Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Litter box preference in domestic cats: covered versus uncovered

Feline inappropriate elimination (periuria and/or perichezia) remains a very common behavioral complaint of cat owners. Treatment recommendations often include improving the attractiveness of the litter boxes available to the cat. One frequent recommendation is to avoid covered litter boxes, although this has not previously been tested experimentally. The goal of this study was to assess whether, all else being equal, cats preferentially used uncovered litter boxes over covered litter boxes. Twenty-eight cats were enrolled in the study and offered the choice of a covered or uncovered box. Waste was scooped daily from each box, and the weight of waste in the different box styles was compared and evaluated using paired t-tests and χ2 analyses. Overall, there was no significant difference between use of the two box styles. Eight individual cats did exhibit a preference (four for covered, four for uncovered), but individual preference results are not evenly distributed, with more cats than expected showing no preference between litter box types. We postulate that, if boxes are kept sufficiently clean (ie, once daily minimum cleaning), most cats will not show a preference for either box type. The observation that a minority of cats in the study exhibited a preference supports the recommendation of providing individual cats with a ‘cafeteria’ of litter box styles, including a covered box, to determine whether such a preference exists. These findings add to existing literature on the topic of feline inappropriate elimination and provide additional information for clinicians recommending treatment options for cats exhibiting this behavior.
A SUBDIVISION COLLOCATION METHOD FOR SOLVING TWO POINT BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS OF ORDER THREE

In this paper, we propose a method for the numerical solution of self adjoint singularly perturbed third order boundary value problems in which the highest order derivative is multiplied by a small parameter ε. In this method, first we introduce the derivatives of two scale relations satisfied by the subdivision schemes. After that we use these derivatives to construct the subdivision collocation method for the numerical solution of singularly perturbed boundary value problems. Convergence of the subdivision collocation method is also discussed. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the proposed method.
Duration dependence and exits from youth unemployment in Spain and the Czech Republic

We estimate the impact of unemployment duration on exits from unemployment, along with a set of individual and other explanatory variables. The analysis is based on EU-SILC longitudinal data for the period 2007–2010 and involves Spain and the Czech Republic as examples of the two EU countries with remarkably different labour market performance but similar in their totalitarian past, post-transition economies and recent EU entry. Survival functions estimates point uniformly to prolonged unemployment duration and increasing long-term unemployment. However, both these tendencies apply relatively more to the young unemployed. Estimations of hazard models indicate that shorter unemployment spells are more likely to be terminated by finding a job in comparison with spells lasting for more than one year. The hazard ratios are usually higher for prime age unemployed. Finally, we examine education, gender, household size, etc., as determinants of exits from unemployment, with uniform evidence found for university graduates only.
Effluent from a sewage treatment works causes changes in serum chemistry of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.).

To evaluate the impact of effluent from a sewage treatment works on fish health, serum chemistry variables were investigated in brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) held in cages (active monitoring) and wild brown trout (passive monitoring). Means of the measured serum parameters of the different treatment groups were close or within normal ranges. However, the results of the active monitoring demonstrated that the serum variables of reference trout held in tap water were clearly different from those of the river treatment groups. In the active monitoring, fish exposed to effluent from the sewage treatment works had significantly different blood urea nitrogen and bilirubin values than fish kept in river water. In the passive monitoring, total protein, blood urea nitrogen, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly different between the two groups. Of the numerous correlations between serum chemistry parameters and histological lesions, blood urea nitrogen and alkaline phosphatase were found to most strongly indicate gill and liver lesions, respectively. In the passive monitoring correlations between serum chemistry variables and histopathological lesions were restricted to bilirubin and liver lesions. This indicates that the application of serum chemistry variables as indicators of histological lesions in case of chronic exposure is questionable. A multivariate discriminant analysis was used to consider relationships between the single serum variables concurrently.
Interface electronics for a CMOS electrothermal frequency-locked-loop

