Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
多階段動態評量對國小學生數學學習促進與補救效益之分析研究Cultural Reflections in Counselor Professional Development

本研究將自動態評量與教學流程結合的觀點，來呈現一「多階段動態評量」模式的設計，並以實徵研究結果來說明此一模式在國小學生數學解題的學習促進與補救上之效益性。 本研究初始共有41位國小三年級學生參與研究，但隨著不同研究階段的需要與個體精熟程度的不同，樣本人數將漸次篩減。 本研究係結合數學「二步驟四則問題」單元教學的進行，將評量的流程分為輸入（工具設計及蒐集先備能力）、處理（進行各項動態評量程序）、輸出（作整體及個別化分析）三個階段來實施。 研究結果顯示除了所提供的中介協助能夠明顯有效地提昇個體在各項作業上的表現狀況之外，也發現透過多階段動態評量程序的連續使用，具有消弭個體數學學習問題的功能。 據此，研究者歸納結論並提出其在教學、評量、未來研究及教育措施上的意涵與建議。 關鍵詞 可能發展區間（ ZPD ）、動態評量（ DA ）、教學中介與學習促進、數學問題解決（ MPS ） Cultural Reflections in Counselor Professional Development The purposes of this research were to understand counselors’ experiences of cultural reflection during their professional development processes and discuss the influences of this experience on their professional development. The stories of five counselors were written according to semi-constructed interviews, which were developed and analyzed using grounded theory. The following important phenomena were noted from the five counselors’ experiences of cultural reflection: (a) Preceding stage: difficulty realizing the influence of culture. (b)Beginning stage: experiencing cultural shock can help counselors increase culture awareness. (c)Early stage: possible over-recognition of the concepts learned from counseling during the stage of lack cultural reflection. (d)Middle stage: experiencing conflicting points of view and puzzling over unsolved problems during the stages of confliction and separation. (e)Later stage: experiencing frustration thus inducing cultural reflection by counselors during the stage of self-reflection and integration. According to the results, clearly the culture shock experience could help increase the culture awareness of counselors. The frustrating experience of learning and applying process of professional theories could induce cultural reflection of counselors. Key Words Culture awareness, Cultural reflection, Culture shock, Counselor professional development
Fast algorithms for hierarchically semiseparable matrices

Semiseparable matrices and many other rank‐structured matrices have been widely used in developing new fast matrix algorithms. In this paper, we generalize the hierarchically semiseparable (HSS) matrix representations and propose some fast algorithms for HSS matrices. We represent HSS matrices in terms of general binary HSS trees and use simplified postordering notation for HSS forms. Fast HSS algorithms including new HSS structure generation and HSS form Cholesky factorization are developed. Moreover, we provide a new linear complexity explicit ULV factorization algorithm for symmetric positive definite HSS matrices with a low‐rank property. The corresponding factors can be used to solve the HSS systems also in linear complexity. Numerical examples demonstrate the efficiency of the algorithms. All these algorithms have nice data locality. They are useful in developing fast‐structured numerical methods for large discretized PDEs (such as elliptic equations), integral equations, eigenvalue problems, etc. Some applications are shown. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PART OF A SPECIAL ISSUE ON FUNCTIONAL -STRUCTURAL PLANT MODELLING Assessing the effects of management on forest growth across France: insights from a new functional- structural model

