Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Going against the Herd: Psychological and Cultural Factors Underlying the ‘Vaccination Confidence Gap’

By far the most common strategy used in the attempt to modify negative attitudes toward vaccination is to appeal to evidence-based reasoning. We argue, however, that focusing on science comprehension is inconsistent with one of the key facts of cognitive psychology: Humans are biased information processors and often engage in motivated reasoning. On this basis, we hypothesised that negative attitudes can be explained primarily by factors unrelated to the empirical evidence for vaccination; including some shared attitudes that also attract people to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In particular, we tested psychosocial factors associated with CAM endorsement in past research; including aspects of spirituality, intuitive (vs analytic) thinking styles, and the personality trait of openness to experience. These relationships were tested in a cross-sectional, stratified CATI survey (N = 1256, 624 Females). Whilst educational level and thinking style did not predict vaccination rejection, psychosocial factors including: preferring CAM to conventional medicine (OR .49, 95% CI .36–.66), endorsement of spirituality as a source of knowledge (OR .83, 95% CI .71–.96), and openness (OR .86, 95% CI .74–.99), all predicted negative attitudes to vaccination. Furthermore, for 9 of the 12 CAMs surveyed, utilisation in the last 12 months was associated with lower levels of vaccination endorsement. From this we suggest that vaccination scepticism appears to be the outcome of a particular cultural and psychological orientation leading to unwillingness to engage with the scientific evidence. Vaccination compliance might be increased either by building general confidence and understanding of evidence-based medicine, or by appealing to features usually associated with CAM, e.g. ‘strengthening your natural resistance to disease’.
EPICOCCUM SP., AN EMERGING SOURCE OF UNIQUE BIOACTIVE METABOLITES.

Fungi are playing a vital role for producing natural products, most productive source of lead compounds in far reaching endeavor of new drug discovery. Epicoccum fungus is known for its potential to produce diverse classes of biologically active secondary metabolites. The intent of this review is to provide detailed information about biology and chemistry of Epicoccum fungus. Most of the fungus metabolites showed cytotoxic, anticancer, antimicrobial and anti-diabetic activities. The literature given encompases the details of isolation of different unusual and unique secondary metabolites, their chemical nature and biological activities find out Epicoccum spp. , a potential source of lead molecules.
ERYTHROPOIETIN TREATMENT AND PLATELET RECONSTITUTION IN BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION

Ayash et al (1994) have made a substantial contribution focusing on the possible therapeutic role of recornbinant human erythropoietin (r-Hu-EPO) after autologous bone marrow transplantation in solid tumours. In their pilot study they showed that r-Hu-EPO is capable of accelerating the erythroid reconstitution, although a reduction in the need for red blood cell transfusions was not produced. Interestingly, they also found that a subgroup of patients treated with r-Hu-EPO had an earlier neutrophil and platelet reconstitution, and a reduction in platelet requirements, when compared with a historic control group. Although the authors discussed in depth the possible role of r-Hu-EPO in megakaryocytopoiesis in vitro and in renal patients, they did not quote several published reports which have dealt with this particular aspect in bone marrow transplantation. To our knowledge, Link et al (1990) were the first authors who carried out a study to test the value of r-Hu-EPO in allogeneic and autologous bone marrow transplantation; their prel i i a r y experience showed a beneficial effect of r-Hu-EPO on erythroid reconstitution, although no effect on platelet reconstitution was reported. Locatelli et al(1992) observed a rise in platelet count in a paediatric patient who received r-Hu-EPO for treatment of erythropoietin-deficient anaemia after BMT. There are data from one retrospective trial which show that r-Hu-EPO treatment in allogeneic BMT patients is associated with a slight (although not significant) reduction in the time for platelets to reach a count > 30 x 109/1 (Vannucchi et al. 1992). Our group was the 6rst to report the results of a controlled, prospective, and randomized trial designed to study the role of r-Hu-EPO in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in leukaemia patients. r-Hu-EPO was administered intravenously (days 0-7: 100 U/kg/d; days 7-30: lSOU/kg/d). A reduced need for red blood cell transfusions was observed in patients who were treated with r-Hu-EPO (4 units v 12 units: P < 0.05). The time to achieve a platelet count > 25 x 109/1 was shorter in patients treated with r-Hu-EPO than in patients belonging to the control group (19 d v 3 1 d P < 0.05). and they received significantly fewer platelet transfusions (36 units v 138.5 units: P < 0.05). No adverse effect was noted on granulopoiesis (Steegmann et al. 1992). Recently, Locatelli et al (1993) have shown that treatment with r-Hu-EPO in children receiving allogeneic BMT was associated with an earlier erythroid engraftment and with a lower number of platelet transfusions. Taking all these experiences in account, the hypothesis which envisages a stimulatory effect of pharmacological doses of r-Hu-EPO on megakaryopoiesis seems to be plausible. Larger trials are now being carried out and perhaps they will clarify the value of r-Hu-EPO after bone marrow transplantation. Haemutology Department, J . L. STEEGMANN Hospital de la Princesa, Madrid, J. LOPEZ Spain J . M. FERNANDEZ-RANADA F. CASADO
Vector constraints on western U.S. deformation from space geodesy, neotectonics, and plate motions

