Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Play it Forward: Cooperative Learning & Structured Play During Recess

Cooperative learning and structured play (CLASP) are two things that have gone unappreciated in the modern educational setting. This is an important issue for many local low-income schools as the dropout rate is so high. CLASP ideals come with a wide array of positive outcomes that look to brighten the futures of affected youth. CLASP provides an incredible number of scholarly benefits: increased school involvement, higher GPA, improved interpersonal relationships, increased ability to work as a team, etc. This capstone identifies these critical benefits and addresses the best way to properly utilize CLASP within the school setting. The three primary stakeholders chosen are the Principal/Vice Principal, teachers, and students. All three of which stand to benefit from CLASP pedagogy. This Capstone implemented a prototype program in a local elementary school. Based on the results from the program, it has been made clear that the best way to utilize CLASP in the school setting is through the incorporation of service learning activity leaders during lunch recess. Furthermore, implementation of CLASP programs is minimal while the outcomes can be monumental.
Assessing patient beliefs in a clinical trial of Hypericum perforatum in major depression

Little is known about the beliefs of patients suffering from major depression as to the causes of their illness and effective treatments. This study introduces a new instrument for capturing these beliefs, the Explanatory Model for Depression (EMD) Questionnaire, and explores the beliefs of patients participating in a clinical trial of an alternative medicine, Hypericum perforatum. Although the EMD was originally conceptualized as having five factors pertaining to models of the illness and treatment approaches, the data suggest that patient beliefs are aligned on two factors pertaining to internal and external locus of control. Strong beliefs on either of the EMD locus of control subscales are associated with more severe depression. More importantly, strong beliefs on the external locus of control subscale are associated with less improvement over the 8‐week period of observation. These results support the role of patients' beliefs in their recovery from depression and suggest that patients who believe the causes of their depression are outside of their control are less likely to improve over time. It is important to note that beliefs did not mediate the effect of treatment on depression in this study, perhaps because patients were blinded to their treatment condition. Future studies should explore whether patient beliefs have an even greater impact when patients are aware of the treatment they are receiving and can determine whether that treatment is consistent with their beliefs. Depression and Anxiety 20:114–122, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Implant neck configurations for preservation of marginal bone level: a systematic review.

PURPOSE The aim of this article was to evaluate the effectiveness of various implant neck configurations in the preservation of marginal bone level as well as to identify the available scientific evidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS Online and hand searches of the literature published from 1976 through 2009 were conducted to identify studies dealing with modifications in the implant neck area and marginal bone loss for at least a 5-year observation period. The search terms that were used, alone or in combination, were "implant neck," "marginal bone loss," "neck design," "bone resorption," "bone remodeling," and "implant collar. " Relevant studies were selected according to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS The initial search yielded 3,517 relevant titles and revealed eight different implant neck configurations and/or methods suggested for the preservation of marginal bone. These methods included changes in implant neck length and design, implant surface characteristics, implant diameter, and/or insertion depth; the addition of microthreads; the use of one-piece implants; and the concept of platform switching. After subsequent filtering, 20 studies were finally selected and involved the following methods: the use of microthreads (1 study); modifications in implant surface characteristics (11 studies), implant diameter (4 studies), or insertion depth (2 studies); the use of one-piece implants (3 studies); and platform switching (1 study). Because of the heterogeneity of the studies, it was not possible to analyze the data statistically. No evidence was found regarding the effectiveness of any specific modification in the implant neck area in preserving marginal bone or preventing marginal bone loss. CONCLUSION The current literature provides insufficient evidence about the effectiveness of different implant neck configurations in the preservation of marginal bone. Long-term randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to elucidate the effects of such modifications.
No resistance to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate detected after up to 144 weeks of therapy in patients monoinfected with chronic hepatitis B virus

