Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Promoting High School ESL Learners’ Motivation and Engagement Through the Use of Gamified Instructional Design

Judging from what has been said about the lack of motivation or interest and the poor academic performance of ESL students, the need for new effective and efficient teaching methods has become a priority. This research study seeks to explore the impact of implementing a gamified instructional design on ESL students’ motivation and engagement. A convenience sample of 8 grade 10 ESL high school students participated in the study. An online gamified program called Classcraft was selected as the main study platform for its potential to allow the participants to experience gamification elements such as rewards, challenges, points and the sharing of their progress online. A mixed methods approach was used where quantitative and qualitative data were collected, analyzed separately and then merged in discussion and interpretation. The quantitative component of this study consisted of survey questionnaires administered before and after the gamified intervention. The qualitative component, which employed a constructivist grounded theory approach, included a focus group interview and field observations. Results showed that gamification elements design has a very positive impact on the participants leading to a potential increase of their motivation and engagement.
Mathematical Analysis of the Effect of Rotor Geometry on Cup Anemometer Response

The calibration coefficients of two commercial anemometers equipped with different rotors were studied. The rotor cups had the same conical shape, while the size and distance to the rotation axis varied. The analysis was based on the 2-cup positions analytical model, derived using perturbation methods to include second-order effects such as pressure distribution along the rotating cups and friction. The comparison with the experimental data indicates a nonuniform distribution of aerodynamic forces on the rotating cups, with higher forces closer to the rotating axis. The 2-cup analytical model is proven to be accurate enough to study the effect of complex forces on cup anemometer performance.
CCN2/Connective Tissue Growth Factor Is Essential for Pericyte Adhesion and Endothelial Basement Membrane Formation during Angiogenesis

CCN2/Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) is a matricellular protein that regulates cell adhesion, migration, and survival. CCN2 is best known for its ability to promote fibrosis by mediating the ability of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) to induce excess extracellular matrix production. In addition to its role in pathological processes, CCN2 is required for chondrogenesis. CCN2 is also highly expressed during development in endothelial cells, suggesting a role in angiogenesis. The potential role of CCN2 in angiogenesis is unclear, however, as both pro- and anti-angiogenic effects have been reported. Here, through analysis of Ccn2-deficient mice, we show that CCN2 is required for stable association and retention of pericytes by endothelial cells. PDGF signaling and the establishment of the endothelial basement membrane are required for pericytes recruitment and retention. CCN2 induced PDGF-B expression in endothelial cells, and potentiated PDGF-B-mediated Akt signaling in mural (vascular smooth muscle/pericyte) cells. In addition, CCN2 induced the production of endothelial basement membrane components in vitro, and was required for their expression in vivo. Overall, these results highlight CCN2 as an essential mediator of vascular remodeling by regulating endothelial-pericyte interactions. Although most studies of CCN2 function have focused on effects of CCN2 overexpression on the interstitial extracellular matrix, the results presented here show that CCN2 is required for the normal production of vascular basement membranes.
Long-Run Purchasing Power Parity and Structural Change

Recently, a number of papers have argued that the concept of purchasing power parity (PPP) has some validity as a long-run relationship. This is revealed by the apparent tendency for bilateral exchange rates to revert to a level determined by relative prices. In this paper we offer further support for the existence of a long-run equilibrium exchange rate, determined by relative prices. Indeed, we believe that our results offer the strongest evidence in favour of long-run PPP yet reported. In particular, we demonstrate, using a fully modified estimator, that there exists a remarkable degree of stability in the bilateral price relationships of three key currencies for the recent floating period.
Identification of differential splicing genes in gliomas using exon expression profiling

Diffuse gliomas are the most common type of malignant primary brain tumor, and their initiation and/or progression are often associated with alternative splicing. They produce an enormous economic burden on society and greatly impair the quality of life of those affected. The aim of the current study was to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) observed in glioblastoma (GBM) and oligodendroglioma (OD) at the splicing level, and to analyze their functions in order to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms of gliomas. The exon-level expression profile data GSE9385 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and included 26 GBM samples, 22 OD samples and 6 control brain samples. The differentially expressed exon-level probes were analyzed using the microarray detection of alternative splicing algorithm combined with the splicing index method, and the corresponding DEGs were identified. Next, a Gene Ontology enrichment analysis of the DEGs was performed. Additionally, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed based on the depth-first search algorithm. A total of 300 DEGs were identified to be shared by GBM and OD, including 97 upregulated and 203 downregulated DEGs. Furthermore, screening with a defined threshold identified 6 genes that were highly expressed in GBM, including AFF2, CACNA2D3 and ARPP21, while the 6 highly expressed genes in OD notably included CNTN2. The TP53 and HIST1H3A genes were the hub nodes in the PPI network of DEGs from GBM, while CNTN2 was linked to the highest degree in the OD PPI network. The present study provides a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of DEGs in GBM and OD, which may provide a basis for understanding the initiation and/or progression of glioma development.
Multi-Viewpoint Smartphone AR-Based Learning System for Astronomical Observation

