Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Let Them Play: The Impact of Mechanics and Dynamics of a Serious Game on Student Perceptions of Learning Engagement

Serious games are becoming important educational tools and are increasingly being integrated into courses in many different academic areas and widely portrayed as a means of helping individuals concentrate on the subject matter and enjoy learning. This paper discusses the development and testing of a serious game by using a research model where the mechanics and dynamics of the game impact perceived usefulness, ease of use, and goal clarity, which in turn lead to higher concentration and user enjoyment. This model was tested in an undergraduate product design classroom, and evaluated using a survey and a focus group. The results of qualitative and quantitative analysis show that higher concentration and enjoyment occur when students perceive clear goals, ease of use, and usefulness during gaming. The results of the study leads to recommendations to game developers on the features of serious games that need to be built and the need to carefully consider the mechanics and dynamics of a game. The results should encourage instructors to consider incorporating serious games into their classes to increase their students’ learning engagement.
Eicosanoid receptor subtype‐mediated opposing regulation of TLR‐stimulated expression of astrocyte glial‐derived neurotrophic factor

A major therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease (PD) is providing increased glial‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to dopaminergic neurons. We tested the hypothesis that innate immune activation increases astrocyte GDNF production and that this is regulated by specific eicosanoid receptors. Innate immune‐activated primary murine astrocytes were assayed for GDNF expression and secretion. Controls were agent vehicle exposure and wild‐type mice. Rank order for up to 10‐fold selectively increased GDNF expression was activators of TLR3 > TLR2 or TLR4 > TLR9. TLR3 activator‐stimulated GDNF expression was selectively JNK‐dependent, followed cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2, was coincident with membranous PGE2 synthase, and was not significantly altered by a nonspecific COX‐ or a COX‐2‐selective inhibitor. Specific eicosanoid receptors had opposing effects on TLR3 activator‐induced GDNF expression: ∼60% enhancement by blocking or ablating of PGE2 receptor subtype 1 (EP1), ∼30% enhancement by activating PGF2α receptor or thromboxane receptor, or ∼15% enhancement by activating EP4. These results demonstrate functionally antagonistic eicosanoid receptor subtype regulation of innate immunity‐induced astrocyte GDNF expression and suggest that selective inhibition of EP1 signaling might be a means to augment astrocyte GDNF secretion in the context of innate immune activation in diseased regions of brain in PD. —Li, X. , Cudaback, E. , Breyer, R. M. , Montine, K. S. , Keene, C. D. , Montine, T. J. Eicosanoid receptor subtype‐mediated opposing regulation of Toll‐like receptor‐stimulated expression of astrocyte glial‐derived neurotrophic factor. FASEB J. 26, 3075–3083 (2012). www.fasebj. org
The influence of the degree of caloric restriction on the formation of skin tumors and hepatomas in mice.

Summary 1.Chronic caloric restriction inhibits the formation of the spontaneous hepatoma of the C3H male mouse. This caloric effect is in accord with that obtained with all previously studied tumors. 2.In an experiment in which graded caloric intakes were given to several groups of mice, it was demonstrated that with decreasing caloric intake there was a decreasing incidence of both methylcholanthrene-induced skin tumors and spontaneous hepatomas. 3.The relationship between caloric intake and incidence of these two types of tumors may be mathematically stated: the probit of the incidence of tumors is a straight line function of the logarithm of the daily caloric intake. This implies, and the data agree, that the largest inhibition of tumor formation, for proportionate reduction in food intake, occurs near the level of 50 per cent incidence of tumors.
Daily functioning profile of children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder: A pilot study using an ecological assessment

Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often present with activities of daily living (ADL) performance deficits. This study aimed to compare the performance characteristics of children with ADHD to those of controls based on the Do-Eat assessment tool, and to establish the tool's validity. Participants were 23 children with ADHD and 24 matched controls, aged 6–9 years. In addition to the Do-Eat, the Children Activity Scale–Parent (ChAS-P) and the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) were used to measure sensorimotor abilities and executive function (EF). Significant differences were found in the Do-Eat scores between children with ADHD and controls. Significant moderate correlations were found between the Do-Eat sensorimotor scores, the ChAS-P and the BRIEF scores in the ADHD group. Significant correlations were found between performance on the Do-Eat and the ChAS-P questionnaire scores, verifying the tool's ecological validity. A single discriminant function described primarily by four Do-Eat variables, correctly classified 95.5% of the study participants into their respective study groups, establishing the tool's predictive validity within this population. These preliminary findings indicate that the Do–Eat may serve as a reliable and valid tool that provides insight into the daily functioning characteristics of children with ADHD. However, further research on larger samples is indicated.
IMPLICATION DES CALCIUM/CALMODULINE- DÉPENDENTE KINASE KINASES ET DU FACTEUR NEUROTROPHIQUE BDNF DANS LE MÉCANISME D'ACTION DES ANTIDÉPRESSEURS

