Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using the Tool for Assessing Cultural Competence Training (TACCT) to Measure Faculty and Medical Student Perceptions of Cultural Competence Instruction in the First Three Years of the Curriculum

Purpose To compare faculty and student perceptions of cultural competence instruction as measured by the AAMC’s Tool for Assessing Cultural Competence Training (TACCT) as part of a comprehensive curricular needs assessment. Method In 2005, 25 basic science and clinical course directors and 92 third-year medical students at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine were asked to indicate which of 67 separate items listed on the TACCT describing knowledge, skill, and attitude about cultural competence were covered during the first three years of the curriculum. The mean percentage of “yes” responses to each item was computed and compared for both faculty and students. Results Response rates were 100% (25/25) for course directors and 75% (69/92) for students. Students systematically perceived that cultural competence instruction occurred more often in the curriculum (range of 28% to 93% “yes” responses) compared to the faculty (range of 8% to 64%). However, faculty and students demonstrated a high level of concordance (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.89 across all items) in their perceptions about instruction, as measured by their relative rank orderings of the 67 TACCT items. Students and faculty identified clusters of TACCT items pertaining to health disparities, community partnerships, and bias/stereotyping as least likely to be presented. Conclusions Faculty and third-year students at one medical school responded congruently about the relative degree to which cultural competence instruction occurred. The TACCT can be used to identify significant gaps in cultural competence training and inform curricular revision. Further studies involving other schools are warranted.
Product market regulation and productivity convergence

Product market regulation in the OECD area has generally become less restrictive of competition over recent years. This has lead to a degree of convergence in regulatory policies, but nonetheless, the productivity performance of OECD countries has become increasingly disparate. Indeed, according to some measures, the growth rates and levels of labour productivity have recently begun to diverge. Recent developments in the theory and empirics of growth suggest that cross-country productivity patterns may partly reflect differences in the policy and institutional environment (Acemoglu et al., 2004; Aghion and Griffith, 2005; Nicoletti and Scarpetta, 2003).
Does sensorimotor training improve the static balance of young volleyball players?

The aim of this investigation is to assess the effectiveness of a 6-week balance training (BT) protocol, integrated in regular training sessions, on postural sway of young female volleyball players (n = 26, age 13.0 ± 0.2 years) divided into two groups (intervention and control; 13 per group). Trials were performed for bipedal and unipedal stance conditions before and after the BT protocol, using a pressure platform to collect center-of-pressure (COP) time series that were processed to calculate sway area, COP path length, and maximum displacement range in anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. The intervention group exhibited smaller sway areas in eyes closed conditions (intervention = 42.76 mm2, control = 67.60 mm2; p < 0.05) and Romberg quotients (intervention = 1.11 mm, control = 1.82 mm) in bipedal stance, while all the other parameters were unaffected. BT also reduced sway area (intervention = 122.70 mm2, control = 187.18 mm2) and anteroposterior COP displacements (intervention = 20.18 mm, control = 22.38 mm) of the non-dominant limb for single-leg stance. No significant change was found for the dominant limb. Although it is possible to hypothesize a beneficial effect of BT on young athletes, further investigations are required to clarify its actual effect on balance performance with respect to normal volleyball training.
Including disabled children at school: is it really as simple as ‘a, c, d’?

This paper presents and discusses a social justice strategy that may progress inclusion in schools. The framework for this strategy is grounded in the theoretical discussions by Nancy Fraser and Trevor Gale about distributive, redistributive, and recognitive models of social justice. None of these theoretical frameworks, however, in themselves, offer a clear way forward for marginalised and misrecognised groups, such as disabled children, who need both educational resources and recognition in inclusive classrooms. The authors propose, however, that the work of Fraser and Gale combines into a social justice strategy, which consists of three elements (agency, competency, and diversity, or ‘a, c, d’) that can lead to inclusion. When disabled children are provided with the opportunity to exercise their agency, demonstrate their competence, and transform and affirm notions of diversity, then inclusion is more likely to occur in the classroom. Data from two research projects are presented using this framework to illustrate this argument, and the proposed ‘a, c, d’ social justice strategy towards inclusion.
Patterns of communication styles of teachers in english 16–19 education

Abstract This article sets out some of the findings of an Oxford Brookes University project on the communication styles of teachers in English 16–19 education. Teachers and their students completed a Communications Styles Questionnaire (CSQ) and the teachers’ communications styles were subsequently profiled. The results show that most teachers communicate effectively, but that they rate themselves more highly than their students do on their ‘good’ qualities. Communication styles are not uniform, principally with regard to levels of learner autonomy. Traditional and non-outcome-based courses, such as A levels, allow less learner autonomy than GNVQ/BTEC courses; male teachers less than females; and engineering and mathematics teachers less than those of other subjects. The implications of these findings are a need to promote teacher-student discussion about patterns of interaction; and reflection and discussion among teachers that may lead to the development of a wider repertoire of communication styles, mo.
Peripheral myelin protein 22 is a constituent of intercellular junctions in epithelia

