Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deficient FGF signaling causes optic nerve dysgenesis and ocular coloboma

FGF signaling plays a pivotal role in eye development. Previous studies using in vitro chick models and systemic zebrafish mutants have suggested that FGF signaling is required for the patterning and specification of the optic vesicle, but due to a lack of genetic models, its role in mammalian retinal development remains elusive. In this study, we show that specific deletion of Fgfr1 and Fgfr2 in the optic vesicle disrupts ERK signaling, which results in optic disc and nerve dysgenesis and, ultimately, ocular coloboma. Defective FGF signaling does not abrogate Shh or BMP signaling, nor does it affect axial patterning of the optic vesicle. Instead, FGF signaling regulates Mitf and Pax2 in coordinating the closure of the optic fissure and optic disc specification, which is necessary for the outgrowth of the optic nerve. Genetic evidence further supports that the formation of an Frs2α-Shp2 complex and its recruitment to FGF receptors are crucial for downstream ERK signaling in this process, whereas constitutively active Ras signaling can rescue ocular coloboma in the FGF signaling mutants. Our results thus reveal a previously unappreciated role of FGF-Frs2α-Shp2-Ras-ERK signaling axis in preventing ocular coloboma. These findings suggest that components of FGF signaling pathway may be novel targets in the diagnosis of and the therapeutic interventions for congenital ocular anomalies.
Differences in perceived competence and physical activity levels during single-gender modified basketball game play in middle school physical education

Creating environments in physical education (PE) that foster perceived competence and physical activity during gender-mixed game play lessons is a challenge, especially with adolescent girls. This study is a small experiment in one PE lesson that aimed to increase the perceived competence and in-class physical activity in girls, by applying a single-gender grouping strategy within co-educational classes. A final sample of 216 students (90 girls; 42%) within 13 classes in grades 7–9 (age 11–15) played basketball in mixed-gender and in single-gender teams. The effects on participant’s perceived competence and moderate-to-vigorous activity (MVPA) were assessed using questionnaires and heart rate monitors, respectively. Although girls’ perceived competence was lower than that of boys, girls’ perceived competence increased during single-gender game play. Physical activity levels were high during both mixed-gender and single-gender game play. Playing invasion games (i.e. basketball, handball, soccer) in gender-specific groups could be a useful strategy for PE teachers to implement into their lessons, in order to improve girls’ perceived competence during invasion games.
THE PASSIVE JOURNALIST

This study explores which sources are “making” local news and whether these sources are simply indicating the type of news that appears, or are shaping newspaper coverage. It provides an empirical record of the extent to which sources are able to dominate news coverage from which future trends in local journalism can be measured. The type and number of sources used in 2979 sampled news stories in four West Yorkshire papers, representing the three main proprietors of local newspapers in the United Kingdom, were recorded for one month and revealed the relatively narrow range of routine sources; 76 per cent of articles cited only a single source. The analysis indicates that journalists are relying less on their readers for news, and that stories of little consequence are being elevated to significant positions, or are filling news pages at the expense of more important stories. Additionally, the reliance on a single source means that alternative views and perspectives relevant to the readership are being overlooked. Journalists are becoming more passive, mere processors of one-sided information or bland copy dictated by sources. These trends indicate poor journalistic standards and may be exacerbating declining local newspaper sales.
Allelic Variation in the Perennial Ryegrass FLOWERING LOCUS T Gene Is Associated with Changes in Flowering Time across a Range of Populations1[W]

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) gene and its orthologs in other plant species (e.g. rice [Oryza sativa] OsFTL2/Hd3a) have an established role in the photoperiodic induction of flowering response. The genomic and phenotypic variations associated with the perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) ortholog of FT, designated LpFT3, was assessed in a diverse collection of nine European germplasm populations, which together constituted an association panel of 864 plants. Sequencing and genotyping of a series of amplicons derived from the nine populations, containing the complete exon and intron sequences as well as 5′ and 3′ noncoding sequences of LpFT3, identified a total of seven haplotypes. Genotyping assays designed to detect the genomic variation showed that three haplotypes were present in approximately equal proportions and represented 84% of the total, with a fourth representing a further 11%. Of the three major haplotypes, two were predicted to code for identical protein products and the third contained two amino acid substitutions. Association analysis using either a mixed model with a relationship matrix to correct for population structure and relatedness or structured association with further correction using genomic control indicated significant associations between LpFT3 and variation in flowering time. These associations were corroborated in a validation population segregating for the same major alleles. The most “diagnostic” region of genomic variation was situated 5′ of the coding sequence. Analysis of this region identified that the interhaplotype variation was closely associated with sequence motifs that were apparently conserved in the 5′ region of orthologs of LpFT3 from other plant species. These may represent cis-regulatory elements involved in influencing the expression of this gene.
A jigsaw cooperative learning application in elementary science and technology lessons: physical and chemical changes

