy to two as opposed to the expected 12.2 cases. Nineteen of the 20 patients treated with the adjuvant chemotherapy are surviving with follow-up periods of two to 23 months. Only six of 212 courses of treatment were associated with myelosuppression or stomatitis. These observations indicate that systemic (adjuvant) chemotherapy delays relapse and may provide defi.
Individual and Dynamic: Western Views of a Good Death

In a thank you letter to David Bowie published after his death in the journal BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, Dr. Mark Taubert, a palliative care physician, thanked Bowie for a life well-lived and a death well-planned (Jan 15, 2016). In that letter, Dr. Taubert thanked him for his music and his haunting final work on the album Blackstar, but also for the story of his death which gave the physician the opportunity to talk to patients at the end of life. He wrote, “What you have done in the time surrounding your death has had a profound effect on me and many people I work with . For me, the fact that your gentle death at home coincided so closely with the release of your album, with its good-bye message, in my mind is unlikely to be coincidence. All of this was carefully planned, to become a work of death art” (Jan 15, 2016, para 5). Taubert (2016) goes on to say that Bowie’s death gave him the opening to talk to patients about a “good death,” a way to communicate honestly and transparently about death and about palliative care and how it can help. What is a good death? This question has been asked over the centuries by philosophers, theologians, historians, and those in the arts and literature. In the memoir and international bestseller, Tuesdays with Morrie, Albom (1997) relates the final months of the life of his old sociology professor, Morrie Schwarz through a succession of Tuesday interviews. Morrie who is dying of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease decides to make “death his final project, the center of his days” (Albom, 1997, p. 10). During a series of fourteen conversations, Morrie dispatches wisdom and compassion in this last chapter of his life. Although the term good death is not mentioned, his experience of living and dying show us a path to a life well-lived and a death well-planned, not only the logistics, caregiving, and visitors, but also his philosophies: “be prepared for death at any time so that you can actually be more involved in your life while you’re living” (p. 81); “love is how you stay alive even after you’re gone” (p. 133).
Immunological evaluation of minimal residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Immunophenotypic analysis of leukaemic cells using multiparametric flow cytometry has proved to be an attractive approach for MRD investigation in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL); by contrast, information on acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is still scanty. Here, we first review the methodological strategies for these studies. Triple or quadruple antigenic combinations, analysed by multiparametric flow cytometry, have shown that in 80% of AML patients it is possible to identify aberrant or uncommon phenotypic profiles on blast cells, thereby allowing their distinction from normal cells and their use as leukaemia-associated phenotypes (LAP). We also focus on technical aspects that are important in the definition of LAP. We then review pitfalls that could potentially affect results using this approach. Finally, we review available information concerning the clinical value of these studies. Although reported data in the literature are still scanty, several authors have shown that this technique could be used for the prognostic evaluation of AML patients, when immunophenotypic evaluation is applied after induction therapy.