Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Relationship between self-directed learning with learning styles and strategies in medical students].

BACKGROUND Self-directed learning (SDL) skills are particularly important in medical education, considering that physicians should be able to regulate their own learning experiences. AIM To evaluate the relationship between learning styles and strategies and self-directed learning in medical students. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred ninety nine first year medical students (120 males) participated in the study. Preparation for Independent Learning (EPAI) scale was used to assess self-direction. Schmeck learning strategies scale and Honey and Alonso (CHAEA) scales were used to evaluate learning styles and strategies. RESULTS Theoretical learning style and deep processing learning strategy had positive correlations with self-direct learning. CONCLUSIONS Medical students with theoretical styles and low retention of facts are those with greater ability to self-direct their learning. Further studies are required to determine the relationship between learning styles and strategies with SDL in medical students. The acquired knowledge will allow the adjustment of teaching strategies to encourage SDL.
Synergistic Anti-Cancer Effect of Phenformin and Oxamate

Phenformin (phenethylbiguanide; an anti-diabetic agent) plus oxamate [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) inhibitor] was tested as a potential anti-cancer therapeutic combination. In in vitro studies, phenformin was more potent than metformin, another biguanide, recently recognized to have anti-cancer effects, in promoting cancer cell death in the range of 25 times to 15 million times in various cancer cell lines. The anti-cancer effect of phenformin was related to complex I inhibition in the mitochondria and subsequent overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Addition of oxamate inhibited LDH activity and lactate production by cells, which is a major side effect of biguanides, and induced more rapid cancer cell death by decreasing ATP production and accelerating ROS production. Phenformin plus oxamate was more effective than phenformin combined with LDH knockdown. In a syngeneic mouse model, phenformin with oxamate increased tumor apoptosis, reduced tumor size and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography/computed tomography compared to control. We conclude that phenformin is more cytotoxic towards cancer cells than metformin. Furthermore, phenformin and oxamate have synergistic anti-cancer effects through simultaneous inhibition of complex I in the mitochondria and LDH in the cytosol, respectively.
Computing loop corrections by message passing

Any spanning tree in a loopy interaction graph can be used for communicating the effect of the loopy interactions by introducing messages that are passed along the edges in the spanning tree. This defines an exact mapping of the problem on the loopy interaction graph onto an extended problem on a tree interaction graph, where the thermodynamic quantities can be computed by a message-passing algorithm based on the Bethe equations. We propose an approximation loop correction algorithm for the Ising model relying on the above representation of the problem. The algorithm deals at the same time with the short and long loops, and can be used to obtain upper and lower bounds for the free energy.
Optimizing the Design of Oligonucleotides for Homology Directed Gene Targeting

Background Gene targeting depends on the ability of cells to use homologous recombination to integrate exogenous DNA into their own genome. A robust mechanistic model of homologous recombination is necessary to fully exploit gene targeting for therapeutic benefit. Methodology/Principal Findings In this work, our recently developed numerical simulation model for homology search is employed to develop rules for the design of oligonucleotides used in gene targeting. A Metropolis Monte-Carlo algorithm is used to predict the pairing dynamics of an oligonucleotide with the target double-stranded DNA. The model calculates the base-alignment between a long, target double-stranded DNA and a probe nucleoprotein filament comprised of homologous recombination proteins (Rad51 or RecA) polymerized on a single strand DNA. In this study, we considered different sizes of oligonucleotides containing 1 or 3 base heterologies with the target; different positions on the probe were tested to investigate the effect of the mismatch position on the pairing dynamics and stability. We show that the optimal design is a compromise between the mean time to reach a perfect alignment between the two molecules and the stability of the complex. Conclusion and Significance A single heterology can be placed anywhere without significantly affecting the stability of the triplex. In the case of three consecutive heterologies, our modeling recommends using long oligonucleotides (at least 35 bases) in which the heterologous sequences are positioned at an intermediate position. Oligonucleotides should not contain more than 10% consecutive heterologies to guarantee a stable pairing with the target dsDNA. Theoretical modeling cannot replace experiments, but we believe that our model can considerably accelerate optimization of oligonucleotides for gene therapy by predicting their pairing dynamics with the target dsDNA.
High Base Pair Opening Rates in Tracts of GC Base Pairs*

