Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Colombian English Teachers’ Professional Development: The Case of Master Programs

Master degree programs have rapidly increased in Colombia to the point where they are one of the most favored options for English teachers seeking to bolster their professional development. This survey study characterizes eighty participants, their five master programs, and their perceptions concerning the influence these graduate courses exerted on their teaching. While participants’ pedagogical and research work seemed to have benefited the most from their studies, their practices involving language policy and administration were regarded as distant from what they learnt. Findings suggest that innovation, reflection, and collaboration permeated participants’ overarching categories of development. Challenges to respondents’ integration of their newly acquired education with their teaching included competing ideologies and agendas exhibited by stakeholders in school communities.
Divergence Times and Phylogenetic Patterns of Sebacinales, a Highly Diverse and Widespread Fungal Lineage

Patterns of geographic distribution and composition of fungal communities are still poorly understood. Widespread occurrence in terrestrial ecosystems and the unique richness of interactions of Sebacinales with plants make them a target group to study evolutionary events in the light of nutritional lifestyle. We inferred diversity patterns, phylogenetic structures and divergence times of Sebacinales with respect to their nutritional lifestyles by integrating data from fossil-calibrated phylogenetic analyses. Relaxed molecular clock analyses indicated that Sebacinales originated late Permian within Basidiomycota, and their split into Sebacinaceae and Serendipitaceae nom. prov. likely occurred during the late Jurassic and the early Cretaceous, coinciding with major diversifications of land plants. In Sebacinaceae, diversification of species with ectomycorrhizal lifestyle presumably started during the Paleocene. Lineage radiations of the core group of ericoid and cavendishioid mycorrhizal Sebacinales started probably in the Eocene, coinciding with diversification events of their hosts. The diversification of Sebacinales with jungermannioid interactions started during the Oligocene, and occurred much later than the diversification of their hosts. Sebacinales communities associated either with ectomycorrhizal plants, achlorophyllous orchids, ericoid and cavendishioid Ericaceae or liverworts were phylogenetically clustered and globally distributed. Major Sebacinales lineage diversifications started after the continents had drifted apart. We also briefly discuss dispersal patterns of extant Sebacinales.
FUMIO SUZUKI and SADAYUKI SATO Sinus Node Impulses and Atrial Fibrillation

In atrial muscle strips from rabbits, fibrillation occurred in a solution low in potassium, with or without a high calcium content, and the role of the sinus node in inducing atrial fibrillation was examined by microelectrodes and by direct close bipolar lead electrocardiograms. In right atrial strips that included the sinus node, the sinus node action potential often just preceded spontaneous fibrillation or premature beats. In left atrial strips in a similar condition, the incidence of spontaneous fibrillation or premature beats was very low. However, when electrical stimulation simulating sinus node impulses was applied, fibrillation or the premature beat frequently appeared immediately after the stimulating pulse waves, and its incidence was also remarkably increased, being fairly close to that of the right atrial strip. These findings suggest that "the sinus node impulses occasionally caused fibrillation or premature beats during these experiments in a medium low in potassium. In addition, fibrillation was frequently induced even when the impulse fell outside the vulnerable period of the preceding beat. ADDITIONAL
Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism Measurement of Radiotracer Concentration in Brain Gray Matter Using Positron Emission Tomography: Mri-based Correction for Partial Volume Effects

