Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Item difficulty in the evaluation of computer‐based instruction: An example from neuroanatomy

This article reports large item effects in a study of computer‐based learning of neuroanatomy. Outcome measures of the efficiency of learning, transfer of learning, and generalization of knowledge diverged by a wide margin across test items, with certain sets of items emerging as particularly difficult to master. In addition, the outcomes of comparisons between instructional methods changed with the difficulty of the items to be learned. More challenging items better differentiated between instructional methods. This set of results is important for two reasons. First, it suggests that instruction may be more efficient if sets of consistently difficult items are the targets of instructional methods particularly suited to them. Second, there is wide variation in the published literature regarding the outcomes of empirical evaluations of computer‐based instruction. As a consequence, many questions arise as to the factors that may affect such evaluations. The present article demonstrates that the level of challenge in the material that is presented to learners is an important factor to consider in the evaluation of a computer‐based instructional system. Anat Sci Educ. © 2011 American Association of Anatomists.
Preparation and Characterization of Gelatins from Two Sudanese Edible Insects

Gelatins extracted from two edible insects Aspongubus viduatus (melon bug) and Agonoscelis pubescens (sorghum bug) were studied. The two insects showed 27.0 and 28.2% crude protein, respectively. Extraction of gelatin using hot water gave high yield followed by mild acid and distilled water extraction, respectively. SDS-PAGE pattern showed low molecular weight chains, and the two gelatins contained protein with molecular weight of 40 kDa as main component. The differential scanning calorimetry thermograms results confirm no difference between extraction methods concerning the extracted gelatin quality. FTIR spectra of melon and sorghum bug gelatins were similar and the absorption bands were situated in more than 6 bands in melon bug gelatin and only 6 bands in sorghum bug gelatin. Amide II bands of gelatins from both melon and sorghum bug appeared at around 1554 cm -1 , while Amide I bands (1734-1632 cm -1 ) appeared only in melon bug method 2 (MB2) and melon bug method3 (MB3). Microstructures of the insect gelatin examined with the scanning electron microscope showed that melon bug exhibited the finest gelatin network with very small voids. Melon bug gelatin showed finer structure with smaller protein strands and voids than sorghum bug gelatin.
Retraction of “Gaining Control: Training Executive Function and Far Transfer of the Ability to Resolve Interference”

This article has been retracted by both of the authors. During further extension of this work, it was discovered that a mistake had been made in the programming of the working memory training tasks used in this study. This error resulted in the presentation of repeated trial sequences, which were then practiced repeatedly over the 8-day training period. This practice likely resulted in learning of the sequences, rather than training of interference control as we had originally inferred. The first author takes responsibility for this error, and both authors regret the publication of invalid results. In a separate replication (N = 16) of the working memory training condition that used randomized, novel sequences for each of the 8 training days, we were not able to reproduce the main findings of the original report. Table 1 presents inferential statistics comparing performance in the Day 1 and Day 8 training sessions, in the originally published data and the data from the attempted replication. As the table shows, no significant training effect (i.e., reduced interference resolution) was observed for either type of stimulus (faces, letters) when the correctly randomized trial sequence was used. Table 2 presents inferential statistics comparing performance on the transfer tasks before and after training, in the previously published data and the new data. As the table shows, no significant effect of training on performance in any of the three transfer tasks was found in the new data set. Retraction of “Gaining Control: Training Executive Function and Far Transfer of the Ability to Resolve Interference”
Quantitative Phosphoproteomic Analysis Identifies Activation of the RET and IGF-1R/IR Signaling Pathways in Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is an embryonal tumor of childhood with a heterogenous clinical presentation that reflects differences in activation of complex biological signaling pathways. Protein phosphorylation is a key component of cellular signal transduction and plays a critical role in processes that control cancer cell growth and survival. We used shotgun LC/MS to compare phosphorylation between a human MYCN amplified neuroblastoma cell line (NB10), modeling a resistant tumor, and a human neural precursor cell line (NPC), modeling a normal baseline neural crest cell. 2181 unique phosphorylation sites representing 1171 proteins and 2598 phosphopeptides were found. Protein kinases accounted for 6% of the proteome, with a predominance of tyrosine kinases, supporting their prominent role in oncogenic signaling pathways. Highly abundant receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) phosphopeptides in the NB10 cell line relative to the NPC cell line included RET, insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor/insulin receptor (IGF-1R/IR), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1). Multiple phosphorylated peptides from downstream mediators of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS pathways were also highly abundant in NB10 relative to NPC. Our analysis highlights the importance of RET, IGF-1R/IR and FGFR1 as RTKs in neuroblastoma and suggests a methodology that can be used to identify potential novel biological therapeutic targets. Furthermore, application of this previously unexploited technology in the clinic opens the possibility of providing a new wide-scale molecular signature to assess disease progression and prognosis.
Caseworker Judgments and Substantiation

