Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combined activin A/LiCl/Noggin treatment improves production of mouse embryonic stem cell‐derived definitive endoderm cells

Induction of definitive endoderm (DE) cells is a prerequisite for the whole process of embryonic stem (ES) cells differentiating into hepatic or pancreatic progenitor cells. We have established an efficient method to induce mouse ES cell‐derived DE cells in suspension embryonic body (EB) culture. Similar to previous studies, mouse ES cell‐derived DE cells, which were defined as Cxcr4+c‐Kit+, Cxcr4+E‐cadherin+ cells or Cxcr4+PDGFRa− cells, could be induced in the serum‐free EBs at Day 4 of induction. The activations of Wnt, Nodal, and FGF signaling pathways in differentiating EBs promoted DE cell differentiation, while activation of BMP4 signaling inhibited the process. In the present study, we found that chemical activation of canonical Wnt signaling pathway by LiCl could synergize with Activin A‐mediated Nodal signaling pathway to promote induction of DE cells, and inhibition of Bmp4 signaling by Noggin along with Activin A/LiCl further improved the efficiency of DE cell differentiation. The derived DE cells were proved for their capacities to become hepatic progenitor cells or pancreatic progenitor cells. In conclusion, we significantly improved the efficiency of generating mouse ES cell‐derived DE cells by combined Activin A/LiCl/Noggin treatment. Our work will be greatly helpful to generate ES cell‐derived hepatic cells and ES cell‐derived pancreatic cells for future regenerative medicine. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1022–1034, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
INVESTIGATING THE CONSISTENCY OF STELLAR EVOLUTION MODELS WITH GLOBULAR CLUSTER OBSERVATIONS VIA THE RED GIANT BRANCH BUMP

Synthetic Red Giant Branch Bump (RGBB) magnitudes are generated with the most recent theoretical stellar evolution models computed with the Dartmouth Stellar Evolution Program (DSEP) code. They are compared to the observational work of Nataf et al., who present RGBB magnitudes for 72 globular clusters. A DSEP model using a chemical composition with enhanced α capture [α/Fe] = +0.4 and an age of 13 Gyr shows agreement with observations over metallicities ranging from [Fe/H] = 0 to [Fe/H] ≈ −1.5, with discrepancy emerging at lower metallicities.
Is actin involved in the nuclear division in Amoeba proteus?

During semi‐open mitosis of Amoeba proteus the nuclear envelope is not dispersed and nucleus divides by fission. The presence of actin layer close to nuclear envelope was demonstrated in interphase and telophase nuclei of that amoeba stained with rhodamine labelled phalloidin. In telophase, an accumulation of actin arises in the space between the future daughter nuclei. It appears to be comparable with the contractile ring of dividing cells. This suggests that actin associated with the nuclear envelope of Amoeba proteus may be involved in final separation of the daughter nuclei, forming a constriction ring at the middle of dividing nucleus.
Using Ultrasound Images of the Forearm to Predict Finger Positions

Medical ultrasound imaging is a well-known technique to gather live views of the interior of the human body. It is totally safe, it provides high spatial and temporal resolution, and it is nowadays available at any hospital. This suggests that it could be used as a human-computer interface. In this paper, we use ultrasound images of the human forearm to predict the finger positions, including thumb adduction and thumb rotation. Our experimental results show that there is a clear linear relationship between the features we extract from the images, and finger positions, expressed as angles at the metacarpo-phalangeal joints. The method is uniformly valid for all subjects considered. The unavoidable movements of the ultrasound probe with respect to the skin and of the skin with respect to the inner musculoskeletal structure are compensated for using the optical flow. Typical applications of this system range from teleoperated fine manipulation to finger stiffness estimation to ergonomy. If successfully applied to transradial amputees, it could be also used to reconstruct the imaginary limb, paving the way to, e.g., fine control of hand prostheses, treatment of neuropathic/phantom limb pain and visualization of the imaginary limb as a tool for the neuroscientist.
Prevention and management of antineoplastic therapy induced oral mucositis

