Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
QUALITY OF COLLECTED BIOLOGICAL SPECIMENS – THE INVISIBLE PART OF THE ERROR SOURCES IN HEMOSTASIS FOR THE CLINICIANS

The introduction of modern analyzers in the laboratories that carry out hemostasis tests has led to the devolution of the sources of error from the preanalytical phase, ensuring results with a high level of reliability. The identification of the non-compliant coagulation specimens due to events related to the biological product collection from the clinic are reported by the laboratories that make these determinations. Aim: To inform clinicians about these problems, so that through preventive actions we can ensure optimal clinical management of patients. Material and methods: Selective research were conducted in the national and international specialized literature. Inclusion criteria were studies presenting the prevalence and impact of preanalytical errors with the determination of hemostasis tests, as well as recommendations regarding the identification and rejection of the non-compliant samples. Results: In the study were introduced works that reported the sources of error which may influence the quality of the laboratory results. The errors associated with blood sampling were related to the samples with hemolyzed plasma, insufficient volume taken and the accidental presence of the clot in the erythrocyte sediment. Available literature data suggests that, out of the total of 75% of the errors identified in the laboratory, 26% can have harmful effects on patient’s care, which contribute to unnecessary investigations or to the inadequate treatment and implicitly, extension of hospitalization. Conclusions: Applying corrective measures can improve the quality indicators of the coagulation specimens and implicitly the quality of the patient's health care by informing clinicians and using educational activities.
Composition and structure of a humid montane forest on the Pasochoa volcano, Ecuador

In a one-hectare plot in humid montane forest on Volcan Pasochoa (3,260–3,300 m), one of the last remnants of the inter-Andean forest between the two Ecuadorean cordilleras, there were 1,058 trees ≥ 5 cm dbh in 32 different species with a total basal area of 25.7 m2. The most common species were Miconia theaezans, Piper andreanum, and Miconia pustulata with 32%, 14% and 8% of the individuals, respectively. Three species (Hesperomeles lanuginosa, Boehmeria fallax and Lamiaceae sp.) were represented by only a single individual. Melastomataceae was the most important family with six species, over 50% of the individual trees, and 68% of the basal area. Other important families were Piperaceae and Asteraceae. The abundance of assumed pioneer species suggests that either the forest has been altered by humans in the past, or that their dominance is a part of the dynamic regeneration of a forest growing on steep slopes with inclinations between 36 and 120% in the plot. The diameter class distribution of Miconia corymbiformis and Axinaea macrophylla shows a light-demanding species behavior. Trees with multiple stems characterize this forest perhaps in order to distribute their weight on such steep slopes.
Post‐mortem changes in wing‐lengths and wing‐formulae

Ringers often find it necessary to compare wing measurements of live birds with those taken from skins, either personally or as they appear in Svensson (1975) or Witherby et al. (1938-1941). Although relatively poorly documented, it is well known that wing-lengths from skins are shorter than from live birds. The data presented here quantify the shrinkage in a sample of Rooks Corvus frugilegus, and comment is made on observations by Mead (1977) on differences in warbler wing-formula between live and dead specimens. Fifteen Rooks were shot in Aberdeenshire during November 1974 as part of another research programme. Both wings were removed from each bird and measured (flattened and straightened) within a few hours of death while they were still fresh and supple. The average length was 308.4mm(±S.D.10.9 mm, range 290-325 mm). The wings were left to dry and remeasured eight weeks later and again after 144 weeks. After eight weeks they had lost an average of 3.83 mm, representing 1.24% of the original wing-length. There was no significant further decrease when they were measured again 144 weeks after death. The actual loss per wing is shown in Fig. 1. It varied from 1 mm to 11 mm. For other species shrinkage has been reported as follows: Willow Ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus, 0.4%; Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaiicula, 1.8%, 2.7%; Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, 2%; Dunlin Calidris alpina, 1.0%; Lesser Black-backed Gull LOTUS fuscus and Herring Gull Larus argentatus, 1.2% (references in Greenwood 1979). Mead (1977) reported differences between the wing-formulae of live warblers and those taken from skins by Williamson (1960,1964). He noticed that the tips of the inner primaries were nearer to the wing-point in live birds than in museum specimens, but that the relative positions of the longest feathers were more or less the same, commenting that the "precise mechanism by which the differences arise is not clear". Leaving aside questions of bias (e.g. comparison of live (flexible) and deaa (stiff) birds; the validity of comparing means of measurements of birds from one part of their distribution range in autumn (Mead) with
BEHAVIOUR COMPONENTS IN THE FEEDING OF WILD AND LABORATORY RATS

