Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Toward a Reappraisal of the Role of MD Markers in EFL Learners’ Perception of Written Texts

Once regarded as the author’s passive message produced to be decoded by the readers, the written text is now viewed as a dynamic entity through which the notion of interactivity between the writer and the readers is thought to be made feasible. Based on the postulation that metadiscourse markers help transform a dry and tortuous piece of text into coherent and reader-friendly prose, the researchers in the current study attempted to investigate the effect different MD markers might have on Iranian EFL learners’ perception of written texts. To this end, 120 undergraduate English students were given three different texts chosen from the most common textbooks in BA, along with their doctored versions (all MD-removed, interactive-removed, and interactional-removed). Each text duo was then accompanied by an 8-item questionnaire following Ifantido’s (2005) lead. The statistical analysis of the gained results pointed toward the positive role of metadiscourse markers in bringing about ameliorated text perception on the part of EFL learners. Furthermore, the comparison of the results gained in each separate phase of the study, processed through the application of ANOVA and LSD tests, revealed that texts with both interactive and interactional resources had more effect on learners’ perception of written texts. Moreover, it was found that interactive and interactional resources had more or less the same effect on learners’ reactions to texts. To put it in a nutshell, in line with the findings of the present study further evidence is gathered in favor of the postulation holding that metadiscourse markers bring about an increased amount of coherence and reader-friendliness in texts.
Design and validation of an observation instrument for technical and tactical actions in indoor volleyball

The purpose of this paper was to design and validate an observation instrument to analyse technical and tactical actions in indoor volleyball. The instrument collects information regarding: a) information about the match (context), b) information about game situations, c) information about technical situations (serve, reception, set, attack, block, and court defence) in relation to player that intervenes, role, manner of execution, execution zone, and efficacy, and d) information about the result of the play (win-lose, and way point is obtained). Instrument design and validation was done in seven stages: a) review of literature and consultation of experts; b) pilot observation and data analysis; c) expert review of instrument (qualitative and quantitative evaluation); d) observer training test; e) expert review of instrument (content validity); f) measurement of the predictive ability of the instrument (winning-losing); and g) measurement of the differences between playing situations (practice and competition). The results show that the instrument allows for obtaining objective and valid information about the players and team in offensive and in defensive actions, as well as indirectly from physical actions.
Effects of framing a robot as a social agent or as a machine on children's social behavior

The presentation or framing of a situation-such as how something or someone is introduced-can influence people's subsequent behavior. In this paper, we describe a study in which we manipulated how a robot was introduced, framing it as either a social agent or as a machine-like being. We asked whether framing the robot in these ways would influence young children's social behavior while playing a ten-minute game with the robot. We coded children's behavior during the robot interaction, including their speech, gaze, and various courteous, prosocial actions. We found several subtle differences in children's gaze behavior between conditions that may reflect children's perceptions of the robot's status as more, or less, of a social actor. In addition, more parents of children in the Social condition reported that their children acted less shy and more talkative with the robot that parents of children in the Machine condition. This study gives us insight into how the interaction context can influence how children think about and respond to social robots.
A Modular Consistency Proof for DOLCE

We propose a novel technique for proving the consistency of large, complex and heterogeneous theories for which ‘standard’ automated reasoning methods are considered insufficient. In particular, we exemplify the applicability of the method by establishing the consistency of the foundational ontology DOLCE, a large, first-order ontology. The approach we advocate constructs a global model for a theory, in our case DOLCE, built from smaller models of subtheories together with amalgamability properties between such models. The proof proceeds by (i) hand-crafting a so-called architectural specification of DOLCE which reflects the way models of the theory can be built, (ii) an automated verification of the amalgamability conditions, and (iii) a (partially automated) series of relative consistency proofs.
Towards Multi-Stakeholder Utility Evaluation of Recommender Systems