Alterations in peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) gene expression are associated with a host of heritable demyelinating peripheral neuropathies, yet the function of the protein remains unknown. PMP22 expression is highest in myelinating Schwann cells of peripheral nerves; however, significant levels of PMP22 mRNAs can be detected in a variety of non-neural tissue, including epithelia. To date, PMP22 protein expression and localization in non-neural tissues have not been studied in detail. In adult rat liver and intestine, and cultured epithelial cells, we detected PMP22-like immunoreactivity associated with markers of the tight junctional complex, including zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) and occludin. Upon disruption of intercellular contacts, PMP22 was internalized into vesicles that were immunoreactive for both anti-occludin and anti-PMP22 antibodies. Nonionic detergent extraction of cultured epithelial cells did not solubilize PMP22, as the majority of the protein remained in the detergent insoluble fraction, as did ZO-1 and occludin. We also observed the targeting of exogenous myc-tagged PMP22 to apical cell junctions in polarized epithelia and to anti-ZO-1 antibody immunoreactive cell contacts of L fibroblasts. These studies support a role for PMP22 at intercellular junctions of epithelia and may indicate a similar function in myelinating Schwann cells. Furthermore, our findings could provide an explanation for certain phenotypes of PMP22 neuropathy mice that cannot be accounted for by dysmyelination.
Pathogens Inactivated by Low-Energy-Electron Irradiation Maintain Antigenic Properties and Induce Protective Immune Responses

Inactivated vaccines are commonly produced by incubating pathogens with chemicals such as formaldehyde or β-propiolactone. This is a time-consuming process, the inactivation efficiency displays high variability and extensive downstream procedures are often required. Moreover, application of chemicals alters the antigenic components of the viruses or bacteria, resulting in reduced antibody specificity and therefore stimulation of a less effective immune response. An alternative method for inactivation of pathogens is ionizing radiation. It acts very fast and predominantly damages nucleic acids, conserving most of the antigenic structures. However, currently used irradiation technologies (mostly gamma-rays and high energy electrons) require large and complex shielding constructions to protect the environment from radioactivity or X-rays generated during the process. This excludes them from direct integration into biological production facilities. Here, low-energy electron irradiation (LEEI) is presented as an alternative inactivation method for pathogens in liquid solutions. LEEI can be used in normal laboratories, including good manufacturing practice (GMP)- or high biosafety level (BSL)-environments, as only minor shielding is necessary. We show that LEEI efficiently inactivates different viruses (influenza A (H3N8), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1)) and bacteria (Escherichia coli) and maintains their antigenicity. Moreover, LEEI-inactivated influenza A viruses elicit protective immune responses in animals, as analyzed by virus neutralization assays and viral load determination upon challenge. These results have implications for novel ways of developing and manufacturing inactivated vaccines with improved efficacy.
Percepção auditiva de professores disfônicos

PURPOSE: To describe the findings of the assessment of auditory skills - frequency, intensity and duration patterns - in a group of teachers with voice disorders (DG), and to compare the findings in a group of teachers without vocal disorders (NDG). METHODS: There were 44 females, between 18 and 40 years of age, 23 were placed in the voice disorder group (DG) and 21 in the group without voice disorders (NDG). In order to define these groups, the teachers were submitted to both vocal behavior and laryngeal assessments, as well as to a complete audiological evaluation in order to assure that those subjects with hearing loss were excluded from the study. Following subject selection, an investigation of the Differential Intensity Threshold was carried out, along with the administration of the tests for Frequency and Duration Pattern Detection. RESULTS: The NDG had better performance than the DG in all administered tests, with a significant difference in the evaluation of the frequency parameter. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the performance of the two groups of teachers showed statistically significant only for the frequency parameter. Studies with larger numbers of subjects and with other tests that evaluate the differential threshold of intensity may perhaps clarify better the relationship between voice problems and difficulties in the realization of small differences in intensity.
Identification of a negative bitemporal component (N300) of the event‐related potentials demonstrated by noncephalic recordings

We studied the scalp distribution of auditory event-related potentials (P300), using simultaneously a cephalic (linked ears) and a noncephalic (balanced sternovertebra) reference. The recordings with noncephalic reference showed that infrequent, attended auditory stimuli evoke a negative bitemporal component (N300) as well as a positive vertex component (P300).
Systems-Scale Analysis Reveals Pathways Involved in Cellular Response to Methamphetamine