† Background and Aims The structure of a forest stand, i.e. the distribution of tree size features, has strong effects on its functioning. The management of the structure is therefore an important tool in mitigating the impact of predicted changes in climate on forests, especially with respect to drought. Here, a new functional –structural model is presented and is used to assess the effects of management on forest functioning at a national scale. † Methods The stand process-based model (PBM) CASTANEAwas coupled to a stand structure module (SSM) based on empirical tree-to-tree competition rules. The calibration of the SSM was based on a thorough analysis of intersite and interannual variability of competition asymmetry. The coupled CASTANEA –SSM model was evaluated across France using forest inventory data, and used to compare the effect of contrasted silvicultural practices on simulated stand carbon fluxes and growth. † Key Results The asymmetry of competition varied consistently with stand productivity at both spatial and temporal scales. The modelling of the competition rules enabled efficient prediction of changes in stand structure within the CASTANEA PBM. The coupled model predicted an increase in net primary productivity (NPP) with management intensity, resulting in higher growth. This positive effect of management was found to vary at a national scale across France: the highest increases in NPP were attained in forests facing moderate to high water stress; however, the absolute effect of management on simulated stand growth remained moderate to low because stand thinning involved changes in carbon allocation at the tree scale. † Conclusions This modelling approach helps to identify the areas where management efforts should be concentrated in order to mitigate near-future drought impact on national forest productivity. Around a quarter of the French temperate oak and beech forests are currently in zones of high vulnerability, where management could thus mitigate the influence of climate change on forest yield
Zero-Shot Task Generalization with Multi-Task Deep Reinforcement Learning

As a step towards developing zero-shot task generalization capabilities in reinforcement learning (RL), we introduce a new RL problem where the agent should learn to execute sequences of instructions after learning useful skills that solve subtasks. In this problem, we consider two types of generalizations: to previously unseen instructions and to longer sequences of instructions. For generalization over unseen instructions, we propose a new objective which encourages learning correspondences between similar subtasks by making analogies. For generalization over sequential instructions, we present a hierarchical architecture where a meta controller learns to use the acquired skills for executing the instructions. To deal with delayed reward, we propose a new neural architecture in the meta controller that learns when to update the subtask, which makes learning more efficient. Experimental results on a stochastic 3D domain show that the proposed ideas are crucial for generalization to longer instructions as well as unseen instructions.
Nifedipine Inhibition of High-Voltage Activated Calcium Channel Currents in Cerebral Artery Myocytes Is Influenced by Extracellular Divalent Cations

Voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) play an essential role in regulating cerebral artery diameter and it is widely appreciated that the L-type VDCC, CaV1.2, encoded by the CACNA1C gene, is a principal Ca2+ entry pathway in vascular myocytes. However, electrophysiological studies using 10 mM extracellular barium ([Ba2+]o) as a charge carrier have shown that ~20% of VDCC currents in cerebral artery myocytes are insensitive to 1,4-dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP) L-type VDDC inhibitors such as nifedipine. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that the concentration of extracellular divalent cations can influence nifedipine inhibition of VDCC currents. Whole-cell VDCC membrane currents were obtained from freshly isolated rat cerebral artery myocytes in extracellular solutions containing Ba2+ and/or Ca2+. In the absence of [Ca2+]o, both nifedipine-sensitive and -insensitive calcium currents were observed in 10 mM [Ba2+]o. However, VDCC currents were abolished by nifedipine when using a combination of 10 mM [Ba2+]o and 100 μM [Ca2+]o. VDCC currents were also completely inhibited by nifedipine in either 2 mM [Ba2+]o or 2 mM [Ca2+]o. The biophysical characteristics of all recorded VDCC currents were consistent with properties of a high-voltage activated VDCC, such as CaV1.2. Further, VDCC currents recorded in 10 mM [Ba2+]o ± 100 μM [Ca2+]o or 2 mM [Ba2+]o exhibited similar sensitivity to the benzothiazepine L-type VDCC blocker, diltiazem, with complete current inhibition at 100 μM. These data suggest that nifedipine inhibition is influenced by both Ca2+ binding to an external site(s) on these channels and surface charge effects related to extracellular divalent cations. In sum, this work demonstrates that the extracellular environment can profoundly impact VDCC current measurements.
White matter dementia in chronic toluene abuse

We studied 14 chronic toluene abusers with a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). There were 10 men and 4 women, and the mean age was 29 years. Using a blinded global assessment of neuropsychological functioning, we found 3 patients to be normal, 3 in a borderline range, and 8 impaired. Independent analyses of white matter changes on MRI disclosed that the degree of white matter abnormality was strongly correlated (p < 0.01) with neuropsychological impairment. Dementia in toluene abuse appears to be related to severity of cerebral white matter involvement.
A Statistical Approach for Automatic Text Summarization by Extraction

