Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Defining an Evaluation Framework for Undergraduate Research Experiences

In an effort to improve the evaluation framework for the authors’ NSF-funded S-STEM program (Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) that supports undergraduate research experiences (UREs) for its participating students, we analyzed quantitative and qualitative data from the 2009-10 senior exit survey for graduating students in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at a large, metropolitan, research university. The survey data offered a large sample size (n=687) of which 104 or 15% of students reported participation in a URE; non-URE students were used as a comparison group. We then compared our findings with five published studies with large sample sizes. Our survey results showed 41% of gains in “clarification or confirmation of career/education paths,” and 51% of gains in the “personal/professional” domain (which includes “thinking and working like a scientist”). Female and male students showed the same level of interest in continuing on to graduate school. White and Hispanic students showed a higher level of interest in continuing on to graduate school compared to other ethnic groups (but this finding should be interpreted with caution).
Horizontal Transfer of the Plant Virulence Gene, nec1, and Flanking Sequences among Genetically Distinct Streptomyces Strains in the Diastatochromogenes Cluster

ABSTRACT Evidence for the horizontal transfer of a pathogenicity island (PAI) carrying the virulence gene nec1 and flanking sequences among Streptomyces strains in the Diastatochromogenes cluster is presented. Plant-pathogenic, thaxtomin-producing Streptomyces strains, previously classified as S. scabiei based on the conventionally used phenotypic characteristics, were found to be genetically distinct from the type strain of S. scabiei based on DNA relatedness and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Pairwise DNA-DNA hybridizations between some of these strains and the S. scabiei type strain were as low as 36%, a value much below what is conventionally accepted for species identity (70%). The sequence of the nec1 gene, however, was identical in all the S. scabiei and S. scabiei-like strains tested, irrespective of their DNA relatedness to the type strain of S. scabiei, their geographic origin, or the isolation host. Furthermore, a 26-kb DNA fragment including and flanking nec1 was also conserved among these strains based on restriction and Southern analyses. These data indicate that the etiology of potato scab is more complex than previously recognized; this result has important implications for potato scab management strategies. Previous research has suggested that horizontal transfer of a PAI was the mechanism for evolution of pathogenicity in S. acidiscabies and S. turgidiscabies, species that lie outside of the Diastatochromogenes cluster. Data presented here support this model and indicate that PAI transfer also has occurred frequently in species closely related to S. scabiei.
New Dependency?: Economic Links between China and Latin America

This paper focuses on the most recent trends of Chinese finance (foreign direct investment (FDI) and development loans) in Latin America and their impact on economic development. In particular, this paper explores the economic and institutional factors that attract loans and FDI from China to Latin America. Based on data from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the United Nations on Chinese FDI and development loans to Latin America, this article argues that Chinese capital flows to the region, rather than politically motivated, are mainly motivated by trade interests, the evolution of the market of commodities, and natural resources-related policy goals. These capital flows are functional to the Chinese government’s use of soft power in the region, but these goals are secondary to market-based interests.
A glimpse from the past: osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures in a Portuguese identified skeletal sample.

UNLABELLED The diachronic variation of etiological factors, like longevity or diet, affected the prevalence of osteoporosis and the so-called osteoporotic fractures in the past. As such, it is important to understand the epidemiology of this disease in historical populations; with behaviors and customs that were unalike the modern westernized lifestyle. OBJECTIVES The main objective of this study is to characterize the epidemiological patterns of osteoporosis and related fractures in an identified Portuguese skeletal sample from the mid 19th - early 20th centuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sample studied comprised 196 skeletal individuals with known sex and age-at-death, housed at the University of Coimbra. Bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated in the proximal femur through dual X-ray absorptiometry and osteoporotic fractures were recorded according to clinical and paleopathological protocols. RESULTS BMD decreased significantly with age-at-death, both at the ROI «Total hip» and the ROI «Neck». At the «Total hip», peak bone mass (PBM) was achieved early (20-29 years age group) in both sexes. In the study-group as a whole, BMD was significantly higher in males when compared to females. As expected, the prevalence of osteoporosis in the proximal femur is higher in women and rises steeply with age. Comparisons with two modern Portuguese samples showed an equivalent pattern of BMD reduction. Nonetheless, BMD is usually lower in the skeletal sample. Women with osteoporosis had a much larger probability of showing a fragility fracture than women diagnosed with «normal» BMD or osteopenia. CONCLUSIONS In spite of enormous lifestyle differences, the epidemiological pattern of bone mass decrease in a Portuguese skeletal sample is strikingly similar to the ones observed in modern populations. This study adds further data to the recent notion that osteoporosis is a disease with deep roots in the past.
Monoclonal antibody Ber‐EP4 reliably discriminates between microcystic adnexal carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma

Background: Sclerosing cutaneous neoplasms often represent a diagnostic challenge. The monoclonal antibody Ber‐EP4 recognizes two glycopolypeptides found in most human epithelial cells. It is diagnostically highly reliable in the differentiation between basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. In this study, we report its application in the differential diagnosis of microcystic adnexal carcinoma, desmoplastic trichoepithelioma and basal cell carcinoma.
Economic Impacts of Zilmax(R) Adoption in Cattle Feeding

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the feeding of Zilmax(R) for cattle in the United States. This study determines direct net return benefits for early-adopting cattle feeders and beef packers. In addition, longer-run producer and consumer surplus measures are estimated as adoption impacts market prices and quantities. After markets adjust, cow-calf producers, cattle feeders, and consumers will gain from adopting the new technology.
Cell Transplantation from Limb Allografts

&NA; A murine model of skeletal tissue transplantation was developed to study the allograft rejection process in mice for limb allograft transplantation. Muscle, bone, and skin have been shown to be strong antigenic stimuli in vascularized allograft models, and cells from these sources were used for transplantation. Using enzymatic digestion, keratinocytes, myocytes, and osteocytes were harvested from B10.A mice tissues, dissociated into single cells, and then grown in culture for 14 to 21 days. Each cell type was marked with an intracellular fluorescent marker before transplantation of the cells into pockets in the rectus abdominis muscle of a syngenic host. All cell types remained viable and were detectable 2 weeks following transplantation when examined histologically and observed under a fluorescent microscope. Transplanted osteocytes were found to produce bone 8 weeks following transplantation. These results demonstrate that individual cells transplanted into muscle pockets survive and have the ability to produce extracellular matrix in this mouse model of skeletal tissue transplantation. Use of this model will allow transplantation of the cellular components comprising limb allografts to study the relative antigenicities and the rejection of the separate cells with the advanced immunologic techniques available for mice. A better understanding of immunologic responses to these individual tissue components may enable specific donor tissue or host immune modification to achieve skeletal tissue transplantation without immunosuppression. These findings are particularly valuable to the field of tissue engineering where allogeneic cells may be used in cell/polymer constructs for reconstructive procedures. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 102: 161, 1998.)
Kinesin-5 Kip1 is a bi-directional motor that stabilizes microtubules and tracks their plus-ends in vivo

