Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ligand–receptor interactions and membrane structure investigated by AFM and time‐resolved fluorescence microscopy

The atomic force microscope (AFM) and the associated dynamic force spectroscopy technique have been exploited to quantitatively assess the interaction between proteins and their binding to specific ligands and membrane surfaces. In particular, we have studied the specific interaction between lung surfactant protein D and various carbohydrates. In addition, we have used scanning AFM and time‐resolved fluorescence microscopy to image the lateral structure of different lipid bilayers and their morphological changes as a function of time. The various systems studied illustrate the potential of modern AFM techniques for application to biomedical research, specifically within immunology and liposome‐based drug delivery. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The implementation of a new teacher evaluation model: a qualitative case study of how teachers make sense of the Marzano Evaluation Model

v List of Figures xi List of Tables xii Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Federal Influence on Teacher Evaluation 2 Achieve NJ 3 Problem Statement 5 Purpose 7 Research Design 9 Research Questions 11 Leadership Identity 12 Summary 13 Chapter 2: Literature Review 15 Federal Accountability Era in Education 15 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) 15 Race to the Top (RttT) 19 The Common Core Standards (CCSS) 22 High Stakes Assessment 25 Teacher Evaluation 26 Standards Based Teacher Evaluation 27 Resistance to Change in Teacher Evaluation 28 The Marzano Teacher Evaluation Model 30
Cocaine and exercise: physiological responses of cocaine-conditioned rats.

To compare the physiological response to a cocaine-exercise challenge in cocaine-conditioned animals with that of acute-cocaine animals, rats were injected i.p. with either cocaine (20 mg.kg-1) or saline, twice daily for 14 consecutive days. On the 15th day (test day) cocaine-conditioned rats received an i.v. injection of cocaine (5 mg.kg-1) (chronic group). One-half of the chronic saline rats also received the cocaine injection (acute group), while the other half received saline (saline group). Immediately after injection, all rats were either rested or exercised (22 m.min-1, 10% grade) for 30 min. For most parameters there was no difference between the responses of the chronic and acute cocaine groups at rest or to the cocaine-exercise challenge. During exercise, both cocaine groups had similarly higher lactate values than the saline animals (P < 0.05). Both groups had similarly greater reductions in glycogen content of the white and red vastus muscles than occurred in the saline group; and both groups had similar increases in corticosterone. In contrast, cocaine-conditioned animals had a greater rise in norepinephrine (P < 0.059) and epinephrine (P < 0.001) in response to cocaine-exercise than did the acute group. The mechanism responsible for the exaggerated catecholamine response in the chronic cocaine animals is unknown.
Partitioning and analysis of static digital CMOS circuits

Performance optimization of automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) algorithms has received considerable attention. While the application of high-performance algorithms is often limited to simple gates such as AND's, OR's, and XOR, the cell libraries of silicon vendors usually contain more sophisticated structures. To deal with this problem, we present a library independent algorithm for the partitioning and analysis of static digital CMOS circuits described at the switch level. The algorithm recognizes inverters, NANDs, and NORs. It also checks whether a partition can set its output to a high impedance state, thus being capable of partitioning large bus structures with tristate gates. Our approach supports existing ATPG algorithms at the gate level. Moreover, it allows a mixed-level approach for ATPG using detailed fault models at the switch level for whatever partitions it is necessary. Our implementation processes in the order of 2000 transistors per second. This is for circuits containing combinational and sequential logic on a state-of-the-art workstation. We processed complete chips with up to 72000 transistors, which is clearly adequate for practical purposes.
Automated identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms from sequencing data