Sequence-dependent structural features of the DNA double helix have a strong influence on the base pair opening dynamics. Here we report a detailed study of the kinetics of base pair breathing in tracts of GC base pairs in DNA duplexes derived from 1H NMR measurements of the imino proton exchange rates upon titration with the exchange catalyst ammonia. In the limit of infinite exchange catalyst concentration, the exchange times of the guanine imino protons of the GC tracts extrapolate to much shorter base pair lifetimes than commonly observed for isolated GC base pairs. The base pair lifetimes in the GC tracts are below 5 ms for almost all of the base pairs. The unusually rapid base pair opening dynamics of GC tracts are in striking contrast to the behavior of AT tracts, where very long base pair lifetimes are observed. The implication of these findings for the structural principles governing spontaneous helix opening as well as the DNA-binding specificity of the cytosine-5-methyltransferases, where flipping of the cytosine base has been observed, are discussed.
Structural and functional changes in spastic skeletal muscle

This review summarizes current information regarding the changes in structure or function that occur in skeletal muscle secondary to spasticity. Most published studies have reported an increase in fiber size variability in spastic muscle. There is no general agreement regarding any shift in fiber type distribution secondary to spasticity. Mechanical studies in whole limbs as well as in isolated single cells support the notion of an intrinsic change in the passive mechanical properties of muscle after spasticity in addition to the more widely reported neural changes that occur. Evidence is presented for changes within both the muscle cell and extracellular matrix that contribute to the overall changes in the tissue. Taken together, the literature supports the notion that, although spasticity is multifactorial and neural in origin, significant structural alterations in muscle also occur. An understanding of the specific changes that occur in the muscle and extracellular matrix may facilitate the development of new conservative or surgical therapies for this problem. Muscle Nerve 29: 615–627, 2004
Electromagnetic prediction of antenna layout impact on UWB localization and sensing

This paper presents a compact antenna solution able to perform communication and RF energy harvesting functionalities, in order to fulfill the future wireless network requirement of simultaneous wireless information and power transfer. The system is thought for next generation passive RFID tags: it combines a single-port antenna and a diplexer, both designed on paper substrate to operate in the European UWB and UHF bands, for communication/localization and energy harvesting purposes, respectively. The impact of the antenna layout on system performance is discussed, from both communication and energy harvesting points of view.
Resistance to spontaneous apoptosis in acute myeloid leukaemia blasts is associated with p‐glycoprotein expression and function, but not with the presence of FLT3 internal tandem duplications

Summary. The ability of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) blasts to survive in culture has been associated with poor patient response to chemotherapy. Other biological factors predicting an adverse outcome include p‐glycoprotein (pgp) expression, which is associated with a reduced remission rate, and the presence of fms‐like tyrosine kinase 3 gene (FLT3) internal tandem duplications (ITDs), predictive of a high rate of leukaemic relapse. Our previous work has indicated a drug efflux‐independent role for pgp in apoptosis resistance. We measured spontaneous in vitro apoptosis in 58 primary AML samples to establish its relationship with functional and phenotypic pgp and with FLT3 ITDs. Cells were incubated for 48 h in a suspension culture, and the remaining viable cells were counted by flow cytometry. Median survival was 38% of baseline values. Resistance to spontaneous apoptosis was strongly associated with pgp (MRK‐16 antibody) expression (P = 0·001) and with pgp functional activity (P < 0·001). FLT3 ITDs, found in 20 cases, were inversely associated with functional pgp activity: thus, the median pgp modulation ratio was 2·0 in FLT3 wild‐type cases and 1·38 in ITD cases (P = 0·018). Also, the presence of FLT3 ITDs was not associated with in vitro apoptosis resistance. In conclusion, we have found that the presence of FLT3 ITDs is not related to AML blast survival in vitro, and is inversely associated with pgp activity, whereas pgp expression and activity are associated with resistance to spontaneous apoptosis. These results may help to explain the differing adverse effects of pgp (on remission induction) and FLT3 ITDs (on relapse) in AML.
A case report on avoidant restrictive food intake disorder in an adolescent female

