Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning English in Mexico: Perspectives From Mexican Teachers of English

ESL and Language Arts teachers have noted a growing population of transnational students who—because of family migration patterns—have complex educational histories that straddle both Mexico and the US. Yet US teachers know little about the English-language training that such students receive in Mexico. This study attempts to bridge that gap, reporting on a survey-based study conducted in Mexico of 76 Mexican teachers of English. Included are recommendations about English instruction in both Mexican and US contexts, as well as recommendations for greater collaboration between US and Mexican English teachers.
Why You Really Eat? Virtual Reality in the Treatment of Obese Emotional Eaters

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of a specific stress management protocol, based on immersive Virtual Reality (VR), to be used as part of a multidisciplinary inpatient program for the treatment of obesity. The stress management protocol included imagery, relaxation and different cognitive behavioral approaches -- emotion focused coping, self-monitoring and record keeping. Forty (40) participants, all female, were recruited for the study at the San Giuseppe Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piancavallo (VB), Italy. Participants were chosen among the obese patients without a specific Binge Eating diagnosis but with high level of anxiety and a history of emotional eating. The sample was randomly distributed in three conditions as follows: (a) VR stress Management Protocol; (b) DVD based stress management protocol; (c) no treatment (control condition). Data show that the VR condition produced a significantly higher reduction in anxiety, as compared both to DVD and control groups. More, we found a significant correlation between changes in the emotional state and the level of presence: the more present the users felt, the higher the reduction in anxiety. This datum suggests the possible role of presence in mediating the effects of a stress management protocol.
Oxytocin prevents ethanol actions at δ subunit-containing GABAA receptors and attenuates ethanol-induced motor impairment in rats

Significance Even moderate doses of alcohol can cause considerable motor impairment. This effect has been linked to ethanol-induced potentiation of GABA actions at δ subunit-containing GABAA receptors (δ-GABAARs). Here, we demonstrate that the neuropeptide oxytocin selectively attenuates ethanol-induced motor impairment in rats as well as ethanol-induced potentiation of GABAergic activity at δ-GABAARs. This effect of oxytocin is shown to be independent of the oxytocin receptor (OTR) and involves a direct action at δ-GABAARs. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of oxytocin having a direct, non-OTR–mediated effect on GABA–ethanol interactions. Recent preclinical and clinical studies indicate that oxytocin may also attenuate alcohol consumption, craving, and withdrawal, and the present study shows a previously unidentified mechanism through which some of these effects may occur. Even moderate doses of alcohol cause considerable impairment of motor coordination, an effect that substantially involves potentiation of GABAergic activity at δ subunit-containing GABAA receptors (δ-GABAARs). Here, we demonstrate that oxytocin selectively attenuates ethanol-induced motor impairment and ethanol-induced increases in GABAergic activity at δ-GABAARs and that this effect does not involve the oxytocin receptor. Specifically, oxytocin (1 µg i.c.v.) given before ethanol (1.5 g/kg i.p.) attenuated the sedation and ataxia induced by ethanol in the open-field locomotor test, wire-hanging test, and righting-reflex test in male rats. Using two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology in Xenopus oocytes, oxytocin was found to completely block ethanol-enhanced activity at α4β1δ and α4β3δ recombinant GABAARs. Conversely, ethanol had no effect when applied to α4β1 or α4β3 cells, demonstrating the critical presence of the δ subunit in this effect. Oxytocin had no effect on the motor impairment or in vitro effects induced by the δ-selective GABAAR agonist 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo(5,4-c)pyridin-3-ol, which binds at a different site on δ-GABAARs than ethanol. Vasopressin, which is a nonapeptide with substantial structural similarity to oxytocin, did not alter ethanol effects at δ-GABAARs. This pattern of results confirms the specificity of the interaction between oxytocin and ethanol at δ-GABAARs. Finally, our in vitro constructs did not express any oxytocin receptors, meaning that the observed interactions occur directly at δ-GABAARs. The profound and direct interaction observed between oxytocin and ethanol at the behavioral and cellular level may have relevance for the development of novel therapeutics for alcohol intoxication and dependence.
Child Malnutrition, Consumption Growth, Maternal Care and Price Shocks

