Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of English Learning Anxiety on Iranian High-School Students’ English Language Achievement

The present study explored English language learning anxiety among 38 third-year high school students in English classrooms and its relationship with overall English achievement. Students’ foreign language anxiety was surveyed and analyzed using the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (Horwitz, Horwitz, & Cope, 1986) [14] and their English achievement was measured through their final standardized English exam administered by the school. The results showed that although some students felt extremely confident and relaxed, however, one-third of the students experienced moderate to high-anxiety levels while learning the English language in class. Correlational analysis revealed that the total FLCAS scores had a significantly moderate negative correlation (r=-.0586, p<.01) with the total final English exams scores of the participants. Anxiety was also analyzed according to the four different variables of anxiety (communication anxiety, test anxiety, fear of negative evaluation, English classroom anxiety) which were measured by the FLCAS. The results of the Pearson correlational analysis indicated that English achievement was modestly correlated with all four anxiety variables (p<0.01). Of the four types of anxiety, English Classroom anxiety had the highest correlational value. Finally, possible anxiety provoking factors leading to these findings are examined and discussed, and some pedagogical implications are proposed.
Preventing “Neurophobia”: Remodeling Neurology Education for 21st-Century Medical Students through Effective Pedagogical Strategies for “Neurophilia”

Neurology has a reputation, particularly as a complex “head-to-toe” discipline for undergraduate medical students. Neurophobia syndrome, a global phenomenon, fundamentally stems from pedagogical deficiencies during the undergraduate curriculum, the lack of vertical integration between basic neurosciences and clinical bedside neurology, the lack of clinical reasoning exercises, cognitive heuristics, and clinical problem-solving, errors in diagnostic competence, and hyposkilia. This ultimately results in poor clinical competence and proficiency in clinical neurology and causes attrition in nurturing a passion for learning the neurology discipline. This article explores plausible factors that contribute to the genesis of neurophobia and multifaceted strategies to nurture interest in neurosciences and provide possible solutions to demystify neurology education, especially the need for evidence-based educational interventions. Remodeling neurology education through effective pedagogical strategies and remedial measures, and using the Miller's pyramid, would provide a framework for assessing clinical competence in clinical bedside neurology. Technology-enhanced education and digital classrooms would undoubtedly stamp out neurophobia in medical students of the 21st century. It will not frighten off another generation of nonneurologist physicians to empower them to hone expertise in order to tackle the increasing burden of neurological disorders in India. Furthermore, promoting neurophilia would facilitate the next generation of medical students in pursuing career options in neurology which would be quintessential not only in closing India's looming neurologist workforce gap but also in fostering interest in research imperatives in the next generation of medical students.
Towards understanding the sensitivity of the reliability achievable by simplex and replicated star topologies in CAN

Star-based field buses are gaining importance in the context of highly-dependable systems. However, although the error-containment and fault-tolerance capabilities of different stars have been evaluated, no one had appropriately quantified the system dependability benefits stars actually yield. Thus, in previous work, we quantitatively demonstrated, for the case of CAN, that a simplex and a replicated star called CANcentrate and ReCANcentrate can improve the system reliability when compared with a bus. However, we characterized all the dependability-related aspects of the system and the network to favor whenever possible the bus; except in one case, in which we studied the benefits of the simplex star over the bus depending on the error-containment capabilities of the nodes. Thus, to completely understand the full potential of stars, it is still necessary to assess how variations in each one of those aspects affect the reliability achievable with them when compared with the bus. This paper presents two of the set of analyses we are carrying out in this direction.
Diabetes, but not the metabolic syndrome, predicts the severity and extent of coronary artery disease in women.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested that diabetes and metabolic syndrome are significant risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, in women, their relative importance remains controversial. AIM To evaluate risk factors for CAD in women and their association with the severity and extent of coronary angiographic findings. METHODS We clinically evaluated 243 consecutive female patients with chest pain who underwent coronary angiography. The location and extent of coronary artery occlusions were assessed using the modified Gensini index. RESULTS Compared with women with normal coronary arteries (n = 90), those with CAD (n = 153) reported less physical activity (p = 0.001), and had higher prevalences of diabetes (p = 0.046), hypertension (p = 0.002), and the metabolic syndrome (p = 0.001). They also had lower HDL cholesterol levels (p = 0.017), higher levels of triglycerides (p = 0.005), and higher fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (p < 0.001). Physical activity, FPG, serum triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol, but not the metabolic syndrome, were independent predictors of CAD. A score combining the extent and severity of angiographic findings was significantly higher in women with diabetes (p = 0.007), hypertension (p = 0.010) and FPG >or=100 mg/dl (p = 0.031), but showed no association with the metabolic syndrome. In a multivariate linear regression analysis, diabetes was an independent predictor of the extent and severity of angiographic score (p = 0.013). DISCUSSION Diabetes, fasting plasma glucose and hypertension, but not the metabolic syndrome, were associated with severity of coronary angiographic findings in these women.
Obesity at Conceivement Interferes with Placental Weight But Not Birth Weight