Accuracy in in vivo quantitation of brain func­ tion with positron emission tomography (PET) has often been limited by partial volume effects. This limitation be­ comes prominent in studies of aging and degenerative brain diseases where partial volume effects vary with dif­ ferent degrees of atrophy. The present study describes how the actual gray matter (GM) tracer concentration can be estimated using an algorithm that relates the regional fraction of GM to partial volume effects. The regional fraction of GM was determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The procedure is designated as GM PET. In computer simulations and phantom studies, the GM PET algorithm permitted a 100% recovery of the actual tracer concentration in neocortical GM and hippocam­ pus, irrespective of the GM volume. GM PET was ap-Positron emission tomography (PET) permits in­ vestigation of physiological and biochemical pro­ cesses in human brain in vivo, and has yielded new insights into both normal physiology and diseases 571 plied in a test case of temporal lobe epilepsy revealing an increase in radiotracer activity in GM that was undetec­ ted in the PET image before correction for partial volume effects. In computer simulations, errors in the segmenta­ tion of GM and errors in registration of PET and MRI images resulted in less than 15% inaccuracy in the GM PET image. In conclusion, GM PET permits accurate de­ termination of the actual radiotracer concentration in hu­ man brain GM in vivo. The method differentiates whether a change in the apparent radiotracer concentration re­ flects solely an alteration in GM volume or rather a change in radiotracer concentration per unit volume of GM. Key Words: Brain gray matter-Positron emission tomography-Magnetic resonance imaging-Partial vol­ ume effects-Aging-Dementia-Brain atrophy. a limitation of PET remains: its relatively poor spatial resolution. As a result, PET quantification, especially in structures smaller than two times the full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the tomograph, is affected by partial volume effects (Hoffmann et aI. , 1979). Given that the in-plane FWHM of current PET instruments ranges from 2.6 mm (Valk et aI. , 1990) to about 14 mm, tracer activity in many brain structures, in­ cluding the neocortex, is often underestimated. In neocortex, gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces are convo­ luted, and cannot be resolved using PET instrumen­ tation; a cortical PET signal thus reflects the aver­ age tracer concentration in all three compartments.
Global Dynamics in Binary Choice Models with Social Influence

A discrete-time dynamical system is proposed to model a class of binary choice games with externalities as those described by Schelling (1973, 1978). In order to analyze some oscillatory time patterns and problems of equilibrium selection that were not considered in the qualitative analysis given by Schelling, we introduce an explicit adjustment mechanism. We perform a global dynamic analysis that allows us to explain the transition toward nonconnected basins of attraction when several coexisting attractors are present. This gives a formal explanation of some overshooting effects in social systems and of the consequent cyclic behaviors qualitatively described in Schelling (1978). Moreover, we show how the occurrence of a global bifurcation may lead to the explanation of situations of path dependence and the creation of thresholds observed in real life situations of collective choices, leading to extreme forms of irreversible departure from an equilibrium and uncertainty about the long run evolution of the some social systems.
Statistical Tests for Detecting Positive Selection by Utilizing High-Frequency Variants

By comparing the low-, intermediate-, and high-frequency parts of the frequency spectrum, we gain information on the evolutionary forces that influence the pattern of polymorphism in population samples. We emphasize the high-frequency variants on which positive selection and negative (background) selection exhibit different effects. We propose a new estimator of θ (the product of effective population size and neutral mutation rate), θL, which is sensitive to the changes in high-frequency variants. The new θL allows us to revise Fay and Wu's H-test by normalization. To complement the existing statistics (the H-test and Tajima's D-test), we propose a new test, E, which relies on the difference between θL and Watterson's θW. We show that this test is most powerful in detecting the recovery phase after the loss of genetic diversity, which includes the postselective sweep phase. The sensitivities of these tests to (or robustness against) background selection and demographic changes are also considered. Overall, D and H in combination can be most effective in detecting positive selection while being insensitive to other perturbations. We thus propose a joint test, referred to as the DH test. Simulations indicate that DH is indeed sensitive primarily to directional selection and no other driving forces.
A new algorithm for retrieving GPS radio occultation total electron content