The rate-of-slip vector on the San Andreas fault in central California estimated from geodetic and Holocene geological data (34 ± 3 mm/yr, N41°W ± 2°) is inconsistent with the prediction of rigid plate models such as RM2 (56 ± 3 mm/yr, N35°W ± 2°). This well-known “San Andreas discrepancy” is diagnostic of plate deformation distributed both east of the fault in the Basin and Range and west of the fault along the California continental margin. We construct constraints on the integrated deformation rates across these two regions consistent with (1) the kinematical boundary conditions imposed by the rigid plate model, (2) neotectonic and paleoseismic estimates of deformation rates, (3) ground-based geodetic measurements, and (4) rates of change observed by very long baseline interferometry along seven baselines to western U.S. sites. The space-geodetic data on Basin and Range extension taken over a 4-year interval are compatible with geological observations averaged over the Holocene; the best estimate of its integrated deformation rate, provided by the joint inversion of both data types, is 9.7 ± 2.1 mm/yr, N56°W ±10°, too small and in the wrong direction to account entirely for the San Andreas discrepancy. We therefore attribute much of it to deformation west of the Sierra Nevada-Great Valley block accommodated, for example, on faults such as the San Gregorio-Hosgri system of coastal California. The integral of this deformation, estimated by subtracting the Basin and Range contribution from the discrepancy vector, requires significant right-lateral shear parallel to the San Andreas (13 ± 5 mm/yr) and some compression perpendicular to it (9 ± 3 mm/yr).
Corynebacterium glutamicum promoters: a practical approach

Transcription initiation is the key step in gene expression in bacteria, and it is therefore studied for both theoretical and practical reasons. Promoters, the traffic lights of transcription initiation, are used as construction elements in biotechnological efforts to coordinate ‘green waves’ in the metabolic pathways leading to the desired metabolites. Detailed analyses of Corynebacterium glutamicum promoters have already provided large amounts of data on their structures, regulatory mechanisms and practical capabilities in metabolic engineering. In this minireview the main aspects of promoter studies, the methods developed for their analysis and their practical use in C. glutamicum are discussed. These include definitions of the consensus sequences of the distinct promoter classes, promoter localization and characterization, activity measurements, the functions of transcriptional regulators and examples of practical uses of constitutive, inducible and modified promoters in biotechnology. The implications of the introduction of novel techniques, such as in vitro transcription and RNA sequencing, to C. glutamicum promoter studies are outlined.
Complexities in GIS Construction and Spatial Knowledge Production in Dane County, Wisconsin

