Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proteomic Analysis of Cattle Tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Saliva: A Comparison between Partially and Fully Engorged Females

The cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is one of the most harmful parasites affecting bovines. Similarly to other hematophagous ectoparasites, R. microplus saliva contains a collection of bioactive compounds that inhibit host defenses against tick feeding activity. Thus, the study of tick salivary components offers opportunities for the development of immunological based tick control methods and medicinal applications. So far, only a few proteins have been identified in cattle tick saliva. The aim of this work was to identify proteins present in R. microplus female tick saliva at different feeding stages. Proteomic analysis of R. microplus saliva allowed identifying peptides corresponding to 187 and 68 tick and bovine proteins, respectively. Our data confirm that (i) R. microplus saliva is complex, and (ii) that there are remarkable differences in saliva composition between partially engorged and fully engorged female ticks. R. microplus saliva is rich mainly in (i) hemelipoproteins and other transporter proteins, (ii) secreted cross-tick species conserved proteins, (iii) lipocalins, (iv) peptidase inhibitors, (v) antimicrobial peptides, (vii) glycine-rich proteins, (viii) housekeeping proteins and (ix) host proteins. This investigation represents the first proteomic study about R. microplus saliva, and reports the most comprehensive Ixodidae tick saliva proteome published to date. Our results improve the understanding of tick salivary modulators of host defense to tick feeding, and provide novel information on the tick-host relationship.
The Religious Conversion of Homosexuals: Subject Selection Is the Voir Dire of Psychological Research

ABSTRACT This paper examines a recent claim by Robert Spitzer, MD, that a small number of gay men and women he interviewed have changed their sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual through prayer and Christian counseling. It traces the repressive anti-sexual movement of the nineteenth century and its influence upon the medical and psychological treatment of homosexuality in the twentieth century. Religious conversion is identified as a regression to a historical belief that sexuality is sinful and harmful to both the body and the mind. The paper critically analyzes the methodology of two studies: Spitzer's data that claims sexual conversion, and another by Shidlo and Schroeder showing that sexual conversion therapies can harm some patients. The paper further examines the ethical issues involved in sexual orientation change, the question of efficacy, as well as some deficiencies in the methodology of the cited research. Extreme bias in subject selection is identified as the primary motivation for the subjects to claim that they have religiously converted from homosexual to heterosexual. Some strategies for countering the potentially harmful effects of the study are suggested.
Models, Regulations, and Functions of Microtubule Severing by Katanin

Regulation of microtubule dynamics depends on stochastic balance between polymerization and severing process which lead to differential spatiotemporal abundance and distribution of microtubules during cell development, differentiation, and morphogenesis. Microtubule severing by a conserved AAA family protein Katanin has emerged as an important microtubule architecture modulating process in cellular functions like division, migration, shaping and so on. Regulated by several factors, Katanin manifests connective crosstalks in network motifs in regulation of anisotropic severing pattern of microtubule protofilaments in cell type and stage dependent way. Mechanisms of structural disintegration of microtubules by Katanin involve heterogeneous mechanochemical processes and sensitivity of microtubules to Katanin plays significant roles in mitosis/meiosis, neurogenesis, cilia/flagella formation, cell wall development and so on. Deregulated and uncoordinated expression of Katanin has been shown to have implications in pathophysiological conditions. In this paper, we highlight mechanistic models and regulations of microtubule severing by Katanin in context of structure and various functions of Katanin in different organisms.
Challenges and coping strategies in leavening an ultra-Orthodox community

This article reports and illustrates challenges encountered by those who were born and raised in an insular Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community and opted to transition to the modern world. Based on content analysis of the narratives shared by means of in-depth interviews with 19 men and women from the NY metropolitan area, social, intellectual, legal, logistic, and financial challenges were identified. Reported strategies for coping with these challenges included reaching compromises and reasoning, relocating to a different geographical area, often to states with a small Jewish population, pretending, developing a “thick skin,” catching up and reinventing. These findings are discussed using a stress and copying conceptual framework. Implications for practice and directions for future research are suggested.
Teaching within and against the circle of privilege: reforming teachers, reforming schools