Multidirectional relationships among mother, placenta and fetus are very complex and more appropriate interactions among them result in a healthier mother and a baby. It is known that there is a correlation between placental weight, birth weight and gestational age. Placental localization, maternal weight gain, age, lying position of the mother, sex of the fetus might affect the neonatal birth weight. Many studies have considered Abstract
Hypothalamic neurohormones and immune responses

The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive examination of the current literature describing the neural-immune interactions, with emphasis on the most recent findings of the effects of neurohormones on immune system. Particularly, the role of hypothalamic hormones such as Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). In the past few years, interest has been raised in extrapituitary actions of these neurohormones due to their receptors have been found in many non-pituitary tissues. Also, the receptors are present in immune cells, suggesting an autocrine or paracrine role within the immune system. In general, these neurohormones have been reported to exert immunomodulatory effects on cell proliferation, immune mediators release and cell function. The implications of these findings in understanding the network of hypothalamic neuropeptides and immune system are discussed.
Dystonias and dyskinesias of the jaw associated with the use of SSRIs

The 5HT reuptake inhibiting antidepressants (SSRIs) were introduced into clinical practice in the late 1980s. From the time of their introduction a series of reports have appeared indicating that they were liable to produce motor (extrapyramidal),sideeffects (Meltzer et al., 1979; Bouchard et al., 1989; Baldwin et al., 1991), including dystonias (Brod, 1989; Reccoppa et al., 1990), dyskinesias (Budman and Bruun, 1991; Fallon and Liebowitz, 1991; Wils, 1992; Arya and Szabadi, 1993; Scheepers and Rogers, 1994) or restlessness (Lipinski et al., 1989; Creaney et al., 1991; Rothschild and Locke, 1991). There are theoretical grounds for suspecting that such reactions might occur, given that there is a modulatory interaction between the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems (Tricklebank, 1989; Baldessarini and Marsh, 1990; see Arya (1994) for review). Given such reactions one concern must be whether the SSRIs are liable to produce long standing dyskinetic or dystonic reactions. In 1993, Ellison and Stanziani reported four cases of SSRI-associated nocturnal bruxism, following treatment with sertraline or fluoxetine. These conditions resolved in three cases with co-administration of buspirone and in the fourth after decreasing the dose of the SSRI. In 1993, Micheli and colleagues also reported that antidopaminergic drug exposure could lead to bruxism and provided details of eight cases. In the former paper, SSRIs appeared to produce nocturnal bruxism, which the authors postulated might stem from an exacerbation of the nocturnal bruxism found normally in
The initial conditions of star formation in the Ophiuchus main cloud: Kinematics of the protocluster condensations ,

Context. The earliest phases of clustered star formation and the origin of the stellar initial mass function (IMF) are currently much debated. In one school of thought the IMF of embedded clusters is entirely determined by turbulent fragmentation at the prestellar stage of star formation, while in a major alternative view it results from dynamical interactions and competitive accretion at the protostellar stage. Aims. In an effort to discriminate between these two pictures for the origin of the IMF, we investigated the internal and relative motions of starless condensations and protostars previously detected by us in the dust continuum at 1.2 mm in the L1688 protocluster of the Ophiuchus molecular cloud complex. The starless condensations have a mass spectrum resembling the IMF and are therefore likely representative of the initial stages of star formation in the protocluster. Methods. We carried out detailed molecular line observations, including some N2H + (1−0) mapping, of the Ophiuchus protocluster condensations using the IRAM 30 m telescope. Results. We measured subsonic or at most transonic levels of internal turbulence within the condensations, implying virial masses which generally agree within a factor of ∼2 with the masses derived from the 1.2 mm dust continuum. This supports the notion that most of the L1688 starless condensations are gravitationally bound and prestellar in nature. We detected the classical spectroscopic signature of infall motions in CS(2–1), CS(3–2), H2CO(212−111), and/or HCO + (3–2) toward six condensations, and obtained tentative infall signatures toward 10 other condensations. In addition, we measured a global one-dimensional velocity dispersion of less than 0. 4k m s −1 (or twice the sound speed) between condensations. The small relative velocity dispersion implies that, in general, the condensations do not have time to interact with one another before evolving into pre-main sequence objects. Conclusions. Our observations support the view that the IMF is partly determined by cloud fragmentation at the prestellar stage. Competitive accretion is unlikely to be the dominant mechanism at the protostellar stage in the Ophiuchus protocluster, but it may possibly govern the growth of starless, self-gravitating condensations initially produced by gravoturbulent fragmentation toward an IMF, Salpeter-like mass spectrum.
Measuring Ethical Perceptions and Intentions Among Undergraduate Students in Barbados