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder as introduced in the DSM 5, is an eating or feeding disturbance manifested by persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional and/or energy needs, associated with significant loss of body weight and nutritional deficiencies. The disorder should not occur during the course of anorexia or bulimia nervosa. We describe a 14-year old adolescent girl who presented with clinical features that met the above criteria, and discuss the diagnostic and management challenges, which occurred during the course of therapy. This case report outlines how the management of this presentation differs from that of a classical eating disorder. The Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry Vol 6(1) : 35-37
Distinct KATP Channels Mediate the Antihypertrophic Effects of Adenosine Receptor Activation in Neonatal Rat Ventricular Myocytes

Recent evidence suggests that both adenosine receptor (AR) and KATP channel activation exert antihypertrophic effects in cardiac myocytes. We studied the relative contributions of mitochondrial KATP (mitoKATP) and sarcolemmal KATP (sarcKATP) to the antihypertrophic effects of ARs in primary cultures of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes exposed for 24 h with the α1 adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (PE). The A1R agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), the A2AR agonist CGS21680 [2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine], and the A3R agonist N6-(3-iodobenzyl)adenosine-5′-methyluronamide (IB-MECA) all prevented PE-induced hypertrophy. Glibenclamide, a nonselective KATP channel blocker reversed the antihypertrophic effect of all three AR agonists as determined by cell size and atrial natriuretic peptide expression and early c-fos up-regulation. In contrast, the mitoKATP blocker 5-hydroxydecanoic acid selectively attenuated the effect of CGS21680 and IB-MECA, whereas HMR1098 [1-[[5-[2-(5-chloro-o-anisamido)ethyl]-2-methoxyphenyl]sulfonyl]-3-methylthiourea, sodium salt], a specific blocker of sarcKATP, only abolished the antihypertrophic effect of CPA. Moreover, both CGS21680 and IB-MECA but not CPA decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential when PE was present, similarly to that seen with diazoxide, and both agents inhibited PE-stimulated elevation in mitochondrial Ca2+. All AR agonists diminished PE-induced phosphoserine/threonine kinase and protein kinase B up-regulation, which was unaffected by any KATP blocker. Our data suggest that AR-mediated antihypertrophic effects are mediated by distinct KATP channels, with sarcKATP mediating the antihypertrophic effects of A1R activation, whereas mitoKATP activation mediates the antihypertrophic effects of both A2AR and A3R agonists.
Symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus. Disorders of language, learning, and hearing.

• Seventeen patients with symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) were studied longitudinally, with emphasis given to disorders of language, learning, and hearing. At a mean age of 5.5 years (range, 1 to 10 years), nine children (53%) performed in the retarded range. Eleven (65%) experienced sensorineural hearing loss, in three of whom it was progressive. Developmental verbal dyspraxia was documented in two children and suspected in a third. Disabilities in several areas of the learning process were exhibited by four children with normal intelligence and hearing loss. Although the effects of congenital CMV were diverse, all of the children had developmental disorders that necessitated special education. Such patients require longitudinal follow-up that includes more than tests of intelligence and hearing. All areas of development must be evaluated to appreciate the full effect of CMV encephalitis in utero. ( Am J Dis Child 1982;136:902-905)
A Metasynthesis: Mothering Other-than-Normal Children

