Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Test Modifications on the Minimum Competency Performance of Learning Disabled Students

Fueled by significant decreases in student achievement and general discontent with the American educational system, minimum competency testing (MCT) is viewed by many as the last chance to bring about educational accountability and to force changes in student performance. For special education students, testing of minimum competence is both a blessing and a bane. In view of the characteristics of this population of students, the anticipated benefits of system accountability must be weighed against the disadvantages and potential harm resulting from official documentation of failure to achieve minimum competence. To address the issues which surround minimum competency testing of exceptional students, officials in a number of states have chosen to exempt handicapped children from testing. Others have addressed the problem by permitting modifications in testing instruments and procedures to be part of the MCT program for special education students. In the state of Florida, for example, the use of auditory aids (e.g., tape-recorded versions of appropriate parts of a test) as well as situational modifications (e.g., flexible scheduling, settings, and answerrecording systems) are part of the statewide MCT program. Furthermore, students in Florida may also be administered modified versions of the State Student Assessment Test (SSAT). The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of several test modifications on the performance of third-grade learning disabled (LD) students. The grade 3 SSAT was designed to measure student achievement of desirable minimum standards in reading, writing, and arithmetic skills. Specifically, vocabulary, reading comprehension, logical thinking, and study skills are measured on the reading portions of the test. Spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and organizational skills are measured by the writing standards included in the SSAT, while number concepts, addition, subtraction, measurement, and solution of word problems are assessed by the mathematics standards. The changes under investigation in the present study included modifications of line length, item groupings, answer formats, and administration procedures, as well as alterations of the general physical layout and graphic representations of the test. The content (i.e., state standards assessed) of the SSAT (Grade 3) test was not altered in this research; test items were simply reformatted and rearranged to prepare a "different-looking" test. Three specific questions were of interest:
The diagnosis and treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a slowly progressive cholestatic liver disease of autoimmune etiology. The initial presentation of PBC is various from asymptomatic, abnormal liver biochemical tests to overt cirrhosis. The diagnosis of PBC is based on cholestatic biochemical liver tests, presence of antimitochondrial antibody and histologic findings of nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis. Although the diagnosis is straightforward, it could be underdiagnosed because of its asymptomatic presentation, or underrecognition of the disease. UDCA in a dose of 13-15 mg/kg is the widely approved therapy which can improve the prognosis of patients with PBC. However, one-third of patients does not respond to UDCA therapy and may require liver transplantation. Every effort to diagnose PBC in earlier stage and to develop new therapeutic drugs and clinical trials should be made.
Culture-Bearing Units and the Units of Culture: An Introduction

The articles that follow explore two issues. First, is it possible to differentiate empirically useful culture-bearing units from one another? If it is possible in principle, how can it be accomplished in practice? Second, are there operationalizable and empirically useful units of culture itself, and are such units necessary? Or, is it possible—and preferable—to construct a theory or theories of cultural evolution, transmission, and information management without particulate units of culture?
Effect of 900 MHz Electromagnetic Fields on Nonthermal Induction of Heat-Shock Proteins in Human Leukocytes

Abstract Lim, H. B. , Cook, G. G. , Barker, A. T. and Coulton, L. A. Effect of 900 MHz Electromagnetic Fields on Nonthermal Induction of Heat-Shock Proteins in Human Leukocytes. Radiat. Res. 163, 45–52 (2005). Despite many studies, the evidence as to whether radiofrequency fields are detrimental to health remains controversial, and the debate continues. Cells respond to some abnormal physiological conditions by producing cytoprotective heat-shock (or stress) proteins. The aim of this study was to determine whether exposure to mobile phone-type radiation causes a nonthermal stress response in human leukocytes. Human peripheral blood was sham-exposed or exposed to 900 MHz fields (continuous-wave or GSM-modulated signal) at three average specific absorption rates (0.4, 2.0 and 3.6 W/kg) for different durations (20 min, 1 h and 4 h) in a calibrated TEM cell placed in an incubator to give well-controlled atmospheric conditions at 37°C and 95% air/5% CO2. Positive (heat-stressed at 42°C) and negative (kept at 37°C) control groups were incubated simultaneously in the same incubator. Heat caused an increase in the number of cells expressing stress proteins (HSP70, HSP27), measured using flow cytometry, and this increase was dependent on time. However, no statistically significant difference was detected in the number of cells expressing stress proteins after RF-field exposure. These results suggest that mobile phone-type radiation is not a stressor of normal human lymphocytes and monocytes, in contrast to mild heating.
Hierarchical additive modeling of nonlinear association with spatial correlations—An application to relate alcohol outlet density and neighborhood assault rates