A core value in recommender systems is personalization, the idea that the recommendations produced are those that match the user’s preferences. However, in many real-world recommendation contexts, the concerns of additional stake-holders may come into play, such as the producers of items or those of the system owner. Some researchers have examined special cases of such concerns, for example, in reciprocal recommendation. However, there has not been a comprehensive treatment of the integration of multiple stake-holders into recommendation calculations. The paper suggests a utility-based framework for representing stakeholder values in recommendation actions and calculating a multi-dimensional utility. We demonstrate how a standard algo-rithm performs in a simulation of a multi-stakeholder recommendation task requiring on-line optimization, and show that a simple greedy approach can lead to enhanced overall utility with minimal loss of accuracy for users.
Neural deletion of Tgfbr2 impairs angiogenesis through an altered secretome

Simultaneous generation of neural cells and that of the nutrient-supplying vasculature during brain development is called neurovascular coupling. We report on a transgenic mouse with impaired transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-signalling in forebrain-derived neural cells using a Foxg1-cre knock-in to drive the conditional knock-out of the Tgfbr2. Although the expression of FOXG1 is assigned to neural progenitors and neurons of the telencephalon, Foxg1cre/+;Tgfbr2flox/flox (Tgfbr2-cKO) mutants displayed intracerebral haemorrhage. Blood vessels exhibited an atypical, clustered appearance were less in number and displayed reduced branching. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A, insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1, IGF2, TGFβ, inhibitor of DNA binding (ID) 1, thrombospondin (THBS) 2, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) 1 were altered in either expression levels or tissue distribution. Accordingly, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) displayed branching defects after stimulation with conditioned medium (CM) that was derived from primary neural cultures of the ventral and dorsal telencephalon of Tgfbr2-cKO. Supplementing CM of Tgfbr2-cKO with VEGFA rescued these defects, but application of TGFβ aggravated them. HUVEC showed reduced migration towards CM of mutants compared with controls. Supplementing the CM with growth factors VEGFA, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 and IGF1 partially restored HUVEC migration. In contrast, TGFβ supplementation further impaired migration of HUVEC. We observed differences along the dorso-ventral axis of the telencephalon with regard to the impact of these factors on the phenotype. Together these data establish a TGFBR2-dependent molecular crosstalk between neural and endothelial cells during brain vessel development. These findings will be useful to further elucidate neurovascular interaction in general and to understand pathologies of the blood vessel system such as intracerebral haemorrhages, hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia, Alzheimeŕs disease, cerebral amyloid angiopathy or tumour biology.
Mycophenolate mofetil-based, cyclosporine-free induction and maintenance immunosuppression: first-3-months analysis of efficacy and safety in two cohorts of renal allograft recipients.

BACKGROUND The currently used macrolide immunosuppressants, i.e., cyclosporine and tacrolimus, exert considerable nephrotoxicity. We aimed to avoid the nephrotoxic effects by applying a cyclosporine-free regimen for the induction as well as for the maintenance treatment of renal allograft recipients using mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as the primary immunosuppressant. METHODS Thirteen patients were converted from cyclosporine (CsA) to MMF monotherapy. For 4 weeks, MMF (2 g/day) was added to the CsA treatment, before CsA was tapered by weekly steps of 25 mg/day and without "safeguard treatment" with additional immunosuppressants. In a second approach, 12 patients older than 50 years, and receiving a renal graft from a donor older than 50 years, were treated primarily with MMF combined with steroids and an induction therapy using antithymocyte globulin, and without the addition of CsA. RESULTS Thirteen long-term renal transplant patients could be converted from CsA to MMF monotherapy. Conversion resulted in an immediate and long-lasting improvement of their median creatinine values by 20%. No serious adverse events occurred. In the second cohort of 12 patients, MMF was used as the primary immunosuppressant. All patients are alive and no grafts were lost after 4 months (n= 12) and after 6 months (n=7). The median creatinine values achieved after 4 and 6 months were 1.16+/-0.25 and 1.30+/-0.21 mg/dl, respectively. One patient was converted to CsA because of a reversible rejection episode (8.3%), and another patient was converted because of cytomegalovirus disease. Major complications consisted of wound-healing disturbances (16.6%) and cytomegalovirus infections (41.6%). CONCLUSION MMF monotherapy can be safely applied as long-term maintenance immunosuppression with improvement of renal function. Steroids are not required as an adjunct to MMF. MMF monotherapy, in the absence of drug-related nephrotoxicity, is particularly beneficial for grafts derived from marginal donors, such as donors of advanced age.
Ethical and Unethical Leadership: Exploring New Avenues for Future Research