The author used Noblit and Hare’s 1988 comparative method of synthesizing qualitative studies to address the need for collective knowledge development related to mothering other than-normal children. Twelve studies were included in a metasynthesis for a total sample of 79. The nature of the child’s disability, demographics, and methodology used varied widely. Initially, 13 common themes were extracted using reciprocal translation. Further analysis revealed 4 steps common to the mothering experience under which themes were categorized. Suggestions for application to practice include keeping in mind qualities of a supportive health professional from the mothers’perspective, encouraging mothers to challenge societal definitions of normalcy, and recognizing the significance of hope in fueling maternal caregiving.
Step-climbing ability research of a small scout wheel-track robot platform

The wheel-track robot is a new type of mobile robot combining a wheel and a track in a single component, which can quickly switch between in wheel mode and track mode. We present a small to explain the robot's working principle and operating mode; after that based on statics equation obstacle-climbing abilities are analyzed in different modes-wheel mode, track mode, wheel-tail mode and track-tail mode, from which the maximum theoretical obstacle-climbing heights and necessary torques of motors are obtained; at last, we choose three different heights of steps to wheel-track robot and its mechanical design and control system experiment, and the robot finally succeed crossing obstacles in wheel or track-tail modes. The result shows that theoretical analysis and the robot's design are reasonable. Compared with traditional wheeled robot, the wheel-track robot has a better obstacle-climbing ability.
Frequent Combination of Antimicrobial Multiresistance and Extraintestinal Pathogenicity in Escherichia coli Isolates from Urban Rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Berlin, Germany

Urban rats present a global public health concern as they are considered a reservoir and vector of zoonotic pathogens, including Escherichia coli. In view of the increasing emergence of antimicrobial resistant E. coli strains and the on-going discussion about environmental reservoirs, we intended to analyse whether urban rats might be a potential source of putatively zoonotic E. coli combining resistance and virulence. For that, we took fecal samples from 87 brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) and tested at least three E. coli colonies from each animal. Thirty two of these E. coli strains were pre-selected from a total of 211 non-duplicate isolates based on their phenotypic resistance to at least three antimicrobial classes, thus fulfilling the definition of multiresistance. As determined by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), these 32 strains belonged to 24 different sequence types (STs), indicating a high phylogenetic diversity. We identified STs, which frequently occur among extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), such as STs 95, 131, 70, 428, and 127. Also, the detection of a number of typical virulence genes confirmed that the rats tested carried ExPEC-like strains. In particular, the finding of an Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strain which belongs to a highly virulent, so far mainly human- and avian-restricted ExPEC lineage (ST95), which expresses a serogroup linked with invasive strains (O18:NM:K1), and finally, which produces an ESBL-type frequently identified among human strains (CTX-M-9), pointed towards the important role, urban rats might play in the transmission of multiresistant and virulent E. coli strains. Indeed, using a chicken infection model, this strain showed a high in vivo pathogenicity. Imagining the high numbers of urban rats living worldwide, the way to the transmission of putatively zoonotic, multiresistant, and virulent strains might not be far ahead. The unforeseeable consequences of such an emerging public health threat need careful consideration in the future.
When Supervision Is Conflated with Evaluation: Teacher Candidates’ Perceptions of Their Novice Supervisor

Preparing teachers in clinically rich contexts requires teacher educators who are skilled and knowledgeable about university coursework as well as the complexities of classrooms. Retired teachers or principals have often assumed the role of field supervisor, bringing to their work extensive practitioner knowledge but often lacking theoretical knowledge of supervision. This qualitative case study examined the first-year experience of a reassigned teacher in the formal role of supervisor in a professional development school (PDS) context by analyzing the multiple perspectives of those affected by her supervisory practices. The purpose of this article is to discuss her interns’ perspectives and the impact of her supervision on them. The findings show that this supervisor conflated the functions of supervision and evaluation, and as a result, her interns felt distress, disconnection, and disempowerment. The findings suggest that supervisors need a combination of practical and theoretical knowledge about supervision and that supervisors’ professional learning warrants attention.
Penetration in bimodal, polydisperse granular material.

