Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information Technology Literacy: Task Knowledge and Mental Models

THISARTICLE DESCRIBES THE IMPORTANCE OF information technology literacy as a precursor to information literacy. It discusses the differences between the two literacies and makes comparisons and contrasts. It suggests a methodology for identifying task knowledge that might be used to build an information technology literacy program or curriculum. It examines how mental models can be used to facilitate acquisition of task knowledge and thus plays an important role in developing an information technology literacy.
Numerical analysis of a continuum model of phase transition

A method for solution of the Cahn–Hilliard equation is presented. Unlike previous work, the discrete equations for the new method possess a Lyapunov function. This makes it possible to prove convergence of the approximate solutions without assumptions beyond those necessary for existence and uniqueness of the differential equation. Several consequences are explored.
DNA‐Based Identification of Forensically Important Lucilia (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in the Continental United States *

Abstract: Correct species identification is critical when dipteran larvae are used for inference of the postmortem interval. To facilitate DNA‐based identification of forensically important flies of the genus Lucilia in the continental United States, we develop a vouchered reference collection and DNA sequence database. A total of 122 specimens were collected for nine of the 10 species of Lucilia reported to occur in the continental United States. Using the polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing, data were obtained for an 1100‐bp region of the mitochondrial gene encoding cytochrome oxidase I (COI). We consider a species suitable for DNA‐based identification if it is exclusively monophyletic in >95% of bootstrap pseudoreplicate phylogenetic analyses. Seven of the nine species meet that criterion. Two species (Lucilia coeruleiviridis and Lucilia mexicana) share COI sequence and cannot be distinguished using our reference database. We conclude that DNA‐based identification is likely to be successful for the other seven species.
Hypotheses for Near-Surface Exchange of Methane on Mars.

UNLABELLED The Curiosity rover recently detected a background of 0.7 ppb and spikes of 7 ppb of methane on Mars. This in situ measurement reorients our understanding of the martian environment and its potential for life, as the current theories do not entail any geological source or sink of methane that varies sub-annually. In particular, the 10-fold elevation during the southern winter indicates episodic sources of methane that are yet to be discovered. Here we suggest a near-surface reservoir could explain this variability. Using the temperature and humidity measurements from the rover, we find that perchlorate salts in the regolith deliquesce to form liquid solutions, and deliquescence progresses to deeper subsurface in the season of the methane spikes. We therefore formulate the following three testable hypotheses. The first scenario is that the regolith in Gale Crater adsorbs methane when dry and releases this methane to the atmosphere upon deliquescence. The adsorption energy needs to be 36 kJ mol(-1) to explain the magnitude of the methane spikes, higher than existing laboratory measurements. The second scenario is that microorganisms convert organic matter in the soil to methane when they are in liquid solutions. This scenario does not require regolith adsorption but entails extant life on Mars. The third scenario is that deep subsurface aquifers produce the bursts of methane. Continued in situ measurements of methane and water, as well as laboratory studies of adsorption and deliquescence, will test these hypotheses and inform the existence of the near-surface reservoir and its exchange with the atmosphere. KEY WORDS Mars-Methane-Astrobiology-Regolith. Astrobiology 16, 539-550.
The effect of ATM kinase inhibition on the initial response of human dental pulp and periodontal ligament mesenchymal stem cells to ionizing radiation

