Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What Role Do Governors Play as Representatives of Special Needs Issues in their Own Schools

Abstract This paper resulted from an MSc dissertation written to define the role special needs governors play as special needs representatives on their school's governing bodies. The problem addressed was to assess whether these individuals understood the system that binds them and how they functioned within it. This may be considered especially important since formula funding and local management of schools (LMS) directs governing bodies to manage resources and devise curriculum policies unique to their own individual schools. The study found no evidence to suggest that governors were reluctant members of the school management team. However, it is possible that they may be taking too many decisions affecting special educational needs (SEN) pupils’ educational opportunities, with little knowledge of their statutory duties or of individual SEN pupils’ needs to be effective. However, the discussion challenges the governors’ perception of their role and suggests strategies to inform and support the whole gov.
Network Formation and Social Coordination

This paper develops a simple model to examine the interaction between partner choice and individual behavior in games of coordination. An important ingredient of our approach is the way we model partner choice: we suppose that a player can establish ties with other players by unilaterally investing in costly pairwise links. In this context, individual efforts to balance the costs and benefits of links are shown to lead to a unique equilibrium interaction architecture. The dynamics of network formation, however, has powerful effects on individual behavior: if costs of forming links are below a certain threshold then players coordinate on the risk-dominant action, while if costs are above this threshold then they coordinate on the efficient action. These findings are robust to modifications in the link formation process, different specifications of link formation costs, alternative models of mutations as well as the possibility of interaction among indirectly connected players.
Specificity of Leptin Action on Elevated Blood Glucose Levels and Hypothalamic Neuropeptide Y Gene Expression in ob/ob Mice

Correction of the obese state induced by genetic leptin deficiency reduces elevated levels of both blood glucose and hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA in ob/ob mice. To determine whether these responses are due to a specific action of leptin or to the reversal of the obese state, we investigated the specificity of the effect of systemic leptin administration to ob/ob mice (n = 8) on levels of plasma glucose and insulin and on hypothalamic expression of NPY mRNA. Saline-treated controls were either fed ad libitum (n = 8) or pair-fed to the intake of the leptin-treated group (n = 8) to control for changes of food intake induced by leptin. The specificity of the effect of leptin was further assessed by 1) measuring NPY gene expression in db/db mice (n = 6) that are resistant to leptin, 2) measuring NPY gene expression in brain areas outside the hypothalamus, and 3) measuring the effect of leptin administration on hypothalamic expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA. Five daily intraperitoneal injections of recombinant mouse leptin (150 μg) in ob/ob mice lowered food intake by 56% (P < 0.05), body weight by 4.1% (P < 0.05), and levels of NPY mRNA in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus by 42.3% (P < 0.05) as compared with saline-treated controls. Pair-feeding of ob/ob mice to the intake of leptin-treated animals produced equivalent weight loss, but did not alter expression of NPY mRNA in the arcuate nucleus. Leptin administration was also without effect on food intake, body weight, or NPY mRNA levels in the arcuate nucleus of db/db mice. In ob/ob mice, leptin did not alter NPY mRNA levels in cerebral cortex or hippocampus or the expression of CRH mRNA in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Leptin administration to ob/ob mice also markedly reduced serum glucose (8.3 ± 1.2 vs. 24.5 ± 3.8 mmol/l; P < 0.01) and insulin levels (7,263 ± 1,309 vs. 3,150 ± 780 pmol/l), but was ineffective in db/db mice. Pair-fed mice experienced reductions of glucose and insulin levels that were < 60% of the reduction induced by leptin. The results suggest that in ob/ob mice, systemic administration of leptin inhibits NPY gene overexpression through a specific action in the arcuate nucleus and exerts a hypoglycemic action that is partly independent of its weight-reducing effects. Furthermore, both effects occur before reversal of the obesity syndrome. Defective leptin signaling due to either leptin deficiency (in ob/ob mice) or leptin resistance (in db/db mice) therefore leads directly to hyperglycemia and the overexpression of hypothalamic NPY that is implicated in the pathogenesis of the obesity syndrome.
Understanding the relationship between school leaders’ social and emotional competence and their transformational leadership

