Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of model building in problem solving and conceptual change

This study examines the effects of the activity of building systems models for school-based problems on problem solving and on conceptual change in elementary science classes. During a unit on the water cycle in an Asian elementary school, students constructed systems models of the water cycle. We found that representing ill-structured problems as system models improves problem solving as well as creating beneficial conceptual change related to the topic.
Self-adhesive resin cements: a literature review.

PURPOSE To summarize research conducted on self-adhesive cements and provide information on their properties, based on the results of original scientific full-length papers from peer-reviewed journals listed in PubMed. MATERIALS AND METHODS The search was conducted using the term "self-adhesive cement OR (trade names of currently available products)". RESULTS Only in vitro studies that investigated two commercially available self-adhesive cements have been published so far. The results were summarized into the following categories: adhesion to tooth substrates (enamel, dentin, root dentin), adhesion to restorative materials (endodontic posts, ceramics, titanium abutments), marginal adaptation, microleakage, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, chemical adhesion and fluoride release, and ratings in clinical use. CONCLUSION The majority of available literature data is based on studies that investigated one of the self-adhesive cements that are currently available to clinicians. According to the in vitro results, self-adhesive cement adhesion to dentin and various restorative materials is satisfactory and comparable to other multistep resin cements, while adhesion to enamel appears to be a weak link in their bonding properties. Long-term clinical performance of these materials needs to be assessed prior to making a general recommendation for their use.
Sex reversal induces size and performance differences among females of the African pygmy mouse, Mus minutoides

ABSTRACT Differences in biological performance, at both intra- and inter-specific levels, have often been linked to morphology but seldom to behavioural or genotypic effects. We tested performance at the intraspecific level by measuring bite force in the African pygmy mouse, Mus minutoides. This species displays an unusual sex determination system, with sex-reversed, X*Y females carrying a feminizing X* chromosome. X*Y females cannot be differentiated from XX females based on external or gonadal morphology; however, they are known to be more aggressive. We found that bite force was higher in X*Y females than in other females and males. We then performed geometric morphometric analyses on their skulls and mandibles and found that the higher performance of X*Y females was mainly explained by a greater overall skull size. The effects of the X* chromosome thus go beyond feminization, and extend to whole-organism performance and morphology. Our results also suggest limited effects of behaviour on bite force. Highlighted Article: Female Mus minutoides sometimes carry a Y chromosome. This chromosomal change is advantageous as sex-reversed females show greater skull size and higher bite force than XX females.
No evidence of beneficial effects of plasmapheresis in natalizumab-associated PML

Objective: To examine retrospectively the effects of plasmapheresis (PLEX) on the survival and clinical outcomes of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and natalizumab (NTZ)–associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Methods: The medical literature was searched for the terms natalizumab and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. A total of 193 international and 34 Italian NTZ-PML cases were included. Clinical outcome was determined by comparing the patients' clinical status at PML diagnosis with status after PML resolution. The effects on survival and clinical outcome of PLEX, sex, age, country, pre-PML Expanded Disability Status Scale score, NTZ infusion number, prior immunosuppressant exposure, PML symptoms, PML lesion location at diagnosis, CSF JC virus status and copies, additional PML treatments and steroids, and PML immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) development were investigated with both univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 219 NTZ-PML cases were analyzed, and 184 (84%) underwent PLEX, which did not reduce the mortality risk or the likelihood of poor vs favorable outcomes. Country was predictive of mortality and poor outcome, while PML-IRIS development was predictive of poor outcome. Conclusions: PLEX did not improve the survival or clinical outcomes of Italian or international patients with MS and NTZ-PML, suggesting that this treatment should be performed cautiously in the future. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class III evidence that for patients with NTZ-PML, PLEX does not improve survival. The study lacks the statistical precision to exclude an important benefit or harm of PLEX.
An early oscillator model: studies on the biodynamics of the piano strike (Bernstein & Popova, 1930).

In the following paper, published in 1930, Bernstein and Popova report an impressive study (even by modern standards) of a complex motor behavior: movements performed by concert pianists, specifically series of octave strikes made with one hand. As so pungently discussed in their introduction, Bernstein and Popova were trying to rectify the situation at the time, a situation in which “most studies in the area of piano methodology originate either from physiologists who are dilettantes in music or from musicians who know nothing about physiology” (present paper, p.5). According to many of the contemporary pedagogues, such octave strikes are produced by letting the hand fall passively onto the targeted keys, using the weight of the arm from the highest point attained in transit—the so-called “weight” technique. This “weight” idea had only intuitive and virtually no scientific support. Given the to-be-rectified situation, it must have seemed to Bernstein and Popova that they could actually submit this particular idea about piano methodology to experimental tests. Certainly Bernstein felt a strong impulse throughout his career to “objectify” notions and conjectures about movement, and this paper represents a great effort to do so. As seen in the paper, Bernstein and Popova discredited the weight notion, showing that active muscle forces are almost always at play in a piano strike, regardless of variations in strike force and/or tempo. Along the way, they analyzed the movements further to see how the active forces are produced. From our present vantage point, we are sorely tempted to see hints at coupled oscillator models, particularly with respect to changes in one control parameter, the tempo. Bernstein and Popovaʼs study is impressive in many respects, beginning with the methodology. Of first note, in line with Bernsteinʼs earlier work, is their choice of such a complex behavior, a bold move, to say the least. Even though they limited the motions under study to rhythmically produced octave strikes, their focus was still a complex movement. Second, they used an elegant experimental design, varying two key parameters: the tempo of the movement and the force Motor Control, 2003, 7, 1-45
Elder Abuse and Neglect in Institutional Settings: The Resident's Perspective