The process of GIS spatial knowledge production within planning organizations is quite complex. Drawing from implementation and diffusion studies and GIS and Society literature, this study aims to examine GIS construction by Dane County in Wisconsin as a process that is shaped by the societal mores, institutional norms, and political conditions, as well as the internal organizational environment. This article specifically focuses on the role of the LIO (Land Information Office) that acts as the central coordinator of GIS activities in Dane County. This study examines the implications of establishing a central GIS unit on the overall GIS functions of Dane County. It also explores the role of external contextual factors beyond the confines of an organization that shape the role of the LIO office as the central GIS coordinator and its repercussions on the county's overall GIS and spatial knowledge production. We contend that an organization's GIS spatial knowledge production is shaped by the internal and external contextual environment, especially the political atmosphere and representation of departments or department heads requiring GIS assistance which in turn influence inter- departmental dissemination of GIS and spatial technologies.
EgyCD Visualization for Code Clones

This research presents a new visualization for code clones using EgyCD code clone detector which is based on sequential pattern mining. EgyCD presents a new graph design in which no lines has been drawn, this simplify the graph, no need for the lines since the main objective is to ease the manual management. EgyCD is independent in its visualization in which no graph tools are required for visualizing its code clones, finally supports a very nice way to ease the manual code clone management by the user.
Physicochemical investigation of the drinking water sources from Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

In Pakistan, the quality of drinking water is not properly managed and various studies provide evidence that most of the drinking-water sources are contaminated. In this study, 39 water samples were collected from open wells, hand pumps and public water supply schemes of the highly populated 13 union councils from the urban area of district Mardan, to find out their suitability for drinking purposes. These were investigated for various chemical parameters including sulfate (SO ), fluoride (F), chloride (Cl), ), nitrate (NO ), 43 sodium (Na), potassium (K), iron (Fe) and arsenic (As), using standard methods of analysis recommended by American Public Health Association (APHA). The results of various parameters showed variations from the WHO and Pakistan recommended standard values for drinking water. The Na of 15%, SO of 13% and Cl of 4 2- - 2% samples were found high than the WHO/Pakistan recommended values for drinking water. Geological strata of the area, surrounding pollution sources, age, poor construction and maintenance were found to be the key factors responsible for water quality deterioration of the various water sources. The usage of house hold sand filter and innovative bio-sand filter may be successfully applied as low cost techniques to get clean and safe drinking water.
[Effect of Panax notoginseng saponins on expressions of MMP-13 and TIMP-1 in rats with hepatic fibrosis].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 and its tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis rats, and explore the possible mechanism of PNS's effect against hepatic fibrosis. METHOD The rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: the normal group, the model group, PNS (50, 100, 200 mg x kg(-1)) treatment groups and the Col (0.1 mg x kg(-1)) group. Apart from the normal group, all of the remaining groups were subcutaneously injected with CCl4 twice a week for 18 weeks, in order to establish the hepatic fibrosis rat model. Since the 9th weeks, each treatment group was orally administered with corresponding drugs, and the normal group and the model group were orally administered with equal volume of normal saline for 10 weeks. After the end of the experiment, liver and spleen indexes were calculated; the levels of serum ALT and AST were measured by chromatometry. Liver tissues were collected to detect the pathological alteration HE staining; protein expressions of MMP-13 and TIMP-1 were determined with immuninochemistry. Moreover, MMP-13 and TIMP-1 mRNA expressions was detected by RT-PCR technology. RESULT Compared with the model group, PNS (100, 200 mg x kg(-1)) significantly mitigated hepatic fibrosis in rats, reduced liver and spleen indexes, ALT and AST contents in serum, and TIMP-1 expression, and notably increased MMP-13 expression in rats with hepatic fibrosis. CONCLUSION P. notoginseng saponins have certain protective effect in rats with hepatic fibrosis. Its mechanism is related to up-regulating MMP-3, inhibiting TIMP-1 expression and improving collagen degradation.
From procedural to object-oriented programming (OOP) - an exploratory study of teachers' performance

