Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The lure of rationality: Why does the deficit model persist in science communication?

Science communication has been historically predicated on the knowledge deficit model. Yet, empirical research has shown that public communication of science is more complex than what the knowledge deficit model suggests. In this essay, we pose four lines of reasoning and present empirical data for why we believe the deficit model still persists in public communication of science. First, we posit that scientists’ training results in the belief that public audiences can and do process information in a rational manner. Second, the persistence of this model may be a product of current institutional structures. Many graduate education programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields generally lack formal training in public communication. We offer empirical evidence that demonstrates that scientists who have less positive attitudes toward the social sciences are more likely to adhere to the knowledge deficit model of science communication. Third, we present empirical evidence of how scientists conceptualize “the public” and link this to attitudes toward the deficit model. We find that perceiving a knowledge deficit in the public is closely tied to scientists’ perceptions of the individuals who comprise the public. Finally, we argue that the knowledge deficit model is perpetuated because it can easily influence public policy for science issues. We propose some ways to uproot the deficit model and move toward more effective science communication efforts, which include training scientists in communication methods grounded in social science research and using approaches that engage community members around scientific issues.
Stroke trials

One of the most commonly used clinical outcomes in acute stroke trials is the 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS), an ordinal scale that ranges from 0 (no symptoms) to 6 (death). Traditionally, the mRS is dichotomized into excellent (0–1 vs 2–6) or good (0–2 vs 3–6) outcome. Alternately, shift analysis compares the distribution of outcomes between the treatment and control groups across the entire ordinal scale, thus answering the question of whether there is any measurable improvement on the mRS associated with treatment. The two approaches target different types of departures from the null hypothesis of no difference in outcome between treatment and control groups. Hence, applying the appropriate analytic strategy to the expected departure can increase power and reduce the number needed to prove a benefit in clinical trials. In this issue of Neurology ®, Saver and Gornbein1 explored statistical approaches to ordinal outcome data …
α-Hemoglobin-stabilizing Protein (AHSP) Perturbs the Proximal Heme Pocket of Oxy-α-hemoglobin and Weakens the Iron-Oxygen Bond*

Background: α-Hemoglobin stabilizing protein (AHSP) is a hemoglobin chaperone. Results: AHSP causes a subtle perturbation of the proximal heme pocket of O2-α-hemoglobin, lengthening the Fe-O2 bond and enhancing O2 dissociation. Conclusion: Pro-30 in wild-type AHSP promotes αHb autooxidation by introducing strain into the proximal heme pocket. Significance: αHb·AHSP complexes are intermediates in Hb assembly and achieve αHb detoxification. α-Hemoglobin (αHb)-stabilizing protein (AHSP) is a molecular chaperone that assists hemoglobin assembly. AHSP induces changes in αHb heme coordination, but how these changes are facilitated by interactions at the αHb·AHSP interface is not well understood. To address this question we have used NMR, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, and ligand binding measurements to probe αHb conformational changes induced by AHSP binding. NMR chemical shift analyses of free CO-αHb and CO-αHb·AHSP indicated that the seven helical elements of the native αHb structure are retained and that the heme Fe(II) remains coordinated to the proximal His-87 side chain. However, chemical shift differences revealed alterations of the F, G, and H helices and the heme pocket of CO-αHb bound to AHSP. Comparisons of iron-ligand geometry using extended x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy showed that AHSP binding induces a small 0.03 Å lengthening of the Fe-O2 bond, explaining previous reports that AHSP decreases αHb O2 affinity roughly 4-fold and promotes autooxidation due primarily to a 3–4-fold increase in the rate of O2 dissociation. Pro-30 mutations diminished NMR chemical shift changes in the proximal heme pocket, restored normal O2 dissociation rate and equilibrium constants, and reduced O2-αHb autooxidation rates. Thus, the contacts mediated by Pro-30 in wild-type AHSP promote αHb autooxidation by introducing strain into the proximal heme pocket. As a chaperone, AHSP facilitates rapid assembly of αHb into Hb when βHb is abundant but diverts αHb to a redox resistant holding state when βHb is limiting.
CYTOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES OF SPERM BUNDLES UNIQUE TO F 1 PROGENY OF IRRADIATED MALE LEPIDOPTERA : RELEVANCE TO STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE PROGRAMS