Concern has been raised on the ethical behaviour of business persons in the face of problems with Enron and the current global economic crisis. It is believed that unethical behaviour may stem from the lack of proper ethics instruction being taught in schools and universities. This paper sought to measure the ethical intentions and perceptions of ethical problems among undergraduate students in Barbados. The study used a self-administe red survey among students at a Caribbean university. The findings of this study showed that gender, age, academic majors and religious commitment significantly affect the ethical perceptions and intentions of students within the Caribbean.
Association mapping of inflammatory bowel disease loci to single variant resolution

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory disorder that affects millions worldwide. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 200 IBD-associated loci, but few have been conclusively resolved to specific functional variants. Here we report fine-mapping of 94 IBD loci using high-density genotyping in 67,852 individuals. Of the 139 independent associations identified in these regions, 18 were pinpointed to a single causal variant with >95% certainty, and an additional 27 associations to a single variant with >50% certainty. These 45 variants are significantly enriched for protein-coding changes (n=13), direct disruption of transcription factor binding sites (n=3) and tissue specific epigenetic marks (n=10), with the latter category showing enrichment in specific immune cells among associations stronger in CD and gut mucosa among associations stronger in UC. The results of this study suggest that high-resolution, fine-mapping in large samples can convert many GWAS discoveries into statistically convincing causal variants, providing a powerful substrate for experimental elucidation of disease mechanisms.
Immunodomination in the Evolution of Dominant Epitope-Specific CD8+ T Lymphocyte Responses in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Rhesus Monkeys1

Because the control of HIV-1 replication is largely dependent on CD8+ T lymphocyte responses specific for immunodominant viral epitopes, vaccine strategies that increase the breadth of dominant epitope-specific responses should contribute to containing HIV-1 spread. Developing strategies to elicit such broad immune responses will require an understanding of the mechanisms responsible for focusing CD8+ T lymphocyte recognition on a limited number of epitopes. To explore this biology, we identified cohorts of rhesus monkeys that expressed the MHC class I molecules Mamu-A*01, Mamu-A*02, or both, and assessed the evolution of their dominant epitope-specific CD8+ T lymphocyte responses (Gag p11C- and Tat TL8-specific in the Mamu-A*01+ and Nef p199RY-specific in the Mamu-A*02+ monkeys) following acute SIV infection. The Mamu-A*02+ monkeys that also expressed Mamu-A*01 exhibited a significant delay in the evolution of the CD8+ T lymphocyte responses specific for the dominant Mamu-A*02-restricted SIV epitope, Nef p199RY. This delay in kinetics was not due to differences in viral load kinetics or magnitude or in viral escape mutations, but was associated with the evolution of the Mamu-A*01-restricted CD8+ T lymphocyte responses to the highly dominant SIV epitopes Gag p11C and Tat TL8. Thus, the evolution of dominant epitope-specific CD8+ T lymphocyte responses can be suppressed by other dominant epitope-specific responses, and this immunodomination is important in determining the kinetics of dominant epitope-specific responses.
Parathyroid hormone stimulates the endothelial nitric oxide synthase through protein kinase A and C pathways.

BACKGROUND Parathyroid hormone (PTH), the major systemic calcium regulating hormone has been implicated in the development of hypertension and the occurrence of uraemic vascular changes. As nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is involved in the production of nitric oxide, and acute PTH effect is characterized by vasodilation, the effect of PTH on the endothelial NOS (eNOS) system was measured in cultured human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the pathways possibly involved were studied. METHODS The presence of the PTH receptor-1 (PTHR1) on the HUVEC membrane was examined by RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry and western blot. HUVEC were stimulated with 10(-12) to 10(-10) mol/l PTH. The eNOS mRNA expression was established by RT-PCR and the eNOS protein levels were determined by western blot. The eNOS activity was measured by the conversion of [(14)C]arginine to [(14)C]citrulline. RESULTS PTHR1 has been found to be expressed in HUVEC and its expression is depressed by increasing concentrations of PTH. PTH induced a significant increase in eNOS mRNA (10(-11) mol/l: 1.87 +/- 0.16, P = 0.012; 10(-10) mol/l: 1.96 +/- 0.28, P = 0.007, fold of control), and protein expression. The eNOS activity was also significantly stimulated (10(-11) mol/l: 1139 +/- 203; 10(-10) mol/l: 1323 +/- 216 vs control: 621 +/- 154 cpm/150 mug protein, P < 0.01). The addition of calphostin C (PKC inhibitor) or Rp-cAMP (PKA inhibitor) reduced the eNOS mRNA, protein expression and activity of PTH-stimulated HUVEC. The combined treatment of calphostin C and Rp-cAMP abolished the eNOS protein expression and activity. CONCLUSION PTH induces an increased activity of the eNOS system; probably both PKA and PKC pathways are involved in this activation. Such data may explain the vasodilation observed after acute treatment with PTH.
Spasticity mathematical modelling in compliance with modified ashworth scale and modified tardieu scales