With the scientific advancements in the management of malignant diseases, the treatment is expensive and bears high morbidity in term of oral mucositis. It is a debilitating condition and has been researched extensively for its pathogenesis and treatment. Various treatment options include barrier forming, mucosal protectants, mouth rinses, growth factors, lasers and midline-sparing procedures. Some agents are used locally while others are administered systemically. Despite the availability of a wide range of treatment options for mucositis, a cost-effective treatment is yet to be evolved.
The Impact of Alcohol Sponsorship in Sport Upon University Sportspeople

An online survey was conducted to examine the alleged association between alcohol sponsorship of sports and alcohol consumption and attitudes toward sponsoring brands by Australian university sportspeople (i.e., university students representing their university in competitive sports; N = 501; 51% female). A third (33%) of participants reported receipt of alcohol industry sponsorship. Multiple regression analysis revealed an association between disordered consumption (i.e., alcohol abuse) and sportspeople's receiving direct-to-user sponsorship in the form of product samples, volume club rebates, vouchers, or prizes. Positive attitudes toward alcohol sponsorship in sport correlated with dangerously excessive (i.e., acute) drinking. The evidence suggests that policy makers, sporting organizations, and universities should target specific sponsorships and consumption outcomes rather than considering an overall ban on alcohol industry sponsorship in sport. Results suggest that student-targeted policy and governance alternatives directed at team culture, attitudes toward alcohol, and more subtle forms of sponsorships (i.e., discounted product and vouchers) may be appropriate.
Trypanosoma cruzi: identification and characterization of a novel ribosomal protein L27 (TcrL27) that cross-reacts with an affinity-purified anti-Sm antibody

Small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) are involved in trans-splicing processing of pre-mRNA in Trypanosoma cruzi. To clone T. cruzi snRNPs we screened an epimastigote cDNA library with a purified antibody raised against the Sm-binding site of a yeast sequence. A clone was obtained containing a 507 bp-insert with an ORF of 399 bp and coding for a protein of 133 amino acids. Sequence analysis revealed high identity with the L27 ribosomal proteins from different species including: Canis familiaris, Homo sapiens, Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This protein has not been previously described in the literature and seems to be a new ribosomal protein in T. cruzi and was given the code TcrL27. To express this recombinant T. cruzi L27 ribosomal protein in E. coli, the insert was subcloned into the pET32a vector and a 26 kDa recombinant protein was purified. Immunoblotting studies demonstrated that this purified recombinant protein was recognized by the same anti-Sm serum used in the library screening as well as by chagasic and systemic lupus erythemathosus (SLE) sera. Our results suggest that the T. cruzi L27 ribosomal protein may be involved in autoimmunity of Chagas disease.
Stepwise colonization of the Andes by Ruddy Ducks and the evolution of novel β‐globin variants

Andean uplift played a key role in Neotropical bird diversification, yet past dispersal and genetic adaptation to high‐altitude environments remain little understood. Here we use multilocus population genetics to study population history and historical demographic processes in the ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis), a stiff‐tailed diving duck comprising three subspecies distributed from Canada to Tierra del Fuego and inhabiting wetlands from sea level to 4500 m in the Andes. We sequenced the mitochondrial DNA, four autosomal introns and three haemoglobin genes (αA, αD, βA) and used isolation‐with‐migration (IM) models to study gene flow between North America and South America, and between the tropical and southern Andes. Our analyses indicated that ruddy ducks dispersed first from North America to the tropical Andes, then from the tropical Andes to the southern Andes. While no nonsynonymous substitutions were found in either α globin gene, three amino acid substitutions were observed in the βA globin. Based on phylogenetic reconstruction and power analysis, the first βA substitution, found in all Andean individuals, was acquired when ruddy ducks dispersed from low altitude in North America to high altitude in the tropical Andes, whereas the two additional substitutions occurred more recently, when ruddy ducks dispersed from high altitude in the tropical Andes to low altitude in the southern Andes. This stepwise colonization pattern accompanied by polarized βA globin amino acid replacements suggest that ruddy ducks first acclimatized or adapted to the Andean highlands and then again to the lowlands. In addition, ruddy ducks colonized the Andean highlands via a less common route as compared to other waterbird species that colonized the Andes northwards from the southern cone of South America.
Metallicity dependence of the Blazhko effect

