Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Challenges in designing appropriate scaffolding to improve students' representational consistency: The case of a Gauss's law problem

Prior research suggest that introductory physics students have difficulty with graphing and interpreting graphs. Here, we discuss an investigation of student difficulties in translating between mathematical and graphical representations for a problem in electrostatics and the effect of increasing levels of scaffolding on students' representational consistency. Students in calculus-based introductory physics were given a typical problem that can be solved using Gauss's law involving a spherically symmetric charge distribution in which they were asked to write a mathematical expression for the electric field in various regions and then plot the electric field. In study 1, we found that students had great difficulty in plotting the electric field as a function of the distance from the center of the sphere consistent with the mathematical expressions in various regions, and interviews with students suggested possible reasons which may account for this difficulty. Therefore, in study 2, we designed two scaffolding interventions with levels of support which built on each other (i.e., the second scaffolding level built on the first) in order to help students plot their expressions consistently and compared the performance of students provided with scaffolding with a comparison group which was not given any scaffolding support. Analysis of student performance with different levels of scaffolding reveals that scaffolding from an expert perspective beyond a certain level may sometimes hinder student performance and students may not even discern the relevance of the additional support. We provide possible interpretations for these findings based on in-depth, think-aloud interviews.
Attitudes of cancer patients after diagnosis: How cancer affects social life? A Turkish Oncology Group study.

PURPOSE Each year, 12.7 million people learn that they have cancer and 8.2 million people die of cancer worldwide. Cancer is a major public health issue which causes fundamental changes in the lives of patients and their families. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lives of patients after diagnosis and determine the changes in their lifestyles. METHODS Between September 2013 to December 2013, a questionnaire consisting of 22 questions was administered during a face to face interview to patients at 13 different Oncology Units in Turkey. Each patient was queried during the administration of his/her chemotherapy. Eight of the questions featured independent choices, and 14 had dependent (multiple) choices. RESULTS A total of 1300 patients were included in the study. Of patients 9.5% were 71 years of age and older which was the oldest age group. The mean patient age was 54.6±13.8 years. Of the whole group of patients 58.5% were female and 41.5% male. After diagnosis, 64% of the patients reported that they were complying with guidelines for a healthy lifestyle and 80% said that they were eating healthier food. At the time they filled in the questionnaire, more than half of the patients (57.3%) felt optimistic about their disease. CONCLUSIONS Diagnosis of cancer may change the patients' dietary and reading habits, social relationships, activities and more importantly, their point of life view.
The Hydrophobic Core Sequence Modulates the Neurotoxic and Secondary Structure Properties of the Prion Peptide 106‐126

Abstract : The neurodegeneration seen in spongiform encephalopathies is believed to be mediated by protease‐resistant forms of the prion protein (PrP). A peptide encompassing residues 106‐126 of human PrP has been shown to be neurotoxic in vitro. The neurotoxicity of PrP 106‐126 appears to be dependent upon its adoption of an aggregated fibril structure. To examine the role of the hydrophobic core, AGAAAAGA, on PrP106‐126 toxicity, we performed structure‐activity analyses by substituting two or more hydrophobic residues for the hydrophilic serine residue to decrease its hydrophobicity. A peptide with a deleted alanine was also synthesized. We found all the peptides except the deletion mutant were no longer toxic on mouse cerebellar neuronal cultures. Circular dichroism analysis showed that the nontoxic PrP peptides had a marked decrease in β‐sheet structure. In addition, the mutants had alterations in aggregability as measured by turbidity, Congo red binding, and fibril staining using electron microscopy. These data show that the hydrophobic core sequence is important for PrP106‐126 toxicity probably by influencing its assembly into a neurotoxic structure. The hydrophobic sequence may similarly affect aggregation and toxicity observed in prion diseases.
Beneficial effects of raloxifene and atorvastatin on serum lipids and HDL phospholipids levels of postmenopausal women

Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (raloxifene) and statins (atorvastatin) have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with the postmenopausal status. Their beneficial effects may be mediated partly by favourable changes in serum lipids and particular on HDL phospholipid composition. In the present study, individual administration of either raloxifene (Group A) or atorvastatin (Group B) or both (Group C) was compared for a period of 3 months and their effects on total lipids and HDL phospholipids were evaluated. The combined treatment of raloxifene and atorvastatin resulted in profound changes in the majority of serum lipids, including a significant reduction in total cholesterol and triglycerides (P < 0.001), a rise in total phospholipids (P < 0.01) and a reduction in LDL-C and Apo B levels (P < 0.001). Furthermore, Apo A-I was elevated (P < 0.001) whereas total HDL phospholipids were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Specifically, HDL phosphatidylcholine levels were markedly increased (P < 0.001) and HDL lysophosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin and phosphatidylinositol levels were reduced (P < 0.05). A further attempt to evaluate each treatment group was performed and the significance of these results is discussed.
Multiple Responses through Verbal Discourse in the Reading of Literary Texts.