Background Methamphetamine (METH), an abused illicit drug, disrupts many cellular processes, including energy metabolism, spermatogenesis, and maintenance of oxidative status. However, many components of the molecular underpinnings of METH toxicity have yet to be established. Network analyses of integrated proteomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic data are particularly well suited for identifying cellular responses to toxins, such as METH, which might otherwise be obscured by the numerous and dynamic changes that are induced. Methodology/Results We used network analyses of proteomic and transcriptomic data to evaluate pathways in Drosophila melanogaster that are affected by acute METH toxicity. METH exposure caused changes in the expression of genes involved with energy metabolism, suggesting a Warburg-like effect (aerobic glycolysis), which is normally associated with cancerous cells. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that carbohydrate metabolism plays an important role in METH toxicity. In agreement with our hypothesis, we observed that increased dietary sugars partially alleviated the toxic effects of METH. Our systems analysis also showed that METH impacted genes and proteins known to be associated with muscular homeostasis/contraction, maintenance of oxidative status, oxidative phosphorylation, spermatogenesis, iron and calcium homeostasis. Our results also provide numerous candidate genes for the METH-induced dysfunction of spermatogenesis, which have not been previously characterized at the molecular level. Conclusion Our results support our overall hypothesis that METH causes a toxic syndrome that is characterized by the altered carbohydrate metabolism, dysregulation of calcium and iron homeostasis, increased oxidative stress, and disruption of mitochondrial functions.
Pragmatic language skills in people with intellectual disabilities: A review

This paper provides a review of relevant research concerning the development and use of spoken pragmatic language skills by people with intellectual disabilities. The development of pragmatic language skills in childhood, the use of such skills in adulthood, and links between pragmatic language use and quality of life are discussed. Despite the variety of participants and methodologies used, research findings are broadly consistent. First, people with intellectual disabilities can and do acquire basic pragmatic language skills, although more subtle aspects of conversational competence are less commonly displayed. Second, the communicative environments of children and adults with intellectual disabilities appear to inhibit the acquisition and display of pragmatic language skills. Third, different service settings can have an impact on the pragmatic skills of people with intellectual disabilities. Fourth, intervention programs can improve the pragmatic language skills of people with intellectual disabilitie.
A Comparative Investigation of the Semantic Structure of Language

The results of a semantic analysis of 20 languages established quantitative parameters intended to describe the semantic structure of language in general. Representative languages were drawn from nine different language families, both literate and nonliterate populations, ancient civilizations and contemporary nations and ethnic groups. Random samples of 100 word and phrase units were drawn from bilingual dictionaries. Each word was classified into one of 34 semantic categories. A reference guide to categories with codes and definitions and examples of coded words with the classification logic displayed are provided. Some major results are: (a) Words referring to activities of all sorts occur with the highest frequency in vocabularies (44%), mostly human activities (39%, 34% physical, 5% mental). (b) Various sorts of people (9%) and nature agents (7%) are involved in these activities. (c) The products of human activities (22%) are about equally divided between nonmaterial mental products and man-made material things.
Elevated adipose tissue lactate to pyruvate (L/P) ratio predicts poor outcome in critically ill patients with septic shock: a microdialysis study.

BACKGROUND Sepsis is a disease affecting tissue metabolism; in vivo microdialysis (MD) is a bedside technique enabling researchers to monitor tissue metabolic changes. We conducted this study aiming to evaluate the relationship between lactate to pyruvate (L/P) ratio, a sensitive marker of tissue oxygenation and perfusion, and mortality in critically ill septic patients. METHODS We enrolled 105 patients with septic shock hospitalized in the mixed intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital. A MD catheter was inserted in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of the upper thigh and interstitial fluid samples were collected and analyzed for glucose, lactate, pyruvate, and glycerol. RESULTS Multivariate regression analysis showed that among variables registered on day 1, APACHE II and SOFA scores, blood lactate and microdialysis-assessed tissue L/P ratio were independently associated with 28-day mortality. Even in patients with normal (<2 mmol/L) blood lactate, adipose tissue L/P ratio showed a strong trend to statistical significance. During the 6-day study period, non-survivors had significantly higher L/P ratios compared to survivors (P=0.001) and mixed model analysis revealed a different pattern of evolution in time with non-survivors experiencing an increase while survivors had a late decline in their L/P ratio. The AUC for L/P ratio was similar to that of APACHE II (P=0.67) and SOFA score (P=0.73). Comparison of the Kaplan-Meier 28-day survival curves of patients with normal (≤ 25) versus elevated (>25) L/P ratios showed that the latter survived significantly less (P=0.02; log-rank test). CONCLUSION Elevated adipose tissue L/P ratio is associated with poor outcome in critically ill patients with septic shock. Microdialysis deserves to be further studied as a research tool in the multi-modal monitoring of septic critically ill patients.
DSM performance on practical DSL systems based on estimated crosstalk channel information