This exploratory study of introductory pre- and in-service teachers’ performance in object-oriented programming (OOP) assessments reveals important issues with regard to learning and teaching OOP, using Java. The study is set against the backdrop of the country’s transition of its national IT curriculum from a procedural to an object-oriented programming language. The effect of prior programming experience and performances in different types of questions are examined. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods is used to analyse the data. The effect of prior programming experience of a procedural kind and the type of assessments given is shown to have a marked influence on the performance in programming assessments and teaching of OOP. Many introductory OOP courses are in effect taught procedurally as courses in the small. Therefore educating teachers how to teach programming is an important educational challenge. Some implications for teaching are therefore suggested.
Animated paper: a moving prototyping platform

We have developed a novel prototyping method that utilizes animated paper, a versatile platform created from paper and shape memory alloy (SMA), which is easy to control using a range of different energy sources from sunlight to lasers. We have further designed a laser point tracking system to improve the precision of the wireless control system by embedding retro-reflective material on the paper to act as light markers. It is possible to change the movement of paper prototypes by varying where to mount the SMA or how to heat it, creating a wide range of applications.
Mechanical Disturbance of Microbiotic Crusts Affects Ecohydrological Processes in a Region of Revegetation-fixed Sand Dunes

ABSTRACT Microbiotic crusts (MC), also called biological soil crusts or cryptogamic crusts, are formed by cyanobacteria, fungi, blue-green algae, lichens, and mosses, and are widespread in arid and semiarid zones such as the area of sands fixed in place by revegetation near Shapotou at the southeastern edge of China's Tengger Desert. We studied mechanically disturbed and 40-year-old intact MC in this area using a series of soil hydrological experiments and ecological investigations to examine the ecohydrological responses after mechanical disturbance of the MC. Once the MC was disturbed, the MC layer became ore primitive or disappeared entirely, resulting in a 32.8% decrease in the fine particles content of the upper soil layers, a 28.7% increase in soil albedo and a 168.9% decrease in the topsoil's water-retention capacity. These changes greatly altered soil hydrological processes in the disturbed soils: the steady-state infiltration rates in the upper soil layer increased by 693%, the precipitation recharge layer deepened, and the surface evaporation rate decreased by 20.3%. Moreover, the disturbance increased storage of plant-available water in the herbaceous rooting zone and improved the environment for germination and subsequent growth of annual herb species, as shown by a notable increase in the coverage, density, frequency, and biomass of annual plants. We conclude that MC represent a major component of Shapotou's regional ecosystem and that disturbance will significantly alter local ecohydrological processes.
Air−Soil Exchange of Organochlorine Pesticides in Agricultural Soils. 1. Field Measurements Using a Novel in Situ Sampling Device

Initial results are presented for in situ measurements of soil−air partitioning for a range of organochlorine (OC) pesticides in two contaminated agricultural soils. A soil survey was conducted and used to identify high levels of several OC pesticides in two regions of southern Ontario that are known for their intensive agriculture, the Tobacco Belt and the Holland Marsh. Experiments were conducted at one field in each region by sampling air very close to the soil surface using a disc-shaped sampler. The equilibrium status of the sampled air was tested by comparing the chiral signature of the soil with the signature in air sampled by the device and ambient air. Although results showed that 104% of trans-chlordane (TC) and 96% of cis-chlordane (CC) in the air under the sampler originated from the soil, the propagated errors in these results (34% SD for TC and 26% SD for CC) are too large to provide conclusive evidence for equilibrium. Therefore, a soil−air quotient (QSA) is reported here instead of the soi.
Key predistribution for homogeneous wireless sensor networks with group deployment of nodes

