Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A STUDY ON KURDISH STUDENTS' ATTITUDES TO GROUP WORK IN THE EFL CLASSROOM

Throughout the last two or three decades, group work has become a part that cannot be separated from other classroom activities. This research study identifies the different opinions of Kurdish students concerning the advantages and disadvantages of group work in the classroom. The research was conducted on 100 Kurdish university students who had at least two years experience of group work at Universities in Kurdistan (Zakho, Dohuk, Salahaddin, and Sulaimani universities). Anonymously, a questionnaire was completed and its results were submitted by the respondents, hoping that their responses could directly address the research aim. Then, 20 students from the ones who participated in filling in the questionnaire were chosen and interviewed so as to gain as valid and reliable data as possible for the results of the study to be authentic. Thus, a triangulation methodological strategy was followed in this research study to produce valid results. The findings from both instruments revealed that “better communication”, “group work is a mutual interest”, “group members clarify difficult things to each other” and ''it takes a short time to finish a task in group work'' were students’ positive opinions, while “some members prefer to relax and stay silent”, “some members do not like to work”, ''group work is a waste of time as students talk about external things and they cannot reach any agreement' 'and “students depend on each other” were their negative opinions concerning group work. Suggesting further considerable studies on attitudes of students concerning group work, the research concludes.
Role of Membrane Rafts in Viral Infection

Membrane rafts are small (10-200 nm), heterogeneous, highly dynamic, sterol- and sphingolipid-enriched domains that compartmentalize cellular processes. Many studies have established that membrane rafts play an important role in the process of virus infection cycle and virus-associated diseases. It is well known that many viral components or virus receptors are concentrated in the lipid microdomains. Viruses are divided into four main classes, nonenveloped RNA virus, enveloped RNA virus, nonenveloped DNA virus, and enveloped DNA virus. General virus infection cycle is also classified into two sections, the early stage (entry) and the late stage (assembly and budding of virion). Caveola-dependent endocytosis has been investigated mostly by analysis of cell entry of the SV40 representative of polyomaviruses. Thus, the study of membrane rafts has been partially advanced by virological researches. Membrane rafts also act as a scaffold of many cellular signal transductions. Involvement of membrane rafts in many virus-associated diseases is often responsible for up- or down-regulation of cellular signal transductions. What is the role of membrane rafts in virus replications? Viruses do not necessarily require and probably utilize membrane rafts for more efficiency in virus entry, viral genome replication, high-infective virion production, and cellular signaling activation toward advantageous virus replication. In this review, we described the involvement of membrane rafts in the virus life cycle and virus-associated diseases.
The Synergic In Vitro Tocolytic Effect of Nifedipine Plus Ritodrine on Human Myometrial Contractility

Many pharmacological agents have been investigated to manage preterm labor; we postulate that a combination of tocolytic drugs may achieve a better effect in the prevention of uterine contractions without dose-dependent adverse effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of dual combinations of tocolytics in vitro. Human myometrium was obtained during elective cesarean sections (term without labor; n = 40). Myometrial strips were placed in organ baths for the measurement of isometric tension. Contractile activity was induced by oxytocin (10− 8 mol/L), then a concentration–response curve to single or dual combinations of tocolytics was started. All studied tocolytics (nifedipine, ritodrine, nitroglycerin, atosiban, and NS-1619), when used alone, significantly inhibited myometrial contractions. When combined, nifedipine plus ritodrine produced a significantly greater inhibition of contractility than each drug alone in the midrange of concentrations. The combination of nifedipine plus nitroglycerin or nifedipine plus atosiban produced a significantly greater inhibition than nitroglycerin or atosiban alone but not greater than nifedipine. The combination of nifedipine plus NS-1619 (Ca+2-activated K+ [BKCa] channel opener) reduced the inhibitory effect of each drug. We concluded that a selected combination of tocolytics (nifedipine plus ritodrine) produced a significantly greater inhibitory effect on contractility than each drug alone at intermediate concentrations. Thus, specific combinations of tocolytics with different intracellular signaling pathways may have a synergic effect constituting a provocative new option for preterm labor treatment.
Happiness beyond material needs: the case of the Mayan people

