Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Specificity of the constitutive hexose transport in yeast.

A method has been developed based on the osmotic sensitivity of protoplasts, that permits turbidimetrical estimation of the penetration of non-metabolizable compounds into yeast protoplasts. Using this method a wide variety of sugars and related compounds have been tested as presumptive substrates for the constitutive hexose transport system in baker's yeast. An integration of the results obtained by this method with those obtained by other approaches has led to the establishment of the structural requirements that a compound has to meet in order to be transported. The basic structural requirement seems to be met by a pyranose ring for glucose and a furanose ring for fructose. With compounds that can be regarded as structurally related to d-glucopyranose, there is a broad tolerance for modifications at carbons 1 and 2, and somewhat less so for modifications at carbon 3. Similar requirements, except for carbon 2, apply to compounds that can be regarded as structurally related to D-fructofuranose. Physical diffusion of sugars, and related compounds, through the cell membrane of baker's yeast is very low, so that they only can enter into the cell at measurable rates by means of specific transport devices. The factor by which the entrance of glucose is increased over its physical diffusion, at concentrations in the millimolar range, is of the order of 106.
A Survey on NiTi Rotary Instruments Usage by Endodontists and General Dentist in Tehran

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to assess the extent of adoption, application and the associated issues with the nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments and techniques amongst endodontists and general dentists in Tehran. MATERIALS and METHODS A total of 33 questions classified in six categories of demographics, frequency rate of NiTi rotary instrumentation and information. The sample size comprised of 100 endodontists and 100 general dental practitioners in Tehran. RESULTS The overall response rate was 73.5%. NiTi rotary instruments were used by 98.4% and 50.6% of endodontists and general dentists, respectively. The main mentioned reason for not using rotary NiTi instruments was "lack of education". Among all procedural faults with NiTi, the most prevalent was “intra-canal file fracture” (88.5%) followed by "apical transportation" (71.2%) and "ledging" (68.3%). The main factors associated with the first procedural accident were "over-use" and “excessive pressure”. CONCLUSION Dentists need more training and more comprehensive education regarding NiTi rotary instruments and techniques.
When Does Self-Affirmation Reduce Negative Responses to Antismoking Messages?

Previous research has shown that self-affirmation can reduce individuals’ defensive processing of threatening health messages. In this study, we examine two audience characteristics—smoking experience and trait reactance—that might regulate the effects of self-affirmation on negative message responses within the context of college smoking. Results of a controlled experiment indicate that self-affirmation worked to reduce negative message responses among smokers who were low in trait reactance. For smokers high in trait reactance and nonsmokers, the effect of self-affirmation was either unclear or went in a direction that led to even greater defensive processing.
Causes of Police Behavior: the Current State of Quantitative Research

This paper is a first attempt to organize and codify the findings of quantitative research on four aspects of police behavior: detection, arrest, service, and violence. A framework of five explanatory approaches is used to organize the findings: individual characteristics of police officers; situational, organizational, and community characteristics; and legal variables. The findings generally show weak relationships between a wide range of the hypothesized causes and police behavior, the implica tions of which for building a substantive theory of policing are briefly considered.
The Difficulties Encountered by the Hashemite University Students in Employing the Internet in University Education

This study aimed at investigating the difficulties encountered by the Hashemite University students in employing the internet in university education, and determining the effects of gender, major, and computer experience as well as the dual and triple interaction among these variables. The sample consisted of (502) bachelorʼs level students chosen randomly. The tool consists of (18) items questionnaire which was of sufficient validity and reliability. The appropriate statistical analysis was used. The results revealed that there were big difficulties in employing the internet in university education. However, there were no significant differences related to gender, major, dual or triple interaction among these variables. On other hand, there were significant differences due to computer experience among the students with little experience in favor for medium and high experience. Finally, the researchers suggested some recommendations that decrease the difficulties in employing the internet in university education as encouraging students to use the internet.
The Effects of Family, Neighborhood, and Child Care Contexts on Preschool Children's School Readiness

