Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electro-optical, dielectric and optical properties of graphene oxide dispersed nematic liquid crystal composites

ABSTRACT Graphene oxide (GO) in various concentrations (0.04 wt.%, 0.1 wt.% and 0.3 wt.%) was dispersed into nematic liquid crystal (LC) 5CB and studied for electro-optical, dielectric and optical responses. The textural and phase transition studies were investigated by optical polarising microscopy in the nematic phase. The effect of GO concentration on the micro-texture, phase transition temperatures, birefringence, threshold voltage, contrast ratio, dielectric permittivity, dielectric loss and conductivity was also investigated. The nematic–isotropic transition temperature slight increases (~3%) in the 0.04 wt. % and 0.1 wt. % GO dispersed 5CB composites as compared to 5CB. Threshold voltage decreases in the GO–5CB composites with the increase of GO concentration. Additionally, the effect of GO concentration on the optical absorbance of UV–visible light and energy bandgap is also considered. Graphical Abstract
A sensitive assay for dNTPs based on long synthetic oligonucleotides, EvaGreen dye and inhibitor-resistant high-fidelity DNA polymerase

Deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) are vital for the biosynthesis and repair of DNA. Their cellular concentration peaks during the S phase of the cell cycle. In non-proliferating cells dNTP concentrations are low, making their reliable quantification from tissue samples of heterogeneous cellular composition challenging. Partly because of this, the current knowledge related to regulation of and disturbances in cellular dNTP concentrations derive from cell culture experiments with little corroboration at the tissue or organismal level. Here, we fill the methodological gap by presenting a simple non-radioactive microplate assay for the quantification of dNTPs with a minimum requirement of 10 to 30 mg of biopsy material. In contrast to published assays, this assay is based on long (~200 nucleotides) synthetic single-stranded DNA templates, an inhibitor-resistant high-fidelity DNA polymerase, and the double-stranded-DNA-binding EvaGreen dye. The assay quantifies reliably as little as 100 fmol of each of the four dNTPs. Importantly, the assay allowed measurement of minute dNTP concentrations in mouse liver, heart, and skeletal muscle.
Correlation of ultrasound perfusion imaging and angiogenesis of ovarian tumors

Background: The aim of this present study was to evaluate the relationship between perfusion characteristics of ovarian tumors and tumor angiogenesis using contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging. Materials and Methods: Dose 116 patients with ovarian tumors were preoperatively subjected to contrast-enhanced perfusion imaging. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD34 in ovarian tumors. The correlation between the VEGF positive index, microvessel density (MVD) of ovarian tumors and ultrasound perfusion parameters was investigated. We also established a nude mouse ovarian cancer SKOV3 xenograft model; the expression of VEGF and MVD in the transplanted tumor was observed, and their correlation with the ultrasound perfusion parameters was studied. Results: The MVD and VEGF positive indexes of ovarian tumors were positively correlated with the peak intensity (PI), area under the curve (AUC) and time from peak to one half (TTH) of the ultrasound perfusion parameters. The correlation coefficients between MVD and the PI, AUC and TTH were 0.69, 0.71 and 0.59, respectively, while the correlation coefficients between the VEGF positive index and the PI, AUC and TTH were 0.71, 0.65 and 0.68, respectively. Moreover, there were significant differences in the PI, AUC and TTH between the high-MVD and low-MVD groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, the same trend was found in the xenograft model. Conclusion: the ultrasound perfusion parameters PI, AUC and TTH of ovarian tumors were positively correlated with the tumor MVD and VEGF positive index, which reflects the angiogenesis status of ovarian tumors and provides important information for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian
Science communication in online media: influence of press releases on coverage of genetics and CRISPR

