Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scaffolding Performance in IR Instruction: Exploring Learning Experiences and Performance in Two Learning Environments

In order to design information retrieval (IR) learning environments and instruction, it is important to explore available pedagogical solutions and their impact on learning experiences and performance in learning situations. The particular focus of this study is the demonstration of how pedagogical solutions like scaffolding and anchored instruction can be implemented in IR instruction and what effects it has on learning experiences and performance compared to a more traditional learning environment and instruction. The study of these solutions is a novel approach in information science. The 65 participants of an introductory course on IR were selected for this study, and the analysis illustrates their learning experiences and performance. The method for empathy-based stories (MEBS) as well as course feedback questionnaire and log files of search exercises were used to collect data. The results indicated that anchoring and scaffolding are promising strategies to make learning experiences meaningful and create learners' ownership of one's learning. Performance analysis indicates that scaffolding with an instructional tool, the IR Game, with performance feedback and scaffolding and anchoring by tutors, enables students to construct more effective queries. Results of the study, in terms of the benefits of anchoring and scaffolding, are not categorical because of the range of intervening variables; and the difficulty of setting up a field experiment which tried to be naturalistic, but at the same time tried to focus on a specific aspect.
The handbook of group communication theory & research

Introduction - Lawrence R Frey PART ONE: FOUNDATIONS OF GROUP COMMUNICATION THEORY AND RESEARCH Communication in Groups - Dennis S Gouran The Emergence and Evolution of a Field of Study Group Communication Theory - Marshall Scott Poole The Systems Metaphor in Group Communication - Edward A Mabry Group Communication Methodology - Marshall Scott Poole, Joann Keyton and Lawrence R Frey Issues and Considerations PART TWO: INDIVIDUALS AND GROUP COMMUNICATION What Differences do Individual Differences in Groups Make? - Beth Bonniwell Haslett and Jenn Ruebush The Effects of Individuals, Culture and Group Composition Socialization Processes in Groups - Carolyn M Anderson, Bruce L Riddle and Matthew M Martin PART THREE: TASK AND RELATIONAL GROUP COMMUNICATION Task-Group Communication and Decision-Making Performance - Randy Y Hirokawa and Abran J Salazar Relational Communication in Groups - Joann Keyton PART FOUR: GROUP COMMUNICATION PROCESSES Collective Information Processing in Groups - Kathleen Propp Nonverbal Aspects of Group Communication - Sandra Ketrow Influence Processes in Group Interaction - Renee A Meyers and Dale E Brashers Theorizing about the Group Communication-Leadership Relationship - Charles Pavitt Input-Process-Output and Functional Models Group Communication and Creativity Processes - Susan Jarboe PART FIVE: GROUP COMMUNICATION FACILITATION Improving Group Communication Performance - Beatrice G Schultz An Overview of Diagnosis and Intervention The Impact of Formal Procedures on Group Processes, Members and Task Outcomes - Sunwolf and David R Seibold Communication Technology and Group Communication - Craig R Scott PART SIX: GROUP COMMUNICATION CONTEXTS AND APPLICATIONS Communication in Family Units - Thomas J Socha Studying the First 'Group' Group Communication in the Formal Educational Context - Terre H Allen and Timothy G Plax Communication in Social Support Groups - Rebecca J Welch Cline Communication in Organizational Work Groups - Howard H Greenbaum and Jim L Query Jr A Review and Analysis of Natural Work Group Studies
Formation of Hepatitis B Virus Covalently Closed Circular DNA: Removal of Genome-Linked Protein