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) provide abundant information about genetic variation. Large scale discovery of high frequency SNPs is being undertaken using various methods. However, the publicly available SNP data are not always accurate, and therefore should be verified. If only a particular gene locus is concerned, locus-specific polymerase chain reaction amplification may be useful. Problem of this method is that the secondary peak has to be measured. We have analyzed trace data from conventional sequencing equipment and found an applicable rule to discern SNPs from noise. We have developed software that integrates this function to automatically identify SNPs. The software works accurately for high quality sequences and also can detect SNPs in low quality sequences. Further, it can determine allele frequency, display this information as a bar graph and assign corresponding nucleotide combinations. It is very useful for identifying de novo SNPs in a DNA fragment of interest.
Increasing nondonors’ intention to give blood: addressing common barriers

Recruiting new donors is a challenging experience for most blood collection agencies. A modest proportion of the population is eligible to give blood and few of these individuals volunteer. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of brief behavioral interventions on nondonors’ intention to give blood, by addressing some commonly reported obstacles.
DNA DIVERGENCE AMONG HOMINOIDS

We have determined the degree of single‐copy DNA divergence among the extant members of the Hominoidea employing the technique of DNA‐DNA hybridization. The species studied include humans, two species of chimpanzees, gorillas, two subspecies of orangutans, and two species of gibbons; as an outgroup we have used a member of the Old World monkeys (Cercopithecidae), the baboon. Our methods are different from those previously used and allow us to control for two factors other than base‐pair mismatch that can affect the thermal stability of DNA duplexes: the base composition and duplex length. In addition, we have studied more than one individual for most species and thus are able to assess the effect of intraspecific variation on phylogenetic conclusions.
Dynamic Cine Mode Imaging of the Normal Aortic Valve Using 16-Channel Multidetector Row Computed Tomography

Background:We investigated the feasibility and image quality of dynamic cine-mode imaging of the normal aortic valve using multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT). Materials and Methods:We acquired contrast-enhanced retrospectively echocardiography (ECG)-gated cardiac MDCT datasets of 35 patients (mean age, 62 years; range, 53–77) who received a transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) precedent to cardiac bypass graft surgery. Twenty data sets in 5% steps of the R-R interval were reconstructed, and data analysis was performed using a 4D software. Read-out of the MDCT data was performed in parallel and perpendicular planes, similar to TOE standard planes, by 2 independent, blinded readers using a 4-point Likert scale (best score: 4) for the following parameters: image quality of the aortic valve components, contrast media enhancement, contrast media inflow related artifacts, and ECG gating-related artifacts. The aortic valve area (AVA) was measured planimetrically and was compared between TOE and MDCT. Results:The best phase for assessing the open valve using MDCT was at 5% and the closed valve at 65% of the cardiac cycle. The mean image quality scores for cine-mode MDCT ranged between 3.26 and 3.75, with inter-reader agreements ranging between good (&kgr; = 0.723) and excellent (&kgr; = 1.00). They did not differ significantly from TOE scores for assessment of the closed and open valve. In transitional phases (close-to-open and open-to-close) TOE performed significantly better when compared with static MDCT images, whereas no significant difference was present between cine-mode presentation of MDCT and TOE. Planimetric AVA measurements correlated significantly between TOE and MDCT (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.96; P < 0.0001). Contrast media inflow-related and ECG gating related artifacts were rated as slightly compromising (scores 3.24 and 3.21). Conclusion:Retrospectively ECG-gated MDCT offers a noninvasive, accurate, and dynamic imaging method for quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the normal aortic valve allowing determination of morphology and function throughout the cardiac cycle. Further studies regarding assessment of diseased valves are necessary.
DNA barcodes and cryptic species of skipper butterflies in the genus Perichares in Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica

DNA barcodes can be used to identify cryptic species of skipper butterflies previously detected by classic taxonomic methods and to provide first clues to the existence of yet other cryptic species. A striking case is the common geographically and ecologically widespread neotropical skipper butterfly Perichares philetes (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae), described in 1775, which barcoding splits into a complex of four species in Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica. Three of the species are new, and all four are described. Caterpillars, pupae, and foodplants offer better distinguishing characters than do adults, whose differences are mostly average, subtle, and blurred by intraspecific variation. The caterpillars of two species are generalist grass-eaters; of the other two, specialist palm-eaters, each of which feeds on different genera. But all of these cryptic species are more specialized in their diet than was the morphospecies that held them. The four ACG taxa discovered to date belong to a panneotropical complex of at least eight species. This complex likely includes still more species, whose exposure may require barcoding. Barcoding ACG hesperiid morphospecies has increased their number by nearly 10%, an unexpectedly high figure for such relatively well known insects.
Discovery of a Novel Diterpene in Brown Propolis from the State of Parana, Brazil

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from certain plant sources. The components of propolis depend on the vegetation of the area in which apiculture is practiced. In Brazil, there are several types of propolis including ‘green,’ ‘red’ and ‘brown'. Brazilian brown propolis from the state of Parana characteristically includes diterpenes, and we discovered a novel clerodane diterpene, rel-(5S,6S,8R,9R,10S,18R,19S)-18,19-epoxy-2-oxocleroda-3,12(E),14-triene-6,18,19-triol 18,19-diacetate 6-benzoate (3) and five known diterpenes (1, 2, 4, 5 and 6). The chemical structure of the novel diterpene 3 was determined using 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analyses. Furthermore, the activities of the isolated diterpenes on growth inhibition of several human cancer cell lines (LNCaP, MCF-7, DLD-1 and A549) were evaluated in vitro; diterpene 3 exhibited a potent inhibition of cell growth, and its activity was approximately 15 times higher than that of the other diterpenes.
Model-based Synthesis of Distributed Real-time Automotive Architectures. (Synthèse basée sur les modèles d'architectures automobiles temps réel distribuées)

Hardware/software based solutions play significant role in the automotive domain. It is common that the implementation of certain functions that was done in a mechanical manner, in nowadays cars is done through the software and hardware. This tendency lead to the substantial number of functions operating as a set of software components deployed into hardware entities, i.e. Electronic Control Units (ECU). As a consequence the capacity of the overall code is estimated as tens of gigabytes and the number of ECUs reaches more than 100. Consequently the industrial state of the practice development approaches become inefficient. The objective of this thesis is to add to the current efforts trying to employ the Model Driven Engineering (MDE) in the context of the automotive SW/HW architectures design. First set of contributions relates to the guided strategies supporting the key engineering activities of the automotive methodology established by the EAST-\ADL2 language and the AUTOSAR standard. The main is the integration of the software architecture with the hardware platform. Although the amount of work on the synthesis is substantial, this thesis presents shortcomings of the existing approaches that disable them to fully support the EAST-ADL2/AUTOSAR methodology and delivers new techniques overcoming the current deficiencies. Second contribution concerns approaches for the modeling. Surprisingly the usage of general purpose modeling languages such as the SysML and MARTE although beneficial, haven’t found its way yet to be fully exploited by the automotive OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer). This especially relates to the modeling of the analyzable input and the optimization concerns which would enable triggering of the analysis and optimization directly from the models level. This work shows a way and defines additional concepts, necessary to construct analysis and optimization models.
Do the Threshold Limit Values for Work in Hot Conditions Adequately Protect Workers?

