Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical observations and systematic studies of autogynephilia.

The term autogynephilia denotes a male's paraphilic tendency to be sexually aroused by the thought or image of himself as a woman. This term subsumes transvestism as well as erotic ideas or situations in which women's garments per se play a small role or none at all. This review article presents clinical examples of the lesser known types of autogynephilia (i.e., those in which the element of cross-dressing is secondary or entirely absent), sketches earlier attempts to label and conceptualize these phenomena, summarizes recent quantitative studies exploring the relationships between autogynephilia and other psychosexual variables (e.g., heterosexual attraction), and speculates on the etiology of autogynephilia and its relationship to transsexualism. It is concluded that the concept of autogynephilia is needed to fill a gap in our current battery of concepts and categories for thinking about gender identity disorders.
Sonic hedgehog, secreted by amacrine cells, acts as a short-range signal to direct differentiation and lamination in the zebrafish retina

Neurogenesis in the zebrafish retina occurs in several waves of differentiation. The first neurogenic wave generates ganglion cells and depends on hedgehog (hh) signaling activity. Using transgenic zebrafish embryos that express GFP under the control of the sonic hedgehog (shh) promoter, we imaged the differentiation wave in the retina and show that, in addition to the wave in the ganglion cell layer, shh expression also spreads in the inner nuclear layer. This second wave generates amacrine cells expressing shh, and although it overlaps temporally with the first wave, it does not depend on it, as it occurs in the absence of ganglion cells. We also show that differentiation of cell types found in the inner and outer nuclear layers, as well as lamination of the retina, depends on shh. By performing mosaic analysis, we demonstrate that Shh directs these events as a short-range signal within the neural retina.
FittsTilt: the application of Fitts' law to tilt-based interaction

We evaluated tilt as an input method for devices with built-in accelerometers, such as touchscreen phones and tablet computers. The evaluation was empirical and experimental. Sixteen participants performed a tilt-based position-select task, similar to the multi-directional Fitts' law task in ISO 9241-9. Four levels of tilt gain (25, 50, 100, and 200) and two selection modes (first-entry and 500 ms dwell) were used. Movement times were lowest with tilt gain = 50 and first-entry selection. Maximum tilt angles ranged from about 2° to 13°, depending on condition. Tilt as an input primitive is shown to conform to Fitts' law. Throughput is low, however, about 2.3 bits/s for first-entry and 1.2 bits/s for dwell.
A cognitive behavioural therapy booklet for anxiety in functional gastrointestinal disorders: Patient and health practitioner perspectives

Abstract Objective: Psychotherapy is commonly used to treat functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGiDs), yet face-to-face psychotherapy is 15 labour intensive, less convenient for patients as it involves travel to the practice, costly and not always easily available. Self-administered psychotherapies have not been extensively investigated in this population. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a self-administered cognitive behavioural therapy booklet to reduce anxiety in patients with FGiD. Method: A mixed-methods study underpinned by the Health Belief Model was conducted. Results: The booklet has been well received by patients (n = 26) and doctors (n = 8) and its acceptability and feasibility confirmed. Conclusions: The results of the study suggest that this self-help tool is acceptable by patients and doctors as part of treatment for anxiety in FGiDs and its effectiveness should be further tested in adequately powered studies.
Partial Isolation and Degradation of Caseins by Cell Wall Proteinase(s) of Streptococcus cremoris HP

The cell wall proteinase fraction of Streptococcus cremoris HP has been isolated. This preparation did not exhibit any activity due to either specific peptidases known to be located near the outside surface of and in the membrane or intracellular proteolytic enzymes. By using thin-layer chromatography for the detection of relatively small hydrolysis products which remain soluble at pH 4.6, it was shown that β-casein is preferentially attacked by the cell wall proteinase. This was also the case when whole casein or micelles were used as the substrate. κ-casein hydrolysis is a relatively slow process, and αs-casein degradation appeared to proceed at an extremely low rate. These results could be confirmed by using 14CH3-labeled caseins. A relatively fast and linear initial progress of 14CH3-labeled β-casein degradation is not inhibited by αs-casein and only slightly by κ-casein at concentrations of these components which reflect their stoichiometry in the micelles. Possible implications of β-casein degradation for growth of the organism in milk are discussed.
Team-Based Professional Development Interventions in Higher Education: A Systematic Review

Most professional development activities focus on individual teachers, such as mentoring or the use of portfolios. However, new developments in higher education require teachers to work together in teams more often. Due to these changes, there is a growing need for professional development activities focusing on teams. Therefore, this review study was conducted to provide an overview of what is known about professional development in teams in the context of higher education. A total of 18 articles were reviewed that describe the effects of professional development in teams on teacher attitudes and teacher learning. Furthermore, several factors that can either hinder or support professional development in teams are identified at the individual teacher level, at the team level, and also at the organizational level.
Deflection-optimal data forwarding over a Gaussian multiaccess channel

