Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
mTORC1 inhibition delays growth of neurofibromatosis type 2 schwannoma.

BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder, resulting in a variety of neural tumors, with bilateral vestibular schwannomas as the most frequent manifestation. Recently, merlin, the NF2 tumor suppressor, has been identified as a novel negative regulator of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1); functional loss of merlin was shown to result in elevated mTORC1 signaling in NF2-related tumors. Thus, mTORC1 pathway inhibition may be a useful targeted therapeutic approach. METHODS We studied in vitro cell models, cohorts of mice allografted with Nf2(-/-) Schwann cells, and a genetically modified mouse model of NF2 schwannoma in order to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed targeted therapy for NF2. RESULTS We found that treatment with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin reduced the severity of NF2-related Schwann cell tumorigenesis without significant toxicity. Consistent with these results, in an NF2 patient with growing vestibular schwannomas, the rapalog sirolimus induced tumor growth arrest. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results constitute definitive evidence that justifies proceeding with clinical trials using mTORC1-targeted agents in selected patients with NF2 and in patients with NF2-related sporadic tumors.
Assessment of Motoric Music Skill Development in Young Children: Test Construction and Evaluation Procedures

Investigation of motor skill development in young children has resulted in the publication of general schedules of motor development (Frankenburg, Dodds, and Fandal, 1970; Gesell and Amatruda, 1949; Sloan, 1955); however, no analogous scale exists examining the more specific area of motor skill development in music. Although sequences of general motor development and factors affecting this development have been observed, recorded, and documented, no investigations have been located which examine the development of motor skills within a musical context. As a result, music educators and therapists seeking precise, specialised developmental information must rely on general developmental schedules, personal experience, and intuition to determine the normal age level and sequence of motoric music skill attainment. In short, music professionals have little empirically based data confirming and describing sequences in the development of specified motoric music skills.
Exploring the Myths of Coping with a National Trauma

Summary A longitudinal investigation of psychological responses to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks was conducted on a U.S. national probability sample. Using an anonymous Web-based survey methodology, data were collected among over 1,900 adults at 2 weeks and 12 months post-9/11 to consider whether direct and proximal exposure were necessary preconditions for high levels of acute and posttraumatic stress symptoms, and whether greater exposure/proximity led to greater traumatic stress symptoms. Results suggest that the requirement of direct and proximal exposure to the attacks and the expectation of a dose-response relationship between exposure and traumatic stress response are myths.
Further dogged defense of paraphyletic taxa

I was invited to defend my views on cladistic classification at a symposium on Linnaean taxonomy at the Smithsonian Institution in 2001. When the paper was published (Brummitt, 2002) I received very many messages of support from people from all around the world. But in this business it seems one never convinces everyone, and I know that others are probably still critical of my views. We need discussion to resolve what I believe are some very important issues in systematics, but my opponents usually prefer to ignore what I hope is the logic of my case. So I was pleased and interested to see the reply to my paper by such prominent opponents as Nelson, Murphy & Ladiges (2003) in which they have credited me with dogged defense of paraphyly over a period of eight years. They have taken up the challenge originally given by me and my co-author Marc Sosef (Brummitt & Sosef,
Using Learning Communities to Build Faculty Support for Pedagogical Innovation: A Multi-Campus Study

To encourage greater adoption of a pedagogical innovation (service-learning), semesterlong faculty learning communities were established at eight institutions. These learning community experiences produced gains in participants' (N = 152) self-assessed expertise with service-learning, ability to collaborate with community partners, and appreciation for the innovation's value for students and their own professional development.
Observer Perspective in Adolescence: The Relationship with Social Anxiety and Age

Abstract There has been some support for the applicability of the Clark and Wells’ model of Social Phobia within an adolescent population. To date, however, there is limited research to support the existence of the main perpetuating element (i.e. observer perspective) in this population. One hundred and twenty-four adolescents (12–18 years) completed an anxiety-provoking social task. They were asked to generate an image in their mind of what they felt they were like during this situation. The study investigated whether adolescents could report the perspective that they took in this task, and whether increased levels of social anxiety were associated with an “observer” perspective. The study also explored whether age moderated this relationship. It was found that as social anxiety increased, the perspective of the participants moved towards that of an observer. Age was not found to influence the reporting of perspective, nor the association between this and social anxiety. This study provides evidence for the existence of observer perspective within an adolescent population and indicates that this is associated with social anxiety. It provides some indirect support for the continued use of video feedback strategies with this age group.
A High-Density Simple Sequence Repeat and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genetic Map of the Tetraploid Cotton Genome