This research analyses happiness and several domains of life of Mayan people in the poor rural areas of Yucatan, Mexico. Using a sample of 373 households, we obtain high results for happiness and the domains. We find that Mayans that experience hunger are unhappier than the rest and report lower satisfaction in the material domains, but their happiness and satisfaction on the domains is still quite high. Income influences the happiness of this group of people more than the other, but the influence is reduced. Relative income does not affect happiness of those who do not satisfy this need, in line with existing literature. However, contrary to the literature, there is no income comparison influencing the happiness of those that satisfy this basic need, although there is a weak comparison effect in the health and water domain. Other domains related to feelings or public goods do not experience variation between groups and are not influenced by income. Although happiness is high for Mayans, they nevertheless require political attention.
Astronomy and Astrophysics Detection of Strong Clustering of Extremely Red Objects: Implications for the Density of Z > 1 Ellipticals

We present the results of a wide–field survey for extremely red objects (EROs hereafter), the widest so far, based on Ks and R band imaging. The survey covers 701 arcmin 2 and it is 85% complete to Ks ≤ 18.8 over the whole area and to Ks ≤ 19.2 over 447.5 arcmin 2. Thanks to the wide field covered, a complete sample of about 400 EROs with R − Ks ≥5 was selected. The distribution of the EROs on the sky is strongly inhomogeneous, being characterized by overdensities and large voids. We detect at the 8σ level a strong clustering signal of the EROs which is about an order of magnitude larger than the clustering of K-selected field galaxies in the same magnitude range. A smooth trend of increasing clustering amplitude with the R − Ks color is observed. These results are strong evidence that the largest fraction of EROs is composed of high–z ellipticals, of which we detect for the first time the z > ∼ 1 large scale structure clustering signal. We show how the surface density variations of the ERO population found in our survey can explain the highly discrepant results obtained so far on the density of z > 1 ellipticals, and we briefly discuss the main implications of our results for the evolution of elliptical galaxies. The number counts and the colors of the K-selected field galaxies are also presented and briefly discussed. Send offprint requests to: edaddi@arcetri.astro. it Partially based on observations made at the European Southern Observatory in La Silla, Chile.
Characterisation and Molecular Identification of Adrenomedullin Binding Sites in the Rat Spinal Cord: A Comparison with Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide Receptors

Abstract: Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and its receptors are found in mammalian spinal cord. We show, for the first time, binding sites for the novel related peptide adrenomedullin in rat spinal cord microsomes. 125I‐Adrenomedullin binding showed high affinity (KD = 0.45 ± 0.06 nM) and sites were abundant (Bmax = 723 ± 71 fmol/mg of protein). CGRP, amylin, and calcitonin did not compete at these sites (Ki > 10 µM). High‐affinity CGRP binding sites (KD = 0.18 ± 0.01 nM) were much less numerous (Bmax = 17.7 ± 2.4 fmol/mg of protein) and showed competition by unlabeled adrenomedullin (Ki = 34.6 ± 2.4 nM). Chemical cross‐linking revealed a major band for 125I‐adrenomedullin of Mr = 84,400 ± 1,200 and a minor band of Mr = 122,000 ± 8,700. 125I‐CGRP cross‐linking showed bands of lower molecular weight (Mr = 74,500 ± 5,000 and 61,000 ± 2,200). Enzymic deglycosylation of the adrenomedullin binding site showed a considerable carbohydrate content. Neither adrenomedullin nor CGRP was able to increase cyclic AMP in spinal cord. Adrenomedullin mRNA was present in spinal cord, at one‐third of its level in lung, and adrenomedullin immunoreactivity was present, at a low concentration (40 fmol/g of tissue). Thus, the presence of abundant binding sites and adrenomedullin mRNA and immunoreactivity anticipate an as yet undefined function for this peptide in spinal cord.
Factors Influencing Oxidative Imbalance in Pulmonary Fibrosis: An Immunohistochemical Study

