Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The emergency contraceptive pill rescheduled: a focus group study of women's knowledge, attitudes and experiences

Background and methodology The levonorgestrel-containing emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), amongst other strategies, has the potential to assist in reducing unintended pregnancy and abortion rates. Since the rescheduling of the ECP in January 2004 to over-the-counter (OTC) status from pharmacies in Australia, there is little information about Australian women's ECP knowledge, attitudes or practice. The aim of the study was to explore Australian women's knowledge of, attitudes towards and experiences of using the ECP, particularly since it has been available OTC. This paper reports a qualitative study using six focus groups, which were conducted between February and June 2007 in four Australian states with 29 women aged 16–29 years. Results Participants had a lack of specific knowledge about the ECP. Most were positive about the ECP being available OTC, however some expressed concerns about younger women misusing it. Women's experiences obtaining the ECP from the pharmacy were both positive and negative. Most women said they would use the ECP again if required and would recommend it to a friend. Pharmacists were seen as important suppliers of the ECP but women felt it was not their role to provide advice about contraception or sexually transmitted infections. Discussion and conclusions The findings from this study confirm views from other studies, which suggest that although women have some concerns in relation to OTC supply of the ECP, they believe that the deregulation of the ECP is a positive step. The data also suggest that women need to be provided with more information and education about the ECP.
Antimicrobial, resistance‐modifying effects, antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of Mezoneuron benthamianum Baill., Securinega virosa Roxb. &Wlld. and Microglossa pyrifolia Lam.

Mezoneuron benthamianum, Securinega virosa and Microglossa pyrifolia are used in folk medicine in Ghana for the treatment of dermal infections and wounds. Petroleum spirit, chloroform and ethanol extracts of the plants were tested for antimicrobial activity against a battery of organisms using the agar well diffusion technique and a serial dilution microassay. The resistance modifying activities of these extracts on standard antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus possessing efflux mechanisms of resistance have also been assessed. A 4‐fold potentiation of the activity of norfloxacin was observed for ethanol and chloroform extracts of M. benthamianum and S. virosa, respectively, whilst the petroleum spirit extract resulted in a 2‐fold potentiation with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the range 8–16 µg/mL. Ethanol extracts of all three species, the petroleum spirit extract of M. benthamianum and the chloroform extracts of M. benthamianum and S. virosa, showed interesting antimicrobial activities. Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities using DPPH spectrophotometric and TBA lipid peroxidation assays were also conducted. Of the five extracts that showed antioxidant activities, the petroleum spirit and chloroform extracts of M. benthamianum rated most highly by displaying strong free radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 15.33 and 19.72 µg/mL, respectively. Lipid peroxidation inhibition provided by the same two extracts also produced the lowest IC50 values for all the extracts tested, of 23.15 and 30.36 µg/mL. These findings therefore give some support to the ethnopharmacological use of the plants in the treatment of various skin diseases and wounds, as well as demonstrating the potential of some of the plants as sources of compounds possessing the ability to modulate bacterial multidrug resistance. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agreement and reading time for differently-priced devices for the digital capture of X-ray films

We assessed the reliability of three digital capture devices: a film digitizer (which cost US $15,000), a flat-bed scanner (US $1800) and a digital camera (US $450). Reliability was measured as the agreement between six observers when reading images acquired from a single device and also in terms of the pair-device agreement. The images were 136 chest X-ray cases. The variables measured were the interstitial opacities distribution, interstitial patterns, nodule size and percentage pneumothorax size. The agreement between the six readers when reading images acquired from a single device was similar for the three devices. The pair-device agreements were moderate for all variables. There were significant differences in reading-time between devices: the mean reading-time for the film digitizer was 93 s, it was 59 s for the flat-bed scanner and 70 s for the digital camera. Despite the differences in their cost, there were no substantial differences in the performance of the three devices.
Methanogenesis by Methanosarcina acetivorans involves two structurally and functionally distinct classes of heterodisulfide reductase

Biochemical studies have revealed two distinct classes of Coenzyme B‐Coenzyme M heterodisulfide (CoB‐S‐S‐CoM) reductase (Hdr), a key enzyme required for anaerobic respiration in methane‐producing archaea. A cytoplasmic HdrABC enzyme complex is found in most methanogens, whereas a membrane‐bound HdrED complex is found exclusively in members of the order Methanosarcinales. Unexpectedly, genomic data indicate that multiple copies of both Hdr classes are found in all sequenced Methanosarcinales genomes. The Methanosarcina acetivorans hdrED1 operon is constitutively expressed and required for viability under all growth conditions examined, consistent with HdrED being the primary Hdr. HdrABC appears to be specifically involved in methylotrophic methanogenesis, based on reduced growth and methanogenesis rates of an hdrA1C1B1 mutant on methylotrophic substrates and downregulation of the genes during growth on acetate. This conclusion is further supported by phylogenetic analysis showing that the presence of hdrA1 in an organism is specifically correlated with the presence of genes for methylotrophic methanogenesis. Examination of mRNA abundance in methanol‐grown ΔhdrA1C1B1 strains relative to wild‐type revealed upregulation of genes required for synthesis of (di)methylsulfide and for transport and biosynthesis of CoB‐SH and CoM‐SH, suggesting that the mutant has a defect in electron transfer from ferredoxin to CoB‐S‐S‐CoM that causes cofactor limitation.
Background suppression with multiple inversion recovery nulling: Applications to projective angiography

