Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overcoming barriers: engaging younger students in an online intercultural exchange

This paper reports on a small-scale project involving an online school exchange between two classes of 12-/13-year olds located in the North of England and the Ruhr area of Germany. The overarching aim of the project was to develop intercultural understanding in foreign language learning through communication in an online environment. Analysing data from website posts, lesson observations, student questionnaires and interviews, the paper investigates the extent to which the project realised this goal, and examines emerging practical and pedagogical issues. Comparing the processes and outcomes of this project in secondary education to similar projects in Higher Education (HE), the research found that the young people learnt more than older students about cultural similarities than differences. They were thus less likely to be party to cultural misunderstandings, developing friendly relationships and openness towards a people of a different culture. However, their failure to notice differences may have been due to a lack of in-depth discussion and absence of more demanding student tasks. The paper concludes that in order to develop more sophisticated intercultural learning, expertise derived from telecollaboration in HE needs to be adapted to the lower secondary school context, drawing particularly on auto-ethnography and ethnographic interviewing.
Letter: probing the consequences of potent acid inhibition by vonoprazan – authors’ reply

SIRS, We appreciate the comment of Dr Srinivas regarding our recent paper. 2 As to the first question on the CYP2C19 genotype-dependent difference in serum gastrin concentrations after vonporazan dosing, we have described our hypothesis in the discussion section. As noted in the manuscript, vonoprazan is reportedly metabolised to its inactive form mainly by CYP3A4. However, CYP2C19 is also involved in the metabolism of vonoprazan. Thus, we think that serum vonporazan levels are theoretically influenced to some extent by CYP2C19 genotypes and that the acid inhibition of vonporazan is influenced by CYP2C19 genotypic differences. Serum gastrin concentrations are well known to increase in response to acid inhibition. Consequently, serum gastrin concentrations after vonporazan dosing appear to be affected by CYP2C19 genotypes. However, intragastric pH profiles attained by vonoprazan did not differ among different CYP2C19 genotype groups in our study. As noted in our discussion, the acid inhibition attained with vonporazan is so potent that CYP2C19 genotype-dependent difference in acid inhibition cannot be detected by 24-h intragastric pH monitoring. Vonoprazan could attain intragastric pH 6–7 in rapid metabolizers of CYP2C19. Therefore, further acid inhibition expected to be attained in IMs and PMs of CYP2C19 could not be detected by the pH monitoring system. Intragastric pH monitoring system measures the pH, not gastric acid output directly. Therefore, small differences in the strong acid inhibition of CYP2C19 RMs, IMs and PMs cannot be distinguished by the pH monitoring. Moreover, at median pH around 7 (i.e. pH 5 holding time ratios close to 100%), influences of alkalinity, such as reflux of bile juice, cannot be ignored. On the other hand, serum gastrin concentration may be a sensitive marker of acid output at pH around 7, and is assumed to express small differences in acid inhibition that cannot be detected by 24-h intragastric pH monitoring. As to the second question, the acid inhibition attained with vonoprazan is more potent than any of the conventional PPIs. We have never experienced such high levels of acid inhibition as those induced by vonporazan. Although there are not any reports on the risk of hypergastrinaemia induced by vonoprazan, there is no evidence that the hypergastrinaemia induced by vonoprazan is within the safety range. Therefore we have to be careful with its use, and our experience is too short to discuss the safety of long-term use of vonoprazan. Finally, with respect to the third question, we calculated pH 6 holding time ratios and pH 7 holding time ratios with four different regimens. As a result of the limit to the number of figures, we did not show the data in our manuscript. In brief, pH 6 holding time ratios for vonoprazan 20 mg b.d. , vonoprazan 20 mg daily, esomeprazole 20 mg b.d. , and esomerpazole 20 mg daily were 85%, 74%, 69% and 39%, respectively. In the same way, pH 7 holding time ratios were 45%, 40%, 31% and 11%, respectively. The clinical relevance of pH 6 and 7 holding time ratios should be considered.
Web-based neuromuscular simulator applied to the teaching of principles of neuroscience

