Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Screening of reproduction‐related single‐nucleotide variations from MeDIP‐seq data in sheep

Extensive variation in reproduction has arisen in Chinese Mongolian sheep during recent domestication. Hu and Small‐tailed Han sheep, for example, have become non‐seasonal breeders and exhibit higher fecundity than Tan and Ujumqin breeds. We therefore scanned reproduction‐related single‐nucleotide variations from methylated DNA‐immunoprecipitation sequencing data generated from each of those four breeds to uncover potential mechanisms underlying this breed variation. We generated a high‐quality map of single nucleotide variations (SNVs) in DNA methylation enriched regions, and found that the majority of variants are located within non‐coding regions. We identified 359 SNVs within the Sheep Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) database. Nineteen of these SNVs associated with the Aseasonal Reproduction QTL, and 10 out of the 19 reside close to genes with known reproduction functions. We also identified the well‐known FecB mutation in high‐fecundity sheep (Hu and Small‐tailed Han sheep). When we applied these FecB finding to our breeding system, we improved lambing rate by 175%. In summary, this study provided strong candidate SNVs associated with sheep fecundity that can serve as targets for functional testing and to enhance selective breeding strategies. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 958–967, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Introduction: special issue on atypical development

In 2010, JCL put out a call for papers for a special issue on Atypical Language Development. In that call, we asked for papers that ‘would include theory and data on children who are acquiring their first language in atypical ways, attributable to either developmental (i.e., genetic, including but not limited to children with autism, Williams Syndrome, Down Syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Specific Language Impairment) or acquired (e.g., neonatal or early experienced brain damage or maltreatment) etiologies’. We suggested that relevant questions could involve what the attested language delays and deficits reveal about the PROCESSES of language acquisition, about the REPRESENTATION AND ORGANIZATION of language, or about the BIOLOGY/ NEUROPSYCHOLOGY/GENETICS of language. We received fifty-one submissions, subjected each to a rigorous process of peer review, and are pleased to publish eleven of the submissions in this volume as superb examples of current research into a wide range of disorders (Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Specific Language Impairment, Pre/perinatal brain injury) manifested by children learning a range of languages (English, British Sign Language, Dutch, German, Hebrew, Kuwaiti Arabic). In this introductory article, we highlight some of the major reasons why researchers study atypical language development, and how the articles in this special issue bear on questions associated with the acquisition of language. We also touch on some methodological issues in our concluding remarks. As can be seen from the call for submissions, our definition of ‘atypical’ targeted developmental atypicalities resulting from neurobiological atypicalities, not social (e.g. learning multiple languages or receiving belowthreshold input) or sensory (e.g. learning without sight). To the extent that child language acquisition relies on the neural substrate of the brain, then J. Child Lang. 40 (2013), 1–10. f Cambridge University Press 2012 doi:10.1017/S0305000912000578
Does online health information seeking act like a health behavior?: a test of the behavioral model.

OBJECTIVE This analysis tests the hypothesis that health information search can be modeled using the behavioral model, a tool traditionally used for other healthcare behaviors. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Pew Internet and American Life August 2006 Survey was used to model five selected Internet health information seeking behaviors: information on a specific disease, diet and nutrition, mental health, complementary and alternative medicine, and sexual health. Each behavior was modeled using hierarchical logistic regression with independent variables of predisposing factors (age, race, sex, and education), enabling factors (home Internet access, Internet experience, and high-speed access), and need factors (health status, chronic health condition, and current health crisis). RESULTS Health information search is not a monolithic behavior. Sex, age over 65, current health crisis, and regular use of the Internet were the most consistent predictors of use, each being significant in four of the five models. Blacks (odds ratio [OR] = 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34-0.74) and Hispanics (OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.37-0.95) were significantly less likely than whites to search for information on a specific disease or condition but blacks (OR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.69-4.43) were more likely than whites to search for sexual health information and Hispanics (OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.09-2.73) were more likely than whites to search for complementary and alternative medicine information. Pseudo-r(2) for the fully specified models ranged from 0.13 for mental health search to 0.32 for specific disease search. CONCLUSION Health Internet behaviors can successfully be described using models designed for traditional health behaviors; however, different health information seeking behaviors have different user profiles.
Tankyrase inhibition regulates corpus luteum development and luteal function in gonadotropin‐treated rats

