Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Academic Writing for Graduate-Level English as a Second Language Students: Experiences in Education.

Graduate-level ESL students in Education are future multicultural educators and promising role models for our diverse K-12 students. However, many of these students struggle with academic English and, in particular, writing. Yet little research or program development addresses the specific writing-support needs of this group. This article shares curriculum development for an Academic Writing Seminar serving linguistically diverse graduate students in Education. It reports on a study of the student backgrounds, writing experiences, writing selfefficacy, and instructional feedback preferences. Most participants had low writing self-efficacy and an eagerness to receive detailed feedback on grammar and mechanics in their writing. Problems in their writing were similar to common issues in college writing, but the participants expressed a distinct willingness to share their work for peer editing and conferences. Further research is needed on ways to mobilize such strengths and provide targeted writing support for ESL graduate students in Education.
The caspase-3 inhibitor (peptide Z-DEVD-FMK) affects the survival and function of platelets in platelet concentrate during storage

Background Although apoptosis occurs in nucleated cells, studies show that this event also occurs in some anucleated cells such as platelets. During storage of platelets, the viability of platelets decreased, storage lesions were observed, and cells underwent apoptosis. We investigated the effects of caspase-3 inhibitor on the survival and function of platelets after different periods of storage. Methods Platelet concentrates were obtained from the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization in plastic blood bags. Caspase-3 inhibitor (Z-DEVD-FMK) was added to the bags. These bags along with control bags to which no inhibitor was added were stored in a shaking incubator at 22℃ for 7 days. The effects of Z-DEVD-FMK on the functionality of platelets were analyzed by assessing their ability to bind to von Willebrand factor (vWF) and to aggregate in the presence of arachidonic acid and ristocetin. Cell survival was surveyed by MTT assay. Results At day 4 of storage, ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation was significantly higher in the inhibitor-treated (test) than in control samples; the difference was not significant at day 7. There was no significant difference in arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation between test and control samples. However, at day 7 of storage, the binding of platelets to vWF was significantly higher in test than in control samples. The MTT assay revealed significantly higher viability in test than in control samples at both days of study. Conclusion Treatment of platelets with caspase-3 inhibitor could increase their functionality and survival.
Prevalence of tuberculosis symptoms and latent tuberculous infection among prisoners in northeastern Malaysia.

SETTING There are currently no routine screening procedures for active tuberculosis (TB) or latent tuberculous infection (LTBI) in Malaysian prisons. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and correlates of LTBI and active TB symptoms among Malaysian prisoners with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection using the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the World Health Organization TB symptom-based screening instrument. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey of 266 prisoners was performed in Kelantan, Malaysia. Consenting participants underwent two-step TST and were screened for active TB symptoms. Standardized cut-offs of respectively ≥5 and ≥10 mm were used to define reactive TST among prisoners with and without HIV. Clinical and behavioral data were assessed and HIV-infected prisoners were stratified by CD4 status. RESULTS Overall LTBI prevalence was 87.6%, with significantly lower TST reactivity among HIV-infected than non-HIV-infected prisoners (83.6% vs. 91.5%, P < 0.05); however, TB symptoms were similar (16.9% vs. 10.1%, P = 0.105). On multivariate analysis, previous incarceration (aOR 4.61, 95%CI 1.76-12.1) was the only significant correlate of LTBI. Increasing age (aOR 1.07, 95%CI 1.01-1.13), lower body mass index (aOR 0.82, 95%CI 0.70-0.96) and TST-reactive status (aOR 3.46, 95%CI 1.20-9.97) were correlated with TB symptoms. CONCLUSION LTBI is highly prevalent, associated with previous incarceration, and suggests the need for routine TB screening on entry to Malaysian prisons.
The Dirichlet boundary value problem for real solutions of the ﬁrst Painlevé equation on segments in non-positive semi-axis