Previous studies have suggested a link between alcohol outlets and assaults. In this paper, we explore the effects of alcohol availability on assaults at the census tract level over time. In addition, we use a natural experiment to check whether a sudden loss of alcohol outlets is associated with deeper decreasing in assault violence. Several features of the data raise statistical challenges: (1) the association between covariates (for example, the alcohol outlet density of each census tract) and the assault rates may be complex and therefore cannot be described using a linear model without covariates transformation, (2) the covariates may be highly correlated with each other, (3) there are a number of observations that have missing inputs, and (4) there is spatial association in assault rates at the census tract level. We propose a hierarchical additive model, where the nonlinear correlations and the complex interaction effects are modeled using the multiple additive regression trees and the residual spatial association in the assault rates that cannot be explained in the model are smoothed using a conditional autoregressive (CAR) method. We develop a two‐stage algorithm that connects the nonparametric trees with CAR to look for important covariates associated with the assault rates, while taking into account the spatial association of assault rates in adjacent census tracts. The proposed method is applied to the Los Angeles assault data (1990–1999). To assess the efficiency of the method, the results are compared with those obtained from a hierarchical linear model. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empirical Waveform Decomposition and Radiometric Calibration of a Terrestrial Full-Waveform Laser Scanner

The parametric models used in Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) waveform decomposition routines are inherently estimates of the sensor's system response to backscattered laser pulse power. This estimation can be improved with an empirical system response model, yielding reduced waveform decomposition residuals and more precise echo ranging. We develop an empirical system response model for a Riegl VZ-400 terrestrial laser scanner, from a series of observations to calibrated reflectance targets, and present a numerical least squares method for decomposing waveforms with the model. The target observations are also used to create an empirical radiometric calibration model that accommodates a nonlinear relationship between received optical power and echo peak amplitude, and to examine the temporal stability of the instrument. We find that the least squares waveform decomposition based on the empirical system response model decreases decomposition fitting errors by an order of magnitude for high-amplitude returns and reduces range estimation errors on planar surfaces by 17% over a Gaussian model. The empirical radiometric calibration produces reflectance values self-consistent to within 5% for several materials observed at multiple ranges, and analysis of multiple calibration data sets collected over a one-year period indicates that echo peak amplitude values are stable to within ±3% for target ranges up to 125 m.
New counter‐school cultures: female students' drug use at a high‐achieving secondary school

We draw on case‐study research at a high‐achieving secondary school in London to illustrate how school experiences may influence drug use and reproduce inequalities in reconstructed ways in late modernity. Qualitative data were collected through semi‐structured interviews with students and teachers, and observations. We focus in particular on the accounts of three female students expressing a shared counter‐school identity and style to explore how drug use has become an important source of bonding, identity construction, coping and excitement for young women from disadvantaged families at high‐achieving schools, including as part of strategies to resist the narrow focus schools can place on academic attainment, monitoring and discipline. We propose that, in late modern times, class‐based counter‐school cultures are being replaced with new consumer‐based ones, but that secondary schools continue to act as sites for the reproduction of social stratification, as well as risk and harm relating to drug use.
Absolute Expediency and Imitative Behaviour

This paper analyses a model of learning by imitation, where besides the decision maker, there is a population of individuals facing the same decision problem. We analyze a property called Absolute Expediency, which requires that the decision maker's expected payoff increases from one round to the next for every decision problem and every state of the population. We give a simple characterization of the expediency property and show that its basic feature is proportional imitation: the change in the probability attached to the played action is proportional to the difference between the received and the sampled payoff (the sampled payoff plays the role of an aspiration level).
Functional magnetic resonance imaging study of the brain in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE To study the activation changes of the brain in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) while executing sequential finger tapping movement using the method of blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). METHODS Fifteen patients with definite or probable ALS and fifteen age and gender matched normal controls were enrolled. MRI was performed on a 3. 0 Tesla scanner with standard headcoil. The functional images were acquired using a gradient echo single shot echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence. All patients and normal subjects executed sequential finger tapping movement at the frequency of 1-2 Hz during a block-design motor task. Structural MRI was acquired using a three-dimensional fast spoiled gradient echo (3D-FSPGR) sequence. The fMRI data were analyzed by statistical parametric mapping (SPM). RESULTS Bilateral primary sensorimotor cortex (PSM), bilateral premotor area (PA), bilateral supplementary motor area (SMA), bilateral parietal region (PAR), contralateral inferior lateral premotor area (ILPA), and ipsilateral cerebellum showed activation in both ALS patients and normal controls when executing the same motor task. The activation areas in bilateral PSM, bilateral PA, bilateral SMA, and ipsilateral cerebellum were significantly larger in ALS patients than those in normal controls (P < 0.05). Extra activation areas including ipsilateral ILPA, bilateral posterior limb of internal capsule, and contralateral cerebellum were only detected in ALS patients. CONCLUSIONS Similar activation areas are activated in ALS patients and normal subjects while executing the same motor task. The increased activation areas in ALS patients may represent neural reorganization, while the extra activation areas in ALS patients may indicate functional compensation.
Risk factors for osteoporosis in male patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Taiwan