Tankyrases are physiological regulators of Axin, a protein involved in several cellular processes, including Wnt signaling. Here, we investigated the effect of a specific Tankyrase inhibitor (XAV939) in follicular‐luteal dynamics, and its possible relationship with ovarian vascular development. Studies were designed to analyze the effect of intrabursa administration of XAV939 in gonadotropin‐treated prepubertal rats. In particular, we examined follicle and corpus luteum development, steroidogenesis, angiogenic markers, and apoptotic parameters. We found that in vivo inhibition of Wnt signaling impaired corpus luteum development, with a decrease in the number of corpora lutea balanced by a high number of cysts; decreased circulating progesterone levels, likely due to a decrease in Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein content in the corpus luteum; and increased pro‐apoptotic parameters. In addition, Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase phosphorylation, Vascular endothelium growth factor 120 content, and endothelial cell area were diminished in corpora lutea of inhibitor‐treated ovaries. Thus, Wnt/β‐catenin signaling appears to participate in the regulation of corpus luteum development and luteal cell function.
Medicinal Plants Used by the Criollos of Calamuchita to Treat Blood, Cardiovascular, and Neuroendocrinous Diseases

ABSTRACT An ethnobotanical and ethnopharmaceutical study was carried out in the Calamuchita region, Province of Córdoba, Argentina, by conducting interviews and semi-structured questionnaires to 59 informants–“criollos” peasants–in order to identify species used to treat blood, cardiovascular and neuroendocrinous affections within the context of folk health practices of the inhabitants of the region. Among the criteria to identify, diagnose and treat diseases, the prevalence of knowledge of official medicine and reshaped concepts derived from the Hippocratic-humoral medicine as well as the recurrent reference to Hispanic-European traditions and a wide plant pharmacopoeia have been noticed. A total of 113 medicinal uses belonging to 74 species grouped in 35 families were recorded for the health field under study. The use of native wild plants gathered in the field is a frequent practice; mainly their leaves and air parts are used in decoctions and infusions. Plants are used mainly for the treatment of blood diseases, palpitations, heart problems, hypertension, diabetes, and anxiety. Results obtained show consistency in the features of Argentine traditional health practices described for other regions of the country.
Vocabulary development in Norwegian L1 and L2 learners in the kindergarten–school transition*

Abstract This study examined the vocabulary development of Norwegian second language (L2) learners with Urdu/Punjabi as their first language (L1) at two time-points from kindergarten to primary school, and compared it to the vocabulary development of monolingual Norwegian children. Using path models, the associations between number of picture books in the home, maternal education, and previous L1 and L2 vocabulary on the development of L2 vocabulary breadth and depth were investigated. The results indicate that despite the weaker vocabulary skills of the L2 sample, the growth trajectories of the L2 learners and the monolingual comparison group did not differ. For the L2 learners, we identified both concurrent and longitudinal predictors of vocabulary: the number of books in the home and the time of introduction of the L2 predicted concurrent vocabulary. L1 vocabulary, number of books in the home, and the time of introduction of the L2 predicted vocabulary growth.
No perceptual reorganization for Limburgian tones? A cross-linguistic investigation with 6- to 12-month-old infants*

Abstract Despite the fact that many of the world's languages use lexical tone, the majority of language acquisition studies has focused on non-tone languages. Research on tone languages has typically investigated well-known tone languages such as Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese. The current study looked at a Limburgian dialect of Dutch that uses lexical pitch differences, albeit in a rather restricted way. Using a visual habituation paradigm, 6- to 12-month-old Limburgian and Dutch infants were tested for their ability to discriminate Limburgian tones. The results showed that both Limburgian and Dutch infants discriminate the Limburgian tones throughout their first year of life. The role of linguistic experience, acoustic salience, and the degree of similarity to the native prosodic system are discussed.
Multishot diffusion‐weighted SPLICE PROPELLER MRI of the abdomen

Multishot FSE (fast spin echo)‐based diffusion‐weighted (DW)‐PROPELLER (periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction) MRI offers the potential to reduce susceptibility artifacts associated with single‐shot DW‐EPI (echo‐planar imaging) approaches. However, DW‐PROPELLER in the abdomen is challenging due to the large field‐of‐view and respiratory motion during DW preparation. Incoherent signal phase due to motion will violate the Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill (CPMG) conditions, leading to destructive interference between spin echo and stimulated echo signals and consequent signal cancellation. The SPLICE (split‐echo acquisition of FSE signals) technique can mitigate non‐CPMG artifacts in FSE‐based sequences. For SPLICE, spin echo and stimulated echo are separated by using imbalanced readout gradients and extended acquisition window. Two signal families each with coherent phase properties are acquired at different intervals within the readout window. Separate reconstruction of these two signal families can avoid destructive phase interference. Phantom studies were performed to validate signal phase properties with different initial magnetization phases. This study evaluated the feasibility of combining SPLICE and PROPELLER for DW imaging of the abdomen. It is demonstrated that DW‐SPLICE‐PROPELLER can effectively mitigate non‐CPMG artifacts and improve DW image quality and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map homogeneity. Magn Reson Med 59:947–953, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of genes involved in rice seed priming in the early imbibition stage.