Abstract We develop a qualitative theory for real solutions of the equation y” = 6y 2 − x. In this work a restriction x ≦ 0 is assumed. An important ingredient of our theory is the introduction of several new transcendental functions of one, two, and three variables that describe different properties of the solutions. In particular, the results obtained allow us to completely analyse the Dirichlet boundary value problem y(a) = y 0, y(b) = y 0 for a < b ≦ 0.
Performance analysis of MIMO technology using V-BLAST technique for different linear detectors in a slow fading channel

The V-BLAST (Vertically — layered Bell Laboratories Layered Space-Time) algorithm is a multilayer symbol detection scheme. The proposed work focuses on V-BLAST technique with a Multiple Input Multiple output (MIMO) technology followed by receiver detection techniques like Zero forcing (ZF), Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) with back substitution SIC (Symbol Interference Cancellation). The proposed methodology adopts BPSK, QAM modulation methods. The numerical analysis is conducted using MATLAB. The performance improvement is also significant and Simulation results shows that V-BLAST achieves better Bit error rates.
VOCALOID - commercial singing synthesizer based on sample concatenation

The song submitted here to the “Synthesis of Singing Challenge” is synthesized by the latest version of the singing synthesizer “Vocaloid”, which is commercially available now. In this paper, we would like to present the overview of Vocaloid, its product lineups, description of each component, and the synthesis technique used in Vocaloid. Index Terms: singing synthesis
Role of the peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase Pin1 in the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS)

Wesentliche Teile dieser Arbeit sind in folgenden Publikationen veröffentlicht: Prolyl isomerase Pin1 acts as a switch to control the degree of substrate 14 3 Aim of this study 16 4 Results 17 4.1 The peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase Ess1 is an essential new player of the OLE pathway 17 4.1. 1 Ess1 is a essential new player in the OLE pathway and functionally directly linked to Ole1 18 4.1. 2 Ess1 interacts physically with Spt23 in vivo and in vitro and binding is mediated via Ess1ʼs WW domain 22 4.1. 3 Ess1 activity is directly linked to Ole1 transactivation via Spt23 23 4.2 Ess1 interacts with Spt23 in a phosphorylation dependent manner in vivo and in vitro 25 4.2. 1 Spt23 phosphorylation is a prerequisite for Ess1 binding and activity 25 4.2. 2 Spt23 interacts with CK2, is phosphorylated by CK2 in vivo and in vitro and promotes binding to Ess1 28 4.2. 3 Phosphorylation of Ess1 on Ser16 seems to be negatively correlated with its activity and localization 31 4.3 Pin1 controls the degree of substrate ubiquitylation and thereby determines substrates fate 35 4.3. 1 Ess1 determines the fate of Spt23 by a cis/trans isomerization 35 4.3. 2 Pin1 acts as a binary fate switch by controlling Spt23 ubiquitylation 38 4.4 Pin1 acts as a fate switch by controlling p53 ubiquitylation 41 4.4.1 Influence of Pin1 on p53 ubiquitylation in vivo 41 4.4.2 Influence of Pin1 on p53 ubiquitylation in vitro 44 Contents IV 5 Discussion 48 5.1 Peptidyl-proly cis/trans isomerases 48 5.2 Pin1 acts a fate switch in the UPS: mono/oligoubiquitylation versus polyubiquitylation 50 5.2. 1 Pin1 controls the degree of Spt23 ubiquitylation in the OLE pathway 52 5.2. 2 Pin1 acts by regulating the degree of p53 ubiquitylation 55 5.2. 3 Mechanism of Pin1-induced polyubiquitylation switching 56 5.2. 4 General implications of Pin1-mediated cis/trans isomerization in regulatory pathways 57 6 Materials and Methods 60 7 References 71 8 Abbreviations 80 9 Acknowledgements 83 10 Curriculum vitae 84 Summary 1 1 Summary Pin1, a unique and highly conserved eukaryotic peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase), plays important roles in cellular regulation. Due to its activity to switch the conformation of peptidyl-proline bonds in polypeptide chains, Pin1 operates as a binary switch-often in fate-determining pathways. Unlike other post-translational modifications, Pin1-mediated cis/trans isomerization activity represents a non-covalent post-translational modification and is usually controlled by substrate phosphorylation. However, how Pin1 switches protein activities remains unclear. This study reveals that yeast Pin1 (Ess1) Pin1 acts as a …
Exchangeable Sequences Driven by an Absolutely Continuous Random Measure