This study examined the possible relationship between emotional competence and transformational leadership in K-12 school leaders as a function of self–other agreement. The study found that, for those school leaders whose self-assessment of their leadership agreed with that of their subordinates, the self-ratings of emotional competence were strongly and significantly correlated with the self-ratings of transformational leadership. However, the correlations between emotional competence and leadership self-ratings were not significant for those school leaders who either over- or under-estimated their transformational leadership. In contrast, the correlations of others’ ratings of the leaders’ emotional competence and transformational leadership were equally strong and significant for all leaders. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that those leaders who agreed with their subordinates in the assessment of their transformational leadership also agreed with their subordinates in the rating their social and emotional competence, whereas leaders who over-estimated their transformational leadership were likely to rate their emotional competence higher than were their subordinates. These identified relationships have potential implications for professional development programming for school leaders and for furthering establishing the degree to which development of emotional competence promotes the development of transformational leadership.
At the Intersection of Ecofeminism and Religion: Directions for Consideration

Ecological feminism has developed from many directions and locations, and with differentiated links between feminism and ecology and between women and nature. Religious discourses are taking ecofeminist analyses into their folds. As a whole, however, religious ecofeminist perspectives are uneven. In this article, I suggest seven hermeneutics that might strengthen religious ecofeminist discourses as well as develop connections among the various viewpoints towards larger horizons, and specifically ones that link theory with concrete and material life-conditions.
The Korean English linguistic landscape: The Korean English linguistic landscape

: This paper utilizes sociolinguistic theories of social stratification, gravity and cascade models to analyze the usage of English in the linguistic landscape of Korea. Public signs in different regions of Seoul and Korea were photographed and analyzed according to the percentage of English, Korean, Konglish, and Chinese. Labov's gravity model was not found to be accurate, but his social stratification and cascade models were moderately supported. However, in all regions of Seoul and greater Korea, there are domains of English. English is found in the physical domains of main streets, amusement parks and foreign districts, in the product domains of beer, wine and clothing, and in the sociolinguistic domains of modernity, luxury and youth.
The Subgenus-Specific C-Terminal Region of Protein IX Is Located on the Surface of the Adenovirus Capsid

ABSTRACT We have investigated the antigenicity of the C- and N-terminal halves of pIX of human adenovirus types 2 and 3 (Ad2 and Ad3) as well as their orientations in virions. We found that only the C-terminal halves of Ad2 pIX and Ad3 pIX reacted in a subgenus-specific manner by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblot analysis. Based on immunoelectron microscopy experiments, pIX in viral capsids appears to be positioned such that the C-terminal part of pIX constitutes the surface domain whereas the N terminus of the protein makes up the internal domain in icosahedral Ad capsids.
Mixed‐stock analysis reveals the migrations of juvenile hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the Caribbean Sea

Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) migrate between nesting beaches and feeding habitats that are often associated with tropical reefs, but it is uncertain which nesting colonies supply which feeding habitats. To address this gap in hawksbill biology, we compile previously published and new mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype data for 10 nesting colonies (N = 347) in the western Atlantic and compare these profiles to four feeding populations and four previously published feeding samples (N = 626). Nesting colonies differ significantly in mtDNA haplotype frequencies (ΦST = 0.588, P < 0.001), corroborating earlier conclusions of nesting site fidelity and setting the stage for mixed‐stock analysis. Feeding aggregations show lower but significant structure (ΦST = 0.089, P < 0.001), indicating that foraging populations are not homogenous across the Caribbean Sea. Bayesian mixed‐stock estimates of the origins of juveniles in foraging areas show a highly significant, but shallow, correlation with nesting population size (r = 0.378, P = 0.004), supporting the premise that larger rookeries contribute more juveniles to feeding areas. A significant correlation between the estimated contribution and geographical distance from nesting areas (r = −0.394, P = 0.003) demonstrates the influence of proximity on recruitment to feeding areas. The influence of oceanic currents is illustrated by pelagic stage juveniles stranded in Texas, which are assigned primarily (93%) to the upstream rookery in Yucatan. One juvenile had a haplotype previously identified only in the eastern Atlantic, invoking rare trans‐oceanic migrations. The mixed‐stock analysis demonstrates that harvests in feeding habitats will impact nesting colonies throughout the region, with the greatest detriment to nearby nesting populations.
Bystander Intervention in Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying incidents often occur in the presence of other bystanders. The inaction of bystanders can augment the deleterious effects of bullying on a victim. However, bystanders can intervene to stop a cyberbullying incident or offer support to the victim. Two studies were conducted to examine variables that were expected to influence the propensity of a bystander to take action in cyberbullying incidents: the number of bystanders, the anonymity of the bystander, and the closeness between the bystander and the victim. Results supported the diffusion of responsibility effect. A higher number of bystanders was negatively associated with bystander intervention. Moreover, the perceived anonymity of bystanders was negatively related to the propensity to intervene, and closeness with the victim was associated with a greater tendency to intervene and support the victim. Altogether, the results shed light on the interplay of context, relationships, and technology in the behavior of bystanders to a cyberbullying episode.
African American Adolescents’ Discrimination Experiences and Academic Achievement: Racial Socialization as a Cultural Compensatory and Protective Factor

