Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leg injuries and wound repair among cosmetid harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Laniatores)

Previous studies of leg injuries in harvestmen have focused on the fitness consequences for individuals that use autospasy (voluntary detachment of the leg) as a secondary defense mechanism. Leg damage among non‐autotomizing species of laniatorean harvestmen has not been investigated. Under laboratory conditions, we damaged femur IV of Cynorta marginalis and observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the changes in these wounds over ten days. We also used SEM to examine leg damage from individuals of three species of cosmetid harvestmen that were collected in the field. On the basis of changes in the external surface of the hemolymph coagulum, we classified these wounds as fresh (coagulum forming), recent (coagulum with smooth surface), older (coagulum is scale‐like with visible cell fragments), and fully healed (scale replaced by new cuticle growth on the terminal stump). Our observations indicate that wound healing in harvestmen occurs in a manner comparable to that of other chelicerates. Leg injuries exhibited interspecific variation with respect to the overall frequency of leg wounds and the specific legs that were most commonly damaged. In addition, we measured walking and climbing speeds of adult C. marginalis and found that individuals with fresh injuries (lab‐induced) to femur IV walked at speeds significantly slower than uninjured adults or individuals collected from the field that had fully healed wounds to a single leg. J. Morphol. 278:73–88, 2017. ©© 2016 Wiley Periodicals,Inc.
Providing Care for Elderly Parents: A Structurational Approach to Family Caregiver Identity

Because of expanding life spans and the increasingly chronic nature of disease, caregiving is becoming a dominant activity in today's society. Caregiving for elderly parents has been identified as a complex activity involving the balancing of many tasks and roles, and an activity that has the potential for both intense stress and for psychological and relational rewards. In this study, we consider the complexity of caregiving by examining the identity and identification processes of family caregivers. Taking a structurational approach to identity and identification, we examine in-depth interviews with 11 caregivers of elderly parents. The narratives and comments provided by these caregivers led us to the consideration of two major structures influencing the identity of family caregivers: structures of parenting and structures of competence. We explore the nature of these structures in terms of the ways they are adapted and transformed in the identification of caregivers and the way they influence rewards and stresses in the caregiving role. Our analyses point to complex adaptations of these private (family) and public (competence) structures, and to both functional and dysfunctional transformations of these structures in the caregiving role.
Neurostimulation in resistant depression

Drugs and psychotherapy are inadequate for relieving depressive symptoms in a substantial portion of severely depressed patients. In that patient group, neurostimulation techniques such as electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, magnetic seizure therapy, vagus nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation could be lifesaving therapies. Neurostimulation is a physical intervention that utilizes application of either electric current or a magnetic field to directly stimulate the brain or central nervous system. This article presents an overview of currently available neurostimulatory techniques for depression, including a review of their efficacy and safety. Further development and evaluation of non-pharmacological antidepressant therapies are needed, with the hope of improving treatment of refactory depression.
Towards single molecule manipulation with dielectrophoresis using nanoelectrodes

We present measurements of the scaling of the dielectrophoresis force with electrode size and particle size, in order to determine the ultimate size limits for dielectrophoresis at the nanoscale. To demonstrate the feasibility of nano-manipulation we present studies on the dielectrophoretic manipulation of DNA with microfabricated electrodes using RF electric fields. We find that DNA undergoes positive dielectrophoresis (i.e. the DNA is attracted to high electric field regions) at frequencies between 500 kHz and 1 MHz. We present a nano-manipulation array platform which demonstrates the scalability of these concepts for massively parallel, economic manipulation at the molecular scale. Finally, based on these measurements, we present a concept for a nanomotor using nanotube electrodes. Applications in molecular electronics and molecular manufacturing are discussed.
Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of amino acids and proteins. Side-chain mobility of methionine in the crystalline amino acid and in crystalline sperm whale (Physeter catodon) myoglobin.