Objective To investigate the risk factors for osteoporosis in male Taiwanese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods This cross-sectional study evaluated male COPD outpatients and age-matched male subjects at a regional teaching hospital. The following data were obtained and analyzed: bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and hip on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, demographic characteristics, questionnaire interview results, pulmonary function test results, chest posterior–anterior radiographic findings, and biochemical and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. Results Fifty-nine male COPD patients and 36 age-matched male subjects were enrolled. COPD patients had lower body mass index (BMI) (23.6 ± 4.1 vs. 25.2 ± 3.0 kg/m2) and higher total prevalence for osteoporosis and osteopenia than controls. Among COPD patients, patients with osteoporosis had lower BMI, body weight, waist circumference, and triglyceride level but higher hs-CRP level, and tended to have lower creatinine level. Binary logistic regression analysis for factors including age, BMI, creatinine, hs-CRP, smoking, steroid use, and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) revealed that an hs-CRP level ≥5 and decreased creatinine level were independent risk factors for osteoporosis in COPD patients. Lower BMI tended to be associated with osteoporosis development, although it did not reach statistical significance, and hs-CRP was associated with COPD severity and steroid use history. Conclusion The total prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in male Taiwanese COPD patients is higher than that in age-matched male subjects and systemic inflammation is an independent risk factors for osteoporosis. Low creatinine level in COPD patients should raise the suspicion of sarcopenia and associated increased risk of osteoporosis.
The Relationship between Race, Income, and Oral Reading Fluency and Performance on Two Reading Comprehension Measures

Oral reading fluency is a good predictor of performance on state reading assessments. The present study addressed the issue of bias by examining whether oral reading fluency scores differentially predict performance on a state reading assessment and the Metropolitan Achievement Tests, 7th Edition (MAT/7) across economic and racial groups. Information from 442 fourth-grade students from a Midwest public school was analyzed using multiple linear regression. All three variables made a significant contribution to predicting performance on the state assessment and the MAT/7. Oral reading fluency made the greatest contribution. The results also indicate that the oral reading fluency scores exhibit intercept bias on the state reading test. A stepwise regression procedure found no evidence of bias. On both the state reading test and the MAT/7, the test scores of African American and low-income students were overpredicted, whereas those of Caucasian and higher-income students were underpredicted.
Unconscious processing under interocular suppression: getting the right measure

In order to demonstrate unconscious visual processing, researchers need to select a technique for rendering stimuli invisible and a measure reflecting the processing of these stimuli. The most popular techniques are backward masking, in which the visibility of a very brief stimulus is degraded by the presentation of a succeeding visual pattern (Breitmeyer and Ogmen, 2006), and interocular suppression, where a stimulus shown to one eye degrades the visibility of a stimulus presented to the other eye (Lin and He, 2009). Recently, much work has been carried out using continuous flash suppression (CFS; Tsuchiya and Koch, 2005), a particularly potent interocular suppression technique. In CFS, a train of high-contrast patterns flashed into one eye can suppress the visibility of a stationary stimulus shown to the other eye for up to several seconds (Figure ​(Figure1). 1). Because CFS allows for extended periods of reliable invisibility of complex stimuli, this technique has sparked a surge of interest in unconscious visual processing. Figure 1 Competing models of the processes mediating detection performance in the b-CFS paradigm. (A) The single-process model posits that both the CFS and the control condition measure differences between stimuli in accessing awareness that exist independent . Ideally, research aimed at delineating the scope and limits of visual processing without awareness should adopt the technique that is most sensitive to unconscious processing. This is because a failure to find evidence for a certain unconscious effect could always be due to constraints imposed by the specific technique rather than to the genuine absence of unconscious processing (Faivre et al., 2012). However, since the extent to which a technique allows for unconscious processing is difficult to determine, and due to a lack of general consensus on valid measures of unconscious processing, no definite criteria exist for choosing the most sensitive technique.
MOND predictions of ‘halo’ phenomenology in disc galaxies