ABSTRACT Hepatitis B virus (HBV) contains a small, partially double-stranded, relaxed circular (RC) DNA genome. RC DNA needs to be converted to covalently closed circular (CCC) DNA, which serves as the template for all viral RNA transcription. As a first step toward understanding how CCC DNA is formed, we analyzed the viral and host factors that may be involved in CCC DNA formation, using transient and stable DNA transfections of HBV and the related avian hepadnavirus, duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV). Our results show that HBV CCC DNA formed in hepatoma cells was derived predominantly from RC DNA with a precise junction sequence. In contrast to that of DHBV, HBV CCC DNA formation in cultured cells was accompanied by the accumulation of a RC DNA species from which the covalently attached viral reverse transcriptase (RT) protein was removed (protein-free or PF-RC DNA). Furthermore, whereas envelope deficiency led to increased CCC DNA formation in DHBV, it resulted mainly in increased PF-RC, but not CCC, DNA in HBV, suggesting that the envelope protein(s) may negatively regulate a step in CCC DNA formation that precedes deproteination in both HBV and DHBV. Interestingly, PF-RC DNA, in contrast to RT-linked RC DNA, contained, almost exclusively, mature plus-strand DNA, suggesting that the RT protein was removed preferentially from mature RC DNA.
Role of 3D Ultrasound and Doppler in Differentiating Clinically Suspected Cases of Leiomyoma and Adenomyosis of Uterus.

INTRODUCTION Adenomyosis and Leiomyoma are common disorders affecting females in their reproductive age. They mimic each other in clinical presentation. Due to similarities in clinical symptoms and signs, missing one diagnosis in favour of the other is not very uncommon. Accurate diagnosis of these two conditions is important for their management. In this study we evaluated role of 3D Ultrasound and Doppler in differentiating clinically suspected cases of leiomyoma and adenomyosis of uterus. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 100 patients with symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding (with or without dysmenorrhoea), lump abdomen, chronic pelvic pain or dysparaunia who were clinically diagnosed as leiomyoma of uterus and/or adenomyosis were enrolled in to the study. These patients underwent transvaginal sonography (TVS), trans abdominal sonography (TAS) along with color and spectral Doppler sonography. Scanning was done in follicular phase of the menstrual cycle to avoid bias due high vascularity of endometrium in secretory phase. The morphology of the lesion, its vascularity, and Pulsality Index (PI), Resistive Index (RI) and Vmax (maximum velocity) were measured. Only those patients who were chosen for operative treatment were included in the study. Radiological diagnosis was then correlated with intra-operative and histopathological diagnosis. RESULTS On imaging, while using morphological criteria and Doppler for diagnosing leiomyoma, it was found that "peripheral vascularity" was seen in 52 (89%) cases, which was the highest. Similarly while diagnosing adenomyosis it was, the criteria "central vascularity" was seen in 28 cases (93%) and "ill defined junctional zone in 3D ultrasound" was seen in 26 cases (86%), which was also observed to be highest. With the cut off values taken for PI,RI and Vmax, diagnosis of leiomyoma was found to be 93.4% sensitive, 95.6% specific and with a positive predictive value of 97.6% and negative predictive value of 88.6%. Diagnosis of adenomyosis showed a sensitivity of 95.6%, specificity of 93.4% and a positive predictive value of 88.6% and negative predictive value of 97.6%. Imaging dignosed the co-existence of both the conditions correctly in 8 (66%) cases. CONCLUSION The parameters of blood flow impedance (that is PI, RI, and Vmax) of arteries within or around the uterine lesions revealed a consistent and significant difference between leiomyoma and adenomyosis. So apart from morphological criteria used in 3D TAS and TVS, aid of color Doppler can more accurately differentiate and diagnose these conditions.
The Classical Receptive Field Surround of Primate Parasol Ganglion Cells Is Mediated Primarily by a Non-GABAergic Pathway

Although the center-surround receptive field is a fundamental property of retinal ganglion cells, the circuitry that mediates surround inhibition remains controversial. We examined the contribution of horizontal cells and amacrine cells to the surround of parasol ganglion cells of macaque and baboon retina by measuring receptive field structure before and during the application of drugs that have been shown previously to affect surrounds in a range of mammalian and nonmammalian species. Carbenoxolone and cobalt, thought to attenuate feedback from horizontal cells to cones, severely reduced the surround. Tetrodotoxin, which blocks sodium spiking in amacrine cells, and picrotoxin, which blocks the inhibitory action of GABA, only slightly reduced the surround. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that the surrounds of light-adapted parasol ganglion cells are generated primarily by non-GABAergic horizontal cell feedback in the outer retina, with a small contribution from GABAergic amacrine cells of the inner retina.
Regulation of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Expression and Cell Cycle Progression by an Endogenous Antisense RNA

Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) is a potent wide-spectrum mitogen whose overexpression is associated with immortalization and unregulated cell proliferation in many tumors. The FGF2 gene locus is bi-directionally transcribed to produce FGF2 mRNA from the “sense” strand and a cis-antisense RNA (NUDT6) from the NUDT6 gene on the “antisense” strand. The NUDT6 gene encodes a nudix motif protein of unknown function, while its mRNA has been implicated in the post-transcriptional regulation of FGF2 expression. FGF2 and NUDT6 are co-expressed in rat C6 glioma cells, and ectopic overexpression of NUDT6 suppresses cellular FGF2 accumulation and cell cycle progression. However, the role of the endogenous antisense RNA in regulation of FGF2 is unclear. In the present study, we employed siRNA-mediated gene knockdown to examine the role of the endogenous NUDT6 RNA in regulation of FGF2 expression and cell cycle progression. Knockdown of either FGF2 or NUDT6 mRNA was accompanied by a significant (>3 fold) increase in the complementary partner RNA. Similar reciprocal effects were observed at the protein level, indicating that these two transcripts are mutually regulatory. Remarkably, knockdown of either FGF2 or NUDT6 significantly reduced cell proliferation and inhibited S-phase re-entry following serum deprivation, implicating both FGF2 and NUDT6 in the regulation of cell transformation and cell cycle progression.
Clinical effect of smoking on the healing response following scaling and root planing

1. 목적 흡연은 치주질환의 주요한 위험 인자 중의 하나이다. 일반적으로 흡연자는 비흡연자보다 비외과적 및 외과적 치주치료에 대한 반응이 덜 효과적인 것으로 알려져 있다. 이 연구에서는 중등도의 만성 치주염이 존재하는 한국인 흡연자와 비흡연자를 대상으로 하여, 비외과적 치주치료인 치석 제거술과 치근 활택술을.
Early performance‐based and patient‐reported outcomes of a contemporary taper fit bone‐conserving short stem femoral component in total hip arthroplasty

Aims The aim of this study was to compare early functional and health related quality of life outcomes (HRQoL) in patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a bone conserving short stem femoral component and those in whom a conventional length uncemented component was used. Outcome was assessed using a validated performance based outcome instrument as well as patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Patients and Methods We prospectively analysed 33 patients whose THA involved a contemporary proximally porous coated tapered short stem femoral component and 53 patients with a standard conventional femoral component, at a minimum follow‐up of two years. The mean followup was 31.4 months (24 to 39). Patients with poor proximal femoral bone quality were excluded. The mean age of the patients was 66.6 years (59 to 77) and the mean body mass index was 30.2 kg/m2 (24.1 to 41.0). Outcome was assessed using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and the University College Hospital (UCH) hip score which is a validated performance based instrument. HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol 5D (EQ‐5D). Results There were no major peri‐operative complications. There was no difference in the mean post‐operative OHS, EQ‐5D or function subscale of the UCH hip scores between the two groups. The mean pre‐operative OHS and EQ‐5D scores improved significantly (all p < 0.001). The mean functional component of the UCH hip score at final follow‐up was 42.5 and 40.6 in the short stem and conventional stem groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.42). A total of seven patients (21.2%) in the short stem group and nine (16.98%) in the conventional group achieved a ceiling effect using the OHS; none did using the function subscale of the UCH hip score. Conclusion The proximally porous coated tapered short stem femoral component achieves comparable short‐term functional outcomes when compared with a conventional longer stem uncemented femoral component when THA is undertaken in patients with good bone quality.
Neural basis for motor learning in the vestibuloocular reflex of primates. I. Changes in the responses of brain stem neurons.