We have obtained deuterium (2H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and spin-lattice relaxation times (T1) of L-[epsilon-2H3]methionine, L-[epsilon-2H3]methionine in a D,L lattice, and [S-methyl-2H3]methionine in the crystalline solid state, as a function of temperature, in addition to obtaining 2H T1 and line-width results as a function of temperature on [epsilon-2H3]methionine-labeled sperm whale (Physeter catodon) myoglobins by using the method of magnetic ordering [Rothgeb, T. M. , & Oldfield, E. (1981) J. Biol. Chem. 256, 1432-1446]. The results indicate that in the L-amino acid, methyl rotation having an activation energy (delta E) of 8.3 +/- 1 kJ dominates T1 at low temperatures (less than or equal to 10 degrees C), while at higher temperatures an additional large-amplitude side-chain motion occurs which causes changes in the 2H NMR line shape and T1. This motion is inhibited in the D,L lattice, indicating that lattice effects may have a strong effect on the mobility of anhydrous amino acids in the solid state. Further substitution at S delta to form the sulfonium salt [S-methyl-2H3]-methionine causes a large increase in delta E, to 15.9 +/- 2 kJ, a value comparable to the 14-16 kJ found in valine and leucine, which contain the structurally similar isopropyl moiety. These results suggest that the very low barriers to methyl rotation in the methionine side chain are due to long C-S bond lengths and the presence of only two substituents on sulfur, while the anomalous high-temperature behavior is due to a lattice-packing effect. 2H T1 results with methionine-labeled myoglobin are complex, reflecting the presence of fast large-amplitude side-chain motions, in addition to rapid methyl rotation. Our data indicate that Met-55 and Met-131 are motionally inequivalent in crystalline cyanoferrimyoglobin, in contrast to solution NMR results. We have also recorded 13C cross-polarization "magic-angle" sample-spinning NMR spectra of [epsilon-13C]methionine-labeled crystalline cyanoferrimyoglobin (at 37.7 MHz, corresponding to a magnetic field strength of 3.52 T) and of the same protein in aqueous solution. Cross-polarization transfer rates and proton rotating-frame relaxation time results again indicate that Met-55 and Met-131 are motionally inequivalent in the solid state, and the TCH data indicate that Met-55 is more solidlike. However, we find that 13C chemical shifts in solution and those in the crystalline solid state are in very close agreement, suggesting that the average solution and crystal conformations are the same, in the area of Met-55 and Met-131.
Homozygous PMS2 deletion causes a severe colorectal cancer and multiple adenoma phenotype without extraintestinal cancer.

BACKGROUND & AIMS We report a patient of Indian descent with parental consanguinity, who developed 10 carcinomas and 35 adenomatous polyps at age 23 and duodenal adenocarcinoma at age 25. He also had dysmorphic features, mental retardation, and café-au-lait spots but no brain tumor. We aimed to establish his molecular diagnosis. METHODS Germ-line screening for APC and MYH/MUTYH mutations was normal as was immunohistochemistry for MLH1 and MSH2 proteins. Investigation by array-comparative genomic hybridization revealed deletion of a small region on chromosome 7. Using polymerase chain reaction, this region was refined to a 400-kilobase deletion, which included exons 9-15 of the PMS2 gene, and all coding regions of oncomodulin, TRIAD3, and FSCN1. RESULTS The deletion was confirmed as homozygous, and both parents were carriers. Immunohistochemistry showed absent PMS2 expression in all tumors and normal tissue. Most tumors showed microsatellite instability, more marked at dinucleotide than mononucleotide repeats. The tumors harbored no somatic mutations in APC, BRAF, AXIN2, or beta-catenin, but KRAS2 and TGFBR2 mutations were found. CONCLUSIONS Our patient represents a novel phenotype for homozygous PMS2 mutation and perhaps the most severe colorectal cancer phenotype-in terms of numbers of malignancies at an early age-described to date. PMS2 mutations-and perhaps other homozygous mismatch repair mutations-should be considered in any patient presenting with multiple gastrointestinal tumors, since our patient could not be distinguished clinically from cases with attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis or MUTYH-associated polyposis.
Notch signaling controls the differentiation of transporting epithelia and multiciliated cells in the zebrafish pronephros

Epithelial tubules consist of multiple cell types that are specialized for specific aspects of organ function. In the zebrafish pronephros, multiciliated cells (MCCs) are specialized for fluid propulsion, whereas transporting epithelial cells recover filtered-blood solutes. These cell types are distributed in a `salt-and-pepper' fashion in the pronephros, suggesting that a lateral inhibition mechanism may play a role in their differentiation. We find that the Notch ligand Jagged 2 is expressed in MCCs and that notch3 is expressed in pronephric epithelial cells. Morpholino knockdown of either jagged 2 or notch3, or mutation in mind bomb (in which Notch signaling is impaired), dramatically expands ciliogenic gene expression, whereas ion transporter expression is lost, indicating that pronephric cells are transfated to MCCs. Conversely, ectopic expression of the Notch1a intracellular domain represses MCC differentiation. Gamma-secretase inhibition using DAPT demonstrated a requirement for Notch signaling early in pronephric development, before the pattern of MCC differentiation is apparent. Strikingly, we find that jagged 2 knockdown generates extra cilia and is sufficient to rescue the kidney cilia mutant double bubble. Our results indicate that Jagged 2/Notch signaling modulates the number of multiciliated versus transporting epithelial cells in the pronephros by way of a genetic pathway involving repression of rfx2, a key transcriptional regulator of the ciliogenesis program.
A self-timing switch-driving register by precharge-evaluate logic for high-speed SAR ADCs

