Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cell proliferation and migration on collagen substrata in vitro.

Quantitative data are presented regarding cell proliferation and migration on (a) collagen films (b) the surface of 3-dimensional gels of native collagen fibres and (c) within the 3-dimensional collagen gel matrix, as part of a study of the effects of the extracellular matrix on cell behaviour. The nature of the collagen environment was found to influence the proliferation of certain cell types, but not of others. For example, HeLa cells proliferate at approximately the same rate and reach the same saturation cell densities on all of the collagen substrata, while human skin fibroblasts grow more slowly within the 3-dimensional collagen gel matrix compared with cells either on the gel surface or on collagen films. The 3-dimensional gels of native collagen fibres may also be used to study cell migration on the gel surface, as well as cell migration (or 'infiltration') from the gel surface into the 3-dimensional collagen matrix. Two methods have been used to obtain quantitative information concerning cell infiltration into the collagen gel, one involving the selective removal of cells from the gel surface, while the other relies on direct microscopic examination. Of the cells examined to date, epithelial cells (both normal and tumour) do not show infiltrative behaviour, while both normal and virally transformed fibroblasts, as well as tumour cells of non-epithelial origin (e.g. melanoma), do infiltrate into the collagen gel matrix, at rates which vary considerably according to cell type.
Effects of hemoglobin (Hb) E and HbD traits on measurements of glycated Hb (HbA1c) by 23 methods.

BACKGROUND Glycohemoglobin (GHB), reported as hemoglobin (Hb) A(1c), is a marker of long-term glycemic control in patients with diabetes and is directly related to risk for diabetic complications. HbE and HbD are the second and fourth most common Hb variants worldwide. We investigated the accuracy of HbA(1c) measurement in the presence of HbE and/or HbD traits. METHODS We evaluated 23 HbA(1c) methods; 9 were immunoassay methods, 10 were ion-exchange HPLC methods, and 4 were capillary electrophoresis, affinity chromatography, or enzymatic methods. An overall test of coincidence of 2 least-squares linear regression lines was performed to determine whether the presence of HbE or HbD traits caused a statistically significant difference from HbAA results relative to the boronate affinity HPLC comparative method. Deming regression analysis was performed to determine whether the presence of these traits produced a clinically significant effect on HbA(1c) results with the use of +/-10% relative bias at 6% and 9% HbA(1c) as evaluation limits. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were found in more than half of the methods tested. Only 22% and 13% showed clinically significant interference for HbE and HbD traits, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Some current HbA(1c) methods show clinically significant interferences with samples containing HbE or HbD traits. To avoid reporting of inaccurate results, ion-exchange chromatograms must be carefully examined to identify possible interference from these Hb variants. For some methods, manufacturers' instructions do not provide adequate information for making correct decisions about reporting results.
Did "Cash for Clunkers" Deliver? The Consumer Effects of the Car Allowance Rebate System

In this paper we analyze whether the 2009 “Cash for Clunkers” program was indeed, as U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood suggested at the time, “good news for.consumers’ pocketbooks. ” To do so we investigate how much of the rebate benefited consumers as opposed to dealers, whether the rebate crowded out or stimulated manufacturer incentives, and whether the scrapping of a large number of vehicles affected prices in the used-vehicle market. We find that Cash for Clunkers was consistently positive for consumer welfare on all three dimensions that we measure: First, consumers received the full amount of the rebate; second, the program stimulated manufacturer rebates (thereby increasing the benefits to customers beyond the value of the Cash for Clunkers rebates alone); and third, the destruction of low-fuel-economy, old, high-mileage vehicles did not raise prices in the used-vehicle market.
Factors related to success and recidivism in a day reporting center

Day Reporting Centers (DRCs) are a relatively new intermediate sanction that are increasingly being used across the United States as an alternative to incarceration. One of the major objectives of this community‐based correctional program is to reduce offender recidivism after their successful exit from DRC. To date, researchers have paid little attention to examining the factors significantly related offenders' successful exit from DRC and their subsequent recidivism. Hence, this study investigates the factors significantly related to successful exit as well as post‐program recidivism among offenders placed in a DRC during the calenders years of 1998 through 2000.
Regularity of local manifolds in dispersing billiards

This work is devoted to 2D dispersing billiards with smooth bound- ary, i.e. periodic Lorentz gases (with and without horizon). We revisit several fundamental properties of these systems and make a number of improvements. The necessity of such improvements became obvious during our recent studies of gases of several particles [CD]. We prove here that local (stable and unstable) manifolds, as well as singularity curves, have uniformly bounded derivatives of all orders. We establish sharp estimates on the size of local manifolds, on distortion bounds, and on the Jacobian of the holonomy map.
Back to Hong Kong: return migration or transnational sojourn?