A new architecture for a CMOS electrothermal frequency-locked-loop (FLL) is presented. Unlike previous work, it does not require the use of off-chip capacitors. The FLL's output frequency is determined by the well-defined thermal diffusivity of bulk silicon. Measurements show that the spread in the FLL's output frequency corresponds to an untrimmed inaccuracy of less than plusmn0.7degC (3sigma) over the temperature range from -40degC to 100degC.
Masquerader: High Mobility Group Box-1 and Cancer

Since its identification a third of a century ago, the high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein has been linked to varied diverse cellular processes, including release from necrotic cells and secretion by activated macrophages engulfing apoptotic cells. Initially described as solely chromatin-associated, HMGB1 was additionally discovered in the cytoplasm of several types of cultured mammalian cells 6 years later. In addition to its intracellular role, HMGB1 has been identified extracellularly as a putative leaderless cytokine and differentiation factor. In the years since its discovery, HMGB1 has also been implicated in disease states, including Alzheimer's, sepsis, ischemia-reperfusion, arthritis, and cancer. In cancer, overexpression of HMGB1, particularly in conjunction with its receptor for advanced glycation end products, has been associated with the proliferation and metastasis of many tumor types, including breast, colon, melanoma, and others. This review focuses on current knowledge and speculation on the role of HMGB1 in the development of cancer, metastasis, and potential targets for therapy.
Software Review and Security Analysis of the Diebold Voting Machine Software Supplemental Report

A method is disclosed for separating and/or chemically converting components of a fluid mixture. The method comprises imparting an electrostatic charge to an array of fine particles, introducing the particles into a separation vessel, maintaining uniform dispersion of the particles within the vessel by charging the walls of the vessel with the same electrostatic charges then on the particles, causing a mixture to flow into the vessel, holding the fluid mixture in the vessels for a period of time such that at least one of the components of the mixture is sorbed by, reacts with, or reacts because of the catalytic action of the particles, and causing the altered fluid mixture to flow out of the vessel.
Structural transformation of diamond induced by 1-keV Ar-ion irradiation as studied by Auger and secondary-electron spectroscopies and total-secondary-electron-yield measurements.

Secondary-electron emission and Auger spectroscopies and total-secondary-electron-yield measurements have been employed to monitor the transformation of type-IIa diamond (110)induced by 1 -keV Ar irradiation for a dose range between 7×10 12 and 6.2×10 17 ions/cm 2 . The irradiations and the analysis were carried out in situ in a UHV chamber. The C(KLL) Auger line shape provides evidence of the increasing graphite like nature of the surface as a function of the ion dose
Comparison of the ex vivo chemosensitivity of uveal and cutaneous melanoma

Cutaneous and uveal melanoma both have a poor prognosis and chemotherapy is usually unsuccessful. We have previously reported the activity of a number of cytotoxic agents against metastatic cutaneous and primary choroidal uveal melanoma using an ex vivo adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-based chemosensitivity assay (ATP-TCA). In this study we compare the results obtained with the two types of melanoma. Cutaneous melanoma deposits in skin and lymph nodes (n = 58) and choroidal melanomas (n = 77) were tested using the ATP-TCA. Analysis of the data based on an arbitrary threshold for sensitivity shows that both types of melanoma exhibit heterogeneity of sensitivity to all the agents and combinations tested. With all the single agents except gemcitabine, cutaneous melanomas showed greater sensitivity in the assay, though this did not achieve statistical significance. This was also true with the drug combinations, with the exception of treosulfan + gemcitabine, which had similar activity in each type of melanoma. Of all the single agents tested, doxorubicin (47% of specimens classed as sensitive), vinorelbine (43%), treosulfan (41%) and paclitaxel (33%) showed the greatest activity with cutaneous melanoma. In the uveal melanoma samples, mitoxantrone (33%), gemcitabine (22%) and treosulfan (21%) showed the greatest activity. In contrast to the cutaneous melanomas, 13% of the uveal melanomas were sensitive to paclitaxel, 4% were sensitive to doxorubicin and 11% were found to be sensitive to vinorelbine. Both tumour types showed greater sensitivity to combinations of cytotoxic agents. The combination of treosulfan + gemcitabine was universally effective, with 72% of cutaneous melanomas and 80% of uveal melanomas exhibiting activity at the level selected to indicate sensitivity in the assay, though this will not necessarily indicate a similar level of clinical sensitivity.
Comprehensive Study of Hollow Viscus Perforation and its Management