ii Dedication . iv Acknowledgements . v Vita . viii List of Tables . xii List of Figures . xiii Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 1.1. Literature Review . 6 1.1.1. Theoretical Framework. 6 1.1.2. Home Environment and Children’s School Readiness. 8 1.1. 3. Neighborhood and Children’s School Readiness . 12 1.1. 4. Child-care and Children’s School Readiness . 15 1.2. The Present Study . 22 Chapter 2: Methods . 28 2.1. Overview of Design. 28 x 2.1.1. Procedure . 28 2.1.2. Analytic Sample . 29 2.1.2. Weighting Methodology . 30 2.1. 3. Participants . 31 2.2. Measures . 35 2.2.1. Children’s School Readiness . 35 2.2.2. Independent Variables . 37 2.3. Data Analytic Strategy . 40 2.3. 1. Preliminary Analysis . 40 2.3. 2. Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling . 41 2.3. 1. Missing Data and Outliers . 48 Chapter 4: Results . 50 4.1. Preliminary Analyses . 50 4.2. Bivariate Correlational Analysis . 54 4.3. Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling. 56 4.3. 1. Unconditional Model . 56 4.3. 2. Mediation Model . 58 4.3. 3. Moderation Model . 65 Chapter 5: Discussion . 69
Bicarbonate actions on flagellar and Ca2+-channel responses: initial events in sperm activation

At mating, mammalian sperm are diluted in the male and female reproductive fluids, which brings contact with HCO3- and initiates several cellular responses. We have identified and studied two of the most rapid of these responses. Stop-motion imaging and flagellar waveform analysis show that for mouse epididymal sperm in vitro, the resting flagellar beat frequency is 2-3 Hz at 22-25°C. Local perfusion with HCO3- produces a robust, reversible acceleration to 7 Hz or more. At 15 mM the action of HCO3- begins within 5 seconds and is near-maximal by 30 seconds. The half-times of response are 8.8±0.2 seconds at 15 mM HCO3- and 17.5±0.4 seconds at 1 mM HCO3-. Removal of external HCO3- allows a slow return to basal beat frequency over ∼10 minutes. Increases in beat symmetry accompany the accelerating action of HCO3-. As in our past work, HCO3- also facilitates opening of voltagegated Ca2+ channels, increasing the depolarization-evoked rate of rise of intracellular Ca2+ concentration by more than fivefold. This action also is detectable at 1 mM HCO3- and occurs with an apparent halftime of ∼60 seconds at 15 mM HCO3-. The dual actions of HCO3- respond similarly to pharmacological intervention. Thus, the phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX promotes the actions of HCO3- on flagellar and channel function, and the protein kinase A inhibitor H89 blocks these actions. In addition, a 30 minute incubation with 60 μM cAMP acetoxylmethyl ester increases flagellar beat frequency to nearly 7 Hz and increases the evoked rates of rise of intracellular Ca2+ concentration from 17±4 to 41±6 nM second-1. However, treatment with several other analogs of cAMP produces only scant evidence of the expected mimicry or blockade of the actions of HCO3-, perhaps as a consequence of limited permeation. Our findings indicate a requirement for cAMP-mediated protein phosphorylation in the enhancement of flagellar and channel functions that HCO3- produces during sperm activation.
Daytime sleepiness in patients with congestive heart failure and Cheyne-Stokes respiration.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To determine whether patients with congestive heart failure who develop Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) during sleep experience excessive daytime sleepiness. This was addressed by comparing sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in three groups: patients with CHF and CSR during sleep (CSR group), patients with CHF without CSR (CHF group), and healthy control subjects (control group). DESIGN Single-blind, cross-sectional study. SETTING Patients referred by cardiologists and control subjects recruited from the general community. PATIENTS Twenty-three men: 7 in the CSR group, 7 in the CHF group, and 9 in the control group. MEASUREMENTS Each subject had an overnight sleep study and an assessment of sleepiness the following day. RESULTS The three groups were a similar age: CSR, 68 +/- 5 years; CHF, 62 +/- 4 years; and control, 65 +/- 4 years; and left ventricular ejection fraction was the same in patients with CSR (20 +/- 1.5%) and CHF (23 +/- 5%). Sleep latency was significantly shorter in patients with CSR (4 +/- 1.1 min) than patients with CHF (11.3 +/- 4.8 min) and healthy controls (12.4 +/- 1.9 min) and was within the diagnostic range of severe sleepiness. Patients with CSR had significantly more stage 1 and 2 non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep (CSR, 83 +/- 7; CHF, 64 +/- 9; control, 63 +/- 9% total sleep time), less REM sleep (CSR, 10 +/- 3; CHF, 22 +/- 8; control, 22 +/- 7% total sleep time), and a higher frequency of arousals from sleep (CSR, 30 +/- 16; CHF, 18 +/- 15; control, 10 +/- 2/h of sleep); 66% of arousals were associated with CSR. Regression analysis revealed that sleep latency was inversely related to the amount of stage 1 and 2 NREM sleep (r = -0.67), arousal frequency (r = -0.46), and the apnea-hypopnea index (r = -0.63) and was positively correlated with the amount of slow-wave sleep (r = 0.45) and REM sleep (r = 0.56) and the mean oxygen saturation during sleep (r = 0.50). CONCLUSIONS Patients with CHF who develop CSR experience excessive daytime sleepiness due to sleep disruption. This should be considered the clinical evaluation of these patients' daytime complaints.
Unique Dimeric Structure of BNip3 Transmembrane Domain Suggests Membrane Permeabilization as a Cell Death Trigger*