Background. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease of unknown etiology characterized by interstitial fibrosis determining irreversible distortion of pulmonary architecture. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and markers of oxidative stress play a pivotal role in human IPF pathology, possibly through induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods. We investigated by immunohistochemistry, in UIP and COP tissue samples, the expression of most relevant markers of the molecular interplay involving RAGE, oxidant/antioxidant balance regulation, tissue nitrosylation, and mediators of EMT. Results. In both UIP and COP, the degree of RAGE expression was similarly high, while SODs and i-NOS, diffusely present in COP endoalveolar plugs, were almost absent in UIP fibroblast foci. A lower degree of tissue nitrosilation was observed in UIP than in COP. Conclusions. Fibroblast lesions of UIP and of COP share a similar degree of activation of RAGE, while antioxidant enzyme expression markedly reduced in UIP.
Encyclopedia of Reincarnation and Karma

Featuring over 1,200 topical entries arranged alphabetically, this encyclopedia provides diverse and detailed coverage of the related subjects of reincarnation and karma. Its in-depth examination ranges from ancient beliefs to those of the present, incorporating all relevant world cultures. A series of broad thematic entries cover foundational aspects while over a thousand highly focused entries deal with various societies and organizations which support the concepts of reincarnation and karma; specific religious groups, sects, and associations; key individuals both historic and modern; and, related beliefs, concepts, and practices.
Influence of cryogenic grinding on properties of a self-emulsifying formulation

Recently, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) have been developed as a method to deliver lipophilic drugs. Gelucire® 44/14 is an excipient, from the lauroyl macrogolglycerides family, producing a fine oil-in-water emulsion when introduced into an aqueous phase under gentle agitation as SEDDS, improving thereby solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs and their bioavailability. The aims of this study were to process Gelucire® 44/14 into a powder by cryogenic grinding to produce solid oral dosage forms and to investigate influence of this process on different properties of a formulation made of Gelucire® 44/14 and ketoprofen (90/10). Cryogenic grinding produced Gelucire® 44/14 in a powder form and this process did not change its physical properties, emulsification capacities and dissolution performances of the formulation tested. However, interactions took place between ketoprofen and Gelucire® 44/14 with a decrease of the melting peak and a reduction of the droplet size of the formed emulsion. The influence of drug–Gelucire® 44/14 interactions must be investigated case by case in any formulations. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Sex differences in perceived life satisfaction and functional status one year after severe traumatic brain injury.

AIMS The primary aim of this study was to describe and compare perceived life satisfaction and perceived functional motor and cognitive status 1 year after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in males and females, adjusting for demographics and severity of injury. METHODS Data of 297 participants were abstracted from the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation and Research (NIDRR)-funded Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS). Participants were aged 16-50, enrolled in the TBIMS study between the years 1998 and 2008, diagnosed with severe TBI (defined as having an initial Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score between 3 and 8), and with perceived life satisfaction and functional status data available at 1 year postinjury. Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate the association between sex, demographic variables, severity of injury, and the outcome variables. RESULTS Our findings indicate that sex did not significantly influence perceived satisfaction with life or motor function 1 year after severe TBI. However, females had significantly better (p = 0.031) cognitive outcomes compared to males 1 year after severe TBI, after controlling for demographics and severity of injury. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that females may have better perceived cognitive functional outcomes than males 1 year after severe TBI. Further longitudinal research, including measurement of hormonal levels, is needed to determine if hormones influence outcomes of severe TBI as well as the trajectory of these outcomes. A better understanding of sex differences in outcomes after TBI will help clinicians improve strategies for rehabilitation.
How experts decide : identifying preferences versus signals from policy decisions

A large theoretical literature assumes that experts differ in terms of preferences and the distribution of their private signals, but the empirical literature to date has not separately identified them. This paper proposes a novel way of doing so by relating the probability a member chooses a particular policy decision to the prior belief that it is correct. We then apply this methodology to study differences between internal and external members on the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee. Using a variety of proxies for the prior, we provide evidence that they differ significantly on both dimensions. Key words: Bayesian decision making ; Committees ; Monetary policy JEL classification: D81 ; D82 ; E52
Queer Theory Sociology