Substantiation can have an important effect on what interventions are pursued for children investigated for maltreatment, but researchers lack knowledge about how the decision to substantiate is made. Using information from 4,515 children from a national probability study of children investigated for maltreatment, this study examined how caseworker judgments of harm, risk, and evidence predicted substantiation. The substantiation rate was 29.9%, but the majority of cases were substantiated when caseworkers reported at least moderate harm, at least moderate risk, and/or probably to clearly sufficient evidence. Each judgment variable significantly predicted substantiation in a multivariable model, with evidence the strongest predictor. Child gender and age were significant predictors beyond harm, risk, and evidence, suggesting that other judgments also influence substantiation. In 9 of 100 cases, reports were not substantiated despite moderate to severe harm. Thus, substantiation is generally based on judgments of harm, risk, and evidence but not exclusively. The findings underline previous researchers' conclusions that substantiation is a flawed measure of child maltreatment and suggest that policy and practice related to substantiation are due for a fresh appraisal by state child welfare service agencies.
Six-Week Randomized Controlled Trial To Compare the Tolerabilities, Pharmacokinetics, and Antiviral Activities of GW433908 and Amprenavir in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Infected Patients

ABSTRACT This study compared the plasma amprenavir pharmacokinetics of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors amprenavir (Agenerase) 1,200 mg twice daily (BID) and the amprenavir prodrug GW433908, a formulation that substantially reduces the number of tablets per dose compared with amprenavir, at doses of 1,395 mg and 1,860 mg BID, in combination with abacavir 300 mg BID and lamivudine 150 mg BID in patients with HIV infection. Overall, 78 patients received study treatment. Compared with amprenavir 1,200 mg BID, both GW433908 1,395 mg BID and GW433908 1,860 mg BID delivered equivalent steady-state (ss) values for area under the plasma amprenavir concentration-time curve (AUC) at the end of a dosing interval (τ), lower maximum plasma amprenavir concentrations (30% lower), and higher plasma amprenavir concentrations at the end of a dosing interval (28% higher for GW433908 1,395 mg BID and 46% higher for GW433908 1,860 mg BID). Time-variant plasma amprenavir pharmacokinetics were observed with reductions in plasma amprenavir exposure over the first 4 weeks of dosing; the decrease in plasma amprenavir AUCτ,ss versus the AUC from 0 h to ∞ was 27% for GW43308 1,395 mg, 45% for GW433908 1,860 mg, and 23% for amprenavir 1,200 mg. All three regimens reduced plasma HIV-1 RNA (∼2 log10 copies/ml) and increased CD4+ cell counts (∼100 cells/mm3) over the initial 28 days. Adverse event profiles were consistent with those previously reported for amprenavir. Although not statistically tested, the GW433908 groups appeared to have fewer gastrointestinal symptoms. In conclusion, the protease inhibitor GW433908 delivered comparable plasma amprenavir concentrations to those delivered by amprenavir 1,200 mg BID. GW433908, in combination with abacavir and lamivudine, demonstrated potent antiviral activity and was generally well tolerated over a 4-week period.
Tropheryma whipplei Endocarditis