Abstract In this article we reconsider the meaning of return migration in a period of growing transnational practices. In its conventional use, return migration conveys the same sense of closure and completion as the immigration-assimilation narrative. But in a transnational era, movement is better described as continuous rather than completed. Focus groups held in Hong Kong with middle-class returnees from Canada reveal that migration is undertaken strategically at different stages of the life cycle. The return trip to Hong Kong typically occurs for economic reasons at the stage of early or mid career. A second move to Canada may occur later with teenage children for educational purposes, and migration at retirement is even more likely when the quality of life in Canada becomes a renewed priority. Strategic switching between an economic pole in Hong Kong and a quality-of-life pole in Canada identifies each of them to be separate stations within an extended but unified social field.
Ultrasound biomicroscopy in asymmetric pigment dispersion syndrome and pigmentary glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE To identify differences in anterior chamber anatomy among patients with asymmetric pigment dispersion syndrome and no other discernible cause for the asymmetry. METHODS Ultrasound biomicroscopy and A-scan biometry were performed on both eyes of 13 patients with asymmetric pigment dispersion syndrome without a known cause for asymmetric involvement. A radial perpendicular image in the horizontal temporal meridian detailing the scleral spur, angle anatomy, and iris configuration was obtained for each eye by 2 examiners. RESULTS There were no differences in lens thickness (P = .33), refractive error (P = .84), or axial length (P = .99) between more and less affected eyes. However, the mean +/- SD iris concavity (P<.001), iris-lens contact distance (P = .02), and distance from the scleral spur to the iris insertion (0.42 +/- 0.11 vs 0.29 +/- 0.06 mm) (P = .002) were greater in the more affected eye of each patient. CONCLUSION A more posterior iris insertion predisposes to the phenotypic expression of pigment dispersion syndrome.
Retrieval characteristics of autobiographical memories: Event and date information

This study examines the recall of autobiographical event information. The nature of 434 events–what, who was involved, and where and when they occurred, was obtained by examining the diaries of eight diarists. What, where and who event information was used both as cues to prompt recall and the aspect to be recalled. When was only ever recalled. Analysis indicated what was the most efficient retrieval cue, followed by where and who. An event aspect cue uniqueness explanation is suggested for these results. Event recall decreased and absolute dating error increased with retention interval. Other results suggested the latter result was due to dating strategy accuracy differences combined with a systematic adoption of different dating strategies as retention interval increased. Systematic dating errors that varied with retention interval were found, but no evidence to suggest that degree of event knowledge affected signed dating error. However, subjects generally assigned dates within the time frame established by the study, which suggests systematic dating errors are the result of boundary effects.
Soluble aggregates of the amyloid‐β protein selectively stimulate permeability in human brain microvascular endothelial monolayers

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy associated with Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by cerebrovascular deposition of the amyloid‐β protein (Aβ). Aβ elicits a number of morphological and biochemical alterations in the cerebral microvasculature, which culminate in hemorrhagic stroke. Among these changes, compromise of the blood‐brain barrier has been described in Alzheimer’s disease brain, transgenic animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, and cell culture experiments. In the current study, presented data illustrates that isolated soluble Aβ1–40 aggregates, but not unaggregated monomer or mature fibril, enhance permeability in human brain microvascular endothelial monolayers. Aβ1–40‐induced changes in permeability are paralleled by both a decrease in transendothelial electrical resistance and a re‐localization of the tight junction‐associated protein zonula occludin‐1 away from cell borders and into the cytoplasm. Small soluble Aβ1–40 aggregates are confirmed to be the most potent stimulators of endothelial monolayer permeability by establishing an inverse relationship between average aggregate size and stimulated changes in diffusional permeability coefficients. These results support previous findings demonstrating that small soluble Aβ1–40 aggregates are also primarily responsible for endothelial activation, suggesting that these same species may elicit other changes in the cerebrovasculature associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer’s disease.
Experiences with group communication middleware

