Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endocrine Correlates of Musth in Free-Ranging Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) Determined by Non-Invasive Faecal Steroid Hormone Metabolite Measurements

The occurrence of musth, a period of elevated levels of androgens and heightened sexual activity, has been well documented for the male Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). However, the relationship between androgen-dependent musth and adrenocortical function in this species is unclear. The current study is the first assessment of testicular and adrenocortical function in free-ranging male Asian elephants by measuring levels of testosterone (androgen) and cortisol (glucocorticoid – a physiological indicator of stress) metabolites in faeces. During musth, males expectedly showed significant elevation in faecal testosterone metabolite levels. Interestingly, glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations remained unchanged between musth and non-musth periods. This observation is contrary to that observed with wild and captive African elephant bulls and captive Asian bull elephants. Our results show that musth may not necessarily represent a stressful condition in free-ranging male Asian elephants.
Uranium phosphate biomineralization by fungi.

Geoactive soil fungi were investigated for phosphatase-mediated uranium precipitation during growth on an organic phosphorus source. Aspergillus niger and Paecilomyces javanicus were grown on modified Czapek-Dox medium amended with glycerol 2-phosphate (G2P) as sole P source and uranium nitrate. Both organisms showed reduced growth on uranium-containing media but were able to extensively precipitate uranium and phosphorus-containing minerals on hyphal surfaces, and these were identified by X-ray powder diffraction as uranyl phosphate species, including potassium uranyl phosphate hydrate (KPUO6 .3H2 O), meta-ankoleite [(K1.7 Ba0.2 )(UO2 )2 (PO4 )2 . 6H2 O], uranyl phosphate hydrate [(UO2 )3 (PO4 )2 . 4H2 O], meta-ankoleite (K(UO2 )(PO4 ). 3H2 O), uramphite (NH4 UO2 PO4 .3H2 O) and chernikovite [(H3 O)2 (UO2 )2 (PO4 )2 . 6H2 O]. Some minerals with a morphology similar to bacterial hydrogen uranyl phosphate were detected on A. niger biomass. Geochemical modelling confirmed the complexity of uranium speciation, and the presence of meta-ankoleite, uramphite and uranyl phosphate hydrate between pH 3 and 8 closely matched the experimental data, with potassium as the dominant cation. We have therefore demonstrated that fungi can precipitate U-containing phosphate biominerals when grown with an organic source of P, with the hyphal matrix serving to localize the resultant uranium minerals. The findings throw further light on potential fungal roles in U and P biogeochemistry as well as the application of these mechanisms for element recovery or bioremediation.
Requirement of Hippocampal Neurogenesis for the Behavioral Effects of Antidepressants

Various chronic antidepressant treatments increase adult hippocampal neurogenesis, but the functional importance of this phenomenon remains unclear. Here, using genetic and radiological methods, we show that disrupting antidepressant-induced neurogenesis blocks behavioral responses to antidepressants. Serotonin 1A receptor null mice were insensitive to the neurogenic and behavioral effects of fluoxetine, a serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor. X-irradiation of a restricted region of mouse brain containing the hippocampus prevented the neurogenic and behavioral effects of two classes of antidepressants. These findings suggest that the behavioral effects of chronic antidepressants may be mediated by the stimulation of neurogenesis in the hippocampus.
Modulation of laser-evoked pain perception and event-related potentials with non-invasive stimulation of the motor cortex