We investigate the impact penetration of spheres into granular media which are compositions of two discrete size ranges, thus creating a polydisperse bimodal material. We examine the penetration depth as a function of the composition (volume fractions of the respective sizes) and impact speed. Penetration depths were found to vary between δ=0. 5D_{0} and δ=7D_{0}, which, for mono-modal media only, could be correlated in terms of the total drop height, H=h+δ, as in previous studies, by incorporating correction factors for the packing fraction. Bimodal data can only be collapsed by deriving a critical packing fraction for each mass fraction. The data for the mixed grains exhibit a surprising lubricating effect, which was most significant when the finest grains [d_{s}∼O(30) μm] were added to the larger particles [d_{l}∼O(200-500) μm], with a size ratio, ε=d_{l}/d_{s}, larger than 3 and mass fractions over 25%, despite the increased packing fraction. We postulate that the small grains get between the large grains and reduce their intergrain friction, only when their mass fraction is sufficiently large to prevent them from simply rattling in the voids between the large particles. This is supported by our experimental observations of the largest lubrication effect produced by adding small glass beads to a bed of large sand particles with rough surfaces.
Diagnosis and Management of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Systematic Review and International Consensus

This work provides a systematic review of the literature from January 2003 to April 2014 pertaining to the incidence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), and offers recommendations for its management based on multidisciplinary international consensus. ONJ is associated with oncology‐dose parenteral antiresorptive therapy of bisphosphonates (BP) and denosumab (Dmab). The incidence of ONJ is greatest in the oncology patient population (1% to 15%), where high doses of these medications are used at frequent intervals. In the osteoporosis patient population, the incidence of ONJ is estimated at 0.001% to 0.01%, marginally higher than the incidence in the general population (<0.001%). New insights into the pathophysiology of ONJ include antiresorptive effects of BPs and Dmab, effects of BPs on gamma delta T‐cells and on monocyte and macrophage function, as well as the role of local bacterial infection, inflammation, and necrosis. Advances in imaging include the use of cone beam computerized tomography assessing cortical and cancellous architecture with lower radiation exposure, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scanning, and positron emission tomography, although plain films often suffice. Other risk factors for ONJ include glucocorticoid use, maxillary or mandibular bone surgery, poor oral hygiene, chronic inflammation, diabetes mellitus, ill‐fitting dentures, as well as other drugs, including antiangiogenic agents. Prevention strategies for ONJ include elimination or stabilization of oral disease prior to initiation of antiresorptive agents, as well as maintenance of good oral hygiene. In those patients at high risk for the development of ONJ, including cancer patients receiving high‐dose BP or Dmab therapy, consideration should be given to withholding antiresorptive therapy following extensive oral surgery until the surgical site heals with mature mucosal coverage. Management of ONJ is based on the stage of the disease, size of the lesions, and the presence of contributing drug therapy and comorbidity. Conservative therapy includes topical antibiotic oral rinses and systemic antibiotic therapy. Localized surgical debridement is indicated in advanced nonresponsive disease and has been successful. Early data have suggested enhanced osseous wound healing with teriparatide in those without contraindications for its use. Experimental therapy includes bone marrow stem cell intralesional transplantation, low‐level laser therapy, local platelet‐derived growth factor application, hyperbaric oxygen, and tissue grafting. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Stability and Limit Cycle Bifurcation for Two Kinds of Generalized Double Homoclinic Loops in Planar Piecewise Smooth Systems

In this paper, we present two kinds of generalized double homoclinic loops in planar piecewise smooth systems. For their stability a criterion is provided. Under nondegenerate conditions, we prove that for each case there are at most five limit cycles which can be bifurcated from the generalized double homoclinic loop. Especially, we construct two concrete systems to show that the upper bound can be achieved in both cases.