1. We recorded from neurons in the brain stem of monkeys before and after they had worn magnifying or miniaturizing spectacles to cause changes in the gain of the vestibuloocular reflex (VOR). The gain of the VOR was estimated as eye speed divided by head speed during passive horizontal head rotation in darkness. Electrical stimulation in the cerebellum was used to identify neurons that receive inhibition at monosynaptic latencies from the flocculus and ventral paraflocculus (flocculus target neurons or FTNs). Cells were studied during smooth pursuit eye movements with the head stationary, fixation of different positions, cancellation of the VOR, and the VOR evoked by rapid changes in head velocity. 2. FTNs were divided into two populations according to their responses during pursuit with the head stationary. The two groups showed increased firing during smooth eye motion toward the side of recording (Eye-ipsiversive or E-i) or away from the side of recording (Eye-contraversive or E-c). A higher percentage of FTNs showed increased firing rate for contraversive pursuit when the gain of the VOR was high (> or = 1.6) than when the gain of the VOR was low (< or = 0.4). 3. Changes in the gain of the VOR had a striking effect on the responses during the VOR for the FTNs that were E-c during pursuit with the head stationary. Firing rate increased during contraversive VOR eye movements when the gain of the VOR was high or normal and decreased during contraversive VOR eye movements when the gain of the VOR was low. Changes in the gain of the VOR caused smaller changes in the responses during the VOR of FTNs that were E-i during pursuit with the head stationary. We argue that motor learning in the VOR is the result of changes in the responses of individual FTNs. 4. The responses of E-i and E-c FTNS during cancellation of the VOR depended on the gain of the VOR. Responses tended to be in phase with contraversive head motion when the gain of the VOR was low and in phase with ipsiversive head motion when the gain of the VOR was high. Comparison of the effect of motor learning on the responses of FTNs during cancellation of the VOR with the results of similar experiments on horizontal-gaze velocity Purkinje cells in the flocculus and ventral paraflocculus suggests that the brain stem vestibular inputs to FTNs are one site of motor learning in the VOR. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Carp muscle calcium-binding protein. II. Structure determination and general description.

Abstract The structure of crystalline carp muscle calcium-binding protein (parvalbumin) has been determined by x-ray diffraction techniques to nominal 1.85-A resolution. Isomorphous and anomalous scattering data were measured for three heavy atom derivatives, 3-chloromercuri-2-methoxypropyl urea, mercury bromide, and ethyl mercury chloride, to 2.0-A resolution using precession photography. As described in Paper III in this series the 2.0-A phases were refined and the 2.0- to 1.85-A phases were determined by use of the tangent formula. The electron density map is interpreted in terms of the 108 amino acid sequence described in Paper I in this series. A calcium ion is bound in the loop between helix C and helix D and a second calcium is bound in the EF loop. The entire CD region is related to helix E, the EF loop, and the terminal helix F by an approximate intramolecular 2-fold axis. Although it does not bind calcium the AB region has a structure similar to the CD and EF regions and appears to have resulted from a gene triplication. The molecule is generally spherical with a well defined hydrophobic core, one-seventh of its total volume, composed of side chains of phenylalanine, isoleucine, leucine, and valine. All of the polar side chains are at the surface except those associated with calcium binding and with an invariant internal salt bridge between arginine-75 and glutamic acid-81.
High Rates of Hepatitis C Virus Reinfection and Spontaneous Clearance of Reinfection in People Who Inject Drugs: A Prospective Cohort Study

Hepatitis C virus reinfection and spontaneous clearance of reinfection were examined in a highly characterised cohort of 188 people who inject drugs over a five-year period. Nine confirmed reinfections and 17 possible reinfections were identified (confirmed reinfections were those genetically distinct from the previous infection and possible reinfections were used to define instances where genetic differences between infections could not be assessed due to lack of availability of hepatitis C virus sequence data). The incidence of confirmed reinfection was 28.8 per 100 person-years (PY), 95%CI: 15.0-55.4; the combined incidence of confirmed and possible reinfection was 24.6 per 100 PY (95%CI: 16.8-36.1). The hazard of hepatitis C reinfection was approximately double that of primary hepatitis C infection; it did not reach statistical significance in confirmed reinfections alone (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.45, 95%CI: 0.87-6.86, p=0.089), but did in confirmed and possible hepatitis C reinfections combined (HR: 1.93, 95%CI: 1.01-3.69, p=0.047) and after adjustment for the number of recent injecting partners and duration of injecting. In multivariable analysis, shorter duration of injection (HR: 0.91; 95%CI: 0.83-0.98; p=0.019) and multiple recent injecting partners (HR: 3.12; 95%CI: 1.08-9.00, p=0.035) were independent predictors of possible and confirmed reinfection. Time to spontaneous clearance was shorter in confirmed reinfection (HR: 5.34, 95%CI: 1.67-17.03, p=0.005) and confirmed and possible reinfection (HR: 3.10, 95%CI: 1.10-8.76, p-value=0.033) than primary infection. Nonetheless, 50% of confirmed reinfections and 41% of confirmed or possible reinfections did not spontaneously clear. Conclusions: Hepatitis C reinfection and spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C reinfection were observed at high rates, suggesting partial acquired natural immunity to hepatitis C virus. Public health campaigns about the risks of hepatitis C reinfection are required.
Predicting Recurrence and Progression of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer in Korean Patients: A Comparison of the EORTC and CUETO Models