Genetic linkage maps play fundamental roles in understanding genome structure, explaining genome formation events during evolution, and discovering the genetic bases of important traits. A high-density cotton (Gossypium spp.) genetic map was developed using representative sets of simple sequence repeat (SSR) and the first public set of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to genotype 186 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from an interspecific cross between Gossypium hirsutum L. (TM-1) and G. barbadense L. (3-79). The genetic map comprised 2072 loci (1825 SSRs and 247 SNPs) and covered 3380 centiMorgan (cM) of the cotton genome (AD) with an average marker interval of 1.63 cM. The allotetraploid cotton genome produced equivalent recombination frequencies in its two subgenomes (At and Dt). Of the 2072 loci, 1138 (54.9%) were mapped to 13 At-subgenome chromosomes, covering 1726.8 cM (51.1%), and 934 (45.1%) mapped to 13 Dt-subgenome chromosomes, covering 1653.1 cM (48.9%). The genetically smallest homeologous chromosome pair was Chr. 04 (A04) and 22 (D04), and the largest was Chr. 05 (A05) and 19 (D05). Duplicate loci between and within homeologous chromosomes were identified that facilitate investigations of chromosome translocations. The map augments evidence of reciprocal rearrangement between ancestral forms of Chr. 02 and 03 versus segmental homeologs 14 and 17 as centromeric regions show homeologous between Chr. 02 (A02) and 17 (D02), as well as between Chr. 03 (A03) and 14 (D03). This research represents an important foundation for studies on polyploid cottons, including germplasm characterization, gene discovery, and genome sequence assembly.
‘I love you, please notice me’: the hierarchical rhetoric of Twitter fandom

Since its 2006 debut, Twitter has emerged as the primary online space for communication between celebrity and audience. Yet scholars are conflicted on whether Twitter’s expanded interaction is actual or merely perceived. Some contend that the social media site represents a democratised public square in which the borders between ordinary and extraordinary are flattened, while others argue that Twitter encompasses synthetic personalisation: hierarchical power dynamics masked by simulated interconnection. Assuming that Twitter communication is an extension of traditions of letter-writing by fans and fan clubs, this study utilises a framework for rhetorical arrangement drawn from medieval work on the ars dictaminis, or the art of letter-writing. Informed by Cicero, the ars dictaminis divided the letter into five parts, including exordium (opening), captatio benevolentiae (capturing of goodwill), narratio (background), petitio (petition/request), and conclusio (conclusion). Tweets directed at the top five most-followed Twitter accounts (Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Barack Obama, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift) are classified by which of the ars dictaminis elements they accomplish. The findings suggest that, given the limitations of the medium, Twitter users focus on captatio benevolentiae and petitio in addressing stars. It is particularly startling that users often construct their Twitter handles as a reference to the star, thereby soliciting goodwill in the rhetorical space of message sender rather than content. The apparent emphasis on captatio benevolentiae – or facework – suggests a maintenance of hierarchical borders among Twitter addressers and addressees in line with synthetic personalisation. Implications are discussed for the future study of the rhetoric of fandom and parasocial interaction online.
The sunk cost and Concorde effects: Are humans less rational than lower animals?

The sunk cost effect is a maladaptive economic behavior that is manifested in a greater tendency to continue an endeavor once an investment in money, effort, or time has been made. The Concorde fallacy is another name for the sunk cost effect, except that the former term has been applied strictly to lower animals, whereas the latter has been applied solely to humans. The authors contend that there are no unambiguous instances of the Concorde fallacy in lower animals and also present evidence that young children, when placed in an economic situation akin to a sunk cost one, exhibit more normatively correct behavior than do adults. These findings pose an enigma: Why do adult humans commit an error contrary to the normative cost-benefit rules of choice, whereas children and phylogenetically humble organisms do not? The authors attempt to show that this paradoxical state of affairs is due to humans' overgeneralization of the "Don't waste" rule. The sunk cost effect is a maladaptive economic behavior that is manifested in a greater tendency to continue an endeavor once an investment in money, effort, or time has been made (Arkes & Blumer, 1985). A prior investment should not influence one's consideration of current options; only the incremental costs and benefits of the current options should influence one's decision. Nevertheless, several researchers have shown that people do attend to prior investments as they consider what course of action to take. For example, Arkes and Blumer (1985, Experiment 2) arranged to have three different types of season tickets sold to persons who approached the Ohio University Theater ticket booth at the beginning of the season. Approximately one third of the patrons purchased season tickets at the full $15 price, one third at $13, and one third at $8. Compared with those who purchased tickets at $15, those who purchased tickets at either of the discounted prices attended fewer plays during the subsequent 6 months. Apparently, those who had "sunk" the most money into the season tickets were most motivated to use the tickets. This is contrary to the maxim that incremental costs and benefits should govern one's decision to attend the plays. Once the tickets had been purchased, all patrons had a license to attend any play. Presumably, the costs and benefits of theater attendance would have been equal for the members of all
Determining English Language Learners' Response to Intervention: Questions and Some Answers