Novel self-timing switch-driving registers for high-speed successive approximation register (SAR) ADC is proposed. This circuit can provide fast charging path from comparator output to DAC array of SAR ADC and store the comparison results simultaneously at each approximation bit-cycle. The propagation delay from input to output of the register is about 60 ps only in a 90 nm CMOS process. By using this technique, the 5-bit SAR ADC achieves 30.3 dB SNDR with 285 MS/s high sampling-rate, power consumption is 10.5 mW.
Distinct skill pathways to digital engagement

Digital literacy and inclusion have been two important, largely separate, areas of study that examine the relationships between Internet skills and engagement. This article brings together these areas of research by testing a model that assumes specific pathways to inclusion: specific sociodemographic factors predict specific digital skills and specific digital skills predict related types of engagement with the Internet. Analyses of nationally representative survey data of Internet use in Britain highlight considerable measurement and conceptual challenges that complicate digital literacy research. The findings suggest that linking literacy and exclusion frameworks allows for a more nuanced understanding of digital engagement. Different groups lacked different skills, which related to how their engagement with the Internet varied.
Does Heart Rate Identify Sudden Death Survivors?: Assessment of Heart Rate, QT Interval, and Heart Rate Variability

The objective was to test whether the circadian variability of several electrocardiographic variables distinguishes sudden cardiac death survivors from heart disease patients without a history of cardiac arrest and from normal subjects. Heart rate, heart rate variability, and QT interval have been reported to identify survivors of sudden cardiac death. Computer-assisted continuous QT measurement and heart rate variability analysis were performed on 24-hour Holter records for three groups: (1) 14 sudden death survivors; (2) 14 control patients with diagnosis and therapy matched to survivors; and (3) 14 healthy subjects. There were no significant differences in 24-hour mean RR and QT intervals between groups. However, heart rate was significantly different between the three groups at night but not during the day because the expected nighttime decline was markedly blunted in survivors and somewhat blunted in control patients. The QT interval and frequency domain heart rate variability measures followed a similar circadian pattern. The mean QTc was significantly longer in control patients. The QTc had a wide range in all groups, but less in sudden death survivors. Of ten common time and frequency domain heart rate variability indices, only SDANN and SDNN were significantly lower in sudden death survivors. Reduced circadian variation of heart rate, with marked blunting of the nighttime heart rate decline, identifies sudden cardiac death survivors as well as does SDANN and SDNN, and, in contrast to heart rate variability measures, can easily be obtained from a Holter report without complex calculations.
The effect of extra credit projects on learning: A research note

This study explores the effect of extra credit projects (ECPS) on specific (paper) and general (final exam) learning. ECPS involved the demonstration of mastery of a specific course objective, using selected criminological theories to critically evaluate a current journal article. The term paper also required the application of two criminological theories to a problem. Data were drawn from a large (N = 222) criminology lecture class. The results of a multiple regression analysis indicated that completion of ECPS was positively associated with grades on the term paper but not with generalized learning. The full models explained between 20 and 40% of the variance in outcome measures.
Subsidizing Vocational Training for Disadvantaged Youth in Developing Countries: Evidence from a Randomized Trial

This paper evaluates the impact of a randomized training program for disadvantaged youth introduced in Colombia in 2005. This randomized trial offers a unique opportunity to examine the impact of training in developing countries. We use originally collected data on individuals randomly offered and not offered training. The program raises earnings and employment, especially for women. Women offered training earn 18% more and have a 0.05 higher probability of employment than those not offered training, mainly in formal sector jobs. Cost-benefit analysis of these results suggests that the program generates much larger net gains than those found in developed countries.
Interactive Televised Courses: Student Perceptions of Teaching Effectiveness, with Recommendations

Abstract A study of student satisfaction levels in interactive televised courses (ITV) presents research that supports the view that students appear to be unable to separate their perceptions of the teacher's effectiveness from that of the technology and method of course delivery. When other variables are held constant, students rated the effectiveness of the professor's teaching lower when ITV was involved. The implications for professors and students are discussed, and suggestions are offered regarding effective use of ITV.
Pedagogy and student change in the women's and gender studies classroom