Series Editor's Preface. Acknowledgements. Introduction by Steven Seidman. Part I: Sociological Perspectives on Homosexual Desire: 1. The homosexual role: Mary McIntosh. 2. The construction of homosexuality: Jeffrey Weeks. 3. Symbolic interactionism and the forms of homosexuality: Ken Plummer. 4. Capitialism, bureaucracy, and male homosexuality: David Greenburg and Marcia Bystryn. 5. Structural foundations of the gay world: Barry Adam. Part II: Sociology/Queer Theory: A Dialogue: 6. I can't even think straight: queer theory and the missing sexual revolution in sociology: Arlene Stein and Ken Plummer. 7. A queer encounter: sociology and study of sexuality: Steven Epstein. 8. The heterosexual imaginary: feminist sociology and theories of gender: Crys Ingraham. 9. The politics of inside/out: queer theory, poststructuralism, and a sociological approach to sexuality: Ki Namaste. 10. A place in the rainbow: theorizing lesbian and gay culture: Jancie Irvine. Part III: Queer Sociological Approaches: Identity & Society: 11. Maiden voyage: excursion into sexuality and identity politics in Asian America: Dana Takagi. 12. A certain swagger when I walk: performing lesbian identity: Kristin Esterberg. 13. Containing AIDS: Magic Johnson and post (Reagan) American: Cheryl Cole. 14. The dilemma of identity: bisexuality in the heterosexual matrix: Amber Ault. Part IV: Queer Sociological Approaches: Identity & Politics: 15. Postmodernism and queer identities: Scott Bravmann. 16. Contested membership: black gay identities and the politics of AIDS: Cathy Cohen. 17. Must identity movements self destruct? A queer dilemma: Joshua Gamson. 18. The depoliticization of Dutch gay identity of why Dutch gays aren't queer: Jan Willem Duyvendak. Index.
Patterns of chironomid body-size distribution in an effluent-impacted river in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Body size is an important determinant of assemblage structure in rivers and streams impacted by elevated concentrations of pollutants such as salts and metals. In the present study, because of the larger surface-area-tovolume ratio of small-bodied chironomid species compared with large-bodied species, it was hypothesised that the relative abundance of the small-bodied species would decrease at the impacted sites by elevated concentrations of total dissolved solids compared with that at the less-impacted control site. The aim of this study was to analyse and compare patterns of chironomid final instar body-size classes at impacted sites with those at the control site. Chironomid larvae were sampled seasonally from August 2009 to September 2012 from one control site and three impacted sites (Sites 2, 3 and 4) in the Swartkops River, Eastern Cape. Site 2 was impacted by diffuse pollution sources, whereas Sites 3 and 4 were impacted by wastewater effluent discharges in addition to diffuse pollution sources. Small-bodied species dominated the assemblage at the control site and declined significantly at the impacted sites, suggesting that chironomid body size responds predictably to deteriorating water quality in the Swartkops River.
Feasibility of ultrasound-guided sacroiliac joint injection considering sonoanatomic landmarks at two different levels in cadavers and patients.

OBJECTIVE Sacroiliitis is often caused by rheumatic diseases, and besides other therapeutic options, treatment consists of intraarticular injection of corticosteroids. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of ultrasound (US)-guided sacroiliac joint (SI joint) injection at 2 different puncture levels in cadavers and patients when defined sonoanatomic landmarks were considered. METHODS After defining sonoanatomic landmarks, US-guided needle insertion was performed in 10 human cadavers (20 SI joints) at 2 different puncture sites. Upper level was defined at the level of the posterior sacral foramen 1 and lower level at the level of the posterior sacral foramen 2. In 10 patients with unilateral sacroiliitis, injection at the most feasible level was attempted. RESULTS Computed tomography confirmed correct intraarticular needle placement in cadavers by showing the tip of the needle in the joint and intraarticular diffusion of contrast media in 16 (80%) of 20 SI joints (upper level 7 [70%] of 10; lower level 9 [90%] of 10). In all 4 cases in which needle insertion failed, intraarticular SI joint injection at the other level was successful. In patients, 100% of US-guided injections were successful (8 lower level, 2 upper level), with a mean pain relief of 8.6 after 3 months. CONCLUSION US guidance of needle insertion into SI joints was feasible at both levels when defined sonoanatomic landmarks were used. If SI joint alterations do not allow for direct visualization of the dorsal joint space of the lower level, which is easier to access, the upper level might offer an appropriate alternative.
User Mobility Evaluation for 5G Small Cell Networks Based on Individual Mobility Model