Major depression is a mood disorder that affect 15% of the population and that can be caused by various factors, including stress. Hypothalamo-pituiary-adrenal axis hyperactivity is present in a majority of depressive patients. Antidepressant drugs are the best therapy that exists to treat depression. They exert their therapeutic action by activating the AMPc signaling pathway and the transcription factor CREB, which leads to an increase in the transcription of genes implicated in cell protection and surviving, like BDNF. CREB can also be activated by the calcium-signaling pathway. This thesis reports the possible implication of the CaMKKα and CaMKKβ in the mechanism of action of antidepressants. We first cloned the mRNA of the mouse CaMKKβ and described the distribution of both CaMKKs in the mouse central nervous system. They were strongly expressed in brain regions that are implicated in major depression. Next, we used in situ hybridization to study the effect of chronic antidepressant treatment on the gene expression of the CaMKKs. Moreover, we used a transgenic mouse characterized by a dysfunction of the glucocorticoid receptors (GR) as a neuroendocrine model of depression. The analysis of the different levels of expression of the CaMKKs and BDNF shows that different brain areas react to antidepressants or to GR dysfunction. For instance, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus are of particular importance due to their implication in depression. Our results suggest that the calcium siganling pathway might be a target of antidepressant drugs.
Implementing the MPI process topology mechanism

The topology functionality of the Message Passing Interface (MPI) provides a portable, architecture-independent means for adapting application programs to the communication architecture of the target hardware. However, current MPI implementations rarely go beyond the most trivial implementation, and simply performs no process remapping.We discuss the potential of the topology mechanism for systems with a hierarchical communication architecture like clusters of SMP nodes. The MPI topology functionality is a weak mechanism, and we argue about some of its shortcomings. We formulate the topology optimization problem as a graph embedding problem, and show that for hierarchical systems it can be solved by graph partitioning. We state the properties of a new heuristic for solving both the embedding problem and the "easier" graph partitioning problem.The graph partitioning based framework has been fully implemented in MPI/SX for the NEC SX-series of parallel vector computers. MPI/SX is thus one of very few MPI implementations with a non-trivial topology functionality. On a 4 node NEC SX-6 significant communication performance improvements are achieved with synthetic MPI benchmarks.
“Science capital”: A conceptual, methodological, and empirical argument for extending bourdieusian notions of capital beyond the arts

This paper sets out an argument and approach for moving beyond a primarily arts-based conceptualization of cultural capital, as has been the tendency within Bourdieusian approaches to date. We advance the notion that, in contemporary society, scientific forms of cultural and social capital can command a high symbolic and exchange value. Our previous research [Archer et al. (2014) Journal of Research in Science Teaching 51, 1–30] proposed the concept of “science capital” (science-related forms of cultural and social capital) as a theoretical lens for explaining differential patterns of aspiration and educational participation among young people. Here, we attempt to theoretically, methodologically, and empirically advance a discussion of how we might conceptualize science capital and how this might be translated into a survey tool for use with students. We report on findings from a survey conducted with 3658 secondary school students, aged 11–15 years, in England. Analysis found that science capital was unevenly spread across the student population, with 5% being classified as having “high” science capital and 27% “low” science capital. Analysis shows that levels of science capital (high, medium, or low) are clearly patterned by cultural capital, gender, ethnicity, and set (track) in science. Students with high, medium, or low levels of science capital also seem to have very different post-16 plans (regarding studying or working in science) and different levels of self-efficacy in science. They also vary dramatically in terms of whether they feel others see them as a “science person. ” The paper concludes with a discussion of conceptual and methodological issues and implications for practice.
Evaluation of Glottal Epoch Detection Algorithms on Different Voice Types

According to the source-filter model of speech production, speech can be represented by passing the excitation signal through the vocal tract filter. The epoch or instant of maximum excitation corresponds to the glottal closure instant. Several speech processing applications require robust epoch detection but this can be a difficult task. Although state-of-the-art epoch estimation methods can produce reliable results, they are generally evaluated using speech recorded with a neutral voice quality (modal voice). This paper reviews and evaluates six popular algorithms for the calculation of glottal closure instants on speech spoken with modal voice and seven additional voice qualities. Results show that the performance of each method is affected by the voice type and that some methods perform better than others for each voice quality. Index Terms: GCI, epoch detection, glottal source
Neuroprediction of future rearrest