Purpose This study aimed to confirm the utility of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and the Spanish Urological Club for Oncological Treatment (CUETO) scoring systems and to determine which model is preferred as a prognostic model in Korean patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Materials and Methods Between 1985 and 2011, 531 patients who were treated by transurethral resection of bladder cancer were retrospectively analyzed by use of the EORTC and CUETO models. Statistically, we performed Kaplan-Meier survival analysis; calculated Harrell's concordance index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and cutoff values; and performed univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Results For risk of recurrence, with the use of the EORTC model, all groups had statistically significant differences except between the group with a score of 0 and the group with a score of 1-4. With the use of the CUETO model, all groups differed significantly. For risk of progression, with the use of the EORTC model, significant differences were observed between all groups except between the group with a score of 2-6 and the group with a score of 7-13. With the use of the CUETO model, a significant difference was observed between the group with a score of 0 and the other groups. The concordance index of the EORTC and CUETO models was 0.759 and 0.836 for recurrence and 0.704 and 0.745 for progression, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for the EORTC and CUETO models was 0.832 and 0.894 for recurrence and 0.722 and 0.724 for progression, respectively. Conclusions Both scoring systems, especially the CUETO model, showed value in predicting recurrence and progression in Korean patients, which will help in individualizing treatment and follow-up schedules.
Wastewater Treatment Using Horizontal Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetland

The last few decades witnessed sharp focus on environment pollution and its impact on life in nature. Wetlands can be used for biological treatment of wastewater. Problem statement: Scarcity of water is considered as a global problem and Iran is one the countries which is facing water shortage problem. Pollution of water bodies restrict the availability of water for various uses. Treatment of waste water before disposal contributes to water conservation efforts. Constructed wetlands are techniques aim to polish water quality and reduce the harmful effect of effluent. Approach: In this study, four horizontal subsurface flow wetlands (HSSF) were constructed at the Research Station of Tehran University, located in Karaj, Iran. The study was carried out from April to September, 2007. Gravel and zeoilte were used in this study as substrate. Gravel-beds with and without plants (called GP and G) and gravel-beds mixed with (10%) zeolite, with and without plants (called ZP and Z) were examined to investigate the feasibility of treating synthetic wastewater which was specifically produced and modified to imitate agricultural wastewater. Results: The results of this study indicated that the system had acceptable pollutant removal efficiency and that both plants were found to be tolerant under the tested conditions. The wetland system could achieve the NO3-N removal of (79%) in ZP, (86%) in Z, (82%) in GP and finally (87.94%) in G. As for the P removal, the efficiencies of 93, 89, 81 and 76% were respectively achieved for ZP, GP, Z and G. The outflow concentrations of Pb and Cd were found to be under the detection limit; however, as for Zn, the removal efficiencies of 99.9, 99.76, 99.71 and 99.52% were concluded for ZP, Z, GP and G respectively. Conclusions/Recommendations: It can be concluded that constructed wetlands are efficient in removing Zn, Pb and Cd from agricultural wastewater. Plants types such as Phragmites Australis and Juncus Inflexus can contribute in treating wastewater, while Zeolite and gravel materials provide a suitable plant growth medium to replace conventional sand and gravel substrates. So it is highly recommended to use Constructed wetland for treating wastewater before disposal.