Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attitudes of secondary school teachers towards inclusive education in New Delhi, India

This study was undertaken to determine the attitudes of secondary regular schoolteachers towards the inclusion of students with disabilities in New Delhi. A total of 470 teachers, working in schools managed by a private organisation in Delhi, returned the completed survey. A two-part questionnaire was used in this study. Part one gathered information relating to personal and professional characteristics of the teachers. Part two was a 16-item Likert scale titled, Attitudes towards Inclusive Education Scale. The major finding of the study was that the teachers in Delhi had positive attitudes towards the inclusion of students with special needs. This study also indicated that the teachers who were more positive about inclusive education were male, younger teachers (less than 40 years of age), less experienced (less than 10 years) and had postgraduate qualifications. In addition, the teachers who had a contact with a person with a disability and those who did not have a focus on disability during their preservice teacher education programmes were more positive towards inclusive education.
Bile duct obstruction and choledocholithiasis: diagnosis with MR cholangiography.

PURPOSE To evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) cholangiopancreatography in the diagnosis of bile duct obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred twenty-six patients with clinically suspected bile duct obstruction underwent MR cholangiopancreatography with heavily T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequences. Reviewers were blinded to clinical and imaging findings. RESULTS Seventy-nine patients had biliary obstruction that was diagnosed with MR cholangiopancreatography in 72 patients for a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 100%, and overall accuracy of 94%. Thirty-two patients had choledocholithiasis that was diagnosed with MR cholangiopancreatography in 26 patients for an accuracy of 94%, sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 98%, positive predictive value of 93%, and negative predictive value of 94%. Fourteen patients had malignant obstruction that was diagnosed with MR cholangiopancreatography in 12 patients for a sensitivity and a positive predictive value of 86%, specificity and negative predictive value of 98%, and accuracy of 97%. CONCLUSION MR cholangiopancreatography is a noninvasive technique with excellent accuracy in the diagnosis of bile duct obstruction and its causes.
Discharges Network Oscillations With Irregular Neuronal Contributions of Intrinsic Membrane Dynamics to

[PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , December 27, 2005; 102 (52): 18793-18800. PNAS A. V. Rangan, D. Cai and D. W. McLaughlin line-motion illusion in primary visual cortex Inaugural Article: Modeling the spatiotemporal cortical activity associated with the [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , May 1, 2006; 18 (5): 1066-1110. Neural Comput. N. Brunel and D. Hansel neurons. How noise affects the synchronization properties of recurrent networks of inhibitory [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , March 1, 2007; 97 (3): 2254-2266. J Neurophysiol F. C. Joelving, A. Compte and C. Constantinidis and Passive Viewing Temporal Properties of Posterior Parietal Neuron Discharges During Working Memory [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , March 1, 2007; 97 (3): 1911-1930. J Neurophysiol R. C. Muresan and C. Savin Microcircuits Resonance or Integration? Self-Sustained Dynamics and Excitability of Neural
Nursing Professional Practice Environments: Setting the Stage for Constructive Conflict Resolution and Work Effectiveness

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of nurses' perceived professional practice environment on their quality of nursing conflict management approaches and ultimately their perceptions of unit effectiveness from the perspective of Deutsch's theory of constructive conflict management. Background: Rising reports of hostility and conflict among Canadian nurses are a concern to nurses' health and the viability of effective patient care delivery. However, research on the situational factors that influence nurses' ability to apply effective conflict resolution skills that lead to positive results in practice is limited. Methods: A nonexperimental, predictive design was used in a sample of 678 registered nurses working in community hospitals within a large metropolitan area in Ontario. Results: The results supported a modified version of the hypothesized model [χ2(1) = 16.25, Goodness of Fit = 0.99, Comparative Fit Index = 0.98, Root-Mean-Square Error of Approximation = 0.15] linking professional practice environment and core self-evaluation to nurses' conflict management and, ultimately, unit effectiveness. Professional practice environment, conflict management, and core-self evaluation explained approximately 46.6% of the variance in unit effectiveness. Conclusion: Positive professional practice environments and high core self-evaluations predicted nurses' constructive conflict management and, in turn, greater unit effectiveness.
Sex Work and Its Associations With Alcohol and Methamphetamine Use Among Female Bar and Spa Workers in the Philippines