In the last two decades new techniques of non-invasive brain stimulation have been introduced that enable relatively long-lasting and reversible facilitation or inhibition of distinct cortical areas by modulating the excitability of underlying neurons. Among these methods, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are the most widespread ones. To date, both have been successfully used to modulate various perceptual, cognitive and motor functions in healthy subjects and several diseases, including chronic pain. Their efficacy regarding acute pain perception in healthy subjects, however, is still not well-established. The aims of our studies were to investigate the effects of a novel rTMS paradigm, called continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS), and tDCS on laser-induced acute pain perception and laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) when applied to the motor cortex of healthy adult volunteers. In two psychophysical and two electrophysiological experiments, we have compared the effects of real cTBS and two tDCS protocols (anodal and cathodal) to those of sham stimulations. We have shown for the first time that cTBS over the motor cortex significantly alleviated laser-induced pain on both hands, accentuating on the con tralateral limb. The effect of cTBS was accompanied by reduced N2-P2 LEP amplitudes in the case of medium intensity pain. In the tDCS experiments, cathodal stimulation of the motor cortex reduced mild pain contralateral to the side of stimulation. Moreover, cathodal tDCS attenuated N2-P2 LEP components, without modulating thresholds of medium intensity pain. On the contrary, anodal tDCS facilitated laser-induced warm sensation contralateral to the side of tDCS, without affecting either pain sensation or LEPs. Our results indicate that non-invasive stimulation of the motor cortex causes antinociceptive effects that depend on the parameters of stimulation and are probably due to excitability changes in remote pain-related areas such as the operculoinsular region and the anterior cingulate cortex. These findings further strengthen the application of cTBS and tDCS in pain research, which might contribute to a more efficient manipulation of brain plasticity for therapeutic purposes.
Practices, beliefs and cultures of high school mathematics departments: understanding their influence on student advancement

This study analyses student advancement through us mathematics curricula as an outcome of departmental organization and patterns of collective teacher beliefs and practices. Evidence from a study of eight high school mathematics departments supports the argument that four key components facilitate students taking additional mathematics courses ‐‐ especially those at advanced levels ‐‐ and scoring higher on mathematics achievement tests. These components are: (1) a rigorous and common curriculum, (2) active commitment to students, (3) commitment to a collective enterprise, and (4) innovative instructional practices. The interaction between these components is discussed.
Death Attitudes and Changes in Existential Outlook in Parents of Vulnerable Newborns

This study is an Actor-Partner Interdependence Model analysis of the relation of death attitudes with changes in outlook in 59 parent couples of neonatal intensive care newborns. Death attitudes effects with changes in outlook were mostly intrapersonal and they mainly occurred in fathers, though between gender differences were not usually significant. Death avoidance and neutral death acquiescence were positive predictors of positive changes in outlook, and fear of death and neutral death acquiescence were respective positive and inverse predictors of negative changes. Multidimensional measures of death attitudes and personal change should be used when studying these domains of psychological functioning.
Polymorphism of the Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Gene (TCF7L2) Interacts with Obesity on Type-2 Diabetes in the PREDIMED Study Emphasizing the Heterogeneity of Genetic Variants in Type-2 Diabetes Risk Prediction: Time for Obesity-Specific Genetic Risk Scores

Nutrigenetic studies analyzing gene–diet interactions of the TCF7L2-rs7903146 C > T polymorphism on type-2 diabetes (T2D) have shown controversial results. A reason contributing to this may be the additional modulation by obesity. Moreover, TCF7L2-rs7903146 is one of the most influential variants in T2D-genetic risk scores (GRS). Therefore, to increase the predictive value (PV) of GRS it is necessary to first see whether the included polymorphisms have heterogeneous effects. We comprehensively investigated gene-obesity interactions between the TCF7L2-rs7903146 C > T polymorphism on T2D (prevalence and incidence) and analyzed other T2D-polymorphisms in a sub-sample. We studied 7018 PREDIMED participants at baseline and longitudinally (8.7 years maximum follow-up). Obesity significantly interacted with the TCF7L2-rs7903146 on T2D prevalence, associations being greater in non-obese subjects. Accordingly, we prospectively observed in non-T2D subjects (n = 3607) that its association with T2D incidence was stronger in non-obese (HR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.13–2.92, p = 0.013 for TT versus CC) than in obese subjects (HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.61–1.66; p = 0.979; p-interaction = 0.048). Accordingly, TCF7L2-PV was higher in non-obese subjects. Additionally, we created obesity-specific GRS with ten T2D-polymorphisms and demonstrated for the first time their higher strata-specific PV. In conclusion, we provide strong evidence supporting the need for considering obesity when analyzing the TCF7L2 effects and propose the use of obesity-specific GRS for T2D.
Barriers to Completing TB Diagnosis in Yemen: Services Should Respond to Patients' Needs