This article strives to share research findings concerning the rights and empowerment of the elderly living in various long-term care (LTC) or residential care facilities (public and private sectors) in Quebec, Canada. Inspired by the theories of constructivism, the research aims to understand the residents’ perception of abuse, as well as the strategies they are developing to exercise their rights and liberties. Data from semistructured interviews with 20 residents, mostly very old women aged 80 to 98, are presented. Results show that residents’ perception of abuse: (1) is conditioned by sensationalistic media coverage; (2) is limited to physical mistreatment; and (3) tends to legitimize day-to-day infringements of their rights, as these “minor” violations seem inoffensive when compared to the “real” acts of violence reported in the media. Tensions that can build up among residents, sometimes resulting in intimidation or even bullying, were addressed.
GSTT1 and GSTM1 null variants in Mestizo and Amerindian populations from northwestern Mexico and a literature review

Abstract The GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes are key molecules in cellular detoxification. Null variants in these genes are associated with increase susceptibility to developing different types of cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes in Mestizo and Amerindian individuals from the Northwestern region of Mexico, and to compare them with those reported worldwide. GSTT1 and GSTM1 null variants were genotyped by multiplex PCR in 211 Mestizos and 211 Amerindian individuals. Studies reporting on frequency of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null variants worldwide were identified by a PubMed search and their geographic distribution were analyzed. We found no significant differences in the frequency of the null genotype for GSTT1 and GSM1 genes between Mestizo and Amerindian individuals. Worldwide frequencies of the GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes ranges from 0.10 to 0.51, and from 0.11 to 0.67, respectively. Interestingly, in most countries the frequency of the GSTT1 null genotype is common or frequent (76%), whereas the frequency of the GSMT1 null genotype is very frequent or extremely frequent (86%). Thus, ethnic-dependent differences in the prevalence of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null variants may influence the effect of environmental carcinogens in cancer risk.
Synthesis of alkane hydroxylase of Pseudomonas oleovorans increases the iron requirement of alk+ bacterial strains.

The alk genes enable Pseudomonas oleovorans to utilize alkanes as sole carbon and energy source. Expression of the alk genes in P. oleovorans and in two Escherichia coli recombinants induced iron limitation in minimal medium cultures. Further investigation showed that the expression of the alkB gene, encoding the integral cytoplasmic membrane protein AlkB, was responsible for the increase of the iron requirement of E. coli W3110 (pGEc47). AlkB is the non-heme iron monooxygenase component of the alkane hydroxylase system, and can be synthesized to levels up to 10% (w/w) of total cell protein in E. coli W3110 (pGEc47). Its synthesis is, however, strictly dependent on the presence of sufficient iron in the medium. Our results show that a glucose-grown E. coli alk+ strain can reach alkane hydroxylase activities of about 25 U/g cdw, and are consistent with the recent finding that catalytically active AlkB contains two, rather than one iron atom per polypeptide chain.
High-Level Expression of RIPK4 and EZH2 Contributes to Lymph Node Metastasis and Predicts Favorable Prognosis in Patients With Cervical Cancer

The investigation of specific genes will establish more useful biomarkers for accurate detection and management of gynecological cancers, especially patients with cervical cancer (CCP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression level of RIPK4 and EZH2 messenger RNA (RIPK4 and EZH2 mRNA) in CCP. Expression of RIPK4 and EZH2 in the tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR methods. Correlations of RIPK4 and EZH2 mRNA with clinical and pathological parameters were analyzed using the Fisher’s exact test. The mRNA level of RIPK4 was significantly upregulated in tumor tissues compared with matched adjacent normal tissues (4.10 ± 0.89 vs. 1.5 ± 0.82; p = 0.021). EZH2 mRNA was increased in cancer tissues compared to normal tissues (3.54 ± 0.71 vs. 1.2 ± 0.65; p = 0.003). High expression of RIPK4 was observed in 25 patients (64.1%), whereas weak expression was seen in 14 cases (35.9%). Furthermore, the expression of RIPK4 was overexpressed in matched adjacent normal tissues (p = 0.004). FIGO stage and lymph node metastasis were significantly linked to a higher expression of RIPK4 (p < 0.05). Overexpression of EZH2 was found in 30 patients (76.9%) and was associated with FIGO stage, histological type, and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our data suggest that RIPK4/EZH2 markers might be used as potential predictors of prognosis in cervical cancer.
eQTLs Regulating Transcript Variations Associated with Rapid Internode Elongation in Deepwater Rice