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this article is to review literature that is relevant to the social scientific study of ethics and leadership, as well as outline areas for future study. We first discuss ethical leadership and then draw from emerging research on “dark side” organizational behavior to widen the boundaries of the review to include unethical leadership. Next, three emerging trends within the organizational behavior literature are proposed for a leadership and ethics research agenda: 1) emotions, 2) fit/congruence, and 3) identity/identification. We believe each shows promise in extending current thinking. The review closes with discussion of important issues that are relevant to the advancement of research on leadership and ethics.
STUDIES OF THE JET IN BL LACERTAE. I. RECOLLIMATION SHOCK AND MOVING EMISSION FEATURES

Parsec-scale VLBA images of BL Lac at 15 GHz show that the jet contains a permanent quasi-stationary emission feature 0.26 mas (0.34 pc projected) from the core, along with numerous moving features. In projection, the tracks of the moving features cluster around an axis at a position angle of −166. °6 that connects the core with the standing feature. The moving features appear to emanate from the standing feature in a manner strikingly similar to the results of numerical two-dimensional relativistic magneto-hydrodynamic (RMHD) simulations in which moving shocks are generated at a recollimation shock (RCS). Because of this, and the close analogy to the jet feature HST-1 in M87, we identify the standing feature in BL Lac as an RCS. We assume that the magnetic field dominates the dynamics in the jet, and that the field is predominantly toroidal. From this we suggest that the moving features are compressions established by slow and fast mode magneto-acoustic MHD waves. We illustrate the situation with a simple model in which the slowest moving feature is a slow-mode wave, and the fastest feature is a fast-mode wave. In the model, the beam has Lorentz factor in the frame of the host galaxy and the fast mode wave has Lorentz factor in the frame of the beam. This gives a maximum apparent speed for the moving features, βapp = vapp/c = 10. In this model the Lorentz factor of the pattern in the galaxy frame is approximately three times larger than that of the beam itself.
No evidence for a critical role of the unfolded protein response in synovium and blood of patients with ankylosing spondylitis

HLA-B27 is the strongest genetic risk factor for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but how it contributes to AS remains unknown. Increased endoplasmic reticulum stress, triggered by misfolding of HLA-B27 heavy chains, and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) have been proposed as underlying mechanisms.1 Studies in the HLA-B27/β2 microglobulin transgenic rat show a temporal and quantitative relationship between HLA-B27 upregulation and activation of the UPR in macrophages of diseased rats.2 ,3 In AS patients, some small studies show conflicting results.4–7 We aimed to determine if the HLA-B27-related UPR, present in transgenic rats, is relevant in blood and synovial tissues of AS patients. We compared ex vivo UPR gene expression in synovium and blood from AS patients with expression in the same tissues and cells of healthy controls and patients with other rheumatic diseases. We obtained synovial tissues from inflamed knees from patients with AS, other forms of spondyloarthritis (SpA), rheumatoid arthritis …
Isoform-specific enhancement of adenylyl cyclase activity by n-alkanols.

