Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The passion of teaching: learning from an older generation of teachers

This article reports on a qualitative small-scale case study that investigated what pre-service teachers learned from a former generation of teachers about the context and nature of teaching and teacher education during the 1950s and 1960s. Data comprised semi-structured interviews and a grounded theoretical approach was used to analyse the data. A process of coding and re-coding of the data resulted in the identification of emergent patterns and broad overarching themes and subthemes. Findings suggest that the pre-service teachers drew inspiration from the older teachers’ emotional connection to the profession, and their own passion for teaching developed or intensified as they came to understand teaching as a rewarding lifelong career. It is suggested that mentor relationships between pre-service teachers and those from an older generation have the potential to support novice teachers in developing a passion for teaching and, ultimately, resilience and longevity in the profession. Recommendations are made for the inclusion in teacher education of opportunities for intergenerational learning through such relationships.
Association between alcohol screening scores and mortality in black, Hispanic, and white male veterans.

BACKGROUND Scores on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Consumption (AUDIT-C) questionnaire are associated with mortality, but whether or how associations vary across race/ethnicity is unknown. METHODS Self-reported black (n = 13,068), Hispanic (n = 9,466), and white (n = 182,688) male Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatients completed the AUDIT-C via mailed survey. Logistic regression models evaluated whether race/ethnicity modified the association between AUDIT-C scores (0, 1 to 4, 5 to 8, and 9 to 12) and mortality after 24 months, adjusting for demographics, smoking, and comorbidity. RESULTS Adjusted mortality rates were 0.036, 0.033, and 0.054, for black, Hispanic, and white patients with AUDIT-C scores of 1 to 4, respectively. Race/ethnicity modified the association between AUDIT-C scores and mortality (p = 0.0022). Hispanic and white patients with scores of 0, 5 to 8, and 9 to 12 had significantly increased risk of death compared to those with scores of 1 to 4; Hispanic ORs: 1.93, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.49; 1.57, 1.07 to 2.30; 1.82, 1.04 to 3.17, respectively; white ORs: 1.34, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.40; 1.12, 1.03 to 1.21; 1.81, 1.59 to 2.07, respectively. Black patients with scores of 0 and 5 to 8 had increased risk relative to scores of 1 to 4 (ORs 1.28, 1.06 to 1.56 and 1.50, 1.13 to 1.99), but there was no significant increased risk for scores of 9 to 12 (ORs 1.27, 0.77 to 2.09). Post hoc exploratory analyses suggested an interaction between smoking and AUDIT-C scores might account for some of the observed differences across race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS Among male VA outpatients, associations between alcohol screening scores and mortality varied significantly depending on race/ethnicity. Findings could be integrated into systems with automated risk calculators to provide demographically tailored feedback regarding medical consequences of drinking.
THE ROLE OF THE THYMUS IN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

During the last three years the thymus has been promoted to a position of singular distinction in the immunological hierarchy. At the same time it has been delegated the role of prime suspect as far as autoimmune disorders are concerned. This suspicion has arisen because of the clinical association between pathological changes in the thymus and diseases with autoimmune symptoms such as myasthenia gravis and systemic lupus erythematosus. These pathological changes present either as a thymic tumour and/or hyperplastic accumulations of lymphocytes or an occasional germinal centre in the thymic medulla. Weight has been added to the suspicion by the fact that mice of a strain known as the New Zealand Black (NZB) develop autoimmune haemolytic anaemia quite spontaneously ( i , 11) and also show germinal centres and lymphocytic proliferations in their thymus (3, 4) . Further, the hybrid progeny of NZB X NZW mice, according to Helyer & Howie (10, 11), develop lupus nephritis and have positive LE tests.
Improved properties of chemically modified graphene/poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites via a facile in-situ bulk polymerization

The nanosheet of graphene was chemically modified by long alkyl chain for enhanced compatibility with poly- mer matrix and graphene/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites with homogeneous dispersion of the nanosheets and enhanced nanofiller-matrix interfacial interaction were fabricated via a facile in-situ bulk polymerization. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetry. The results showed that the graphene nanosheets were fully exfoliated in PMMA matrix and the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were significantly improved at low graphene loadings. Large shifts of 15°C in the glass transition temperature and 27°C improvement of onset thermal degradation temperature were achieved with graphene loading as low as 0.07 wt%. A 67% increase in tensile strength was also observed by the addi- tion of only 0.5 wt% graphene. The method used in this study provided a novel route to other graphene-based polymers.
When Brachyury meets Smad1: the evolution of bilateral symmetry during gastrulation