With small cell networks becoming core parts of the fifth generation (5G) cellular networks, it is an important problem to evaluate the impact of user mobility on 5G small cell networks. However, the tendency and clustering habits in human activities have not been considered in traditional user mobility models. In this paper, human tendency and clustering behaviors are first considered to evaluate the user mobility performance for 5G small cell networks based on individual mobility model (IMM). As key contributions, user pause probability, user arrival, and departure probabilities are derived in this paper for evaluating the user mobility performance in a hotspot-type 5G small cell network. Furthermore, coverage probabilities of small cell and macro cell BSs are derived for all users in 5G small cell networks, respectively. Compared with the traditional random waypoint (RWP) model, IMM provides a different viewpoint to investigate the impact of human tendency and clustering behaviors on the performance of 5G small cell networks.
East Asian International Student Experiences as Learners of English as an Additional Language: Implications for School Counsellors

In the school counselling literature, little focus is placed on international students who are learners of English as an Additional Language (EAL) and on school counselling support related to their language acquisition. Using the Critical Incident Technique, we analyzed transcripts of 21 international EAL students from China, Japan, and Korea who studied in three Vancouver, BC, public secondary schools. We present four language-based categories that include both facilitating and hindering incidents: (a) learning English, (b) communicating effectively, (c) speaking first language, and (d) performing well academically. Finally, we address school counselling implications, limitations, and future research.
The Proinflammatory CD14+CD16+DR++ Monocytes Are a Major Source of TNF1

In human blood two monocyte populations can be distinguished, i.e., the CD14++CD16−DR+ classical monocytes and the CD14+CD16+DR++ proinflammatory monocytes that account for only 10% of all monocytes. We have studied TNF production in these two types of cells using three-color immunofluorescence and flow cytometry on whole peripheral blood samples stimulated with either LPS or with the bacterial lipopeptide S-(2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)-(2-RS)-propyl)-N-palmitoyl-(R)-Cys-(S)-Ser-(S)-Lys4-OH,trihydrochloride (Pam3Cys). After stimulation with LPS the median fluorescence intensity for TNF protein was 3-fold higher in the proinflammatory monocytes when compared with the classical monocytes. After stimulation with Pam3Cys they almost exclusively responded showing 10-fold-higher levels of median fluorescence intensity for TNF protein. The median fluorescence intensity for Toll-like receptor 2 cell surface protein was found 2-fold higher on CD14+CD16+DR++ monocytes, which may explain, in part, the higher Pam3Cys-induced TNF production by these cells. When analyzing secretion of TNF protein into the supernatant in PBMCs after depletion of CD16+ monocytes we found a reduction of LPS-induced TNF by 28% but Pam3Cys-induced TNF was reduced by 64%. This indicates that the minor population of CD14+CD16+ monocytes are major producers of TNF in human blood.
Measurement and Prediction of Thermal Injury in the Retina of the Rhesus Monkey

The authors measured temperature rises with specially designed microthermocouples in over 60 retinae for various image sizes, wavelengths, and exposure durations. Measured temperatures varied with a standard error of 6 percent, and agreed well with a mathematical model for temperature-time response. Observed injury also compared favorably to that predicted by a rate process model for thermal injury. Suggested rate constants for the eye are A = 1.3 ×1099 1/s, and E = 150 000 cal/M. With these coefficients, predicted threshold injury agreed within a factor of two with experimentally determined injury from 10¿8 to 103 s. No difference in threshold temperatures was evident between either macular and paramacular exposures or between wavelengths of 488-647 nm. The model can be used to predict injury in the human eye by substituting absorption coefficients and thickness for the human PE and Ch in the thermal portion of the model.