Group communication is a widely studied paradigm for building fault-tolerant distributed systems. The Armada project at the University of Michigan is a collaborative effort with the Honeywell Technology Center to study how real-world applications use group communication. We describe the results of our experience implementing a fault-tolerant distributed radar tracking system, and discuss how we were able to simplify our design and implementation by utilizing additional services built on top of the group communication model.
Students' Perceptions of Control and Success in the College Classroom: Affects and Achievement in Different Instructional Conditions

Abstract Cognitive and educational researchers are paying increasing attention to the impact of instruction in the college classroom. Recent research has demonstrated that students' manipulated perceptions of control and success can impede or enhance the benefits of one effective teaching behavior, namely, instructor expressiveness. In this study, students' actual perceptions of control and success were assessed, rather than manipulated. In a simulated college classroom, students were classified into perceived control (low, high) and perceived success (low, high) categories based on their perceptions of control and success over their prelecture test performance. Students were presented with either unexpressive or expressive instruction; then they completed a postlecture achievement test and postachievement questionnaire. Under both instruction conditions, high-control/high-success students demonstrated the best achievement results, whereas, inconsistent with the hypotheses, students with low perceptions o.
A Modeling Perspective on the Teaching and Learning of Mathematical Problem Solving

This study analyzed the processes used by students when engaged in modeling activities and examined how students' abilities to solve modeling problems changed over time. Two student populations, one experimental and one control group, participated in the study. To examine students' modeling processes, the experimental group participated in an intervention program consisting of a sequence of six modeling activities. To examine students' modeling abilities, the experimental and control groups completed a modeling abilities test on three occasions. Results showed that students' models improved as they worked through the sequence of problem activities and also revealed a number of factors, such as students' grade, experiences with modeling activities, and modeling abilities that influenced their modeling processes. The study proposes a three-dimensional theoretical model for examining students' modeling behavior, with ubsequent implications for the teaching and learning of mathematical problem solving.
Beliefs about Language Learning: Indonesian Learners' Perspectives, and Some Implications for Classroom Practices

Language learners hold a set of beliefs concerning language learning and these beliefs may influence the ways they learn, even though the beliefs are not always explicitly stated. This paper, part of the researcher's on-going research project, investigates the beliefs held by three Indonesian learners undertaking an English course in an English language centre at an Australian university. Data were gathered through questionnaire and interview. The findings reveal that the learners indeed held preconceived ideas about how English should best be learnt. Despite some misconceptions, learners' beliefs were on the whole realistic. The paper aims to sensitise teachers in the English as a foreign language and in second language environments to the types of beliefs learners may hold, and to the possible consequences of these beliefs for second or foreign language learning and instruction.
How can art therapy contribute to mentalization in borderline personality disorder?

Abstract This article evaluates a pilot mentalization-based treatment programme for borderline personality disorder (BPD), which had an art therapy group as one of its three components. Evaluation involved a range of standardised measures and showed the programme had positive results with increases in distress tolerance, lowered service use and at least two participants no longer meeting criteria for the BPD diagnosis. The question was asked about what art therapy might contribute to mentalization in this context. A qualitative research strategy was undertaken to explore one of the author's experience of art therapy as one of the programme's service users. Repeated rounds of audio-recorded interviews resulted in eight themes which describe what helped and what should be avoided in art therapy treatment of BPD. The service user view was that art therapy was an essential ingredient in helping to develop greater mentalization. The study suggests that in anchoring mental content in an externalised form, art therapy offers the flexibility to slow down the process of explicit mentalization to a manageable pace. These findings were linked with similar service user research in Norway and the USA.
Multi Resolution Image Segmentation with Border Smoothness for Scalable Object-based Wavelet Coding

This paper introduces a multiresolution image segmentation algorithm for scalable object-based wavelet coding applications. This algorithm is based on discrete wavelet transform and multiresolution Markov random field (MMRF) modelling. The major contribution of this work is to add spatial scalability and border smoothness in the segmentation algorithm usable for object-based wavelet coding algorithm. To optimize the segmentation/extraction of objects/regions of interest in all scales of the wavelet pyramid, with scalability constraint, a mul- tiresolution analysis is incorporated into the objective function of MMRF seg- mentation algorithm. The proposed algorithm improves border smoothness in all regions, particularly in lower resolutions. In addition to scalability between ob- jects/regions in different levels, the proposed algorithm outperforms the standard multiresolution segmentation algorithms, in both objective and subjective tests, in yielding an effective segmentation that supports scalable object-based wavelet coding.
A critical consideration of the alignment between the discourse of self-regulated learning and neoliberalism