Three decades of neo-liberal education in western countries, particularly English-speaking countries, have not served most children well. The evidence is mounting that the neo-liberal experiment has been a failure on many grounds, not least because of its deprofessionalizing effect on teachers. The disciplinary effects of neo-liberal policy frameworks on education remain powerful, but there are numerous teachers and schools who have resisted the regime of managerialism and accountability. This paper celebrates such activists. It argues that the internal focus on the delivery of instruction and test-taking inside schools ignores the point that the major influences on the school performance of children exist outside rather than inside the school. The paper argues that young people who have been ‘othered’ and put at a disadvantage by the neo-liberal education system deserve to be treated in a more dignified, engaged and respectful manner than seems to be the case within the ideology of accountability and top-down managerialism.
Visualization of the Interaction between the Precursors of VPg, the Viral Protein Linked to the Genome of Turnip Mosaic Virus, and the Translation Eukaryotic Initiation Factor iso 4E In Planta

ABSTRACT The RNA genome of Turnip mosaic virus is covalently linked at its 5′ end to a viral protein known as VPg. This protein binds to the translation eukaryotic initiation factor iso 4E [eIF(iso)4E]. This interaction has been shown to be important for virus infection, although its exact biological function(s) has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the subcellular site of the VPg-eIF(iso)4E interaction using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). As a first step, eIF(iso)4E, 6K-VPg-Pro, and VPg-Pro were expressed as full-length green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions in Nicotiana benthamiana, and their subcellular localizations were visualized by confocal microscopy. eIF(iso)4E was predominantly associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and VPg-Pro was observed in the nucleus and possibly the nucleolus, while 6K-VPg-Pro-GFP induced the formation of cytoplasmic vesicles budding from the ER. In BiFC experiments, reconstituted green fluorescence was observed throughout the nucleus, with a preferential accumulation in subnuclear structures when the GFP split fragments were fused to VPg-Pro and eIF(iso)4E. On the other hand, the interaction of 6K-VPg-Pro with eIF(iso)4E was observed in cytoplasmic vesicles embedded in the ER. These data suggest that the association of VPg with the translation factor might be needed for two different functions, depending of the VPg precursor involved in the interaction. VPg-Pro interaction with eIF(iso)4E may be involved in perturbing normal cellular functions, while 6K-VPg-Pro interaction with the translation factor may be needed for viral RNA translation and/or replication.
Degradation of cross linked polystyrene by repetitive impulse surface flashovers in vacuum

In order to understand aging mechanism of solid insulating materialscaused by surface flashover, this paper presents the electrical degradation characteristics of cross linked polystyrene (XLPS) by repetitive impulse surface flashovers in vacuum. The surface of samples underwent flashover repeatedly under different impulse voltage situations. Each flashover voltage and current was recorded, and the flashover energy was calculated to present flashover properties under each condition. Experimental results indicate that there are different degradation phenomena of XLPS after undergoing those impulse flashovers. The flashovers with small current have positive effect on surface flashover property of insulating material. However, the large currents when flashovers occurred play a destruction role in surface properties of XLPS. It is said that finite numbers of repetitive impulse flashovers under small flashover currents removed the contaminants, water and gas on the sample surface. In addition, it represents a "conditioning" effect and stable situation of flashover properties under these situations due to removal of emission sites, micro protuberance of electrodes and sample surface, especially at the cathode triple junction. However, repetitive flashovers under high flashover current (≫1 kA) led to surface degradation. This phenomena attributes to the high flashover energy changed the sample surface state, destroyed the sample surface and formed apparent carbonized channels and regions on sample surface. So flashover becomes unstable in this situation. Through summarizing and analyzing the experimental results, the flashover energy was proposed as a main factor to characterize the phenomenon of degradation by repetitive impulse flashovers in vacuum.
The Algorithmically Structured Systematic Exploration of Subject's State of Mind: II Reliability and Construct Validity

Objective: To investigate the reliability and validity of a newly developed semistructured interview, the Algorithmically Structured Systematic Exploration of Subject's State of Mind (Assess_Mind). Method: Twelve scales have been developed and used to rate 86 Assess_Mind interviews conducted with patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment. For each rating scale, we assessed interrater reliability, interviewer effect, and construct validity. In addition, a factor analysis of scales was performed. To study the validity of scales and of the factors yielded by factor analysis, patients were assessed with a psychopathological battery including the Child Project Questionnaire, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Ways of Coping Checklist. Results: For 11 of the 12 scales, interrater reliability was fair to excellent. There was no significant interviewer effect affecting any of the scales. In addition, the validity of nine of these 11 scales was demonstrated by their correlations with questionnaires measuring similar constructs. Conclusion: Nine of the Assess_Mind scales appear to have adequate psychometric properties. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
My Class Inventory-Short Form as an Accountability Tool for Elementary School Counselors to Measure Classroom Climate:

A psychometric study with more than 2, 800 upperelementary- age students examined the reliability and factorial validity of the My Class Inventory-Short Form (MCI-SF). Factor analytic and structural equation modeling results suggested that the original measure is a less than satisfactory approach to appraise various dimensions of classroom climate. Researchers subsequently tested a revised version of the MCI-SF, showing that the 18-item measure with four scales (Cohesion, Competitiveness, Friction, and Satisfaction) was psychometrically sound. Implications for elementary school counseling programs and practices are discussed.
Providing psychological services for children of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs): A challenge for school psychologists in the Philippines

In the last 30 years, there has been a rapid increase of Filipino parents leaving the country and their families for better job opportunities abroad. Existing literature points out the impact of migration on the families and on the well-being, academic performance, and school behaviours, family and peer relationships of the children left behind, and the need for interventions to address these concerns. A review of the literature and a survey on the current practices in schools reveals a lack of structured and programmatic interventions in school, which mental health professionals in schools recognize to be essential to help OFW children adjust better. Considering the gaps in the current practice, we recommend that more purposive school-based and family-focused psychological services are implemented to help the children and families left behind by OFW parents.
Dynamic Capabilities: A Review of Past Research and an Agenda for the Future

The dynamic capabilities view, by addressing the question of how firms can cope with changing environments, has gained increasing attention in the management literature in recent years, not only in the concept’s original domain (strategic management) but also in many other areas within business administration. However, such remarkable growth has been associated with a proliferation of definitions of the focal construct as well as the emergence of a complex and disconnected body of research. In addition, the approach has also received some recurring criticisms. In this study, the author reviews the diverse research streams on dynamic capabilities, identifies main limitations and challenges, suggests a new conceptualization of dynamic capability as an aggregate multidimensional construct, and provides guidance about promising avenues for future research.
When Is Foreignness an Asset or a Liability? Explaining the Performance Differential Between Foreign and Local Firms

I seek to make sense of the variety of performance differentials between foreign and local firms observed in international competition and to examine the circumstances that explain these varying outcomes. Toward this end, I develop a theoretical framework that allows for situations in which the costs and advantages that foreign firms have relative to local firms are stronger, weaker, or nonexisting. In this framework, the costs and advantages are measured relative to local firms, and the balance between them determines performance. Tests of the hypotheses on samples of local and foreign financial services firms in London show that affiliates experience the costs and advantages differentially in relation to local firms with varying characteristics. Affiliates enjoy superior advantages when compared with purely domestic local firms, but these differences disappear when affiliates are compared with local multinational enterprises (MNEs). Ownership levels significantly influence the strength of the costs and advantages, but different entry modes undertaken by MNEs have no discernible effect. These findings contribute to the understanding of the implications of foreignness in international competition and the reasons for it being an asset under certain circumstances and a liability under others. They illustrate the merits for practice of understanding the grounds for performance differentials between foreign and local firms, in that different reasons for this outcome require different strategic responses.
The Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire Is a Reliable Tool for Individuals With Parkinson Disease

Background and Purpose: It is not known whether individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) can practice movements mentally. Before this question can be addressed, a reliable imagery assessment tool must be established. The recently developed Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire (KVIQ) is valid for non-disabled individuals and individuals with stroke. We have extended this work by examining the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the KVIQ in individuals with PD. Methods: Eleven individuals with mild to moderate PD were assessed, while on medication, by the same examiner at 2 sessions (5–12 days apart). Test-retest reliability was measured using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). To examine concurrent validity, KVIQ scores from the second session were compared with a gold standard, the revised Movement Imagery Questionnaire, using Spearman rank order correlation coefficients. Results: There was no significant difference between total KVIQ scores for the test-retest sessions (P > 0.05). Overall, test-retest reliability of the KVIQ was good (ICC = 0.87), and reliability of the subscale of the KVIQ for indexing visual imagery and kinesthetic imagery was also good (ICC = 0.82 and 0.95, respectively). However, the subscale indexing axial visual imagery showed less reliability (ICC = 0.74), suggesting that individuals with PD were not as reliable when imagining axial visual movements as they were for imagining limb movements. Concurrent validity between the second session KVIQ score and the revised Movement Imagery Questionnaire score (gold standard) was excellent (rho = 0.93). Conclusion: Our data support the conclusion that the KVIQ is a reliable and valid test for indexing mental imagery ability in individuals with PD. The KVIQ is easy to administer, and the movements (both real and imagined) required are appropriate for individuals with neuropathology. Our data suggest that the KVIQ is a good choice for clinicians who may wish to index motor imagery ability before implementing imagery as a rehabilitation intervention.
Opposite-phase register switching for peak current minimization