—Observational-based learning (OBL) can improve learners’ understanding of astronomical phenomena, such as the lunar phases or solar diurnal motion. This paper introduces the multi-viewpoint smartphone AR-based (M-VSAR) learning system for constructing an OBL environment for astronomical observation. We apply this concept to two learning systems: a solar observation system and a lunar observation system. We illustrate how an M-VSAR system can enhance a learner’s interest in and learning of astronomical phenomena.
Effects of Long-Term Environmental Enrichment on Anxiety, Memory, Hippocampal Plasticity and Overall Brain Gene Expression in C57BL6 Mice

There is ample evidence that physical activity exerts positive effects on a variety of brain functions by facilitating neuroprotective processes and influencing neuroplasticity. Accordingly, numerous studies have shown that continuous exercise can successfully diminish or prevent the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease in transgenic mouse models. However, the long-term effect of physical activity on brain health of aging wild-type (WT) mice has not yet been studied in detail. Here, we show that prolonged physical and cognitive stimulation, mediated by an enriched environment (EE) paradigm for a duration of 11 months, leads to reduced anxiety and improved spatial reference memory in C57BL6 WT mice. While the number of CA1 pyramidal neurons remained unchanged between standard housed (SH) and EE mice, the number of dentate gyrus (DG) neurons, as well as the CA1 and DG volume were significantly increased in EE mice. A whole-brain deep sequencing transcriptome analysis, carried out to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed effects, revealed an up-regulation of a variety of genes upon EE, mainly associated with synaptic plasticity and transcription regulation. The present findings corroborate the impact of continuous physical activity as a potential prospective route in the prevention of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders.
Chandra X-Ray Observations of Galaxy Cluster A168

We present Chandra X-ray observations of galaxy cluster A168 (z = 0.045). Two X-ray peaks with a projected distance of 676 kpc are found to be located close to two dominant galaxies, respectively. Both peaks are significantly offset from the peak of the number density distribution of galaxies. This suggests that A168 consists of two subclusters, a northern subcluster (A168N) and a southern subcluster (A168S). Further X-ray imaging analysis reveals that (1) the X-ray isophotes surrounding the two X-ray peaks are heavily distorted and (2) an elongated and continuous filament connects the two X-ray peaks. These suggest that strong interactions have occurred between the two subclusters. Spectral analysis shows that A168 has a mean temperature of 2.53 ± 0.09 keV and a mean metallicity of 0.31 ± 0.04 Z☉. The metallicity is roughly a constant across the cluster, but the temperature shows some systematic variations. Most X-ray, optical, and radio properties of A168 are consistent with it being an off-axis merger several gigayears after a core passage, although detailed numerical simulations are required to see whether the observed properties, in particular the significant offset between the optical and X-ray centers, can be reproduced in such a scenario.
Epistemic cognition in literary reasoning

Epistemic cognition in literary reasoning refers to how people and communities of readers go about understanding literary texts. It encompasses the nature of knowledge conveyed in and knowable from literature and the processes of ascertaining knowledge conveyed in literature, i.e. the reasoning processes, beliefs, and values that enter into interpretation of the knowledge conveyed in and knowable from any specific literary work. There are several challenges associated with explicating epistemic cognition in literary reasoning, not the least of which is defining what constitutes literature. A second challenge is that diverse disciplines contribute theoretically and empirically to the nature of epistemic cognition in literary reasoning. In this chapter we first take up the issue of what defines a literary work and the nature of the knowledge conveyed or knowable from it. We then discuss the applicability to literary reasoning of a framework on epistemic cognition articulated by Chinn et al. (2011). We use the dimensions of epistemic cognition in that framework to organize our discussion of epistemic cognition in literary reasoning as informed by theoretical and empirical traditions in literary theory and criticism, language processing, reading comprehension, and psychological research on narrative and social cognition.
A NEW X-RAY ANALYSIS OF THE OPEN CLUSTER BLANCO 1 USING WIDE-FIELD BVIc PHOTOMETRIC AND PROPER MOTION SURVEYS

