Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationships between middle childhood outdoor experiences and an adult individual's knowledge of the environment

During the last several decades, the nature of childhood has changed. There is not much nature in it anymore. Numerous studies in environmental education, environmental psychology, and conservation psychology show that the time children spend outdoors encourages healthy physical development, enriches creativity and imagination, and enhances classroom performance. Additional research shows that people's outdoor experiences as children, and adults can lead to more positive attitudes and behavior towards the environment, along with more environmental knowledge with which to guide public policy decisions. The overall purpose of this study was to examine the effect of middle childhood (age 6-11) outdoor experiences on an individual's current knowledge of the environment. This correlational study evaluated the following potential relationships: 1) The effect of "outdoorsiness" (defined as a fondness or enjoyment of the outdoors and related activities) on an individual's environmental knowledge; 2) The effect of gender on an individual's level of outdoorsiness; 3) The effect of setting (urban, suburban, rural, farm) on an individual's level of outdoorsiness and environmental knowledge; 4) The effect of formal [science] education on an individual's level of outdoorsiness and environmental knowledge; and 5) The effect of informal, free-choice learning on an individual's level of outdoorsiness and environmental knowledge. Outdoorsiness was measured using the Natural Experience Scale (NES), which was developed through a series of pilot surveys and field-tested in this research study. Participants included 382 undergraduate students at the University of Kansas with no preference or bias given to declared or undeclared majors. The information from this survey was used to analyze the question of whether outdoor experiences as children are related in some way to an adult's environmental knowledge after accounting for other factors of knowledge acquisition such as formal education, media, and free-choice learning. Though a statistically significant positive correlation was found between an individual's NES and their level of environmental knowledge as an adult, the relationship was weak (r= .112). One-on-one interviews also were conducted with 15 individuals selected from a random sample of the 382 participants. A post-survey focus group comprised of experts from the fields of environmental science and environmental education was also conducted to discuss results from the quantitative portion of the study and provide face validity to the questionnaire.
Critical Role for Tetrahydrobiopterin Recycling by Dihydrofolate Reductase in Regulation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Coupling: Relative Importance of the de Novo Biopterin Synthesis vs. Salvage Pathways

BH2 of superoxide but reduced BH4:BH2 ratio. In cells eNOS biopterin levels, knockdown further the BH4:BH2 ratio and exacerbated eNOS uncoupling. these reveal a key role for DHFR in eNOS coupling, BH4:BH2 low total biopterin
On the Genes, Genealogies, and Geographies of Quebec

Population genetic models only provide coarse representations of real-world ancestry. We use a pedigree compiled from four million parish records and genotype data from 2,276 French and 20,451 French Canadian (FC) individuals, to finely model and trace FC ancestry through space and time. The loss of ancestral French population structure and the appearance of spatial and regional structure highlights a wide range of population expansion models. Geographic features shaped migrations throughout, and we find enrichments for migration, genetic and genealogical relatedness patterns within river networks across Quebec regions. Finally, we provide a freely accessible simulated whole-genome sequence dataset with spatiotemporal metadata for 1,426,749 individuals reflecting intricate FC population structure. Such realistic populations-scale simulations provide new opportunities to investigate population genetics at an unprecedented resolution. Lay Summary We all share common ancestors ranging from a couple generations ago to hundreds of thousands of years ago. The genetic differences between individuals today mostly depends on how closely related they are. The only problem is that the actual genealogies that relate all of us are often forgotten over time. Some geneticists have tried to come up with simple models of our shared ancestry but they don’t really explain the full, rich history of humanity. Our study uses a multi-institutional project in Quebec that has digitized parish records into a single unified genealogical database that dates back to the arrival of the first French settlers four hundred years ago. This genealogy traces the ancestry of millions of French-Canadian and we have used it to build a very high resolution genetic map. We used this genetic map to study in detail how certain historical events, and landscapes have influenced the genomes of French-Canadians today. One-Sentence Summary We present an accurate and high resolution spatiotemporal model of genetic variation in a founder population.
Burst of intracloud current pulses during the initial continuous current in a rocket‐triggered lightning flash