Feeding behaviour has been studied in rats (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout) kept in small cages in which a choice of foods was offered. Most of the rats were wild, but some albinos were used for comparison. The main intention of the experiments was to elucidate the component activities which make up feeding behaviour; but some observations on food preferences were made. When offered minced liver, wheat grains, flour and sugar, rats usually ate some of each food; sugar was eaten least, and sometimes little of e i t h e r flour or wheat was taken. When offered the alternative of wheat mixed either with cod liver oil or aniseed oil, as against wheat mixed with arachis oil, consumption was almost confined to the arachis oil mixture. This was true even when, as nestlings, the rats had been given only the distasteful mixture to eat. Both wild and albino rats show very marked exploratory and sampling behaviour during feeding. Evidence is presented that this is a pattern in its own right, and not merely appetitive. Its function is to make possible the rapid learning of topography, and especially the whereabouts of food, water and shelter. Sampling is also important in enabling rats to associate particular physiological actions, whether nutrient or toxic, with different foods. Exploration and sampling occur even when the situation and the foods are familiar, and regardless of age or sex. Continued sampling makes possible regular reinforcement of learned preferences. It also enables rats to change rapidly from a familiar but distasteful food to an unfamiliar but palatable one. Sampling is not stopped by 'satiation', but is released by it. In wild rats, but not albinos, there is highly developed flight and avoidance behaviour. This tends to reduce the dangers of exploratory behaviour. Both wild and tame rats tend to feed in cover when this is practicable. This has indirect social effects, since one rat may rob another in the nest. Social influences on feeding are only incidental. Often they are a product of associative learning. There is no parental guidance of young, nor imitation by young of adults. Displacement grooming was seen when hungry rats were deterred from feeding by the unfamiliarity of the situation; and in other frustrating circumstances. It is concluded that much of the feeding behaviour of wild rats can be interpreted as a resultant of the opposed effects of exploration and sampling on the one hand, and flight and avoidance on the other.
Possibilities for integrated control of winter oilseed rape diseases in Latvia

The sowing area of winter oilseed rape in Latvia has been rapidly increasing during the last 10 years, therefore oilseed rape diseases have become an important risk factor. The present paper reports 4-year data (2008–2011) on different fungicide application systems (including forecasting systems) tested in field trials in Central Latvia. The development of stem canker (Leptosphaeria spp.) and white stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) was evaluated depending on fungicide application schemes. Stem canker was found to be a widespread disease, and coexistence of both L. maculans and L. biglobosa was established in Latvia. There was no epidemic of white stem rot observed during the investigation period (incidence of disease was only 0.7–4.5%). Application of fungicides significantly (P < 0.05) decreased severity of stem canker. However, substantial differences between different treatments were not detected. Yield of oilseed rape fluctuated at about 4.5 tonnes ha 1 , and use of fungicides
Alpha2 adrenoceptors regulate proliferation of human intestinal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Previous studies on rodents have suggested that catecholamines stimulate proliferation of the intestinal epithelium through activation of α2 adrenoceptors located on crypt cells. The occurrence of this effect awaits demonstration in humans and the molecular mechanisms involved have not yet been elucidated. Here, we examined the effect of α2 agonists on a clone of Caco2 cells expressing the human α2Aadrenoceptor. METHODS Cells were transfected with a bicistronic plasmid containing the α2C10 and neomycin phosphotransferase genes. G418 resistant clones were assayed for receptor expression using radioligand binding. Receptor functionality was assessed by testing its ability to couple Gi proteins and to inhibit cAMP production. Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation was followed by western blot, and cell proliferation was estimated by measuring protein and DNA content. RESULTS Permanent transfection of Caco2 cells allowed us to obtain a clone (Caco2-3B) expressing α2A adrenoceptors at a density similar to that found in normal human intestinal epithelium. Caco2-3B retained morphological features and brush border enzyme expression characteristic of enterocytic differentiation. The receptor was coupled to Gi2/Gi3 proteins and its stimulation caused marked diminution of forskolin induced cAMP production. Treatment of Caco2-3B with UK14304 (α2 agonist) induced a rapid increase in the phosphorylation state of MAPK, extracellular regulated protein kinase 1 (Erk1), and 2 (Erk2). This event was totally abolished in pertussis toxin treated cells and in the presence of kinase inhibitors (genistein or PD98059). It was unaffected by protein kinase C downregulation but correlated with a transient increase in Shc tyrosine phosphorylation. Finally, sustained exposure of Caco2-3B to UK14304 resulted in modest but significant acceleration of cell proliferation. None of these effects was observed in the parental cell line Caco2. CONCLUSION The results obtained in the present study support a regulatory role for α2 adrenoceptors in intestinal cell proliferation.
Responding to hate incidents on university campuses: benefits and barriers to establishing a restorative justice programme

