Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Beneficial effects of losartan or telmisartan on the local hepatic renin-angiotensin system to counter obesity in an experimental model

BACKGROUND Obesity has been associated with hepatic overexpression of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). AIM To evaluate the action of two angiotensin II (ANGII) receptor blockers (losartan or telmisartan) on the modulation of local hepatic RAS and the resulting metabolic effects in a diet-induced obesity murine model. METHODS Twenty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two nutritional groups for 10 wk: control group (C, n = 5, 10% of energy as fat) or high-fat group (HF, n = 15, 50% of energy as fat). After treatment started, the HF group was randomly divided into three groups: untreated HF group (n = 5), HF treated with losartan (HFL, n = 5) and HF treated with telmisartan (HFT, n = 5). The treatments lasted for 5 wk, and the dose was 10 mg/kg body mass. RESULTS HF diet induced body mass gain (+28%, P < 0.0001), insulin resistance (+69%, P = 0.0079), high hepatic triacylglycerol (+127%, P = 0.0004), and overexpression of intrahepatic angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 1/ ANGII type 1 receptor (AT1r) (+569.02% and +141.40%, respectively, P < 0.0001). The HFL and HFT groups showed higher ACE2/rMAS gene expression compared to the HF group (ACE2: +465.57%, P = 0.0002 for HFL and +345.17%, P = 0.0049 for HFT; rMAS: +711.39%, P < 0.0001 for HFL and +539.75%, P < 0.0001 for HFT), followed by reduced insulin/glucose ratio (-30% for HFL and -33% for HFT, P = 0.0181), hepatic triacylglycerol levels (-28%, P = 0.0381 for HFL; and -45%, P = 0.0010 for HFT, and Plin2 expression. CONCLUSION Modulation of the intrahepatic RAS, with favored involvement of the ACE2/rMAS axis over the ACE1/AT1r axis after losartan or telmisartan treatments, caused hepatic and metabolic beneficial effects as demonstrated by reduced hepatic triacylglycerol levels coupled with reduced PLIN 2 expression and improved glycemic control.
Involvement of the Inconstant Bursa of the Fifth Metatarsophalangeal Joint in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Clinical and Ultrasonographic Study

Objective. To evaluate the involvement of the bursa located next to the head of the 5th metatarsal bone in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in comparison with the other seronegative spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods. All patients with PsA seen during a period of 24 months were enrolled. The control group included healthy subjects and patients with the other SpA. All subjects underwent clinical and ultrasound (US) examination of the lateral surface of the 5th metatarsal. Results. 150 PsA patients (88 M; 62 F), 172 SpA (107 M; 65 F), and 95 healthy controls (58 M; 37 F) were evaluated. Based on clinical and US evaluation, bursitis was diagnosed in 17/150 (11.3%) PsA patients but in none of the SpA (P < 0.0001) and healthy (P = 0.0002) controls. In detecting bursitis, US was more sensitive than clinical examination, although the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.09). Conclusion. The bursa of the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint appears to be involved in PsA more frequently than by chance. If confirmed by other studies, this finding could be considered as a distinctive clinical sign of PsA, useful for differential diagnosis with the other SpA. In asymptomatic patients, US proved to be more sensitive in the detection of bursitis.
Dual enrollment's influence on the socialization of students as future college students: a grounded theory study

This qualitative grounded theory study explored how the dual enrollment (DE) experience influenced the socialization of students to become future college students at a small, rural two-year college. The researcher interviewed 40 students within one year of completing DE courses through the college. The population included students who passed and did not pass their DE courses, enrolled in college and did not enroll in college, and who had completed their DE coursework in one or more of three delivery modes: concurrently in the high school, online from the college, and on the college campus. The study found the DE experience did affect participants’ socialization as future college students, largely due to their interactions with teachers, other students, and the environment. In addition, their ability to complete college-level coursework affected their self-efficacy. The students viewed DE as a “transition” to college and recognized it was not “the full college experience. ” They also identified increased autonomy as part of becoming a college student. Differences among the three delivery modes existed, with the online format having the smallest effect on students’ socialization. This grounded theory study followed a constructivist approach; therefore, the resultant theory has been influenced by the interpretations of the researcher.
Student Teachers’ Professional Identity: Research in the Republic of Serbia