BNip3 is a prominent representative of apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins with rather unique properties initiating an atypical programmed cell death pathway resembling both necrosis and apoptosis. Many Bcl-2 family proteins modulate the permeability state of the outer mitochondrial membrane by forming homo- and hetero-oligomers. The structure and dynamics of the homodimeric transmembrane domain of BNip3 were investigated with the aid of solution NMR in lipid bicelles and molecular dynamics energy relaxation in an explicit lipid bilayer. The right-handed parallel helix-helix structure of the domain with a hydrogen bond-rich His-Ser node in the middle of the membrane, accessibility of the node for water, and continuous hydrophilic track across the membrane suggest that the domain can provide an ion-conducting pathway through the membrane. Incorporation of the BNip3 transmembrane domain into an artificial lipid bilayer resulted in pH-dependent conductivity increase. A possible biological implication of the findings in relation to triggering necrosis-like cell death by BNip3 is discussed.
No Good Surprises: Intending lecturers' preconceptions and initial experiences of further education

Current initiatives to promote lifelong learning and a broader inclusiveness in post-16 education have focused attention on further education (FE). The article examines the experiences and reactions of 41 intending lecturers studying full-time for a Postgraduate Certificate in Further Education and Training (PGCET), as they enter FE colleges on teaching practice and encounter FE students for the first time. It argues that the sector may have something to learn from the contrast between these intending lecturers' expectations and their subsequent experiences, and that attempts to address problems which are endemic within the current FE sector by initiatives to improve teacher competence, such as the Further Education National Training Organisation (FENTO)'s recently introduced FE teacher training standards, are inadequate and misdirected.
Role of regulatory dendritic cells in allergy and asthma

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most efficient inducers of all immune responses, and are capable of either inducing productive immunity or maintaining the state of tolerance to self antigens and allergens. In this review, we summarize the emerging literature on DCs, with emphasis on the regulatory function of DCs in allergy and asthma. In particular, we summarize recent data regarding the relationship between DC subsets and TH1, TH2, and regulatory T (TReg) cells. The diverse functions of DCs have been attributed to distinct lineages of DCs, which arise from common immature precursor cells that differentiate in response to specific maturationinducing or local microenvironment conditions. These subsets of DCs induce different lineages of T cells, such as TH1, TH2, and TReg cells, including Th1Reg and Th2Reg cells, which regulate allergic diseases and asthma. Subsets of DCs regulate the induction of a variety of T-cell subtypes, which suppress the development of allergy and asthma, thus providing antiinflammatory responses and protective immunity.
The development and use of an instrument to assess students' attitude to the study of chemistry

