Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Gender Stereotypes May Limit Female Faculty Advancement in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Purpose The field of communication sciences and disorders (CSD) faces a critical shortage of the faculty essential to train the future workforce of speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Despite a predominance of women in the field, men receive doctoral degrees, tenure status, academic leadership positions, and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association awards at disproportionately higher rates than women. The purpose of this review is to explore how implicit gender bias may contribute to female faculty advancement, including current and projected faculty workforce shortages, and to propose tangible solutions. Method The authors present proportions of men and women who receive doctoral degrees, advance to each faculty rank, receive tenure status, hold department chairs in CSD, and receive American Speech-Language-Hearing Association honors and awards. They review ways in which cultural stereotypes give rise to implicit gender bias and discuss myriad ways that implicit gender bias may influence the decisions of students considering an academic career in CSD and their career trajectories. Conclusions Cultural stereotypes about men and women lead to implicit gender bias that may have real consequences for female faculty advancement in CSD. Such implicit bias can influence career selection and outcomes within the field in multiple ways. To ensure that CSD continues to attract top talent and maintain a robust pipeline of future faculty in doctoral training programs, the field must recognize the existence of implicit gender bias and implement evidence-based strategies to minimize its potentially damaging effects on the future of the profession.
Association Between 3-Iodothyronamine (T1AM) Concentrations and Left Ventricular Function in Chronic Heart Failure

CONTEXT Thyroid hormone metabolites might affect the heart. The endogenous aminergic metabolite 3-iodothyronamine (T1am) reduces left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in rodents. OBJECTIVE To investigate concentration of T1am and its association with LVEF and biomarkers of heart function in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) without thyroid disease, including patients with cardiac cachexia (nonedematous weight loss >5% over 6 months). METHODS Cross-sectional study. CHF was characterized by LVEF <45% and symptoms. Three groups were included (n = 19 in each group, matched on age, sex, and kidney function): patients with cachexia (CAC), patients without (non-CAC), and control (C) patients with prior myocardial infarction and LVEF >45%. T1am was measured by a monoclonal antibody-based chemiluminescence immunoassay. N-amino terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) concentrations were also analyzed. RESULTS Mean (SD) LVEF: CAC, 32 ± 9%; non-CAC, 38 ± 8%; and C, 60 ± 8% (P < 0.0001). TSH, T4, and T3 levels did not differ between groups and did not correlate to T1am. Serum T1am (nmol/L) concentrations were higher in CHF: CAC (mean ± SD), 12.4 ± 6.6; non-CAC, 9.1 ± 5; and C, 7.3 ± 2.9. A negative association between T1am and LVEF was present after adjusting for sex, age, T3, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.03). Further, serum T1am levels tended to be associated with NT-proBNP (P = 0.053). CONCLUSION Serum T1am levels were increased in patients with CHF and numerically highest (although nonsignificant) in patients with cardiac cachexia. Increasing T1am concentrations were independently associated with reduced LVEF, suggesting a direct effect on the human heart.
Hepatitis C virus genotypes in hemodialysis patients in Angola

To our knowledge, there are no published data on hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in Angola. This study aimed at assessing the distribution of HCV genotypes in seropositive hemodialysis patients in Luanda. Among 51 HCV‐positive subjects included, viremia was detected in 27 (53%). HCV genotyping was performed by bidirectional sequencing of the 5'‐untranslated region by the Sanger method. HCV genotype 4 was largely predominant (20 cases; 74%), followed by genotypes 1b (5 cases; 18.5%), 1a and 2 (one case each; 3.7%). These results suggest that the distribution of HCV genotypes in Angola is similar to that reported from other Central African countries.
Düzce Üniversitesi Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi

Stenting is the employ of a device to form an artificial corridor, support structure or opening for hollow organs that are blocked because of benign disruptive diseases. The development of biodegradable stents, which can execute the function and leave, is the normal application. Current progress in biodegradable metal and polymer materials nowadays also permit for the design of entirely biodegradable stages, which are intended for scaffolding the vein merely provisionally to stop recoil and tapered remodeling of the vein through the early time needed. Degradable metallic materials could potentially substitute corrosion-resistant metals presently utilized for stent function as it has been exposed that the task of stenting is momentary and restricted to a phase of 6–12 months following implantation through which arterial remodeling and curing happen. The nominee materials for such purpose should have mechanical properties preferably near to those of 316L stainless steel for stent function to supply mechanical maintain to contaminated arteries. Non-toxicity of the metal itself and its degradation products is a further obligation as the material is engrossed by blood and cells. This article reviews Geliş: 08/06/2017, Düzeltme: 05/07/2017, Kabul: 22/07/2017 Düzce Üniversitesi Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi Düzce Üniversitesi Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi, 6 (2018) 328-348
PDMS-Parylene Hybrid, Flexible Microfluidics for Real-Time Modulation of 3D Helical Inertial Microfluidics