Building professional identities of student teachers at the beginning of their vocational education and professional training provides opportunities to explore diversity of practice and provide external support. In the available literature, there is only a small number of studies that explore the professional identity of pre-service and student teachers. The main problem of this research is to examine self-reported attitudes toward student teachers’ professional identity dimensions. The second aim of the presented study was examining the reliability and concurrent validity of the Student Teachers Professional Identity Scale (Fisherman & Abbot, 1998), which was used for the first time in Serbia. The initial sample of respondents consisted of 158 students from the Faculty of Pedagogical Sciences. Results indicate that university students perceive teaching roles more as a specific job and not as a profession. They are goal-directed towards their job as teachers and perceive their practice as a part of their studies and not as a result of their professional identity development as teachers. The mentioned scale (for one-factor solution with the satisfactory criterion of confirmatory factor analysis) obtained very good reliability (α = .935) and concurrent validity indicators and values. Researching professional identity at early career stages can help educators to emphasize the multidimensionality and complexity of the teaching profession.
Associative Long-Term Depression in the Hippocampus Is Dependent on Postsynaptic N-Type Ca2+ Channels

Long-term depression (LTD) is a form of synaptic plasticity that can be induced either by low-frequency stimulation of presynaptic fibers or in an associative manner by asynchronous pairing of presynaptic and postsynaptic activity. We investigated the induction mechanisms of associative LTD in CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and Ca2+ imaging in acute brain slices. Asynchronous pairing of postsynaptic action potentials with EPSPs evoked with a delay of 20 msec induced a robust, long-lasting depression of the EPSP amplitude to 43%. Unlike LTD induced by low-frequency stimulation, associative LTD was resistant to the application ofd-AP-5, indicating that it is independent of NMDA receptors. In contrast, associative LTD was inhibited by (S)-α-methyl-4-carboxyphenyl-glycine, indicating the involvement of metabotropic glutamate receptors. Furthermore, associative LTD is dependent on the activation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels by postsynaptic action potentials. Both nifedipine, an L-type Ca2+ channel antagonist, and ω-conotoxin GVIA, a selective N-type channel blocker, abolished the induction of associative LTD. 8-hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin (OH-DPAT), a 5-HT1Areceptor agonist, inhibited postsynaptic Ca2+ influx through N-type Ca2+ channels, without affecting presynaptic transmitter release. OH-DPAT also inhibited the induction of associative LTD, suggesting that the involvement of N-type channels makes synaptic plasticity accessible to modulation by neurotransmitters. Thus, the modulation of N-type Ca2+ channels provides a gain control for synaptic depression in hippocampal pyramidal neurons.
Enhancing higher-order thinking skills using discovery learning model’s on acid-base pH material

This study aims to describe the practicality, effectiveness and effect size of the discovery learning model in enhancing students’ higher-order thinking skills. Population in this research is all student of class X in senior high school in Metro, Indonesia. The method in this research is pre-experimental design with one group pretest-posttest design. Sampling was chosen randomly by cluster random sampling technique to get 2 experimental class that is class X.5 and X.8 which was treated by using learning model of discovery learning. The results showed that the implementation of the discovery learning model and the ability of teachers in managing the learning of “high” category, the response and the student activity during the learning category is “very high”. The students’ high-order thinking skills in both experimental classes increased with respect to the average n-Gain obtained, which was categorized as “medium”. The discovery learning model has an effect on the improvement of students’ higher-order thinking skills, as evidenced by the result of effect size test that is “high” in both experiment class. The results of this study can be concluded that the discovery learning model on acid-base pH material is practical, effective and has a large effect size in enhancing students high-order thinking skills.This study aims to describe the practicality, effectiveness and effect size of the discovery learning model in enhancing students’ higher-order thinking skills. Population in this research is all student of class X in senior high school in Metro, Indonesia. The method in this research is pre-experimental design with one group pretest-posttest design. Sampling was chosen randomly by cluster random sampling technique to get 2 experimental class that is class X.5 and X.8 which was treated by using learning model of discovery learning. The results showed that the implementation of the discovery learning model and the ability of teachers in managing the learning of “high” category, the response and the student activity during the learning category is “very high”. The students’ high-order thinking skills in both experimental classes increased with respect to the average n-Gain obtained, which was categorized as “medium”. The discovery learning model has an effect on the improvement of students’ higher-order thi.
Can Asperger syndrome be distinguished from autism? An anatomic likelihood meta-analysis of MRI studies.