For a rocket‐triggered lightning flash on 2 August 2013, the measurement with one pair of broadband low‐frequency (20–400 kHz) magnetic induction coils registered a long sequence of over 600 intermittent pulses during the initial continuous current. The timescale of these pulses is about 3‐8 µs, and the typical interpulse interval is about 30 µs. The source discharges of these pulses, which are not readily detectable in the frequency range (140–300 MHz) of a short‐baseline very high frequency (VHF) lightning imaging system, are attributed to the stepping processes when the positive leader propagated into the cloud region. The reversals in the polarity of magnetic pulses are related to the variation in the vertical direction of positive leader propagation as resolved by the VHF imaging system.
Targeting Survivin in Cancer Therapy: Fulfilled Promises and Open Questions

Survivin is a bifunctional protein that acts as a suppressor of apoptosis and plays a central role in cell division. The protein is strongly expressed in the most common human neoplasms, has prognostic relevance for some of them and appears to be involved in tumor cell resistance to anticancer agents and ionizing radiation. On the basis of these findings, survivin has been proposed as an attractive target for new anticancer interventions. Several pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that down-regulation of survi-vin expression or function, accomplished by means of various strategies, reduced tumor growth potential, increased the apopto-tic rate and sensitized tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation in different human tumor models. Moreover, the first survivin inhibitors recently entered clinical trials. Recent studies suggest a possible role for survivin in regulating the function of normal adult cells. However, the expression and function of sur-vivin in normal tissues are still not well characterized and understood. Better knowledge of the role of survivin in tumor versus normal cells will be instrumental for the design of optimal strategies to selectively disrupt survivin in cancer.
Analysis of jitter due to power-supply noise in phase-locked loops

Phase-locked loops (PLL) in RF and mixed signal VLSI circuits experience supply noise which translates to a timing jitter. In this paper an analysis of the timing jitter due to the noise on the power supply rails is presented. Stochastic models of the power supply noise in VLSI circuits for different values of on-chip decoupling capacitances are presented first. This is followed by calculation of the phase noise of the voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) in terms of the statistical properties of supply noise. Finally the timing jitter of the PLL is predicted in response to the VCO phase noise. A PLL circuit has been designed in 0.35 /spl mu/m CMOS process, and our mathematical model was applied to determine the timing jitter. Experimental results prove the accuracy of the predicted model.
Local farmers' approach to soil conservation : lessons from Nigeria

This paper explores the indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) approaches to soil conservation in Nigeria. It specifically identifies various indigenous/local and modern methods employed in the process of utilizing an integrated approach to soil conservation by all stakeholders (local farmers, governmental and non-governmental organisations) to preserve the structures, water and nutrient retention and augmentation of the soil. It also reports some crucial factors associated with the utilisation of indigenous knowledge systems for soil fertility conservation by farmers. The article further presents a conceptual framework on the interrelationship between culture and the development and utilisation of local knowledge by the grassroots people. The current global campaign for the preservation of knowledge systems and the use of low-external input to stem environmental degradation inform the emphases on the need to build or improve on existing local knowledge in order to enhance meaningful and sustainable development. Keywords : Indigenous knowledge systems, soil conservation, soil fertility, indigenous approach. Indilinga Vol. 5 (1) 2006: pp. 75-86
The strength of intron donor splice sites in human genes displays a bell-shaped pattern