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is a nucleotide analogue with potent activity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and hepatitis B virus (HBV). To date, no reports of HBV clinical resistance to TDF have been confirmed. In two phase 3 studies (GS‐US‐174‐0102 and GS‐US‐174‐0103), 375 hepatitis B e antigen–negative (HBeAg−) patients and 266 HBeAg+ patients with chronic hepatitis B (some nucleoside‐naive and some lamivudine‐experienced) were randomized 2:1 to receive TDF (n = 426) or adefovir dipivoxil (ADV; n = 215) for 48 weeks. After week 48, eligible patients received open‐label TDF with no interruption. The studies are being continued through week 384/year 8; week 144 data are presented here. Per protocol, viremic patients (HBV DNA level ≥ 400 copies/mL or 69 IU/mL) had the option of adding emtricitabine (FTC) at or after week 72. Resistance analyses of HBV polymerase/reverse transcriptase (pol/RT) were based on population dideoxy sequencing. Phenotypic analyses were conducted in HepG2 cells with recombinant HBV derived from patient serum. Most patients maintained TDF monotherapy treatment across both studies (607/641, 95%). A resistance analysis of HBV pol/RT was performed at the baseline for all patients, for viremic patients at week 144 or at the last time when they were on TDF monotherapy (34 on TDF and 19 on ADV‐TDF), and for patients who remained viremic after the addition of FTC (7/20 on TDF and 5/14 on ADV‐TDF). No patient developed amino acid substitutions associated with resistance to TDF. Virological breakthrough on TDF monotherapy was infrequent over 144 weeks (13/426, 3%) and was attributed to documented nonadherence in most cases (11/13, 85%). Persistent viremia (≥400 copies/mL) through week 144 was rare (5/641, 0.8%) and was not associated with virological resistance to TDF by population or clonal analyses. Conclusion: No nucleoside‐naive or nucleoside‐experienced patient developed HBV pol/RT mutations associated with TDF resistance after up to 144 weeks of exposure to TDF monotherapy. (HEPATOLOGY 2010)
Poverty and Access to Health Care in Developing Countries

People in poor countries tend to have less access to health services than those in better‐off countries, and within countries, the poor have less access to health services. This article documents disparities in access to health services in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), using a framework incorporating quality, geographic accessibility, availability, financial accessibility, and acceptability of services. Whereas the poor in LMICs are consistently at a disadvantage in each of the dimensions of access and their determinants, this need not be the case. Many different approaches are shown to improve access to the poor, using targeted or universal approaches, engaging government, nongovernmental, or commercial organizations, and pursuing a wide variety of strategies to finance and organize services. Key ingredients of success include concerted efforts to reach the poor, engaging communities and disadvantaged people, encouraging local adaptation, and careful monitoring of effects on the poor. Yet governments in LMICs rarely focus on the poor in their policies or the implementation or monitoring of health service strategies. There are also new innovations in financing, delivery, and regulation of health services that hold promise for improving access to the poor, such as the use of health equity funds, conditional cash transfers, and coproduction and regulation of health services. The challenge remains to find ways to ensure that vulnerable populations have a say in how strategies are developed, implemented, and accounted for in ways that demonstrate improvements in access by the poor.
Protein Kinase C and ERK Activation Are Required for TFF- peptide-stimulated Bronchial Epithelial Cell Migration and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-induced Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 Secretion*

TFF-peptides (formerly P-domain peptides, trefoil factors) are typical secretory products of many mucous epithelia and are aberrantly secreted during chronic inflammatory diseases. They are known to enhance the migration of intestinal, corneal, and bronchial epithelial cells. Using the human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B as a model, it is shown here for the first time that TFF-peptides are capable of modulating the inflammatory responsein vitro by regulating tumor necrosis factor-α-induced secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. In contrast, TFF2 itself does not change IL-6 and IL-8 secretion but triggers sustained activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) as well as phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). A complex differential regulation of tumor necrosis factor-α-induced IL-6 and IL-8 secretion by TFF2 is observed that involves signaling via protein kinase C and ERK1/2. Furthermore, the motogenic effect of TFF2 on BEAS-2B cells is analyzed using a modified Boyden chamber assay. This migratory effect is shown to be dependent not only on protein kinase C and ERK1/2 but also on the activation of the Src family of tyrosine kinases. Taken together, the data presented indicate an important physiological role of TFF-peptides during inflammatory conditions of mucous epithelia.
Low-Carbon Transportation Oriented Urban Spatial Structure: Theory, Model and Case Study

Optimising the spatial structure of cities to promote low-carbon travel is a primary goal of urban planning and construction innovation in the low-carbon era. There is a need for basic research on the structural characteristics that help to reduce motor traffic, thereby promoting energy conservation. We first review the existing literature on the influence of urban spatial structure on transport carbon dioxide emissions and summarise the influence mechanisms. We then present two low-carbon transportation oriented patterns of urban spatial structure including the traditional walking city and the modern transit metropolis, illustrated by case studies. Furthermore, we propose an improved model Green Transportation System Oriented Development (GTOD), which is an extension of traditional transit-oriented development (TOD) and includes the additional features of a walking city and an emphasis on the integration of land use with a green transportation system, consisting of the public transportation and non-auto travel system. A compact urban form, effective mix of land use and appropriate scale of block are the basic structural features of a low-carbon transportation city. However, these features are only effective at promoting low-carbon transportation when integrated with the green traffic systems. Proper integration of the urban structural system with the green space system is also required. The optimal land use/transportation integration strategy is to divide traffic corridors with wedge-shaped green spaces and limit development along the transit corridors. This strategy forms the basis of the proposed urban structural model to promote low-carbon transportation and sustainable urban growth management.
On Poverty and Inequality in Latin America