New scientific discoveries are communicated through multiple channels. Publications remain essential for scientists, whereas general public relies on news articles. Numerous studies investigated the path from publications to news and identified press releases as the key factor, associating them with issues such as exaggerations, but less is known about the direct influence of press releases on subject choice or on the content of media reports. Here, a cross-sectional sample of publications related to genetics and CRISPR is assessed in three independent datasets (n = 1362 publications, n = 461 press releases). Analysis finds 92.5% (CI = 88.5-96.5) dependence of news outlets on press releases in terms of topic choice and 39-43% explicit use of passages from press releases. Publications without press releases are described by 74x fewer news outlets. Even if they come from leading journals or universities, lack of a press release leads to 8.8x less coverage. Given the high impact of press releases, their reliability is especially relevant, but the majority of them omits interest disclosures - 84.3% (CI = 80.8-87.7) of press releases did not mention existing conflicts of interest, including multiple patent applications. These results establish the major indirect and direct role of press releases in science communication via online media. In line with previous research, this dependency raises concerns about possible distortions of science coverage.
Prevalence of temporomandibular disorder and its association with stress and anxiety among university students

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and the association with stress and anxiety among university students. Material and Methods: The Fonseca Anamnestic Index, Trait-State Anxiety Inventory (IDATE) and LIPP Stress Symptom Inventory (LIPP) were applied for 714 voluntaries. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyzes were performed using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test and the Student's t-test or ANOVA, significance level of 5%. Results: The prevalence of TMD was 68.63%, 46.9% had mild TMD. There was a statistically significant difference between the means of age and the severity of the TMD, higher mean values for severe TMD (22.5 ± 3.3 years). There was a statistically significant association between the female and TMD, higher prevalence of mild TMD. Among the volunteers diagnosed with TMD, a significant number were diagnosed without stress, but there was a statistically significant association between those diagnosed with stress and mild TMD, anxiety and TMD, (state: moderate anxiety and DTM - 50%; trait: moderate and severe anxiety and mild DTM - 49.3% and 49.87%, respectively). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of TMD signs and symptoms, with higher prevalence in the female gender, mild TMD was more significant, and anxiety and stress were significantly present among university students with TMD signs and symptoms.KeywordsTemporomandibular disorder; Anxiety; Psychological stress.
Endoluminal thermal ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency

Summary Objective To evaluate and compare the fiveyear outcome after treatment of a varicose GSV by endovenous thermal laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods In this non-randomized, prospective study, patients treated in 2007 and 2008 for complete varicosis of the GSV (CEAP: C2–C6) were divided according to the treatment technique used into three groups: RFA (VNUS ClosureFast™), EVLA 980 nm (ELVeS 980™) and EVLA 1470 nm (ELVeS 1470™). Ultrasound-guided follow-up consultations were conducted 3 days, 3 months, 1 year and 5 years after treatment. Results 589 patients with 643 GSVs (223 RFA, 185 EVLA 980, 235 EVLA 1470) were treated under tumescent local anaesthesia. No major complications occurred and minor complications were rare (4.7–12.2 %, p=0.135). 66 % (RFA), 15 % (EVLA 980) and 32 % (EVLA 1470) of the patients were pain-free without post-operative analgesics. After 5 years, 86 % (RFA), 90 % (EVLA 980) and 93 % (EVLA 1470) of the veins were occluded (p=0.096). Ultrasound imaging revealed reflux in treated GSVs in 5–8 % of cases (p=0.73). A second ablation of the previously treated GSV was required in 5 % (RFA), 2 % (EVLA 980) and 2 % (EVLA 1470) of the patients (p=0.28). Conclusion Endoluminal thermal ablation is an easy, safe and well tolerated method for the treatment of varicosis. Radiofrequency ablation is less painful than EVLA. RFA and EVLA 1470 are equally effective for vein closure.
How individuals’ social characteristics impact the likelihood to waste a vote – evidence from Great Britain, Germany and France