ABSTRACT This study examines staff and student perspectives of the use of restorative justice approaches to respond to student-on-student hate crime, hate incidents, and hate speech on university campuses. It draws on qualitative data collated over a one-year period, during the design and establishment of a restorative programme entitled ‘Restore Respect’ at two UK universities. Highlighting examples of students’ experiences of prejudice and hate across the two universities, we outline some of the key barriers to reporting associated with conventional university responses, as well as staff and student views of establishing a new restorative approach to addressing incidents. While early-stage evaluation revealed certain cultural and institutional barriers and limitations to the establishment and operation of a restorative programme, the majority of staff and students viewed it as an effective way of addressing hate-based conduct that would provide greater opportunity for more positive interventions and outcomes. The paper concludes by arguing for a renewed effort to move beyond standard institutional responses to student experiences of hate and prejudice at university through the adoption of restorative, needs-centred approaches.
Necessity of detection of extended spectrum beta-lactamase, AmpC and metallo-beta-lactamases in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from clinical specimens

Background: With increasing incidence of resistance to antibiotics carbapenems are used as the last resort because they are stable even in response to extended spectrum and AmpC beta-lactamases. However, Gram-negative bacilli producing the acquired metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL) are on the rise. Aim: The aim of the following study is to detect phenotypically the presence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC and MBL in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from clinical specimen. Materials and Methods: Gram-negative isolates from clinical samples were screened and confirmed for the presence of ESBLs by double disk synergy test (DDST), for AmpC by disk approximation assay and for MBL by Modified Hodge Test and imipenem-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid DDST. Results: Among 251 isolates studied, 138 (54.98%) were ESBL producers, 49 (19.52%) were AmpC producers and 45 (17.93%) were MBL producers. Highest rates of ESBL detection was by Cefoperazone sulbactam (109/138) 78.98%. Out of 92 of the AmpC producing strains 20 (21.73%) were inducible and 72 were stably derepressed (78.26%). Out of 251 strains studied 45 (17.93%) were phenotypically identified as MBL producers, the highest no. being of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among the methods employed for detection of MBL production, Hodge test (62.22%) proved better than DDST (40%). Conclusions: High level of antibiotic resistance pattern exists in various clinical isolates. ESBL production should be looked for routinely in Gram-negative bacteria other than Escherichia coli and Klebsiella. A high percentage of derepressed AmpC mutants are noteworthy and alarming. We recommend phenotypic identification methods as routine practice in laboratories as genotypic methods are not cost-effective.
Body composition of Svalbard reindeer