It is by now conventional wisdom to say that, while the countries of Latin America have improved their economic performance over the past few years, the majority of their populations have suffered a reversal in their standards of living compared to, let us say, 1980. After the protracted recession and acute macroeconomic disequilibria which was experienced by almost all the countries during the first half of the 1980s, many are staging a recovery in the 1990s. On the positive side, some of the indicators most frequently cited include the resumption of growth (albeit at moderate rates), greater financial stability, an increasingly diversified export sector, and political democratization. On the negative side, one finds inevitable mention of the following: inequitable distribution of income, a high incidence of absolute poverty, and the social tensions that tend to accompany them.
Magnetic resonance imaging shows delayed ischemic striatal neurodegeneration

Brief focal ischemia leading to temporary neurological deficits induces delayed hyperintensity on T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the striatum of humans and rats. The T1 hyperintensity may stem from biochemical alterations including manganese (Mn) accumulation after ischemia. To clarify the significance of this MRI modification, we investigated the changes in the dorsolateral striatum of rats from 4 hours through 16 weeks after a 15‐minute period of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), for MRI changes, Mn concentration, neuronal number, reactivities of astrocytes and microglia/macrophages, mitochondrial Mn‐superoxide dismutase (Mn‐SOD), glutamine synthetase (GS), and amyloid precursor protein. The cognitive and behavioral studies were performed in patients and rats and compared with striatal T1 hyperintensity to show whether alteration in brain function correlated with MRI and histological changes. The T1‐weighted MRI signal intensity of the dorsolateral striatum increased from 5 days to 4 weeks after 15‐minute MCAO, and subsequently decreased until 16 weeks. The Mn concentration of the dorsolateral striatum increased after ischemia in concert with induction of Mn‐SOD and GS in reactive astrocytes. The neuronal survival ratio in the dorsolateral striatum decreased significantly from 4 hours through 16 weeks, accompanied by extracellular amyloid precursor protein accumulation and chronic glial/inflammatory responses. The patients and rats with neuroradiological striatal degeneration had late‐onset cognitive and/or behavioral declines after brief focal ischemia. This study suggests that (1) the hyperintensity on T1‐weighted MRI after mild ischemia may involve tissue Mn accumulation accompanied by Mn‐SOD and GS induction in reactive astrocytes, (2) the MRI changes correspond to striatal neurodegeneration with a chronic inflammatory response and signs of oxidative stress, and (3) the subjects with these MRI changes are at risk for showing a late impairment of brain function even though the transient ischemia is followed by total neurological recovery. Ann Neurol 2003;54:732–747
Prinzipien einer deutsch-tschechischen Teamentwicklung

Die allgemein gängigen Modelle der Gruppenentwicklung gehen davon aus, daß jede Gruppe im Laufe ihres Lebenszyklus klar von einander abgrenzbare Phasen durchläuft (vgl. Tuckman, 1995). Neuere Untersuchungen weisen jedoch darauf hin, daß die realiter beobachtbare Entwicklung von Arbeitsgruppen nicht der Abfolge unitärer Teambildungsphasen folgt. So kommt Gersick (1988; vgl. 1990) in einer qualitativen Analyse von Projektgruppen zu dem Schluß, daß Arbeitsgruppen nicht erst eine forming, storming und norming-Phase durchleben müssen, bis sie sich der produktiven Zusammenarbeit zuwenden können; vielmehr wird bereits im ersten Zusammentreffen der Arbeitsgruppe der Rahmen der gemeinsamen Problembewältigung festgelegt und ein Spektrum nachhaltig wirksamer Verhaltensroutinen ausgeformt. Dem Grundgedanken dieses Modells entsprechend ist die Gruppenentwicklung durch verschiedene Perioden der Stabilität in den Verhaltensmustern der Gruppenmitglieder charakterisiert: nach einer Periode der Stabilität in Folge der nachhaltigen Erstkontakterfahrungen setzen erst zur Halbzeit der Projektarbeit Veränderungsprozesse ein, führen unter Umständen zur Revision bis dato gültiger Verhaltensroutinen und münden anschließend in einer erneuten Periode der Stabilität.
Body composition phenotypes in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative study of Caucasian female patients.