ABSTRACT Which social characteristics of voters reduce the chances to waste a vote? Surprisingly, little is known about the commonalities and differences of citizens who do (not) make their vote count. In this article, we argue that levels of education and income, gender and age shape the likelihood to waste a vote through two channels: the voting motivation and the ability to correctly assess the viability of candidates. Drawing on data from the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems, we analyse voting behaviour in six elections in Great Britain, Germany and France between 2005 and 2015. Our analyses demonstrate that holding a university degree is not related to effective voting. Differences in cognitive capacities as a consequence of formal education are hence not decisive for voters’ ability to assess candidates’ viability correctly. Instead, our results show that many of those wasting their ballots are male and young voters who tend to knowingly decide to support candidates unlikely to win. Overall, these findings shed light on wasted votes as one of the factors that might balance and reinforce existing social inequalities in the political process.
The influence of service quality on trust, satisfaction and customer positive word of mouth and revisit of Rama II Hospital

The objectives of this research were (1) To study the influence of the service quality which consisted of the dimensions of tangible, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy on customer trust; (2) To study the influence of the service quality and customer trust on customer satisfaction; (3) To study the influence of customer trust and satisfaction on the positive word of mouth; (4) To study the influence of customer trust and satisfaction on customer revisit and (5) To validate the causal relationship model of the influence of service quality on trust, customer satisfaction, customer positive word of mouth and revisit of Rama II Hospital with empirical data. The variables in this investigation consisted of the following; service quality which consisted of the dimensions of (1) tangible; (2) reliability (3) responsiveness (4) assurance and (5) empathy as the independent variable; customer trust and satisfaction as mediating variables and customer positive word of mouth and revisit as dependent variables. The researcher used quantitative method which involved empirical research. The instrument of research was a questionnaire used to collect data from 528 customers of Rama II Hospital. The statistics used in data analysis were frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and structural equation model analysis. It was found that the model was consistent with the empirical data. Goodness of fit measures were found to be Chi-square (2) = 912.116; Degree of freedom = 858; p–value = 0.097; Relative Chi-square (2/ df) = 1.063; Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) =
Leukocyte profiles of two neotropical anuran species affected by anthropogenic habitat alteration

Many amphibian species are vulnerable to environmental changes, especially in the tropics where presumably a large number of species have evolved narrow niches. Rapid environmental changes, such as deforestation, may promote stress responses in anurans that could affect population viability. The stress response in vertebrates is highly conserved, often involving the liberation of glucocorticoids hormones and the recruitment of immune competent cells. The objective of this work was to evaluate leukocyte profiles among individuals of two neotropical anuran species affected by anthropogenic habitat alteration. We took blood samples from adult individuals of Physalaemus cuvieri and Scinax x‐signatus in natural and converted habitats in NE Brazil. We analyzed differential leukocyte counts, where increases in neutrophils and decreases in lymphocytes are indicative of a stress response. Specimens of S. x‐signatus captured in highly altered habitats presented a higher neutrophil:lymphocyte (N:L) ratios than individuals from natural habitats. In contrast, P. cuvieri individuals exhibited no difference in N:L ratios between habitat types. These results suggest that the immune response depends on the species and the level of habitat alteration. Although S. x‐signatus can be considered a generalist species, individuals from this species exhibited increased stress response associated with habitat alteration. The lack of a strong stress response of P. cuvieri, may suggest that this species is more tolerant of habitat alteration or that those individuals have acclimated to anthropogenic stressors more rapidly than S. x‐signatus. These variable responses of immune function in highly altered habitats suggest avenues for future experimental work that examines responses to multiple stressors, including disease, which could scale to population trends in altered habitats.
Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for selenium.