Objectives and Background Obtaining a diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is a prerequisite for accessing specific treatment, yet one third of estimated new cases are missed worldwide by National Programmes. This study investigated economic, geographical, socio-cultural and health system factors hindering adults' attendance and completion of the TB diagnostic process in Yemen, to inform interventions designed to improve patient access to services. Methodology The study employed a mixed methods design comprising a cross-sectional survey and In-Depth-Interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) among patients abandoning the diagnosis or registering for treatment. Adults with cough of ≥2 weeks attending a large governmental referral centre in Sana'a, Yemen, between 2009 and 2010, were eligible to participate. Results 497 and 446 (89.7%) participants were surveyed the first and second day of attending the services and 48 IDIs and 12 FGDs were also conducted. The majority of patients were disadvantaged and had poor literacy (61% illiterate), had travelled from rural areas (47%) and attended with companions (84%). Key barriers for attendance identified were clinic and transport costs (augmented by companions), distance from home, a preference for private services, strong social stigma and a lack of understanding of the diagnostic process. There were discrepancies between patient- and doctor-reported diagnosis and 46% of patients were unaware that TB treatment is free. Females faced more difficulties to attend than men. The laboratory practice of providing first-day negative smear results and making referrals to the private sector also discouraged patients from returning. Strategies to bring TB diagnostic services closer to communities and address the multiple barriers patients face to attend, will be important to increase access to TB diagnosis and care.
Human Leukocyte Antigen Class II Alleles Influence Levels of Antibodies to the Plasmodium falciparum Asexual-Stage Apical Membrane Antigen 1 but Not to Merozoite Surface Antigen 2 and Merozoite Surface Protein 1

ABSTRACT The apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1), merozoite surface antigen 2 (MSA2), and merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) are asexual-stage proteins currently being evaluated for inclusion in a vaccine for Plasmodium falciparum. Accordingly, it is important to understand factors that control antibody responses to these antigens. Antibody levels in plasma from residents of Etoa, Cameroon, between the ages of 5 and 70 years, were determined using recombinant AMA1, MSA2, and the N-terminal region of MSP1 (MSP1-190L). In addition, antibody responses to four variants of the C-terminal region of MSP1 (MSP119) were assessed. Results showed that all individuals produced antibodies to AMA1, MSA2, and MSP1-190L; however, a proportion of individuals never produced antibodies to the MSP119 variants, although the percentage of nonresponders decreased with age. The influence of age and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1/DQB1 alleles on antibody levels was evaluated using two-way analysis of variance. Age was correlated with levels of antibodies to AMA1 and MSP119 but not with levels of antibodies to MSA2 and MSP1-190L. No association was found between a single HLA allele and levels of antibodies to MSA2, MSP1-190L, or any of the MSP119 variants. However, individuals positive for DRB1*1201 had higher levels of antibodies to the variant of recombinant AMA1 tested than did individuals of all other HLA types. Since the effect was seen across all age groups, HLA influenced the level but not the rate of antibody acquisition. This association for AMA1, combined with the previously reported association between HLA class II alleles and levels of antibodies to rhoptry-associated protein 1 (RAP1) and RAP2, indicates that HLA influences the levels of antibodies to three of the five vaccine candidate antigens that we have evaluated.
Explaining the Frequency of Intimate Partner Violence By Male Perpetrators