This paper reports on aspects of a three-phase study whose aim was to gather information on undergraduates' responses to the study of science. The emphasis of this paper is on methodological issues arising from considerations of how to measure and analyse data on attitudes. The study draws on the methodology employed in an earlier study undertaken in Canada, the Views on Science-Technology-Society (VOSTS) study, applying the methodology in a new context. The first two phases involved the development and validation of an appropriate research instrument. The third phase involved using the instrument with students in the first year of study at a South African University. In additional to the quantitative data gathered, the students' responses on the instrument were used to develop in-depth 'profiles' of particular groups of students. This technique proved particularly effective in identifying areas for possible remedial action.
The fallacy of large shape parameters when using the two-parameter weibull distribution

The Weibull distribution is used to characterize the parameters of survival data. However, the two-parameter version of the Weibull model does not include a shift parameter. As the first breakages are sometimes occurring far from 0, the shape of the 2-parameter Weibull distribution must be extreme to accommodate such data. Here we show that Weibull distributions with extreme shapes are degenerate distributions which do not contain information about shape anymore. Because of this, any 2- parameter Weibull distribution with large shape parameter can be mimicked by another large-shaped distribution. The argument is further illustrated with simulated results. We present simple solutions to detect and avoid such situations.
Toxic effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on red blood cells, platelets, and vascular endothelial cells in vitro

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is widely used in biological studies as a cryoprotective agent for cells and tissues, and also for cryopreserved platelets (PLTs). However, few data on the toxic effects of DMSO following intravenous infusion of cryopreserved PLTs are available. The aim of this study was to explore dose‐related effects of DMSO on red blood cells (RBCs), PLTs and vascular endothelial cells in vitro. The results showed that DMSO treatments had significant effects on RBCs, affecting osmotic fragility and increasing hemolysis. Free hemoglobin (FHb) level of RBCs was 0.64 ± 0.19 g L−1 after incubation for 6 h with 0.6% DMSO, and these levels were elevated compared with controls (0.09 ± 0.05 g L−1). Aggregation of PLTs induced by adenosine diphosphate, thrombin (THR), and thrombin receptor activator peptide (TRAP) were inhibited by DMSO treatment because the THR generation capacity was reduced. The intensity of the cytosolic esterase‐induced fluorescence response from carboxy dimethyl fluorescein diacetate (CMFDA) in PLTs was decreased about 29% ± 0.04% after treatment with DMSO. DMSO also inhibited the proliferation of the vascular endothelial cell line EAhy926 cells by blocking the G1 phase. Apoptosis of EAhy926 cells with 0.6% DMSO stimulation was increased threefold compared to controls. On the basis of these findings, it was concluded that DMSO was toxic to the hematologic system. This should be taken into account when assessing the infusion effects of cryopreserved PLTs or other blood products requiring DMSO as a vehicle, such as cryopreserved stem cells, in order to avoid adverse therapeutic effects.
Online dating preferences of Asian Americans

This study investigates the inter- and intraracial dating preferences of heterosexual Asian males and females as well as gay Asian males. Using data collected from 1270 Internet dating profiles, logistic regression is employed to examine the odds of one’s willingness to date someone who is Asian, White, Black, Hispanic, and some other race. The findings suggest that heterosexual females and gay males prefer to date Whites over nonwhites. Moreover, respondents from both sexual orientations were less likely to express a preference to date another Asian compared to their heterosexual male counterparts. Our results also reveal that educational attainment influences the willingness among Asians to date a fellow Asian. Finally, the analyses indicate significant differences in dating preferences based on the region of residence and age. The current results are discussed in relation to both the historical and present sociocultural racial climate, focusing on how media depictions and identity formation may play a part in shaping racial dating preferences for Asians.
Regional Issues, National Norms