PURPOSE We evaluated core temperature responses and the change in body heat content (ΔHb) during work performed according to the ACGIH threshold limit values (TLV) for heat stress, which are designed to ensure a stable core temperature that does not exceed 38.0°C. METHODS Nine young males performed a 120-min work protocol consisting of cycling at a fixed rate of heat production (360 W). On the basis of the TLV, each protocol consisted of a different work-rest (WR) allocation performed in different wet-bulb globe temperatures (WBGT). The first was 120 min of continuous (CON) cycling at 28.0°C WBGT (CON[28.0°C]). The remaining three protocols were intermittent work bouts (15-min duration) performed at various WR and WBGT: (i) WR of 3:1 at 29.0°C (WR3:1[29.0°C]), (ii) WR of 1:1 at 30.0°C (WR1:1[30.0°C]), and (iii) WR of 1:3 at 31.5°C (WR1:3[31.5°C]) (total exercise time: 90, 60, and 30 min, respectively). The change in rectal (ΔTre) and mean body temperature (ΔTb) was evaluated with thermometry. ΔHb was determined via direct calorimetry and also used to calculate ΔTb. RESULTS Although average rectal temperature did not exceed 38.0°C, heat balance was not achieved during exercise in any work protocol (i.e., rate of ΔTre > 0°C·min; all P values ≤ 0.02). Consequently, it was projected that if work was extended to 4 h, the distribution of participant core temperatures higher and lower than 38.0°C would be statistically similar (all P values ≥ 0.10). Furthermore, ΔHb was similar between protocols (P = 0.70). However, a greater ΔTb was observed with calorimetry relative to thermometry in WR3:1[29.0°C] (P = 0.03), WR1:1[30.0°C] (P = 0.02), and WR1:3[31.5°C] (P < 0.01) but not CON[28.0°C] (P = 0.32). CONCLUSION The current study demonstrated that heat balance was not achieved and ΔTb and ΔHb were inconsistent, suggesting that the TLV may not adequately protect workers during work in hot conditions.
Modular architectonic organization of the insula in the macaque monkey

In order to provide a framework for ongoing analyses of the neuronal connections of the insular cortex of the macaque monkey using modern high‐resolution methods, we examined its anatomical organization in serial coronal sections stained alternately with Nissl and Gallyas (myelin) techniques. We observed the same 15 distinct architectonic areas in 10 brains. Within the granular, dysgranular, and agranular regions described in prior studies, we identified 4, 4, and 7 distinct areas, respectively. Across brains, these areas have consistent architectonic characteristics, and in flat map reconstructions they display a consistent topological or neighborhood arrangement, despite variations in the size of individual areas between cases. The borders between areas are generally rather sharply defined. Some areas, in particular the dysgranular areas, appear to consistently contain subtle transitions that suggest possible subareas or modules within the well‐delimited areas. The presence of a distinct granular area that straddles the fundus of the superior limiting sulcus over its entire posterior‐to‐anterior extent is consistent with the available evidence on interoceptive thalamocortical projections, and also with the tensile anchor theory of species‐specific cortical gyrification. These observations are consonant with the model of homeostatic afferent processing in the primate insula, and they suggest that discrete modules within insular cortex provide the basis for its polymodal integration of all salient activity relevant to ongoing emotional behavior. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:64–97, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The neuroprotective role of boric acid on aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity

This study was designed to investigate the qualitative and quantitative changes in brain tissue following aluminum chloride (AlCl3) administration and to determine whether boric acid (BA) has a protective effect against brain damage induced by AlCl 3. For this aim, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly separated into eight groups: (1) control, (2) AlCl3 (5 mg/kg/day), (3, 4 and 5) BA (3.25, 36 and 58.5 mg/kg/day), (6, 7 and 8) AlCl3 (5 mg/kg/day) plus BA (3.25, 36 and 58.5 mg/kg/day). After the animals were killed, the total numbers of neuron in the brain of all groups were determined using an unbiased stereological analysis. In addition to the stereological analysis, all brains were examined histopathologically by using light and electron microscopy. The stereological and histopathological results indicated a high damage of the rat brain tissues in the AlCl3 and AlCl3 + high dose BA (36 and 58.5) treatment groups. However, protective effects on neuron were observed in the AlCl3 + low dose BA (3.25) group when compared other AlCl3 groups. Our stereological and histopathological findings show that low-dose BA, as a proteasome inhibitor, can decrease the adverse effects of AlCl3 on the cerebral cortex.
Data Collection Research using Paradata at Statistics Canada