To assess the prevalence of sex work and its associations with substance use among female bar/spa workers in the Philippines (N = 498), workers from 54 bar or spa venues in Metro Manila (2009-2010) were surveyed on demographics, drug/alcohol use, abuse history, and sex work. Their median age was 23 years and 35% engaged in sex work. Sex work was independently associated with methamphetamine use (19% vs 4%; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3-6.2), alcohol use with patrons (49% vs. 27%; AOR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1-3.4), and alcohol intoxication during sex (50% vs. 24%; AOR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.2-3.5), but inversely associated with daily alcohol use (13% vs. 16%; AOR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.1-0.5). Additional significant covariates included sexual abuse history, younger age, and not having a higher education. Findings suggest that interventions with sex workers in bars and spas should focus on methamphetamine use, alcohol use contexts, and violence victimization, to better meet the needs of this population.
Polymorphisms in Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Non-receptor Type 2 and 22 (PTPN2/22) Are Linked to Hyper-Proliferative T-Cells and Susceptibility to Mycobacteria in Rheumatoid Arthritis

A shared genetic pre-disposition, chronic inflammation, and treatment with similar biologics between Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Crohn's disease (CD) have intrigued us to investigate whether the two disorders share trigger association or possible causation. We hypothesized earlier that Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the negative regulators Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Non-receptor type 2 and 22 (PTPN2/22) lead to a dysregulated immune response, susceptibility to environmental triggers, and continued apoptosis as seen in chronic inflammation in RA and CD. To test the hypothesis, peripheral leukocytes samples from 132 consented subjects were genotyped for 9 SNPs in PTPN2/22 using TaqMan™ genotyping. The effect of the SNPs on PTPN2/22 and IFN-γ expression was determined using real time PCR. T-cell proliferation and response to phytohematoagglutonin (PHA) mitogen and mycobacterial antigens were determined by BrdU proliferation assay. Blood samples were also analyzed for the Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) IS900 gene by nPCR. Out of 9 SNPs examined, heterozygous (TC) or minor (CC) alleles of PTPN2:rs478582 occurred in 79% RA compared to 60% healthy controls (p-values ≤ 0.05; OR = 2.28). Similarly, heterozygous (GA) or minor (AA) alleles of PTPN22:rs2476601 occurred in 29% RA compared to 6% healthy controls (p-values ≤ 0.05; OR = 5.90). PTPN2/22 expression in RA was decreased by 1.2-fold compared to healthy controls. PTPN2:rs478582 upregulated IFN-γ in RA by 1.5-fold. Combined PTPN2:rs478582 and PTPN22:rs2476601 increased T-cell proliferation by 2.7-fold when treated with PHA. Surprisingly, MAP DNA was detected in 34% of RA samples compared to 8% healthy controls, (p-values ≤ 0.05, OR = 5.74). RA samples with PTPN2:rs478582 and/or PTPN22:rs2476601 were more positive for MAP than samples without polymorphisms. Combined occurrence of PTPN2:rs478582 and PTPN22:rs2476601 in association with the presence of MAP has significantly increased T-cell response and elevated IFN-γ expression in RA samples. The data suggest that genetic polymorphisms may play vital role in T-cell regulation, susceptibility to mycobacteria and ultimately response to treatment. This is the first study to report the detection of MAP DNA in the blood of RA patients; further studies are needed using larger number of samples.
Representations of Women in Microcredit Promotional Materials: The Case of Espoir Ecuador

In this paper, we explore the nature and practices of representations of women in microcredit promotional discourses. Based on the case of Espoir, a microcredit non‐governmental organization in Ecuador, we argue that the representations of women in microcredit promotional discourses have been reshaped increasingly by neoliberal configurations of power. These discourses reinforce the conceptualization of women as key actors in the development process—of their households and communities, and Ecuador as a nation. This conceptualization elicits conflicting and contradictory implications that may empower women but exacerbate neoliberal understandings of development that can undermine gender equality. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polydatin reduces Staphylococcus aureus lipoteichoic acid‐induced injury by attenuating reactive oxygen species generation and TLR2‐NFκB signalling