Tissue and (or) chemical body composition was determined in 18 Svalbard reindeer, aged months prepartum to years, and in mainland Norway reindeer, aged months prepartum to years. At the end of the growing season, the fat content in the ingesta-free body was very high (27–40%) in Svalbard reindeer. Two mainland yearling males had 4.5% body fat as compared with 27.8% in a Svalbard male yearling. At the end of winter the weight decrease of Svalbard reindeer was close to 50%. The loss of ash, protein, water, and fat from the body was estimated at 16.8, 30.9, 34.3, and 76.3%, respectively. Animals that had starved to death showed an additional weight loss of 8% and a nearly complete loss of fat. Liver content of Fe increased from 97 mg/kg in late summer to 3463 mg/kg in late winter and 5075 mg/kg in animals that had starved to death. There were significant linear relationships between the percent water and percent fat in the ingesta-free body and between the weight of the fat-free and ingesta-free body and the.
Mobile-Assisted Task-Based Language Learning, Writing Competency, And Motivation

This quasi-experimental study aimed at investigating the effect of mobile-assisted task-based learning on students’ writing competency and students’ motivation in writing. Post-test only control group design was employed in this study. The experimental group was taught by mobile-assisted taskbased learning while the control group was taught by non mobile-assisted task-based learning. A writing post-test and questionnaire were used to obtain the data and were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and MANOVA. The findings of the study revealed that (1) there was a significant effect of Mobile-assisted Task-based Learning on the students’ writing competency; (2) there was a significant effect of Mobile-assisted Task-based Learning on the students’ writing motivation; and (3) there was a simultaneous effect of Mobile-assisted Task-based Learning on the students’ writing competency and students’ motivation in writing. This study concluded that the use of mobile devices as a medium in the learning process is effective to enhance the students’ writing competency and increase students’ motivation in writing.
Density and size of reef fishes in and around a temperate marine reserve

The effects of marine reserve protection on the density, size, biomass, sex-ratio and overall assemblage structure of reef fishes were investigated at Kingston Reef Sanctuary, Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Significant trends in response to reserve protection were found for two species of top predators and several serially protogynous labrid species. The relative density and biomass of the heavily targeted Glaucosoma hebraicum was 10 and five times greater within the sanctuary respectively. Similarly, the biomass of the serranid, Epinephelides armatus, was 3.2 times greater in the sanctuary, although this difference was owing to a greater mean length not relative density. The male : female sex ratio for the labrid, Ophthalmolepis lineolatus, was significantly different between sanctuary and non-sanctuary sites, with the density of male O. lineolatus significantly greater within the sanctuary. Rottnest Island waters are largely restricted to recreational fishing, therefore these results suggest that a range of fish species around Rottnest Island are affected by recreational fishing, and that these effects are found in taxa beyond the primary target species. The patterns in the effects on bycatch species suggest that fishing-related mortality may be exerting a greater control on these populations than that exerted by natural predation.
Seed dispersal and vegetation dynamics at a cock-of-the-rock's lek in the tropical forest of French Guiana

The Guianan cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola rupicola (Linnaeus) 1766) is a large (140-230 g) lek-breeding bird of the Neotropical family Cotingidae. Adult males and females are mainly, if not exclusively, frugivorous (Erard et al. 1989, Schuchmann 1984, Snow 1971). Adult males are densely clustered on classical leks, where they defend ground display courts or adjacent perches (Trail 1985). Numerous seeds are defecated or regurgitated on the lek, after short feeding sessions at nearby fruiting trees. In order to measure the influence of seed dispersal by Rupicola rupicola on tropical forest regeneration and succession, this preliminary study compares the floristic composition of dispersed seeds, seedlings and larger plants found on the lek with (a) fruit preferences found in a previous study, (b) the floristic composition of the high primary forest surrounding the lek, and (c) the low vegetation of another granitic outcrop. The research was conducted in French Guiana at the Nouragues biological station (40 03' N, 52? 42' W; an undisturbed primary forest site described in Erard et al. 1989, Julliot & Sabatier in press), from 10 October to 15 December 1990 (dry season). As in Gilliard's study (1962), the lek was situated on the ridge of a steep granite hill; the vegetation consisted of small trees 8-15 m and medium trees 15-18 m high, with a dense understorey of young saplings. Numerous perches were worn, showing long-term use by adult males. Twenty-one species of seeds were collected under males' perches on the 230 m2 lek, and two categories were used to describe the vegetation: seedlings and larger plants. Among larger plants, 545 saplings of 45 species, and 82 trees of 17 species
Pro-apoptotic Mechanisms of Action of a Novel Vitamin E Analog (α-TEA) and a Naturally Occurring Form of Vitamin E (δ-Tocotrienol) in MDA-MB-435 Human Breast Cancer Cells