Automatic Document Summarization is a highly interdisciplinary research area related with computer science as well as cognitive psychology. This Summarization is to compress an original document into a summarized version by extracting almost all of the essential concepts with text mining techniques. This research focuses on developing a statistical automatic text summarization approach, Kmixture probabilistic model, to enhancing the quality of summaries. KSRS employs the K-mixture probabilistic model to establish term weights in a statistical sense, and further identifies the term relationships to derive the semantic relationship significance (SRS) of nouns. Sentences are ranked and extracted based on their semantic relationship significance values. The objective of this research is thus to propose a statistical approach to text summarization. We propose a K-mixture semantic relationship significance (KSRS) approach to enhancing the quality of document summary results. The K-mixture probabilistic model is used to determine the term weights. Term relationships are then investigated to develop the semantic relationship of nouns that manifests sentence semantics. Sentences with significant semantic relationship, nouns are extracted to form the summary accordingly.
Fast inactivation of a brain K+ channel composed of Kv1.1 and Kvβ1.1 subunits modulated by G protein βγ subunits

Modulation of A‐type voltage‐gated K+ channels can produce plastic changes in neuronal signaling. It was shown that the delayed‐rectifier Kv1.1 channel can be converted to A‐type upon association with Kvβ1. 1 subunits; the conversion is only partial and is modulated by phosphorylation and microfilaments. Here we show that, in Xenopus oocytes, expression of Gβ1γ2 subunits concomitantly with the channel (composed of Kv1.1 and Kvβ1.1 subunits), but not after the channel's expression in the plasma membrane, increases the extent of conversion to A‐type. Conversely, scavenging endogenous Gβγ by co‐expression of the C‐terminal fragment of the β‐adrenergic receptor kinase reduces the extent of conversion to A‐type. The effect of Gβγ co‐expression is occluded by treatment with dihydrocytochalasin B, a microfilament‐disrupting agent shown previously by us to enhance the extent of conversion to A‐type, and by overexpression of Kvβ1. 1. Gβ1γ2 subunits interact directly with GST fusion fragments of Kv1.1 and Kvβ1. 1. Co‐expression of Gβ1γ2 causes co‐immunoprecipitation with Kv1.1 of more Kvβ1. 1 subunits. Thus, we suggest that Gβ1γ2 directly affects the interaction between Kv1.1 and Kvβ1. 1 during channel assembly which, in turn, disrupts the ability of the channel to interact with microfilaments, resulting in an increased extent of A‐type conversion.
Microscopic Colitis: An Update

Microscopic colitis (MC) causes chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, and weight loss. Colonic mucosa appears normal on endoscopy; however, biopsies show abnormalities such as intraepithelial lymphocytosis in lymphocytic colitis, and a thickened subepithelial collagen band in collagenous colitis. Epidemiologic data demonstrates that MC is a more common cause of diarrhea than previously shown. Although the etiology of this condition is unclear, certain well-defined risk factors exist. Recently there has been more research on the pathophysiology of MC, and studies on treatment have demonstrated budesonide to be most effective, although other treatments also hold promise.
Nonlinear Amygdala Response to Face Trustworthiness: Contributions of High and Low Spatial Frequency Information

Previous neuroimaging research has shown amygdala sensitivity to the perceived trustworthiness of neutral faces, with greater responses to untrustworthy compared with trustworthy faces. This observation is consistent with the common view that the amygdala encodes fear and is preferentially responsive to negative stimuli. However, some studies have shown greater amygdala activation to positive compared with neutral stimuli. The first goal of this study was to more fully characterize the amygdala response to face trustworthiness by modeling its activation with both linear and nonlinear predictors. Using fMRI, we report a nonmonotonic response profile, such that the amygdala responds strongest to highly trustworthy and highly untrustworthy faces. This finding complicates future attempts to make inferences about mental states based on activation in the amygdala. The second goal of the study was to test for modulatory effects of image spatial frequency filtering on the amygdala response. We predicted greater amygdala sensitivity to face trustworthiness for low spatial frequency images compared with high spatial frequency images. Instead, we found that both frequency ranges provided sufficient information for the amygdala to differentiate faces on trustworthiness. This finding is consistent with behavioral results and suggests that trustworthiness information may reach the amygdala through pathways carrying both coarse and fine resolution visual signals.
Racial Mismatch and School Type