The unique genetic phenomena responsible for inherited F 1 sterility in Lepidoptera and some other arthropods provide advantages for the use of inherited sterility in a sterile insect technique (SIT) program. Lepidopteran females generally can be completely sterilized at a dose of radiation that only partially sterilizes males of the same species. When these partially sterile males mate with fertile females, many of the radiation-induced deleterious effects are inherited by the F 1 generation. At the appropriate dose of radiation, egg hatch of females mated with irradiated males is reduced and the resulting (F 1 ) offspring are both highly sterile and predominantly male. Lower doses of radiation used to induce F 1 sterility increase the quality and competitiveness of the released insects. However, during a SIT program it is possible that traps used to monitor wild moth populations and over-flooding ratios (marked released males vs unmarked wild males) may capture unmarked F 1 sterile males that cannot be distinguished from wild fertile males. In this study we developed a cytological technique with orcein and Giemsa stains to distinguish adult F 1 progeny of irradiated males and fertile males. Our observations on 6 pest species in 5 families of Lepidoptera indicate that F 1 males (sterile) from irradiated fathers can be distinguished from fertile males by the nuclei cluster in the eupyrene sperm bundles. The nuclei cluster in the fertile males exhibited a regular and organized arrangement of the sperm and was homogeneously stained, whereas in F 1 males the nuclei cluster of sperm was disorganized, irregular and unevenly stained. Supplementary Material: color illustrations are available online at http://www.fcla. edu/ FlaEnt/fe921.htm
Directional atherectomy prior to stenting in bifurcation lesions: A matched comparison study with stenting alone

The ideal catheter‐based intervention for treatment of coronary lesions at bifurcation site still has to be defined. The aim of the study was to assess the acute and long‐term outcome after treatment of bifurcation lesions with directional atherectomy (DCA) and stenting in comparison with stenting alone. Thirty‐one consecutive patients treated for bifurcation coronary lesions (62 lesions) with DCA and stenting in at least one branch (DCA group) were compared with a matched group of 31 patients with bifurcation coronary lesions (62 lesions) treated with stenting alone in at least one branch (non‐DCA group). Procedural success was 87.1% in the DCA group compared with 100% in the non‐DCA group (P = 0.03). In‐hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) occurred only in the DCA group (12.9% vs. 0%, P = 0.03), mainly non–Q‐wave myocardial infarction. After the procedure, minimum lumen diameter (MLD) and acute gain were significantly greater (P = 0.004 and P = 0.05, respectively) and % diameter stenosis was significantly lower (P = 0.05) in the main branch in the DCA group. At follow‐up angiogram, MLD in the main branch was still significantly greater in the DCA group compared to the non‐DCA group (2.31 vs. 1.65, respectively, P = 0.04), with no significant difference in late loss and loss index between the two groups. Restenosis rate was 28.8% in the DCA group vs. 43.5% in the non‐DCA group (P = 0.13). The incidence of follow‐up MACE was 29% in the DCA group compared with 48.4% in the non‐DCA group, mainly due to target lesion revascularization. In conclusion, treatment of bifurcation coronary lesions with DCA and stenting was associated with greater acute gain after the procedure and greater MLD at follow‐up in the main branch compared with stenting alone. Procedural myocardial infarction was more frequent in the DCA group. Restenosis rates and follow‐up MACE were lower following DCA and stenting, without reaching any statistical significance. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;53:12–20. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in Metatag Descriptions Over Time

Four sets of Web pages previously visited in the summer of 2000 were revisited one year later. Of 707 pages containing metatag descriptions in 2000, 586 retained descriptions in 2001, and, of 1,230 pages lacking descriptions in 2000, 101 had descriptions in 2001. Home pages appeared to both lose and change descriptions more than other pages, with about 19% of descriptions changed in the two sets where home pages predominated versus about 12% in the other two sets. About two-thirds of changes involved minor revisions, and changes fell into a wide variety of categories. Some implications for software to assist in description revision are discussed.
ICMPV6 Vulnerability: The Importance of Threat Model and SF-ICMP6