Vitamin E derivative, RRR-α-tocopheryl succinate (vitamin E succinate, VES), is a potent pro-apoptotic agent, inducing apoptosis by restoring both transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and Fas (CD95) apoptotic signaling pathways that contribute to the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-mediated apoptosis. Objectives of these studies were to characterize signaling events involved in the pro-apoptotic actions of a naturally occurring form of vitamin E, δ-tocotrienol, and a novel vitamin E analog, α-tocopherol ether acetic acid analog [α-TEA; 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2R-(4R,8R,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman-6-yloxyacetic acid]. Like VES, α-TEA and δ-tocotrienol induced estrogen-nonresponsive MDA-MB-435 and estrogen-responsive MCF-7 human breast cancer cells to undergo high levels of apoptosis in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. Like VES, the two compounds induced either no or lower levels of apoptosis in normal human mammary epithelial cells and immortalized but nontumorigenic human MCF-10A cells. The pro-apoptotic mechanisms triggered by the structurally distinct α-TEA and δ-tocotrienol were identical to those previously reported for VES, that is, α-TEA- and δ-tocotrienol-induced apoptosis involved up-regulation of TGF-β receptor II expression and TGF-β-, Fas- and JNK-signaling pathways. These data provide a better understanding of the anticancer actions of a dietary form of vitamin E (δ-tocotrienol) and a novel nonhydrolyzable vitamin E analog (α-TEA).
Silurian conodont biostratigraphy of the east-central Appalachian Basin (eastern USA): Re-examination of the C.T. Helfrich Collection

collection of conodonts from middle to upper Silurian (uppermost Llandovery–Pridoli series) strata in the Appa­ lachian Basin was produced by Charles T. Helfrich during the 1970’s. Most of the work was completed as part of his Ph.D. dissertation (Helfrich 1972) and published in a series of papers (Helfrich 1975, 1978, 1980) that laid the foundation for Silurian conodont biostratigraphy in the Appalachian Basin. In total, more than 15,000 spe­ cimens were recovered from six sections in the West Virgi nia, Virginia, and Maryland tri­state area, with which he established the conodont biozonation for the Silurian succession of the east­central Appalachian Mountains. Helfrich’s work was carried out at the dawn of a major transition in conodont systematics, from form taxonomy to multi­element taxonomy, and relied on the original Silurian conodont biozonation of Walliser (1964) to establish a biostratigraphic zonation for the Appalachian Basin consisting of eight zones for uppermost Llandovery through Pridoli strata. Most reported specimens were identified as form species, typically with tentative multi­ element species designations in open nomenclature. Silur­ ian conodont taxonomy and biostratigraphy have advanced tremendously in the intervening decades (e.g., Barrick & Klapper 1976; Bischoff 1986; Aldridge & Schönlaub 1989; Kleffner 1989, 1995; Nowlan 1995; Jeppsson 1997; Männik 1998, 2007; Corradini & Serpagli 1999; Jeppsson & Aldridge 2000; Calner & Jeppsson 2003; Murphy et al. 2004; Jeppsson et al. 2006; Carls et al. 2007; Slavík 2014; Corradini et al. 2015; Männik et al. 2015; Mathieson et al. 2016; Waid & Cramer 2017a, b), however, no modern systematic revision to the conodont biozonation of the uppermost Llandovery to Pridoli interval of the east­ central Appalachian Basin has been undertaken. Herein, we provide a modern and revised conodont biozonation for the central axis portion of the Appalachian Basin based upon the conodont collection of C.T. Helfrich (Helfrich 1972, 1975, 1980) that was re­examined by the authors at the University of Iowa from 2015–2018. The Helfrich collection is housed at the Museum of Geosciences at Virginia Tech (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University).