Identification of factors that predict recurrent antisocial behavior is integral to the social sciences, criminal justice procedures, and the effective treatment of high-risk individuals. Here we show that error-related brain activity elicited during performance of an inhibitory task prospectively predicted subsequent rearrest among adult offenders within 4 y of release (N = 96). The odds that an offender with relatively low anterior cingulate activity would be rearrested were approximately double that of an offender with high activity in this region, holding constant other observed risk factors. These results suggest a potential neurocognitive biomarker for persistent antisocial behavior.
Experimental Characterization Procedure for Use with an Advanced Induction Machine Model

An advanced induction motor model that includes stator leakage saturation, rotor leakage saturation, magnetizing saturation, and distributed system effects in the rotor circuits has been set forth. This model is considerably more accurate than traditional models, particularly in terms of predicting switching-frequency dynamics. The model proposed is very general in terms of the range of magnetic properties that can be incorporated. This paper provides suggestions for specific forms for the leakage and magnetizing characteristics and derives the resulting small-signal impedance and large-signal steady-state equivalent circuit. Based on these results, a test procedure for experimentally characterizing the machine is developed. The application of the procedure to a 50 hp test machine is included as an example.
Communication preserving min-max time consensus tracking

A collection of double integrator agents is considered, where each agent has bounded input and a limited range for receiving information from other agents. One autonomous node (the Root) generates an unknown reference trajectory to which other agents are required to converge in minimum possible time, using only locally available information. A distributed algorithm is proposed to identify a directed spanning tree rooted at the Root agent. The child agent of each edge of this selected tree uses min-max time control strategies to converge to the states of the parent node. Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for limiting the inter-agent distance so as to preserve the tree communication structure chosen. Under these conditions, the proposed control strategy turns out to be the global communication preserving min-max strategy for the entire collection.
Control of nacre biomineralization by Pif80 in pearl oyster

Pif80 is a key protein for the formation and organization of mineral precursor in pearl oyster nacre biomineralization. Molluscan nacre is a fascinating biomineral consisting of a highly organized calcium carbonate composite that provides unique fracture toughness and an iridescent color. Organisms elaborately control biomineralization using organic macromolecules. We propose the involvement of the matrix protein Pif80 from the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata in the development of the inorganic phase during nacre biomineralization, based on experiments using the recombinant form of Pif80. Through interactions with calcium ions, Pif80 participates in the formation of polymer-induced liquid precursor–like amorphous calcium carbonate granules and stabilizes these granules by forming calcium ion–induced coacervates. At the calcification site, the disruption of Pif80 coacervates destabilizes the amorphous mineral precursors, resulting in the growth of a crystalline structure. The redissolved Pif80 controls the growth of aragonite on the polysaccharide substrate, which contributes to the formation of polygonal tablet structure of nacre. Our findings provide insight into the use of organic macromolecules by living organisms in biomineralization.
The role of chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of stage III non-small-cell lung cancer.

Although mortality of lung cancer in men among the countries of the European Union is steadily decreasing, there is still an increasing mortality among women, and as a consequence the overall rate of lung cancer-related deaths has not been declining in Europe [1, 2]. Thus, the development of optimized treatment approaches in lung cancer patients remains an urgent issue. Today, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) histopathologies represent the vast majority, representing >85% of all lung cancer patients [3]. Stage III NSCLC, the locally advanced tumor stage, has offered the best chances for possible therapeutic innovations and improvements by the introduction of interdisciplinary, combined modality treatment strategies [4, 5]. With systemic relapses being a major problem in this patient subgroup, combination chemotherapy has emerged as an integral part of the overall treatment management [6, 7]. Combinations of radiotherapy and platinum-based chemotherapy have consequently been proposed as standard of care for the vast majority of these patients in stage III [5, 7, 8]. Surgery plays a generally accepted role in only a small group of patients with minimal or operable (‘surgical’) stage III disease [6, 8–10]. In 2000, we reviewed the literature for a comprehensive overview on combined modality treatment of NSCLC [11]. In the following paper, we will give a short update on important new developments since the year 2000 in multidisciplinary treatment approaches, including both combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Special focus has been on newer drug combinations in this setting, innovations in radiotherapy application and concurrent treatment protocols. New findings dealing with the overall role of surgery in this setting will be critically discussed.
Description-based reappraisal regulate the emotion induced by erotic and neutral images in a Chinese population

Previous emotion-regulation research has shown that the late positive potential (LPP) is sensitive to the down-regulation of emotion; however, whether LPP is also sensitive to the up-regulation of emotion remains unclear. The present study examined the description-based reappraisal effects on the up-regulation of positive emotions induced by erotic and neutral images in a Chinese population. Self-reported ratings and event-related potential (ERP) were recorded when subjects viewed pleasant and neutral images, which were shown after either a neutral or positive description. Self-reported results showed that images following positive descriptions were rated as more pleasant compared to images following neutral descriptions. ERP results revealed that the P2, P3, and slow wave (SW) components were larger for erotic pictures than for neutral pictures, while the positive description condition yielded attenuated erotic image-induced P2, P3 and SW and increased SW induced by neutral images. The results demonstrated that description-based reappraisal, as a method of reappraisal, significantly modulates the emotional experience and ERP responses to erotic and neutral images.
Rare Copy Number Variations in Adults with Tetralogy of Fallot Implicate Novel Risk Gene Pathways

Structural genetic changes, especially copy number variants (CNVs), represent a major source of genetic variation contributing to human disease. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common form of cyanotic congenital heart disease, but to date little is known about the role of CNVs in the etiology of TOF. Using high-resolution genome-wide microarrays and stringent calling methods, we investigated rare CNVs in a prospectively recruited cohort of 433 unrelated adults with TOF and/or pulmonary atresia at a single centre. We excluded those with recognized syndromes, including 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. We identified candidate genes for TOF based on converging evidence between rare CNVs that overlapped the same gene in unrelated individuals and from pathway analyses comparing rare CNVs in TOF cases to those in epidemiologic controls. Even after excluding the 53 (10.7%) subjects with 22q11.2 deletions, we found that adults with TOF had a greater burden of large rare genic CNVs compared to controls (8.82% vs. 4.33%, p = 0.0117). Six loci showed evidence for recurrence in TOF or related congenital heart disease, including typical 1q21.1 duplications in four (1.18%) of 340 Caucasian probands. The rare CNVs implicated novel candidate genes of interest for TOF, including PLXNA2, a gene involved in semaphorin signaling. Independent pathway analyses highlighted developmental processes as potential contributors to the pathogenesis of TOF. These results indicate that individually rare CNVs are collectively significant contributors to the genetic burden of TOF. Further, the data provide new evidence for dosage sensitive genes in PLXNA2-semaphorin signaling and related developmental processes in human cardiovascular development, consistent with previous animal models.
Model selection by resampling penalization

In this paper, a new family of resampling-based penalization procedures for model selection is defined in a general framework. It generalizes several methods, including Efron's bootstrap penalization and the leave-one-out penalization recently proposed by Arlot (2008), to any exchangeable weighted bootstrap resampling scheme. In the heteroscedastic regression framework, assuming the models to have a particular structure, these resampling penalties are proved to satisfy a non-asymptotic oracle inequality with leading constant close to 1. In particular, they are asympotically optimal. Resampling penalties are used for defining an estimator adapting simultaneously to the smoothness of the regression function and to the heteroscedasticity of the noise. This is remarkable because resampling penalties are general-purpose devices, which have not been built specifically to handle heteroscedastic data. Hence, resampling penalties naturally adapt to heteroscedasticity. A simulation study shows that resampling penalties improve on V-fold cross-validation in terms of final prediction error, in particular when the signal-to-noise ratio is not large.
Formaldehyde Exposure and Lower Respiratory Infections in Infants: Findings from the PARIS Cohort Study

Background: Certain chemical pollutants can exacerbate lower respiratory tract infections (LRIs), a common childhood ailment. Although formaldehyde (FA) is one of the most common air pollutants found in indoor environments, its impact on infant health is uncertain. Objective: Our aim was to determine the impact of FA exposure on the LRI incidence during the first year of life of infants from the Pollution and Asthma Risk: an Infant Study (PARIS) birth cohort. Methods: FA was measured in a random sample of 196 infants’ dwellings, and exposure to this pollutant was estimated for 2,940 infants using predictive models based on measurements and data about potential determinants of FA levels. Health data were collected from parents by regular self-administered questionnaires. We used multivariate logistic regressions to estimate associations between FA exposure and the occurrence of LRI and wheezy LRI (wLRI), adjusting for potential confounders/risk factors. Results: During the first year of life, 45.8% of infants had at least one LRI, and LRI occurred simultaneously with wheezing in 48.7% of cases. The FA predictive models correctly classified 70% of dwellings as having high or low exposure, and we estimated that 43.3% of infants were exposed throughout the first year to levels of FA > 19.5 µg/m3. FA exposure was significantly associated with LRI and wLRI before and after adjustment for known LRI risk factors/confounders. For an interquartile increase in FA levels (12.4 μg/m3), we estimated a 32% [95% confidence interval (CI): 11, 55] and 41% (95% CI: 14, 74) increase in the incidence of LRI and wLRI, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that infants exposed to FA at an early age have an increased incidence of LRI.