INTRODUCTION: The learning of core concepts in neuroscience can be reinforced by a hands-on approach, either experimental or computer-based. In this work, we present a web-based multi-scale neuromuscular simulator that is being used as a teaching aid in a campus-wide course on the Principles of Neuroscience. METHODS: The simulator has several built-in individual models based on cat and human biophysics, which are interconnected to represent part of the neuromuscular system that controls leg muscles. Examples of such elements are i) single neurons, representing either motor neurons or interneurons mediating reciprocal, recurrent and Ib inhibition; ii) afferent fibers that can be stimulated to generate spinal reflexes; iii) muscle unit models, generating force and electromyogram; and iv) stochastic inputs, representing the descending volitional motor drive. RESULTS: Several application examples are provided in the present report, ranging from studies of individual neuron responses to the collective action of many motor units controlling muscle force generation. A subset of them was included in an optional homework assignment for Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering graduate students enrolled in the course cited above at our University. Almost all students rated the simulator as a good or an excellent learning tool, and approximately 90% declared that they would use the simulator in future projects. CONCLUSION: The results allow us to conclude that multi-scale neuromuscular simulator is an effective teaching tool. Special features of this free teaching resource are its direct usability from any browser (http://remoto.leb.usp.br/), its user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) and the preset demonstrations.
Vaccine-Induced Immunogenicity and Protection Against Pneumocystis Pneumonia in a Nonhuman Primate Model of HIV and Pneumocystis Coinfection.

BACKGROUND The ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen Pneumocystis jirovecii causes pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals, and pulmonary colonization with P. jirovecii is believed to be a cofactor in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There is no vaccine for P. jirovecii; however, most adults are seropositive, indicating natural immune priming to this pathogen. We have shown that humoral response to a recombinant subunit of the P. jirovecii protease kexin (KEX1) correlates with protection from P. jirovecii colonization and pneumonia. METHODS Here we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective capacity of the recombinant KEX1 peptide vaccine in a preclinical, nonhuman primate model of HIV-induced immunosuppression and Pneumocystis coinfection. RESULTS Immunization with KEX1 induced a robust humoral response remained at protective levels despite chronic simian immunodeficiency virus/HIV-induced immunosuppression. KEX1-immunized macaques were protected from Pneumocystis pneumonia, compared with mock-immunized animals (P= .047), following immunosuppression and subsequent natural, airborne exposure to Pneumocystis CONCLUSIONS These data support the concept that stimulation of preexisting immunological memory to Pneumocystis with a recombinant KEX1 vaccine prior to immunosuppression induces durable memory responses and protection in the context of chronic, complex immunosuppression.
Quantitative Canvas Weave Analysis Using 2-D Synchrosqueezed Transforms: Application of time-frequency analysis to art investigation

Quantitative canvas weave analysis has many applications in art investigations of paintings, including dating, forensics, and canvas rollmate identification. Traditionally, canvas analysis is based on X-radiographs. Prior to serving as a painting canvas, a piece of fabric is coated with a priming agent; smoothing its surface makes this layer thicker between and thinner right on top of weave threads. These variations affect the X-ray absorption, making the weave pattern stand out in X-ray images of the finished painting. To characterize this pattern, it is customary to visually inspect small areas within the X-radiograph and count the number of horizontal and vertical weave threads; averages of these then estimate the overall canvas weave density. The tedium of this process typically limits its practice to just a few sample regions of the canvas. In addition, it does not capture more subtle information beyond weave density, such as thread angles or variations in the weave pattern. Signal processing techniques applied to art investigation are now increasingly used to develop computer-assisted canvas weave analysis tools.
ROBUST CRITICAL VALUES FOR THE JARQUE-BERA TEST FOR NORMALITY

We introduce the “sample” technique to generate robust critical values for the Jarque and Bera (JB) Lagrangian Multiplier (LM) test for normality, JBCV( 1 2 k ,k ), by using improved critical values the true size of the test approaches its nominal value. Monte Carlo methods are used to study the size, and the power of the JB normality test with the “sample” critical values and compare with three alternatives to the Jarque and Bera LM test for normality: the Urzua (1996) modification of the Jarque- Bera test, JBM; the Omnibus K2 statistic made by D’Agostino, Belanger and D’Agostino (1990), JBK; and finally the, Jarque and Bera LM test for normality by using the quantities 1 k and 2 k are the definitions of sample skewness and kurtosis JB( 1 2 k ,k ). The JBCV( 1 2 k ,k ), shows superiority as it has the right size for all samples, small, medium and large, and at the same time has the higher power.
Changes of the Determinant of Class Identification in Japan

Along with the high growth of the Japanese economy, peoples' class identification increased from relativelys “lower (class)” to “middle (class)”. About 75% of Japanese people identify themselves as “middle (class)” in 1975. However, the distribution of it has not dramatically changed since 1975.In this paper, I apply the same liner causal model to 1975, 1985, 1995 SSM male sample, in order to examine the latent change of the status determinants in these 20 years. Using the same model, I also analyzed the female sample of 1985 and 1995 SSM. This confirms the similar tendency appeared in the male sample. All of these results suggest the following conclusions.1) As Naoi (1979) and others have insisted, socio-economic status had little effect on class identification in 1970s'. 2) In 1980s', income as well as life satisfaction were the most significant determinants of class identification, though occupation and education did not have significant effects. This can be called the period of economic and subjective determinants.3) In 1990s', occupation, education, income and life satisfaction have significant effects on class identification. Consequently, R square, which was only 9.3% in 1975, rose to 18.4% in 1995. This can be called the arrival at the period of the multiple determinants of class identification.
Full-wave analysis of conical cloaking structures