In a synchronous sequential circuit, huge current peaks are often observed at the moment of clock transition (since all registers are clocked). Previous works focus on reducing the number of switching registers. However, even though the switching registers are the same, different combinations of switching directions still result in different peak currents. Based on that observation, in this article, we propose an ECO (engineering change order) approach to minimize the peak current by considering the switching directions of registers. Our approach is well suitable for reducing the peak current in IC testing. Experimental data consistently show that our approach works well in practice.
Dating Preferences of Women Born between 1945 and 1960

The purpose of this study was to explore the dating experiences of older women, specifically heterosexual women between the ages of 35 and 50 years compared to a group of younger women (ages between 20 to 25 years). One finding of this study is that many of the older women chose men who were younger than they. The results of this study highlight the need to revisit the current definition of“suitability”of dating partner criteria for unmarried womenas they age by proposing that older women who are not married may have different criteria for evaluating the desirability of potential partners.
Trade and Wages: Choosing Among Alternative Explanations

North-South trade competition cannot be an explanation for the adverse trend for U.S. unskilled wages. If wage competition in these industries from abroad pushed down wages, then prices of these goods should also have gone down, and they have not. Also VERs and anti-dumping measures have protected exactly the wage earners supposedly threatened.
A relação da preferência musical com os cinco grandes fatores da personalidade

Few works in personality psychology had the musical preference construct in their analyses. This scenario has being changing but yet, further research is necessary, especially in the Brazilian psychology. This research verified mainly the relation between the personality traits and the music preference. The participants were 225 college students (M=22 years; SD=6.41). They answered to the Music Preference Scale and to the Big Five Inventory. Some statistically significant correlations were verified between the dimensions of music preference and the personality traits. There was a positive relation between Mass Music and Extroversion and a negative association between mass music and Openness. Refined Music and Neuroticism presented negative association, and Mass Music and Openess were negatively correlated. The Refined Music dimension still became statistically significant related to Openess, and presented a positive form. Finally, alternative music was negatively related to Neuroticism. The analysis indicated that music preference is related to personality traits and is important for its understanding.
A Prototype Analysis of the Portuguese Concept of Saudade

The present research examined the way laypersons in Portugal conceptualize saudade, using Rosch’s Prototype Theory. Study 1 showed that when asked to list prototypic features of saudade, each participant was able to evoke about 7 different features, which resulted in a total list of 182 separate features. Study 2 showed that when asked to rate centrality of features of saudade, each participant was able to rate features as more or less prototypical of the concept, and the range of their ratings considerably varied. It also showed that when asked to rate the affective valence of these features, each participant was able to rate features as more or less positive/negative, and the range of their responses varied from the negative to the positive scale anchors, which attested that they were fully aware of the complexity of the concept. Studies 3 and 4 showed that centrality of feature had an impact on cognition. The prototypical structure of saudade slightly interfered with free recall, more strongly interfered with recognition, and considerably impacted on story writing related with past experiences of saudade.
Factors Influencing Support for National Health Insurance among Patients Attending Specialist Clinics in Malaysia

This study was carried out to determine the level of support towards the proposed National Health Insurance scheme among Malaysian patients attending specialist clinics at the National University of Malaysia Medical centre and its influencing factors. The cross sectional study was carried out from July-October 2012. 260 patients were selected using multistage sampling method. 71.2% of respondents supported the proposed National Health insurance scheme. 61.4% of respondents are willing to pay up to RM240 per year to join the National Health Insurance and 76.6% of respondents are of the view that enrolment in NHI should be made compulsory. Knowledge had a positive influence on respondent's support towards National Health Insurance. National Health Insurance when implemented in Malaysia can be used to raise funds for health care financing, increase access to health services and achieve the desired health status. More efforts should be taken to promote the scheme and educate the public in order to achieve higher support towards the proposed National Health Insurance. The cost to enroll in NHI as well as services to be included under the scheme should be duly considered.