To avoid low oxygen, oxygen deficiency or oxygen deprivation, deepwater rice cultivated in flood planes can develop elongated internodes in response to submergence. Knowledge of the gene regulatory networks underlying rapid internode elongation is important for an understanding of the evolution and adaptation of major crops in response to flooding. To elucidate the genetic and molecular basis controlling their deepwater response we used microarrays and performed expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and phenotypic QTL (phQTL) analyses of internode samples of 85 recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations of non-deepwater (Taichung 65)- and deepwater rice (Bhadua). After evaluating the phenotypic response of the RILs exposed to submergence, confirming the genotypes of the populations, and generating 188 genetic markers, we identified 10,047 significant eQTLs comprised of 2,902 cis-eQTLs and 7,145 trans-eQTLs and three significant eQTL hotspots on chromosomes 1, 4, and 12 that affect the expression of many genes. The hotspots on chromosomes 1 and 4 located at different position from phQTLs detected in this study and other previous studies. We then regarded the eQTL hotspots as key regulatory points to infer causal regulatory networks of deepwater response including rapid internode elongation. Our results suggest that the downstream regulation of the eQTL hotspots on chromosomes 1 and 4 is independent, and that the target genes are partially regulated by SNORKEL1 and SNORKEL2 genes (SK1/2), key ethylene response factors. Subsequent bioinformatic analyses, including gene ontology-based annotation and functional enrichment analysis and promoter enrichment analysis, contribute to enhance our understanding of SK1/2-dependent and independent pathways. One remarkable observation is that the functional categories related to photosynthesis and light signaling are significantly over-represented in the candidate target genes of SK1/2. The combined results of these investigations together with genetical genomics approaches using structured populations with a deepwater response are also discussed in the context of current molecular models concerning the rapid internode elongation in deepwater rice. This study provides new insights into the underlying genetic architecture of gene expression regulating the response to flooding in deepwater rice and will be an important community resource for analyses on the genetic basis of deepwater responses.
Comparison of plasma and tissue disposition of enrofloxacin in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) after a single oral administration

The aim of the study was to investigate the serum and tissue disposition of enrofloxacin and its active metabolite ciprofloxacin in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) after a single oral administration at a dose of 10 mg kg–1. Concentrations of enrofloxacin in the serum of rainbow trout showed high variability with two peaks at the third and 24th hour after administration. The highest concentrations were found in the liver. The curves of liver levels showed similar changes to the respective serum samples. In the muscles, enrofloxacin concentrations were also higher compared with the respective serum samples. Ciprofloxacin concentrations were lower and showed smaller variations in all investigated tissues. The serum and tissue concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in common carp showed two peaks, with the first Cmax at the third hour after drug administration as in rainbow trout. Concentrations of both investigated substances were higher in the liver than in the serum. The differences in common carp were less pronounced in comparison with rainbow trout. Relatively high levels of both substances were found in the muscles. Seven days after treatment enrofloxacin concentrations in the serum and tissues were within the therapeutic levels for most of the sensitive microorganisms in trout. Lower concentrations of its metabolite ciprofloxacin were found in the investigated tissues at the last sampling point. Lower levels of both substances were found in carp.
Diverse Characteristics of the cagA Gene of Helicobacter pylori Strains Collected from Patients from Southern Vietnam with Gastric Cancer and Peptic Ulcer

ABSTRACT The pathogenesis of gastroduodenal diseases is related to the diversity of Helicobacterpylori strains. CagA-positive strains are more likely to cause gastric cancer than CagA-negative strains. Based on EPIYA (Glu-Pro-Ile-Tyr-Ala) motifs at the carboxyl terminus corresponding to phosphorylation sites, H. pylori CagA is divided into East Asian CagA and Western CagA. The former type prevails in East Asia and is more closely associated with gastric cancer. The present study used full sequences of the cagA gene and CagA protein of 22 H. pylori strains in gastric cancer and peptic ulcer patients from Southern Vietnam to make a comparison of genetic homology among Vietnamese strains and between them and other strains in East Asia. A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on full amino acid sequences of 22 Vietnamese strains in accordance with 54 references from around the world. The cagA gene was found in all Vietnamese H. pylori strains. Twenty-one of 22 (95.5%) strains belonged to the East Asian type and had similar characteristics of amino acid sequence at the carboxyl terminus to other strains from the East Asian region. From evidence of East Asian CagA and epidemiologic cancerous lesions in Vietnam, H. pylori-infected Vietnamese can be classified into a high-risk group for gastric cancer, but further studies on the interaction among environmental and virulence factors should be done. Finally, phylogenetic data support that there is a Japanese subtype in the Western CagA type.
A comparative study of a monoclonal antibody against EGFR (nimotuzumab) used in combination with chemoradiation versus chemoradiation alone in the treatment of locally advanced inoperable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