MOTIVATION The gene concept has recently changed from the classical one protein notion into a much more diverse picture, where overlapping or fused transcripts, alternative transcription initiation, and genes within genes, add to the complexity generated by alternative splicing. Increased understanding of the mechanisms controlling pre-mRNA splicing is thus important for a wide range of aspects relating to gene expression. RESULTS We have discovered a convex gene delineating pattern in the strength of 5' intron splice sites. When comparing the strengths of > 18,000 intron containing Human genes, we found that when analysing them separately according to the number of introns they contain, initial splice sites were always stronger on average than subsequent ones, and that a similar reversed trend exist towards the terminal gene part. The convex pattern is strongest for genes with up to 10 introns. Interestingly, when analysing the intron containing gene pool from mouse consisting of >15,000 genes, we found the convex pattern to be conserved despite > 75 million years of evolutionary divergence between the two organisms. We also analysed an interesting, novel class of chimeric genes which during spliceosome assembly are fused and in tandem are transcribed and spliced into a single mature mRNA sequence. In their splice site patterns, these genes individually seem to deviate from the convex pattern, offering a possible rationale behind their fusion into a single transcript.
Changes in DNA repair during aging

DNA is a precious molecule. It encodes vital information about cellular content and function. There are only two copies of each chromosome in the cell, and once the sequence is lost no replacement is possible. The irreplaceable nature of the DNA sets it apart from other cellular molecules, and makes it a critical target for age-related deterioration. To prevent DNA damage cells have evolved elaborate DNA repair machinery. Paradoxically, DNA repair can itself be subject to age-related changes and deterioration. In this review we will discuss the changes in efficiency of mismatch repair (MMR), base excision repair (BER), nucleotide excision repair (NER) and double-strand break (DSB) repair systems during aging, and potential changes in DSB repair pathway usage that occur with age. Mutations in DNA repair genes and premature aging phenotypes they cause have been reviewed extensively elsewhere, therefore the focus of this review is on the comparison of DNA repair mechanisms in young versus old.
Detection of pathological heart sounds

Heart sound analysis has been a major topic of research over the past few decades. However, the necessity for a large and reliable database has been a major concern in these studies. Objective: Noting that the current heart sound classification methods do not work properly for noisy signals, the PhysioNet/CinC Challenge 2016 aims to develop the heart sound classification algorithms by providing a global open database for challengers. This paper addresses the problem of heart sound classification methods within noisy real-world phonocardiogram recordings by implementing an innovative approach. Significance: After locating the fundamental heart sounds and the systolic and diastolic components, a novel method named cycle quality assessment is applied to each recording. The presented method detects those cycles which are less affected by noise and better segmented by the use of two criteria here proposed in this paper. The selected cycles are the inputs of a further feature extraction process. Approach: Due to the variability of the heart sound signal induced by various cardiac arrhythmias, four sets of features from the time, time-frequency and perceptual domains are extracted. Before starting the main classification process, the obtained 90-dimensional feature vector is mapped to a new feature space to pre-detect normal recordings by applying a Fisher’s discriminant analysis. The main classification procedure is then done based on three feed-forward neural networks and a voting system among classifiers. Main results: The presented method is evaluated using the training and hidden test sets of the PhysioNet/CinC Challenge 2016. Also, the results are compared with the top five ranked submissions. The results indicate that the proposed method is effective in classifying heart sounds as normal versus abnormal recordings.
The Gender Identity/Gender Dysphoria Questionnaire for Adolescents and Adults

The present study reports on the construction of a dimensional measure of gender identity (gender dysphoria) for adolescents and adults. The 27-item gender identity/gender dysphoria questionnaire for adolescents and adults (GIDYQ-AA) was administered to 389 university students (heterosexual and nonheterosexual) and 73 clinic-referred patients with gender identity disorder. Principal axis factor analysis indicated that a one-factor solution, accounting for 61.3% of the total variance, best fits the data. Factor loadings were all ≥ . 30 (median, .82; range, .34–.96). A mean total score (Cronbach's alpha, .97) was computed, which showed strong evidence for discriminant validity in that the gender identity patients had significantly more gender dysphoria than both the heterosexual and nonheterosexual university students. Using a cut-point of 3.00, we found the sensitivity was 90.4% for the gender identity patients and specificity was 99.7% for the controls. The utility of the GIDYQ-AA is discussed.
Junctophilin Damage Contributes to Early Force Deficits and Excitation-Contraction Coupling Failure after Performing Eccentric Contractions