5 Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies 6 (NDA) derived Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) for selenium. The levelling off of plasma selenoprotein P 7 (SEPP1) concentration was considered to be indicative of an adequate supply of selenium to all tissues and to 8 reflect saturation of the functional selenium body pool, ensuring that selenium requirement is met. This criterion 9 was used for establishing DRVs for selenium in adults. Evidence from human studies on the relationship between 10 selenium intakes and plasma SEPP1 concentrations was reviewed. Given the uncertainties in available data on 11 this relationship, they were considered insufficient to derive an Average Requirement and an Adequate Intake 12 (AI) of 70 μg/day for adults was set. A review of observational studies and randomised controlled trials which 13 investigated the relationship between selenium and health outcomes did not provide evidence for additional 14 benefits associated with selenium intakes beyond those required for the levelling off of SEPP1. No specific 15 indicators of selenium requirements were available for infants, children and adolescents. For infants aged 7– 16 11 months, an AI of 15 μg/day was derived by extrapolating upwards from the estimated selenium intake with 17 breast milk of younger exclusively breast-fed infants and taking into account differences in reference body 18 weights. For children and adolescents, the AIs for selenium were extrapolated from the AI for adults by isometric 19 scaling and range from 15 μg/day for 1 to 3 year-old children to 65 μg/day for adolescents aged 15–17 years. 20 Considering that adaptive changes in the metabolism of selenium occur during pregnancy, the AI set for adult 21 women applies to pregnancy. For lactating women, an additional selenium intake of 15 μg/day was estimated to 22 cover the amount of selenium secreted in breast milk, and an AI of 85 μg/day was set. 23 © European Food Safety Authority, 2014 24
Twelve-lead electrocardiogram and mortality in young adults after ischaemic stroke

Introduction Ischaemic stroke at young age carries an increased risk for mortality in comparison to the general population, but factors associated with mortality have been poorly studied. We studied the role of electrocardiogram in mortality risk stratification in young stroke patients. Patients and methods The Helsinki Young Stroke Registry encompasses 1008 patients aged <50 years with ischaemic stroke. We included 690 patients for this electrocardiogram substudy. Our endpoints were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Cox regression models – adjusted for clinical and demographic characteristics – were used to identify the electrocardiogram parameters associated with these endpoints. Results At a mean follow-up of 8.8 years, cumulative all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were 16.1 and 9.1%, respectively. Factors associated with both endpoints included diabetes (type 1 for all-cause, type 2 for cardiovascular mortality), heavy drinking, malignancy, as well as stroke severity and aetiology. Of the electrocardiogram parameters, higher heart rate (hazard ratio 1.35 per 10/min, 95% confidence interval 1.21–1.49), a shorter P-wave (hazard ratio 0.78 per 10 ms decrement, 0.64–0.92) and longer QTc interval (1.09 per 10 ms, 1.03–1.16) were associated with increased all-cause mortality. Only a higher heart rate (1.42 per 10/min, 1.24–1.60) was associated with death from cardiovascular causes. Conclusions A higher heart rate during the subacute phase after stroke is associated with an elevated risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in young adults. A longer QTc interval is associated only with higher all-cause mortality. P-wave characteristics and their possible association with mortality need further studies.
The changes in body build and strength in female after a 4-month combined judo and strength training program

In judo great significance is attached to the development of strength, which is crucial for performing offensive and defensive actions during fights. Another aspect of strength training is improvement of body build and general physical health of female athletes. The present study aims to estimate the changes of strength and body composition in non-elite female judoists from academic sports clubs after a combined judo and strength training program. The study examined changes in body build and muscle strength in 20 female judoists participating in judo training and additional adaptive strength training. The anthropometric, physical and motoric measurements were performed twice at four months interval, before and after a combined training program. After the completion of the training program, significant increases of about 10 kg in back muscle strength and of about 2 kg in hand grip strength were noted. No increases in muscle mass and body girths were observed; however, fat mass decreased for about 0.6 kg, which was additionally confirmed by skinfolds thickness measurements. Body mass and BMI remained unchanged. The analysis using Sheldon’s somatotypes revealed a tendency towards lower endomorphy among the studied judoists after four months training period. The results of the present study indicate that even experienced but non-elite academic female judoists could improve their back muscle strength, handgrip strength, and body composition by completing the proposed strength training program along with judo training.
Examining the usage of Instagram as a source of information for young consumers when determining tourist destinations