Abstract Purpose: This study evaluates early changes in human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) isolated from dental pulp and periodontal ligament after γ-irradiation and the effect of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) inhibition. Methods: MSC were irradiated with 2 and 20 Gy by 60Co. For ATM inhibition, specific inhibitor KU55933 was used. DNA damage was measured by Comet assay and γH2AX detection. Cell cycle distribution and proteins responding to DNA damage were analyzed 2–72 h after the irradiation. Results: The irradiation of MSC causes an increase in γH2AX; the phosphorylation was ATM-dependent. Irradiation activates ATM kinase, and the level of p53 protein is increased due to its phosphorylation on serine15. While this phosphorylation of p53 is ATM-dependent in MSC, the increase in p53 was not prevented by ATM inhibition. A similar trend was observed for Chk1 and Chk2. The increase in p21 is greater without ATM inhibition. ATM inhibition also does not fully abrogate the accumulation of irradiated MSC in the G2-phase of the cell-cycle. Conclusions: In irradiated MSC, double-strand breaks are tagged quickly by γH2AX in an ATM-dependent manner. Although phosphorylations of p53(ser15), Chk1(ser345) and Chk2(thr68) are ATM-dependent, the overall amount of these proteins increases when ATM is inhibited. In both types of MSC, ATM-independent mechanisms for cell-cycle arrest in the G2-phase are triggered.
Psychosocial correlates of healthful diets: baseline results from the Working Well Study.

BACKGROUND This report examines psychosocial factors related to selection of healthful diets. Understanding why people select healthful diets can lead to rational design and evaluation of nutrition intervention programs. METHODS Data are from 16,287 respondents to the baseline survey for the Working Well Trial, a randomized, controlled trial of worksite-based health promotion. The psychosocial constructs we measured were predisposing factors (beliefs, perceived benefits, and motivation; 5 items, Cronbach's alpha = 0.65) and enabling factors (barriers, norms, and social support; 6 items, Cronbach's alpha = 0.57). The healthful diet outcomes were intakes of fat, fiber, and servings of fruits and vegetables (from a food frequency questionnaire) and intention and self-efficacy to decrease fat and increase fruits and vegetables. RESULTS Based on a 5-point scale (1 = low to 5 = high), the mean predisposing factor scale score was much higher than the enabling factor scale score (3.77 vs 2.50, P < 0.001). Comparing respondents in the highest category of the predisposing scale to those in the lowest, mean percentage of energy from fat was 22.4% lower (-9 percentage points), fiber was 85.2% higher (+4.6 g/1,000 kcal), and fruits and vegetables were 100% higher (+1.6 servings/day) (all trends, P < 0.001). Associations were similar, but much weaker, for the enabling scale. Multiple regression models, which included covariates related to diet and the predisposing and enabling scales, explained a total of between 13 and 26% of the variance in diet and intention to change diet. After control for covariates, the predisposing scale remained a significant and strong predictor of diet and intention to change diet but the enabling scale explained small and nonsignificant amounts of variance. CONCLUSIONS Predisposing factors are strong predictors of current diet and intention to change diet. Final results from the Working Well Trial will provide more information on whether enabling factors can be enhanced by intervention and whether these changes result in healthier eating patterns.
Design Of An Autonomous And Distributed Robot System: Actress

A new concept of an advanced robot system, ACTRESS (ACTor-based Robots and Equipments Synthetic System), is presented in this paper. ACTRESS is an autonomous and distributed robot system composed of multi robotic elements. Each element is provided with functions to make decisions with understanding the target of tasks, recognizing surrounding environments, acting, and managing its own conditions, and to communicate with any other components. In order to manage multiple elements to achieve any given task targets, the protocol for communication between elements is discussed for cooperative action between arbitrary elements. This paper deals with the conceptual design of ACTRESS, focusing on the methodology for synthesizing the autonomous and distributed system. Also based on an assumption that mobility is the indispensable function for advanced robot systems, an experimental system using micro mouse"'^ is developed as a primitive example of ACTRESS.
Semen quality of fertile US males in relation to their mothers' beef consumption during pregnancy.