JUNCTOPHILIN DAMAGE CONTRIBUTES TO EARLY FORCE DEFICITS AND EXCITATION-CONTRACTION COUPLING FAILURE AFTER PERFORMING ECCENTRIC CONTRACTIONS by Benjamin T. Corona Junctophilins (JP1 & JP2) are expressed in skeletal muscle and are the primary proteins involved in transverse (T)-tubule and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane apposition. During the performance of eccentric contractions, the apposition of T-tubule and SR membranes may be disrupted, resulting in excitation-contraction (EC) coupling failure and thus reduced force-producing capacity. In this study, we made three primary observations: 1) Through the first three days after the performance of 50 eccentric contractions in vivo by the left hindlimb anterior crural muscles of female mice, both JP1 and JP2 were significantly reduced by ~50 and 35%, respectively, while no reductions were observed after the performance of non-fatiguing concentric contractions; 2) following the performance of a repeated bout 50 eccentric contractions in vivo, only JP1 was immediately reduced (~30%) but recovered by 3d post-injury in tandem with the recovery of strength and EC coupling; and 3) following the performance of 10 eccentric contractions at either 15 or 35 C by isolated mouse EDL muscle, isometric force, EC coupling, and JP1 and JP2 were only reduced after the 35 C eccentric contractions. Regression analysis of JP1 and JP2 content in TA and EDL muscles from each set of experiments indicated that JP damage is significantly associated with early (0 – 3d) strength deficits after performing eccentric contractions (R = 0.49; P < 0.001). As a whole, the results of this study indicate that JP damage plays in role in early force deficits due to EC coupling failure following the performance of eccentric contractions. JUNCTOPHILIN DAMAGE CONTRIBUTES TO EARLY FORCE DEFICITS AND EXCITATION-CONTRACTION COUPLING FAILURE AFTER PERFORMING ECCENTRIC CONTRACTIONS by Benjamin T. Corona
In-vivo phase-dependent enhancement and suppression of brain oscillations by transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can influence human perception and behavior, with recent evidence also suggesting its potential impact in clinical settings, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Behavioral and indirect physiological evidence indicates that phase-dependent constructive and destructive interference between the tACS electric field and ongoing brain oscillations may play an important role, but direct in-vivo validation was infeasible because stimulation artifacts impeded such assessment. Using stimulation artifact source separation (SASS), a real-time compatible artifact suppression approach, we overcame this limitation and provide direct evidence for millisecond-by-millisecond phase-dependent enhancement and suppression of ongoing brain oscillations during amplitude-modulated tACS (AM-tACS) across 29 healthy human volunteers. We found that AM-tACS enhanced and suppressed targeted brain oscillations by 11.7 ± 5.14% and 10.1 ± 4.07% respectively. Millisecond-precise modulation of oscillations predicted modulation of behavior (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). These results not only provide direct evidence for constructive and destructive interference as a key mechanism of AM-tACS but suggest superiority of phase-locked (closed-loop) AM-tACS over conventional (open-loop) AM-tACS to purposefully enhance or suppress brain oscillations. Significance The presented data provide direct evidence for a key mechanism underlying neurophysiological and behavioral effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), a broadly used neuromodulation approach that yields promising clinical results but also raised controversies because of its variable effects. Our findings not only elucidate the underlying mechanisms of tACS, but also provide the rationale for closed-loop tACS protocols that will enable targeted enhancement and suppression of brain oscillations related to various brain functions such perception, memory or cognition. Towards this end, we introduce the technical prerequisites to establish millisecond-to-millisecond precise closed-loop tACS protocols that will be important to advance tACS as a neuroscientific and clinical tool, for example in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Drivers of genomic landscapes of differentiation 2 across Populus divergence gradient 3