Inertial microfluidics has drawn much attention for its applications for circulating tumor cell separations from blood. The fluid flows and the inertial particle focusing in inertial microfluidic systems are highly dependent on the channel geometry and structure. Flexible microfluidic systems can have adjustable 3D channel geometries by curving planar 2D channels into 3D structures, which will enable tunable inertial separation. We present a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-parylene hybrid thin-film microfluidic system that can provide high flexibility for 3D channel shaping while maintaining the channel cross-sectional shape. The PDMS-parylene hybrid microfluidic channels were fabricated by a molding and bonding technique using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) bonding. We constructed 3D helical inertial microfluidic channels by coiling a straight 2D channel and studied the inertial focusing while varying radius of curvature and Reynolds number. This thin film structure allows for high channel curvature and high Dean numbers which leads to faster inertial particle focusing and shorter channel lengths than 2D spiral channels. Most importantly, the focusing positions of particles and cells in the microchannel can be tuned in real time by simply modulating the channel curvature. The simple mechanical modulation of these 3D structure microfluidic systems is expected to provide unique advantages of convenient tuning of cell separation thresholds with a single device.
Prey-size selection, gape limitation and predator vulnerability in Australian blindsnakes (Typhlopidae)

Abstract Abstract. Blindsnakes, Ramphotyphlops nigrescens, are small wormlike fossorial snakes that feed principally on the larvae and pupae of ants. Examination of stomach contents showed that larger blindsnakes consumed larger prey items than, and different prey species from, smaller blindsnakes. Only the largest snakes consumed brood of the large and formidable 'bulldog ants', Myrmecia. Three hypotheses for the causal basis of this size-related shift in dietary habits were tested. Observations on captive snakes suggested that they are gape-limited predators, and the prey items eaten by small snakes in the field are as large as they could physically ingest in the laboratory. Hence, the absence of large prey items from small snakes may be due simply to gape-limitation. However, medium-sized blindsnakes were capable of ingesting items larger than those that they take in the field. The absence of Myrmecia in the diets of these snakes is not due to prey choice ( Myrmecia were readily eaten in the laboratory) or to an inability to locate or follow pheromonal trails of this ant genus, because all size classes of blindsnakes readily followed Myrmecia trails in the laboratory. Instead, the absence of Myrmecia from the diets of smaller snakes is probably due to the snakes' size-dependent vulnerability to nest defence by the bulldog ants. In laboratory encounters, Myrmecia workers were able to bite and sting (and eventually kill) small blindsnakes, but larger snakes were relatively invulnerable to attack.
The maternal feeding display of domestic hens is sensitive to perceived chick error

An animal can be said to teach if, at some cost or at least without obtaining an immediate benefit for itself, it modifies its behaviour in the presence of a naive observer, such that the observer acquires a skill more efficiently than it might otherwise do. An important theoretical issue is the extent to which the demonstrator's behaviour is sensitive to the improving skill level of the observer. This study determined whether domestic hens,Gallus gallus domesticus, were sensitive to feeding errors by their chicks. The feeding displays of 12 hens were studied in two contexts: (1) in the presence of chicks that fed on a food colour that was palatable to the hen, and hence made no apparent feeding errors and (2) in the presence of chicks that fed on a food colour that was unpalatable to the hen, and hence made apparent feeding errors. Both groups of chicks, in reality, fed on palatable food. Hens responded more intensely to chicks that made apparent feeding errors. Hens increased the rate of ground pecking and scratching when they had no food available, and increased the rate of food pecking (although not food ingestion) when they were given food. It is suggested that hens are sensitive to perceived chick error, and that the costs of increased display intensity are balanced by the benefits of attracting chicks to more profitable food items.
Financing the International Criminal Court

In its first ten years, the International Criminal Court (ICC) cost approximately EUR 750 million. For this investment, it has conducted investigations in seven situations and commenced proceedings against 29 persons. However, it has only completed one trial and has yet to achieve significant impact in, arguably its most important function, promoting complementarity. With another eight situations under preliminary examination, its workload and budget requests are expected to increase. Some states are questioning its value for money and looking to restrict its expenditure. This paper examines the realities and challenges of financing the ICC. Firstly, it identifies emerging negative attitudes towards the cost of international criminal justice. Secondly, it describes ICC budgetary practice between 2002 and 2012. Thirdly, it considers the principle factors that should drive the ICC’s workload and therefore its budget. Finally, it examines proposals to cut costs and their potential impact on the ICC’s work.
Noise-dependent song amplitude regulation in a territorial songbird