Self-regulated learning (SLR) is a socially embedded process in which individuals use strategies to influence thoughts, behaviours and environments in ways that enable them to achieve their academic goals. As a form of engagement that is almost exclusively associated with academic success, empowerment and agency, researchers are committed to improving conceptualisations of, measurements for and pedagogical interventions related to SLR. However, there is little attention to critical issues that underpin this discourse. Against this trend, I explore an alignment between SLR and neoliberalism, which is a contentious ideology that is implicated in reproducing inequality, promoting radical individualism and eroding democratic responsibility. From this alignment, taking up the aim to teach students to regulate their learning is implicated in: (1) creating manageable workers; (2) endorsing a view of self and personhood that is class-based; and (3) contributing to efficiently and effectively reproducing a class hierarchy. Environments that teach and reward SLR may pose greater disadvantages for working-class students than their middle-class counterparts.
‘It's terminal either way’: an analysis of armed conflict in liberia, 1989--1996

The wars which have wracked Liberia since the end of 1989 have reduced a country which was once regarded as one of the more fortunate in Africa to a state of long‐term aid dependency. Perhaps 150,000 or more have been killed and at many points over the last seven years a third of the country's pre‐war population has been living as refugees in neighbouring states and another third has been internally displaced by the conflict. The continuing warfare has made it difficult to address the large‐scale humanitarian problems inevitable in such circumstances: rates of undernutrition have sometimes reached very high levels and on at least one occasion have reached heights which rival the worst recorded in any part of the world (Outram, 1997). This article seeks to advance our understanding of the causes of this suffering. It does so not primarily by examining the experiences of the victims, important though this is, but by investigating the political economy of the Liberian wars including the circumstances and the actions of the warring factions. In this I follow Keen's call to understand the actions of oppressor groups involved in humanitarian emergencies, as well as those of their victims (1994:232).
Assessment of critical thinking in pharmacy students.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether changes occur over 1 academic year in pharmacy students' critical thinking skills and disposition to think critically. METHODS First, second, third, and fourth-year pharmacy students completed the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) and the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) at the beginning and end of 1 academic year. RESULTS One hundred thirty-seven students completed the study. No significant changes occurred over the year in total scores on either instrument. However, scores in 3 of 12 subscale scores changed significantly and several significant correlations were found. CONCLUSION Pharmacy students' scores on 2 critical thinking instruments showed no major improvements over 1 academic year but most scores were above average. Some areas of possible weakness were identified. Additional studies comparing scores over a longer period of time (eg, admission to graduation) are needed.
The Effects of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Role on the Mental Health of Women in Taiwan's T-Po Lesbian Community

SUMMARY We obtained via the Internet a convenience sample of Taiwanese heterosexual (n = 287) and sexual minority females (n = 260). A significantly greater percentage of sexual minorities (lesbian and bisexual females) than heterosexuals reported they had used tobacco or alcohol. Relative to heterosexuals, sexual minorities were significantly more likely to report a serious suicide attempt. Overall, gender identity (masculine, feminine, and androgynous) and gender role (butch, femme, and pure or undifferentiated) were poor discriminators of lesbian mental health. Differences between sexual minorities and heterosexuals were more robust than were the variations in gender identities and gender roles among lesbian and bisexual women. We discuss the implications of these findings for further clinical research.
Sex differences in genetic and environmental effects on aggression

The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic and environmental factors influencing teacher and parental rated aggression in boys and girls, asking whether the magnitude of these effects is similar across rater and sex. The study is part of an ongoing nationwide twin-family study of behavioral development and health habits carried out in Finland. The sample consisted of 1651 twin pairs (264 monozygotic male, 300 monozygotic female, 292 dizygotic male, 278 dizygotic female, and 517 dizygotic opposite-sex twin pairs), representing subsets of five 11- to 12-year-old twin cohorts (b. 1983-1987). The data were collected using the teacher and parental rating forms of the Multidimensional Peer Nomination Inventory. Structural equation models of sex-limitation assessed sex differences in genetic and environmental influences on aggression. The results suggested significant genetic, common environmental, and specific environmental effects on aggression in both boys and girls, but the best fitting model differed depending on the informant. For both ratings, boys showed lower levels of heritability and higher levels of common environment than girls. In addition, the teacher rating data also suggested the presence of either sex-specific common environmental effects or sex-specific genetic effects. Support is provided also for sibling contrast effects, either at the behavioral level or as a rater bias.