Background: Online social networking websites have revolutionised communication in the postmodern era of today. Specifically, Instagram has witnessed a phenomenal growth, and the site is particularly popular with young consumers in South Africa. Instagram is seen by this cohort as a source of information to determine their tourism destinations. Objectives: This research examined how perceived usefulness of Instagram, perceived ease of use of Instagram and perceived credibility of Instagram influence attitude towards the use of Instagram, intent on using Instagram and actual use of Instagram to identify tourist destinations amongst young consumers. Method: A survey questionnaire was administered to 349 young student consumers who were based in the Johannesburg Metropolitan area of the Gauteng province, South Africa. A structural equation modelling procedure was utilised in testing the proposed relationships. Results: The results indicate that all the hypotheses suggested have been positive and significant. It is worth noting that there was the strongest connection between attitude towards Instagram for identifying travel destinations and intention to use Instagram for identifying travel destinations. Conclusion: Tourism organisation marketers may be able to devote time in researching the practicality of using Instagram to increase awareness of tourist locations.
Analysis of Correlations Between Selected Blood Markers of Liver Function and Milk Composition in Cows During Late Lactation Period

Abstract The knowledge of the existing levels and the interrelationships between various blood and milk parameters is very useful for the analysis and monitoring of homeostasis high-yielding dairy cows. The aim of the study was to evaluate these values and correlations for selected blood markers of liver function aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), bilirubin, albumin, glucose, cholesterol) and selected milk parameters: somatic cell count (SCC), colony-forming units (CFU), fat, protein, lactose, dry matter (DM), fat-free dry matter (FDM), and milk production in cows during late lactation period. At the same time blood and milk samples were collected from 11 clinically healthy milking cows in later lactation period. The 11 selected cows were examined once a day for 3 days resulting in 33 sets of blood and milk samples for laboratory and statistical analysis. Significant positive correlations were observed between: ALT and albumin, ALT and cholesterol, GGT and glucose, albumin and cholesterol, CFU and fat, CFU and DM, SCC and protein, fat and DM, protein and FDM, lactose and FDM, GPT and FDM, albumin and protein, albumin and FDM, glucose and fat, as well as significant negative correlations between: AST and ALT, AST and GGT, AST and albumin, CFU and lactose, fat and lactose, fat and FDM, lactose and DM, DM and FDM, AST and SCC, AST and protein, AST and FDM, ALT and fat, ALT and DM, glucose and DM, cholesterol and CFU. The results obtained may be important for detecting of different biochemical pathways and helpful in estimating, predicting or determining trends, the direction of changes in liver functions and assessing the risk of alert levels for liver blood markers, when only daily results of milk parameters are available.
Awareness and prevalence of metabolic syndrome among high-risk individuals attending internal medicine clinics across Jordan

Purpose: To examine the prevalence and awareness of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in high-risk individuals attending 30 internal medicine clinics in Amman, Jordan, and also to evaluate the various factors associated with increased risk of MetS among them. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out across Amman, Jordan from October to December 2014. During the study period, 900 high-risk individuals (with hypertension, diabetes, central obesity and/or dyslipidemia) were recruited from thirty internal medicine clinics in Amman, Jordan. Data collection forms were filled based on patient interview and medical case file. Results: The prevalence of MetS among high-risk individuals was around 40 % (361/900), with around 79 % (284/361) of MetS patients unaware of their condition. Older age, lower income and family history of premature cardiovascular diseases were associated with a higher prevalence of MetS. Conclusion: Although MetS was found to be highly prevalent among high-risk individuals in this study, the awareness of the condition in this group is very poor. These findings support the need for educational programs that involve both health care providers and patients. These programs should especially target those at risk of MetS, in order to improve awareness of the concept of MetS. Keywords: Prevalence, Metabolic syndrome, Jordan, Awareness, Risk factors