Let S be a Polish space and (Xn : n = 1) an exchangeable sequence of S-valued random variables. Let an(·) = P( Xn+1 in · | X1, . . . ,Xn) be the predictive measure and a a random probability measure on S such that an (weak) --> a a.s. Two (related) problems are addressed. One is to give conditions for a 0, where ||·|| is total variation norm. Various results are obtained. Some of them do not require exchangeability, but hold under the weaker assumption that (Xn) is conditionally identically distributed, in the sense of [2].
Quantifying CBF with pulsed ASL: Technical and pulse sequence factors

We summarize here current methods for the quantification of CBF using pulsed arterial spin labeling (ASL) methods. Several technical issues related to CBF quantitation are described briefly, including transit delay, signal from larger arteries, radio frequency (RF) slice profiles, magnetization transfer, tagging efficiency, and tagging geometry. Many pulsed tagging schemes have been devised, which differ in the type of tag or control pulses, and which have various advantages and disadvantages for quantitation. Several other modifications are also available that can be implemented as modules in an ASL pulse sequence, such as varying the wash‐in time to estimate the transit delay. Velocity‐selective ASL (VS‐ASL) uses a new type of pulse labeling in which inflowing arterial spins are tagged based on their velocity rather than their spatial location. In principle, this technique may allow ASL measurement of cerebral blood flow (CBF) that is insensitive to transit delays. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Survey and analysis of disk scheduling methods

Performance of many important computer applications depends on the performance of Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). Disk capacities and transfer rates have been increasing rapidly, but the improvement in disk access time is disappointingly slow. Caching and prefetching are two method to alleviate this delay, which is 6-7 orders of magnitude longer than the processor cycle time. Disk scheduling is desirable when the data is not cached and a disk access is required. This paper is concerned with the analysis of two disk arm scheduling methods: SATF (shortest access time first) which outperforms SCAN, while both methods outperform FCFS scheduling. We propose improvements to a recent analysis of the SCAN policy and carry out an empirical investigation of SATF performance to derive a relationship between the queue-length and mean service time. A review of variations of SCAN and SATF is provided, since they have been utilized in conjunction with multilevel disk scheduling methods. We also discuss recent developments to improve the performance of high capacity HDDs, which allow multiple tracks to be accessed without incurring seeks.
Right orbitofrontal tumor with pedophilia symptom and constructional apraxia sign.

BACKGROUND Orbitofrontal abnormalities are associated with poor impulse control, altered sexual behavior, and sociopathy. OBJECTIVE To describe a patient with acquired pedophilia and a right orbitofrontal tumor who was unable to inhibit sexual urges despite preserved moral knowledge. DESIGN Case report. RESULTS The patient displayed impulsive sexual behavior with pedophilia, marked constructional apraxia, and agraphia. The behavioral symptoms and constructional deficits, including agraphia, resolved following tumor resection. CONCLUSIONS For patients with acquired sociopathy and paraphilia, an orbitofrontal localization requires consideration. This case further illustrates that constructional apraxia can arise from right prefrontal lobe dysfunction. Agraphia may represent a manifestation of constructional apraxia in the absence of aphasia and ideomotor apraxia.
APPLIED LINGUISTICS

APPLIED LINGUISTICS. Guy Cook. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003. Pp. vii + 134. £8.95 paper. This volume is the latest in the Oxford Introductions to Language study series, edited by H. G. Widdowson, and, as such, it provides a general and gradual introduction to the field through the use of intelligently crafted prose that facilitates the nonspecialist's ability to grasp the general concepts and controversies in this discipline. In this regard, Cook's book is intended for a different audience than other books on applied linguistics meant for specialists in the field (e.g., McCarthy, 2001; McDonough, 2002; Seidlhofer, 2003).
Near Work Related Parameters and Myopia in Chinese Children: the Anyang Childhood Eye Study