We have developed a technique to accurately null the longitudinal magnetization (Mz) of background material. This suppression involves first saturating the longitudinal magnetization (Mz) of a region, and then applying several nonselective inversions. The inversions are timed relative to the saturation such that Mz is nulled across a broad range of T1 at a predetermined time after the initial saturation. B1 and B0 inhomogeneity, which could lead to inaccurate suppression, are dealt with by the combination of a multiple tip saturation sequence and four adiabatic inversion pulses. The suppression sequence can be used to form projective angiograms by selectively tagging the imaging region with the saturation pulse. After the inversions are played out, a projection taken through the tag region when Mz is nulled will only contain signal from blood that has flown into the region after the saturation. Since only two dimensions are acquired, the technique can acquire gated projection angiograms in reasonable scan times. Representative inflow MIR angiograms of the carotid arteries and renal arteries show excellent background suppression.
The incidence and severity of gastric ulceration does not increase in overtrained Standardbred horses.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Gastric ulceration can be caused by different pathophysiological mechanisms including dietary factors, psychological stress and exercise. Overtraining is a medical syndrome in performance horses associated with altered hormone levels, altered feed intake, altered behaviour and decreased performance. These components might lead to a higher incidence of gastric ulceration in overtrained horses. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether the incidence of gastric ulceration is increased in overtrained compared to control horses. METHODS A longitudinal training study with twelve 1.5 years old Standardbred horses was performed on a treadmill for a total of 32 weeks. Training was divided into 4 periods: (1) acclimatisation (2) training (3) intensified training, and (4) detraining. In period 3, the horses were randomly divided into 2 groups: control (C) and intensified trained group (IT). At the end of each period, gastroscopy was performed in conscious horses after withholding feed for 12 h and water for 6 h using a 3.5 m video gastroendoscope. Lesion scores were assigned to areas of the stomach and graded 1-4. Logistic regression was used for statistical calculations. RESULTS Evaluation of the stomach revealed only minor changes (grades 1 or 2) on each occasion. There were no significant differences in gastric lesion scores between groups or periods. Most lesions (70%) were found around the minor curvature. After detraining no lesions (0%) were found in contrast to periods 1 (40%, P = 0.056), 2 (30%) and 3 (30%). CONCLUSIONS Experimentally-induced overtraining does not increase the incidence of gastric ulceration in normally fed Standardbred horses and detraining appears to reduce gastric ulceration.
Comparative in vitro and in vivo activities of six new monofluoroquinolone and difluoroquinolone 3-carboxylic acids with a 7-azetidin ring substituent

E-4502, E-4501, E-4500, E-4480, E-4474, and E-4441 are new monofluorinated or difluorinated quinolone agents that are chemically characterized by the presence of an azetidin ring, with different C'-3 substituents, at position 7 of the molecular structure. The MICs of the difluorinated compounds E-4501, E-4474, and E-4441 for 90% of isolates were 0.06 to 1, 0.06 to 1, and 0.12 to 1 microgram/ml, respectively, against gram-positive organisms (staphylococci, streptococci, and Enterococcus faecalis); 0.0015 to 0.12, 0.015 to 0.12, and 0.03 to 0.12 microgram/ml, respectively, against members of the family Enterobacteriaceae except Providencia spp. ; and 1, 1, and 2 micrograms/ml, respectively, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. E-4501, E-4474, and E-4441 inhibited all anaerobic bacteria at concentrations of 1, 2, and 4 micrograms/ml, respectively. Difluorinated compounds were significantly more active than the corresponding monofluorinated analogs E-4502, E-4500, and E-4480 against aerobic and facultatively anaerobic organisms, as well as against anaerobes. Considering monofluorinated and difluorinated compounds, activity in moderate ascending order was observed in quinolones containing an amine and a methyl group (E-4441 and E-4480), an amine group (E-4474 and E-4500), and a methylamine group (E-4501 and E-4502) in the C'-3 position of the azetidin ring. E-4501, E-4474, and E-4441 were more active than norfloxacin and DR-3355 [S-(-)-ofloxacin], had activities comparable to or slightly lower than that of ciprofloxacin against gram-negative bacteria, and were more active than all the reference quinolones against gram-positive organisms and anaerobes. E-4502 and E-4501, which were used to determine the effect of pH, were less active in acidic medium. In general, E-4502, E-4501, E-4500, E-4480, E-4474, and E-4441 activities were not affected or increased in medium containing serum but decreased in the presence of 10 mM Mg2+ or in human urine at pH 5.5. The protective effect of E-4501, E-4474, and E-4441 after oral administration against systemic infections with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice was greater than that of ciprofloxacin.
ZnO quantum dot-doped graphene/h-BN/GaN-heterostructure ultraviolet photodetector with extremely high responsivity