51 Background: To determine the efficacy, safety and tolerability of concurrent nimotuzumab (monoclonal antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor) used in combination with chemoradiation versus chemoradiation (CRT) alone in advanced inoperable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). METHODS 56 patients were randomly assigned to either of the two treatment arms, nimotuzumab + CRT arm and CRT alone arm. Both arms received concurrent Cisplatin 30 mg/m2 repeated weekly for 6-7 cycles along with external beam radiotherapy 64-70 Gy (200cGy/day for 5 days a week for 6-7 weeks). Nimotuzumab arm additionally received nimotuzumab 200 mg weekly for 6-7 cycles. The patients were followed for 6 months after completion of CRT. The study end points were tumor response evaluation according to the RECIST Criteria version 1.1 and safety analysis using RTOG Acute Radiation Morbidity Scoring Criteria. Patients were evaluated weekly with hematologic tests and for adverse events like mucositis and dermatitis during the CRT. Tumor assessment was performed with clinical and endoscopic methods regularly during the CRT and then at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months intervals after CRT. One MR imaging was done before starting the CRT to evaluate the baseline tumor characteristics, and another was done after the completion of CRT either at 3 months or 6 months or at both the intervals. RESULTS 25 patients each were evaluable in both the arms who completed the 6-month study. The overall response rate (complete response + partial response) was 96% in nimotuzumab + CRT arm, whereas it was only 72% in CRT alone arm after 6 months of completion of CRT, which is statistically significant (p value = 0.0206 by Chi Square test). Additionally, nimotuzumab did not potentiate toxicities of CRT, and there was no significant difference in the acute radiation mucositis, dermatitis, or hematological toxicities in both the groups (p value>>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Nimotuzumab can be safely added to the standard CRT treatment for advanced inoperable SCCHN, to achieve better tumor response without potentiating toxicity.
Using egocentric vision to achieve robust inertial body tracking under magnetic disturbances

In the context of a smart user assistance system for industrial manipulation tasks it is necessary to capture motions of the upper body and limbs of the worker in order to derive his or her interactions with the task space. While such capturing technology already exists, the novelty of the proposed work results from the strong requirements of the application context: The method should be flexible and use only on-body sensors, work accurately in industrial environments that suffer from severe magnetic disturbances, and enable consistent registration between the user body frame and the task space. Currently available systems cannot provide this. This paper suggests a novel egocentric solution for visual-inertial upper-body motion tracking based on recursive filtering and model-based sensor fusion. Visual detections of the wrists in the images of a chest-mounted camera are used as substitute for the commonly used magnetometer measurements. The on-body sensor network, the motion capturing system, and the required calibration procedure are described and successful operation is shown in a real industrial environment.
Six axis vehicle vibration and its effects on comfort.

Abstract The vibration in vehicles has been measured in three translational axes and three rotational axes at the passenger/seat interface and on the floor beneath the seat. The level, frequency and direction of vehicle vibration was shown to depend upon vehicle type, vehicle speed and road condition. Vibration associated with vehicle suspension, engine and seat characteristics can be identified. Comparison of vehicle vibration levels obtained within each axis with discomfort levels obtained in the laboratory implied that, in the vehicles investigated, vibration in the translational axes produced greater discomfort than vibration in the rotational axes. Vertical vibration appeared to produce greater discomfort than fore-and-aft, lateral, roll, pitch or yaw vibration.
The Creationists: From Scientific Creationism to Intelligent Design

Introduction to the Expanded Edition Introduction 1. Creationism in the Age of Darwin 2. George Frederick Wright: From Christian Darwinist to Fundamentalist 3. Creationism in the Fundamentalist Controversy 4. Scientific Creationists in the Age of Bryan 5. George McCready Price and the New Catastrophism 6. The Religion and Science Association 7. The Deluge Geology Society 8. Evangelicals and Evolution in Great Britain 9. Evangelicals and Evolution in North America 10. John C. Whitcomb, Jr., Henry M. Morris, and The Genesis Flood 11. The Creation Research Society 12. Creation Science and Scientific Creationism 13. Deception and Discrimination 14. Creation Research Institutes 15. Creationism in the Churches 16. The Appeal of Creationism at Home and Abroad 17. Intelligent Design 18. Creationism Goes Global Notes Acknowledgments Index