OBJECTIVES The amount and distribution of fat and lean mass have important implications for health and systemic inflammation may represent a risk for altered body composition. The aim of this study was to analyse whether changes in body composition are similarly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), two inflammatory conditions of different pathogenesis. METHODS Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured in 92 women with SLE, 89 with RA and 107 controls. Results were compared among the 3 groups and correlations of FM percentage were explored within SLE and RA. RESULTS Abnormal body composition was more frequent in women with SLE and RA than in non-inflammatory controls, despite having a similar BMI. RA diagnosis was significantly associated with overfat (OR=2.782, 95%CI 1.470-5.264; p=0.002) and central obesity (OR=2.998, 95%CI 1.016-8.841; p=0.04), while sarcopenia was more common among SLE (OR=3.003; 95%CI 1.178-7.676; p=0.01). Sarcopenic obesity, i.e. the coexistence of overfat with sarcopenia, was present in 6.5% of SLE and 5.6% of RA women, but no controls. Independent correlations of FM percentage in women with SLE included smoking, disease activity and CRP. In RA, education, disease activity and cumulative corticosteroid dose were identified as independent predictors of FM percentage. CONCLUSIONS Women with SLE or RA diagnosis are more likely to have abnormal body composition phenotype, with some differences existing between these two conditions. Changes in body composition are partly explained by the inflammatory burden of disease and its treatment.
Human photoreceptor topography

We have measured the spatial density of cones and rods in eight wholemounted human retinas, obtained from seven individuals between 27 and 44 years of age, and constructed maps of photoreceptor density and between‐individual variability. The average human retina contains 4.6 million cones (4.08–5.29 million). Peak foveal cone density averages 199,000 cones/mm2 and is highly variable between individuals (100,000–324,000 cones/mm2). The point of highest density may be found in an area as large as 0.032 deg2. Cone density falls steeply with increasing eccentricity and is an order of magnitude lower 1 mm away from the foveal center. Superimposed on this gradient is a streak of high cone density along the horizontal meridian. At equivalent eccentricities, cone density is 40–45% higher in nasal compared to temporal retina and slightly higher in midperipheral inferior compared to superior retina. Cone density also increases slightly in far nasal retina. The average human retina contains 92 million rods (77.9–107.3 million). In the fovea, the average horizontal diameter of the rod‐free zone is 0.350 mm (1.25°). Foveal rod density increases most rapidly superiorly and least rapidly nasally. The highest rod densities are located along an elliptical ring at the eccentricity of the optic disk and extending into nasal retina with the point of highest density typically in superior retina (5/6 eyes). Rod densities decrease by 15–25% where the ring crosses the horizontal meridian. Rod density declines slowly from the rod ring to the far periphery and is highest in nasal and superior retina. Individual variability in photoreceptor density differs with retinal region and is similar for both cones and rods. Variability is highest near the fovea, reaches a minimum in the midperiphery, and then increases with eccentricity to the ora serrata. The total number of foveal cones is similar for eyes with widely varying peak cone density, consistent with the idea that the variability reflects differences in the lateral migration of photoreceptors during development. Two fellow eyes had cone and rod numbers within 8% and similar but not identical photoreceptor topography.
Two Wrongs Make a Right?! Is the Sunk-Cost-Effect a Commitment Device Against Present Bias?

We propose that the sunk cost effect is not actually a fallacy, but a beneficial adaption that helps present-biased investors to overcome temptation and stay with worthwhile investments. Although the effect can sometimes overcompensate so that bad investments are held onto, it yields a net benefit in expectations. We find that sophisticated individuals who anticipate their future preferences are more likely to hold onto investments, yet do strictly worse in expectation than naive individuals. Finally, we propose that present bias may also be the key to understanding the overconfidence bias.
Implementation of FM 0 and Manchester Encoder for Efficient Hardware Utilization

The automotive industry is working to develop the Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) technology. It is an emerging technique and key enabling technology to push the intelligent transportation system with safety applications into our daily life. The DSRC standards generally make use of FM0 and Manchester codes to have good dc-balance, enhancing the signal reliability. The distinguishable codingdiversity between the FM0 and Manchester codes causes a serious limitation to design fully reused VLSI architecture for both the codes. This paper proposes Similarity-Oriented Logic Simplification (SOLS) technique to overcome the design limitation. This SOLS technique is used to improve the hardware utilization rate from 57.14% to 100% for both FM0 and Manchester encoders. The design is implemented in the cadence virtuoso tool with 180nm CMOS technology. The power consumption is 196.9 μW for FM0 encoding and 197.08 μW for Manchester encoding. The maximum operating frequency is 900 MHz for FM0 and 2 GHz for Manchester encoding. This paper is also implemented in the Xilinx tool. The work done in this paper is used to develop a fully reused VLSI architecture, and it also reduces the power consumption when compared with the previous existing works.
Transcellular openings through microvascular walls in acutely inflamed frog mesentery

Openings in the endothelium of frog mesenteric microvessels associated with acute inflammation following mild thermal injury have been examined by reconstruction from serial ultrathin sections. While all the openings lay close to the intercellular junctions only a minority (seven out of thirty‐eight) were continuous with the intercellular clefts. The majority of gaps or openings (thirty‐one out of thirty‐eight) were transcellular and passed through the peripheral cytoplasm of one endothelial cell, separated from the intercellular cleft by a cellular process which was usually less than 2 microns wide.