The aim of this work is to formulate a spasticity symptoms-oriented model, in terms of its capability to consistently emulate unidirectional and velocity-dependent spasticity symptoms, based on a Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS). Spasticity stiffness can be simulated using two dynamic equations expressing 1) muscle tone catch during passive stretching at different velocities and 2) resistance through Range Of Motion (ROM). Muscle tone is proportionate to velocity; where muscle resistance is constant until reaching a certain angular velocity. Following different Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) levels, muscle resistance can occur at varying degrees through the ROM. The simulated spasticity of MAS 1+, based on the developed model, shows a strong positive linear correlation coefficient with average r = 0.7414 for fast forearm extension. The derived model will be used to develop new principles of variable stiffness actuation in an upper limb part-task trainer that is able to emulate upper limb spasticity symptoms.
We Possess Numerous Visual Concepts, Memories and Experiences Which at the First

sight seem to be effortlessly acquired. Yet vision is by no means an easy task. It requires obtaining information from a rich visual world and processing this information in the most efficient manner. Many cortical areas are involved in accomplishing the hard task of vision. That the vision is indeed a hard task can be best appreciated if we note that the brain uses about 20% (Clark and Sokoloff, 1999) of the total energy consumed by the human body. From this 40% is used by the neocortex (Lennie, 2003) and since the visual areas in humans forms about 25% of the cortex, the amount of energy spent in visual processes amount to 10% of the whole body energy expenditure. Neurons, the information processing units of the brain, are intimately related to one another within and between different areas of the visual cortex. The interaction between these neurons can be monitored though usage of advanced recording techniques that can " listen " to the many neurons at the same time. By using these techniques we managed to address a number of questions about the neuronal underpinnings of visual perception and attention in area V1 and frontal eye fields. In chapter 2 we carried out two series of experiment that both investigated the neuronal correlates of target-flankers interaction in area V1 of awake monkeys. In one set of these experiments (multiunit recordings), we also tested the behavioral performance of the monkeys in a detection task. We observed that collinear flankers increased the probability of false reports in monkeys, very much like in human subjects (Polat and Sagi, 2007). Furthermore, collinear flankers in general had a suppressive effect on behavioral detection of a central target that was located parafoveally. This behavioral effect was in contrast with the results of human studies that were obtained with foveal but was consistent other studies that had tested the flankers effects at the parafoveal locations (Shani and Sagi, 2005; Zenger-Landolt and Koch, 2001). Remarkably, these behavioral effects matched the effect of flankers on responses of area V1 neurons. Although collinear flankers enhanced neuronal responses in the absence of the central target, they actually suppressed the target evoked responses when a central target was presented. These results are not consistent with previous studies in anesthethised (Polat et al., 1998) or passively fixating animals
Probabilistic Shape Parsing and Action Recognition Through Binary Spatio-Temporal Feature Description

In this thesis, contributions are presented in the areas of shape parsing for view-based object recognition and spatio-temporal feature description for action recognition. A probabilistic model for parsing shapes into several distinguishable parts for accurate shape recognition is presented. This approach is based on robust geometric features that permit high recognition accuracy. As the second contribution in this thesis, a binary spatio-temporal feature descriptor is presented. Recent work shows that binary spatial feature descriptors are effective for increasing the efficiency of object recognition, while retaining comparable performance to state of the art descriptors. An extension of these approaches to action recognition is presented, facilitating huge gains in efficiency due to the computational advantage of computing a bag-of-words representation with the Hamming distance. A scene’s motion and appearance is encoded with a short binary string. Exploiting the binary makeup of this descriptor greatly increases the efficiency while retaining competitive recognition performance.
Party nomination strategies in flexible-list systems

A paradox in the comparative literature on electoral systems is that one of the most common systems in Europe – flexible-list proportional representation systems – may be the least understood. Any study of flexible-list systems must start by acknowledging a puzzle: why candidates spend time and effort striving to win preference votes when typically these votes make no difference between election and defeat. Offering the first comprehensive multi-country test of this key puzzle, we provide evidence from Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia that parties will promote to better list ranks in the next election those candidates who are successful at winning preference votes, thereby improving their prospects of election in the longer term and incentivizing them to cultivate personal reputations. Our findings have important implications for party scholars and practitioners when designing, or reforming, political institutions.