We look at the simple scenario where multiple sensors make conditionally independent observations of a binary source and process the measurement data using a function U(x) before forwarding them to a fusion center via a Gaussian multiaccess channel. Subject to a total power constraint, we obtain the optimal U(x) that maximizes the deflection; the latter can also be interpreted as the output signal-to-noise ratio for an equivalent binary detection problem. The shape of the optimal function only depends on the probability density function of the observation noise, which we assume symmetric around zero, while the height is scaled by the allowed transmission power. We emphasize that the optimal function herein is derived for an arbitrary distribution of the observation noise. It reduces to a tanh(middot) function when the observation noise is additive Gaussian, which has been studied in the literature.
Suggestibility, Expectancy, Trance State Effects, and Hypnotic Depth: I. Implications for Understanding Hypnotism

Abstract This paper reviews the relationships between trance or altered state effects, suggestibility, and expectancy as these concepts are defined in the theorizing of Weitzenhoffer (2002), Holroyd (2003), Kirsch (1991), and others, for the purpose of demonstrating how these concepts can be assessed with the PCI-HAP (Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory: Hypnotic Assessment Procedure; Pekala, 1995a, b). In addition, how the aforementioned variables may relate to the nature of hypnosis/hypnotism as a function of self-reported hypnotic depth are discussed, along with how the PCI-HAP may be used as a means to measure hypnotic responsivity from a more phenomenological state perspective, in contrast to more traditional behavioral trait assessment instruments like the Harvard, the Stanford C, or the HIP. A follow-up paper (Pekala, Kumar, Maurer, Elliott-Carter, Moon, & Mullen, 2010) will present research data on the PCI-HAP model and how this model can be useful for better understanding hypnotism.
A comparative study of tribological behaviour of dental composites and tooth enamel: An energy approach

Abstract In this article, an energy approach based on the correlation between dissipated friction energy and wear volume was used to compare wear resistances of human tooth enamel and four composite dental materials: Arkon, Ecusit, Ful-Fil, and Filtek. The results of the study showed that the wear resistance of enamel is approximately one order or more higher than the one obtained for the dental materials. The effectiveness of the approach used has also been shown. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examinations and chemical analysis surfaces subjected to tribological experiments made it possible to uncover substantial differences in the wear mechanisms occurring on enamel and the dental material surfaces. The wear mechanism of the dental materials used in the study is characterized mainly by chemical changes, while enamel is mainly subjected to physical transformations.
Approximation-based tracking control of uncertain MIMO nonlinear systems with input saturation

In this paper, an approximation-based robust adaptive tracking control is developed for a class of uncertain multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) nonlinear systems with unknown disturbances and input saturation. Radial basis function neural networks (RBFNNs) are used to approximate the function uncertainties of MIMO nonlinear systems. An auxiliary design system is introduced to analyze the constraint effect of the input saturation and its states are used to design tracking control scheme. In the proposed tracking control, the nonsingular assumption of neural network (NN) approximation of completely unknown control coefficient matrix and boundary restriction between NN approximation error and control input are eliminated for uncertain MIMO nonlinear systems. Rigorous stability analysis shows that semiglobal uniform boundedness of all signals is guaranteed by appropriately choosing design parameters.
Genome-wide Association Study of Porcine Hematological Parameters in a Large White × Minzhu F2 Resource Population

Hematological traits, which are important indicators of immune function in animals, have been commonly examined as biomarkers of disease and disease severity in humans and animals. Genome-wide significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) provide important information for use in breeding programs of animals such as pigs. QTLs for hematological parameters (hematological traits) have been detected in pig chromosomes, although these are often mapped by linkage analysis to large intervals making identification of the underlying mutation problematic. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the common form of genetic variation among individuals and are thought to account for the majority of inherited traits. In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to detect regions of association with hematological traits in a three-generation resource population produced by intercrossing Large White boars and Minzhu sows during the period from 2007 to 2011. Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip technology was used to genotype each animal and seven hematological parameters were measured (hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red blood cell count (RBC) and red blood cell volume distribution width (RDW)). Data were analyzed in a three step Genome-wide Rapid Association using the Mixed Model and Regression-Genomic Control (GRAMMAR-GC) method. A total of 62 genome-wide significant and three chromosome-wide significant SNPs associated with hematological parameters were detected in this GWAS. Seven and five SNPs were associated with HCT and HGB, respectively. These SNPs were all located within the region of 34.6-36.5 Mb on SSC7. Four SNPs within the region of 43.7-47.0 Mb and fifty-five SNPs within the region of 42.2-73.8 Mb on SSC8 showed significant association with MCH and MCV, respectively. At chromosome-wide significant level, one SNP at 29.2 Mb on SSC1 and two SNPs within the region of 26.0-26.2 Mb were found to be significantly associated with RBC and RDW, respectively. Many of the SNPs were located within previously reported QTL regions and appeared to narrow down the regions compared with previously described QTL intervals. In current research, a total of seven significant SNPs were found within six candidate genes SCUBE3, KDR, TDO, IGFBP7, ADAMTS3 and AFP. In addition, the KIT gene, which has been previously reported to relate to hematological parameters, was located within the region significantly associated with MCH and MCV and could be a candidate gene. These results of this study may lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of hematological parameters in pigs.
ADENOSINE 3',5'-CYCLIC MONOPHOSPHATE IN CHLAMYDOMONAS REINHARDTII

Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) influences both flagellar function and flagellar regeneration in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The methylxanthine, aminophylline, which can cause a tenfold increase in cAMP level in C. reinhardtii, inhibits flagellar movement and flagellar regeneration by wild-type cells, without inhibiting cell multiplication. Caffeine, a closely related inhibitor, also inhibits flagellar movement and regeneration, but it inhibits cell multiplication too. Regeneration by a mutant lacking the central pair of flagellar microtubules was found to be more sensitive than wild type to inhibition by caffeine and to be subject to synergistic inhibition by aminophylline plus dibutyryl cAMP. Regeneration by three out of seven mutants with different flagellar abnormalities was more sensitive than wild type to these inhibitors. We interpret these results to mean that cAMP affects a component of the flagellum directly or indirectly, and that the responsiveness of that component to cAMP is enhanced by mutations which affect the integrity of the flagellum. The component in question could be microtubule protein.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus type 16 DNA in cervical carcinoma samples in East Anglia

A substantial increase in the incidence of severely dysplastic cervical lesions (CIN 3) has been observed during the period 1975–1982 in the East Anglian region of England. Since patients with severe dysplasia have an enhanced risk of developing cervical carcinoma, it seems possible that a substantial increase in the rate of cervical carcinoma is likely to occur in the near future. Evidence of a relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical carcinoma has accumulated recently. We have studied the incidence of HPV 16 DNA in cervial tissue samples from patients with cervical carcinoma, severe dysplasias and normal controls. Five out of II invasive squamous carcinomas of the cervix, 3/4 dysplasias and 0/12 normal samples were positive in Southern blot assays for HPV 16 DNA. Some of the tissue samples had as many as 500 copies of HPV 16 DNA per cell. The amount of HPV 16 DNA present correlated with the aggressiveness of tumour growth.
The RNA Polymerase II C-terminal Domain-interacting Domain of Yeast Nrd1 Contributes to the Choice of Termination Pathway and Couples to RNA Processing by the Nuclear Exosome*

Background: Distinct termination pathways for yeast RNA polymerase II (RNApII) employ proteins (Nrd1 and Rtt103) recognizing different phospho-forms of the RNApII C-terminal domain (CTD). Results: Alteration of CTD-binding specificity of Nrd1 significantly affects RNApII termination. Conclusion: Differential interaction between RNApII CTD and termination factors is crucial in choosing a termination pathway. Significance: CTD-interacting domain of Nrd1 couples termination and RNA processing by the nuclear exosome. The RNA polymerase II (RNApII) C-terminal domain (CTD)-interacting domain (CID) proteins are involved in two distinct RNApII termination pathways and recognize different phosphorylated forms of CTD. To investigate the role of differential CTD-CID interactions in the choice of termination pathway, we altered the CTD-binding specificity of Nrd1 by domain swapping. Nrd1 with the CID from Rtt103 (Nrd1(CIDRtt103)) causes read-through transcription at many genes, but can also trigger termination where multiple Nrd1/Nab3-binding sites and the Ser(P)-2 CTD co-exist. Therefore, CTD-CID interactions target specific termination complexes to help choose an RNApII termination pathway. Interactions of Nrd1 with both CTD and nascent transcripts contribute to efficient termination by the Nrd1 complex. Surprisingly, replacing the Nrd1 CID with that from Rtt103 reduces binding to Rrp6/Trf4, and RNA transcripts terminated by Nrd1(CIDRtt103) are predominantly processed by core exosome. Thus, the Nrd1 CID couples Ser(P)-5 CTD not only to termination, but also to RNA processing by the nuclear exosome.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists: emerging roles in cardiovascular medicine