Purpose To examine the associations of near work related parameters with spherical equivalent refraction and axial length in Chinese children. Methods A total of 1770 grade 7 students with mean age of 12.7 years were examined with cycloplegic autorefraction and axial length. Questions were asked regarding time spent in near work and outdoors per day, and near work related parameters. Results Multivariate models revealed the following associations with greater odds of myopia: continuous reading (> 45min), odds ratio [OR], 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.8; close television viewing distance (≤ 3m), OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.3; head tilt when writing, OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7, and desk lighting using fluorescent vs. incandescent lamp, OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-2.0. These factors, together with close reading distance and close nib-to-fingertip distance were significantly associated with greater myopia (P<0.01). Among near work activities, only reading more books for pleasure was significantly associated with greater myopia (P=0.03). Television viewing distance (≤ 3 m), fluorescent desk light, close reading distance (≤20 cm) and close nib-to-fingertip distance (≤ 2 cm) were significantly associated with longer axial length (P<0.01). Reading distance, desk light, and reading books for pleasure had significant interaction effects with parental myopia. Conclusions Continuous reading, close distances of reading, television viewing and nib-to-fingertip, head tilt when writing, reading more books for pleasure and use of fluorescent desk light were significantly associated with myopia in 12-year-old Chinese children, which indicates that visual behaviors and environments may be important factors mediating the effects of near work on myopia.
Orbital eccentricities of binary systems with a former AGB star

Context.Many binary stellar systems in which the primary star is beyond the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) evolutionary phase show significant orbital eccentricities, whereas current binary interaction models predict that their orbits are circularised. Aims.In the search for a mechanism to counteract the circularising effect of tidal interaction, we analyse how the orbital parameters in a system are modified under mass loss and mass exchange among its binary components. Methods.We propose a model for enhanced mass loss from the AGB star due to tidal interaction with its companion, which allows a smooth transition between the wind and Roche-lobe overflow mass loss regimes. We explicitly follow its effect along the orbit on the change in eccentricity and orbital semi-major axis, as well as the effect of accretion by the companion. We calculate timescales for the variation in these orbital parameters and compare them to the tidal circularisation timescale. Results.We find that in many cases, due to the enhanced mass loss of the AGB component at orbital phases closer to the periastron, the net eccentricity growth rate in one orbit is comparable to the rate of tidal circularisation. We show that with this eccentricity-enhancing mechanism it is possible to reproduce the orbital period and eccentricity of the Sirius system, which is expected to be circularised under the standard assumptions of binary interaction. We also show that this mechanism may provide an explanation for the eccentricities of most barium star systems, which are expected to be circularised due to tidal dissipation. Conclusions.By proposing a tidally enhanced model of mass loss from AGB stars, we find a mechanism that efficiently works against the tidal circularisation of the orbit. This mechanism can explain the significant eccentricities observed in binary systems containing a white dwarf and a less evolved companion, which are predicted to be circularised due to their proximity, such as Sirius and systems with barium stars.
Behavioral intention to participate in a public program: Examining the roles of motivational and policy design factors

Abstract In light of practical and theoretical callings for an ex ante needs assessment of target groups, the primary goals of this study are to identify, articulate, and explore what influences and shapes target groups’ behavioral intentions to participate in a public program. Drawing on the literature concerning policy design and the theory of planned behavior, as well as the literature on expectation, attitude, and satisfaction, we propose that target groups’ intentions to participate in the program depend highly on their evaluations of the policy design, as well as motivational factors, such as attitude toward the behavior. The data used in this study were collected from 659 Korean teaching artists. The findings indicate that the level of intention to participate in the program increases as individuals strongly agree with the program rationale, expect positive educational effects, and perceive that it will be beneficial to the individual.
Costs of Alternative Environmental Policy Instruments in the Presence of Industry Compensation Requirements