Concealing an object by only covering an open space can be realized with a conical cloak. It is shown that we can not only use a conical cloak to guide the electromagnetic (EM) wave totally around an open region without introducing any scattered field, but also design one which produces the reflection exactly the same as that caused by a dielectric half space, in addition, it is demonstrated that introducing a little loss can significantly reduce the electric field distributed at the infinite side of the conical cloak, which indicate the possibility of truncating the conical cloak in axial direction and opens a path to its physical realization. Our approach provides a practical way to achieve invisibility, especially in the case where there are two half spaces composed of different media.
N‐ras protein: Frequent quantitative and qualitative changes occur in human colorectal carcinomas

Point mutation and overexpression are recognized mechanisms for ras activation in malignancy. However, little information is available on overexpression of N‐ras protein compared with H‐ or K‐ras proteins, as N‐ras‐specific antibodies have only recently become available. For comparative analyses of ras protein levels, we have probed Western blots of extracts from 9 normal human tissues and 55 pairs of colorectal carcinoma and matched control mucosa, using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for H‐, K‐ or N‐ras proteins. On multi‐tissue blots, N‐ras protein was more highly expressed in colon than in the other human tissues analyzed, suggesting a role for N‐ras in colorectal function. N‐ras protein levels in multiple independent extracts of normal colon mucosa were consistently higher than either K‐ras protein or H‐ras protein levels. In 69% of colon carcinomas, N‐ras protein levels were increased an average of 4.8‐fold over normal mucosa. Overexpression of K‐ras protein was also observed in colon cancers but less frequently (13% of cases) than N‐ras protein. H‐ras protein levels were too low for comparative studies. Alterations in N‐ras protein mobility, possibly reflecting increased post‐translational processing, were also detected in 42% of colon carcinomas. N‐ras protein, typically present as a single 23 kDa band in normal mucosa, was expressed in some cancers as a 22 kDa band or as multiple bands of 20‐23 kDa. Sequencing of N‐ras DNA from 6 carcinomas with these variations in protein mobility did not reveal mutations in codons 12, 13, 59 or 61. Thus, frequent quantitative and qualitative changes in N‐ras protein expression, which do not appear to correlate with the presence of typical N‐ras point mutations, result in abnormal N‐ras protein patterns in human colorectal carcinomas. Int. J. Cancer 71: 767‐775, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
A New Framework for Particle Detection in Low-SNR Fluorescence Live-Cell Images and Its Application for Improved Particle Tracking

Image denoising and signal enhancement are two common steps to improve particle contrast for detection in low-signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) fluorescence live-cell images. However, denoising may oversmooth features of interest, particularly weak features, leading to false negative detection. Here, we propose a robust framework for particle detection in which image denoising in the grayscale image is not needed, so avoiding image oversmoothing. A key to our approach is the new development of a particle enhancement filter based on the recently proposed particle probability image to obtain significantly enhanced particle features and greatly suppressed background in low-SNR and low-contrast environments. The new detection method is formed by combining foreground and background markers with watershed transform operating in both particle probability and grayscale spaces; dynamical switchings between the two spaces can optimally make use the information in images for accurate determination of particle position, size, and intensity. We further develop the interacting multiple mode filter for particle motion modeling and data association by incorporating the extra information obtained from our particle detector to enhance the efficiency of multiple particle tracking. We find that our methods lead to significant improvements in particle detection and tracking efficiency in fluorescence live-cell applications.
Thirty‐two year follow‐up of the first patient reported with the Floating‐Harbor syndrome

A 32‐year follow‐up of the first patient reported with the Floating‐Harbor syndrome is discussed. He has been in good overall health. His facial appearance, a hallmark of this syndrome, had remained fairly characteristic except for some changes secondary to age. While he does have mild to moderate mental retardation, he has been employed for the past 15 years. Because no laboratory tests are presently available to diagnose the Floating‐Harbor syndrome, the author recommends that the typical facial features present in the first two patients reported with this syndrome be present before the diagnosis can be made. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency.

