Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling Differential Equations in Biology

Modeling Differential Equations in Biology, 2nd ed. Clifford H. Taubes, Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, U.K., 2008. ISBN: 978-0-521-70843-2, 524 pages, US$60. This book is essential for a biomedical engineer who is working with experimental biologists or for a biologist who has a reasonably sophisticated mathematics background, is competent in mathematics, and wishes to become outstanding in his or her field. The field does not include the analysis of DNA molecules; the DNA abbreviation is not mentioned. The book is meant for life science students and biologists who measure data and plot associated curves and bar graphs. Frequently, the analysis of their data via differential equations will bestow important predictive power. The author, Clifford Taubes, has a Ph.D. degree in physics and is in the Mathematics Department of Harvard University. The book is based on a onesemester course given by Taubes. The book has an outstanding peculiarity: Out of 524 pages in total, only 240 consist of text contributed by Taubes. The remaining 284 pages are reprints, in black and white, of 54 articles that appeared, mostly in Science and Nature magazines, between 1993 and 1999. They were assembled for the first edition of the book in 2001. Besides deciding which reprints (called Readings) to include, Taubes digested each reprint and wrote an appropriate commentary that precedes each Reading. Each Reading is like a numerical example that illustrates one or more aspects of that chapter’s equations. There are 28 short chapters; on average, each is about eight-and-one-half pages long. A typical chapter consists of text, a few commentaries and associated Readings, followed by excellent exercises. Unfortunately, answers are not given with the exercises. Another peculiarity of the book is that, following Chapter 28, 17 pages are devoted to 32 “Extra Exercises and Solutions” that should be invaluable for self-study because answers are given. The book is presented in three parts: Part 1: Basics of ordinary differential ▼ equations with a single-time derivative. Chapter titles are: Chapter 1: Introduction ■
Predictive validity in a prospective follow-up of PTSD in preschool children.

OBJECTIVE To examine the predictive validity of an alternative to the DSM-IV for diagnosing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in preschool children and prospectively explore the course of PTSD symptomatology. METHOD Sixty-two traumatized children, ages 20 months through 6 years, were assessed three times in 2 years with caregiver diagnostic interviews. RESULTS PTSD diagnosis at visit 1 significantly predicted degree of functional impairment 1 and 2 years later and predicted PTSD diagnosis 2 years later but not 1 year later. The lack of 1-year diagnostic continuity may be explained by children with new traumas. Unexpectedly, overall PTSD symptoms did not remit over time, regardless of community treatment; however, reexperiencing symptoms decreased and avoidance/numbing symptoms increased with time, with avoidance/numbing symptoms increasing at a faster rate in children with PTSD at visit 1. The previous finding that arousal may cause emotional numbing was not replicated. Significantly more children were functionally impaired at visits 2 (48.9%) and 3 (74.3%) than were diagnosed with PTSD (23.4% and 22.9%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates predictive validity for the alternative method of diagnosing PTSD in preschool children. The unremitting course of PTSD symptomatology in preschool children and rates of impairment that are higher than rates of diagnosis indicate the need for efficacious treatment.
How may a shift towards a more sustainable food consumption pattern affect nutrient intakes of Dutch children?

Abstract Objective Food has a considerable environmental impact. Diets with less meat and dairy reduce environmental impact but may pose nutritional challenges for children. The current modelling study investigates the impact of diets with less or no meat and dairy products on nutrient intakes. Design Energy and nutrient intakes were assessed for observed consumption patterns (reference) and two replacement scenarios with data from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey – Young Children (2005–2006). In the replacement scenarios, 30 % or 100 % of the consumed dairy and meat (in grams) was replaced by plant-derived foods with similar use. Setting The Netherlands. Subjects Children (n 1279) aged 2–6 years. Results Partial and full replacement of meat and dairy foods by plant-derived foods reduced SFA intake by 9 % and 26 %, respectively, while fibre intake was 8 % and 29 % higher. With partial replacement, micronutrient intakes were similar, except for lower vitamin B12 intake. After full meat and dairy replacement, mean intakes of Ca, Zn and thiamin decreased by 5–13 %, and vitamin B12 intake by 49 %, while total intake of Fe was higher but of lower bioavailability. With full replacement, the proportion of girls aged 4–6 years with intakes below recommendations was 15 % for thiamin, 10 % for vitamin B12 and 6 % for Zn. Conclusions Partial replacement of meat and dairy by plant-derived foods is beneficial for children’s health by lowering SFA intake, increasing fibre content and maintaining similar micronutrient intakes. When full replacements are made, attention is recommended to ensure adequate thiamin, vitamin B12 and Zn intakes.
The alleviating effects of humic substances on photosynthesis and yield of Plantago ovate in salinity conditions