Using an extant database, we examined three grade 1 criteria for identifying response to intervention (RTI) in English language learners (ELLs): (a) set benchmark criteria with a standard score above 95 (37th %ile) on both decoding and comprehension measures and a raw score of 40 or more correct words per minute (CWPM) on oral reading fluency; (b) discrepancy benchmark criteria, with performance on these measures at or above the mean of not-at-risk peers; and (c) discrepancy slope criteria, with growth during grade 1 on these measures at or above the mean of not-at-risk peers. The sample consisted of 81 students (41 intervention, 40 comparison) who were bilingual (Spanish/English) and were part of a supplemental reading instruction study during first grade. The three grade 1 criteria were evaluated in relation to a set benchmark criteria in grade 2. Results indicated that approximately 80% of the students did not meet any criteria in either year, but that the discrepancy slope criteria in grade 1 were most predictive of set benchmark criteria in grade 2. Recognizing that we applied highly stringent criteria, implications and issues are presented related to using RTI with ELLs to facilitate decision making about further intervention and referral for special education.
Site-Specific Immunosuppression in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation: Prospects and Potential

Skin is the most immunogenic component of a vascularized composite allograft (VCA) and is the primary trigger and target of rejection. The skin is directly accessible for visual monitoring of acute rejection (AR) and for directed biopsy, timely therapeutic intervention, and management of AR. Logically, antirejection drugs, biologics, or other agents delivered locally to the VCA may reduce the need for systemic immunosuppression with its adverse effects. Topical FK 506 (tacrolimus) and steroids have been used in clinical VCA as an adjunct to systemic therapy with unclear beneficial effects. However, there are no commercially available topical formulations for other widely used systemic immunosuppressive drugs such as mycophenolic acid, sirolimus, and everolimus. Investigating the site-specific therapeutic effects and efficacy of systemically active agents may enable optimizing the dosing, frequency, and duration of overall immunosuppression in VCA with minimization or elimination of long-term drug-related toxicity.
Predictors of Sexual Risk in Latino Gay/Bisexual Men: The Role of Demographic, Developmental, Social Cognitive, and Behavioral Variables

This study examined four types of predictors of sexual risk within a sample of 110 predominantly English-speaking Latino gay/bisexual men residing in the city of San Francisco. More than one fourth of the sample reported at least one instance of unprotected anal intercourse in the last 30 days; one fifth of the sample reported unprotected anal intercourse with a nonmonogamous sexual partner within the same time period. Findings suggest that weak personal intentions for safer sex and low levels of perceived self-efficacy are associated with risky sexual practices. In addition, a history of sexual abuse in childhood, drug use during sexual activity, and frequency of sex in public cruising environments emerged as significant predictors of sexual risk. Multivariate analyses indicated that a four-predictor model (including a young age, low levels of intention/self-efficacy, a high frequency of sex under the influence of drugs, and a high frequency of sex with nonmonogamous partners) is the most parsimonious model to predict sexual risk in this population. A history of childhood sexual abuse correlated positively with all predictors of risk in the model, except age.
Use of 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolone hydrazone in an automated colorimetric method for determination of triglycerides in plasma or serum.

A new automated colorimetric method is described for the determination of serum or plasma triglycerides. The samples are extracted with 2-propanol containing activated alumina. An AutoAnalyzer Sampler II and Proportioning Pump II are used in combination with a Gilford Model 300 N spectrophotometer and Model 3091-A debubbler flow cell. Following on-line saponification, glycerol is oxidatively cleaved with sodium metaperiodate. The resulting formaldehyde is reacted with 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolone hydrazone (MBTH) under mild conditions to produce the corresponding azine. Further reaction of MBTH with the azine in the presence of an oxidizing agent results in the formation of a blue cationic adduct. Beer's law is obeyed, at 670 nm, to a triglyceride concentration of 400 mg/100 ml. Because of the high sensitivity of the MBTH reaction, short incubation periods, high sampling rates (60/h), and low flow rates can be used. The results correlate well with those obtained by the Kessler-Lederer method and by a totally enzymatic method.
Cannabis Use and Cerebrovascular Disease

BackgroundCannabis is the most commonly abused illicit drug and is often considered innocuous. However, cases of acute onset neurologic dysfunction occurring in relation to cannabis use have been described and corresponding cerebral imaging studies have documented focal ischemic changes and vessel abnormalities. Review SummaryThis article reviews all reported cases of presumed cannabis related cerebral ischemic events in the medical literature, as well as pertinent human and animal experimental studies on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects of cannabis. ConclusionsCannabis use seems to have been causally related to several instances of cerebral ischemia and infarction. Proposed etiologic mechanisms have included cerebral vasospasm, cardioembolization, and systemic hypotension with impaired cerebral autoregulation, but most of the available data points to a vasospastic process. The exact relation of cannabis to cerebrovascular disease remains to be determined.
The inclusion of pupils with a chronic health condition in mainstream school: what does it mean for teachers?