Understanding the events that led to the emergence of the bilaterians is a daunting task, impaired by the huge evolutionary gap separating us from the pre‐Cambrian. During gastrulation, the expression of the transcription factor Brachyury is remarkably well conserved around the blastopore of bilaterians and cnidarians. Only the bilaterian Brachyury proteins, however, share a distinctive N‐terminal sequence not found in outgroups such as cnidarians, sponges or placozoans. We now know that, in vertebrates, this N‐terminal domain confers specific transcriptional activity, by recruiting Smad1, the first identified co‐factor for Brachyury. Smad1 is an effector of the BMP pathway, and has been isolated in bilaterians and cnidarians. Here, I propose that the protein–protein interaction between Brachyury and Smad1 represents an evolutionary novelty of the Urbilateria. The gain of the N‐terminal domain might have been selected to spatially modulate the activity of Brachyury, thereby facilitating the establishment of bilateral symmetry during gastrulation movements. BioEssays 28: 413–420, 2006. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Education of Sport University students regarding first-aid procedures after dental trauma.

AIM The aim of this survey was to establish the current state of knowledge with regard to first-aid procedures and to compare the effectiveness of an educational lecture and a subsequent educational session. METHODS A questionnaire to assess the attitudes and anticipated behaviours of Sport University students related to first-aid procedures following dental injury was administered to the students 3 times (after 3 and 12 months). A lecture on the subject of dental trauma was given just after the first questionnaire survey. A randomly selected students group received an extra educational task. RESULTS The present study revealed a low level of initial knowledge of physical education students concerning first-aid measures in the case of dental trauma. A 30 minute lecture and an extra educational task significantly improved the knowledge evel. Even after one year the knowledge level was still high and sufficient to properly react when faced with dental trauma. CONCLUSION Our research proves that the inclusion of dental trauma as a topic in the Sport University students' curricular training and paedagogical education should be introduced in the form of a clear and concise lecture.
Involvement of Ion Channels in Endothelin-1-induced Signalling in Human Prostate Cancer Cells

Objective: Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor secreted primarily by endothelial and various epithelial cancer cells has been implicated in prostate cancer progression and the ET axis has been suggested to represent a novel and exciting target in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa). ET-1, acting primarily through the endothelin receptors (ETRs) is integrally involved in multiple facets of PCa progression, including cell growth, inhibition of apoptosis, angiogenesis and development of bone metastases. ET-1 and ETRs are expressed in PCa tissues and their expression is modulated during the evolution of these cancers. The purpose of the present work was to study the effects of ET-1 on proliferation of human PCa cells PC-3 and the mechanisms by which the activation of ETRs may promote the PCa cells growth. Methods: Prostate cancer cell lines and primary cultured epithelial cells from prostate cancer, RT-PCR and calcium imaging techniques were used to study the expression and functionality of the Endothelin receptors and involvement of ion channels in the effects of ET-1 in prostate cancer cells. Results: We show for the first time that the application of ET-1 induces a dose-dependent cell proliferation and an increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) via a mobilisation of the internal calcium stores and by a capacitative calcium entry (CCE). These effects of ET-1 were completely abolished by BQ123, a selective ETAR antagonist, but not by BQ788, a selective ETBR antagonist. By use of pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA targeting calcium-activated (IKCa1 and BKCa) potassium channels and calcium channels (TRPC1, TRPV6, Orai1), we showed that these ion channels play an important role in calcium entry and cell proliferation induced by ET-1 in PCa cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that these ions channels evidenced here might constitute potential targets to block the ET axis in human prostate cancers.
3D meshes of carbon nanotubes guide functional reconnection of segregated spinal explants

Three-dimensional carbon nanotube frameworks favor spinal cord explant rewiring of motor outputs. In modern neuroscience, significant progress in developing structural scaffolds integrated with the brain is provided by the increasing use of nanomaterials. We show that a multiwalled carbon nanotube self-standing framework, consisting of a three-dimensional (3D) mesh of interconnected, conductive, pure carbon nanotubes, can guide the formation of neural webs in vitro where the spontaneous regrowth of neurite bundles is molded into a dense random net. This morphology of the fiber regrowth shaped by the 3D structure supports the successful reconnection of segregated spinal cord segments. We further observed in vivo the adaptability of these 3D devices in a healthy physiological environment. Our study shows that 3D artificial scaffolds may drive local rewiring in vitro and hold great potential for the development of future in vivo interfaces.
The Significance Of Teaching Perspectives Among Academic Disciplines