A suture anchor is described having a central shaft and at least one outwardly extending longitudinal rib. The ribs may have bone engaging elements such as threads or barbs on their outer surfaces. A bone boring tool having more than one set of sharpened cutting edges is described which creates a non-circular hole in bone approximating the anchor cross section geometry. The suture anchor is inserted into the shaped hole in bone and is rotated about its axis by the driver to engage the ribs with the bone.
Social Protection without Borders? The Use of Social Services by Retirement Migrants living in Spain

Abstract This article seeks to assess the extent to which international retirement migrants (IRMs) living in Spain make use of public elder-care services, as well as how public officials deal with their demands. The data stems from qualitative interviews with 19 social workers in ten communities characterised by a sizable population of retirement migrants. We found that substantial numbers of retirement migrants remain in Spain well after dependency sets in. This necessitates the development of complex strategies to obtain care by means of social networks, voluntary associations, and private care providers. A certain reluctance to engage with Spanish social services may explain the fact that these services are accessed only as a last resort when all other options have failed. However, the entire process of evaluating the needs of, and granting public care services to, retirement migrants is plagued by difficulties. Social workers cite the lack of a common language as a significant obstacle, together with insufficient information on claimants’ health, economic and family situations (many IRMs are not registered as residents in Spain). The familistic rules governing Spanish social services and the recent reductions in public budgets due to the economic crisis constitute additional barriers to the adequate protection of IRMs.
A Stochastic Reachability Approach to Portfolio Construction in Finance Industry

The approach to portfolio construction proposed in this paper is based on recent results on stochastic reachability. It is assumed that investors' preferences are expressed in terms of target sets to be reached at each time period over a specified finite horizon. A portfolio is defined optimal if it maximizes the probability of its value to belong to the target sets. A case study drawn from the US market shows the interest and applicability of the approach. The optimal solution we obtain exhibits a contrarian attitude, whereby risky exposures are enhanced in case of negative performances and reduced in case of positive performances. A comparison with the constant proportion portfolio insurance method highlights advantages and drawbacks of the proposed approach.
Strategic Ignorance and the Robustness of Social Preferences

How robust are social preferences to variations in the environment in which a decision is made? By varying the elicitation method and default choice in the `moral wiggle-room' game of Dana, Weber, and Kuang (2007), I examine the robustness and nature of the pattern of information avoidance in which many dictators in experiments-- if initially uncertain-- avoid learning whether their choice will help or hurt another person and choose selfishly. When ignorance is not the default choice, participants choose it much less frequently. However, when dictators express their outcome choice using the strategy method, most are willing to overcome the default choice and reveal the payoff state ex post. I conclude that people will employ strategic ignorance to avoid a morally-fraught decision if they can do so passively, but having to actively choose ignorance betrays its usefulness and leads to behavior largely consistent with models of preferences over outcomes. Thus while opportunities to create and exploit moral wiggle-room limit fair-minded behavior, environmental or psychological variables may reinforce the motivation that leads people to choose fair outcomes.
GPR50 Interacts with TIP60 to Modulate Glucocorticoid Receptor Signalling

GPR50 is an orphan G-protein coupled receptor most closely related to the melatonin receptors. The physiological function of GPR50 remains unclear, although our previous studies implicate the receptor in energy homeostasis. Here, we reveal a role for GPR50 as a signalling partner and modulator of the transcriptional co-activator TIP60. This interaction was identified in a yeast-two-hybrid screen, and confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and co-localisation of TIP60 and GPR50 in HEK293 cells. Co-expression with TIP60 increased perinuclear localisation of full length GPR50, and resulted in nuclear translocation of the cytoplasmic tail of the receptor, suggesting a functional interaction of the two proteins. We further demonstrate that GPR50 can enhance TIP60-coactiavtion of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signalling. In line with in vitro results, repression of pituitary Pomc expression, and induction of gluconeogenic genes in liver in response to the GR agonist, dexamethasone was attenuated in Gpr50−/− mice. These results identify a novel role for GPR50 in glucocorticoid receptor signalling through interaction with TIP60.