We examine two corollaries of MOND pertaining to properties of the equivalent dark matter halo. MOND predicts for pure exponential discs a tight relation involving the halo and disc scalelengths and the mean acceleration in the disc, which we find to test favourably against the Verheijen sample of Ursa Major galaxies. A correlation between halo and disc length-scales is also apparent when the `maximum disc' contribution is assumed, but we demonstrate that this follows from the more general MOND prediction. The second MOND prediction involves the existence of a maximum halo acceleration, which also tests favourably against the Ursa Major sample for different assumptions on the disc contribution.
Association of Elevated Reward Prediction Error Response With Weight Gain in Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa.

OBJECTIVE Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder of unknown etiology. Understanding associations between behavior and neurobiology is important in treatment development. Using a novel monetary reward task during functional magnetic resonance brain imaging, the authors tested how brain reward learning in adolescent anorexia nervosa changes with weight restoration. METHOD Female adolescents with anorexia nervosa (N=21; mean age, 16.4 years [SD=1.9]) underwent functional MRI (fMRI) before and after treatment; similarly, healthy female control adolescents (N=21; mean age, 15.2 years [SD=2.4]) underwent fMRI on two occasions. Brain function was tested using the reward prediction error construct, a computational model for reward receipt and omission related to motivation and neural dopamine responsiveness. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the anorexia nervosa group exhibited greater brain response 1) for prediction error regression within the caudate, ventral caudate/nucleus accumbens, and anterior and posterior insula, 2) to unexpected reward receipt in the anterior and posterior insula, and 3) to unexpected reward omission in the caudate body. Prediction error and unexpected reward omission response tended to normalize with treatment, while unexpected reward receipt response remained significantly elevated. Greater caudate prediction error response when underweight was associated with lower weight gain during treatment. Punishment sensitivity correlated positively with ventral caudate prediction error response. CONCLUSIONS Reward system responsiveness is elevated in adolescent anorexia nervosa when underweight and after weight restoration. Heightened prediction error activity in brain reward regions may represent a phenotype of adolescent anorexia nervosa that does not respond well to treatment. Prediction error response could be a neurobiological marker of illness severity that can indicate individual treatment needs.
The Rise of Anti-foreigner Sentiment in European Societies, 1988-2000

The study examines change over time in sentiments toward out-group populations in European societies. For this purpose data were compiled from four waves of the Eurobarometer surveys for 12 countries that provided detailed and comparable information on attitudes toward foreigners between 1988 and 2000. A series of multilevel hierarchical linear models were estimated to examine change in the effects of individual- and country-level sources of threat on anti-foreigner sentiment. The analysis shows a substantial rise in antiforeigner sentiment between 1988 and 2000 in all 12 countries. The rise in anti-foreigner sentiment was steep in the early period (between 1988 and 1994), then leveled off after that. Although anti-foreigner sentiment tends to be more pronounced in places with a large proportion of foreign populations and where economic conditions are less prosperous, the effects of both factors on anti-foreigner sentiment have not changed over time. The analysis also shows that anti-foreigner sentiment is more pronounced in places with greater support for right-wing extreme parties. The impact of individual-level socioeconomic characteristics such as education has remained stable over the years, but the effect of political ideology has increased. The meaning and significance of the findings are discussed within the context of European societies.
Induction of atypical prostatic hyperplasia in rats by sympathomimetic stimulation

Prostatic innervation may participate in its homeostasis and growth. α‐Adrenergic inhibition alleviates clinical symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, the prostatic effect of adrenergic agonists has not been investigated. This study deals with the prostatic effect of subchronic sympathomimetic stimulation.
Enhancing Knowledge Representations by Ontological Relations

Several medical natural language processing (NLP) systems currently base on ontologies that provide the domain knowledge. But, relationships between concepts defined in ontologies as well as relations predefined in a semantic network are widely unused in this context. The objective of this paper is to analyse potentials of using ontological relations to produce correct semantic structures for a medical document automatically and to ameliorate and enrich these structures. Knowledge representations to unstructured medical narratives are generated by means of the method SeReMeD. This approach is based on semantic transformation rules for mapping syntactic information to semantic roles. Contextual relations expressed in natural language are automatically identified and represented in the generated structures. To achieve additional semantic relationships between concepts, the UMLS Medical Semantic Network and relationships between concepts predefined in the UMLS Metathesaurus are used to support the structuring process of SeReMeD. First results show that these relations can enhance and ameliorate the automatically generated semantic structures.