Abstract Some animals that use sound to communicate compensate for interference from background noise by adjusting the amplitude of their vocalizations as environmental noise levels vary. Territorial songbirds may have evolved a different strategy, since they can be expected to benefit from maximizing the amplitude of their songs to defend territories and attract females. We tested this hypothesis with calibrated measurements of the song level of male nightingales, Luscinia megarhynchos . All birds increased the sound level of their songs in response to an increase in white noise broadcast to them. A second experiment revealed that noise in the spectral region of their own songs was most effective in inducing the birds to increase vocal intensity. These findings show that nightingales do not maximize song amplitude but regulate vocal intensity dependent on the level of masking noise. The adjustment of vocal amplitude may serve to maintain a specific signal-to-noise ratio that is favourable for signal production. Concurrently, increasing the intensity of songs can maintain a given active space for communication. Thus, vocal amplitude in a territorial songbird can be interpreted as a flexible trait, which is individually regulated according to ecological demands from signal transmission. Copyright 2002 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .
An analysis of the effects of using Zolpidem and an innovative multimodal interdisciplinary team approach in prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC)

ABSTRACT Zolpidem has been used with mixed effects in patients presenting with Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness (PDOC). This single case report describes an interdisciplinary team (IDT) protocol combined with Zolpidem 10 mg in a single case of a patient in PDOC. ‘Emily’, a 44-year-old lady was admitted to a rehabilitation unit in Ireland one year post onset of subarachnoid haemorrhage. Standardized assessments diagnosed her as being in a minimally conscious state (MCS). An IDT protocol was devised to stimulate and record responses to sensory and pharmacological stimuli. The protocol was applied pre and post administration of Zolpidem 10 mg. Across standardized measures of awareness, improved results post-Zolpidem were recorded. Spontaneous, appropriate verbalization was the most significant change observed 30 min after administration of Zolpidem 10 mg. This ceased after approximately 2 h with Emily reverting to a non-verbal state. The combined effect of Zolpidem and the IDT protocol applied over an eight-week period resulted in durable functional and communicative gains for Emily, inferring neuro-plasticity. This report highlights the impact of a combined approach of intensive IDT intervention in conjunction with Zolpidem. The use of Zolpidem with this patient population warrants further investigation.
How to Enhance the Power to Detect Brain–Behavior Correlations With Limited Resources

Neuroscience has been diagnosed with a pervasive lack of statistical power and, in turn, reliability. One remedy proposed is a massive increase of typical sample sizes. Parts of the neuroimaging community have embraced this recommendation and actively push for a reallocation of resources toward fewer but larger studies. This is especially true for neuroimaging studies focusing on individual differences to test brain–behavior correlations. Here, I argue for a more efficient solution. Ad hoc simulations show that statistical power crucially depends on the choice of behavioral and neural measures, as well as on sampling strategy. Specifically, behavioral prescreening and the selection of extreme groups can ascertain a high degree of robust in-sample variance. Due to the low cost of behavioral testing compared to neuroimaging, this is a more efficient way of increasing power. For example, prescreening can achieve the power boost afforded by an increase of sample sizes from n = 30 to n = 100 at ∼5% of the cost. This perspective article briefly presents simulations yielding these results, discusses the strengths and limitations of prescreening and addresses some potential counter-arguments. Researchers can use the accompanying online code to simulate the expected power boost of prescreening for their own studies.
Detection and discrimination of natural calls in masking noise by birds: estimating the active space of a signal

We tested the ability of birds to detect and discriminate natural vocal signals in the presence of masking noise using operant conditioning. Masked thresholds were measured for budgerigars, Melopsittacus undulatus, and zebra finches, Taeniopygia guttata, on natural contact calls of budgerigars, zebra finches and canaries, Serinus canaria. Thresholds increased with increasing call bandwidth, the presence of amplitude modulation and high rates of frequency modulation in calls. As expected, detection thresholds increased monotonically with background noise level. Call detection thresholds varied with the spectral shape of noise. Vocal signals were masked predominantly by noise energy in the spectral region of the signals and not by energy at spectral regions remote from the signals. In all cases, thresholds for discrimination between calls of the same species were higher than thresholds for detection of those calls. Our data provide the first opportunity to estimate distances over which specific communication signals may be effective (i.e. their ‘active space’) using masked thresholds for the signals themselves. Our results suggest that measures of peak sound pressure level, combined with the spectrum level of noise within the frequency channel having the greatest signal power relative to background noise, give the most similar results for estimating a signal’s maximum communication distance across a variety of sounds. We provide a simple model for estimating likely detection and discrimination distances for the signals tested here.  2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Shore crabs are able to transfer learned handling skills to novel prey