We perform a new analysis of the extant ROSAT and XMM-Newton X-ray surveys of the southern open cluster Blanco 1, utilizing new BVIc photometric and proper motion data sets. In our study, we match optical counterparts to 47 X-ray sources associated with Blanco 1 cluster members, six of which were listed in previous X-ray studies as cluster nonmembers. Our new catalog of optical counterparts to X-ray sources clearly traces out the Blanco 1 main sequence in a color–magnitude diagram, extending from early G to mid-M spectral types. Additionally, we derive new X-ray luminosities as well as ratios of X-ray to bolometric luminosities for confirmed cluster members. We compare these X-ray properties to other young open clusters, including the coeval Pleiades cluster, to investigate the relationship between age and X-ray activity. We find that stars in Blanco 1 generally exhibit X-ray properties similar to those of other open clusters, namely increasing Lx/Lbol with reducing mass for earlier-type stars, and a saturation limit of Lx/Lbol at a magnitude of 10−3 for stars with V − Ic ≳ 1.25. More generally, the X-ray detected stars in Blanco 1 have X-ray emission magnitudes that agree with the overall trends seen in the other young clusters. We observe that X-ray emission decays as a function of age and the rate of this decay is mass dependent. Specifically, for higher mass stars, the trend is Skumanich like (i.e., Lx/Lbol ∝ age−1/2); however, as one goes to lower masses the magnitude of X-ray emission becomes less of a function of age. In fact, for the lowest mass stars (M-type), there is no observable reduction in X-ray production during the first ∼1 Gyr of their lives. However, due to a lack of sensitivity to low X-ray fluxes, there may exist M-type stars that have less than saturated levels of X-ray flux which are not included in our study. In a direct comparison of Blanco 1 to the Pleiades open cluster, members of both clusters have similar X-ray characteristics; however, there does appear to be some discrepancies in the distribution of Lx/Lbol as a function of color that may be related to scatter seen in the Pleiades CMD. Moreover, previous comparisons of this nature for Blanco 1 were not possible due to the reliance on photographic photometry. This is where the power of precise, homogeneous, and standardized CCD photometry allows for a high fidelity, detailed study of the X-ray properties of stars in Blanco 1, as well as a thorough comparison of Blanco 1 to other well-studied open clusters.
A Single Resistance Exercise Session Improves Aortic Endothelial Function in Hypertensive Rats

Background Physical exercise is an important tool for the improvement of endothelial function. Objective To assess the effects of acute dynamic resistance exercise on the endothelial function of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methods Ten minutes after exercise, the aorta was removed to evaluate the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS1177) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and to generate concentration-response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) and to phenylephrine (PHE). The PHE protocol was also performed with damaged endothelium and before and after NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and indomethacin administration. The maximal response (Emax) and the sensitivity (EC50) to these drugs were evaluated. Results ACh-induced relaxation increased in the aortic rings of exercised (Ex) rats (Emax= -80 ± 4.6%, p < 0.05) when compared to those of controls (Ct) (Emax = -50 ± 6.8%). The Emax to PHE was decreased following exercise conditions (95 ± 7.9%, p < 0.05) when compared to control conditions (120 ± 4.2%). This response was abolished after L-NAME administration or endothelial damage. In the presence of indomethacin, the aortic rings' reactivity to PHE was decreased in both groups (EC50= Ex -5.9 ± 0.14 vs. Ct -6.6 ± 0.33 log µM, p < 0.05 / Emax = Ex 9.5 ± 2.9 vs. Ct 17 ± 6.2%, p < 0.05). Exercise did not alter the expression of eNOS and iNOS, but increased the level of p-eNOS. Conclusion A single resistance exercise session improves endothelial function in hypertensive rats. This response seems to be mediated by increased NO production through eNOS activation.
The Roots of Banking Crises: The Macroeconomic Context

This paper discusses the ways in which macroeconomic developments can put stress on banks, and in extreme cases lead to banking crises. These macroeconomic causes of bank vulnerability and crisis have important implications for regulatory regimes, and for macroeconomic policy itself. Much of the discussion emphasizes the need for monetary policy to be set with an eye on the state of the domestic banking system as an occasionally important consideration. One purpose of this paper is to promote a discussion of how to do a better job of incorporating weak banking systems into macroeconomic policy management.
Structured redundancy for fault tolerance in state-space models and Petri nets

The design and implementation of systems in state form has traditionally focused on minimal representations which require the least number of state variables. However, "struc tured redundancy" - redundancy that has been intentionally introduced in some systematic way - can be extremely important when fault tolerance is desired. The redundancy can be used to detect and correct errors or to guarantee desirable performance despite hardware or computational failures . Modular redundancy, the traditional approach to fault tolerance, is prohibitively expensive because of the overhead in replicating the hardware . This pa per discusses alternative methods for systematically introducing redundancy in state-space systems . Our approach consists of mapping the state space of the original system into a redundant space of higher dimension while preserving the properties of the original system in some encoded form within this larger space . We illustrate our approach by focusing primarily on linear time-invariant (LTI) systems in state form . We provide a complete characterization of the class of appropriate redundant systems and demonstrate through several examples ways in which our framework can be used for achieving fault tolerance . We also discuss appropriate error models and outline the extension of our approach to Petri nets .
Experimental evaluation of the tolerance for control‐flow test criteria