UNLABELLED BACKGROUND To look at possible long-term risks from anabolic steroids and other xenobiotics in beef, we examined men's semen quality in relation to their mother's self-reported beef consumption during pregnancy. METHODS The study was carried out in five US cities between 1999 and 2005. We used regression analyses to examine semen parameters in 387 partners of pregnant women in relation to the amount of beef their mothers reported eating while pregnant. Mothers' beef consumption was also analysed in relation to the son's history of previous subfertility. RESULTS Sperm concentration was inversely related to mothers' beef meals per week (P = 0.041). In sons of "high beef consumers" (>7 beef meals/week), sperm concentration was 24.3% lower (P = 0.014) and the proportion of men with sperm concentration below 20 x 10(6)/ml was three times higher (17.7 versus 5.7%, P = 0.002) than in men whose mothers ate less beef. A history of previous subfertility was also more frequent among sons of "high beef consumers" (P = 0.015). Sperm concentration was not significantly related to mother's consumption of other meat or to the man's consumption of any meat. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that maternal beef consumption, and possibly xenobiotics in beef, may alter a man's testicular development in utero and adversely affect his reproductive capacity.
Estimation of Forest Aboveground Biomass in Changbai Mountain Region Using ICESat/GLAS and Landsat/TM Data

Mapping the magnitude and spatial distribution of forest aboveground biomass (AGB, in Mg·ha−1) is crucial to improve our understanding of the terrestrial carbon cycle. Landsat/TM (Thematic Mapper) and ICESat/GLAS (Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite, Geoscience Laser Altimeter System) data were integrated to estimate the AGB in the Changbai Mountain area. Firstly, four forest types were delineated according to TM data classification. Secondly, different models for prediction of the AGB at the GLAS footprint level were developed from GLAS waveform metrics and the AGB was derived from field observations using multiple stepwise regression. Lastly, GLAS-derived AGB, in combination with vegetation indices, leaf area index (LAI), canopy closure, and digital elevation model (DEM), were used to drive a data fusion model based on the random forest approach for extrapolating the GLAS footprint AGB to a continuous AGB map. The classification result showed that the Changbai Mountain region was characterized as forest-rich in altitudinal vegetation zones. The contribution of remote sensing variables in modeling the AGB was evaluated. Vegetation index metrics account for large amount of contribution in AGB ranges <150 Mg·ha−1, while canopy closure has the largest contribution in AGB ranges ≥150 Mg·ha−1. Our study revealed that spatial information from two sensors and DEM could be combined to estimate the AGB with an R2 of 0.72 and an RMSE of 25.24 Mg·ha−1 in validation at stand level (size varied from ~0.3 ha to ~3 ha).
Quantitative-trait homozygosity and association mapping and empirical genomewide significance in large, complex pedigrees: fasting serum-insulin level in the Hutterites.

We present methods for linkage and association mapping of quantitative traits for a founder population with a large, known genealogy. We detect linkage to quantitative-trait loci (QTLs) through a multipoint homozygosity-mapping method. We propose two association methods, one of which is single point and uses a general two-allele model and the other of which is multipoint and uses homozygosity by descent for a particular allele. In all three methods, we make extensive use of the pedigree and genotype information, while keeping the computations simple and efficient. To assess significance, we have developed a permutation-based test that takes into account the covariance structure due to relatedness of individuals and can be used to determine empirical genomewide and locus-specific P values. In the case of multivariate-normally distributed trait data, the permutation-based test is asymptotically exact. The test is broadly applicable to a variety of mapping methods that fall within the class of linear statistical models (e.g., variance-component methods), under the assumption of random ascertainment with respect to the phenotype. For obtaining genomewide P values, our proposed method is appropriate when positions of markers are independent of the observed linkage signal, under the null hypothesis. We apply our methods to a genome screen for fasting insulin level in the Hutterites. We detect significant genomewide linkage on chromosome 19 and suggestive evidence of QTLs on chromosomes 1 and 16.
A novel approach to fingerprint identification using method of sectorization

Fingerprints are one of the most popular biometrics traits. Feature extraction and vector creation are crucial in fingerprint-matching algorithms. For increasing the confidence of fingerprint recognition, different feature vector forms are considered in literature. In this paper, we introduce a complete (fully-implemented) algorithm for fingerprint recognition. The work describes image preprocessing based on our previous works and feature vector creation that bases on sectoralization. The image preprocessing includes filtering, skeletonisation, minutiae extraction by CN (Crossing Number) algorithm and spurious minutiae removal. The feature vector creation is based on dividing the fingerprint into sectors. The division is done on the basis of image height.
Compressive Sampling for energy efficient and loss resilient camera sensor networks