Background Cooperative learning is an active learning approach in which students work together in small groups to complete an assigned task. Students commonly find the subject of ‘physical and chemical changes’ difficult and abstract, and thus they generally have many misconceptions about it. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effects of jigsaw cooperative learning activities developed by the researchers on sixth grade students’ understanding of physical and chemical changes. Sample Participants in the study were 61 sixth grade students in a public elementary school in Izmir, Turkey. Design and methods A pre-test and post-test experimental design with a control group was used, and students were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Instruction of the subject was conducted via jigsaw cooperative learning in the experimental group and via teacher-centered instruction in the control group. During the jigsaw process, experimental group students studied the subjects of changes of state, changes in shape and molecular solubility from physical changes, and acid–base reactions, combustion reactions and changes depending on heating from chemical changes in their jigsaw groups. Results The concept test results showed that jigsaw cooperative learning instruction yielded significantly better acquisition of scientific concepts related to physical and chemical changes, compared to traditional learning. Students in the experimental group had a lower proportion of misconceptions than those in the control group, and some misconceptions in the control group were identified for the first time in this study. Conclusions Jigsaw cooperative learning is an effective teaching technique for challenging sixth grade students’ misconceptions in the context of physical and chemical changes, and enhancing their motivation, learning achievements, self-confidence and willingness in the science and technology lesson. This technique could be applied to other chemistry subjects and other grade levels.
Cloning of burkitt lymphoma cells cultured in vitro

The P‐3 (Jijoye) line of Burkitt lymphoma cells was cloned by a semi‐solid agar technique. The cloning efficiency ranged from 47–84%. All of the 47 clonally derived cell lines were similar to the parent culture in terms of vesicular stomatitis virus susceptibility and immunofluorescence with a selected human serum.
The new sciences, self‐organization and democracy

Social scientists have argued recently that the theory and findings of the new sciences (quantum mechanics, chaos theory, and new evolutionary biology) corroborate the essences of liberal democracy. Specifically, scholars have argued that the new sciences’ principle of self‐organization is closely associated with the idea of individual liberty. This article traces the evolution of the new sciences’ self‐organization theory. It then argues that the effort to anchor liberal democracy in self‐organization is misleading; that is to say self‐organization behaviour neither depends on democracy nor does it culminate in democracy. It is also dangerous, because it absolves human agency from the need to protect the vulnerable institutions of liberal democracy.
CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF GESTATIONAL AGE IN THE NEWBORN INFANT

ABSTRACT. Vogt, H. , Haneberg, B. , Finne, P. H. and Stensberg, A. (Department of Paediatrics, University of Bergen, and Department of Clinical Chemistry, Akershus Central Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway). Clinical assessment of gestational age in the newborn infant. An evaluation of two methods. Acta Paediatr Scand, 70:669,. –The scoring systems of Dubowitz et al. and Parkin et al. were evaluated in two selected materials of newborn infants referred to a neonatal unit. Our estimation of gestational age by Dubowitz scores tended to be too high for the extreme prematures. “Small‐for‐dates” were also overestimated, whilst “appropriate‐for‐dates” and infants with respiratory difficulties were underestimated. “Large‐for‐dates” fell close to the standard curve. Ninety‐five per cent confidence limits were up to ±5 weeks for Dubowitz scores and nearly ±6 weeks for Parkin scores. Further statistical analysis displayed some limitations in the use of linear regression formulas for scoring systems based on external and/or neurological characteristics. Thus, the results obtained with these methods must be used with caution in some selected newborn materials.
Legislative Bargaining and Coalition Formation

The finite horizon version of a popular legislative bargaining model due to Baron and Ferejohn is investigated. With three or more rounds of bargaining a continuum of distributions are supportable as subgame perfect equilibria in Markov strategies. Allowing for history dependent strategies subgame perfect equilibria can be constructed where strictly positive shares are given to a larger group of people than necessary for a minimal winning coalition and, if players are sufficiently patient, any distribution where every agent get a strictly positive share can be supported as a subgame perfect equilibrium. In sharp contrast to these results I obtain a generic uniqueness result when allowing for differences in players' time preferences. However, the unique backwards induction equilibrium in the perturbed game is non-stationary. Hence, neither the original (symmetric) game or the perturbed game provides any guidance for equilibrium selection in the infinite game.
Comparison of Complications of Chorionic Villus Sampling and Amniocentesis