This paper investigates practical aspects associated to the adoption of dynamic spectrum management (DSM) in existing digital subscriber lines (DSL) access networks. A standard-compliant crosstalk estimation method is utilized in order to retrieve the crosstalk channel information needed by, e.g., a DSM level 2 system. A DSM application framework was developed to help testing DSM in practice and investigate the foreseen gap between the DSM results obtained with simulations and practical achievable data rates. This framework is based on “off-the-shelf” DSL equipments and is responsible for coordinating and monitoring the test procedures via DSL standardized protocols. The work also discusses the discrepancies identified in laboratory experiments, associated to different sources of mismatch between simulations and practice.
Analysis of the prognostic significance of selected morphological and immunohistochemical markers in ependymomas, with literature review.

AIM Ependymal tumours are relatively uncommon primary neoplasms of the central nervous system. Histological criteria distinguishing ependymoma and anaplastic ependymoma are not clear-cut and other parameters are required to allow more precise prognostication in these tumours. We analysed the histological and immunohistochemical features of these tumours (Ki-67, cyclin D1, EGFR, hTERT, Olig2) and correlated them with the clinical outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS We analysed 39 patients with grade II ependymoma (30) and anaplastic ependymoma (9). Twenty-eight tumours developed in children and the remaining 11 patients were adults with intracranial and intraspinal tumours. Eighteen patients died during the follow-up period. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Overall survival was reduced significantly for paediatric patients and patients with intracranial tumour. High-grade tumours, increased mitotic index and increased cellularity had an unfavourable influence on survival. Other histological parameters such as nuclear atypia, necrosis and microvascular proliferation did not alter the survival rate. Increased Ki-67 and cyclin D1 indices correlated with worse prognosis. Furthermore, any level of cyclin D1 expression in WHO grade II ependymomas was strongly associated with higher risk of death. No correlation was identified between Olig2, EGFR and hTERT expression and the outcome of the patients.
“Stop Looking at Me!”

Objectification has been conceptualized as a form of insidious trauma, but the specific relationships among objectification experiences, self-objectification, and trauma symptoms have not yet been investigated. Participants were women with (n = 136) and without (n = 201) a history of sexual trauma. They completed a survey measuring trauma history, objectification experiences (body evaluation and unwanted sexual advances), constructs associated with self-objectification (body surveillance and body shame), and trauma symptoms. The relationships among the variables were consistent for both women with and without a history of sexual trauma. Our hypothesized path model fit equally well for both groups. Examination of the indirect effects showed that experiencing unwanted sexual advances was indirectly related to trauma symptoms through body shame for those with and without a history of sexual trauma. Additionally, for women with a history of sexual trauma, the experience of body evaluation was indirectly related to trauma symptoms through the mediating variables of body surveillance and body shame. The data indicate that the experience of sexual objectification is a type of gender-based discrimination with sequelae that can be conceptualized as insidious trauma. Clinicians may consider the impact of these everyday traumatic experiences when working with women who have clinical symptoms but no overt trauma history.
Effect of Buffer Layer Structure on Drain Leakage Current and Current Collapse Phenomena in High-Voltage GaN-HEMTs

High-voltage (> 400 V) GaN high-electron mobility transistors were fabricated using two types of heterostructures with different buffer layer structures. The buffer layer structure affected the crystal defect density in grown AlGaN/GaN heterostructure. The static on-resistance under low applied voltage was independent of the buffer layer structure because it has no influence on the 2-D electron-gas density. On the other hand, the drain leakage current through the grown layers and the dynamic on-resistance increase caused by the current collapse phenomena depended on the buffer layer structure. The leakage current was reduced by the AlN/n-GaN/AlN layers because of the potential barrier at the AlN/n-GaN interface and no-depletion of the n-GaN layer. In addition, the experimental results showed that the dynamic on-resistance was increased with the edge dislocation density and was not influenced by the screw dislocation density. From these results, it can be expected that edge dislocation is related to the electron trapping center, which must be reduced to suppress the current collapse phenomena.
Talking relative age effects: a fictional analysis based on scientific evidence

During the past 30 years, there has been a considerable amount of scientific attention dedicated to the reported age discrimination which occurs in youth and elite sport. The purpose of this paper is to examine the notion of relative age effects (RAEs) through a slightly different lens. This paper therefore presents a fictional conversation between Jim, a sport and exercise scientist, Paul, a professional football coach, and Helen, a coach education manager. The conversation takes place following a presentation on the nuances of the RAE phenomenon at a National Sports Coaching Conference. The debate is driven by Paul's Darwinian approach to the existence (or not) of RAEs and Helen's concerns that sports administrators responsible for talent identification and development within national governing bodies of sport are not raising awareness of this phenomenon with the sports coaches who are ultimately responsible for talent development in youth sport.