Phase II of seed imbibition is a critical process during seed priming. To identify genes involved in rice seed priming, the altered proteins between the dry and imbibed (24 h) seeds were compared using a two-dimensional gel electrophoresis system in this study. Ten significantly changed proteins (fold change ≥ twofold; P < 0.01) were successfully identified, which could be categorised as carbohydrate and protein biosynthesis and metabolism-related, signalling-related, storage and stress-related proteins. A meta-analysis indicated that the highest expression of the identified genes was at the milk and dough stages and in the endosperm tissue. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that there was significant variation in gene expression (except FAD-dependent oxidoreductase) in embryos during seed priming (0-48 h). The expression of genes associated with stress appeared at the early imbibition stage, while those associated with carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis and signalling increased at the late imbibition stage. Three identified proteins (glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase large subunit, aminotransferase and prolamin precursor) had similar transcript and protein expression patterns in embryos. Based on phenotype and gene expression, the optimal stop time for seed priming is 24 h, when these three genes have relatively low expression, followed by significant induction during imbibition in embryos. These three genes are ideal candidate biomarkers for rice seed priming.
Role of the lens in controlling physical dormancy break and germination of Delonix regia (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae).

Physical dormancy occurs in all three subfamilies of Fabaceae, namely Mimosoideae, Papilionoideae and Caesalpinioideae, making it one of the largest plant families in terms of number of species with physical dormancy. However, little is known about the water gap structure and germination ecology of species in Caesalpinioideae. Freshly collected seeds of Delonix regia (Caesalpinioideae) did not imbibe water, thus they had physical dormancy. Both dry heat and wet heat were effective in breaking dormancy, however, longer duration was required at 80 °C and shorter duration at 90 °C. Seeds buried in the field for 2 years germinated to 21% and 42% after the first and second summer, respectively, compared with 3% germination in seeds at the time of maturity. Seeds incubated at 15/60 °C in the laboratory (mimicking summer conditions) for 3 months supported this conclusion, as dormancy was relieved in 18% and 24% of seeds stored dry and watered intermediately, respectively. All the dormancy breaking treatments resulted in lifting of palisade layers in the lens region to form a circular lid-like opening, i.e. water gap (Type II simple). Blocking experiments confirmed that water entered only through the lens and no secondary water entry point was observed. No apparent changes in morphology/anatomy of the hilum region were noted in dormant and non-dormant (water permeable) seeds. These results suggest that summer temperatures could open the lens in a proportion of seeds every year and that germination occurs during the subsequent wet season in the tropics.
The Needs of Aging Parents Caring for an Adult with Acquired Brain Injury*

RÉSUMÉ Cette étude a porté sur des questions d’intérêt pour et au service des besoins des parents plus âgés qui s’occupent d’un fils ou d’une fille adulte avec une lésion cérébrale acquise (LCA) en Ontario. Trois questions ont été identifiées comme particulièrement difficile: le diagnostic de la lésion cérébrale, les sentiments des parents quant à la cause des lésions cérébrales, et le planification d’hébergement à long terme pour leurs membres de familles avec une lésion cérébrale. Les services les plus fréquemment cités pour les besoins d’une personne atteinte de LCA étaient d’ordre social et/ou d’activités de loisirs, programmes de jour, et le placement residentiel. Les services les plus fréquemment cités comme nécessaires par les parents etaient l’éducation des parents et des groupes de soutien. L’information recueillie fournit une base pour d’autres recherches dans d’autres secteurs. Les implications de ces résultats initiaux pour la pratique et la politique clinique et pour le développement du programme sont discutées. ABSTRACT This study focused on issues of concern to and service needs of older parents caring for an adult son or daughter with an acquired brain injury (ABI) in Ontario. Three issues were identified as particularly challenging: diagnosis of the brain injury, parents’ feelings about the cause of the brain injury, and planning for long-term accommodation for their family member with a brain injury. The most frequently cited services needed for the person with ABI were social and/or recreational activities, day programs, and residential placement. The most frequently cited services needed by parents were parent education and support groups. The information gathered provides a base for further research in other sectors. Implications of these initial findings for clinical practice and policy and program development are discussed.
Beliefs about Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease in Three Domains*