Tropheryma whipplei endocarditis differs from classic Whipple disease, which primarily affects the gastrointestinal system. We diagnosed 28 cases of T. whipplei endocarditis in Marseille, France, and compared them with cases reported in the literature. Specimens were analyzed mostly by molecular and histologic techniques. Duke criteria were ineffective for diagnosis before heart valve analysis. The disease occurred in men 40–80 years of age, of whom 21 (75%) had arthralgia (75%); 9 (32%) had valvular disease and 11 (39%) had fever. Clinical manifestations were predominantly cardiologic. Treatment with doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine for at least 12 months was successful. The cases we diagnosed differed from those reported from Germany, in which arthralgias were less common and previous valve lesions more common. A strong geographic specificity for this disease is found mainly in eastern-central France, Switzerland, and Germany. T. whipplei endocarditis is an emerging clinical entity observed in middle-aged and older men with arthralgia.
EFFECT OF OLEO-GUM RESIN OF FERULA ASSAFOETIDA ON GROWTH OF SOME FOOD AND CROP CONTAMINATING MICROBES

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal or bactericidal concentration (MFC, MBC) of oleo-gum resin of Ferula assafoetida on the growth of food spoilage microbes of bacteria, yeasts and fungal and investigation of the most sensitive of them to oleo-gum resin of these plant. Methods: In this study oleo-gum resin of F.assafoetida were dissolved in sterile distilled water and then its antimicrobial effects was studied on the growth of seven microbial species including Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Saccharomyces cereviciae, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus using micro-dilution method. Results: Results of these research showed that MIC and MBC values of oleo-gum resin on B.subtilis and E.coli were 1562.5 and >100000 µg/ml respectively, which were more than MIC and MBC values of S.aureus. Among tested yeasts, C.albicans showed more resistance than the S.cereviciae. Also MIC value of A.parasiticus (390.6 µg/ml) was less than A.flavus (781.3 µg/ml). Results of the present study indicates that oleo-gum resin of F.assafoetida has significant (P<0.05) antimicrobial activity, which strengthens its potential use as essential antimicrobial source in the near future.
Inter-domain Communication Mechanisms in an ABC Importer: A Molecular Dynamics Study of the MalFGK2E Complex

ATP-Binding Cassette transporters are ubiquitous membrane proteins that convert the energy from ATP-binding and hydrolysis into conformational changes of the transmembrane region to allow the translocation of substrates against their concentration gradient. Despite the large amount of structural and biochemical data available for this family, it is still not clear how the energy obtained from ATP hydrolysis in the ATPase domains is “transmitted” to the transmembrane domains. In this work, we focus our attention on the consequences of hydrolysis and inorganic phosphate exit in the maltose uptake system (MalFGK2E) from Escherichia coli. The prime goal is to identify and map the structural changes occurring during an ATP-hydrolytic cycle. For that, we use extensive molecular dynamics simulations to study three potential intermediate states (with 10 replicates each): an ATP-bound, an ADP plus inorganic phosphate-bound and an ADP-bound state. Our results show that the residues presenting major rearrangements are located in the A-loop, in the helical sub-domain, and in the “EAA motif” (especially in the “coupling helices” region). Additionally, in one of the simulations with ADP we were able to observe the opening of the NBD dimer accompanied by the dissociation of ADP from the ABC signature motif, but not from its corresponding P-loop motif. This work, together with several other MD studies, suggests a common communication mechanism both for importers and exporters, in which ATP-hydrolysis induces conformational changes in the helical sub-domain region, in turn transferred to the transmembrane domains via the “coupling helices”.
Uncoupling Anaphase-Promoting Complex/Cyclosome Activity from Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Control by Deregulating Polo-Like Kinase 1