This paper reports on a study which investigated the support needs of pupils in mainstream school with a chronic illness or physical disability. The research was carried out in three local education authorities covering both rural and urban areas. In-depth, qualitative data were collected from 33 pupils in secondary school; 58 parents of primary and secondary school pupils; and 34 primary and secondary school teachers. Overall, the data from young people suggest variability in the support offered to pupils by teachers, even by teachers within the same school, and highlights the importance of teachers' awareness and understanding of special health needs. A number of areas where young people need support from teachers were identified, including: dealing with school absence; taking part in school activities; peer relationships; explaining the condition to other pupils; and having someone to talk to about health-related worries. Data from teachers and parents indicate that school staff need assistance with obtaining health-related information; ensuring health-related information is passed between and within schools; providing emotional support; the provision of medical care; and coordinating support for this group of pupils. The implications of the findings for teachers, schools and educational policy are discussed.
“Shaping up”: The relationship between traditional masculinity, conflict resolution and body image among adolescent boys in South Africa

In South Africa, traditional versions of masculinity that once bestowed power and privilege onto white heterosexual men are being contested. White adolescent males must negotiate this changing environment at a time when they themselves are engaging in the process of identity development. Given the recent emergence of the masculine body ideal, the muscular mesomorph, and its association with traditional masculinity, this study sought to examine the relationship between traditional masculinity, conflict resolution and body image among a sample of predominantly white adolescent males in South Africa. The relationships between these variables were examined in accordance with Connell's theory of body-reflexive practices (1995), which views the body as both an “object” and “agent” of practice. Our findings revealed that support for traditional masculine norms among adolescent males was associated with the desire for a larger, more muscular body and the use of maladaptive conflict resolution styles that exhibit a low concern for the welfare of others. In the context of recent sociocultural changes, these findings suggest that conflict resolution and the redefinition of the male body may be an emerging arena that provides new possibilities for young white males to enact a form of male power that is seen to be maladaptive in our context.
Worker Safety, Law, and Social Change: The Italian Case

This paper is a case study of the occupational safety and health provisions of the Italian Workers' Rights Law of 1970, which gave Italian workers the broad right to regulate safety and health conditions at the shop level. The paper traces the political history of this controversial legislation and workers' and employers' responses to it. It then provides evidence that the law was neither the mere "symbolic gesture" nor the tool to "open new horizons" that observers variously predicted. The paper argues that to account for the formulation of this law and its ambiguous impact, the economic and political contradictions into which it was inserted must be placed at the center of analysis. It thus challenges the kind of legal determinism implicit in many analyses of the sociology of law that make the state and legal phenomena the central actors.
PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN Weary, Reich / CHRONIC AND TEMPORARY EXPECTANCIES Attributional Effects of Conflicting Chronic and Temporary Outcome Expectancies: A Case of Automatic Comparison and Contrast

Two studies examined the notion that perceivers’ chronically accessible, negative future-event expectancies might serve as an important cognitive context for the interpretation of temporarily primed expectancies. Such a cognitive context should activate more extreme event-outcome categories that subsequently should be used as comparison standards in the dispositional inference process. A final study examined the direct effect of chronically accessible, negative expectancies on judgments of the priming stimuli. The results of all three studies support the notion that the contextually produced extremity of momentary event expectancies resulted in an unaware and highly efficient comparison and contrast process. When participants were aware of the activation of extreme event-outcome categories and had the requisite resources, correction of target judgments occurred.
Human exposure to electric fields under an overhead MV power line

A conductive sphere is proposed as simple model for the evaluation of the human exposure to electric fields under an overhead medium voltage power line. The study is performed on the sphere (on the top and on the horizontal equatorial circumference), with reference to an overhead line supported by reinforced concrete poles, with a pole-top-pin arrangement. A numerical analysis compares the results relative to this simple model with those of a more complete one of the human body. An experimental validation of the numerical analysis is reported. The human exposure under the line is finally discussed, in particular near to and far from a pole.