Summary In this study, we examined the anaphase functions of the S. cerevisiae kinesin-5 homolog Kip1. We show that Kip1 is attached to the mitotic spindle midzone during late anaphase. This attachment is essential to stabilize interpolar microtubule (iMTs) plus-ends. By detailed examination of iMT dynamics we show that at the end of anaphase, iMTs depolymerize in two stages: during the first stage, one pair of anti-parallel iMTs depolymerizes at a velocity of 7.7 µm/minute; during the second stage, ∼90 seconds later, the remaining pair of iMTs depolymerizes at a slower velocity of 5.4 µm/minute. We show that upon the second depolymerization stage, which coincides with spindle breakdown, Kip1 follows the plus-ends of depolymerizing iMTs and translocates toward the spindle poles. This movement is independent of mitotic microtubule motor proteins or the major plus-end binding or tracking proteins. In addition, we show that Kip1 processively tracks the plus-ends of growing and shrinking MTs, both inside and outside the nucleus. The plus-end tracking activity of Kip1 requires its catalytic motor function, because a rigor mutant of Kip1 does not exhibit this activity. Finally, we show that Kip1 is a bi-directional motor: in vitro, at high ionic strength conditions, single Kip1 molecules move processively in the minus-end direction of the MTs, whereas in a multi-motor gliding assay, Kip1 is plus-end directed. The bi-directionality and plus-end tracking activity of Kip1, properties revealed here for the first time, allow Kip1 to perform its multiple functions in mitotic spindle dynamics and to partition the 2-micron plasmid.
Development, implementation and evaluation of an alcohol media literacy program for Australian children

This case study seeks to highlight the importance of implementation fidelity and how it was achieved in a programme evaluation study. This study was focused on the development, implementation and evaluation of an alcohol media literacy programme for Australian children. In a nutshell, the programme aimed to teach children to critically analyse alcohol advertisements in order to delay initiation to drinking. Implementation fidelity was achieved through the development of a detailed programme, delivery of the lessons by the same teacher across classes and the development, utilisation and analysis of non-participant observations and a researcher reflective journal. Challenges in achieving consistent programme delivery included the inevitable differences in students’ learning needs and school logistics. Strategies for overcoming these challenges included ensuring knowledge of the students’ learning needs prior to implementing the programme, ensuring open lines of communication with the classroom teachers and keeping detailed records of any variances in programme delivery. Learning Outcomes By the end of this case, students should • Know what implementation fidelity is • Understand the importance of implementation fidelity in research • Consider ways to achieve implementation fidelity in programme evaluation research
Mitotic Instability in Cancer: Is There Method in the Madness?

It has been known for more than a century that neoplastic cells often exhibit disturbances of the mitotic process, but the causes have only recently been thoroughly explored. In many cancers, a combination of cell cycle checkpoint deficiency and abnormal shortening of telomeres predisposes to unbalanced chromosome segregation at cell division and the development of complex genomic rearrangements. Shortening of telomeric repeats beyond normal limits leads to fusion of chromosome ends and the formation of chromatin bridges at anaphase. In turn, these bridges may trigger at least three types of chromosomes mutation: (1) structural rearrangements of chromosomes through extensive chromatin fragmentation beyond the centromeric sequences, typically leading to the formation of isochromosomes and whole-arm translocations, (2) loss of whole chromosomes through mechanical detachment from the mitotic spindle machinery, and (3) failure of cytokinesis, leading to polyploidisation and supernumerary centrosomes, which may in turn orchestrate multipolar spindle configurations at a subsequent mitosis. Anaphase bridging rarely hinders further survival of tumour daughter cells. In contrast, multipolar mitoses may lead to extensive reshuffling of chromosome copies that compromise further clonal expansion. The telomere-dependent instability can be partly counteracted by expression of telomerase during tumour progression, but genomic stabilisation is rarely, if ever, complete.
Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram based on the log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) for breast cancer

Background To evaluate the prognostic effect of log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) and develop a nomogram for survival prediction in breast cancer patients at the time of surgery. Results LODDS was an independent risk factor for cancer-related death in breast cancer (hazard ratio: 1.582, 95%CI: 1.190-2.104). Menopausal status, tumor size, pathological lymph node staging, estrogen receptor status and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 status were also included in the nomogram. The calibration plots indicated optimal agreement between the nomogram prediction and actual observation. Discrimination of nomogram was superior to the seventh edition TNM staging system [C-index: 0.745 vs. 0.721 (p = 0.03) in training cohort; 0.796 vs. 0.726 (p < 0.01) in validation cohort]. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 2023 breast cancer patients from Jan 2002 to Dec 2008 at our center. The cohort was randomly divided into training cohort and validation cohort. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors, and nomogram was established using Cox regression model in training cohort. External validation of the nomogram was performed in the validation cohort. Conclusions The LODDS is an independent prognostic indicator in breast cancer and the novel nomogram can provide individual prediction of cancer-specific survival and help prognostic assessment for breast cancer patients.
Degradation of Human Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37 by Staphylococcus aureus-Derived Proteinases