ABSTRACT Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) plays a role in numerous events in mitosis, but how the multiple functions of Plk1 are separated is poorly understood. We studied regulation of Plk1 through two putative phosphorylation residues, Ser-137 and Thr-210. Using phospho-specific antibodies, we found that Thr-210 phosphorylation precedes Ser-137 phosphorylation in vivo, the latter occurring specifically in late mitosis. We show that expression of two activating mutants of these residues, S137D and T210D, results in distinct mitotic phenotypes. Whereas expression of both phospho-mimicking mutants as well as of the double mutant leads to accelerated mitotic entry, further progression through mitosis is dramatically different: the T210D mutant causes a spindle assembly checkpoint-dependent delay, whereas the expression of the S137D mutant or the double mutant results in untimely activation of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) and frequent mitotic catastrophe. Using nonphosphorylatable Plk1-S137A and Plk1-T210A mutants, we show that both sites contribute to proper mitotic progression. Based on these observations, we propose that Plk1 function is altered at different stages of mitosis through consecutive posttranslational events, e.g., at Ser-137 and Thr-210. Furthermore, our data show that uncontrolled Plk1 activation can uncouple APC/C activity from spindle assembly checkpoint control.
Class-based approach to disambiguating Levin verbs

Abstract Lapata and Brew (Computational Linguistics, vol. 30, 2004, pp. 295–313) (hereafter LB04) obtain from untagged texts a statistical prior model that is able to generate class preferences for ambiguous Lewin (English Verb Classes and Alternations: A Preliminary Investigation, 1993, University of Chicago Press) verbs (hereafter Levin). They also show that their informative priors, incorporated into a Naive Bayes classifier deduced from hand-tagged data (HTD), can aid in verb class disambiguation. We re-analyse LB04's prior model and show that a single factor (the joint probability of class and frame) determines the predominant class for a particular verb in a particular frame. This means that the prior model cannot be sensitive to fine-grained lexical distinctions between different individual verbs falling in the same class. We replicate LB04's supervised disambiguation experiments on large-scale data, using deep parsers rather than the shallow parser of LB04. In addition, we introduce a method for training our classifier without using HTD. This relies on knowledge of Levin class memberships to move information from unambiguous to ambiguous instances of each class. We regard this system as unsupervised because it does not rely on human annotation of individual verb instances. Although our unsupervised verb class disambiguator does not match the performance of the ones that make use of HTD, it consistently outperforms the random baseline model. Our experiments also demonstrate that the informative priors derived from untagged texts help improve the performance of the classifier trained on untagged data.
Functional Interdependence Theory: An Evolutionary Account of Social Situations

Social interactions are characterized by distinct forms of interdependence, each of which has unique effects on how behavior unfolds within the interaction. Despite this, little is known about the psychological mechanisms that allow people to detect and respond to the nature of interdependence in any given interaction. We propose that interdependence theory provides clues regarding the structure of interdependence in the human ancestral past. In turn, evolutionary psychology offers a framework for understanding the types of information processing mechanisms that could have been shaped under these recurring conditions. We synthesize and extend these two perspectives to introduce a new theory: functional interdependence theory (FIT). FIT can generate testable hypotheses about the function and structure of the psychological mechanisms for inferring interdependence. This new perspective offers insight into how people initiate and maintain cooperative relationships, select social partners and allies, and identify opportunities to signal social motives.
Scanpaths in reading are informative about sentence processing

Scanpaths, sequences of fixations of the eyes, have historically played an important role in eyetracking research but their use has remained highly limited until recently. Here, we summarize earlier research and argue that scanpaths are a valuable source of information for reading research, specifically in the study of sentence comprehension. We also discuss a freely available, open source scanpath analysis method that we used to evaluate theoretical claims about human parsing and about how the parser guides the eyes during reading. This scanpath analysis is shown to yield new information that was missed when traditional approaches were used to study theories about eye guidance during garden-pathing. We also show how relatively subtle scanpath effects can be detected when we report the scanpath analysis of a large eyetracking corpus. In sum, we argue that scanpath analyses are likely to serve as an increasingly important tool in reading research, and perhaps also in other areas where eyetracking is used, e.g., in studies using the visual world paradigm.
Central nervous system involvement with multiple myeloma: long term survival can be achieved with radiation, intrathecal chemotherapy, and immunomodulatory agents

Involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) in multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare complication, with reported survival of <6 months. This report describes 37 MM patients with leptomeningeal and/or parenchymal brain involvement treated at our institution and identifies factors associated with long‐term survival. From January 1999 to December 2010, 37 patients with CNS MM were evaluated at our institution. Clinical characteristics, treatment and survival were retrospectively collected. CNS disease was present at MM diagnosis in 24% and at relapse in 76%. Plasma cell leukemia (40%) and skull plasmacytomas (65%) were common, suggesting haematological and contiguous spread. Intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy was used in 81%, cranial and/or spinal irradiation in 78%, and various systemic therapies [immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs) (51%), cisplatin‐based (DPACE; cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, etoposide) (27%), bortezomib (19%), alkylators (11%), dexamethasone alone (8%), auto‐transplant (5%)]. Median survival from CNS disease was only 4·6 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 2·8–6·7]; however, nine patients had prolonged survival (median: 17·1 months, 95% CI: 13·2–67·4). In general, these long‐term survivors were treated with radiotherapy, multi‐dosing IT chemotherapy, and IMiD‐containing therapy. CNS MM is a highly aggressive disease but in our experience, long‐term survival can be achieved with the combination of multi‐dosing IT chemotherapy, radiation and IMiD‐based therapy.
Mitochondrial biogenesis in epithelial cancer cells promotes breast cancer tumor growth and confers autophagy resistance

Here, we set out to test the novel hypothesis that increased mitochondrial biogenesis in epithelial cancer cells would “fuel” enhanced tumor growth. For this purpose, we generated MDA-MB-231 cells (a triple-negative human breast cancer cell line) overexpressing PGC-1α and MitoNEET, which are established molecules that drive mitochondrial biogenesis and increased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Interestingly, both PGC-1α and MitoNEET increased the abundance of OXPHOS protein complexes, conferred autophagy resistance under conditions of starvation and increased tumor growth by up to ~3-fold. However, this increase in tumor growth was independent of neo-angiogenesis, as assessed by immunostaining and quantitation of vessel density using CD31 antibodies. Quantitatively similar increases in tumor growth were also observed by overexpression of PGC-1β and POLRMT in MDA-MB-231 cells, which are also responsible for mediating increased mitochondrial biogenesis. Thus, we propose that increased mitochondrial “power” in epithelial cancer cells oncogenically promotes tumor growth by conferring autophagy resistance. As such, PGC-1α, PGC-1β, mitoNEET and POLRMT should all be considered as tumor promoters or “metabolic oncogenes. ” Our results are consistent with numerous previous clinical studies showing that metformin (a weak mitochondrial “poison”) prevents the onset of nearly all types of human cancers in diabetic patients. Therefore, metformin (a complex I inhibitor) and other mitochondrial inhibitors should be developed as novel anticancer therapies, targeting mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells.
The Role of Thinking in the Comforting Process

Using data from 192 undergraduates asked to imagine a stressful experience, this study finds support for two primary contentions of a dual-process theory of supportive message outcomes: (a) message content impacts anticipated affect improvement (AAI) when processing motivation is high but not when low and (b) processing extent mediates the relationship between verbal person centeredness (VPC) and AAI for highly motivated participants. In addition, the dual-process framework was used to forward a modified theory of conversationally induced reappraisals. In support of this model, positive emotion words and situation reappraisal mediated the VPC-AAI link only when recipients afforded close attention to message content. The discussion focuses on how the dual-process framework might assist in modifying theories of supportive communication in other ways.