With regard to the rise of concern about environmental issues, the aims of the present research were the assessment of the salt induced changes in photosynthesis and yield of Plantago ovate, an important medicinal plant, as well as evaluation of the possible impacts of the humic substances on the photosynthesis especially in salinity conditions. The effects of three levels of humic acid (0, 50 and 100mgL -1 ), fulvic acid (0, 50 and 100 mgL -1 ) and salt (0, 50 and 100 mM) on plants in fifteen different treatment groups were evaluated. In contrast to qN (non photochemical quenching cofficient), salt stress reduced the amounts of Fv/Fm (maximum quantum yield of photosystem II), qPSII (the actual quantum yield), qP (photochemical quenching coefficient) and chlorophyll contents whereas the application of humic acid and fulvic acid, especially the first one, had promoting effects and damages caused by salinity conditions were significantly alleviated by the applied humic substances. In addition, the application of humic acid and fulvic acid not only had enhancing effects on the thousand grain weight but also alleviating ones on the salt induced reduction of yield.
Acute Effects of the Elevation Training Mask on Strength Performance in Recreational Weight lifters

Abstract Jagim, AR, Dominy, TA, Camic, CL, Wright, G, Doberstein, S, Jones, MT, and Oliver, JM. Acute effects of the elevation training mask on strength performance in recreational weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 482–489, 2018—The Elevation Training Mask 2.0 (ETM) is a novel device that purportedly simulates altitude training. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of the ETM on resistance exercise performance, metabolic stress markers, and ratings of mental fatigue. Twenty male recreational weight lifters completed 2 training sessions of back squat and bench press (6 sets of 10 repetitions at 85% of 5-repetition maximum and seventh set to failure) as well as a maximal effort sprint test (18% body mass) with the mask (ETM) and without the mask (NM). Training evaluation included baseline and postexercise blood lactate and oxygen saturation measures. Performance evaluation included peak and average velocity bar velocity, total volume load, total work, total repetitions completed, and sprint performance. Adverse side effects were reported in 12% (n = 3) of participants, which included feelings of light headedness, anxiety, and discomfort. No differences were found in repetitions or total workload in back squat (p = 0.07) or bench press (p = 0.08) between conditions. A lower peak velocity was identified during the back squat, bench press, and sprint test in the ETM condition (p = 0.04). Blood lactate values were lower after bench press and sprint during the ETM condition (p < 0.001). Significantly lower ratings of alertness and focus for task were found after squat, bench press, and sprint test in the ETM condition compared with the NM condition (p < 0.001). Wearing the ETM during bouts of resistance training did not hinder the ability to achieve desired training volumes during the resistance training session. However, wearing the ETM does seem to attenuate the ability to maintain working velocity during training bouts and negatively influence ratings of alertness and focus for task.
The role of tobacco-specific media exposure, knowledge, and smoking status on selected attitudes toward tobacco control.

BACKGROUND In August 2007, the President's Cancer Panel urged the leadership of the nation to "summon the political will to address the public health crisis caused by tobacco use" (President's Cancer Panel, N, 2007, Promoting healthy lifestyles: Policy, program, and personal recommendations for reducing cancer risk. http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/advisory/pcp/pcp07rpt/pcp07rpt.pdf). While some research has examined predictors of public support for tobacco control measures, little research has examined modifiable factors that may influence public attitudes toward tobacco control. METHODS We used the American Legacy Foundation's 2003 American Smoking and Health Survey 2 to examine the contribution of smoking status, knowledge of the negative effects of tobacco, and tobacco-specific media exposure (antitobacco messages, news coverage of tobacco issues, and protobacco advertising) on U.S. adults' attitudes toward tobacco control. In addition, we assessed whether smoking status moderates the relationship between tobacco-specific media exposure and policy attitudes. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were employed. RESULTS Results suggest that knowledge of the negative effects of tobacco and smoking status are associated with attitudes toward tobacco control and that exposure to tobacco-specific information in the media plays a role only in some instances. We found no evidence of effect modification by smoking status on the impact of exposure to tobacco-specific media on attitudes toward tobacco control. DISCUSSION Understanding the impact of readily modifiable factors that shape policy attitudes is essential if we are to target outreach and education in a way that is likely to sway public support for tobacco control.
Nipah encephalitis outbreak in Malaysia, clinical features in patients from Seremban