Childhood malnutrition remains a significant global health concern. In order to implement effective policies to address the issue, it is crucial to first understand the mechanisms underlying malnutrition. This paper uses a unique dataset from Northern Ghana to explain the underlying causes of childhood malnutrition. It adopts an empirical framework to model inputs in the production of health and nutrition, as a function of child, household and community characteristics. The findings suggest that child characteristics are important in explaining inputs and nutritional outcomes, and that maternal agency and health contribute to improved health status. Household resources in the form of consumption are positively associated with food intake and nutritional outcomes. Simulations show that income growth, improving maternal care and avoiding sudden price shocks have a positive but rather limited effect on the reduction of malnutrition. Effects are greater in children under two. Hence, policies that address underlying determinants simultaneously, and target the youngest population of children, could have the largest effect on reducing malnutrition in this population.
Application of the Cascaded Transmission Line Theory of Paul and McKnight to the Evaluation of NEXT and FEXT in Twisted Wire Pair Bundles

The cascaded transmission line theory of Paul and McKnight is used in this paper to predict near-end crosstalk (NEXT) and far-end crosstalk (FEXT) in a bundle of twisted wire pairs. The approach is validated using the CST Cable Studio commercial software and experimental data. NEXT and FEXT along twisted pair bundles are then evaluated using a pure deterministic approach for the electromagnetic coupling while taking into account the random distribution of victim and aggressor pairs in the bundle. The results obtained using the presented approach are compared with available simplified empirical expressions (ANSI/FSAN). It is shown that the simplified expressions are able to predict the overall trend of the power sum loss. However, they do not always provide the worst case values. The presented theory can find important applications in the design of data transmission systems for which accurate crosstalk modeling is a vital task. It can be used for example as a replacement for the experiments in obtaining the parameters of simplified models for NEXT and FEXT.
ATM deficiency impairs thymocyte maturation because of defective resolution of T cell receptor α locus coding end breaks

The ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated) protein plays a central role in sensing and responding to DNA double-strand breaks. Lymphoid cells are unique in undergoing physiologic double-strand breaks in the processes of Ig class switch recombination and T or B cell receptor V(D)J recombination, and a role for ATM in these processes has been suggested by clinical observations in ataxia telangiectasia patients as well as in engineered mice with mutations in the Atm gene. We demonstrate here a defect in thymocyte maturation in ATM-deficient mice that is associated with decreased efficiency in V-J rearrangement of the endogenous T cell receptor (TCR)α locus, accompanied by increased frequency of unresolved TCR Jα coding end breaks. We also demonstrate that a functionally rearranged TCRαβ transgene is sufficient to restore thymocyte maturation, whereas increased thymocyte survival by bcl-2 cannot improve TCRα recombination and T cell development. These data indicate a direct role for ATM in TCR gene recombination in vivo that is critical for surface TCR expression in CD4+CD8+ cells and for efficient thymocyte selection. We propose a unified model for the two major clinical characteristics of ATM deficiency, defective T cell maturation and increased genomic instability, frequently affecting the TCRα locus. In the absence of ATM, delayed TCRα coding joint formation results both in a reduction of αβ TCR-expressing immature cells, leading to inefficient thymocyte selection, and in accumulation of unstable open chromosomal DNA breaks, predisposing to TCRα locus-associated chromosomal abnormalities.
Non-HDL cholesterol: into the spotlight.

The elevated coronary heart disease (CHD) risk affecting patients with type 2 diabetes may be attributed to a combined dyslipidemia characterized by elevated triglycerides, reduced HDL cholesterol, small dense LDL particles (independent of the LDL cholesterol level), elevated triglyceride-rich remnant lipoproteins (TGRLs), and/or elevated apolipoprotein B (apoB) levels (1). All of these features have individually been implicated as contributors to CHD. Some reports suggest that the combined dyslipidemia may confer a higher magnitude of risk than elevated LDL cholesterol alone (2). The role of triglycerides as a risk factor has been controversial. Much of its risk may be attributed to the associated low HDL cholesterol level, along with contributions from all of the other related variables. Although triglycerides do appear to be an independent risk factor (3), they likely act only as a marker for these associated features. The measurement of apoB has been advocated as an alternative index (4). Since each LDL particle contains a single apoB molecule, the apoB level reflects particle number, thus not only accounting for both remnant and LDL particles but also the density of particles when expressed in relation to particle cholesterol content. Despite these advantages, even the global standardization of apoB assays (5) has not made it routinely available to the clinician. This may be in part due to a general unfamiliarity with its interpretation outside of the research setting and because existing guidelines do not take advantage of the information it imparts. Its cost relative to its potential advantages for clinical decision-making also has not been adequately explored. Existing guidelines, however, do take advantage of non–HDL cholesterol as an index of risk associated with this combined dyslipidemia. The recognition of this index is not new; this “beta” lipoprotein cholesterol fraction has been associated with increased CHD mortality in population-based studies that …
Human Motion Classification Based on Range Information with Deep Convolutional Neural Network

In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of recognizing human motions by high resolution range information using a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN). Most existing schemes for radar-based human motion classification exploited the handcrafted features extracted from the microdoppler signature which may be weak or indistinctive in some motions. In contrast to conventional methods, we utilize the high resolution range information to classify human motions which is more robust than the micro-doppler signature, especially when the radial velocity is not obvious, and it has a better tolerance for the incident angles. A DCNN, one of the most successful deep learning algorithms, is employed to solve the classification problem without any handcrafted features. Real data of six human subjects performing seven motions were collected using an ultra-wideband (UWB) radar with only range information. The experimental results illustrate that the DCNN can achieve an accuracy rate of 95.24% on classification of human motions based on the high resolution range information.
Armchair Travel: An Active Learning Approach to Increasing Global Awareness and Participant Self-Efficacy.

With the increasing emphasis on student involvement in learning and the internalization of the curriculum, business schools are faced with the challenge of providing an active learning approach to global awareness. However, studentâ€™s low self- efficacy involving international experiences influences their participation and performance in these endeavors. This paper describes a classroom exercise designed to increase studentâ€™s self-efficacy regarding global experiences. It uses an active learning approach and focuses on a hypothetical international travel experience.
Recursive Technique For Computing System Reliability

This paper presents a simple recursive formula for calculating source-to-sink congestion, and hence reliability, in a network. This congestion is derived from individual blocking probabilities of each link. The method has an advantage of not requiring cut-sets. Such a knowledge is a prerequisite in most other methods of reliability analysis. We have programmed the algorithm using Pascal as it allows recursive procedure calls. An example illustrates the method.
Combined Use of Monopolar Radiofrequency and Transdermal Drug Delivery in the Treatment of Melasma

BACKGROUND Melasma is a common acquired pigmentary disorder that has a considerable psychological impact on the patient. The recurrent and refractory nature of this condition makes it difficult for treatment. OBJECTIVE We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combined system that simultaneously uses monopolar radiofrequency (RF) and transdermal drug delivery of phytocomplex containing 1% kojic acid in the treatment of melasma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty patients affected by melasma underwent 6 sessions of treatment at 1-week intervals. The outcome was evaluated before treatment (T0) and 1 month (T1) and 6 months (T2) after treatment using the Melasma Area and Severity Index score, a Mexameter, and Visioface devices for digital and ultraviolet computerized image analysis of skin color. RESULTS The image analysis showed that hyperpigmentation was significantly reduced at T1 and T2 compared with baseline. Melasma Area and Severity Index score, the average melanin score, and the average erythema values showed a significant reduction. No side effects were observed or reported. CONCLUSION This study describes the first report of improvement in melasma through the combined use of monopolar RF with transdermal delivery of depigmenting agents. This could be a safe, tolerable, and effective alternative tool for the treatment of melasma.
Figural fluency and immediate visual memory in patients with at‐risk mental state for psychosis: empirical study

Although a number of cognitive functions have been assessed in the ultra‐high risk (UHR) population, only one study has reported on figural fluency. Visual memory was measured by different tests providing inconsistent results. The aim of the present study was to compare figural fluency and visual immediate memory performance in UHR patients and normal subjects.
Equity Markets and Portfolio Analysis

In recent years, changes have swept through the investment industry like wildfire. Academia has followed along and provided new lenses for viewing this transformation, as well as new strategies for gaining a true understanding and knowledge of investment and financial markets. Now, Equity Markets and Portfolio Analysis has been created to further inform investment professionals and finance students on the basic concepts and strategies of investments, and to provide more detailed discussions on advanced strategies and models. The concepts covered in this book will help readers gain a better understanding of the markets and uses for an increasing number of securities, strategies, and methodologies. Equity Markets and Portfolio Analysis is the only core investment book that covers the functionality of Bloomberg terminals, increasingly critical tools both in the classroom and on the trading floor. As Bloomberg terminals now play a key role in the research, teaching, and managing of student investment funds, understanding the system's information and analytical functions has become more important than ever. In-depth coverage of fundamentals through more detailed concepts for students and professionals who want to better understand the evaluation, selection, and management of securities One-of-a-kind training and instructional course, introduction to Bloomberg investment subjects, and reference for CFA preparation Bloomberg material provided in an appendix accompanying each chapter, a useful option for professors Ideal for finance practitioners, investment bankers, and academics This unique resource will give readers both the foundational knowledge and the analytical tools necessary for investment success, both in the classroom and in the real world.
Macronutrient and Sociodemographic Determinants of Gestational Weight Gain among HIV-Negative Women in Tanzania

Background The effect of dietary macronutrient composition on the rate of gestational weight gain among women in sub-Saharan Africa is unclear. Objective To examine the effect of macronutrient intake on the rate of gestational weight gain among HIV-negative women in Tanzania. Methods The weights of 8,428 women were measured monthly from 12 weeks of gestation to term. Prenatal dietary intake was estimated as the cumulative average of multiple 24-hour dietary recalls. The association between energy intake and percentage of energy from carbohydrate, protein, and total fat and rate of weight gain (grams per month) was estimated from generalized estimating equation models. Macronutrient effects were adjusted for total energy using the nutrient density model and maternal age, maternal height, maternal mid-upper-arm circumference, parity, marital status, maternal occupation, maternal education, household wealth, season, and treatment regimen assignment. Body mass index (BMI) was considered as a confounder and a potential modifier of the effect of macronutrient intake on gestational weight gain. Results A 6 g/month increase in rate of weight gain was associated with every 100-kcal increment in daily total energy intake (95% CI, 1 to 12; p = .03). Analyses substituting 5% of energy from fat by protein showed that weight gain would decrease by 72 g/month (95% CI, 6 to 140; p = .03); substituting 5% of energy from carbohydrate by protein decreased gain by 70 g/month (95% CI, 15 to 124; p = .01). Baseline BMI did not modify these associations. Conclusions Further research on the effects of macronutrient composition on gestational weight gain is needed to inform the design of supplementation programs for women in developing countries.
Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression and Inhibition After Sciatic Nerve Axotomy

Wallerian degeneration is characterized by breakdown of myelin and axons with subsequent macrophage infiltration and removal of the degenerating nerve components. Proteinases of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family seem to play an important role in demyelinating processes, since some of their members have been shown to cleave myelin basic protein. In the present study we investigated the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (gelatinases A and B) during myelin removal after peripheral nerve trauma. After transection of the sciatic nerve an upregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 with a first peak 12 h and a second peak 48 h after axotomy was observed by zymography. These peaks correlate with the breakdown of the blood-nerve barrier, the accumulation of granulocytes, and the invasion of macrophages into the damaged nerves, respectively. Furthermore, MMP-2 was found to be upregulated in the contralateral nontransected nerves. Immunocytochemistry for MMP-9 and in situ zymography identified MMP-reactive cells within the distal nerve stump. Chloracetate esterase staining was used to detect granulocytes, which accumulated at the transection site and were colocalized with the in situ zymography signal. Wallerian degeneration of the transected nerve could be delayed either by intraperitoneal injections of hydroxamate (Ro 31–9790), a nonspecific MMP inhibitor, or by local application of an MMP-9-specific antibody. Following these treatment strategies, a decreased number of invading macrophages was seen in the nerves associated with an increased amount of preserved myelin sheaths. These results suggest that the invasion of macrophages into a transected peripheral nerve is accompanied by an increased expression of MMPs, particularly MMP-9. Thus, MMPs may seem to play an important role in the breakdown of the blood-nerve barrier and subsequent cell recruitment from the systemic circulation into the damaged nerve.
Interaction with 14‐3‐3 proteins promotes functional expression of the potassium channels TASK‐1 and TASK‐3

The two‐pore‐domain potassium channels TASK‐1, TASK‐3 and TASK‐5 possess a conserved C‐terminal motif of five amino acids. Truncation of the C‐terminus of TASK‐1 strongly reduced the currents measured after heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes or HEK293 cells and decreased surface membrane expression of GFP‐tagged channel proteins. Two‐hybrid analysis showed that the C‐terminal domain of TASK‐1, TASK‐3 and TASK‐5, but not TASK‐4, interacts with isoforms of the adapter protein 14‐3‐3. A pentapeptide motif at the extreme C‐terminus of TASK‐1, RRx(S/T)x, was found to be sufficient for weak but significant interaction with 14‐3‐3, whereas the last 40 amino acids of TASK‐1 were required for strong binding. Deletion of a single amino acid at the C‐terminal end of TASK‐1 or TASK‐3 abolished binding of 14‐3‐3 and strongly reduced the macroscopic currents observed in Xenopus oocytes. TASK‐1 mutants that failed to interact with 14‐3‐3 isoforms (V411*, S410A, S410D) also produced only very weak macroscopic currents. In contrast, the mutant TASK‐1 S409A, which interacts with 14‐3‐3‐like wild‐type channels, displayed normal macroscopic currents. Co‐injection of 14‐3‐3ζ cRNA increased TASK‐1 current in Xenopus oocytes by about 70 %. After co‐transfection in HEK293 cells, TASK‐1 and 14‐3‐3ζ (but not TASK‐1ΔC5 and 14‐3‐3ζ) could be co‐immunoprecipitated. Furthermore, TASK‐1 and 14‐3‐3 could be co‐immunoprecipitated in synaptic membrane extracts and postsynaptic density membranes. Our findings suggest that interaction of 14‐3‐3 with TASK‐1 or TASK‐3 may promote the trafficking of the channels to the surface membrane.
Evaluation of skin irritation in a reconstituted human dermal model(3-D model) using water insoluble fatty acids, fatty alcohols and hydrocarbons

With the aim of improved prediction of human skin irritation, cytotoxicity tests were conducted using a reconstituted human dermal model (Skin 2TM cultured 3-Dimensional Skin Model, ZK1300 : 3-D model). A range of water- insoluble substances, namely fatty acids, fatty alcohols and hydrocarbons, were tested with MTT(3-[4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) reduction, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) release and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) release using as cytotoxicity markers. Results for these parameters were compared with those obtained from a cytotoxicity test (MTT reduction assay) using cultured monolayers of human dermal fibroblasts (NB1RGB), from a rabbit primary skin irritation test and from human patch testing. The MTT reduction assay with the 3-D model proved able to predict human primary and cumulative skin irritation of the test substances, though the match to fibroblasts results and rabbit primary skin irritation score was not perfect. Our finding also showed little variation with the different cytotoxicity markers applied in the 3-D model for the present insoluble test substances. We therefore consider that the MTT reduction assay in the 3-D model is a reliable method to evaluate the human skin irritation potential of new chemicals.