RÉSUMÉ Cette étude des mesures répétées a examiné les croyances des étudiants de premier cycle concernant le vieillissement et la maladie d’Alzheimer (MA) dans les domaines cognitifs, physiques et socials. Les étudiants ont evalué les personnes typiques de 25 ans (cible jeune), les personnes typiques de 75 ans (cible vieux), et les personnes institutionnalisées typiques avec MA (MA cible) sur 46 déclarations sur les capacités cognitives, physiques et sociaux. Croyances sur le vieillissement se sont avérés pour être généralement négative dans les domaines cognitifs et physiques mais positive dans le domaine social, ce qui est compatible avec la littérature des stéréo-types de l’âge. La maladie d’Alzheimer est perçu comme une maladie essentiellement de l’esprit, mais on croit, qu’en comparaison avec les différences prévues au vieillissement, que la prouesse physique est renforcée. Documenter les croyances, un premier pas vers la modification des comportements stéréotypes, pourrait avoir des effets significatifs sur la santé et le bien-être des personnes agées et des personnes atteintes de MA. ABSTRACT This repeated measures study examined undergraduate students’ beliefs about aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the cognitive, social, and physical domains. Students rated typical 25-year-olds (young target), typical 75-year-olds (old target), and typical institutionalized persons with AD (AD target) on 46 statements about cognitive, physical, and social abilities. Beliefs about aging were found to be generally negative in the cognitive and physical domains but positive in the social domain, consistent with the age-stereotyping literature. Interestingly, by comparing ratings of old and AD targets, beliefs were found to be generally negative in the cognitive and social domains but positive in the physical domain. AD is perceived to be a disease primarily of the mind, but in comparison to differences expected with aging, physical prowess is enhanced. Documenting beliefs, a first step toward modifying stereotyped behaviour, could have significant effects on the health and well-being of older adults and persons with AD.
Novel MRI method to detect altered left ventricular ejection and filling patterns in rodent models of disease

The aim of this study was to determine whether high‐temporal‐resolution (HTR) cardiac cine‐MRI could be used to identify subtle alterations in contractility and diastolic function in rodent models of disease. Following standard 45‐min in vivo MRI measurements of left ventricular (LV) volumes, a single mid‐ventricular slice was selected for 3‐min HTR imaging. Cavity volume was measured every 2.4 ms, yielding approximately 60 images through the cardiac cycle. From these images, peak ejection and filling rates were calculated and two separate filling phases (comparable with the early (E) and late (A) phases of a Doppler echocardiogram) were identified during diastole. Repeated HTR imaging of the same animals on sequential days indicated reproducibility of E′/A′ ratios of 11%. In chronically infarcted rat hearts, HTR imaging revealed lower peak ejection rates (PERs), peak early filling rates (E′) and E′/A′ ratios, and higher peak late filling rates (A′) than in sham‐operated rats. Diabetic db/db mouse hearts had the same function as controls when using standard cine‐MRI, yet HTR imaging identified significantly lower PERs, early filling rates and E′/A′ ratios in diabetic mouse hearts. In conclusion, the HTR MRI technique revealed changes in function that were below the limits of detection of standard cine‐MRI. Magn Reson Med 60:582–587, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Internet Use and Psychological Wellness during Late Adulthood*

RÉSUMÉ Une population vieillissante est mieux servie par des services d’assistance socials, personnels et de la santé qui visent à maintenir et à maximiser l’autonomie personelle. L’Internet offre des opportunités nombreuses pour les individus de tous âges de commniquer, d’accéder aux informations, et de se livrer à des activités récréatives. Un échantillon à base communautaire de 122 adultes de plus de 60 ans ont rempli un questionnaire qui a évalué les trois groupes de caracteristiques : (a) la fréquence et les modes d’utilisation de l’Internet, (b) le bien-être (la solitude, la satisfaction de vie, l’auto-suffisance, les soutiens sociaux, et la dépression) et (c) les données démographiques (l’âge, le revenu, l’éducation). Des corrélations significatives sont apparues entre les trois groupes de variables mesurées. Tout en contrôlant les différences démographiques, l’utilisation d’Internet et de l’autosuffisance demeurent significativement corrélés. Parmi l’échantillon des personnes plus âgées, celles qui ont utilisé l’Internet plus présentaient une plus forte perception de leur efficacité que celles qui ont utilisé l’Internet que rarement ou pas du tout. ABSTRACT An aging population is best served by social, personal, and health support focused on maintaining and maximizing personal independence. The Internet affords numerous opportunities for individuals of all ages to communicate, access information, and engage in recreational activities. A community-based sample of 122 adults over 60 years of age completed a questionnaire which assessed three clusters of characteristics: (a) frequency and patterns of Internet use, (b) well-being (loneliness, life satisfaction, self-efficacy, social support, and depression), and (c) demographics (age, income, education). Significant correlations emerged between the three clusters of measured variables. Controlling for demographic differences, Internet use and self-efficacy remained significantly related. Among the sample of older adults, individuals who used the Internet more had higher perceptions of self-efficacy than those who used the Internet rarely or not at all.