The authors measured potential causes of prolonged male violence against female intimate partners in four domains: enduring antisocial traits, perpetrator’s attitudes and values, aspects of the relationship, and neighborhood characteristics. They also examined perpetrators’ substance abuse and the couples’ socioeconomic status as possible causes of prolonged intimate partner violence. The dependent variable was the total number of instances of violence against a female intimate partner recorded for each male perpetrator in comprehensive police and criminal justice archives. As expected, antisocial traits (especially psychopathy) gave the best evidence of causal status. Variables in each other domain exhibited some explanatory power, but some of the apparent causal role could be attributable to enduring antisociality.
Strategies for Resisting Persuasion

This research examines the variety of strategies individuals may use to resist persuasion. In Study 1, participants wrote an essay describing how they respond when faced with a persuasive challenge. Six expected strategies were reliably identified in the essays: attitude bolstering, counterarguing, negative affect, selective exposure, social validation, and source derogation. A novel strategy, asserting confidence that nothing could change one's mind, was also revealed. Studies 2 and 3 had individuals rate the likelihood of having each of these 7 responses in defense of their attitudes toward abortion or the death penalty, respectively. As predicted, message-oriented strategies (i.e., attitude bolstering and counterarguing) were reported as most likely to be used, and less socially acceptable strategies (e.g., source derogation) were reported as least likely. Attitude importance, perceived knowledge, perceived effectiveness of the strategy, and social desirability concerns all significantly predicted the perceived likelihood of using various strategies. A final study examined actual strategy use and found counterarguing, attitude bolstering, source derogation, and negative affect to be prevalent responses. Counterarguing was the most effective strategy for resisting persuasion. Attitude bolstering, although commonly used by respondents, did not predict resistance.
Microsatellite primers from Geospiza fortis and cross‐species amplification in Darwin's finches

© 1998 Blackwell Science Ltd, Molecular Ecology, 7, 1771Ð1788 Taylor AC, Sherwin WB, Wayne RK (1994) Genetic variation of microsatellite loci in a bottlenecked species: the Northern hairy-nosed Wombat, Lasiorhinus krefftii. Molecular Ecology, 3, 277Ð290. Triggs SJ (1990) Population genetics of the brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula (Marsupialia: Phalangeridae) in southeastern Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology, 37, 545Ð551.
Exploring student identity in an intercultural web-assisted scientific inquiry project

This qualitative study based on Gee’s (2001) identity theory examined and compared how American and Chinese middle school students develop identities towards science, culture and technology in an intercultural web-assisted scientific inquiry project. Through analysis of online discussions, videoconferences, interviews, surveys and fieldnotes, we explored how students shaped and reshaped their identities throughout scientific inquiry learning and intercultural collaborative activities. In examining identity development during scientific investigation, we offer insights into the intercultural learning context and suggest ways of facilitating identity formation, which can inform such collaborations in the future.
Repurposing Corpora for Speech Repair Detection: Two Experiments

Unrehearsed spoken language often contains many disfluencies. If we want to correctly interpret the content of spoken language, we need to be able to detect these disfluencies and deal with them appropriately. In the work described here, we use a statistical noisy channel model to detect disfluencies in transcripts of spoken language. Like all statistical approaches, this is naturally very data-hungry; however, corpora containing transcripts of unrehearsed spoken language with disfluencies annotated are a scarce resource, which makes training difficult. We address this issue in the following ways: First, since written textual corpora are much more abundant than speech corpora, we see whether using a large text corpus to increase the data available to our language model component delivers an improvement. Second, given that most spoken language corpora are not annotated with disfluencies, we explore the use of Expectation Maximisation to mark the disfluencies in such corpora, so as to increase the data availability for our complete model. In neither case do we see an improvement in our results. We discuss these results and the possible reasons for the negative outcome.
Residential development during the Great Recession: a shifting focus in Phoenix, Arizona