A new algorithm for retrieving the relative ionospheric satellite‐to‐satellite total electron content during Global Positioning System (GPS) radio occultations is proposed. The algorithm consists of a linear combination of the L1 and L2 excess phase data using precise orbit information of the transmitter and receiver. The combination eliminates the effects of refractive bending and dispersion to first order. Simulations, representative of solar maximum conditions, show that using the “traditional” combination of the L1 and L2 phases, bending and dispersion may cause a systematic residual error of up to 20 TECU. Using only the L1 excess phase, the corresponding maximum residual error is about 7 TECU. The proposed combination results in a residual error due to bending and dispersion less than 0.1 TECU. Uncertainty in satellite orbit determination, as well as an unmodeled residual related to the geomagnetic field, result in a total systematic error of 1–2 TECU.
UCP2 induces metabolic reprogramming to inhibit proliferation of cancer cells

Invalidation of uncoupling protein 2 (Ucp2) increases glucose utilization and proliferation in normal cells. We recently reported that cancer cells that overexpress UCP2 become less tumorigenic while switching their metabolism from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation. UCP2 appears to be a key regulator of cellular metabolism with a relevant function against tumorigenesis.
MicroRNA-183-5p promotes the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells

The aim of the current study was to investigate the potential role of microRNA-183-5p (miR-183-5p) in the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer, and to identify promising target genes of oncogenic miR-183-5p. Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to investigate whether these oncogenic microRNAs may be useful as biomarkers in pancreatic carcinoma (PaCa). Potential target genes were verified using miRDB, PicTar and TargetSCAN, and qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-183 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 6 (SOCS-6; a potential target of miR-183) in PANC-1 PaCa cells and in the HPDE6-C7 pancreatic ductal cell line for comparison. The function of miR-183 in cell proliferation, wound healing, invasion and migration was also investigated using a miR-183 inhibitor. Western blot analysis was used to confirm SOCS-6 as a tumor suppressor and qPCR was used to detect and confirm that this potential target gene is directly regulated by miR-183. The results indicated that the expression of miR-183 in PANC-1 cells was upregulated compared with that in HPDE6-C7 cells, whilst the expression of SOCS-6 was downregulated. SOCS-6 expression was also significantly lower in PaCa tissues compared with that in matched normal pancreatic tissues from PaCa patients. Furthermore, expression of miR-183 was inversely correlated with that of SOCS-6. miR-183 knockdown decreased cell growth and motility in pancreatic cancer cells and significantly increased the expression of SOCS-6. These data suggest that oncogenic miR-183 may be useful as a pancreatic cancer biomarker. In addition, inhibition of miR-183 expression may be beneficial as PaCa treatment. SOCS-6 is a potential target gene of miR-183.
Decomposing Mortality Rates and Examining Health Status of the Elderly in Jamaica

Population ageing in Jamaica follows a global trend where the number of persons aged 60 and over is increasing. This study investigated age-specific death rates, mortality sex ratio and health status of the elderly in Jamaica aged 55 years and over. The study utilized secondary data published by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica on mortality and secondary cross-sectional probability survey data were used to model poor health status in elderly residents. The findings revealed that there is increased life expectancy. In 2005, the age-specific mortality rate for elderly 75 years and older was 4.4 times more than that of the crude death rate for the population; 9.4 times more than that of age-specific death rate at ages 55 to 59 years and that disparity narrows at the elderly gets older. The mortality sex ratio revealed that between 115 to 120 males die for every 100 females. More men die between the ages of 55 and 75, than men 75 years and older. As Jamaicans become older than 55 years their poor health status significantly increased. Poor health status was accounted for significantly by hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and arthritis. Eight factors determine poor health status of elderly Jamaicans. Some of these factors are retirement income (OR = 1.461, 95%CI:1.001, 2.131); cost of medical care (OR = 1.144, 95%CI = 1.073, 1.220); area of residence (other towns - OR = 0.754, 95%CI = 0.597, 0.953); marital status (separated - OR = 1.901, 95%CI = 1.479, 2.445; married - OR = 1.406, 95%CI = 1.103, 1.792); education (secondary - OR = 1.206, 95%CI = 1.001, 1.451; tertiary level education - OR = 0.492, 95%CI = 0.281, 0.861), and number of men in household (OR = 0.987, 95%CI = 0.806, 0.998). This study provides valuable information about the mortality rates and health status of elderly residents in Jamaica. High mortality rates for avoidable and preventable diseases and potential years of life lost are major public health concerns, especially for regional healthcare providers.
ATCA and Spitzer Observations of the Binary Protostellar Systems CG 30 and BHR 71