BACKGROUND Numerous studies suggest that cAMP signaling pathways play important roles in the development of and predisposition to alcoholism. Our previous study showed that cAMP generation by various isoforms of adenylyl cyclase (AC) exhibits a broad spectrum of responses to ethanol in the human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cell system overexpressing individual AC isoforms. These findings suggest that the target of ethanol's action in the cAMP-generating system is AC. However, it is unknown if the action of ethanol is direct or indirect. METHODS The effect of a series of n-alkanols (ethanol to decanol) on dopamine (DA)-stimulated activity of AC isoforms type 6, 7, and 9 (AC6, AC7, and AC9) were examined in transfected HEK293 cells by cAMP accumulation assay. RESULTS n-Alkanols increased DA-stimulated cAMP production in an AC isoform-specific manner, and displayed the alcohol cutoff phenomenon (defined as the carbon chain length beyond which there is no further increase in the potency of an ascending series of n-alkanols). The n-alkanol cutoffs for AC6, AC7, and AC9 are butanol (C4), pentanol (C5), and equal to or greater than decanol (C10), respectively. CONCLUSION The results clearly indicate that, in the HEK293 expression system, the alcohol cutoff effect for n-alkanol potentiation of DA-stimulated AC activity is AC isoform specific. These results strongly suggest that alcohols interact directly with AC molecules.
Method Comparison and Bias Estimation of Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine (Cr), and Uric Acid (UA) Measurements between Two Analytical Methods.

BACKGROUND A comparison of any two methods is of great importance in a clinical laboratory. In this study, our aim is to compare the assay results of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and uric acid (UA) obtained through two distinct methods and then assess the analytical agreement of the two methods. METHODS A test method (Vitros5600 system) measuring BUN, Cr, and UA analytes was compared with a reference method (Hitachi7600 system). The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) document EP9-A2 guidelines were followed to evaluate the method comparison and bias using 40 patient samples. RESULTS A high correlation between the two methods was found for all of the samples (R2 > 0.990). The regression parameters were BUN (R2 = 0.9996, slope = 1.025, intercept = 0.1156), Cr (R2 = 0.9993, slope = 0.9993, intercept = 4.661), and UA (R2 = 0.9971, slope = 1.011, intercept = 1.311). Compared with the Hitachi7600 reference method, the Vitros5600 test method showed that the 95% confidence interval for the predicted bias at medical decision levels was less than the acceptable error. More importantly, Bland-Altman plots indicated that a minimal positive bias (mean ± SD) was observed: BUN (0.352 ± 0.289 mmol/L), Cr (2.702 ± 7.683 µmol/L), UA (5.398 ± 7.086 µmol/L). CONCLUSIONS The Vitros5600 and Hitachi7600 systems have good correlation and bias for detecting BUN, Cr, and UA analytes. The two systems have a high method agreement.
Music in Mood Regulation: Initial Scale Development

Music is recognized as an effective means of regulating mood. However, there has not been a scale for assessing the use of different regulatory strategies related to musical activities, and the purpose of the current study was to construct such a scale. A survey study (N = 1515) was conducted with 10–20-year old adolescents. The measurement model of the scale for assessing the use of music for mood regulation was based on a previous theoretical model about the use of music for mood regulation in adolescence. A series of confirmatory factor analyses in the survey data supported the measurement model, and a 40-item scale for Music in Mood Regulation (MMR) was established. In addition, the relationships of the measure to relevant concepts were explored and differences in the use of music in mood regulation were studied.
Sexual Compulsivity in Heterosexual Married Adults: The Role of Sexual Excitation and Sexual Inhibition in Individuals not Considered “High-Risk”

In this study, we explored sexual compulsivity in a non-clinical, non-student, convenience sample of 1,301 heterosexual, married adults (240 women, 1,061 men). To situate our sample within the body of research on sexual compulsivity, we compared current participants’ scores on the Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS) with those reported in other studies conducted over the last decade. Scores for the current sample were largely similar to those found in other studies. We also investigated whether sexual excitation and sexual inhibition, constructs in the dual control model of sexual response, would be useful in explaining differences in men's and women's sexual compulsivity. Higher Arousability scores (a subscale of sexual excitation) and lower Relationship Importance scores (a subscale of sexual inhibition) were associated with higher levels of sexual compulsivity for both men and women. Gender moderated the association between Inhibitory Cognitions (a subscale of sexual inhibition) and sexual compulsivity; greater inhibition was associated with higher sexual compulsivity for men, but not for women. The importance of assessing SCS in samples not considered “high risk” and the utility of applying a sexual inhibition/excitation framework to understanding sexual compulsivity are discussed.
Handwriting recognition system for mobile accessibility to the visually impaired people