A ZnO quantum dot photo-doped graphene/h-BN/GaN-heterostructure ultraviolet photodetector with extremely high responsivity of more than 1915 A W−1 and detectivity of more than 1.02 × 1013 Jones (Jones = cm Hz1/2 W−1) has been demonstrated. The interfaced h-BN layer increases the barrier height at the graphene/GaN heterojunction, which decreases the dark current and improves the on/off current ratio of the device. The photo-doping effect increases the barrier height and carrier concentration at the graphene/h-BN/GaN heterojunction, thus the responsivity is improved from 1473 A W−1 to 1915 A W−1 and the detectivity is improved from 5.8 × 1012 to 1.0 × 1013 Jones. Moreover, all of the responsivity and detectivity values are the highest values among all the graphene-based ultraviolet photodetectors.
Ant Colony Optimization for solving the TSP symetric with parallel processing

This paper describes the symmetric travelling salesman problem (TSP) with 22 and 1060 cities with Euclidean distances and its solution with different ACO variants using parallel processing. We implemented the algorithms Elitist Ant System (EAS) and Rank Based Ant System (ASrank) with parallel processing to find optimal results for TSP.
Detecting and Counting Small Pattern Graphs

We study the induced subgraph isomorphism problem and the general subgraph isomorphism problem for small pattern graphs. We present a new general method for detecting induced subgraphs of a host graph isomorphic to a fixed pattern graph by reduction to polynomial testing for nonidentity with zero over a field of finite characteristic. It yields new upper time bounds for several pattern graphs on five vertices and provides an alternative combinatorial method for the majority of pattern graphs on four and three vertices. Since our method avoids the large overhead of fast matrix multiplication, it can be of practical interest even for larger pattern graphs. Next, we derive new upper time bounds on counting the number of isomorphisms between a fixed pattern graph with an independent set of size $s$ and a subgraph of the host graph. We also consider a weighted version of the counting problem, when one counts the number of isomorphisms between the pattern graph and lightest subgraphs, providing a slightly slowe.
Unawareness of memory impairment in dementia: a population-based study

ABSTRACT Background: Unawareness of cognitive deficit in people with dementia (PwD) has wide clinical implications, impacting on help-seeking behavior, treatment compliance, and patient safety. Most studies on unawareness among PwD have been conducted in small clinical samples. This study investigated the frequency of unawareness of memory impairment in dementia, exploring regional differences and sociodemographic and health status correlates in large population-based surveys. Methods: Community samples (total n = 15,022) from three world regions (Latin America, China, and India) were obtained using cross-sectional population-based surveys. Out of these, 897 (5.97%) PwD with memory impairment were identified using standardized interviews, diagnostic algorithms (DSM-IV or 10/66 criteria), and neuropsychological memory assessment. Unawareness of memory deficits was ascertained from the participants’ subjective report. The frequency of unawareness was calculated for each region and associations with demographic variables and health status were investigated using prevalence ratios and Poisson regressions. Results: Regional differences in frequency of unawareness were found, from 63% in China to 81% in India. Unawareness was associated with depression in China and Latin America, dementia severity in India and Latin America, and education and socioeconomic level in Latin America. Conclusions: Unawareness of memory impairment in PwD varies across international regions. Our data support the notion that unawareness should be seen not only as a common neurobiological feature of dementia, increasing with severity of dementia, but also as a phenomenon influenced by social and cultural factors.
Improved TEM samples of semiconductors prepared by a small‐angle cleavage technique

A small‐angle cleavage technique has been developed that produces superior transmission electron microscope (TEM) samples of semiconductors and related materials. The technique involves back‐thinning the sample to approximately 100 μm, then scribing a groove on this back face at a specified small angle to a standard cleavage plane. The sample is cleaved along this scribe line followed by cleaving along the standard cleavage plane to produce a thin wedged sample. Samples prepared by this method are characterized and compared with conventional and low‐angle ion milled samples. The technique is illustrated, and the characteristic geometry of the cleaved sample is explained in terms of a simplified cleavage model. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improvement of ganoderic acid and Ganoderma polysaccharide biosynthesis by Ganoderma lucidum fermentation under the inducement of Cu2+