Studies of teacher satisfaction suggest that satisfaction is related to both the racial composition and the organizational structure of the schools in which teachers work. In this article, the authors draw from theories of race and organizations to examine simultaneously the effects of school type (traditional public vs. charter) and racial mismatch on teacher satisfaction and subsequent turnover. In doing so, they examine the organizational differences between traditional public and charter schools that contribute to systematic differences in satisfaction and turnover across these school types. Using 1999-2000 Schools and Staffing Survey data, the authors find that charter school teachers are more satisfied than are public school teachers because of greater autonomy. Charter school teachers, however, are more likely to leave teaching than are traditional teachers. The authors also show that teaching in racially mismatched schools results in lower levels of satisfaction for white teachers and that being in a charter school reduces this negative effect.
Culturally transcendent, developmental model of multicultural counseling competence : an integration of theories

This study proposed and empirically examined a developmental model of multicultural counseling competence among mental health service trainees based on an integration of the Cognitive and Cultural Flex Theory of Personality, Contact Theory, and Theory of Multicultural Counseling and Therapy. The model incorporated four culturally transcendent variables: (a) multicultural experiences, (b) cognitive flexibility, (c) cultural flexibility, and (d) multicultural personality. Based on the proposed model, it was hypothesized that multicultural experiences, cognitive flexibility, cultural flexibility, and multicultural personality would predict multicultural counseling competence. Results provided support for the utility of the model. Specifically, multicultural experiences predicted cognitive and cultural flexibility. These two variables, in turn, predicted multicultural personality, which was positively related to multicultural counseling competence. Implications of the study and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Mental health consequences of the Lockerbie Disaster

This paper examines mental health consequences of the Lockerbie Disaster in 66 adults claiming compensation from the insurers of the airline. Claimants were examined 10 to 14 months after the disaster by clinical interview and questionnaires. The most frequent diagnoses were post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, followed by other anxiety disorders. Many were above “caseness” levels on questionnaires, and had very high scores on intrusion and avoidance. There were no significant predictors of the presence or severity of diagnosis, but a number of predictors (age, death of friends, exposure to unpleasant sights) of questionnaire scores.
Hypotonic stress-induced dual Ca(2+) responses in bovine aortic endothelial cells.

We have investigated the effects of hypotonic stress on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in bovine aortic endothelial cells. Reducing extracellular osmolarity by 5% to 40% elicited a steep Ca(2+) transient both in normal Krebs and Ca(2+)-free solutions. The hypotonic stress-induced Ca(2+) transient was inhibited by phospholipase C inhibitors (neomycin and U-73122), a P(2)-receptor antagonist (suramin), and an ATP-hydrolyzing enzyme (apyrase), suggesting that the hypotonic stress-induced Ca(2+) transient is mediated by ATP. A luciferin-luciferase assay confirmed that 40% hypotonic stress released 91.0 amol/cell of ATP in 10 min. When the hypotonic stress-induced fast Ca(2+) transient was inhibited by neomycin, suramin, or apyrase, a gradual [Ca(2+)](i) increase was observed instead. This hypotonic stress-induced gradual [Ca(2+)](i) increase was inhibited by a phospholipase A(2) inhibitor, 4-bromophenacyl bromide. Furthermore, exogenously applied arachidonic acid induced a gradual [Ca(2+)](i) increase with an ED(50) of 13.3 microM. These observations indicate that hypotonic stress induces a dual Ca(2+) response in bovine aortic endothelial cells, i.e., an ATP-mediated fast Ca(2+) transient and an arachidonic acid-mediated gradual Ca(2+) increase, the former being the predominant response in normal conditions.
Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Talinum triangulare (Jacq). Willd. on Biochemical Parameters in Diet induced Dyslipidemia Wistar Rats