Data loss is inevitable in multi-hop wireless sensor networks. Multiple packet erasures during transmission can necessitate the use of error-control mechanisms for loss recovery. Energy consumption is also very critical in embedded sensor networks. These problems are even more severe in wireless camera sensor networks (WCSNs), owing to the large data size. Compressive Sampling (CS) turns out to be an effective solution on both the issues. The compression obtained through the linear projections allows transmission of lesser bits than the original. The inherent randomness in CS makes the system tolerant to losses without requiring transmission of redundant parity bits. Both these characteristics help us on saving up on energy. However, using conventional CS on embedded WCSNs has some implementation related challenges. WCSNs mainly find applications in surveillance systems. This requires the snapshots to be large enough to encompass a wide field of view; requiring image sizes at least QVGA or more. The processor memory and the recovery time of L1 optimization, needed for CS recovery, are non-linear with respect to the data size; hence large images hinder the applicability of CS in practical cases. In this paper, we address the issues which may affect the practical usability of CS and provide a CS framework suitable for WCSNs. In order to enable the processing of such large images we propose a block-wise sampling approach, which helps to reduce both the memory overhead and the recovery time. For sampling matrices we use binary sparse random matrices instead of dense matrices, so as to reduce the encoding and decoding times and the computational overheads. Moreover, to further reduce the time factor we employ very sparse matrices (row weight equal to one) and show that they still provide good quality images. We have tested our propositions on WCSNs that include Imote2 sensor nodes equipped with IMB400 multimedia boards, on which we have analyzed the loss resilience of our proposed framework and have also provided an estimate of the energy saved.
Clustered lot quality assurance sampling to assess immunisation coverage: increasing rapidity and maintaining precision

Objective Vaccination programmes targeting disease elimination aim to achieve very high coverage levels (e.g. 95%). We calculated the precision of different clustered lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) designs in computer‐simulated surveys to provide local health officers in the field with preset LQAS plans to simply and rapidly assess programmes with high coverage targets.
Gender-Specific Implications for Cardiovascular Medication Use in the Elderly: Optimizing Therapy for Older Women

Sex should be considered during the selection of cardiovascular medications and dosages of cardiovascular medications. There is mounting evidence that clinically important differences between the sexes exist in the pharmacokinetic processes that determine drug concentrations and in the pharmacodynamic processes that determine physiologic responses to pharmacologic agents. Although aging also affects these processes, aging does not eliminate the sex-related differences. The major pharmacokinetic differences between the sexes, on average, are lower weight and distribution volumes in women compared with men and lower renal drug clearance in women compared with men. Sex-related differences in hepatic drug clearance are less predictable. Pharmacodynamic responses that differ between the sexes include increased adverse cardiovascular drug effects in women compared with men (torsade de pointes arrhythmias, increased risk of hemorrhagic consequences of anticoagulation or thrombolytic therapy, electrolyte abnormalities with diuretics, myopathy with HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors, cough with ACE inhibitors, and increased incidence of thrombosis). Recommendations for optimizing cardiovascular drug therapy for the older women include individualization of drug selection to minimize the number of medications and side effects; dosage adjustment based on age, size, and sex; close monitoring for side effects; and consideration of cost and access to medications. Optimal care for the older woman with cardiovascular disease will also require investigation of cardiovascular medications in older women and of therapies for cardiovascular diseases that are more common in women than men.
Strengthening hardware AES implementations against fault attacks

Differential fault attacks become a threat of increasing importance against cryptographic devices. One of the most efficient hardware countermeasures for block ciphers to prevent such attacks relies on duplication. Novel techniques to implement a duplication scheme for the AES are proposed. Remarkably, the proposed techniques do not impact on the throughput/area ratio and better withstand a large variety of known fault attacks.
Chemical Constituents from Sinningia canescens and S. warmingii