The microlensing surveys, such as OGLE or MACHO, have led to the discovery of thousands of RR Lyrae stars in the Galactic Bulge and in the Magellanic Clouds, allowing for detailed investigation of these stars, specially the still mysterious Blazhko phenomenon. Higher incidence rate of Blazhko (BL) variables in the more metal-rich Galactic Bulge than in the LMC, suggests that occurance of Blazhko effect correlates with metallicity (Moskalik and Poretti 2003). To investigate this problem, we calibrate the photometric method of determining the metallicity of the RRab star (Kovacs and Zsoldos 1995) to the I-band and apply it to the OGLE Galactic Bulge and LMC data. In both systems, metallicities of non Blazhko and Blazhko variables are close to each other. The LMC Blazhko pulsators prefer slightly lower metallicities. The different metallicities of the Galactic Bulge and the LMC, can't explain the observed incidence rates. As a by-product of our metallicity estimates, we investigate the luminosity-metallicity relation, finding a steep dependence of the luminosity on [Fe/H]
The Effects of a Mental Training Program on Juniors Pre-Competitive Anxiety, Self-Confidence, and Tennis Performance

This investigation reports the impact of a season-long Mental Training Program (MTP) on two elite junior tennis players. The two reported cases were part of a study in which MTP players (n = 5) in addition to their tennis practice were exposed to 5 different psychological skills: goal setting, positive thinking and self-talk, concentration and routines, arousal regulation techniques, and imagery. Another group of elite junior tennis players (n = 4) followed the same amount and quality of tennis practice but received no mental training practice. Program effectiveness was evaluated through (a) the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2), (b) the athletes' appraisal on 8 aspects of tennis performance, and (c) tennis-specific statistical data of two selected cases. The results indicated an increase in the direction dimension of the somatic anxiety, cognitive anxiety and self-confidence for the intervention group at the posttest. Moreover, the intensity of self-confidence, as well as the overall tennis performance, were greater for all the participants of the intervention group after the MTP. Results on two selected cases are reported which clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the MTP in eliminating specific performance problems.
Clinical Trial of Programmable Implantable Insulin Pump For Type I Diabetes

Objective The first step in the evolution of an artificial pancreas is the development of a reliable implantable pump for insulin delivery. Despite recent advances, significant issues remain, including small size of studies and frequent irreversible catheter obstructions. We report safety, feasibility, and efficacy results from 56 patients, representing 73 patient-yr of pump experience, entered into a multicenter trial with a new implantable programmable pump. Research Design and Methods All patients had insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes, were 38 ± 8 yr old, and were not prone to severe hypoglycemia. The pump (Infusaid 1000) has a pulsatile mechanism powered by freon-vapor pressure. Its rate is regulated by battery-powered valves, operated via a hand-held programmer. The pump is refilled transcutaneously with 25 ml U100 insulin (Hoechst 21PH) on a monthly basis and has a second septum (side port) proximal to the catheter, which allows flushing the catheter or lavaging the pump unit. The pumps were implanted after 3 mo intensive subcutaneous insulin therapy and catheters were positioned either in the peritoneum (i.p., n = 38) or the superior vena cava (i.v., n = 18). Results All implanted pumps have functioned safely with no instance of overdelivery or stoppage. The most frequent complications were flow slow downs, presumably due to insulin precipitation within the pump, which occurred in 86% of pumps and were resolved in all but one case by lavaging the pump in situ with alkaline solution. Flow slow downs due to catheter obstruction occurred in 52% of the intravenous catheters but only 21% of the intraperitoneal catheters (P < 0.05) and were resolved in all but two cases by diluent flushing through the sideport. Incidence of severe hypoglycemia decreased from 0.47 before implant to 0.05 episodes/patient-yr after pump implantation (P < 0.001). Mean HbA1c fell from 7.4 ± 1.2% after intensive subcutaneous therapy to 7.1 ± 1.0% 12 mo after implantation. Only 2 patients withdrew from study after recurrent catheter problems, and quality-of-life questionnaires showed improvement in satisfaction with diabetes-specific quality of life when on implantable pump therapy. Conclusions Insulin therapy with implantable pumps is effective and safe for periods up to 1.7 yr with a decreased risk of severe hypoglycemia than with intensive subcutaneous insulin therapy.
Theory and practice of return migration at retirement: the case of migrant worker hostel residents in France