Where people choose to live and the type of city their decisions create has formed the basis of decades of scholarly endeavor. While the typical notion of a tradeoff between access and space remains important, residential choice is more than ever shaped by the dynamics of sprawl, polycentricity, land-use institutions (zoning), and the composition of the immediately surrounding area. We analyze these new dynamics with a logistic regression model of the determinants of single-family residential development at the parcel-level in Phoenix, Arizona, during the 2002–2006 real estate boom and the 2006–2012 crash and global recession. Results show a preference for cheaper land and agricultural conversion farther from urban subcenters during the boom, while zoning, though relatively inconsistent with actual land use, is an indicator of future development. Development trajectories change dramatically during the bust, disproportionately impacting agricultural conversions and previously fast-growing areas while highlighting the depth of impact that the financial environment has on land-use change.
A behavioural test to assess daytime sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnoea

Daytime sleepiness is an important symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). The standard tests for its objective quantification use EEG recordings, and are time consuming and expensive, which makes them difficult to use for large studies. This study assesses the ability of a simple test of sustained ‘wakefulness’ to discriminate the excessive somnolence of severe symptomatic obstructive sleep apnoea from normality, and compares its results to the traditional EEG based Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT). Ten subjects (7M 3F) with severe sleep apnoea (>4% SaO2 dip rate median 32.7 (90% central range 9.7–65.6)) and symptoms of daytime sleepiness, (Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS)17(10–24)) and 10 normal subjects (4M 6F, ESS 3.5(1–8)) were studied. The MWT and the behavioural test (Oxford SLEep Resistance test – OSLER test) were performed on each subject in random order on 2 separate days. The protocol for both tests was the same with 4 × 40 min sleep resistance challenges throughout the day while sound isolated in a darkened room. During the OSLER test subjects were asked to press a switch in response to a light emitting diode (LED), which was lit for 1 s in every three. Both the switch and the light were connected to a computer that stored both the number of times the light was illuminated and whether a correct response was made. The OSLER test discriminated the normal subjects from the sleep apnoea group (mean sleep latency (min) normal group 39.8, OSA group 10.5) as well as the traditional MWT (normal group 38.1, OSA group 7.3) and was much simpler to administer. This test has the advantage that sleep onset is defined objectively and automatically as a failure to respond to the light, rather than from EEG interpretation, which is inevitably partly subjective. This technique may provide a simple and robust method of objectively quantifying daytime sleepiness for large studies.
Demonstration of Cholinergic Ganglion Cells in Rat Retina: Expression of an Alternative Splice Variant of Choline Acetyltransferase

Acetylcholine acts as a neurotransmitter in the retina. Although previous physiological studies have indicated that some retinal ganglion cells may be cholinergic, several immunohistochemical studies using antibodies to choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) have stained only amacrine cells but not ganglion cells. Recently, we identified a splice variant of ChAT mRNA, lacking exons 6–9, in rat peripheral nervous system. The encoded protein was designated as ChAT of a peripheral type (pChAT), against which an antiserum was raised. In the present study, we examined expression of pChAT in rat retina, both at the protein level by immunohistochemistry using the antiserum and at the mRNA level by RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry revealed that although no positive neurons were found in untreated intact retinas, many neurons became immunoreactive for pChAT after intravitreal injection of colchicine. Damage of the optic nerve was also effective in disclosing positive cells. Such positive neurons were shown to be ganglion cells by double labeling with a retrograde tracer that had been injected into the contralateral superior colliculus. Western blot analysis and RT-PCR revealed a corresponding band to the pChAT protein and to the amplified pChAT gene fragment, respectively, in retinal samples. In addition, ChAT activity was definitely detected in retinofugal fibers of the optic nerve. These results indicate the presence of cholinergic ganglion cells in rat retina.
Evaluation of a Web Site in Cognitive Science

A public Web site (Goolkasian & Van Wallendael, 2001), established to provide educational materials in cognitive science, served as the primary text for an interdisciplinary course. We tracked student use of the Web site online and with self-report questionnaires. A majority (74%) of the students rated the Web site to be as useful or more useful than a traditional textbook. Although time spent online with the Web materials predicted scores for 2 of the 4 exams, class attendance was the strongest predictor of exam performance.