BACKGROUND The question of whether Asperger syndrome can be distinguished from autism has attracted much debate and may even incur delay in diagnosis and intervention. Accordingly, there has been a proposal for Asperger syndrome to be subsumed under autism in the forthcoming Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, in 2013. One approach to resolve this question has been to adopt the criterion of absence of clinically significant language or cognitive delay--essentially, the "absence of language delay. " To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of people with autism to compare absence with presence of language delay. It capitalizes on the voxel-based morphometry (VBM) approach to systematically explore the whole brain for anatomic correlates of delay and no delay in language acquisition in people with autism spectrum disorders. METHODS We conducted a systematic search for VBM MRI studies of grey matter volume in people with autism. Studies with a majority (at least 70%) of participants with autism diagnoses and a history of language delay were assigned to the autism group (n = 151, control n = 190). Those with a majority (at least 70%) of individuals with autism diagnoses and no language delay were assigned to the Asperger syndrome group (n = 149, control n = 214). We entered study coordinates into anatomic likelihood estimation meta-analysis software with sampling size weighting to compare grey matter summary maps driven by Asperger syndrome or autism. RESULTS The summary autism grey matter map showed lower volumes in the cerebellum, right uncus, dorsal hippocampus and middle temporal gyrus compared with controls; grey matter volumes were greater in the bilateral caudate, prefrontal lobe and ventral temporal lobe. The summary Asperger syndrome map indicated lower grey matter volumes in the bilateral amygdala/hippocampal gyrus and prefrontal lobe, left occipital gyrus, right cerebellum, putamen and precuneus compared with controls; grey matter volumes were greater in more limited regions, including the bilateral inferior parietal lobule and the left fusiform gyrus. Both Asperger syndrome and autism studies reported volume increase in clusters in the ventral temporal lobe of the left hemisphere. LIMITATIONS We assigned studies to autism and Asperger syndrome groups for separate analyses of the data and did not carry out a direct statistical group comparison. In addition, studies available for analysis did not capture the entire spectrum, therefore we cannot be certain that our findings apply to a wider population than that sampled. CONCLUSION Whereas grey matter differences in people with Asperger syndrome compared with controls are sparser than those reported in studies of people with autism, the distribution and direction of differences in each category are distinctive.
ANTECEDENTS OF INTERNET USE AMONG BRAZILIAN INFORMATION SYSTEMS STUDENTS

Data gathered from 336 information systems students of a university located in the city of Rio de Janeiro was used to test the use of microcomputers in teaching Information Technology and the effect of this on the students’ level of Internet use. Three motivators were investigated: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment in using microcomputers. The results reinforced previous studies that suggested that the three motivators were interrelated. The students in this research considered usefulness of microcomputers the most important motivator. Perceived ease of use was the only motivator with a significant direct effect on students’ level of Internet use. The students’ sex, whether their job already involved activities related to computer technology, and their dedication to his/her studies were the three demographic variables which had significant direct effects on Internet use as an aid and complement for learning activities.
A Weak Gravitational Lensing Analysis of Abell 2390

We report on the detection of dark matter in the cluster Abell 2390 using the weak gravitational distortion of background galaxies. We find that the cluster light and total mass distributions are quite similar over an angular scale of $\simeq 7^\prime \;(1 \Mpc$). The cluster galaxy and mass distributions are centered on the cluster cD galaxy and exhibit elliptical isocontours in the central $\simeq 2^\prime \; (280 \kpc)$. The major axis of the ellipticity is aligned with the direction defined by the cluster cD and a ``straight arc'' located $\simeq 38^{\prime\prime}$ to the northwest. We determined the radial mass-to-light profile for this cluster and found a constant value of $(320 \pm 90) h\; M_\odot/L_{\odot V}$, which is consistent with other published determinations. We also compared our weak lensing azimuthally averaged radial mass profile with a spherical mass model proposed by the CNOC group on the basis of their detailed dynamical study of the cluster. We find good agreement between the two profiles, although there are weak indications that the CNOC density profile may be falling more steeply for $\theta\geq 3^\prime$ $(420\kpc)$.
Dysfunctions in brain networks supporting empathy: An fMRI study in adults with autism spectrum disorders

The present study aimed at identifying dysfunctions in brain networks that may underlie disturbed empathic behavior in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). During functional magnetic resonance imaging, subjects were asked to identify the emotional state observed in a facial stimulus (other-task) or to evaluate their own emotional response (self-task). Behaviorally, ASD subjects performed equally to the control group during the other-task, but showed less emotionally congruent responses in the self-task. Activations in brain regions related to theory of mind were observed in both groups. Activations of the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) were located in dorsal subregions in ASD subjects and in ventral areas in control subjects. During the self-task, ASD subjects activated an additional network of frontal and inferior temporal areas. Frontal areas previously associated with the human mirror system were activated in both tasks in control subjects, while ASD subjects recruited these areas during the self-task only. Activations in the ventral MPFC may provide the basis for one's “emotional bond” with other persons' emotions. Such atypical patterns of activation may underlie disturbed empathy in individuals with ASD. Subjects with ASD may use an atypical cognitive strategy to gain access to their own emotional state in response to other people's emotions.
Enhancing Different Ethnicity Science Process Skills: Problem-Based Learning through Practicum and Authentic Assessment