Spironolactone was first developed over 50 years ago as a potent mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist with undesirable side effects; it was followed a decade ago by eplerenone, which is less potent but much more MR-specific. From a marginal role as a potassium-sparing diuretic, spironolactone was shown to be an extraordinarily effective adjunctive agent in the treatment of progressive heart failure, as was eplerenone in subsequent heart failure trials. Neither acts as an aldosterone antagonist in the heart as the cardiac MR are occupied by cortisol, which becomes an aldosterone mimic in conditions of tissue damage. The accepted term “MR antagonist”, (as opposed to “aldosterone antagonist” or, worse, “aldosterone blocker”), should be retained, despite the demonstration that they act not to deny agonist access but as inverse agonists. The prevalence of primary aldosteronism is now recognized as accounting for about 10% of hypertension, with recent evidence suggesting that this figure may be considerably higher: in over two thirds of cases of primary aldosteronism therapy including MR antagonists is standard of care. MR antagonists are safe and vasoprotective in uncomplicated essential hypertension, even in diabetics, and at low doses they also specifically lower blood pressure in patients with so-called resistant hypertension. Nowhere are more than 1% of patients with primary aldosteronism ever diagnosed and specifically treated. Given the higher risk profile in patients with primary aldosteronism than that of age, sex, and blood pressure matched essential hypertension, on public health grounds alone the guidelines for first-line treatment of all hypertension should mandate inclusion of a low-dose MR antagonist.
Exopolysaccharide production in biofilms: substratum activation of alginate gene expression by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Reporter gene technology was employed to detect the activity of an alginate promoter of Pseudomonas aeruginosa when the organism was grown as a biofilm on a Teflon mesh substratum and as planktonic cells in liquid medium. Alginate biosynthetic activity was determined with a mucoid cell line derived from a cystic fibrosis isolate and containing an alginate algC promoter fused to a lacZ reporter gene. Reporter activity was demonstrated with chromogenic and fluorogenic substrates for beta-galactosidase. Expression of algC was shown to be upregulated in biofilm cells compared with planktonic cells in liquid medium. Gene up-expression correlated with alginate biosynthesis as measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, uronic acid accumulation, and alginate-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The algC promoter was shown to have maximum activity in planktonic cultures during the late lag and early log phases of the cell growth cycle. During a time course experiment, biofilm algC activity exceeded planktonic activity except during the period immediately following inoculation into fresh medium. In continuous-culture experiments, conversion of lacZ substrate was demonstrated microscopically in individual cells by epifluorescence microscopy.
A novel high sensitivity MEMS acoustic gyroscope by measuring phase shift

This paper presents a novel acoustic gyroscope based on phase difference measurement of two ultrasonic waves traveling in opposite directions. The device can potentially outperform fiber optic gyroscopes in device size and sensitivity owing to significantly lower speed of sound compared to light. It also has big advantages over vibratory MEMS gyroscopes in terms of stability and reliability, as the unique design and mechanism eliminate undesired coupling from mechanical stress and parasitic capacitance. We have carried out simulations and experiments to evaluate the performance of the acoustic gyroscope. The preliminary test results were in very good agreement with theoretical analysis, and predicted that a 3 mm diameter device could achieve a sensitivity of approximately 2.8 mrad/(rad/s), corresponding to a time difference of 0.23 ns at the working frequency of 12 MHz.
PLCζ is the physiological trigger of the Ca2+ oscillations that induce embryogenesis in mammals but conception can occur in its absence

ABSTRACT Activation of the egg by the sperm is the first, vital stage of embryogenesis. The sperm protein PLCζ has been proposed as the physiological agent that triggers the Ca2+ oscillations that normally initiate embryogenesis. Consistent with this, recombinant PLCζ induces Ca2+ oscillations in eggs and debilitating mutations in the PLCZ1 gene are associated with infertility in men. However, there has been no evidence that knockout of the gene encoding PLCζ abolishes the ability of sperm to induce Ca2+ oscillations in eggs. Here, we show that sperm derived from Plcz1–/– male mice fail to trigger Ca2+ oscillations in eggs, cause polyspermy and thus demonstrate that PLCζ is the physiological trigger of these Ca2+ oscillations. Remarkably, some eggs fertilized by PLCζ-null sperm can develop, albeit at greatly reduced efficiency, and after a significant time-delay. In addition, Plcz1–/– males are subfertile but not sterile, suggesting that in the absence of PLCζ, spontaneous egg activation can eventually occur via an alternative route. This is the first demonstration that in vivo fertilization without the normal physiological trigger of egg activation can result in offspring. PLCζ-null sperm now make it possible to resolve long-standing questions in fertilization biology, and to test the efficacy and safety of procedures used to treat human infertility. Highlighted article: In mice, PLCζ-null sperm fail to trigger the Ca2+ oscillations in eggs that normally initiate embryogenesis in mammals, resulting in polyspermy and subfertility but not sterility.
Predicting onsets of genocide with sparse additive models

Prevention of genocide is one of the most important challenges before the international community. In this paper we apply recent machine learning techniques to forecast the onset of political instability and genocide. Specifically, we employ sparse additive models which are both flexible and maintain interpretability of the results. Our model demonstrates a reasonable degree of forecasting performance over the hold-out period 1988-2003.