The transition to retirement marks an appropriate juncture for older migrants to relocate to countries of origin if so desired. As recent survey data from France demonstrate, most older immigrants are well integrated and prefer to live out their old age in the host country. This paper examines return decisions at retirement in the case of older men living in migrant worker hostel accommodation, who seem on first inspection to be far from integrated in France. Despite this lack of integration, they tend not to return definitively to places of origin at retirement. Instead, their preference is for regular back-and-forth trips. In order to make sense of these mobility decisions, several theories of migration are presented and evaluated against qualitative data from interviews conducted in several hostels in the Paris region in spring and summer 2008. While no one theory adequately accounts for all the phenomena observed, the evaluation shows that at various points in the data there is support for several theories. The added value of each theory becomes most apparent when levels of analysis are kept distinct: at the household level as regards remittances; at the kinship-village level as regards reintegration in the home context; at the meso-level of ethnic communities in terms of migrants' transnational ties; and at the macro-level of social systems concerning inclusion in healthcare and administrative organisations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression Profiling of Cytokinin Action in Arabidopsis1[w]

The phytohormone cytokinin is an important regulator of plant growth and development; however, relatively few genes that mediate cytokinin responses have been identified. Genome-wide analyses of Arabidopsis seedlings using the approximately 8,300-element Affymetrix Arabidopsis GeneChips (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA) to examine cytokinin-responsive genes were conducted, revealing at least 30 genes whose steady-state level of mRNA was elevated and at least 40 that were down-regulated at multiple time points after application of cytokinin. The cytokinin up-regulated genes include the type-A Arabidopsis response regulators (ARRs), which had been shown previously to be cytokinin primary response genes, cytokinin oxidase, which encodes an enzyme that degrades cytokinins, and several transcription factors. Cytokinin down-regulated genes include several peroxidases and kinases and an E3 ubiquitin ligase. We identified a common sequence motif enriched in the upstream regions of the most consistently cytokinin up-regulated genes. This motif is highly similar to the optimal DNA-binding sites for ARR1/ARR2, type-B ARRs that have been implicated in the transcriptional elevation of the type-A ARRs. Additionally, genome-wide analyses of cytokinin receptor mutants (wol/cre1) revealed large-scale changes in gene expression, including down-regulation of the type-A ARRs and several meristem and cell cycle genes, such as CycD3. Mutations in CRE1 reduced but did not eliminate the effect of cytokinin on gene expression for a subset of cytokinin-responsive genes and had little or no effect on others, suggesting functional redundancy among the cytokinin receptors.
A Comparative Study of Foreign Language Anxiety and Motivation of Academic- and Vocational-Track High School Students