Background: Acute abdomen is a serious surgical emergency that if not treated properly may lead to significant morbidity and sometimes mortality since historic times. The abdomen is a Pandora’s Box. Hollow viscus perforation is one of the most common causes of acute abdomen. Evaluating patients who have hollow viscus perforation remains one of the most challenging and resource-intensive aspects of acute surgical care. Missed diagnosis and late intervention are frequent causes of increased morbidity and mortality, especially in patients who survive the initial phase of insult. Physical examination findings are sometimes unreliable for several reasons. Successful treatment requires a thorough understanding of anatomy, microbiology, pathophysiology of the disease process and in-depth knowledge of the therapy, including resuscitation, antibiotics, source control, and physiologic support Objectives: To study the pattern of hollow viscus perforation I) To study most common age and sex involved II) To study the most common causes for Hollow viscus perforation in our set up. III) To evaluate various modalities of treatment available with aim to reduce mortality and morbidity. Materials: This Study has been undertaken in cases in Emergency Department from 1-5-2015 to 1-5-2016 presenting with hollow viscus perforation of age group 15 TO 75 Yrs in Chengalpattu govt. medical college and hospital. Results compared with previous studies. Results: The most likely person to have hollow viscus perforation is a healthy middle aged adult male. Most of the perforation was in the duodenum (45%). Common infective causes includes appendicitis 20%, followed by enteric and tuberculosis 14% Conclusion: Even after the introduction of proton pump inhibitors, the incidence of perforations resulting from acid peptic disease is still high. Early recognition of perforation, prompt surgical intervention, good postoperative care, recognition of co-morbid conditions and management of complications would reduce morbidity and mortality. Mortality was 6.2%.
Protection against coccidiosis in outbred chickens elicited by gamma-irradiated Eimeria maxima.

In an effort to develop an attenuated coccidiosis vaccine against coccidiosis, we exposed Eimeria maxima oocysts to an optimum dose of gamma irradiation (17 kRad) that does not affect sporozoite invasion of the intestinal mucosa but does prevent asexual parasite development. Irradiated E. maxima oocysts were suspended in gelatin slabs and placed in battery cages for ingestion by 1-day-old chickens. Separate groups of chickens were given gelatin slabs containing nonirradiated E. maxima oocysts or were inoculated per os with either irradiated or nonirradiated E. maxima oocysts. Chickens infected with irradiated or nonirradiated oocysts by either oral inoculation or gel delivery showed a dose-dependent protection against weight loss associated with E. maxima challenge compared with unimmunized controls. In general, nonirradiated oocysts elicited protective immunity at lower immunization doses compared with irradiated oocysts. These experiments were extended to a floor pen study wherein 1-day-old male and female broiler chickens were given irradiated or nonirradiated E. maxima oocysts in gelatin slabs in hatching boxes and challenged at 4 wk of age. A significant reduction (P < 0.05) in lesion scores was observed for chickens immunized with either irradiated or nonirradiated oocysts compared with unimmunized controls. Although no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in weight gain between these groups, both male and female chickens inoculated with irradiated E. maxima oocysts showed about a 10% greater weight gain than unimmunized controls. For both male and female chickens, average weights at challenge were greater in groups that were immunized with 17-kRad-irradiated E. maxima oocysts compared with those animals immunized with nonirradiated oocysts.
Are Neuroimaging Findings in Novel Influenza A(H1N1) Infection Really Novel?

Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” earlier) is a new influenza virus causing illness in humans. This virus was first detected in people in Mexico and the United States in April 2009. It is spreading worldwide from person-to-person, probably in much the same way as the spread of regular
Effect of N‐acetylcysteine on renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease

Background: N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) is commonly administered to high‐risk individuals to attenuate the risk of contrast‐induced nephropathy in spite of the debate regarding its efficacy. In several studies serum creatinine decreased after exposure to NAC and contrast dye. The mechanism by which NAC attenuates the decline in renal function is not known. Studies in subjects with normal renal function suggest NAC may have an effect on tubular secretion.
The effect of smoking on inflammatory and bone remodeling markers in gingival crevicular fluid and subgingival microbiota following periodontal therapy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Periodontal health is mediated by suppressing microorganisms inducing a local inflammatory host response. Smoking may impair this process. This study compares gingival crevicular fluid levels of inflammatory and bone remodeling markers in heavy smokers and non-smokers following active and supportive periodontal therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Gingival crevicular fluid and subgingival plaque were collected from the deepest periodontal pocket in 50 patients, 25 smokers and 25 non-smokers, at baseline (T0), following active (T1) and 12 mo of supportive periodontal therapy (T2). Smoking status was validated measuring serum cotinine levels. Gingival crevicular fluid levels of 27 inflammatory and two bone remodeling markers were analyzed using multiplex and singleplex micro-bed immunoassays, and subgingival plaque samples using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Amounts of markers in smokers and non-smokers were compared calculating the effect size. RESULTS Expression of inflammatory and bone-remodeling markers in smokers demonstrated an overall reduced effect size at T0 and T2 (p < 0.001). In particular, proinflammatory markers (p < 0.001), chemokines (p = 0.007) and growth factors (p = 0.003) at T0, osteoprotegerin (p = 0.003) at T1, proinflammatory markers (p = 0.019) and chemokines (p = 0.005) at T2. At T2, interleukin-8 was detected in significantly higher levels in smokers. Ten different markers in non-smokers and none in smokers responded to periodontal therapy (p < 0.05). An overall negative association was revealed between smoking and subgroups of markers at sites presenting ≥ 105 red complex periodontal microbial species. CONCLUSION Except for an upregulation of interleukin-8, smokers exhibited reduced gingival crevicular fluid levels of several inflammatory markers at baseline and following active and supportive periodontal therapy. Only inflammatory responses in non-smokers adapted to periodontal therapy. Apparently, there seems to be an immunosuppressant effect of smoking regulating the local inflammatory response and bone remodeling markers captured in gingival crevicular fluid following periodontal therapy.
The Relationship Between Weight Gain in Pregnancy, Birth‐Weight and Postpartum Weight Retention

Summary: A total of 292 middle class, nonsmoking Chinese patients with known prepregnant weight who subsequently had uncomplicated singleton pregnancies delivering after 36 weeks' gestation were recruited to assess their serial antenatal weight gain, weight at 6 weeks and 3 months postpartum. The average prepregnant body mass index in the whole group was 20.4 kg/m2 (SD 2.19), and the total pregnancy weight gain was 14 kg (SD 3.75). Those with weight gain over 17.83 kg (one SD above the mean) (n=58) had higher weight gain in all 3 trimesters taken separately, as well as higher weight retention at 6 weeks and 3 months postpartum (p <0.001). Similar differences were noted for those with total weight gain over 2 standard deviations above the mean. The average weight retained at 3 months postpartum was 3.64 kg (SD 2.75). Those with weight retention over 9.14 kg (2 SD above the mean) (n=8) had a significantly higher second and third trimester weight gain (p <0.01) compared to the rest. These data suggest that excessive weight gain during pregnancy for women with prepregnant BMI in the normal range occurred most significantly after the mid‐trimester, and was associated with higher postpartum weight retention without significant increase in birth‐weight.
The Influence of Corporate Reputation on Supplier Selection and Termination