The past decade has viewed the important role literature plays in enhancing the learning process among students in Malaysian English classrooms. However, most English teachers in particular are not prepared to teach literature due to the lack of training and exposure on the subject. This paper seeks to explore the ways teacher trainees from one teacher training institute attempt to provide multiple responses on two Malaysian short stories through verbal discourse. This qualitative study uses the transcripts from the audio recorded discussion among dyads to analyze the ways subjects respond to two short stories. Using a constant comparative method, recurring themes were lifted based on Newell’s (1996) typology of responses. The findings of this study revealed that the subjects used four different types of responses, namely associations, interpretation, personal response and evaluation. These responses describe the subjects’ maturity in relating their understanding of the literary texts besides the capability of making critical judgments and rationalization.
Education and Employment Experiences in Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Educational attainment, employment experiences, and self‐esteem were measured using semi‐structured questionnaires in young adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and in a group of age/sex matched healthy controls. Results showed that subjects with diabetes and their matched controls obtained comparable qualifications at all levels. However, subjects with diabetes were less likely to feel competent with regard to their educational performance, and many of this group reported experiencing difficulties at school. There were no differences in the proportion of each group who had experienced unemployment, although this was explained more by social class and educational attainment. Whereas only a minority had decided to withhold information about their condition from their employers, one‐third of those with diabetes had experienced health‐related problems in obtaining employment.
Serological survey of laboratory rodents for infection with Sendai virus, mouse hepatitis virus, reovirus type 3 and mouse adenovirus.

(Parker, Tennant and Ward, 1966; Parker, Hercules and von Kaenel, 1967), Japan (Fukumi et al., 1962; Fuj iwara, 1971; Fuj iwara, Tanishima and Tanaka, 1979) and the United Kingdom (Carthew and Verstraete, 1978). To scrutinize the status of murine virus infections among laboratory rodents in Japan, animals from commercial breeders and various research institutions including this institute have been examined serologically since 1973. Serological examinations for antibodies to Sendai virus (Sendai), mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), reovirus type 3 (reo 3), and mouse adenovirus (MAd) were conducted on laboratory rodents during the period from 1973 through 1976 and the serological data obtained were analyzed to find the mode of transmission of the viruses among animals under conventional condition, since the majority of animals used in this institute were conventional ones until 1976 and specific pathogen-free (SPF) animals (mice and rats) increased in number thereafter. Sera of animals were collected in this institute during the period from 1973 through 1976; 2,209 sera of 196 mouse colonies, 890 sera of 71 rat colonies, 51 sera of three hamster colonies, 69 sera of 12 guinea-pig colonies and 13 sera of four Mongolian gerbil colonies from commercial breeders and research institutions. Some of the animals were to be used in this institute. The animals were maintained and bred under conventional care and management. Serological checking for the viruses was made at the age older than 8 weeks. Blood samples were taken by heart puncture. The serum was diluted 1:5 with veronal buffered
Mercury distribution in medium-size rivers and reservoirs of the Sao Paulo state (southeast Brazil).

The aim of this work was to investigate mercury (Hg) levels in six meso-scale watersheds (Upper Paranapanema, Aguapeí, Peixe, São José dos Dourados, Mogi-Guaçu, and Piracicaba) of the São Paulo state to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of Hg contamination in Brazil. Water, sediment, bivalves, and fish samples were collected during 2001 at 11 sites. Fish were also collected in the Jurumirim and Salto Grande Reservoirs which are 39 and 52 yr old since impoundment, respectively. Results showed that Hg concentrations were low in almost all samples, except fish from Jurumirim Reservoir (total mercury [T-Hg] = 1.14 +/- 0.55 mg kg(-1) wet wt. ). In spite of industrialization and high population, the results showed that there was no important source of Hg contamination in the investigated areas. The higher concentrations found in fish from Jurumirim seem to be the result of processes that favor Hg mobilization and methylation as a consequence of the impoundment of the reservoir area. The same levels were not observed in the Salto Grande Reservoir, probably because these are no longer significant due to the long time since the impoundment. To understand the dynamics of methylmercury (MeHg) production and its accumulation in fish, further studies are needed in the Jurumirim Reservoir. The results show that even at low T-Hg concentrations in sediment and water, concentrations in fish can reach values that pose concerns for consumption. This emphasizes the importance of designing an optimized biomonitoring program that can provide warning of biogeochemical conditions that promote formation of MeHg.
Bottom-up Deep Learning using the Hebbian Principle Aseem