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) causes severe inflammation in various infectious diseases, leading to high mortality. The clinical application of antibiotics has gained a significant curative effect. However, it has led to the emergence of various resistant bacteria. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the protective effect of polydatin (PD), a traditional Chinese medicine extract, on S. aureus lipoteichoic acid (LTA)‐induced injury in vitro and in vivo. First, a significant improvement in the pathological conditions of PD in vivo was observed, suggesting that PD had a certain protective effect on LTA‐induced injury in a mouse model. To further explore the underlying mechanisms of this protective effect of PD, LTA‐induced murine macrophages were used in this study. The results have shown that PD could reduce the NF‐κB p65, and IκBα phosphorylation levels increased by LTA, resulting in a decrease in the transcription of pro‐inflammatory factors, such as TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6. However, LTA can not only activate NF‐κB through the recognition of TLR2 but also increase the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby activating NF‐κB signalling. We also detected high levels of ROS that activate caspases 9 and 3 to induce apoptosis. In addition, using a specific NF‐κB inhibitor that could attenuate apoptosis, namely NF‐κB p65, acted as a pro‐apoptotic transcription factor in LTA‐induced murine macrophages. However, PD could inhibit the generation of ROS and NF‐κB p65 activation, suggesting that PD suppressed LTA‐induced injury by attenuating ROS generation and TLR2‐NFκB signalling.
INTEGRATION OF ICT IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION – CASE STUDY ON THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

This article deals with methods for teaching secondary school students about the greenhouse effect. The research question is addressed in a didactic context using ICT. Our experiment used a pre-test and post-test methodology, in which we compared the learning outcomes of two groups of students: experimental group (EG) and control group (CG). Both groups followed the same teaching on the greenhouse effect during a Life and Earth Sciences (LES) class. Our study involved introduction of the following differentiation for the two groups of students: CG received explanations, accompanied by a theoretical presentation of the experiment to demonstrate the greenhouse effect. The students were then presented with the theoretical results. EG used a computer simulation of the same experiment on the greenhouse effect and interpreted the results. At post-test, the experimental group (EG) demonstrated a better understanding of the mechanisms of the greenhouse effect than the control group (CG), and scored better on questions related to infrared radiation as a result of global warming. This has been confirmed by a statistical test of homogeneity. However, on the other questions about the nature and consequences of the greenhouse effect, including on behavior advocated for the protection of the environment, we found no significant differences. Moreover, the students in both groups only proposed actions in response to the consequences of human activity and did not propose actions to respond to the consequences of natural origin. We therefore conclude that computer simulation of the greenhouse effect experiment, accompanied by further scientific interpretation, constitutes a "good didactic situation" to instill a more global understanding of the greenhouse effect.
Bidirectional and Multi-User Telerehabilitation System: Clinical Effect on Balance, Functional Activity, and Satisfaction in Patients with Chronic Stroke Living in Long-Term Care Facilities

Background The application of internet technology for telerehabilitation in patients with stroke has developed rapidly. Objective The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of a bidirectional and multi-user telerehabilitation system on balance and satisfaction in patients with chronic stroke living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Method This pilot study used a multi-site, blocked randomization design. Twenty-four participants from three LTCFs were recruited, and the participants were randomly assigned into the telerehabilitation (Tele) and conventional therapy (Conv) groups within each LTCF. Tele group received telerehabilitation but the Conv group received conventional therapy with two persons in each group for three sessions per week and for four weeks. The outcome measures included Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Barthel Index (BI), and the telerehabilitation satisfaction of the participants. Setting A telerehabilitation system included “therapist end” in a laboratory, and the “client end” in LTCFs. The conventional therapy was conducted in LTCFs. Results Training programs conducted for both the Tele and Conv groups showed significant effects within groups on the participant BBS as well as the total and self-care scores of BI. No significant difference between groups could be demonstrated. The satisfaction of participants between the Tele and the Conv groups also did not show significant difference. Conclusions This pilot study indicated that the multi-user telerehabilitation program is feasible for improving the balance and functional activity similar to conventional therapy in patients with chronic stroke living in LTCFs.
Monitoring the biophysical composition changes of urban environments using normalized spectral mixture analysis

Analyzing and monitoring biophysical composition changes of urban environments is an important issue due to the rapid urbanization in China. Unfortunately, the estimation of urban composition using moderate spatial resolution satellite images presents great challenges due to the diversity of urban landscapes. In this paper, we performed NSMA proposed by Wu (2004) to analyze biophysical composition changes of Nanjing city, East China of the two dates using TM and ETM+ images. Three percentage composition images corresponding to the three endmembers (vegetation, impervious surface and water or shade) were acquired by applying a fully constrained SMA to the normalized images. The fraction changes of three kinds of composition were systematically analyzed through associating them with urban growth of Nanjing city. The accuracy of composition images was validated using IKONOS images. Results show that NSMA is able to monitor urban biophysical composition changes effectively and has a considerable accuracy.
Narrative analysis of written texts: reflexivity in cross language research