This study examines the interrelationships among racial discrimination experiences, parent race socialization practices, and academic achievement outcomes in a sample of 548 African American adolescents. Adolescents’ racial discrimination experiences were associated with a decrease in academic curiosity, persistence, and student self-reported grades. Racial pride, self-worth, egalitarian, and negative messages and racial socialization behaviors emerged as unique predictors of various academic outcomes, but did not appear to modulate the impact of racial discrimination experiences on academic outcomes. The present findings provide preliminary evidence that parents’ messages to their children about race may compensate for or counteract racial discrimination, as opposed to moderating its influence on academic achievement outcomes. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of motivation and other key developmental factors that may influence academic achievement outcomes in African American adolescents.
Clinicopathologic Study on Combined Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma: with Emphasis on the Intermediate Cell Morphology

Combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma (combined HCC-CC) is a rare subtype of primary liver cancer. We investigated the histopathologic features of transitional or intermediate areas in 21 combined HCC-CCs and immunophenotypes using different hepatic progenitor cell markers (CK7, CK19, c-kit, NCAM, and EpCAM). Major histologic findings of transitional or intermediate areas of 21 combined HCC-CCs included strands/trabeculae of small, uniform, oval-shaped cells with scant cytoplasm and hyperchromatic nuclei embedded within an abundant stroma, small cells with an antler-like anastomosing pattern, and solid nests of intermediate hepatocyte-like cells surrounded by small cells in periphery, in order of frequency. The intermediate area of one tumor was composed predominantly of spindle cells arranged in short fascicles. Immunophenotype of tumor cells with intermediate morphology suggested a progenitor cell origin for this tumor. Clinical findings of combined HCC-CC showed a closer resemblance with those of HCC than those of CC. In univariate analysis, tumor size, TNM stage, and serum alpha-fetoprotein levels showed a significant association with poor patient survival. Serum alpha-fetoprotein level was an independent prognostic indicator in multivariate analysis. In conclusion, an awareness of the clinicopathologic features, specifically the various morphologic features of intermediate areas in this tumor, is essential for prevention of potential misdiagnosis as another tumor.
How the brain obeys Hering's law: a TMS study of the posterior parietal cortex.

PURPOSE Human ocular saccades are not perfectly yoked; the origin of this disconjugacy (muscular versus central) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to test a cortical influence on the binocular coordination of saccades. METHODS The authors used a gap paradigm to elicit vertical or horizontal saccades of 10 degrees , randomly interleaved; transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied on the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) 100 ms after the target onset. RESULTS TMS of the left or right PPC increased (i) the misalignment of the eyes during the presaccadic fixation period; (ii) the size difference between the saccades of the eyes, called disconjugacy; the increase of disconjugacy was significant for rightward and downward saccades after TMS of the right PPC and for downward saccades after TMS of the left PPC. CONCLUSIONS The authors conclude that the PPC is actively involved in maintaining eye alignment during fixation and in the control of binocular coordination of saccades.
Achieving predictable performance through better memory controller placement in many-core CMPs

In the near term, Moore's law will continue to provide an increasing number of transistors and therefore an increasing number of on-chip cores. Limited pin bandwidth prevents the integration of a large number of memory controllers on-chip. With many cores, and few memory controllers, where to locate the memory controllers in the on-chip interconnection fabric becomes an important and as yet unexplored question. In this paper we show how the location of the memory controllers can reduce contention (hot spots) in the on-chip fabric and lower the variance in reference latency. This in turn provides predictable performance for memory-intensive applications regardless of the processing core on which a thread is scheduled. We explore the design space of on-chip fabrics to find optimal memory controller placement relative to different topologies (i.e. mesh and torus), routing algorithms, and workloads.
Problem Areas in Stepfamilies: Cohesion, Adaptability, and the Stepfather-Adolescent Relationship.