Women's and gender studies (WGS) classes and programmes have been developed on many university and college campuses around the world. Despite some success in the establishment of WGS in higher education, WGS has been the target of significant criticism. Detractors of WGS have charged that WGS is intellectually frivolous and that WGS teachers focus excessively on students' personal thoughts and experiences, are intolerant of differing opinions, present a narrow political ideology and, in many cases, cause distress to students. In contrast, WGS pedagogists have emphasized the importance of allowing students to express their thoughts and opinions and of developing open‐mindedness and scholarly, critical thinking. Further, they have asserted that WGS courses promote important educational goals, including increased awareness of sexism and other social inequities, more egalitarian attitudes toward women and other traditionally oppressed groups, and active community involvement to promote social equality. This review considers the empirical evidence for these competing opinions of the value and impact of WGS.
Paclitaxel-loaded polymeric depots as injectable drug delivery system for cancer chemotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract In this work, paclitaxel-encapsulated polymeric depots were prepared and characterized as drug delivery system for cancer chemotherapy against hepatocellular carcinoma. Effects of different parameters, including drug-loading content, polymer concentration and depot weight on depot formation, percentage of sustained-release taxol and drug release profile were evaluated. Paclitaxel-loaded depots were successfully formed at the polymer concentration above 25% w/v. For all formulations, paclitaxel could be encapsulated with very high percentage of sustained-release taxol (>90%). The release rate of paclitaxel from depots could be controlled by the amount of drug-loading content, polymer concentration and depot weight. Cytotoxicity against liver cancer cell line, HepG2, was evaluated by medium extraction method. Paclitaxel releasing from depots showed cytotoxic effect against HepG2 at different incubation times, whereas blank depots exhibited no cytotoxicity.
BMP signaling mediates stem/progenitor cell-induced retina regeneration

We identified a mechanism whereby retina regeneration in the embryonic chick can be induced by the contribution of stem/progenitor cells. We show that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is sufficient and necessary to induce retina regeneration and that its action can be divided into two phases. By 3 days after postretinectomy (d PR), the BMP pathway directs proliferation and regeneration through the activation of Smad (canonical BMP pathway) and the up-regulation of FGF signaling by the MAPK pathway. By 7d PR, it induces apoptosis by activating p38 (a noncanonical BMP pathway) and down-regulating FGF signaling (by both MAPK and AKT pathways). Apoptosis at this later stage can be prevented, and BMP-induced regeneration can be further induced by inhibition of p38. These results unravel a mechanism for stem/progenitor cell-mediated retina regeneration, where BMP activation establishes a cross-talk with the FGF pathway and selectively activates the canonical and noncanonical BMP pathways. Retina stem/progenitor cells exist in other species, including humans. Thus, our findings provide insights on how retinal stem cells can be activated for possible regenerative therapies.
Study of the Optimal Harvesting Control and the Optimality System for an Elliptic Problem

An optimal harvesting problem with a concave nonquadratic cost functional and a diffusive degenerate elliptic logistic state equation type is investigated. Under certain assumptions, we prove the existence and uniqueness of an optimal control. A characterization of the optimal control via the optimality system is also derived, which leads to approximating the optimal control.
Cultural and religious experiences: do they define teaching and learning for pre‐service teachers prior to teacher education?

This study examines the interaction between indigenous culture and modern religious practices of teaching and learning, and how this contributes towards shaping the preconceptions of teaching, learning, a teacher's role(s), students as learners, and knowledge of three secondary school pre‐service teachers who were just commencing their teacher education program at the only university educating teachers for post‐primary and post‐vocational educational institutions in Papua New Guinea. Data were obtained through a semi‐structured interview questionnaire. Data analysis revealed a dialectical and a mutually constitutive relationship between cultural and religious practices of teaching and learning. This made a significant contribution towards the construction of the three secondary school pre‐service teachers' preconceptions. These practices defined and fashioned the perceptions of teaching and learning the three pre‐service teachers held prior to becoming students of teaching.
Student teachers' conceptions about effective primary science teaching: a longitudinal study

What conceptions do student teachers hold about good primary science teaching? Do these conceptions change during preservice education? To determine answers to these questions, 12 Canadian preservice primary teachers were interviewed on four occasions as they completed their postgraduate 2-year education degree. The findings from these interviews are compared with a similar longitudinal Australian study, in which the nine preservice teachers were completing an undergraduate education award. Entry conceptions of good science teaching dominated and learning frameworks did not appear to change. Issues for teacher educators are raised about extending and changing student teachers' conceptions of effective practice.