Handling Internet Control Message Protocol version 6 ICMPv6 vulnerabilities is among the challenges in securing the IPv6 deployment. Since ICMPv6 messages are crucial in IPv6 communications, this paper discusses the discovery of ICMPv6 vulnerabilities by producing a threat model of ICMPv6 vulnerabilities and proposing the use of Selective Filtering ICMPv6 Messages SF-ICMP6 to handle some of the vulnerabilities. An experiment was conducted to verify the threat model by observing and discussing the usage of ICMPv6 threat model together with SF-ICMP6. The findings showed that the attack derived in the threat model is possible and the countermeasure associated with it is appropriate. As for SF-ICMP6, selectively filtering messages should be enforced because different messages require filtering of different type and code. It is expected that with the use of threat model and SF-ICMP6, maintaining and securing ICMPv6 messages in IPv6 deployment is attainable.
Does Mimicking Others Change Your Self-View?

ABSTRACT Does mimicking affect the way you think about yourself in relation to other people? In the present study, we instructed participants to either mimic or not mimic the expressions of their interaction partner. After a 3-minute interaction, participants' self-view in relation to others was measured. Results revealed that mimickers defined themselves more in relation to others than nonmimickers. Thus, mimicking others, compared to not mimicking others, changes your self-view.
Maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy is associated with downregulation of miR-16, miR-21, and miR-146a in the placenta

Maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy is associated with poor fetal outcome and aberrant miRNA expression is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. In 25 human placentas, we analyzed the expression of four candidate miRNA previously implicated in growth and developmental processes: miR-16, miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-182, and used three immortalized placental cell lines to identify if specific components of cigarette smoke were responsible for alterations to miRNA expression. miR-16, miR-21, and miR-146a were significantly downregulated in cigarette smoke-exposed placentas compared to controls. TCL-1 cells exposed to both nicotine and benzo(a)pyrene exhibited significant, dose-dependent downregulation of miR-146a. These results suggest that miR-146a is particularly responsive to exposures, and that smoking may elicit some of its downstream effects through alteration of miRNA expression.
Adalimumab treatment in Crohn's disease does not induce early changes in regulatory T cells

Abstract Objective. Anti-TNF-α antibodies has been suggested to modulate regulatory T cell (Treg) percentages in rheumatoid arthritis, but results from studies of Crohn's disease (CD) are conflicting. We investigated dynamic changes of circulating Tregs in CD during treatment with the anti-TNF-α-antibody adalimumab (Humira, Abbott Laboratories A/S, Emdrupvej 28C, DK-2100 Copenhagen). Material and methods. Blood samples from 26 CD patients were analysed using flow cytometry before and 1 and 26 weeks after initiation of adalimumab treatment to determine the percentage of Tregs among CD4+ T cells. Results. In spite of a significant decline in disease activity scores and biochemical markers of inflammation, during the first week of treatment, we did not observe early modulating effects of adalimumab on Treg percentages. However, we found a long-term increase in Treg percentages in responders who had low Treg percentages (<5%) at baseline (p = 0.04). Treg percentage was inversely associated with disease activity (CD activity index or CDAI) (Spearman's rank correlation, ρ = -0.47, p = 0.02). High Treg percentages among CD4+ T cells at baseline predicted clinical response to adalimumab. Conclusions. Adalimumab treatment did not induce early modulatory effects on Treg percentage, even in responders. This finding suggests that adalimumab does not have a direct or selective effect on Tregs. However, Treg percentage was associated with disease activity and high Treg percentage predicted response to adalimumab.
Agroforestry adoption in Mexico: using Keynes to better understand farmer decision-making

The objective of this paper is to empirically test the hypothesis that reducing uncertainty for farmers through investment in human capital increases the likelihood of participation in an agroforestry development program. A model based on Keynes's notion of profit expectations and "weight" is developed in order to gain some insight into agroforestry adoption behavior. Data was collected near the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in the state of Campeche in southeastern Mexico. One hundred seventy-five farmers were interviewed from January through March of 1998. Results support the hypothesis that human capital investment improves the likelihood of participation in an agroforestry development program.
Activation State of the Ras2 Protein and Glucose-induced Signaling in Saccharomyces cerevisiae*