Abstract We used shore crabs, Carcinus maenas , feeding on molluscan prey as a model system for investigating the effects of previously learned handling skills on a predator's ability to subjugate novel prey. From transfer theory, we predicted that crabs experienced with previous prey (dogwhelks, Nucella lapillus ) requiring similar handling techniques to the novel prey (mussels, Mytilus edulis ) should show positive skill transfer, enabling them to handle the novel prey more efficiently than naive controls (trained on fish). We predicted that crabs experienced with prey requiring dissimilar handling techniques (periwinkles, Littorina littorea ) should show negative skill transfer, impairing their performance relative to controls. Crabs trained to dogwhelks performed better than controls when presented with mussels, whereas crabs trained to periwinkles performed similarly to controls. We conclude that crabs are able to transfer learned handling skills to novel prey requiring common elements of subjugation and suggest that negative transfer may occur only when tasks differ markedly in character.
Metabolic rate, social status and life-history strategies in Atlantic salmon

An animal's relative social status has major short- and long-term consequences, yet its determinants are rarely known. Here a strong relationship between status and standard metabolic rate (SMR) in juvenile Atlantic salmon,Salmo salar, is demonstrated; the higher the SMR, the more dominant the fish. After controlling for SMR, the relative size, weight or date of first feeding of two opponents had no effect on the outcome of encounters. Moreover, these differences in SMR are not a consequence of experience in encounters, since it has previously been shown that the onset of aggressive behaviour occurs later. Since relative social status has a significant influence on subsequent developmental pathways in this species, these results indicate an indirect link between intraspecific variation in metabolic rates and life-history strategies.
Glycoprotein-130 Expression Is Associated with Aggressive Bladder Cancer and Is a Potential Therapeutic Target

Predicting bladder cancer progression is important in selecting the optimal treatment for bladder cancer. Because current diagnostic factors regarding progression are lacking, new factors are needed to further stratify the curative potential of bladder cancer. Glycoprotein-130 (GP130), a transmembrane protein, is central to a number of signal transduction pathways involved in tumor aggressiveness, making it an attractive target. We hypothesize that if GP130 is found in an aggressive population of bladder tumors, then blocking GP130 expression may inhibit bladder cancer growth. Herein, we quantitatively show, using 11 patient samples and four bladder cancer cell lines, that GP130 is expressed in the aggressive human bladder tumors and in high-grade bladder cancer cell lines. Moreover, GP130 is significantly correlated with tumor grade, node category, tumor category, and patient outcome. We demonstrated a tumor-specific GP130 effect by blocking GP130 expression in bladder tumor cells, which resulted in decreased cell viability and reduced cell migration. Furthermore, we reduced tumor volume by approximately 70% compared with controls by downregulating GP130 expression using chitosan-functionalized nanoparticles encapsulating GP130 siRNA in an in vivo bladder cancer xenograft mouse model. Our results indicate that GP130 expression is linked to the aggressiveness of bladder tumors, and blocking GP130 has therapeutic potential in controlling tumor growth.
Testing optimal methods to compare horse postures using geometric morphometrics

The study of animal behavior, especially regarding welfare, needs the development of tools to identify, quantify and compare animal postures with interobserver reliability. While most studies subjectively describe animal postures, or quantify only limited parts of the body, the usage of geometric morphometrics has allowed for the description of horses’ and pigs’ upper body outline and the comparison of postures from different populations thanks to robust statistical analysis. We have attempted here to optimize the geometric morphometrics (GM) method already used in horses by introducing the outline analysis with sliding semilandmarks (SSL), by eliminating the balance movement of the neck and by focusing only on parts of the upper line. For this purpose, photographs of 85 horses from 11 riding schools, known for differing in terms of housing and working conditions, were analyzed with previous and new GM methods and these results were compared with each other. Using SSL and eliminating the neck movement appeared to better discriminate the horse populations than the previous GM method. Study of parts of the dorsum proved efficient too. This new methodology should now be used to examine if posture could be an indicator of horse welfare state, and similar studies should be performed in other species in order to validate the same methodology.
The effect of perch diameter on escape behaviour of
 Anolis lizards
 : laboratory predictions and field tests

This study investigated whether the escape behaviour of lizard species could be predicted by knowledge of their functional capabilities. In the laboratory, the eVect of perch support diameter on sprinting and jumping ability was measured in five species of Anolis lizards. In all species, sprint speed declined with decreasing perch diameter, but decreased perch diameter had little eVect on jumping ability. The escape behaviour of a lizard on a particular-sized support in nature was then evaluated as a function of the lizard's sprinting and jumping capabilities. As diameter decreased, lizards in all but one species tended to escape by jumping more frequently because jumping ability is less aVected by diameter than is sprinting ability. It was also predicted that species in which running ability declines greatly as diameter decreases should switch to escape by jumping more often than species that experience less of a decline in running ability. This prediction was not confirmed. Consequently, functional capabilities play a role in determining escape behaviour in Anolis lizards, but other factors may be important as well. 1996 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour