Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rapid assessment of internodal myelin integrity in central nervous system tissue

Monitoring pathology/regeneration in experimental models of de‐/remyelination requires an accurate measure not only of functional changes but also of the amount of myelin. We tested whether X‐ray diffraction (XRD), which measures periodicity in unfixed myelin, can assess the structural integrity of myelin in fixed tissue. From laboratories involved in spinal cord injury research and in studying the aging primate brain, we solicited “blind” samples and used an electronic detector to record rapidly the diffraction patterns (30 min each pattern) from them. We assessed myelin integrity by measuring its periodicity and relative amount. Fixation of tissue itself introduced ±10% variation in periodicity and ±40% variation in relative amount of myelin. For samples having the most native‐like periods, the relative amounts of myelin detected allowed distinctions to be made between normal and demyelinating segments, between motor and sensory tracts within the spinal cord, and between aged and young primate CNS. Different periodicities also allowed distinctions to be made between samples from spinal cord and nerve roots and between well‐fixed and poorly fixed samples. Our findings suggest that, in addition to evaluating the effectiveness of different fixatives, XRD could also be used as a robust and rapid technique for quantitating the relative amount of myelin among spinal cords and other CNS tissue samples from experimental models of de‐ and remyelination. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In Pursuit of Validity: A comprehensive review of science attitude instruments 1935–2005

The purpose of this review is to present a comprehensive evaluation of science attitude instruments based on published psychometric evidence. A multitude of instruments have been used through the years and some have been linked to career choice and school performance. Substantiating such associations is of paramount importance if researchers wish to influence educational policy. However, associations are reduced, or hard to discover, if instruments have weak psychometric properties. Several databases were searched for peer‐reviewed articles that discussed the development and use of science attitude instruments. Instruments were grouped into the following categories: attitudes toward science, scientific attitudes, nature of science, scientific career interests, and other. A data abstraction and scoring rubric was used to summarize and evaluate 150 published articles that spanned 66 instruments. Most instruments had single study usage and showed an absence of psychometric evidence. This review demonstrated that there are few instruments available with the necessary psychometric data to merit recommendation. The review quantifies the current state of the research regarding the measurement of science attitude in students; the results should elicit further discussion and encourage more rigorous analyses of instruments. The findings may assist other researchers to select an instrument and alert them to its strengths and weaknesses. This review points the way forward for research in this field. Instruments already in existence should be used in repeat studies, and reliability and validity evidence should be collected and shared.
Molecular and Cellular Pathobiology Molecular Rules Governing De Novo Methylation in Cancer

De novo methylation of CpG islands is seen in many cancers, but the general rules governing this process are not known. By analyzing DNA from tumors, as well as normal tissues, and by utilizing a range of published data, we have identified a universal set of tumor targets, each with its own "coefficient" of methylation that is largely correlated with its inherent relative ability to recruit polycomb. This pattern is initially formed by a slow process of de novo methylation that occurs during aging and then undergoes expansion early in tumorigenesis, where we hypothesize that it may act as an inhibitor of development-associated gene activation.
Nurses' Job Satisfaction: A Proposed Measure

Thirty-three items originally developed to measure three dimensions of nurses' job satisfaction were subjected to a series of checks designed to determine the number of dimensions being measured and the reliability and validity of the measures of these dimensions. Although the hypothesis of only three dimensions was not supported, the eight interpretable factors that did emerge could meaningfully be placed within these three dimensions. The eight factors were satisfaction with extrinsic rewards, scheduling, family/work balance, co-workers, interaction, professional opportunities, praise/recognition, and control/responsibility. Internal consistency and test-retest reliabilities are reported, as well as checks for criterion-related and construct validity.
From Mbale (Eastern Uganda) to Newport (South Wales): A Case Study

Background: The need to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and applied skills is an essential requirement for professional practice; even more in an increasingly competitive job market. The opportunity to travel to Mbale, Eastern Uganda, as part of a field course, identified areas of professional development which were then transferred and extended to students who were not able to make the travel commitment. Description: As part of the ongoing collaboration between the University of South Wales (USW) and the charity Partnerships Overseas Networking Trust (PONT), the nutrition and geography students took part in a range of community development and research projects. Of particular focus here, the nutrition students designed and delivered a training course aimed at volunteer community health workers on nutrition and food combining. The same approach was taken for students who were not able to travel to Africa. In partnership with the Communities First Health Team of Newport West Cluster, a nutrition course was also developed. The students took part in all the stages of the projects and gained a variety of skills; from developing, planning, implementing and evaluating a ‘real’ project to working with an interpreter. Conclusions: The increasing competitive and challenging employment market requires the need to equip students with appropriate skills for their working lives and to play a constructive role in a world that is ‘shrinking’. Increased geographical and social mobility supports multicultural living and working and demands certain cultural competencies. Such learning opportunities bring with them challenges along with opportunities from the perspective of the learner. Therefore, the teacher has a role in supporting the student in this process that enhances the potential of the opportunities while making those challenges enjoyable and fun to manage. Furthermore, collaborations, such as those described, benefit everyone providing a ‘win-win’ experience.
Percutaneous Tenotomy for the Treatment of Diabetic Toe Ulcers

Background: Foot ulcers have been implicated as a causative factor in diabetic foot amputations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate treating foot ulcers in patients with diabetes by percutaneous tenotomy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the computerized medical files of 83 patients treated for foot ulcers by percutaneous tenotomies. Results were analyzed on the basis of indication and per patient. Results: The 83 patients had 160 tenotomies for 4 indications: 103 tip-of-toe ulcers (treated by flexor digitorum longus tenotomy), 26 cock-up/dorsal ulcers (extensor digitorum longus tenotomy), 21 kissing ulcers (extensor digitorum longus and/or flexor digitorum longus tenotomies), and 10 plantar metatarsal ulcers (extensor digitorum longus with or without flexor digitorum longus tenotomy). Healing at 4 weeks was 98%, 96%, 81%, and 0%, respectively. The complication rate was very low, with the exception of “transfer lesions,” where an adjacent toe became involved and needed subsequent tenotomy in 8% of tip-of-toe ulcers. Conclusions: Percutaneous tenotomy was an effective and safe method for treating toe ulcers in neuropathic patients. It was not effective in treating plantar metatarsal ulcers. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
The species-dependent metabolism of efavirenz produces a nephrotoxic glutathione conjugate in rats.

Efavirenz, a potent nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor widely prescribed for the treatment of HIV infection, produces renal tubular epithelial cell necrosis in rats but not in cynomolgus monkeys or humans. This species selectivity in nephrotoxicity could result from differences in the production or processing of reactive metabolites, or both. A detailed comparison of the metabolites produced by rats, monkeys, and humans revealed that rats produce a unique glutathione adduct. The mechanism of formation and role of this glutathione adduct in the renal toxicity were investigated using both chemical and biochemical probes. Efavirenz was labeled at the methine position on the cyclopropyl ring with the stable isotope deuterium, effectively reducing the formation of the cyclopropanol metabolite, an obligate precursor to the glutathione adduct. This substitution markedly reduced both the incidence and severity of nephrotoxicity as measured histologically. Further processing of this glutathione adduct was also important in producing the lesion and was demonstrated by inhibiting gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase with acivicin pretreatment (10 mg/kg, IV) prior to dosing with efavirenz. Again, both the incidence and severity of the nephrotoxicity were reduced, such that four of nine rats given acivicin were without detectable lesions. These studies provide compelling evidence that a species-specific formation of glutathione conjugate(s) from efavirenz is involved in producing nephrotoxicity in rats. Mechanisms are proposed for the formation of reactive metabolites that could be responsible for the renal toxicity observed in rats.
Adverse Selection on Maturity: Evidence from Online Consumer Credit

Longer loan maturity provides borrowers with insurance against future changes in the price of credit. The present paper examines whether, consistent with theories of insurance markets with private information, maturity choice leads to adverse selection. Our estimation compares two groups of observationally equivalent borrowers that took identical unsecured 36-month loans, only one of which had also a 60-month maturity choice available. We find that when long maturity is available, fewer borrowers take the short-term loan, and those that do, default less. Additional findings suggest borrowers self-select on private information about their future ability to repay. The findings imply that maturity can be used to screen borrowers on this private information.
The Cac1 subunit of histone chaperone CAF-1 organizes CAF-1-H3/H4 architecture and tetramerizes histones

The histone chaperone Chromatin Assembly Factor 1 (CAF-1) deposits tetrameric (H3/H4)2 histones onto newly-synthesized DNA during DNA replication. To understand the mechanism of the tri-subunit CAF-1 complex in this process, we investigated the protein-protein interactions within the CAF-1-H3/H4 architecture using biophysical and biochemical approaches. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange and chemical cross-linking coupled to mass spectrometry reveal interactions that are essential for CAF-1 function in budding yeast, and importantly indicate that the Cac1 subunit functions as a scaffold within the CAF-1-H3/H4 complex. Cac1 alone not only binds H3/H4 with high affinity, but also promotes histone tetramerization independent of the other subunits. Moreover, we identify a minimal region in the C-terminus of Cac1, including the structured winged helix domain and glutamate/aspartate-rich domain, which is sufficient to induce (H3/H4)2 tetramerization. These findings reveal a key role of Cac1 in histone tetramerization, providing a new model for CAF-1-H3/H4 architecture and function during eukaryotic replication. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.18023. 001
Donations to Charity as Purchase Incentives: How Well They Work May Depend on What You are Trying to Sell

This article focuses on the bundling of products with promised contributions to charity. Two lab experiments and one field study are conducted that compare the effectiveness of promised donations to charity in promoting "practical necessities" (e.g., a box of laundry detergent) to their effectiveness in promoting "frivolous luxuries" (e.g., a hot fudge sundae). The results suggest that charity incentives are more effective-in-promoting frivolous products than in promoting practical products. This research extends prior work on the effects of bundling complementary positive outcomes into the domain of affect-based complementarity with product-charity bundles. Copyright 1998 by the University of Chicago.
Differential Requirement for NF-κB Family Members in Control of Helminth Infection and Intestinal Inflammation1

The NF-κB family of transcription factors is critical in controlling the expression of a wide range of immune response genes. However, whether individual family members perform specific roles in regulating immunity and inflammation remains unclear. Here we investigated the requirement for NF-κB1, NF-κB2, and c-Rel in the expression of Th2 cytokine responses, development of host protective immunity, and regulation of intestinal inflammation following infection with the gut-dwelling helminth parasite Trichuris muris. While mice deficient in c-Rel mounted sufficient Th2 responses to expel infection, NF-κB1 knockout (KO) and NF-κB2 KO mice developed chronic infections associated with elevated production of Ag-specific IFN-γ. However, only infected NF-κB1 KO mice exhibited polarized IFN-γ responses associated with the loss of intestinal goblet cells and the development of destructive colitis-like pathology. Furthermore, blockade of IL-12 (previously shown to confer resistance in susceptible strains) recovered Ag-specific IL-13 responses and resistance to infection in NF-κB2 KO, but not NF-κB1 KO mice. Therefore, unique infection, immunological, and pathological outcomes were observed in different NF-κB KO strains. Taken together, these results provide direct evidence of nonoverlapping functions for NF-κB family members in the development of Th2 cytokine-mediated resistance to T. muris and the control of infection-induced intestinal inflammation.
Predicting bullying: maladjustment, social skills and popularity

In order to prevent bullying, research has characterised the adolescents involved in terms of their social skills, maladjustment and popularity. However, there is a lack of knowledge concerning the relationships between these variables and how these relationships predict bullying involvement. Moreover, the literature has focused on pure bullies and victims, despite the fact that bully-victims are known to be the most troubled. The aim of this work is to study the relationships between these variables and their predictive value, focusing on the bully-victim role. The sample (N = 641) is made up of adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years. The results mainly indicate that the level of maladjustment and social skills predicts sociometric popularity, which is a significant predictor of bullying involvement. Differences in the social roles were observed, suggesting that social skills and maladjustment serve a different purpose for bully-victims than for the other roles involved.
Operation characteristics of ferrite permanent magnet in-wheel axial-gap motor with coreless rotor structure for electric city commuters

Small electric vehicles called city commuters are used for commuting and traveling short distances within cities. These vehicles have been extensively researched and developed because of their high environmental performance and small battery size. The in-wheel permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) for electric city commuters generally utilizes powerful rare earth permanent magnets (PMs). However, the employment of rare earth PMs should be reduced, owing to increasing prices and export restrictions on rare earth materials, making it necessary to develop an in-wheel PMSM that does not use rare earth PMs. We propose a ferrite PM-type axial gap motor that generates high torque density and has features such as a coreless rotor structure and a reduction gearbox on the inner side of the stator. Detailed operational characteristics of the proposed motor remain unverified by experiment, so this paper presents such operational characteristics as obtained from experimentation on a prototype.
The use and misuse of pleasure in sex education curricula

Since Michelle Fine's writing on the missing discourse of desire in sex education, there has been considerable prompting among sexuality educators and feminist scholars to incorporate talk of pleasure into sex education curricula. While the calls for inclusion continue, few have actually examined the curricula for a pleasure discourse or explored how it is contextualised within sex education curricula. In this paper, we analysed curricula used in the USA in the past decade. A qualitative thematic analysis revealed that the discourse around pleasurable sex was often linked to a range of dangerous or negative outcomes including not using condoms, rushing into sex without thinking, regretted sex, and pregnancy or STDs. When the discourse around pleasure was included in sections on ‘knowing one's body’, this discourse took a medicalised, scientific tone. Pleasurable sex was also presented in more positive ways, either linked to marriage in Abstinence Only Until Marriage curricula, or within a more feminist discourse about female pleasure in comprehensive sex education curricula. Our research indicates that a discourse of desire is not missing, but that this discourse was often situated as part of a discourse on safe practice and there, continues to equate pleasure with danger.
Asian American adolescents' first sexual intercourse: gender and acculturation differences.

CONTEXT Interventions aimed at adolescents need to be culturally specific. The dearth of data on Asian American adolescents has made it difficult to meet their needs. METHODS Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were used, with a sample of 323 Asian American female adolescents and 366 Asian American male adolescents. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between acculturation at Wave 1 (1995) and sexual experience at Wave 2 (1996), controlling for demographic, psychosocial and family variables. RESULTS Overall, 24% of young women and 20% of young men had had sexual intercourse. Among young women, the most acculturated were more likely to have had sexual intercourse than the least acculturated (odds ratio, 4.9); acculturation was not associated with sexual intercourse for young men. Medium and high levels of parental attachment were associated with decreased odds of sexual experience for young women (0.4 and 0.2), but not for young men. Binge drinking was associated with an increased risk of sexual experience for young women (6.4), and tobacco use was associated with increased risk for young men (3.0). CONCLUSIONS Like all adolescents, Asian Americans are at high risk for the consequences of sexual activity. For this fast-growing population, there is a crucial need for preventive programs that are culturally sensitive, inclusive of family and gender-specific.
Two-channel iterative adaptive approach for scanning radar angular superresolution

This paper deals with the problem of estimating the directions of arrival (DOAs) in airborne forward-looking radar imaging, by joint processing the sum and difference channel data. It is known that the monopulse system uses two channels, the sum and the difference, to estimate the target DOA. However, it fails to work when multiple targets are located within the beamwidth. Aiming at this problem, the iterative adaptive approach (IAA) estimator previously derived by the authors is extended to a two-channel monopulse system. Compared with the traditional DOA estimator, two-channel IAA algorithm can cope with the case of multiple targets and provide higher estimation accuracy. Simulation validates the superior performance of two-channel IAA algorithm.
Eviza: A Natural Language Interface for Visual Analysis

Natural language interfaces for visualizations have emerged as a promising new way of interacting with data and performing analytics. Many of these systems have fundamental limitations. Most return minimally interactive visualizations in response to queries and often require experts to perform modeling for a set of predicted user queries before the systems are effective. Eviza provides a natural language interface for an interactive query dialog with an existing visualization rather than starting from a blank sheet and asking closed-ended questions that return a single text answer or static visualization. The system employs a probabilistic grammar based approach with predefined rules that are dynamically updated based on the data from the visualization, as opposed to computationally intensive deep learning or knowledge based approaches. The result of an interaction is a change to the view (e.g., filtering, navigation, selection) providing graphical answers and ambiguity widgets to handle ambiguous queries and system defaults. There is also rich domain awareness of time, space, and quantitative reasoning built in, and linking into existing knowledge bases for additional semantics. Eviza also supports pragmatics and exploring multi-modal interactions to help enhance the expressiveness of how users can ask questions about their data during the flow of visual analysis.
Catechol-O-methyltransferase Inhibition Improves Levodopa-Associated Strength Increase in Patients With Parkinson Disease

A matter of debate is the impact of levodopa (LD) application in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) on altered force development and coordination, which are also influenced by the strength of muscles used. The objectives were to compare the motor response, the development of grip strength, and the pharmacokinetic behavior of LD and its main peripheral metabolite 3-O-methyldopa (3-OMD) after intake of 200-mg retarded-release levodopa/carbidopa (LD/CD) and of 150-mg LD/CD/entacapone (LD/CD/EN). Twelve patients with PD received both LD formulations within a standardized setting under double-blind conditions with a crossover design 1 day after the other. Motor symptoms significantly improved, LD plasma concentrations went up, and grip strength increased after both LD/CD and LD/CD/EN administration. There were no significant differences between both conditions with regard to motor response and LD pharmacokinetics. The 3-OMD levels were significantly lower during catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibition with entacapone. The LD/CD/EN compound was superior over the retarded-release LD formulation, indicating the impact of LD on grip force. This may be caused by the interference of 3-OMD with the blood-brain barrier transport of LD; therefore, LD delivery is greater during the LD/CD/EN condition. Because the rating scale used does not consider the grip strength, this effect of better blood barrier transport of LD was not reflected. Another hypothesis may be that more acidic metabolites appear during peripheral LD metabolism by means of COMT, whereas COMT inhibition is accompanied by more basic LD metabolites (ie, the tyrosine aminotransferase-dependent substrates dihydroxyphenylpyruvate acetate and trihydroxyphenylacetate). This antiacid scenario may support a better muscle function with a positive impact on muscle excitability and contractibility.