This study examined the teaching perspectives among faculty from a research extensive university in the southern United States. A simple random sample was drawn from the institution’s faculty, and a total of n = 131 responded to the survey. Respondents were asked to complete the Teaching Perspectives Inventory via the Internet and complete a demographic survey. The Analysis of Variance procedure was used to determine if dominant teaching perspectives were disciplinespecific. The results of this analysis concluded that a significant difference existed among respondents, with Apprenticeship as a dominant teaching perspective [F(12, 118) = 2.036, p = . 027].
Virtually imaged phased array with graded reflectivity

A virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) can produce large angular dispersion, i.e., change in output angle with change in wavelength. The insertion loss and crosstalk of the VIPA demultiplexer are analyzed. It is shown that both characteristics are significantly improved by modifying the reflectivity on the VIPA element. With a graded reflectivity instead of a uniform reflectivity, the mode coupling efficiency to the output fiber is improved from 80%99.5% and the crosstalk Is reduced from -23 to -59 dB.
A model for improving board performance: The case of a national sport organisation

Abstract The transition of many sport organisations from being predominantly volunteer-administered and anchored in an amateur ethos to professionally managed entities has created unique challenges for the governance of sport. This paper provides a contribution to the governance literature through the presentation of a situational case where a four-stage model, drawn from an action research approach, has been used for developing a board's strategic capability and subsequent improvement in organisational performance. Action research is founded on the premise that change and research are not mutually exclusive and that dual foci on improving practice and developing theory are possible (Coghlan & Brannick, 2001). Utilising a national sport organisation (NSO) in New Zealand the study developed and tested a structured model for improving board functioning and, specifically, strategic contribution. While the case to which the model has been applied is an NSO, the model and the subsequent reflections have value for non-profit as well as commercial entities particularly with regard to a greater understanding of the mechanisms associated with balancing the performance and conformance roles of the board.
Biasing Effects in Ambiguous Figures: Removal or Fixation of Critical Features Can Affect Perception

The role of so-called critical features in the perception of ambiguous figures was examined in two experiments. In the first, selective removal of certain features was found to bias the initial perception of the wife mother-in-law figure. In the second, the position of the fixation point was found to influence the dominance of aspect of the wife mother-in- law figure. During an extended viewing period, when the fixation point was close to a critical feature (as defined in the first experiment), the tendency was for the figure to be less ambiguous, and for large figures to be less ambiguous than small. The effects are discussed with reference to the hypothesis that changes of visual attention between different features underlie the perceptual alternations of the figure.
Relatively poor outcome after treatment of Clostridium difficile colitis with metronidazole.

BACKGROUND Clostridium difficile is a frequent cause of serious nosocomial infection. Earlier reports have suggested that treatment with metronidazole cured nearly 90% of patients, with only a modest rate of recurrence of infection. In recent years, the rate of response to treatment with this drug has appeared to be much lower. METHODS We undertook a prospective, observational study of 207 patients who were treated with metronidazole for C. difficile colitis. RESULTS A total of 103 patients (50%) were cured by the initial course of therapy and had no recurrence of disease. Forty-six patients (22%) continued to have symptoms of colitis for > or = 10 days despite treatment, and 58 (28%) responded initially but had a recurrence within the ensuing 90 days. The mortality rate among patients who developed C. difficile colitis was 27%, and it was higher among patients who did not respond fully to an initial course of therapy, compared with those who did (33% vs. 21%; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Because of the relatively poor response to therapy, additional approaches to prevention and/or treatment of C. difficile colitis appear to be warranted.
Online disclosure of university social responsibility: a comparative study of public and private US universities

Public and private universities tasked with incorporating principles of social responsibility (SR) into their activities face the multiple challenges of addressing expectations of diverse stakeholders, establishing mechanisms for dialogue, and achieving greater information transparency. This article has two goals: first, to analyze whether SR has become an essential element in activities associated with university accountability, information transparency, and the use of the Internet; second, to analyze whether SR is used by universities as a differentiating factor in relation to their status. A comparative study of public and private US universities shows that neither is strongly committed to the online disclosure of SR information, including in relation to sustainability-related activities. Moreover, there is a uniformity in the accountability activities of both university types, suggesting that the challenges are not being faced, and SR is not being used as a differentiating factor in the pursuit of positional or competitive advantage.
Relationship between corporate knowledge management and the firm's innovation capability

Corporate Knowledge Management (CKM) provides ground for a conceptual study on its impact on the firm's innovation capability. Recent research literatures have pointed to CKM system as a leveraging tool for corporate operational excellence. CKM has also emerged as a new management discipline and is attracting interest among researchers, academicians and managers. Being a new discipline, there is still little guidance in the literature explaining the relationship of CKM with the firm's innovation capability. This work proposes a conceptual model of relationship between CKM and innovation capability, with special focus on corporate firms. The major factors are presented and the directions for future empirical research are suggested based on the proposed model.
Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods Ordinal Regression Analysis: Fitting the Proportional Odds Model Using Stata, Sas and Spss Statistical Software Applications & Review Ordinal Regression Analysis: Fitting the Proportional Odds Model Using Stata, Sas and Spss