A new naphthoquinone, 6-methoxy-7-hydroxy-α-dunnione (1), along with four known compounds (2, 4, 10, and 11) were isolated from Snningia canescens (Mart.) Wiehler tubers, while S. warmingii (Hiern.) Chautems furnished eight known compounds (3–10). The known compounds were identified as 7-hydroxy-α-dunnione (2), lapachenole (3), tectoquinone (4), 7-methoxytectoquinone (5), 1-hydroxytectoquinone (6), 7-hydroxytectoquinone (7), aggregatin C (8), aggregatin D (9), halleridone (10), and cedrol (11). In addition, S. canescens yielded a volatile fraction, which was analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MS. This fraction was constituted mainly by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (82.6%). The major components were β-santalene (14.6%), β-cedrene (10.4%), and trans-cadina-1(6)-4-diene (10.0%).
GOBIERNO CORPORATIVO Y DEFICIENCIAS DE LA INFORMACIÓN CONTABLE

Basandonos en las empresas cotizadas en el mercado espanol, el presente trabajo aporta evidencia empirica sobre la relacion existente entre el gobierno y propiedad empresariales y la calidad de la informacion. Los resultados del analisis univariante muestran diferencias estadisticamente significativas entre empresas con y sin deficiencias en la informacion, en variables relacionadas con la separacion entre gobierno y direccion y la concentracion de la propiedad. La regresion multivariante muestra una relacion significativa y negativa entre nivel de calidad y grado de separacion entre gobierno y direccion, y positiva respecto a la concentracion de la propiedad. Por otro lado, la situacion economica es peor en las empresas con peor calidad de informacion.
DNA demethylation in the Arabidopsis genome

Cytosine DNA methylation is considered to be a stable epigenetic mark, but active demethylation has been observed in both plants and animals. In Arabidopsis thaliana, DNA glycosylases of the DEMETER (DME) family remove methylcytosines from DNA. Demethylation by DME is necessary for genomic imprinting, and demethylation by a related protein, REPRESSOR OF SILENCING1, prevents gene silencing in a transgenic background. However, the extent and function of demethylation by DEMETER-LIKE (DML) proteins in WT plants is not known. Using genome-tiling microarrays, we mapped DNA methylation in mutant and WT plants and identified 179 loci actively demethylated by DML enzymes. Mutations in DML genes lead to locus-specific DNA hypermethylation. Reintroducing WT DML genes restores most loci to the normal pattern of methylation, although at some loci, hypermethylated epialleles persist. Of loci demethylated by DML enzymes, >80% are near or overlap genes. Genic demethylation by DML enzymes primarily occurs at the 5′ and 3′ ends, a pattern opposite to the overall distribution of WT DNA methylation. Our results show that demethylation by DML DNA glycosylases edits the patterns of DNA methylation within the Arabidopsis genome to protect genes from potentially deleterious methylation.
The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in the Management of Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review Protocol.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressively debilitating condition that is associated with pain and morbidity. It is associated with ageing and most often affects the joints of the knees, hips, fingers and lower spine region (Hochberg et al., 2013). It is estimated that about 10% of men and 18% of women aged over 60 years have symptomatic OA. Eighty per cent of those with OA will have limitations in movement, and 25% cannot perform major daily activities of life (Murray and Lopez, 1997). According to the World Health Organization, OA is commonly regarded as the most frequent cause of functional disability, and about 80% of people over the age of 65 years show radiological symptoms of OA (World Health Organization, 2007). This condition has an adverse impact on patient mobility and quality of life. Researchers have reported that the hip is the second most common weight-bearing joint – after the knee – to be affected by OA, affecting approximately 5% of adults aged 60 years or older (Scott, 2010), and there is an upward trend in the incidence of hip osteoarthritis (HOA). The current main objectives of HOA management are to relieve pain, educate the patients about their disease, restore function, minimize the progression of the disease and maintain health-related quality of life (Zhang et al., 2010). Currently, there is no known cure for HOA, so the main therapeutic strategy is symptomatic. Several treatment modalities are available, involving both conservative and operative