30 Speciation, the continuous process by which new species form, is often investigated by 31 looking at the variation of nucleotide diversity and differentiation across the genome (hereafter 32 genomic landscapes). A key challenge lies in how to determine the main evolutionary forces at 33 play shaping these patterns. One promising strategy, albeit little used to date, is to comparatively 34 investigate these genomic landscapes as a progression through time by using a series of species 35 pairs along a divergence gradient. Here, we resequenced 201 whole-genomes from eight closely 36 related Populus species, with pairs of species at different stages along the speciation gradient to 37 learn more about divergence processes. Using population structure and ancestry analyses, we 38 document extensive introgression between some species pairs, especially those with parapatric 39 distributions. We further investigate genomic landscapes, focusing on within-species (nucleotide 40 diversity and recombination rate) and among-species (relative and absolute divergence) summary 41 statistics of diversity and divergence. We observe highly conserved patterns of genomic 42 divergence across species pairs. Independent of the stage across the divergence gradient, we find 43 support for signatures of linked selection (i.e., the interaction between natural selection and 44 genetic linkage) in shaping these genomic landscapes, along with gene flow and standing genetic 45 variation. We highlight the importance of investigating genomic patterns on multiple species 46 across a divergence gradient and discuss prospects to better understand the evolutionary forces 47 shaping the genomic landscapes of diversity and differentiation. 48 provide support for extensive introgression between two pairs of highly divergent overlapping distributions, P. P. also P. P. These results suggest a scenario of divergence with ongoing
To CMMI or Not to CMMI: Issues to Think About

N-cyclohexyl-formamide is reacted with sulfur monochloride in the presence of an organic hydrogen chloride acceptor to form N,N'-di(cyclohexyl)-N,N'-dithiobis(formamide), which can then be reacted with sulfuryl chloride or chlorine to form N-chlorothio-N-cyclohexyl-formamide which can then be reacted with an olefin to form a retarder having the following structural formula.
RG3487, a Novel Nicotinic (cid:1) 7 Receptor Partial Agonist, Improves Cognition and Sensorimotor Gating in Rodents

Neuronal nicotinic (cid:1) 7 acetylcholine receptors ( (cid:1) 7nAChRs) are expressed primarily in the brain and are implicated in modulat- ing many cognitive functions (e.g., attention, working and episodic memory). Not surprisingly, much effort has been commit- ted to the development of molecules acting at (cid:1) 7nAChRs as potential therapies for a variety of central nervous system dis- eases (e.g., Alzheimer’s). N- [(3 S )-1-azabicyclo[2.2. 2]oct-3-yl]-1 H -indazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride (RG3487) binds po- tently to the human (cid:1) 7nAChR ( K i (cid:1) 6 nM), in which it acts as a partial agonist (63–69% of acetylcholine) as assessed by whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in both oocytes and QM7 cell lines. RG3487 activates human (cid:1) 7nAChRs with an EC 50 of 0.8 (cid:2) M (oocytes) and 7.7 (cid:2) M (QM7 cells). RG3487 also exhibits antagonist properties at the serotonin 3 receptor [IC 50 (cid:1) 2.8 nM (oocytes), 32.7 nM (N1E-115 cells)]. In vivo, RG3487 improved object recognition memory in rats after acute [minimally effec- tive dose (MED) 1.0 mg/kg p.o. ] or repeated (10 day) administration at brain and plasma concentrations in the low-nanomo- lar range. Spatial learning deficits in age-impaired rats were reversed after RG3487 administration (MED: 0.03 mg/kg i.p.) as evaluated in the Morris water maze task. In the prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle model of sensorimotor gating, RG3487 improved apomorphine-induced deficits in PPI performance (MED: 0.03 mg/kg i.p.) and reversed phencyclidine-induced impairments in an attentional set-shifting model of executive function (MED: (cid:3) 0.03 mg/kg i.p.). Cumulative evidence from these studies indicates RG3487 is a novel and potent (cid:1) 7nAChR partial agonist that improves cognitive performance and sen- sorimotor gating.