This study aimed to investigate EFL learner language anxiety and learning motivation of high school students. Subjects included 155 students from the same private senior high school in central Taiwan, 60 in academic track and 95 in vocational track. The majority of the participants started taking English lessons either before entering elementary school or during the first two years in elementary school. Statistical methods were conducted to investigate 1) whether learner motivation and language anxiety significantly vary between academic- and vocation-track high school students, 2) whether both academic- and vocational-track high school students feel an above-average level of language anxiety, and 3) whether there is a significant relationship between language anxiety and motivation among the EFL high school students. The findings of the study revealed that first, both groups of students felt moderate levels of language anxiety; there were no significant differences in anxiety level between the two groups of students. Second, students in the academic-track were also found to have higher extrinsic motivation and overall learning motivation than their vocational-track counterparts. Furthermore, a significant negative relationship was identified between the two important affective variables, motivation and anxiety. Important pedagogical implications for English teachers were discussed in the study.
Emirates secondary school science teachers' perspectives on the nexus between modern science and arab culture

During the 1999/2000 school year, 286 secondary school science teachers, from the seven Emirates that constitute the UAE, participated in the study. Teachers responded to an instrument composed of 52 items. Results indicated that Emirates secondary school science teachers did not view modern science as only a sub-culture of the Western culture. They disagreed that Western beliefs, values and conventions are implicit aspects of science. Teachers indicated that there are no differences between modern science and Arab culture. It seems that teachers lacked an understanding of the social component of science. The study suggests that Emirates secondary school science teachers should be informed about the social component of science. It is argued that when discussing culturally critical scientific issues, Emirates science teachers should assume the role of cultural brokers to facilitate students' understanding of science.
Organizational identification versus organizational commitment: self-definition, social exchange, and job attitudes

The psychological relationship between individual and organization has been conceptualized both in terms of identification and in terms of (affective) commitment. In the present study, we explore the differences between these two conceptualizations. Building on the proposition that identification is different from commitment in that identification reflects the self-definitional aspect of organizational membership whereas commitment does not, we propose that commitment is more contingent on social exchange processes that presume that individual and organization are separate entities psychologically, and more closely aligned with (other) job attitudes. In support of these propositions, results of a cross-sectional survey of university faculty (n=133) showed that identification is uniquely aligned (i.e., controlling for affective commitment) with the self-referential aspect of organizational membership, whereas commitment is uniquely related (i.e., controlling for identification) to perceived organizational support, job satisfaction, and turnover intentions. We conclude that the core difference between identification and commitment lies in the implied relationship between individual and organization: Identification reflects psychological oneness, commitment reflects a relationship between separate psychological entities. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing Downsizing Guidelines With an Exemplar

The propositions in two theories of downsizing are compared to a success story in an exemplary state agency: the Ohio Department of Mental Health (ODMH). ODMH was downsized, taking out a total of $150 million, with hospital closures, transfers, and mergers. A 15-year database of weekly reports to the governor of the state of Ohio recorded the actions taken in 19 closures, mergers, and transfers and their success. Propositions offered by Cameron (Cameron, 1995; Cameron and Smart, 1996) to turn aside dirty dozen outcomes and by managed de-development (Nutt, 2001; 2004) were compared to the CEO's actions documented in the histories. The findings suggest that the guidelines offered by both theories have merit. Crucial actions appear to be shifting ODMH to a lower order of organized complexity by devising a new identity to guide change with slow-paced moves to preserve core competencies that differentiated before integrating and accommodated before assimilating.
Defining the online gambler and patterns of behaviour integration: evidence from the British Gambling Prevalence Survey 2010

This paper presents data from the British Gambling Prevalence Survey (BGPS) 2010, a large-scale random probability survey of adults (n = 7756), to examine how people gamble and ways in which online and offline gambling are integrated. Fourteen per cent of respondents were past year Internet gamblers (7% if purchase of lottery tickets online is excluded). The majority of online gamblers were also offline gamblers and a broader taxonomy of gambling subgroups was evident. This included those who chose different mediums of access for different activities and those who gambled online and offline on the same activity (mixed mode gamblers). These mixed mode gamblers had the highest rates of gambling involvement and higher problem gambling prevalence rates. Direct comparisons between Internet and non-Internet gamblers therefore ignore key questions of how people integrate online provisions with offline activities which may have important implications for our understanding of the relative risks associated with online gambling.