Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence of motor system reorganization in complex regional pain syndrome type 1: A case report

ABSTRACT Background Central nervous system reorganization, particularly in networks devoted to somatosensation, is thought to be a significant feature of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Aims In the present case report, we evaluated the corticomotor system of a woman suffering from CRPS, as she started and completed her rehabilitation, in order to explore whether CRPS could also be linked to changes in motor networks. Methods The patient, a 58-year-old woman, was diagnosed with right-hand CRPS. Transcranial magnetic stimulation measures, reflecting the strength of the corticospinal projections, were evaluated before, during, and after an 8-week graded motor imagery (GMI) program. Results Before treatment, the patient reported significant pain and disability, and the strength of the corticospinal projections of the first dorsal interosseous of the affected hand was reduced compared to the healthy, unaffected hand. Pain and disability decreased as the patient completed the GMI program. These changes were paralleled by an increase in the strength of the corticospinal projections. Conclusions These observations suggest that corticomotor changes can be observed in individuals suffering from CRPS and that some of the clinical manifestations observed in these patients (e.g., pain, disability) could possibly be linked to these neurophysiological changes.
Differences in psychosocial determinants by gender and physical activity index among undergraduates

Majority of Malaysians do not meet the recommendation of adequate and regular physical activity, with about 61.4 % (aged 15 and above) considered inactive. This study examined the differences of psychosocial determinants of physical activity in undergraduates according to gender and physical activity index category. Self-efficacy Assessment, Social Support for Exercise, Motivation and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scales were used to measure the psychosocial determinants of physical activity. The Physical Activity Index (PAI) was determined by multiplying exercise intensity, duration and frequency. The total PAI score was categorized as ‘Needs improvement’ [NI], ‘Fair’ [F], ‘Average’ [A], ‘Good’ [G] and ‘Excellent’ [E]. A total of 359 undergraduates (male = 74.4%, female = 25.6%) were conveniently surveyed. Result in physical index category revealed that 25% of the undergraduates each was in the ‘fair’ and ‘average’ category. About 15% of the undergraduates needs improvement and 34.8% was in the ‘good’ and ‘excellent’ category. Inferential statistics analyses showed psychosocial determinants of ‘self-efficacy’, ‘exercise enjoyment’, ‘motivation’ and ‘support from family’ were significant according to gender. Males involved in physical activity due to ‘self-efficacy’, ‘motivation’ and ‘enjoyment’ while females were more influenced by family support. Significant results on PAI category and psychosocial determinants were shown in self-efficacy, social support from friends, motivation, and exercise enjoyment. For ‘self-efficacy’ and ‘social support from friend’ factors, the ‘Need Improvement’ group had low self-efficacy and low social support from friends. However, for the ‘motivation’ and ‘exercise enjoyment’ factors, the ‘Needs Improvement’ was more motivated and enjoyed exercise more than other groups.
Evaluation of Sylvester type determinants using block-triangularization

It is shown that the values of Sylvester type determinants for various orthogonal polynomials considered by Askey in [R.Askey, Evaluation of some determinants, Proceedings of the 4th ISAAC Congress, 200x, xxx-xxx] can be ascertained inductively using simple block-triangularization schemes.
Characterization of Sex Determination and Sex Differentiation Genes in Latimeria

Genes involved in sex determination and differentiation have been identified in mice, humans, chickens, reptiles, amphibians and teleost fishes. However, little is known of their functional conservation, and it is unclear whether there is a common set of genes shared by all vertebrates. Coelacanths, basal Sarcopterygians and unique “living fossils”, could help establish an inventory of the ancestral genes involved in these important developmental processes and provide insights into their components. In this study 33 genes from the genome of Latimeria chalumnae and from the liver and testis transcriptomes of Latimeria menadoensis, implicated in sex determination and differentiation, were identified and characterized and their expression levels measured. Interesting findings were obtained for GSDF, previously identified only in teleosts and now characterized for the first time in the sarcopterygian lineage; FGF9, which is not found in teleosts; and DMRT1, whose expression in adult gonads has recently been related to maintenance of sexual identity. The gene repertoire and testis-specific gene expression documented in coelacanths demonstrate a greater similarity to modern fishes and point to unexpected changes in the gene regulatory network governing sexual development.
Time resolved Raman spectroscopy for depth analysis of multi-layered mineral samples

Time resolved Raman spectroscopy (TRRS) can provide subsurface information from multi-layered samples of transparent and translucent evaporative and silicate minerals up to several centimetres thick. Depth information was obtained using 3-ps pulsed laser excitation at 720nm and a gated intensified charge-coupled device detector with stepwise increasing delay times. Blocks of different minerals were used as first, second or third layers, and Raman spectra from deeper layers could be detected through 10mm of translucent calcite and up to 40mm of transparent halite crystals. Measurements by conventional confocal Raman, as well as spatially offset Raman spectroscopy were also successful in distinguishing different mineral layers. This study establishes the great potential for the use of Raman spectroscopy in future planetary exploration, where TRRS could be used as a non-invasive tool for profiling the (sub-)surface at millimetre-depth resolution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
pylori and mitochondrial changes in epithelial cells . The role of oxidative stress

Infection with H. pylori plays a role in the pathogenesis of gas-tritis, peptic ulcer, gastric carcinoma, and gastric lymphoma, but mechanisms leading to the various clinical manifestations remain obscure and are the primary focus of research in this field. Proliferation and apoptosis are essential in the maintenance of gastric tissue homeostasis, and changes seen in their balance may condition gastric mucosal changes during infection. Thus, excessive apoptosis or proliferation inhibition will result in cell mass loss, which is observed in gastric ulcers. On the other hand, accelerated epithelial cell turnover is characteristic of carcinogenic mu-cosas. There is also scientific evidence that demonstrates an association between H. pylori infection and exacerbated synthesis of free radicals, the latter being well known as a primary cause of cell death. A thorough review of the literature and the results of our experimental research lead to conclude that H. pylori-induced ox-idative stress activates the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Structural and functional changes caused by this process on mitochondrial organelles lie at the origin of gastric mucosal toxicity, and lead to the development of the various manifestations associated with this infection. Based on these data we suggest that therapy with an-tioxidants should prove beneficial for the clinical management of patients with H. pylori infection.
All Clinically-Relevant Blood Components Transmit Prion Disease following a Single Blood Transfusion: A Sheep Model of vCJD

Variant CJD (vCJD) is an incurable, infectious human disease, likely arising from the consumption of BSE-contaminated meat products. Whilst the epidemic appears to be waning, there is much concern that vCJD infection may be perpetuated in humans by the transfusion of contaminated blood products. Since 2004, several cases of transfusion-associated vCJD transmission have been reported and linked to blood collected from pre-clinically affected donors. Using an animal model in which the disease manifested resembles that of humans affected with vCJD, we examined which blood components used in human medicine are likely to pose the greatest risk of transmitting vCJD via transfusion. We collected two full units of blood from BSE-infected donor animals during the pre-clinical phase of infection. Using methods employed by transfusion services we prepared red cell concentrates, plasma and platelets units (including leucoreduced equivalents). Following transfusion, we showed that all components contain sufficient levels of infectivity to cause disease following only a single transfusion and also that leucoreduction did not prevent disease transmission. These data suggest that all blood components are vectors for prion disease transmission, and highlight the importance of multiple control measures to minimise the risk of human to human transmission of vCJD by blood transfusion.
An Integrated Approach for Monitoring Contemporary and Recruitable Large Woody Debris

Large woody debris (LWD) plays a critical structural role in riparian ecosystems, but it can be difficult and time-consuming to quantify and survey in the field. We demonstrate an automated method for quantifying LWD using aerial LiDAR and object-based image analysis techniques, as well as a manual method for quantifying LWD using image interpretation derived from LiDAR rasters and aerial four-band imagery. In addition, we employ an established method for estimating the number of individual trees within the riparian forest. These methods are compared to field data showing high accuracies for the LWD method and moderate accuracy for the individual tree method. These methods can be integrated to quantify the contemporary and recruitable LWD in a river system.
The impact of teaching an inquiry-based scheme of work on pupils’ attainment and critical thinking skills; and on the pupils’ and teachers’ perceptions of inquiry-based teaching in science.

This research was conducted to test the researcher’s view that when pupils learn science through inquiry-based teaching strategies, they improve their understanding of the subject and develop critical thinking skills. Although there is much research into inquiry-based teaching and learning, definitions are varied, and as such this research developed its own on which to base the intervention. Research into critical thinking skills focuses on older adolescents and young people, and therefore assessing 12-13 year olds, as in this research, is infrequent. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected using a quasi-experimental format. Data for pupils’ attainment and critical thinking scores were collected both pre- and post-intervention, and this was analysed alongside perceptions of inquiry-based teaching stated in pupil and teacher focus groups. The intervention was a three-topic scheme of work taught to half of the cohort with the other half being taught the same content but using their teachers’ normal approach. The intervention was written by the researcher and was based on research into the strategies termed inquiry-based following the literature review. It was found that there were no gains in attainment for pupils being taught using the intervention rather than the normal style of teaching compared to the control group. Gains in critical thinking were found in the treatment group but were not significant, and therefore, it was concluded the inquiry-based teaching did not have a positive effect on either pupils’ understanding of science or their critical thinking skills. Pupils’ perceptions highlighted that they did not enjoy the group work, open-ended nature of inquiry-based learning, and missed the structure of creating a set of notes. Teachers believed that pupils’ critical thinking skills would improve using inquiry-based techniques, but that pupils required more training in the skills needed to make this type of learning successful for this to take place.
Support for Palestinians among Jewish Americans: the importance of education and contact

Abstract The violent and protracted Israeli–Palestinian conflict continues, and Jewish Americans play a significant role in influencing related US foreign policy as well as in promoting positive interactions with Palestinians globally. Diaspora populations have played an important role in international peace processes and American Jews are actively involved in peace efforts for Palestinian human rights. Previous research indicates a relationship between views about Israel, knowing Palestinian narratives, and promoting peace processes. Thus, the attitudes and experiences that Jewish Americans have are important to understand and predicting their support for Palestinians. An online internet survey distributed to Jewish listservs (n = 173) measured variables of gender, age, political views, Jewish socialization, family and own attitudes about Israel, courses on the conflict, and having been to the West Bank. Results indicated younger, more liberal Jewish Americans who had taken courses and been to the West Bank predicted more support for Palestinians. Implications for future research and education as an important process in moving the peace process forward both through interpersonal relationships and public policy efforts are discussed.
Evidence-based trust: A mathematical model geared for multiagent systems

An evidence-based account of trust is essential for an appropriate treatment of application-level interactions among autonomous and adaptive parties. Key examples include social networks and service-oriented computing. Existing approaches either ignore evidence or only partially address the twin challenges of mapping evidence to trustworthiness and combining trust reports from imperfectly trusted sources. This article develops a mathematically well-formulated approach that naturally supports discounting and combining evidence-based trust reports. This article understands an agent Alice's trust in an agent Bob in terms of Alice's certainty in her belief that Bob is trustworthy. Unlike previous approaches, this article formulates certainty in terms of evidence based on a statistical measure defined over a probability distribution of the probability of positive outcomes. This definition supports important mathematical properties ensuring correct results despite conflicting evidence: (1) for a fixed amount of evidence, certainty increases as conflict in the evidence decreases and (2) for a fixed level of conflict, certainty increases as the amount of evidence increases. Moreover, despite a subtle definition of certainty, this work (3) establishes a bijection between evidence and trust spaces, enabling robust combination of trust reports and (4) provides an efficient algorithm for computing this bijection.
The Temporal Structure of Intentionality and Its Disturbance in Schizophrenia

Working memory, attention and executive control functions are central areas of neuropsychological research in schizophrenia. These concepts implicitly refer to the basic temporal structure of mental life as an integration of past, present and future. From a phenomenological point of view, they may be paralleled to the structure of internal time consciousness as analyzed by Husserl, consisting of a retentional, presentational and protentional function. These synthetic functions, operating at the most basic layer of consciousness, are capable of integrating the sequence of single moments into an ‘intentional arc’, enabling us to direct ourselves towards objects and goals in a meaningful way. On this background, basic symptoms of schizophrenia such as formal thought disorder, loss of automatic performances and disturbances of self-awareness may be conceived as caused by a weakening and dissolution of the intentional arc. A failure of the continuous intertwining of succeeding moments, and especially of the protentional function, leads to a loss of the tacit or operative intentionality that carries the acts of perceiving, thinking and acting. The loss of tacit, implicit functions undermines the common-sensical understanding of reality and has to be compensated by the deliberate, hyperreflexive reconstruction of everyday performances. Phenomenological analyses may thus establish a link between experimental research on single mental dysfunctions on the one hand and the higher level of the patient’s subjective experience on the other.
Issues of pedagogy and design in e-learning systems

The purpose of this paper is to discuss some pedagogical issues surrounding e-learning systems. We have been involved in distance education and e-learning for the last 15 years and developed education and training delivered to a wide range of audiences. Based on our experiences, results from evaluation studies we conducted, and the literature in the field we provide a constructive critique of LMS and discuss some guidelines for future developments of e-learning systems. The emphasis will be on the needs of the online teacher and how these needs can best be supported by the design of appropriate technologies.
Legacies of Lead in Charm City’s Soil: Lessons from the Baltimore Ecosystem Study

Understanding the spatial distribution of soil lead has been a focus of the Baltimore Ecosystem Study since its inception in 1997. Through multiple research projects that span spatial scales and use different methodologies, three overarching patterns have been identified: (1) soil lead concentrations often exceed state and federal regulatory limits; (2) the variability of soil lead concentrations is high; and (3) despite multiple sources and the highly heterogeneous and patchy nature of soil lead, discernable patterns do exist. Specifically, housing age, the distance to built structures, and the distance to a major roadway are strong predictors of soil lead concentrations. Understanding what drives the spatial distribution of soil lead can inform the transition of underutilized urban space into gardens and other desirable land uses while protecting human health. A framework for management is proposed that considers three factors: (1) the level of contamination; (2) the desired land use; and (3) the community’s preference in implementing the desired land use. The goal of the framework is to promote dialogue and resultant policy changes that support consistent and clear regulatory guidelines for soil lead, without which urban communities will continue to be subject to the potential for lead exposure.
Applying Social Psychology to Prevent Careless Responding during Online Surveys

A major threat to data quality in online surveys is careless responding (CR; Meade & Craig, 2012) or insufficient effort responding (e.g. Bowling, Huang, Bragg, Khazon, Liu, & Blackmore, 2016). In three studies, we use social psychological theories to develop and test three prevention strategies (Ward & Pond III, 2015) related to increasing respondent motivation to respond carefully. Study 1 presented control, scripted, or video-recorded instructions designed to increase the social influence of survey administrators on survey participants. Participants in the control group were significantly more likely to admit to CR than the script and video groups. Compared with the control, scripted instructions decreased interest, and had no effect on objective indicators of CR. Study 2 found that instructions designed to induce cognitive dissonance increased logical consistency of responses and survey interest. Instructions to create a sense of hypocrisy increased accuracy on instructedresponse items. Study 3 showed that leveraging social exchange theory in survey instructions generally had no effect on CR. Similar results were found for both continuous and dichotomous scoring of indicators of CR across the three studies. Results demonstrate that facets of CR can be influenced via survey design. Future studies are needed to develop a more thorough understanding of best practices in survey design with respect to preventing CR.
Artificial nest experiments: effects of nest appearance and type of predator

Nest predation is a primary cause of nesting mortality for many bird species (Skutch 1949, 1966; Nice 1957; Ricklefs 1969; Nilsson 1984). Food limitation and competition also can affect nesting success (see reviews in Martin 1986, 1987). However, the primary role of nest predation in nesting mortality suggests that it can be a strong agent of selection on bird species and assemblages; when nest predation differs among species, habitats, and areas, it can influence life history traits, habitat use, and population and community patterns (Duebbert and Kantrud 1974; Slagsvold 1982; Martin, unpubl.). Intensity of nest predation differs among groups of birds based on the nesting substrates and heights of their nests (Ricklefs 1969, Nilsson 1984), between island and mainland areas (Loiselle and Hoppes 1983, Savidge 1987), and among habitat islands of different sizes (Wilcove 1985). One means of documenting such differences in nest predation is through controlled experiments using artificial nests. Two recent studies (Loiselle and Hoppes 1983, Wilcove 1985) used artificial wicker nests to examine differences in predation rates for different nest types, habitats, and areas. Both studies used wicker nests with leaves or straw lining the inside of the nest and without modification of the outside of the nest (e.g., Loiselle and Hoppes 1983, Wilcove 1985). Wilcove (1985) noted that these nests were more conspicuous than real nests. Consequently, both he and Loiselle and Hoppes (1983) felt that artificial nests did not measure the actual rate of predation that birds experience, but they assumed that any biases were consistent among sites and nest types. However, this crucial assumption requires testing before further experiments are conducted. In this paper, I report results of experiments that test effects of nest appearance and placement on probability of nest predation.
Screening for antibacterial activity of some Turkish plants against fish pathogens: a possible alternative in the treatment of bacterial infections

The antibacterial activity of ethanolic and aqueous crude extracts from 36 plants in Turkey, including seven endemic species, against fish pathogens was studied using the disc diffusion assay. The extract that was most active against all microbial strains, except Aeromonas salmonicida, was that of Dorycnium pentaphyllum. Some of the extracts also showed a very broad spectrum of potent antimicrobial activity. The extract of Anemone nemorosa showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Vibrio anguillarum. V. anguillarum, a Gram-negative bacterium, appeared to be the most susceptible to the plant extracts used in this experiment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the antimicrobial activity of 11 of the studied plants. The preliminary screening assay indicated that some of the Turkish plants with antibacterial properties may offer alternative therapeutic agents against bacterial infections in aquaculture industry.
Does Ethnic Diversity Erode Trust? Putnam’s ‘Hunkering Down’ Thesis Reconsidered

We use a multi-level modelling approach to estimate the effect of ethnic diversity on measures of generalized and strategic trust using data from a new survey in Britain with a sample size approaching 25,000 individuals. In addition to the ethnic diversity of neighbourhoods, we incorporate a range of indicators of the socio-economic characteristics of individuals and the areas in which they live. Our results show no effect of ethnic diversity on generalized trust. There is a statistically significant association between diversity and a measure of strategic trust, but in substantive terms, the effect is trivial and dwarfed by the effects of economic deprivation and the social connectedness of individuals.