The cell growth and total accumulation of bioactive metabolites were significantly improved by Cu2+ addition during the submerged fermentation of medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum. A mathematical model, constructed by response surface methodology combination with full factorial design, was applied to study the synergic effect of Cu2+ addition concentration and addition time. The optimal Cu2+ inducement strategy for the cell growth were different from those for the biosynthesis of ganoderic acid (GA) and Ganoderma polysaccharide. A multiple additions strategy of Cu2+ by adding each 1 mM Cu2+ on day 2, 6, 8 and 2 mM Cu2+ on day 4 was developed to enhance total accumulation of GA and extracellular polysaccharides. The highest GA content reached 3.0 ± 0.1 mg per 100 mg DW, which was increased by 76.5% and 33.9% compared with the control without Cu2+ addition and the peak value predicted by the constructed mathematical model, respectively. While, relatively higher addition concentration of Cu2+ (i.e., 5 mM) on the culture of day 4 led to higher content and total production of intracellular polysaccharides. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 2010
Validity of accelerometry for the assessment of moderate intensity physical activity in the field.

PURPOSE This study was undertaken to examine the validity of accelerometry in assessing moderate intensity physical activity in the field and to evaluate the metabolic cost of various recreational and household activities. METHODS Twenty-five subjects completed four bouts of overground walking at a range of self-selected speeds, played two holes of golf, and performed indoor (window washing, dusting, vacuuming) and outdoor (lawn mowing, planting shrubs) household tasks. Energy expenditure was measured using a portable metabolic system, and motion was recorded using a Yamax Digiwalker pedometer (walking only), a Computer Science and Application, Inc. (CSA) accelerometer, and a Tritrac accelerometer. Correlations between accelerometer counts and energy cost were examined. In addition, individual equations to predict METs from counts were developed from the walking data and applied to the other activities to compare the relationships between counts and energy cost. RESULTS Observed MET levels differed from values reported in the Compendium of Physical Activities, although all activities fell in the moderate intensity range. Relationships between counts and METs were stronger for walking (CSA, r = 0.77; Tritrac, r = 0.89) than for all activities combined (CSA, r = 0.59; Tritrac, r = 0.62). Metabolic costs of golf and the household activities were underestimated by 30-60% based on the equations derived from level walking. CONCLUSION The count versus METs relationship for accelerometry was found to be dependent on the type of activity performed, which may be due to the inability of accelerometers to detect increased energy cost from upper body movement, load carriage, or changes in surface or terrain. This may introduce error in attempts to use accelerometry to assess point estimates of physical activity energy expenditure in free-living situations.
Design of a Novel Membrane-Destabilizing Peptide Selectively Acting on Acidic Liposomes

The design of amphipathic peptides resulted in a novel peptide with a selective ability to destabilize lipid bilayers of acidic liposomes. The newly synthesized peptide, termed mast 21, is a 21-residue long amino acid chain and can only act effectively on acidic liposomes lacking cholesterol. Moreover, mast 21 killed Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and it had no hemolytic activity. The antimicrobial and hemolytic activities paralleled the results of membrane destabilizing activity using liposomes. Circular dichroism and Trp-fluorescence emission spectra showed changes in the peptide conformation and circumstances around the peptide during interaction with liposomes. These changes were consistent with an increased α-helical content and a less polar environment for the tryptophan residue of the peptide. Mast 21 was observed under dark-field microscopy in real time attacking liposomes. Acidic liposomes were attacked, which resulted in peeling of the lipid bilayer with its subsequent destruction.
The role of copper money within the dynamics of sovereign debt and the perception of unsound fiat money in 17th- century Castile

The aim of the following paragraphs is to assess the role of fiat copper coins within the cycle of negotiations and approvals concerning sovereign debt in Castile during the first 3 decades of the 17th- Century. The perception of unsound fiat money will be studied using primary sources. The attitudes of contemporaries towards the transformation of coins from quasi- commodity money into unsound fiat money will be featured within the context of Castile's legal and political framework, highlighting alternatives to a devaluation and suggestions to introduce types of currency other than fiat money.
Biogeographic Evolution of Madagascar's Microendemic Biota

The endemic species richness on Madagascar, relative to landmass area, is unparalleled in the world. Many organisms on the island have restricted geographical ranges. A comprehensive hypothesis explaining the evolution of this microendemism has yet to be developed. Using an analysis of watersheds in the context of Quaternary climatic shifts, we provide a new mechanistic model to explain the process of explosive speciation on the island. River catchments with sources at relatively low elevations were zones of isolation and hence led to the speciation of locally endemic taxa, whereas those at higher elevations were zones of retreat and dispersion and hence contain proportionately lower levels of microendemism. These results provide a framework for biogeographic and phylogeographic studies, as well as a basis for prioritizing conservation actions of the remaining natural forest habitats on the island.