The “fire together, wire together” Hebbian learning model is a central principle in neuroscience, but, surprisingly, it has found limited applicability in modern machine learning. In this paper, we show that neuro-plausible variants of competitive Hebbian learning provide a promising foundation for bottom-up deep learning. We propose an unsupervised learning algorithm termed Adaptive Hebbian Learning (AHL) which trains rapidly, with minimal tuning, while providing sparse, distributed neural codes. We obtain excellent classification results for standard image datasets with deep convolutional nets using AHL as a building block, with a final SVM layer. We also propose a Discriminative Hebbian Learning (DHL) algorithm that can utilize class labels, by combining Hebbian and anti-Hebbian mechanisms in a manner inspired by dopamine modulated learning. We show that combining AHL for lower layers with DHL for higher layers is a promising strategy for deep learning.
Fluorescence-based fixative and vital staining of lipid droplets in Caenorhabditis elegans reveal fat stores using microscopy and flow cytometry approaches[S]

The proportions of body fat and fat-free mass are determining factors of adiposity-associated diseases. Work in Caenorhabditis elegans has revealed evolutionarily conserved pathways of fat metabolism. Nevertheless, analysis of body composition and fat distribution in the nematodes has only been partially unraveled because of methodological difficulties. We characterized metabolic C. elegans mutants by using novel and feasible BODIPY 493/503-based fat staining and flow cytometry approaches. Fixative as well as vital BODIPY staining procedures visualize major fat stores, preserve native lipid droplet morphology, and allow quantification of fat content per body volume of individual worms. Colocalization studies using coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy, Raman microspectroscopy, and imaging of lysosome-related organelles as well as biochemical measurement confirm our approaches. We found that the fat-to-volume ratio of dietary restriction, TGF-β, and germline mutants are specific for each strain. In contrast, the proportion of fat-free mass is constant between the mutants, although their volumes differ by a factor of 3. Our approaches enable sensitive, accurate, and high-throughput assessment of adiposity in large C. elegans populations at a single-worm level.
Trends in brain cancer incidence and survival in the United States: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, 1973 to 2001.

OBJECT An increasing incidence of brain cancer has been reported for the last three decades. In this study of brain cancer incidence and patient survival in the US, the authors attempt to update information on trends by examining data provided by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. METHODS Population-based data from the SEER Program were used to calculate the incidence of and survival rates for people with brain cancer. The approximate Poisson method was used to calculate relative risks for brain cancer and to determine a 95% confidence interval. Annual age-standardized incidence rates were calculated, and time-trend analysis was conducted using joinpoint regression analysis. The relative risks of brain cancer were 1.48 for men compared with women, 3.18 for elderly persons compared with young adults, 1.86 for Caucasian patients compared with African-American patients, and 1.35 for those in metropolitan counties compared with those in nonmetropolitan counties. The incidence of brain cancer increased until 1987, when the annual percentage of change reversed direction, decreasing from 1.68 to 20.44%. The elderly experienced an increase until 1985, but their rates were stable thereafter. Rising trends were noticed for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), oligodendroglioma, anaplastic astrocytoma, medulloblastoma, and mixed glioma, and falling trends were observed for astrocytoma not otherwise specified and malignant glioma. The survival rate for patients with GBM has not shown improvement in the last two decades. CONCLUSIONS Increased risk of brain cancer is associated with being male, Caucasian, elderly, and residing in a metropolitan county. The incidence rate of brain cancer in the US is gradually declining, but the rising trend of GBM combined with its poor survival rate is disconcerting and needs further exploration.
Topical drug delivery systems in dermatology: a review of patient adherence issues

Introduction: Until now, the main focus of medication adherence research has been oral drugs. Fewer studies have examined adherence to topical drugs. The issue of patient adherence to topical drugs is particularly significant in relation to chronic skin diseases, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and acne, which require long-term use of topical medications. Areas covered: The authors reviewed the current evidence of adherence to topical therapy in dermatological diseases, mainly focusing on psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and acne. The predictors or factors influencing adherence to topical therapy are then discussed. In general, the prevalence of poor adherence to topical drugs is high in dermatology. However, this research area remains empirically underdeveloped. We are still facing challenges in measuring topical medication adherence. Expert opinion: The authors recommend some possible ways to improve topical medication adherence and provide some future research directions. Taking patient preference into consideration in selecting the right topical delivery vehicle is particularly important in improving patient adherence. Better drug design, formulation, or technology may be another important direction. Other possible effective ways to improve topical medication adherence include good physician–patient relationship, patient education, individualized treatment plan, psychological intervention, electronic devices, and return visits.
Wilms' tumour gene (wt1) expression at diagnosis has no prognostic relevance in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated by an intensive chemotherapy protocol