ABSTRACT Cathelicidin LL-37 is one of the few human bactericidal peptides with potent antistaphylococcal activity. In this study we examined the susceptibility of LL-37 to proteolytic degradation by two major proteinases produced by Staphylococcus aureus, a metalloproteinase (aureolysin) and a glutamylendopeptidase (V8 protease). We found that aureolysin cleaved and inactivated LL-37 in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Analysis of the generated fragments by mass spectroscopy revealed that the initial cleavage of LL-37 by aureolysin occurred between the Arg19-Ile20, Arg23-Ile24, and Leu31-Val32 peptide bonds, instantly annihilating the antibacterial activity of LL-37. In contrast, the V8 proteinase hydrolyzed efficiently only the Glu16-Phe17 peptide bond, rendering the C-terminal fragment refractory to further degradation. This fragment (termed LL-17-37) displayed antibacterial activity against S. aureus at a molar level similar to that of the full-length LL-37 peptide, indicating that the antibacterial activity of LL-37 resides in the C-terminal region. In keeping with LL-37 degradation by aureolysin, S. aureus strains that produce significant amounts of this metalloprotease were found to be less susceptible to LL-17-37 than strains expressing no aureolysin activity. Taken together, these data suggest that aureolysin production by S. aureus contributes to the resistance of this pathogen to the innate immune system of humans mediated by LL-37.
Investigation of electric current perception thresholds of different EHS groups

An increasing number of persons with health symptoms of unclear origin take refuge in the hypothesis that they suffer from electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS). So far EHS is not an accepted diagnosis and there is no validated test to verify the proposed relationship between electromagnetic fields and symptoms. Groups reporting EHS are very heterogeneous but share a belief that they have an increased sensitivity to electromagnetic fields. It was studied to which extent a quantitative indicator for electrosensitivity, the electric current perception threshold, and its variability coefficient, depend on the recruitment strategy for self‐declared hypersensitive persons. Individual electrosensitivity was investigated by provocation of the lower arms to directly coupled 50 Hz electric currents. Self‐declared EHS persons were selected from members of a self aid group, from responders to a newspaper call, and from persons actively asking for investigations in their search for help. It turned out that quantitative electrosensitivity was quite different among the three groups. It is interesting that the members of the EHS self aid group exhibit a considerable overlap with general population sample. Pooled together it could be shown that hypersensitive persons as a group differ significantly from the general population sample, however with a pronounced overlap with the normal range. It can be concluded that EHS groups are very inhomogeneous and contain numerous persons with no increased ability to perceive low frequency electric or magnetic fields. This investigation shows the importance of the study design, in particular of the recruitment strategies of EHS persons for the final outcome. Bioelectromagnetics 28:208–213, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Longitudinal Assessment of Imaging and Disability of the Back (LAIDBack) Study: Baseline Data

Study Design. Prospective cohort study of randomly selected Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatients. Objective. To determine the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the lumbar spine among persons without current low back pain or sciatica and to examine which findings are related to age or previous back symptoms. Summary of Background Information. Previous studies of patients without low back pain have not explored the possible association of various MRI findings to past symptoms. Methods. We randomly selected an age-stratified sample of subjects without low back pain in the past 4 months from clinics at a VA hospital. We collected information on demographics, comorbidity, functional status, and quality of life. MR images were obtained using a standardized protocol through each of the five lumbar disc levels. Results. Of 148 subjects, 69 (46%) had never experienced low back pain. There were 123 subjects (83%) with moderate to severe desiccation of one or more discs, 95 (64%) with one or more bulging discs, and 83 (56%) with loss of disc height. Forty-eight subjects (32%) had at least one disc protrusion and 9 (6%) had one or more disc extrusions. Conclusion. Many MR imaging findings have a high prevalence in subjects without low back pain. These findings are therefore of limited diagnostic use. The less common findings of moderate or severe central stenosis, root compression, and extrusions are likely to be diagnostically and clinically relevant.
The impact of ADHD and autism spectrum disorders on temperament, character, and personality development.