From the Channing Laboratory and Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston (E.K.S.); and the Pulmonary Division, National Jewish Health, Denver (R.A.S.). Address reprint requests to Dr. Silverman at Channing Laboratory and Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, or at ed.silverman@channing.harvard. edu.
Distance from forest edge affects bee pollinators in oilseed rape fields

Wild pollinators have been shown to enhance the pollination of Brassica napus (oilseed rape) and thus increase its market value. Several studies have previously shown that pollination services are greater in crops adjoining forest patches or other seminatural habitats than in crops completely surrounded by other crops. In this study, we investigated the specific importance of forest edges in providing potential pollinators in B. napus fields in two areas in France. Bees were caught with yellow pan traps at increasing distances from both warm and cold forest edges into B. napus fields during the blooming period. A total of 4594 individual bees, representing six families and 83 taxa, were collected. We found that both bee abundance and taxa richness were negatively affected by the distance from forest edge. However, responses varied between bee groups and edge orientations. The ITD (Inter-Tegular distance) of the species, a good proxy for bee foraging range, seems to limit how far the bees can travel from the forest edge. We found a greater abundance of cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.) of Andrena spp. and Andrena spp. males at forest edges, which we assume indicate suitable nesting sites, or at least mating sites, for some abundant Andrena species and their parasites (Fig. 1). Synthesis and Applications. This study provides one of the first examples in temperate ecosystems of how forest edges may actually act as a reservoir of potential pollinators and directly benefit agricultural crops by providing nesting or mating sites for important early spring pollinators. Policy-makers and land managers should take forest edges into account and encourage their protection in the agricultural matrix to promote wild bees and their pollination services.
Prevalence of Dementia in an Urban Indian Population

This article reports the findings of a 3-year epidemiological survey for dementia in an urban community-resident population in Mumbai (Bombay), India, wherein the prevalence of all types of dementia was determined. Method: The study was conducted in three stages. Stage 1: From a potential pool of 30,000 subjects aged 40 years or more, 24,488 (male = 11,875; female = 12,613) persons completed self-report or interviewer-rated protocols based on the Sandoz Clinical Assessment Geriatric Scale, but 5,512 (18.37%) persons refused to participate. Scores on the protocol had a possible range from 0 through 34. Stage 2: Persons with a score +2SD above the mean were selected in this stage where the persons were screened for cognitive functioning using a modified and translated version of the Mini-Mental State Examination. Individuals who scored below the 5th percentile were included in Stage 3 and underwent a detailed neurological, psychiatric, and neuropsychological evaluation as well as hematological, radiological, electrocardiographic, and electroencephalographic investigations. Diagnoses were made jointly by a neurologist, psychiatrist, and psychologist using the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Subjects were also rated on the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale and assessed for activities of daily living. Results: One hundred five subjects with dementia (CDR ≥ 0.5) were identified in this population of 24,488 persons. The prevalence rate for dementia in those aged 40 years and more was 0.43% and for persons aged 65 and above was 2.44%. Seventy-eight individuals had a CDR of ≥ 1 yielding an overall prevalence rate of 0.32%, and a prevalence rate of 1.81% for those aged 65 years and older. The overall prevalence rate for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the population was 0.25%, and 1.5% for those aged 65 years and above. AD (n = 62;65%) was the most common cause of dementia followed by vascular dementia (n = 23;22%). There were more women (n = 38) than men (n = 24) in the AD group. Increasing age was associated with a higher prevalence of the dementia syndrome in general as well as AD specifically. Conclusion: In the population surveyed, the prevalence of AD and other dementias is less than that reported from developed countries but similar to results of other studies in India. Prevalence of the dementia syndrome increased with age and was not related to gender. AD was the most common dementia and the prevalence was higher in women than in men. Results are discussed with respect to shorter life expectancy, relocation of affected persons, and differences in the risk factors as compared to developed countries.
Performance of Comorbidity Measures to Predict Stroke and Death in a Community-Dwelling, Hypertensive Medicaid Population

Background and Purpose— The Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidities are widely used to control for differences in comorbidity in epidemiological studies but have not been validated for outpatient studies of hypertension. This study sought that validation using death and stroke outcomes. Methods— Using Cox models in a retrospective cohort study of 49 479 hypertensive patients, Modified Charlson Index was compared with 6 alternative approaches to assessing comorbidity: individual Charlson comorbidities, Elixhauser comorbidities, prior major cardiovascular disease event, traditional risk factors for cerebrovascular accident, healthcare utilization, and antihypertensive medication utilization. Comorbidity measures were calculated at baseline and for a period before occurrence of the study outcome of interest or study conclusion. Results— The Charlson comorbidities had the smallest Akaike information criterion value for both the stroke and death outcomes when baseline data were used. The Elixhauser comorbidities had the smallest Akaike information criterion value for both the stroke and death outcomes when follow-up data were used. Modified Charlson Index also predicted stroke and death, but alternative models were more robust. Conclusion— This study indicates that both the Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidities are valid prediction tools that could enable clinicians and health systems to better assess risk for stroke and death in patients with hypertension. However, the Charlson comorbidities perform better when comorbidities are assessed using baseline data, whereas the Elixhauser comorbidities perform better for short follow-up periods when comorbidities are assessed proximal to events of interest.