This paper proposes the combination of preprocessing and handwriting recognition approaches aiming to develop a flexible and assistive mobile tool to help visually impaired people to understand and interact with handwriting text. The proposed system is described and its performance is evaluated in the IAM Handwriting Database. The system presented promising results and may aid visually impaired to overcome an everyday accessibility barrier as handwriting recognition.
Version unknown SOURCE ( OR PART OF THE FOLLOWING SOURCE ) : Type article Title Effects of anisotropy on the development of cardiac arrhythmias associated with focal activity

The anisotropy that normally exists in the myocardium may be either enhanced in peri-infarction zones by loss of lateral cell connections or reduced by redistribution of gap junctions. To test how the degree of anisotropy affects the development of ectopic focal activity, we carried out computer simulations in which a model of an ectopic focus is incorporated as the central element of a two-dimensional sheet of ventricular cells. At low values of intercellular coupling conductance (Gc), the focus region is spontaneously active, but the limited intercellular current flow inhibits propagation. At high Gc, automaticity is suppressed by the loading effects of the surrounding cells. At intermediate Gc, the ectopic activity may propagate into the sheet. In the case of isotropic coupling, the minimum size of the focus region for propagation to occur (in terms of number of collaborating cells within the focus) is as small as approximately ten cells, and this number decreases with increasing anisotropy. Thus, the presence of anisotropy facilitates the development of ectopic focal activity. We conclude that the remodeling that occurs in peri-infarction zones may create a substrate that either facilitates (enhanced anisotropy) or inhibits (reduced anisotropy) the development of cardiac arrhythmias associated with ectopic focal activity.
The biological response to three different nanostructures applied on smooth implant surfaces.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the biological effects of three calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings with nanostructures on relatively smooth implant surfaces. MATERIAL AND METHODS Stable CaP nanoparticle suspensions of different particle sizes and structures were coated onto implants by immersion and subsequent heat treatment. An uncoated implant was used as the control. After topographical and chemical characterizations, implants were randomly inserted into rabbit tibiae for removal torque (RTQ) testing. To confirm the biological reaction, implants were placed in the bilateral femurs of three rabbits. RESULTS The topographical characterization showed that each surface had different nanostructural characteristics and X-ray photon spectroscopy showed various CaP compositions. The control and test groups had different nanotopographies; however, the differences among the test groups were only significant for Surfaces B and C and the rest were insignificant. The RTQ tests showed significantly higher values in two test groups (Surface A and Surface C). Histologically, no adverse effects were seen in any group. Histomorphometrical evaluation showed comparable or better osseointegration along the implant threads in the test groups. CONCLUSION The three different CaP coatings with nanostructures on the implant surfaces had enhancing effects on osseointegration. Along with the surface nanotopography, the CaP chemistry might have influenced the biological outcomes.
Understanding legitimate teacher authority in a cross-cultural teaching context: pre-service Chinese language teachers undertaking teaching practicum in international schools in Hong Kong

Legitimate teacher authority is fundamental to effective teaching, but is often a thorny issue that teachers need to grapple with when teaching in cross-cultural teaching contexts. By interviewing 18 pre-service Chinese language teachers on their understanding of legitimate teacher authority throughout teaching practicum at international schools in Hong Kong, this study revealed that the teachers changed their perception about the essentiality and the nature of the pedagogical and interpersonal components of legitimate teacher authority. They developed a more nuanced and balanced understanding about legitimate teacher authority over time. However, their abilities in reaching the balance were constrained by their cultural knowledge and skills in achieving positive interpersonal dynamics when implementing student-centred pedagogies.