This article examines how researchers address cross language narratives. Research and writing by migrants suggest that a change of language can lead to changes in both how people perceive themselves and how others perceive them. That is, changing language involves more than a simple change of words. However, researchers rarely consider the consequences of moving between languages in analysing and writing up narratives. This is particularly surprising for those who see narratives as contextually produced by researchers and participants and have an interest in the influence of the research process. Reflexivity is not extended to include the move across languages. I focus on some of the methodological and epistemological issues of analysing written texts produced by researchers in a language that participants did not use.
Terrorists, scholars and ordinary people: confronting terrorism studies with field experiences

Fieldwork in the study of terrorism remains the exception, allowing for scores of publications to be produced each year with little or no contact with the perpetrators of terrorist violence and scarce direct observation of the social realities in which it occurs. While examining some of the serious drawbacks and pitfalls such research can entail, this article makes a case for more fieldwork in terrorism studies, arguing that it can bring greater depth to our understanding of terrorist violence. The discussion focuses on a common assumption – the existence of the ‘terrorist’ as subject – and a common practice of terrorism studies – the concentration on extraordinary events at the expense of ‘ordinary life’ and ‘ordinary people’ – and how they are called into question by the material gathered during field research conducted in the Southern Philippine region of Mindanao. The article concludes with a reflection on some of the challenges facing researchers in danger zones, from their dependence on local knowledge for security to the need for methodological flexibility when faced with the complexity of research in conflict areas.
Histological and electrophysiological properties of crypt cells from the olfactory epithelium of the marine teleost Trachurus symmetricus

Crypt cells from the olfactory epithelium of the Pacific jack mackerel Trachurus symmetricus were characterized by light and electron microscopy and analyzed in dissociation with the patch‐clamp technique in its cell‐attached, perforated patch and normal whole‐cell mode. Isolated crypt cells remained united with their supporting cells, and both were electrically coupled through gap junctions. Under voltage‐clamp, depolarizing voltage steps triggered a transient sodium current, a sustained calcium current, and two types of potassium currents with fast and slow inactivation kinetics. No calcium‐dependent potassium current could be observed. The sodium current was blocked by saxitoxin, the calcium current by cobalt and furnidipine, and the potassium currents by tetraethylammonium chloride. In the cell‐attached configuration, crypt cells displayed spontaneous spike activity and responded to amino acid solutions with dose‐dependent excitation, followed by a period of spike inhibition. These first recordings of individual crypt cells provide the basis for future studies of their odorant specificity, transduction mechanism, and overall function in the fish olfactory epithelium. J. Comp. Neurol. 495:113–121, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exopolysaccharides of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG form a protective shield against innate immune factors in the intestine

Probiotic bacteria are administered as live microorganisms to provide a health benefit to the host. Insight into the adaptation factors that promote the survival and persistence of probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is important to understand their performance. In this study, the role of the long galactose‐rich exopolysaccharides (EPS) of the prototypical probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) was investigated. In a competition experiment with wild type, the isogenic EPS mutant CMPG5351 exhibited a reduced persistence in the murine GIT, especially in the lower parts of the intestine. This was surprising as our previous in vitro studies had shown an increased adhesion capacity for this EPS mutant. Follow‐up assays indicated that this mutant is more sensitive towards host innate defence molecules, such as the LL‐37 antimicrobial peptide and complement factors. This suggests that EPS forms a protective shield for LGG against these molecules in the GIT. Moreover, culturing LGG wild‐type in subinhibitory concentrations of host defence factors such as LL‐37 resulted in increased production of EPS, indicating that bacterial EPS production is modulated in the host to fine‐tune the balance between adhesion and immune evasion. These observations are of interest in understanding the dynamics of adaptation of probiotics to the host environments.
The Impact of User Rationality in Federated Clouds

With cloud computing, the long-envisioned dream of computing as utility is achieved. Many of the current standalone cloud providers offer resources and services using pay-per-use fixed pricing. Spot pricing, recently introduced in Amazon EC2, is more efficient by setting the resource price dynamically, based on demand. However, this pricing scheme, similar to the uniform price auction, is truthful only when supply can be adjusted, such as the case of a standalone cloud provider. In a federated cloud, where resources from multiple cloud providers are integrated to increase elasticity and reliability, rational users can have a greater impact. In this paper, we evaluate the impact of rationality in a federated cloud, by comparing the consumer welfare achieved by spot pricing, currently used in Amazon EC2, and a strategy-proof pricing scheme. We consider different EC2 regions as providers in a federated cloud, and use traces of spot prices to determine the consumer requests and the user welfare. Our results show that spot pricing is not suitable in a federated cloud, where rational users can increase their welfare by being untruthful.