In this study 28 stepfamilies were compared with 28 first-marriage families on family functioning and the quality of the stepfather-adolescent relationship. As hypothesized, ratings by the mother, father or stepfather, and adolescent indicated lower family cohesion and adaptability and lower quality in the male parent-adolescent relationship in stepfamilies. Quality of the mother-adolescent relationship and marital satisfaction did not differ by family type. Length of remarriage, amount and quality of contact with the biological father, and adolescent gender were not related to stepfamily functioning. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Computer Games and Sociocultural Play: An Activity Theoretical Perspective

Various forms of play emerge around computer games. These types of play, known as out-of-game play or extrinsic play, take place beyond the original game context. Despite their significant contribution to the overall play experience, they are often neglected by the game research community. Conventional game theories such as ludology and narratology do not provide an insightful account of the sociocultural aspects of game play. Therefore, in this article, we report our observations and investigations into different forms of extrinsic play activities in an online virtual setting. Founded on activity theory, we articulate theoretical models that explicate game play in a sociocultural context. Our findings reveal that extrinsic play constitutes reflective play and expansive play, which transform the play activity and transport the players beyond the original boundary of play.
Mexican American Adolescent Couples Communicating About Conflict

Using observational methods on a small sample of committed Mexican American couples (N=10, ages 15-17, M length of relationship = 26.5 months), we describe and categorize developmental and cultural communication patterns concerning the negotiation of conflict issues. Videotaped dyadic interactions were transcribed and qualitatively coded using iterative confirmatory and exploratory approaches. Quantitative indicators confirmed the categorization of couples into discourse styles, as well as elucidated the contexts and extent of overlap of developmental and cultural themes. Nine of ten couples had a serious discussion of relational conflict issues, lasting a majority of the time allotted (14 minutes). Five couples’ conversations were consumed by blaming/criticizing, interrupted by small stretches of one-sided taking of responsibility, suggestions, or voiced intentions for new behaviors to resolve the conflict. The remaining four couples enhanced their understanding of the relationship through mutual and respectful exploration of their chosen conflict issues. Culturally salient themes were identified, including adaptive machismo, familismo, and caballero care. The latter denoted bids for demonstration of care or affection from a girl on behalf of her partner, which together with discussion of family-oriented topics, contextualized the content of conflict discussions. Adolescent boys demonstrated adaptive machismo traits, elucidating how conflict negotiation itself was influenced by cultural values. Taken together, findings point to the importance of viewing Mexican American adolescents’ negotiation of conflict in light of cultural values including commitment to the relationship.
H-Ras Activation Promotes Cytoplasmic Accumulation and Phosphoinositide 3-Oh Kinase Association of β-Catenin in Epidermal Keratinocytes

The mechanisms underlying downregulation of the cadherin/catenin complexes and β-catenin signaling during tumor progression are not fully understood. We have analyzed the effect of oncogenic H-Ras on E-cadherin/catenin complex formation/stabilization and β-catenin distribution in epidermal keratinocytes. Microinjection or stable expression of V12Ras into keratinocytes promotes the loss of E-cadherin and α-catenin and relocalization of β-catenin to the cytoplasm and nucleus. Moreover, these effects are dependent on PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-OH kinase) activity. Interestingly, a strong association of p85α and p110α subunits of PI3K with β-catenin is induced in V12Ras-expressing keratinocytes, and in vitro binding assays show a direct interaction between β-catenin and p85α. Overexpression of either V12Ras or constitutively active p110α induces metabolic stabilization of β-catenin and promotes its accumulation in cytoplasmic and nuclear pools. In addition, the interaction of β-catenin with the adenomatous polyposis coli protein is blocked in V12Ras and p110α transformants though no changes in glycogen synthase kinase 3 β activity could be detected. Nevertheless, in V12Ras transformants the in vivo phosphorylation of β-catenin in Ser residues is strongly decreased. These results indicate that H-Ras activation induces the relocalization and cytoplasmic stabilization of β-catenin by a mechanism involving its interaction with PI3K.
Nonresponse Bias in a Dual Frame Sample of Cell and Landline Numbers

We conducted a dual frame survey of landline and cell phone numbers in 2004 to evaluate the feasibility of including cell phone numbers in random digit dial telephone surveys in the United States. By sampling cell phone numbers, the coverage bias associated with house- holds that have only cell phones is eliminated. However, we discovered two major sources of nonresponse bias in the dual frame sample. In an attempt to reduce these biases, we applied several different estimation schemes. But a comparison to the 2004 Current Population Survey Cell Phone Supplement showed that none of the estimation schemes substan- tially reduced the nonresponse bias of the estimates. We suggest other methods that might be used in future surveys that include cell phones and discuss the need for additional data collection and research on this issue.