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a constructivist learning with the potential to enhance students' science process skill. The implementation of PBL has revealed many advantages; however, a free exploration from a highly complex environment may result in a heavier workload of memory. Accordingly, practicum method can be used to overcome the shortcomings of PBL with the support of authentic assessment. This research aimsed to investigate the effect of PBL through practicum supported by authentic assessment, PBL, and conventional learning on science process skills of Dayak and Malay students in Animal Physiology lectures. The research used a quasi-experimental research design with a pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design with 3 x 2 factorial design. Data collection involved a science process skill test. The data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially with ANCOVA. Significant differences between groups were assessed with LSD test. The result showed that the learning model influenced students' science process skill. The PBL model implemented through a practicum and supported with authentic assessment was the most influential being significantly different to both PBM model and conventional learning. Ethnicity did not significantly affect the students' science process skill. There was no interaction between learning model and ethnicity toward students' science process skill.
How Guyana’s Oil Discovery Rekindled a Border Controversy

abstract:The Guyana-Venezuela border controversy has remained an ever-present element overshadowing the relations between the two countries. While the controversy dates back to the late 1400s, the subject has gained increased prominence since Guyana’s independence in 1966. Given the interest in how oil influences intra-country conflict, this paper’s overarching goal is to examine how Guyana’s discovery of oil impacted its relationship with Venezuela. For the purposes of this study, the archives of the state-owned Guyana Chronicle were coded into a 21-element classification system that allowed for the general themes and moments in changing relations between the two countries to be captured. The pre-oil discovery period was dominated by diplomacy, while the post-oil discovery period was dominated by the border controversy and an ongoing political crisis in Venezuela. A Venezuelan decree, asserting its claim to over two-thirds of Guyanese territory and issued immediately after Guyana announced finding oil, triggered tensions over the border. However, both the decree and the ensuing tensions appeared to have been used to divert attention away from the Venezuelan internal political crisis.resumen:La controversia fronteriza entre Guyana y Venezuela ha seguido siendo un elemento omnipresente que eclipsa las relaciones entre los dos países. Si bien la controversia se remonta a fines de 1400, el tema ha cobrado mayor importancia desde la independencia de Guyana en 1966. Dado el interés en cómo el petróleo influye en el conflicto intra-nacional, el objetivo principal de este documento es examinar cómo el descubrimiento de petróleo por Guyana impactó su relación con Venezuela. Los archivos del periódico estatal Guyana Chronicle se codificaron en un sistema de clasificación de 21 elementos que permitieron capturar los temas generales y los momentos de las relaciones cambiantes entre los dos países. Los resultados de la clasificación se utilizaron para comparar las relaciones entre Guyana y Venezuela en los períodos de descubrimiento anterior y posterior al petróleo y mostraron distintos momentos de cambio en las relaciones entre los dos estados. El período previo al descubrimiento del petróleo estuvo dominado por la diplomacia, mientras que el período posterior al descubrimiento del petróleo estuvo dominado por la controversia fronteriza y la crisis política en curso en Venezuela. Un decreto venezolano, que afirma sus derechos sobre más de dos tercios del territorio guyanés, y se emitió inmediatamente después de que Guyana anunciara la búsqueda de petróleo, provocó tensiones en la frontera. Sin embargo, el decreto y las consiguientes tensiones en la frontera parecían haber sido utilizados para desviar la atención de la crisis política interna venezolana.
Cross-correlations between volume change and price change

In finance, one usually deals not with prices but with growth rates R, defined as the difference in logarithm between two consecutive prices. Here we consider not the trading volume, but rather the volume growth rate R̃, the difference in logarithm between two consecutive values of trading volume. To this end, we use several methods to analyze the properties of volume changes |R̃|, and their relationship to price changes |R|. We analyze 14,981 daily recordings of the Standard and Poor's (S & P) 500 Index over the 59-year period 1950–2009, and find power-law cross-correlations between |R| and |R̃| by using detrended cross-correlation analysis (DCCA). We introduce a joint stochastic process that models these cross-correlations. Motivated by the relationship between |R| and |R̃|, we estimate the tail exponent α̃ of the probability density function P(|R̃|) ∼ |R̃|−1−α̃ for both the S & P 500 Index as well as the collection of 1819 constituents of the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index on 17 July 2009. As a new method to estimate α̃, we calculate the time intervals τq between events where R̃ > q. We demonstrate that τ̃q, the average of τq, obeys τ̃q ∼ qα̃. We find α̃ ≈ 3. Furthermore, by aggregating all τq values of 28 global financial indices, we also observe an approximate inverse cubic law.