Researchers have a variety of options when choosing statistical software packages that can perform ordinal logistic regression analyses. However, statistical software, such as Stata, SAS, and SPSS, may use different techniques to estimate the parameters. The purpose of this article is to (1) illustrate the use of Stata, SAS and SPSS to fit proportional odds models using educational data; and (2) compare the features and results for fitting the proportional odds model using Stata OLOGIT, SAS PROC LOGISTIC (ascending and descending), and SPSS PLUM. The assumption of the proportional odds was tested, and the results of the fitted models were interpreted. Introduction The proportional odds (PO) model, also called, is a commonly used model for the analysis of ordinal categorical data and comes from the class of generalized linear models. It is a generalization of a binary logistic regression model when the response variable has more than two ordinal categories. The proportional odds model is used to estimate the odds of being at or below a particular level of the response variable. For example, if there are j levels of ordinal outcomes, the model makes J-1 predictions, each estimating the cumulative probabilities at or below the j th level of the outcome variable. This model can estimate the odds of being at or beyond a particular level of the response variable as well, because below and beyond a
Boltzmann Oracle for Combinatorial Systems

Boltzmann random generation applies to well-defined systems of recursive combinatorial equations. It relies on oracles giving values of the enumeration generating series inside their disk of convergence. We show that the combinatorial systems translate into numerical iteration schemes that provide such oracles. In particular, we give a fast oracle based on Newton iteration.
Comment on Brown & Tedeschi's Article

I am delighted that the Journal of Humanistic Psychology is printing an article critical of humanistic psychology (Brown & Tedeschi, 1972). I think that this journal should be a forum for pro and con attitudes and arguments about humanistic psychology, and I hope it will always open its columns to those who are critical. Although the article by Brown and Tedeschi makes frequent comments about humanistic psychology as a whole, their article appears to be directed primarily toward chapters 8 and 9 in my book, Freedom to Learn (1969): &dquo;Current assumptions in graduate education: A passionate statement&dquo;; and &dquo;A revolutionary program for graduate education. &dquo; I would like to make a few random comments and then
Insights into the Pathology of the α3 Na+/K+-ATPase Ion Pump in Neurological Disorders; Lessons from Animal Models

The transmembrane Na+-/K+ ATPase is located at the plasma membrane of all mammalian cells. The Na+-/K+ ATPase utilizes energy from ATP hydrolysis to extrude three Na+ cations and import two K+ cations into the cell. The minimum constellation for an active Na+-/K+ ATPase is one alpha (α) and one beta (β) subunit. Mammals express four α isoforms (α1−4), encoded by the ATP1A1-4 genes, respectively. The α1 isoform is ubiquitously expressed in the adult central nervous system (CNS) whereas α2 primarily is expressed in astrocytes and α3 in neurons. Na+ and K+ are the principal ions involved in action potential propagation during neuronal depolarization. The α1 and α3 Na+-/K+ ATPases are therefore prime candidates for restoring neuronal membrane potential after depolarization and for maintaining neuronal excitability. The α3 isoform has approximately four-fold lower Na+ affinity compared to α1 and is specifically required for rapid restoration of large transient increases in [Na+]i. Conditions associated with α3 deficiency are therefore likely aggravated by suprathreshold neuronal activity. The α3 isoform been suggested to support re-uptake of neurotransmitters. These processes are required for normal brain activity, and in fact autosomal dominant de novo mutations in ATP1A3 encoding the α3 isoform has been found to cause the three neurological diseases Rapid Onset Dystonia Parkinsonism (RDP), Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC), and Cerebellar ataxia, areflexia, pes cavus, optic atrophy, and sensorineural hearing loss (CAPOS). All three diseases cause acute onset of neurological symptoms, but the predominant neurological manifestations differ with particularly early onset of hemiplegic/dystonic episodes and mental decline in AHC, ataxic encephalopathy and impairment of vision and hearing in CAPOS syndrome and late onset of dystonia/parkinsonism in RDP. Several mouse models have been generated to study the in vivo consequences of Atp1a3 modulation. The different mice show varying degrees of hyperactivity, gait problems, and learning disability as well as stress-induced seizures. With the advent of several Atp1a3-gene or chemically modified animal models that closely phenocopy many aspects of the human disorders, we will be able to reach a much better understanding of the etiology of RDP, AHC, and CAPOS syndrome.