Over the past few years, Statistics Canada has conducted several analytical studies using paradata to learn more about various issues surrounding the data collection process and practices. In particular, these investigations have attempted to better understand how data collection progresses through its cycle, to identify strategic opportunities, to evaluate new collection initiatives and to improve the way the agency conducts and manages its surveys. The main objectives of this paper are to present the main results of these past and ongoing investigations describing Statistics Canada’s experiences with regards to paradata. Future research plans that focus on identifying viable operational strategies that could improve efficiency or data quality are also discussed.
Team Culture Perceptions, Commitment, and Effectiveness: Teamwork Effects

This study sought a model for describing relations between teachers’ team culture perceptions, organizational commitment, and school effectiveness by considering the effects of the school’s focus on teamwork. The paper presented an integrative approach by combining multiple constructs that previously had for the most part been investigated separately. A total of 375 elementary teachers participated. SEM was applied to examine the proposed model. Results indicated that in all schools, teachers’ affective commitment mediated the relations of teachers’ team culture perceptions with students’ achievements and teachers’ voluntary absenteeism, whereas normative commitment mediated the relations between teachers’ team culture perceptions and teachers’ intent to leave. Teachers who focused on teamwork presented a relatively “strong comprehensive” team cultural profile in their schools; whereas teachers working routinely presented a relatively “weak comprehensive” team profile. Findings encourage developing a strong comprehensive profile of team culture through teachers’ workshops and weekly team meetings.
A preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis of hepatitis E vaccination among pregnant women in epidemic regions

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the cost-effectiveness of hepatitis E vaccination among pregnant women in epidemic regions. Methods A decision tree model was constructed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 3 hepatitis E virus vaccination strategies from societal perspectives. The model parameters were estimated on the basis of published studies and experts' experience. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the uncertainties of the model. Results Vaccination was more economically effective on the basis of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER< 3 times China's per capital gross domestic product/quality-adjusted life years); moreover, screening and vaccination had higher QALYs and lower costs compared with universal vaccination. No parameters significantly impacted ICER in one-way sensitivity analysis, and probabilistic sensitivity analysis also showed screening and vaccination to be the dominant strategy. Conclusion Screening and vaccination is the most economical strategy for pregnant women in epidemic regions; however, further studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of the hepatitis E vaccines.
Pulmonary Lymphangitic Carcinomatosis (PLC): Spectrum of FDG-PET Findings

The lungs are among the most common sites for metastases from a multitude of cancers. The majority of pulmonary metastases appear nodular on radiologic images. Interstitial spread of tumor through pulmonary lymphatics, also known as pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis (PLC), is not uncommon and constitutes approximately 7% of pulmonary metastases. PLC is most often seen with adenocarcinoma of a variety of histologies such as thyroid carcinoma, and melanoma. It is usually noted in late stages of malignancy and therefore is indicative of a poor prognosis. Diagnosis of PLC is usually based on a combination of clinical and radiologic findings. However, the diagnosis is difficult when patients have limited clinical findings or have a history of or the possibility of other interstitial lung diseases. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has been the modality of choice in the radiologic diagnosis of PLC. Imaging features of PLC on HRCT include thickening of interlobular septa, fissures, and bronchovascular bundles. Distribution of PLC may be focal or diffuse, unilateral or bilateral, and symmetric or asymmetric. Although FDG-PET has been extensively used in primary or secondary lung malignancies, its role and appearance in PLC have not been well determined in the literature. In this communication, we describe a spectrum of FDG-PET and CT findings in 5 cases with PLC. Similar to CT, the distribution of PLC can be extensive or limited on the FDG-PET. Diffuse, lobar, or segmental FDG uptake in the lungs is seen in extensive PLC. In limited PLC, a linear or a hazy area of FDG uptake extending from the tumor can be seen. Recognition of various patterns related to PLC on FDG-PET may allow accurate diagnosis of disease and could potentially influence the management of these patients.