Background: An outbreak of viral encephalitis occurred among pig industry workers in Malaysia in September 1998 to April 1999. The encephalitis was attributed to a new paramyxovirus, Nipah virus. This is a description of the clinical features of 103 patients treated in the Seremban Hospital with characterization of the prognostic factors. Methods: Clinical case records and laboratory investigations were reviewed. The case definition was: patients from the outbreak area, direct contact or in close proximity with pigs, clinical or CSF features of encephalitis. Results: The mean age was 38 years, 89% were male, 58% were ethnic Chinese, 78% were pig farm owners or hired workers. The mean incubation period was 10 days. The patients typically presented with nonspecific systemic symptoms of fever, headache, myalgia and sore throat. Seizures and focal neurological signs were seen in 16% and 5% respectively. In the more severe cases, this was followed by drowsiness and deteriorating consciousness requiring ventilation in 61%. Autonomic disturbances and myoclonic jerks were common features. The mortality was high at 41%. Systolic hypertension, tachycardia and high fever were associated with poor outcome. On the other hand, 40% recovered fully. As for the other 19%, the residual neurological signs were mostly mild. Conclusion: Nipah virus caused an encephalitis illness with short incubation period and high mortality. The prognosis for the survivors was good.
Transformational leadership and innovative work behavior

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of transformational leadership on employee’s innovative work behavior, and the mediating role of motivation to learn, and the moderating role of task complexity and innovation climate on the link between transformational leadership and innovative work behavior. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire, designed as a self-reported survey, was distributed to full-time employees and their respective supervisors working in 35 firms (services and manufacturing sectors) in Pakistan. Data were collected from 338 employee–supervisor dyads. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. Findings Results showed that transformational leadership had a positive impact on employees’ innovative work behavior and motivation to learn mediated transformational leadership–innovative work behavior link. The study further showed that task complexity and innovation climate moderated the relationship between transformational leadership and employees’ innovative work behavior. Research limitations/implications Based on the premises of interactionist perspectives on individual innovation, this study integrated multi-level variables to investigate leaders’ influences on followers’ innovative work behavior. This study contributed to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on influence of transformational leadership on employees’ innovative work behavior as well as the impact of both individual and organizational level variables. Practical implications The close connection among transformational leadership, motivation to learn and innovative work behavior suggests that transformational leadership traits among managers are important to enhance employees’ innovative work behavior. Organizations should pay attention to creating a climate that is supportive of innovation and encourage individuals to learn new knowledge and skills, and provide employees with opportunities to use their acquired knowledge and skills. Originality/value This paper contributed to leadership and innovation literatures and provided insights into how the practitioners could use an appropriate leadership style to enhance innovative work behavior among employees. The study adopted a distinct model comprising five variables to investigate innovative work behavior from a multi-level perspective, i.e., motivation to learn and innovative work behavior at the individual level, task complexity at the unit level and innovation climate and leadership at the organizational level. This integrated model of using predictors from multiple levels supported the theoretical assumptions that innovative work behavior resulted from the interaction of individual, group and organizational level factors.
Response to Treatment in Patients with Partial Androgen Insensitivity due to Mutations in the DNA-Binding Domain of the Androgen Receptor

The androgen insensitivity syndrome is a disorder caused by deficient function of the androgen receptor, characterized by varying degrees of undermasculinization in karyotypic males. We have identified four mutations in the androgen receptor gene, in the region encoding the DNA-binding domain of the protein. Two mutations, R607X and R615G, were found in patients with complete insensitivity to androgens, whereas the other two, S578T and A596T, were found in patients with partial insensitivity. The functional consequences of the three missense mutations were assayed in vitro after transient expression of the receptors in COS cells. All mutants showed normal androgen binding but abnormal abilities to stimulate transcription of an androgen-responsive reporter gene. R615G abolished transactivation whereas S578T and A596T were partially malfunctional. The function of A596T, but not of S578T, was normalized at high androgen concentrations in vitro, reflecting the in vivo situation. Thus, patients with specific mutations in the DNA-binding domain of the androgen receptor may benefit from androgen treatment.
Prevalência de anemia e deficiência de ferro: relação com índice de massa corporal em gestantes do Centro-Oeste do Brasil

Objetivo: Verificar a prevalencia de anemia e deficiencia de ferro, analisar a correlacao entre indicadores hematologicos e indice de massa corporal pre-gestacional/gestacional e o comportamento desses indicadores de acordo com a semana de gestacao. Metodo: Estudo de corte transversal com 146 gestantes atendidas em ambulatorio de pre-natal da rede publica de Cuiaba-MT, Centro-Oeste do Brasil, de maio de 2008 a maio de 2009. Os indicadores hematologicos foram coletados e relacionados entre si e com os indices de massa corporal. Analisou-se o comportamento dos indicadores hematologicos conforme a semana de gestacao. O coeficiente de correlacao de Pearson foi empregado para avaliar a associacao entre as variaveis. Para estes testes, foi considerado o nivel de significância menor que 5% (p < 0,05). Resultados: A prevalencia de anemia variou de 3,4% a 4,8%, considerando-se os valores para hemoglobina, hematocrito e volume corpuscular medio. Entretanto, as prevalencias das alteracoes nos indicadores de reservas de ferro variaram de 11,0% para transferrina a 39,0% para ferritina. As correlacoes positivas estatisticamente significantes foram: hemoglobina e hematocrito (0,85),ferro e indice de saturacao de transferrina (0,75). Observou-se comportamento constante no volume corpuscular medio, hematocrito e hemoglobina, e queda nestes indicadores ao final da 27a semana de gestacao. O IMC mostrou correlacao negativa com o ferro serico. Conclusao: Foi baixa a prevalencia de anemia pelos niveis de hemoglobina, mas os indicadores de reservas de ferro mostraram maior prevalencia de deficiencia de ferro. Os indicadores de reservas de ferro que tiveram correlacao mais forte entre si foram o ferro serico e o indice de saturacao da transferrina, sugerindo que sua combinacao com outros indicadores hematologicos poderia melhor caracterizar a anemia por carencia de ferro. O IMC e o ferro apresentaram correlacao negativa.
Title SEASONALITY OF WATER AND HEAT FLUXES OVER A TROPICAL FOREST IN EASTERN AMAZONIA Permalink