We present interferometric observations of the isolated, low-mass protostellar double cores CG 30 and BHR 71 in the N2H+ (1-0) line and at 3 mm dust continuum, using the Australian Telescope Compact Array (ATCA). The results are complemented by infrared data from the Spitzer Space Telescope. In CG 30, the 3 mm dust-continuum images resolve two compact sources with a separation of ~21.7″ (~8700 AU). In BHR 71, strong dust-continuum emission is detected at the position of the mid-infrared source IRS 1, while only weak emission is detected from the secondary mid-infrared source IRS 2. Assuming the standard gas-to-dust ratio and optically thin 3 mm dust-continuum emission, we derive hydrogen gas masses of 0.05-2.1 M☉ for the four subcores. N2H+ (1-0) line emission is detected in both CG 30 and BHR 71. By simultaneously fitting the seven hyperfine line components of N2H+, we derive the velocity fields and find symmetric velocity gradients in both sources. Estimated virial masses of the subcores range from 0.1 to 0.6 M☉. Spitzer images show the mid-infrared emission from all four subcores, which is spatially associated with the 3 mm dust-continuum emission. All four sources appear to drive their own outflows, as seen in the Spitzer 4.5 μm images. Based on the ATCA and Spitzer observations, we construct spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and derive temperatures and luminosities for all cores. We suggest that the subcores in CG 30 were formed by initial fragmentation of a filamentary prestellar core, while those in BHR 71 could originate from rotational fragmentation of a single collapsing protostellar core.
How Gullible are We? A Review of the Evidence from Psychology and Social Science

A long tradition of scholarship, from ancient Greece to Marxism or some contemporary social psychology, portrays humans as strongly gullible—wont to accept harmful messages by being unduly deferent. However, if humans are reasonably well adapted, they should not be strongly gullible: they should be vigilant toward communicated information. Evidence from experimental psychology reveals that humans are equipped with well-functioning mechanisms of epistemic vigilance. They check the plausibility of messages against their background beliefs, calibrate their trust as a function of the source's competence and benevolence, and critically evaluate arguments offered to them. Even if humans are equipped with well-functioning mechanisms of epistemic vigilance, an adaptive lag might render them gullible in the face of new challenges, from clever marketing to omnipresent propaganda. I review evidence from different cultural domains often taken as proof of strong gullibility: religion, demagoguery, propaganda, political campaigns, advertising, erroneous medical beliefs, and rumors. Converging evidence reveals that communication is much less influential than often believed—that religious proselytizing, propaganda, advertising, and so forth are generally not very effective at changing people's minds. Beliefs that lead to costly behavior are even less likely to be accepted. Finally, it is also argued that most cases of acceptance of misguided communicated information do not stem from undue deference, but from a fit between the communicated information and the audience's preexisting beliefs.
Is there a dysexecutive syndrome?

The role of the frontal lobes has often been described as a ‘paradox’ or a ‘riddle’. Ascribed to this region has been the loftiest of functions (e.g. executive; seat of wisdom); others contested that the frontal lobes played no special role. There has also been controversy about the unity or diversity of functions related to the frontal lobes. Based on the analysis of the effects of lesions of the frontal lobes, we propose that there are discrete categories of functions within the frontal lobes, of which ‘executive’ functioning is one. Within the executive category, the data do not support the concept of an undifferentiated central executive/supervisory system. The results are better explained as impairments in a collection of anatomically and functionally independent but interrelated attentional control processes. Evidence for three separate frontal attentional processes is presented. For each process, we present an operational description, the data supporting the distinctiveness of each process and the evidence for impairments of each process after lesions in specific frontal regions. These processes and their coarse frontal localizations are energization—superior medial, task setting—left lateral and monitoring—right lateral. The strength of the findings lies in replication: across different tasks; across different cognitive modalities (e.g. reaction time paradigms, memory); and across different patient groups. This convergence minimizes the possibility that any of the findings are limited to a specific task or to a specific set of patients. Although distinct, these processes are flexibly assembled in response to context, complexity and intention over real time into different networks within the frontal regions and between frontal and posterior regions.
OPTIMIZATION OF ANTENNA CONFIGURATION WITH A FITNESS-ADAPTIVE DIFFERENTIAL EVOLUTION ALGORITHM

In this article, a novel numerical technique, called Fitness Adaptive Difierential Evolution (FiADE) for optimizing certain pre-deflned antenna conflguration to attain best possible radiation characteristics is presented. Difierential Evolution (DE), inspired by the natural phenomenon of theory of evolution of life on earth, employs the similar computational steps as by any other Evolutionary Algorithm (EA). Scale Factor and Crossover Probability are two very important control parameter of DE.This article describes a very competitive yet very simple form of adaptation technique for tuning the scale factor, on the run, without any user intervention. The adaptation strategy is based on the fltness function value of individuals in DE population. The feasibility, e-ciency and efiectiveness of the proposed algorithm in the fleld of electromagnetism are examined over a set of well-known antenna conflgurations optimization problems. Comparison with the some very popular and powerful metaheuristics re∞ects the superiority of this simple parameter automation strategy in terms of accuracy, convergence speed, and robustness.
Document Classification in a Non-stationary Environment: A One-Class SVM Approach

In this paper, we investigate a specific area of document classification in which the documents come as a flow over the time. Moreover, the exact number of classes of document to deal with is not known from the beginning and could evolve over the time. To be able to perform classification task in such area, we need specific classifiers that are able to perform incremental learning and change their modeling over the time. More specifically, we are focusing our study on SVM approaches, known to perform well, and for which incremental (i-SVM) procedures exist. Nevertheless, most of them are only able to deal with a fixed number of classes. So we designed a new incremental learning procedure based on one-class SVMs. This one is able to improve its classification accuracy over the time, with the arrival of new labeled data, without performing any complete retraining. Moreover, when instances are coming with a previously unknown label (appearance of a new class), the training procedure is able to modify the classifier model to recognize this corresponding new kind of documents. To investigate this area, waiting for collecting documents images as a flow, we did first experiments on the Optical Recognition of Handwritten Digits Data Set. These experiments show that our incremental approach is able: to perform, at each time, as well as a static one-class classifier fully retrained using all previously seen data, to model very quickly and efficiently new incoming classes.
The D* Algorithm for Real-Time Planning of Optimal Traverses

Abstract : Finding the lowest-cost path through a graph of states is central to many problems, including route planning for a mobile robot. If arc costs change during the traverse, then the remainder of the path may need to be replanned. Such is the case for a sensor-equipped mobile robot with incomplete or inaccurate information about its environment. As the robot acquires additional information via its sensors, it has the opportunity to revise its plan to reduce the total cost of the traverse. If the prior information is grossly incomplete or inaccurate, the robot may discover useful information in nearly every piece of sensor data. During the replanning process, the robot must either stop and wait for the new path to be computed or continue to move in the wrong direction; therefore, rapid replanning is essential. This paper describes a new algorithm, D*, capable of planning optimal traverses in real-time through focussed state expansion. D* repairs plans quickly by taking advantage of the fact that most arc cost corrections occur in the vicinity of the robot and the path needs only to be replanned out to the robot's current state. D* can be used not only for route planning but for any graph-based cost optimization problem for which arc costs change during the traverse of the solution path.