The activity of adenylate cyclase in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is controlled by two G-protein systems, the Ras proteins and the Gα protein Gpa2. Glucose activation of cAMP synthesis is thought to be mediated by Gpa2 and its G-protein-coupled receptor Gpr1. Using a sensitive GTP-loading assay for Ras2 we demonstrate that glucose addition also triggers a fast increase in the GTP loading state of Ras2 concomitant with the glucose-induced increase in cAMP. This increase is severely delayed in a strain lacking Cdc25, the guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Ras proteins. Deletion of the Ras-GAPs IRA2 (alone or with IRA1) or the presence of RAS2Val19 allele causes constitutively high Ras GTP loading that no longer increases upon glucose addition. The glucose-induced increase in Ras2 GTP-loading is not dependent on Gpr1 or Gpa2. Deletion of these proteins causes higher GTP loading indicating that the two G-protein systems might directly or indirectly interact. Because deletion of GPR1 or GPA2 reduces the glucose-induced cAMP increase the observed enhancement of Ras2 GTP loading is not sufficient for full stimulation of cAMP synthesis. Glucose phosphorylation by glucokinase or the hexokinases is required for glucose-induced Ras2 GTP loading. These results indicate that glucose phosphorylation might sustain activation of cAMP synthesis by enhancing Ras2 GTP loading likely through inhibition of the Ira proteins. Strains with reduced feedback inhibition on cAMP synthesis also display elevated basal and induced Ras2 GTP loading consistent with the Ras2 protein acting as a target of the feedback-inhibition mechanism.
Is a Stricter Colonoscopy Screening Protocol Necessary in Liver Transplant Recipients? Comparison With an Average-Risk Population

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of colorectal neoplasm in liver transplantation recipients has not been fully determined. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of colorectal neoplasm in liver transplantation recipients and to compare it with that in the average-risk population. DESIGN: This study was retrospective and observational. SETTING: This study was conducted at a tertiary care center. PATIENTS: From January 2000 to December 2011, 257 liver transplantation recipients who had undergone posttransplant colonoscopy were enrolled. A total of 1028 control subjects matched for age, sex, and calendar year of the index colonoscopy were recruited from those who had undergone screening colonoscopy at our institution. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Colonoscopy findings were compared between the 2 groups. The prevalence of overall and advanced colorectal neoplasms and their risk factors were investigated. RESULTS: The median age was 54 years, and each group consisted of approximately 75.5% men. The prevalence of overall and advanced colorectal neoplasm was 35.4% and 5.8% in liver transplantation recipients and 41.7% and 3.5% in controls (p = 0.07 and p = 0.11). The prevalence of invasive colorectal cancer was higher in liver transplantation recipients than in controls (0.8% versus 0.0%, p = 0.04). The prevalence of overall and advanced colorectal neoplasms in liver transplantation recipients younger than 40 years was higher than age-matched controls (p = 0.003 and p = 0.04). LIMITATIONS: The retrospective design was a limitation of this study. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of colorectal neoplasms may not increase in liver transplantation recipients compared with the general population. However, the prevalence of invasive colorectal cancer may be higher in liver transplantation recipients. A prospective study is warranted to determine an appropriate colorectal cancer screening strategy for liver transplantation recipients.
Water clusters in crystal: Beyond the "hydrogen-bonding graphs".

A Comparative Electrochemical Study of Diffusion in Room Temperature Ionic Liquid Solvents versus Acetonitrile R. G. Evans, O. V. Klymenko, P. D. Price, S. G. Davies, C. Hardacre, R. G. Compton* Carbon Nanorings: A Challenge to Theoretical Chemistry I. G. Cuesta,* T. B. Pedersen, H. Koch, A. S. de Mer/s* Water Clusters in Crystal : Beyond the “Hydrogen-Bonding Graphs” K. A. Lyssenko,* Y. V. Nelyubina, R. G. Kostyanovsky, M. Y. Antipin Ice Recrystallization Inhibition and Molecular Recognition of Ice Faces by Poly(vinyl alcohol) C. Budke, T. Koop*
Daptomycin Pharmacokinetics in Adult Oncology Patients with Neutropenic Fever