Objective: To investigate the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Talinum triangulare on hematological parameters, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant status,and serum lipid in Wistar rats fed standard laboratory, or 2% cholesterol-enrich diet. Material and Methods: Wistar rats (180-210g) divided into six groups of six animals (males) each were fed 2% cholesterol-enriched diet and orally treated with 0.9% saline or extract of Talinum triangulare (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg per body weight) daily for eight weeks. Lipid profile, lipid peroxidation (MDA), hematological parameters, and their functional indices and serum antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione -S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase) activities and glutathione status were assessed in normal and diet-induced hypercholesterolemic extract treated rats and compared with the rats treated with 100 mg/kg per bwt standard drug gemfibrozil. Results: A significant (P < 0.05) increase in lipid profile (total glyceride, total cholestrol, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein), MDA and reduction (P < 0.05) in enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant status coupled with alterations in hematological parameters was observed in the serum of hypercholesterolemic rats when compared with animals on a normal diet. Coadministration of methanolic leaf extracts of Talinum triangulare or gemfibrozil significantly (P < 0.05) restored the elevated serum lipid profile, MDA, and the deranged hematological parameters to near normal. The extract also protected against hypercholesterolemic-induced diminished enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant status. The activities of the plant extract are dose (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) dependent and it compared favorably with the standard drug gemfibrozil. Conclusion: The present study suggested that the extract of Talinum triangulare might protect against hypercholesterolemic-induced altered lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and also improve the status of antioxidant defense system and hematopoiesis. Abbreviation used: Lipid peroxidation (MDA), (catalase (CAT), glutathione–S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), Thrombocytes indices (PLT), Red blood cell (RBC), Packed cell volume (PVC), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin(MCH), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), Total glyceride (TG), Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), Total cholesterol (TC), Low density lipoprotein (LDL), High density lipoprotein (HDL) and 3-Hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase(HMG-CoA).
Hemodynamic response and oxygen transport in pigs resuscitated with maleimide-polyethylene glycol-modified hemoglobin (MP4).

Cell-free Hb increases systemic and pulmonary pressure and resistance and reduces cardiac output and heart rate in animals and humans, effects that have limited their clinical development as "blood substitutes. " The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic response to infusion of several formulations of a new polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified human Hb [maleimide PEG Hb (MalPEGHb)] in swine, an animal known to be sensitive to Hb-induced vasoconstriction. Anesthetized animals underwent controlled hemorrhage (50% of blood volume), followed by resuscitation (70% of shed volume) with 10% pentastarch (PS), 4% MalPEG-Hb in lactated Ringer (MP4), 4% MalPEG-Hb in pentastarch (HS4), 2% MalPEG-Hb in pentastarch (HS2), or 4% stroma-free Hb in lactated Ringer solution (SFH). Compared with baseline, restoration of blood volume after resuscitation was similar and not significantly different for the PS (103%), HS2 (99%), HS4 (106%), and MP4 (87%) animals but significantly less for the SFH animals (66%) (P < 0.05). All solutions that contained MalPEG-Hb restored mean arterial and pulmonary pressure and cardiac output. Systemic vascular resistance was unchanged, and pulmonary arterial pressure and resistance were increased slightly. Both systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance increased significantly in animals that received SFH, despite less adequate blood volume restoration. Oxygen consumption was maintained in all animals that received MalPEG-Hb, but not PS. Base excess improved only with MalPEG-Hb and PS, but not SFH. Red blood cell O2 extraction was significantly increased in animals that received Hb, regardless of formulation. These data demonstrate resuscitation with MalPEG-human Hb without increasing systemic vascular resistance and support our previous observations in animals suggesting that the efficacy of low concentrations of PEG-Hb in the plasma results from reduced vasoconstriction.