Background A significant number of pregnancies are associated with the cytogenetic abnormalities of the fetus. Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are procedures used for prenatal genetic diagnosis. In this study, we compare the safety and complications of mid-trimester amniocentesis and transabdominal CVS. Materials and Methods This analytic cross-sectional study was performed in 308 patients from 2.11.2007 to 26.10. 2009. We had 155 cases of amniocentesis, which we performed in weeks 15-23 of pregnancy; and 153 cases of CVS, which we performed during weeks 10-14 of pregnancy. Results There were 2 cases (1.2%) of premature rupture of membrane (PROM) in amniocentesis which occurred 1 and 10 days after the procedure and caused pregnancy loss before 20 weeks. We had 1 case (0.7%) of abortion in CVS, which occurred 10 days after the procedure. Additionally, there was 1 case of amniotic fluid leakage (0.7%) in which, after admission to the hospital and observation, leakage was stopped and the pregnancy continued normally. Conclusion In this study, we had more complications with amniocentesis cases than CVS. CVS is a procedure performed in the earlier stages of pregnancy and its complications are less than amniocentesis. We suggest CVS to be the procedure of choice for genetic diagnosis.
Whole Rye Consumption Improves Blood and Liver n-3 Fatty Acid Profile and Gut Microbiota Composition in Rats

Background Whole rye (WR) consumption seems to be associated with beneficial health effects. Although rye fiber and polyphenols are thought to be bioactive, the mechanisms behind the health effects of WR have yet to be fully identified. This study in rats was designed to investigate whether WR can influence the metabolism of n-3 and n-6 long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) and gut microbiota composition. Methods For 12 weeks, rats were fed a diet containing either 50% WR or 50% refined rye (RR). The WR diet provided more fiber (+21%) and polyphenols (+29%) than the RR diet. Fat intake was the same in both diets and particularly involved similar amounts of essential (18-carbon) n-3 and n-6 LCFAs. Results The WR diet significantly increased the 24-hour urinary excretion of polyphenol metabolites–including enterolactone–compared with the RR diet. The WR rats had significantly more n-3 LCFA–in particular, eicosapentanoic (EPA) and docosahexanoic (DHA) acids–in their plasma and liver. Compared with the RR diet, the WR diet brought significant changes in gut microbiota composition, with increased diversity in the feces (Shannon and Simpson indices), decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and decreased proportions of uncultured Clostridiales cluster IA and Clostridium cluster IV in the feces. In contrast, no difference was found between groups with regards to cecum microbiota. The WR rats had lower concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in cecum and feces (p<0.05). Finally, acetate was lower (p<0.001) in the cecum of WR rats while butyrate was lower (p<0.05) in the feces of WR rats. Interpretation This study shows for the first time that WR consumption results in major biological modifications–increased plasma and liver n-3 EPA and DHA levels and improved gut microbiota profile, notably with increased diversity–known to provide health benefits. Unexpectedly, WR decreased SCFA levels in both cecum and feces. More studies are needed to understand the interactions between whole rye (fiber and polyphenols) and gut microbiota and also the mechanisms of action responsible for stimulating n-3 fatty acid metabolism.
Common variants in the region around Osterix are associated with bone mineral density and growth in childhood

Peak bone mass achieved in adolescence is a determinant of bone mass in later life. In order to identify genetic variants affecting bone mineral density (BMD), we performed a genome-wide association study of BMD and related traits in 1518 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). We compared results with a scan of 134 adults with high or low hip BMD. We identified associations with BMD in an area of chromosome 12 containing the Osterix (SP7) locus, a transcription factor responsible for regulating osteoblast differentiation (ALSPAC: P = 5.8 × 10−4; Australia: P = 3.7 × 10−4). This region has previously shown evidence of association with adult hip and lumbar spine BMD in an Icelandic population, as well as nominal association in a UK population. A meta-analysis of these existing studies revealed strong association between SNPs in the Osterix region and adult lumbar spine BMD (P = 9.9 × 10−11). In light of these findings, we genotyped a further 3692 individuals from ALSPAC who had whole body BMD and confirmed the association in children as well (P = 5.4 × 10−5). Moreover, all SNPs were related to height in ALSPAC children, but not weight or body mass index, and when height was included as a covariate in the regression equation, the association with total body BMD was attenuated. We conclude that genetic variants in the region of Osterix are associated with BMD in children and adults probably through primary effects on growth.
Childerley: Nature and Morality in a Country Village