ABSTRACT Daptomycin is the first antibacterial agent of the cyclic lipopeptides with in vitro bactericidal activity against gram-positive organisms, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci, methicillin-resistant staphylococci, and glycopeptide-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The pharmacokinetics of daptomycin were determined in 29 adult oncology patients with neutropenic fever. Serial blood samples were drawn at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after the initial intravenous infusion of 6 mg/kg of body weight daptomycin. Daptomycin total and free plasma concentrations were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Concentration-time data were analyzed by noncompartmental methods. The results (presented as means ± standard deviations and ranges, unless indicated otherwise) were as follows: the maximum concentration of drug in plasma (Cmax) was 49.04 ± 12.42 μg/ml (range, 21.54 to 75.20 μg/ml), the 24-h plasma concentration was 6.48 ± 5.31 μg/ml (range, 1.48 to 29.26 μg/ml), the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to infinity was 521.37 ± 523.53 μg·h/ml (range, 164.64 to 3155.11 μg·h/ml), the volume of distribution at steady state was 0.18 ± 0.05 liters/kg (range, 0.13 to 0.36 liters/kg), the clearance was 15.04 ± 6.09 ml/h/kg (range, 1.90 to 34.76 ml/h/kg), the half-life was 11.34 ± 14.15 h (range, 5.17 to 83.92 h), the mean residence time was 15.67 ± 20.66 h (range, 7.00 to 121.73 h), and the median time to Cmax was 0.6 h (range, 0.5 to 2.5 h). The fraction unbound in the plasma was 0.06 ± 0.02. All patients achieved Cmax/MIC and AUC from time zero to 24 h (AUC0-24)/MIC ratios for a bacteriostatic effect against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Twenty-seven patients (93%) achieved a Cmax/MIC ratio for a bacteriostatic effect against S. aureus, and 28 patients (97%) achieved an AUC0-24/MIC ratio for a bacteriostatic effect against S. aureus. Free plasma daptomycin concentrations were above the MIC for 50 to 100% of the dosing interval in 100% of patients for S. pneumoniae and 90% of patients for S. aureus. The median time to defervescence was 3 days from the start of daptomycin therapy. In summary, a 6-mg/kg intravenous infusion of daptomycin every 24 h was effective and well tolerated in neutropenic cancer patients.
Clinicopathologic features of IgG/IgA pemphigus in comparison with classic (IgG) and IgA pemphigus

The pemphigus group is characterized by the presence of circulating immunoglobulins against desmosomes. IgG/IgA pemphigus is defined by the presence of IgG and IgA cell surface deposits upon direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and/or circulating IgG and IgA autoantibodies upon indirect immunofluorescence. Previous reports of patients with IgG/IgA pemphigus are sparse. Whether IgG/IgA pemphigus is best classified as a subtype of IgG (classic) pemphigus or IgA pemphigus, or as a distinct entity, has yet to be determined.
The interpretation of static positional nystagmus in a balance clinic

Abstract Objective: To review the current criteria for the interpretation of positional nystagmus (PN). Design: Videonystagmography data on PN was collected for 90 patients presenting for balance testing with a history of vertigo or imbalance (excluding those diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). These were compared to normative data from 90 asymptomatic subjects. A literature review was carried out regarding threshold criteria for clinically significant PN. These were evaluated using the data collected. Study sample: Clinic group: 90 patients; 37 male, 53 female. Age range 15–82 years. Normative group: Ninety subjects; 31 male, 59 female. Age range 21–79 years. Results: PN was seen in 75.6% of the clinic group and in 50% of the normative group. The prevalence of nystagmus of slow phase velocity (SPV) > 3°/s was significantly higher in the clinic group than the normative group. The maximum SPV recorded in each position was greater from the clinic group than the normative group. Conclusions: This study supports the use of normative thresholds for SPV for both horizontal and vertical PN. A normative threshold of >3°/s for horizontal and >7°/s for vertical nystagmus is proposed.