Fault‐detection effectiveness of coverage criteria has remained one of the controversial issues in recent years. In order to detect a fault, a test set must execute the faulty statement, cause infection of the data state and then propagate the faulty data state to bring about a failure. This paper sheds some light on the earlier contradictory results by investigating the infection aspect of coverage criteria.
Influence of Perinatal Depression on Labor-Associated Fear and Emotional Attachment to the Child in High-Risk Pregnancies and the First Days After Delivery

Background The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the level of perinatal depression on the labor-associated fear and emotional attachment of children born to women during high-risk pregnancies and in the first days after delivery. Material/Methods 133 women aged between 16 and 45 years took part in the study. The first group included 63 pregnant women (mean age=28.59, SD=5.578) with a high-risk pregnancy (of maternal origin, for example, cardiologic disorders and diabetes). The second group included 70 women (mean age=27.94, SD=5.164) who were in the first days post-partum. Research methods included: Analysis of medical documentation; Clinical interview; the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS); the Questionnaire of Labor-Associated Anxiety (KLP), the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS). Results Women after delivery displayed a higher level of concern for the child’s health and life when compared to the high-risk pregnancy group. The results indicated the appearance of a postnatal fear, the level of which is connected with the perception of the role of the mother. This fear is lower in women prior to childbirth than it is after. There has also been noted a statistically significant relationship between the appearance of depression and attachment to the child. Those women with depression show less attachment to their child than is the case for those who do not suffer from depression. Conclusions The appearance of a high level of depression amongst women from the high-risk pregnancy group during the first days post childbirth was accompanied by perinatal depression and a weaker attachment to the child.
Stabilization of mRNA expression in whole blood samples.

BACKGROUND Accurate quantification of mRNA in whole blood is made difficult by the simultaneous degradation of gene transcripts and unintended gene induction caused by sample handling or uncontrolled activation of coagulation. This study was designed to compare a new blood collection tube (PAXgene Blood RNA System) and a companion sample preparation reagent set with a traditional sample collection and preparation method for the purpose of gene expression analysis. METHODS We collected parallel blood samples from healthy donors into the new sample collection tubes and control EDTA tubes and performed serial RNA extractions on samples stored for 5 days at room temperature and for up to 90 days at 4 and 20 degrees C. Samples were analyzed by Northern blot analysis or reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). RESULTS Specific mRNA concentrations in blood stored in EDTA tubes at any temperature changed substantially, as determined by high-precision RT-PCR. These changes were eliminated or markedly reduced when whole blood was stored in PAXgene tubes. Loss of specific mRNAs, as measured by RT-PCR, reflected total RNA depletion as well as specific mRNA destruction demonstrated by Northern blot analysis. The salutary effects of PAXgene on mRNA stabilization extended to blood samples from eight unrelated donors. CONCLUSIONS Compared with whole blood collected in EDTA tubes and extracted by an organic method, the PAXgene Blood RNA System reduced RNA degradation and inhibited or eliminated gene induction in phlebotomy whole blood samples. Storage of whole blood samples in PAXgene tubes can be recommended for clinically related blood samples that will be analyzed for total or specific RNA content.
Effects of surface scattering in full-waveform inversion

In full-waveform inversion of seismic body waves, often the free surface is ignored on grounds of computational efficiency.Asyntheticstudywasperformedtoinvestigatetheeffectsofthissimplification. Intermsofsizeandfrequency,the testmodelanddataconformtoareallong-offsetsurveyofthe upper crust across the San Andreas fault. Random fractal variations are superimposed on a background model with strong lateral and vertical velocity variations ranging from 1200to6800m/s.Syntheticdatawerecomputedandinverted forthismodelanddifferenttopographies.Afullyviscoelastic time-domain code was used to synthesize the seismograms, and a viscoacoustic frequency-domain code was utilized to invert them. The inversion was focused on early arrivals, which are dominated by P-waves but also contain strong P-Rayleigh wave conversions from the near-field of the receiver. Resulting waveform models show artifacts and a loss of resolution from neglecting the free surface in the inversion, but the inversions are stable, and they still improve the resolution of kinematic models. The extent of deterioration dependsmoreonthesubsurfacethanonthesurfacestructure. Inversion results were improved at no additional expense by introducing a weak contrast along a staircase function above shotsandreceivers.