In Childerley, a small village two hours from London, stockbrokers and stock-keepers live side by side in thatched cottages, converted barns and modern homes. Why do these villagers find country living so compelling? Why, despite our urban lives, do so many of us strive for a home in the country, closer to nature? Michael Bell suggests that we are looking for a natural conscience: an unshakeable source of identity and moral value that is free from social interests - comfort and solace and a grounding of self in a world of conflict and change. During his interviews with over 100 of Childerley's 475 residents - both working-class and professional - Bell heard time and again of their desire to be "country people" and of their anxiety over their class identities. Even though they often knowingly participate in class discrimination themselves - and see their neighbours doing the same - most Childerleyans feel a deep moral ambivalence over class. Bell argues they find in class and its conflicts the restraints and workings of social interests and feel that by living "close to nature" they have an alternative: the identity of a "country person," a "villager that the natural conscience gives. " Yet there are clear parallels between the ways in which the villagers conceive of nature and of social life, and Bell traces these parallels across Childerleyans' perspectives on class, gender and politics. Where conventional theories would suggest that what the villagers see as nature is a reflection of how they see society, and that the natural conscience must be a product of social interests, Bell argues that ideological processes are more complex. Childerleyans' understandings of society and of the natural conscience shape each other, says Bell, through a largely intuitive process he calls resonance. This book should be of interest to anyone who has ever lived in the countryside or considered doing so. It should also be of particular interest to scholars of British studies and the sociology of knowledge and culture, and to those who work on problems of environment, community, class and rural life.
Automatic query reformulations for text retrieval in software engineering

There are more than twenty distinct software engineering tasks addressed with text retrieval (TR) techniques, such as, traceability link recovery, feature location, refactoring, reuse, etc. A common issue with all TR applications is that the results of the retrieval depend largely on the quality of the query. When a query performs poorly, it has to be reformulated and this is a difficult task for someone who had trouble writing a good query in the first place. We propose a recommender (called Refoqus) based on machine learning, which is trained with a sample of queries and relevant results. Then, for a given query, it automatically recommends a reformulation strategy that should improve its performance, based on the properties of the query. We evaluated Refoqus empirically against four baseline approaches that are used in natural language document retrieval. The data used for the evaluation corresponds to changes from five open source systems in Java and C++ and it is used in the context of TR-based concept location in source code. Refoqus outperformed the baselines and its recommendations lead to query performance improvement or preservation in 84% of the cases (in average).
Real-Time Recognition of Facial Expressions for Affective Computing Applications

In this paper, a real-time facial expression recognition system is proposed to classify images of human facial expressions into a two dimensional model of emotion. The system is comprised of a facial feature detection system that uses constrained local models to locate the features, and a facial expression recognition system that utilizes multi-class support vector machines to classify the facial expressions. The outputs of the system are values of pleasure and arousal associated with an input image. Classifications rates achieved were 76% for the pleasure dimension and 62% for the arousal dimension. An analysis on facial action parameters also revealed that some parameters were more effective at determining pleasure and arousal values than others.
The Use of Traditional Storytelling in Education to the Learning of Literacy Skills

This paper focuses on the potential contribution of storytelling to education. It examines theoretical frameworks used to contextualise storytelling in formal education. The aim of the review was to identify a range of answers relating to the question: What does storytelling offer to the formal education of primary age children? Five major kinds of contributions, identified in the review of relevant literature, are discussed. They reflect the present state of knowledge about storytelling in education and the aspects which major theorists consider to be important. I have tried to explicate the links between the themes, and to discuss interrelated aspects of the use of storytelling in schools by educationists and storytellers. The first section begins by analysing the relationship of storytelling to other language and expressive arts: writing, talking, reading and drawing.The second section considers thinking and feeling, and the contribution of storytelling to the inner world of affect. The focus moves in .
Lung involvement in angiotropic lymphoma: CT findings.

A ngiotropic lymphoma, a rare malignant neoplasm characterized by intravascular proliferation of lymphoma cells. usually affects the skin, the brain. and sometimes the lungs. Lung involvement can be associated with severe dyspnea resulting in death. However, radiologic manifestations of lung involvement have not been well described. To our knowledge, this report is the first describing the CT manifestations of lung involvement in angiotropic lymphoma.
Monetary reinforcement of abstinence from cocaine among mentally ill patients with cocaine dependence.

OBJECTIVE The study investigated whether contingency management could reduce cocaine use by patients with schizophrenia. METHODS An A-B-A research design, with two-month baseline, intervention, and follow-up phases, was used to study two homeless, treatment-resistant male outpatients with DSM-III-R diagnoses of schizophrenia and cocaine dependence. During the intervention phase, subjects provided daily urine specimens for testing for the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine (BE) and received $25 for each negative test. Concentrations of BE and metabolites of other illicit drugs were assayed twice a week to determine the amount of drug use in addition to frequency. Analysis of variance was used to compare drug use during the three study phases. RESULTS During the intervention, the proportion of tests positive for cocaine was lower for both subjects. Mean urinary concentrations of BE were significantly lower during the intervention than during the baseline. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that modest monetary reinforcement of abstinence may decrease cocaine use among cocaine-dependent patients with schizophrenia.