Contrary to the conventional belief that organisational supplier choice decisions are predominantly objective, this research draws on the Stereotype Content Model to examine the moderating effects of corporate reputation on supplier decisions. In an international field study with buying centre members, the results demonstrate that various dimensions of reputation differentially moderate the effects of intentions-based purchasing criteria versus ability-based criteria on supplier selection and termination behaviour. Specifically, only in the absence of a strongly Agreeable or Competent reputation do intentions and warm abilities-based purchasing criteria respectively have a significant influence on selection and termination. Conversely, only in the presence of a strongly Ruthless reputation do cold abilities-based purchasing criteria exert a significant influence on supplier selection or termination. These findings have implications for the corporate reputation and industrial buying literatures, as well as managerial practice. Keywords: corporate reputation, moderation, supplier selection, termination
Understanding purchasing intentions in secondary sports ticket websites

The purpose of this study was to examine purchasing intentions in online sports ticketing websites. Based on previous research related to business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce, this study developed a conceptual model to test the effect of perceived risk, trust and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) on purchase intentions in online secondary ticket websites. College students (N = 251) from the northeastern region of the United States were chosen as the sample. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to investigate the proposed relationships among four major components (i.e. perceived risk, trust, TAM and behavioural intention). The results showed that there were positive effects of key TAM constructs (i.e. perceived usefulness and ease of use) and trust on purchasing intention, but perceived risk was not a significant indicator of purchase intention.
Ceruloplasmin enhances DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide in vitro

Ceruloplasmin (Cp) was found to promote the oxidative damage to DNA, as evidenced by the formation of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and strand breaks, when incubated with H2O2 in vitro. The capacity of Cp to enhance oxidative damage to DNA was inhibited by hydroxyl radical scavengers such as sodium azide and mannitol, a metal chelator, diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid, and catalase. Although the oxidized protein resulted in an increase in the content of carbonyl groups, the ferroxidase activity and the proteolytic susceptibility were not significantly altered. The release of a portion of Cu from Cp was observed, and conformational alterations were indicated by the changes in fluorescence spectra. Based on these results, we suggest that damage to DNA is mediated in the H2O2/Cp system via the generation of ·OH by released Cu2+ and/or loosely bound Cu exposed from oxidatively damaged Cp through the conformational change. The release of Cu from Cp during oxidative stress could enhance the formation of reactive oxygen species and could also potentiate cellular damage.
The impact of care on family and health-related quality of life of parents with chronically ill and disabled children

Abstract Purpose: Parents of disabled and/or chronically ill children are more vulnerable regarding their health compared to parents of healthy children. This study examines how far the burden of care is associated with health-related quality of life (QoL) in parents, across different illnesses and disabilities. Moreover, it is unclear whether and to which extent familial resources can explain the association between parents’ care burden and health. Method: Data stem from a survey with the German Children’s Network, a self-help umbrella organization of parents and families of chronically ill and disabled children. Data collection was conducted nationwide with a standardized online questionnaire, which included children’s diagnoses and severity, burden of care, family and socioeconomic status, health-related QoL (SF-12) and family impact (Impact on Family Scale, IFS). 1567 parents participated. Results: A higher burden of care is associated with higher risks for poor health-related QoL. Especially, social impact and financial burden, which are both associated with care, can help to explain these associations. Conclusions: Future interventions should focus not only on the affected child but also on the whole family system and its social integration, as this seems likely to relief parents from burden of care. Therefore, a sustainable cooperation of health care institutions and professionals with self-help groups and parental initiatives is recommended. Implications for Rehabilitation Parents of disabled and chronically ill children are a vulnerable group regarding their health-related quality of life. A higher burden of care is associated with less social contacts, higher financial burden and higher help-needs in the household, which significantly contribute to higher health risks. Rehabilitation should take these constraints into account and put a stronger focus on the family of disabled and chronically ill children to support their inclusion. A sustainable and formally anchored collaboration with self-help and patient groups is recommended.