Recent literature contains proposals for key predistribution schemes for sensor networks in which nodes are deployed in separate groups. In this article we consider the implications of group deployment for the connectivity and resilience of a key predistribution scheme. We propose a flexible scheme, based on the structure of a resolvable transversal design. We demonstrate that this scheme permits effective trade-offs between resilience, connectivity and storage requirements within a group-deployed environment as compared with other schemes in the literature, and show that group deployment can be used to increase network connectivity, without increasing storage requirements or sacrificing resilience.
The Biological Functions of T Helper 17 Cell Effector Cytokines in Inflammation

T helper 17 (Th17) cells belong to a recently identified T helper subset, in addition to the traditional Th1 and Th2 subsets. These cells are characterized as preferential producers of interleukin-17A (IL-17A), IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22. Th17 cells and their effector cytokines mediate host defensive mechanisms to various infections , especially extracellular bacteria infections, and are involved in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. The receptors for IL-17 and IL-22 are broadly expressed on various epithelial tissues. The effector cytokines of Th17 cells, therefore, mediate the crucial crosstalk between immune system and tissues, and play indispensable roles in tissue immunity. Introduction The T helper 1 (Th1) cell and Th2 cell paradigm, first proposed by Mosmann and Coffman, has been used to explain how hosts elicit different adaptive immune responses to eradicate the evasion of various pathogens (Glimcher and Murphy, 2000; Mosmann and Coffman, 1989). Upon first encounter of foreign antigens presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), naı¨ve CD4 + T cells can differentiate into either interferon-g (IFN-g)-producing Th1 cells or IL-4-producing Th2 cells, and this differentiation is largely controlled by various environmental factors, especially by signals coming directly from APCs (Glimcher and Murphy, 2000). Proper T helper cell responses are essential for the hosts to orchestrate sufficient defensive mechanisms to control infections. For example, Th1 cells enhance the cellular immunity against virus or intracellular pathogens, such as Leishmania major (Sacks and Noben-Trauth, 2002), whereas Th2 cells are important for humoral immunity and control of helminth infections (Anthony et al., 2007). Uncontrolled and persistent effector T cell responses, however , can drive the onset of autoimmunity, allergy, or atopy. Evidence from clinical observations and from studies on experimental animals supports the idea that uncontrolled Th2 cell responses , as well downstream cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, are underlying the development of atopic diseases, such as asthma (Cohn et al., 2004). In addition, abnormal Th1 cell responses have been demonstrated to mediate, at least in part, many other autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Bouma and Strober, 2003; Lowes et al., 2007). It has also become clear, however, that many complicated pathological situations cannot be simply explained by the Th1 cell and Th2 cell paradigm. Efforts to resolve these issues in recent years have resulted in the discovery of many new T helper cell subsets, including Treg cell and Th17 cell subsets (see commentary by Locksley [2008], in this issue …
β4 integrin activates a Shp2–Src signaling pathway that sustains HGF-induced anchorage-independent growth

Despite being a cell–matrix adhesion molecule, β4 integrin can prompt the multiplication of neoplastic cells dislodged from their substrates (anchorage-independent growth). However, the molecular events underlying this atypical behavior remain partly unexplored. We found that activation of the Met receptor for hepatocyte growth factor results in the tyrosine phosphorylation of β4, which is instrumental for integrin-mediated recruitment of the tyrosine phosphatase Shp2. Shp2 binding to β4 enhances the activation of Src, which, in turn, phosphorylates the multiadaptor Gab1 predominantly on consensus sites for Grb2 association, leading to privileged stimulation of the Ras–extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) cascade. This signaling axis can be inhibited by small interfering RNA–mediated β4 depletion, by a β4 mutant unable to bind Shp2, and by pharmacological and genetic inhibition of Shp2 or Src. Preservation of the β4 docking sites for Shp2 as well as the integrity of Shp2, Src, or ERK activity are required for the β4-mediated induction of anchorage-independent growth. These results unravel a novel pathway whereby β4 directs tyrosine kinase–based signals toward adhesion-unrelated outcomes.