OBJECTIVE The authors describe personality development and disorders in relation to symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders. METHOD Consecutive adults referred for neuropsychiatric investigation (N=240) were assessed for current and lifetime ADHD and autism spectrum disorders and completed the Temperament and Character Inventory. In a subgroup of subjects (N=174), presence of axis II personality disorders was also assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Personality Disorders (SCID-II). RESULTS Patients with ADHD reported high novelty seeking and high harm avoidance. Patients with autism spectrum disorders reported low novelty seeking, low reward dependence, and high harm avoidance. Character scores (self-directedness and cooperativeness) were extremely low among subjects with neuropsychiatric disorders, indicating a high overall prevalence of personality disorders, which was confirmed with the SCID-II. Cluster B personality disorders were more common in subjects with ADHD, while cluster A and C disorders were more common in those with autism spectrum disorders. The overlap between DSM-IV personality disorder categories was high, and they seem less clinically useful in this context. CONCLUSIONS ADHD and autism spectrum disorders are associated with specific temperament configurations and an increased risk of personality disorders and deficits in character maturation.
Initial treatment and early weight gain of children with Robin Sequence in Germany: a prospective epidemiological study

Background To investigate birth prevalence of Robin Sequence (RS), distribution of implemented treatments and factors influencing weight gain during initial hospitalisation. Methods Prospective population-based survey (August 2011–July 2013) on new hospital admissions of infants with RS in Germany. RS was defined as retrognathia/micrognathia and at least one of the following: upper airway obstruction, snoring or hypoxaemia; glossoptosis; feeding difficulties; failure to thrive; cleft palate or RS-associated syndrome. Birth prevalence was calculated using data from the National Bureau of Statistics and in-hospital weight gain evaluated by calculating differences in SD scores (SDS) for weight. Comparisons between cohorts were performed using the Wilcoxon/Kruskal–Wallis test or Fisher's exact test. Results 151 patients with RS could be verified resulting in a birth prevalence of 11.3 per 100 000 live births. Orthodontic therapy (feeding plate or pre-epiglottic baton plate, PEBP) was applied most frequently (107 infants), followed by prone positioning (97 infants). Tracheotomy was rarely performed (n=7). For 115 infants, implementation of more than one intervention was reported. Infants with serious respiratory difficulties during initial hospitalisation (n=58) showed a more pronounced decrease in SDS for weight (median (IQR) −0.81 (−1.32 to −0.26) vs −0.48 (−0.86 to 0.02); p=0.008) whereas treatment with PEBP was associated with better weight gain (SDS-difference for weight −0.37 (−1.06 to 0.02) vs −0.74 (−1.09 to −0.35); p=0.022). Conclusions Non-surgical management is preferred for infants with RS in Germany. The extent of upper airway obstruction seemed to influence in-hospital weight gain, while use of the PEBP was associated with improved early weight gain.
Abnormalities of cardiac repolarization in multiple sclerosis: Relationship with a model of allergic encephalomyelitis in rat

Ventricular repolarization was investigated for the first time in 48 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients using measurement of QTc interval on standard electrocardiographic recordings. The repolarization process was prolonged significantly in MS compared to control subjects (P = 0.0001). This result was confirmed with an animal model of MS, i.e., the experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in rat. The contribution of prolonged QT to syncopal attack or sudden cardiac death in MS patients need further investigation. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 21:940–942, 1998.