Abstract: Expression of the Wilms' tumour gene (wt1) has been demonstrated in a large proportion of human acute leukaemias and is thought to play a role in leukaemogenesis. Recent observations in adult patients with acute leukaemia suggest that wt1 gene expression is a poor prognostic factor. In childhood acute leukaemia, the clinical role of wt1 gene expression has not been established. We have therefore investigated bone marrow samples from 50 children with acute lymphocytic leukaemia at the time of diagnosis for the presence of wt1 transcripts to determine whether wt1 gene expression is associated with specific characteristics of leukaemic cells and whether it is predictive of response to treatment. All patients were treated according to the ALL‐BFM 90 protocol. The median observation time was 30 months. Wt1 transcripts were detected by RT‐PCR in 60% of the diagnostic samples. Wt1 PCR positive patients showed a higher median leukocyte and peripheral blast cell count than wt1 negative patients. High and intermediate risk patients more frequently displayed wt1 transcripts than low risk patients. No correlation between wt1 gene expression and FAB type, immunophenotype, co‐expression of myeloid antigens or karyotype has been observed. Furthermore, there was no correlation between wt1 gene expression at diagnosis and achievement of complete remission (CR) and no difference in disease‐free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) between wt1 positive and negative patients (p >0.1). These data indicate that (1) wt1 gene expression at diagnosis is detected more frequently in patients with high leukocyte and peripheral blast cell counts, but is not associated with specific characteristics of leukaemic cells, (2) wt1 gene expression is not an independent prognostic factor for CR, DFS or OS in childhood ALL treated by an intensive therapy protocol.
A theoretical study of ozone isotopic effects using a modified ab initio potential energy surface

A modified ab initio potential energy surface (PES) is used for calculations of ozone recombination and isotopic exchange rate constants. The calculated low-pressure isotopic effects on the ozone formation reaction are consistent with the experimental results and with the theoretical results obtained earlier [J. Chem. Phys. 116, 137 (2002)]. They are thereby relatively insensitive to the properties of these PES. The topics discussed include the dependence of the calculated low-pressure recombination rate constant on the hindered-rotor PES, the role of the asymmetry of the potential for a general X + YZ reaction (Y[not-equal]Z), and the partitioning to form each of the two recombination products: XYZ and XZY.
Clinical Characteristics Associated with Long-term Survival in Metastatic Gastric Cancer after Systemic Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND Systemic chemotherapy for patients with metastatic gastric cancer (MGC) is generally palliative, although some patients experience long-term survival after treatment. Thus, we identified clinical characteristics that are associated with long-term survival of patients with MGC after palliative chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 514 MGC patients who received systemic chemotherapy at our institution from 2001 to 2008. To identify clinical predictors of survival beyond 2 years, multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, and 5-year survival rates were estimated among MGC patients following chemotherapy. RESULTS Among 514 patients, 96 (19%) and 16 (3%) survived beyond 2 and 5 years, respectively, and performance status of 0 or 1 (odds ratio [OR]=3.39; p=0.01), previous gastrectomy (OR=1.86; p=0.01), single metastatic site (OR=1.80; p=0.03), and normal alkaline phosphatase levels (OR=2.81; p<0.01) were identified as independent predictors of long-term survival. Of the 16 5-year survivors, six were alive at the end of the study and showed no evidence of disease despite cessation of chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS The present data demonstrate distinct clinical characteristics that are associated with long-term survival of MGC patients, and indicated that palliative chemotherapy can be curative in highly selected patients.
Impact of screening technique on crowdsourcing QoE assessments

Evaluation of quality as perceived by the user in his natural environment is a difficult and strenuous task. Simulation of real world conditions in the laboratory is often inefficient and expensive. Recently, crowdsourcing as novel methodology for testing Quality of Experience (QoE) at the end user side has been proposed. In this paper we discuss (a) the challenges of performing subjective assessments in the crowdsourcing domain and (b) highlight the importance of proper filtering of unreliable users from the overall results. In particular, we introduce various ways for detecting unreliable users and compare results from two similar QoE studies applying different screening techniques.