We used the eddy covariance technique from July 2000 to July 2001 to measure the fluxes of sensible heat, water vapor, and CO2 between an old-growth tropical forest in eastern Amazonia and the atmosphere. Precipitation varied seasonally, with a wet season from mid-December 2000 to July 2001 characterized by successive rainy days, wet soil, and, relative to the dry season, cooler temperatures, greater cloudiness, and reduced incoming solar and net radiation. Average evapotranspiration decreased from 3.96 + 0.65 mm/d during the dry season to 3.18 ? 0.76 mm/d during the wet season, in parallel with decreasing radiation and decreasing water vapor deficit. The average Bowen ratio was 0.17 1 0.10, indicating that most of the incoming radiation was used for evaporation. The Bowen ratio was relatively low during the early wet season (December-March), as a result of increased evaporative fraction and reduced sensible heat flux. The seasonal decline in Bowen ratio and increase in evaporative fraction coincided with an increase in ecosystem CO2 assimilation capacity, which we attribute to the growth of new leaves. The evaporative fraction did not decline as the dry season progressed, implying that the forest did not become drought stressed. The roots extracted water throughout the top 250 cm of soil, and water redistribution, possibly by hydraulic lift, partially recharged the shallow soil during dry season nights. The lack of drought stress during the dry season was likely a consequence of deep rooting, and possibly vertical water movement, which allowed the trees to maintain access to soil water year round.
Characterization of L-Histidine Ammonia-lyase Immobilized by Microencapsulation in Artificial Cells: Preparation, Kinetics, Stability, and in Vitro Depletion of Histidine

L-histidine ammonia-lyase (histidase) was encapsulated within cellulose nitrate artificial cells, and its kinetic parameters were evaluated. Microencapsulated histidase had an apparent activity of histidase in solution. Encapsulation did not alter the Km of histidase. The Km of histidase solution and the Km apparent of micro-encapsulated histidase were both 20mM. Encapsulation of histidase resulted in increased stability of enzymatic activity at storage temperatures of 4°C and 37°C. At 37°C histidase solution reached 50% of its original activity after 9.5 days of storage, while microencapsulated histidase reached the same level after 15 days. At 4°C histidase solution had 63% of its original activity after 21 days of storage, while encapsulated histidase had 95%. In vitro experiments to evaluate the feasibility of microencapsulated histidase for possible experimental therapy in histidinemia were carried out. These experiments evaluated the effectiveness of encapsulated histidase in depleting histidine. Three different volume ratios of histidase loaded artificial cells to substrate solution were tested. A ratio of 1: 100 allowed 25% histidine depletion after 120 hours. A 1: 50 ratio allowed 35% histidine depletion after 72 hours. A 1: 25 ratio allowed 40% histidine depletion after 24 hours.
A Matter of Difference: Karen Barad, Ontology and Archaeological Bodies

This article explores the implications of adopting Karen Barad's agential realist approach in archaeology. We argue that the location of Barad's work in quantum physics and feminism means it is uniquely placed to inform the ontological turn currently gaining favour for understanding the materiality of bodies. We outline Barad's approach using a comparative reading of Sofaer's book The Body as Material Culture and Barad's Meeting the Universe Halfway. To illustrate, we think through Barad's key concepts of ‘phenomenon’, ‘intra-action’ and ‘apparatus’ in relation to specific archaeological bodies; New Zealand Maori chevron amulets, Argentinean La Candelaria body-pots, Pacific Northwest Coast stone artefacts and Nuu-chah-nulth ceremonial objects. Barad's theory transforms the way we understand and think these object bodies. In particular, her relational ontology, which contrasts with a conventional binary separation of matter and meaning, produces difference in a new way; a difference which facilitates analyses conceptually unthinkable in conventional representationalist terms.