Does a national norm exist for environment reporters, or do they differ by region? This study used a census approach to examine environmental journalists in four regions of the United States. Across all four regions, these reporters spent much of their time covering nonenvironment stories. They relied more often on local and state sources than on national sources and used a variety of story frames and angles to construct their reporting. In discussing barriers to reporting, they were more likely to cite such issues as time constraints or the size of the news hole rather than interference by editors or advertisers. Most felt the need to remain objective, rejecting calls for advocacy or a civic-journalism approach. The study found more similarities across the regions than differences, suggesting that there is a national norm for covering the environment.
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status of the US population: 1988-1994 compared with 2000-2004.

BACKGROUND Changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in the US population have not been described. OBJECTIVE We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) to compare serum 25(OH)D concentrations in the US population in 2000-2004 with those in 1988-1994 and to identify contributing factors. DESIGN Serum 25(OH)D was measured with a radioimmunoassay kit in 20 289 participants in NHANES 2000-2004 and in 18 158 participants in NHANES III (1988-1994). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and weight. Milk intake and sun protection were assessed by questionnaire. Assay differences were assessed by re-analyzing 150 stored serum specimens from NHANES III with the current assay. RESULTS Age-adjusted mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations were 5-20 nmol/L lower in NHANES 2000-2004 than in NHANES III. After adjustment for assay shifts, age-adjusted means in NHANES 2000-2004 remained significantly lower (by 5-9 nmol/L) in most males, but not in most females. In a study subsample, adjustment for the confounding effects of assay differences changed mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations by approximately 10 nmol/L, and adjustment for changes in the factors likely related to real changes in vitamin D status (ie, BMI, milk intake, and sun protection) changed mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations by 1-1.6 nmol/L. CONCLUSIONS Overall, mean serum 25(OH)D was lower in 2000-2004 than 1988-1994. Assay changes unrelated to changes in vitamin D status accounted for much of the difference in most population groups. In an adult subgroup, combined changes in BMI, milk intake, and sun protection appeared to contribute to a real decline in vitamin D status.
Inoculation in Competitive Framing Examining Message Effects on Policy Preferences

Recent years have witnessed increased scholarly attention to the competitive and dynamic nature of message framing in shaping public opinion. The current study extends our understanding of competitive framing in the context of public opinion about taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) using insights from communication research on inoculation theory. We report on a two-wave longitudinal framing experiment (N = 3,118), testing effects of eight different experimental conditions, to examine the impact of exposure to several combinations of pro-tax frames, anti-tax frames, and inoculation as a counterframing strategy, relative to a no-exposure control group. Respondents exposed to an inoculation message that illuminated source motives and preemptively refuted soda company arguments elicited more favorable opinions of SSB taxes immediately after exposure compared with those not exposed to any message. Immediate effects of the inoculation message on policy opinions occurred via two complementary psychological mechanisms: a persuasion effect via changes in beliefs about soda companies (the source of the attitudinal threat described in the inoculation message) and an applicability effect via changes in the salience of beliefs about soda companies in shaping tax support. Inoculation did not, however, produce sustained resistance to subsequent strong anti-tax frame exposure in an asymmetric competitive framing context. We conclude by discussing the implications of this research for future work on competitive framing in a US policy context.
Critical Thinking: More than Test Scores.

This article is for practicing or aspiring school administrators. The demand for excellence in public education has lead to an emphasis on standardized test scores. This article explores the development of a professional enhancement program designed to prepare teachers to teach higher order thinking skills. Higher order thinking is the primary focus of many state and national tests that are mandated. Teachers play a crucial role in preparing students to be thinkers. Institutions of higher learning must evaluate their instructional practices to ensure that teachers are prepared to meet the new challenges of standardized testing. Additionally, principals, as instructional leaders, need to understand higher order thinking skills and how to assist teachers in their development of this teaching practice. The Gallagher Aschner model of questioning students is explored as a preliminary means to begin the development of higher order thinking skills. Suggestions for professional development around the use of this method are presented.