Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self-Concepts Across Two Cultures

This study compared the self-concepts of college students in India to those in the United States by administering the Twenty Statements Test. Self-statements were analyzed in terms of five categories (social identity, ideological beliefs, interests, ambitions, and self-evaluations) and a numberof subcategories (e.g., self-identity, group identity, gender role identity). Results indicated differential use of the categories and subcategories in the two cultures. For example, Americans made more self-evaluation statements, whereas Indians responded more in terms of social identity. Women in both cultures made more frequent use of stereotypical gender characteristics in describing themselves; men had a larger proportion of responses in the self-identity category. However, cross-cultural differences were much greater than gender differences. These findings shed light on major components of the self-concept and underline its culture-specific determinants.
Analysis of a Borrelia burgdorferi phosphodiesterase demonstrates a role for cyclic‐di‐guanosine monophosphate in motility and virulence

The genome of Borrelia burgdorferi encodes a set of genes putatively involved in cyclic‐dimeric guanosine monophosphate (cyclic‐di‐GMP) metabolism. Although BB0419 was shown to be a diguanylate cyclase, the extent to which bb0419 or any of the putative cyclic‐di‐GMP metabolizing genes impact B. burgdorferi motility and pathogenesis has not yet been reported. Here we identify and characterize a phosphodiesterase (BB0363). BB0363 specifically hydrolyzed cyclic‐di‐GMP with a Km of 0.054 µM, confirming it is a functional cyclic‐di‐GMP phosphodiesterase. A targeted mutation in bb0363 was constructed using a newly developed promoterless antibiotic cassette that does not affect downstream gene expression. The mutant cells exhibited an altered swimming pattern, indicating a function for cyclic‐di‐GMP in regulating B. burgdorferi motility. Furthermore, the bb0363 mutant cells were not infectious in mice, demonstrating an important role for cyclic‐di‐GMP in B. burgdorferi infection. The mutant cells were able to survive within Ixodes scapularis ticks after a blood meal from naïve mice; however, ticks infected with the mutant cells were not able to infect naïve mice. Both motility and infection phenotypes were restored upon genetic complementation. These results reveal an important connection between cyclic‐di‐GMP, B. burgdorferi motility and Lyme disease pathogenesis. A mechanism by which cyclic‐di‐GMP influences motility and infection is proposed.
Applications of topological*-algebras of unbounded operators

In this paper we discuss some physical applications of topological*-algebras of unbounded operators. The first example is a simple system of free bosons. Then we consider other models related to this one. Finally, we discuss the time evolution of two interacting models of matter and bosons. We show that for all these systems it is possible to build up a common mathematical framework where the existence of the thermodynamical limit of the algebraic dynamics can be conveniently analyzed.
The Use of Methylprednisolone, Vitamin E and Their Combination in Acute Spinal Cord Injury: An Experimental Study

OBJECTIVE: The effects of methyprednisolone (MP) and Vitamin E (Vit E) combination treatment was investigated in an experimental spinal cord injury model in rats. METHOD: Thirty-one rats were randomly divided into the five following groups: control group, MP group, Vit E group, MP+Vit E group and sham operated group. A spinal cord injury was produced in the rats by using a compression injury model at the T8 vertebra level for 10 minutes. MP was injected as a 30 mg/kg IV bolus, 1 hour after the injury, followed by an infusion of 5.4 mg/kg for 23 hours. Vit E was administered as a 30 mg/kg IV bolus at the posttraumatic 1st, 7th , 13th and 19th hours. The sham group underwent laminectomy without spinal cord compression and did not receive medication. The animals were sacrificed at the posttraumatic 48th hour and histopathological examination was performed in a blinded fashion for the following criteria: hemorrhage, necrosis, edema, microcyst, microglia proliferation and PMNL infiltration. RESULTS: The pathology evaluation of the groups revealed that the MP+Vit E combination treatment impeded the progress of edema/microcyst formation, microglia proliferation, and necrosis. CONCLUSION: Vit E, when combined with MP for spinal cord injury treatment, augments the effect of MP probably due to its antioxidant effects.
Evaluation of Postoperative Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Thoracolumbar Vertebral Fractures

The most common vertebral fractures occur in the thoracolumbar area, which is the transitional area of the spine (1-3). Thoracolumbar vertebral fractures most commonly occur in young adults (15 to 30 years of age) and may be associated with neurological deficits in 15% to 20% of patients (4, 5). The rate of these fractures is increasing, primarily because of the rising incidence of occupational and traffic accidents (1, 2, 4, 5).
Protein and lipid deposition onto hydrophilic contact lenses in vivo.

PURPOSE To investigate the mechanism of protein and lipid adherence to hydrophilic contact lenses in vivo. METHODS Two types of new, never-worn hydrophilic contact lenses (tefilcon and vifilcon) were simultaneously worn by eight experienced, asymptomatic contact lens wearers on 12 separate occasions. Deposited lipids were removed with a methanol based extraction procedure, separated using high performance thin layer chromatography, and quantitatively analyzed densitometrically. Deposited proteins were extracted with 4M urea, separated using gel electrophoresis and quantitatively analyzed densitometrically. RESULTS Four lipids and one protein were deposited in quantifiable amounts onto each worn lens. Lysozyme demonstrated material-dependent deposition whereas total lipid did not. Subject-dependent differences in the deposition of both lysozyme and total lipid were observed primarily on group IV lenses. The deposition of triolein, the largest lipid extracted, was found to be material- but not subject-dependent. The deposition of smaller lipids was found to be subject-but not material-dependent. CONCLUSIONS Significant amounts of both protein and lipid were extracted from both types of lenses after 1 day of wear. Lysozyme deposition was material-dependent because of its affinity for negative charges on group IV lenses. The abundance of binding sites on a group IV lens allows protein and lipid deposition to be subject-dependent after short periods of wear. Lipid deposition appears to be influenced by size. Collectively, the results suggest that subject-dependent variations in deposition are modulated by both material and contaminant characteristics.
Real World Use of Scientific Concepts: Integrating Situated Cognition with Explicit Instruction

This article presents a conceptual framework for refining instruction in science for students with disabilities. We review the concept of situated cognition as a way to address difficulties students have in retention and generalization, a perennial issue in special education. If a goal for students is real world use of problem-solving strategies, students must have opportunities for contextual learning. The proposed framework suggests that integration of explicit instruction in critical concepts, with cognitively based approaches that emphasize problem-solving skills on real world tasks may allow students with disabilities to be successful The implications this framework has in terms of policy, professional development, and the creation of learning environments that promote retention and transfer are discussed.
Periodic fever and erythema nodosum associated with MDS with trisomy 8: report of two cases and review of the literature

We report two cases of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with trisomy 8 who had periodic fever and erythema nodosum (EN). A 74-year-old man showed periodic fever and EN. A diagnosis of MDS with trisomy 8 was made, and he was successfully treated with prednisolone (PSL). A 71-year-old man presented with intermittent fever, EN, and recurrent elevation of myogenic enzymes. Despite sustained inflammation, laboratory tests showed macrocytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Marrow aspiration showed MDS with the chromosomal abnormality trisomy 8. He was successfully treated with PSL without repeated transient fever and elevation of creatine kinase. The results of a literature review of 35 cases of MDS with trisomy 8 and Behçet’s disease-like symptoms, such as EN, oral ulcer and intestinal ulcer, suggest that the disease entity of “trisomy 8 syndrome” may be considered, and that it is an important differential diagnosis of periodic fever and EN.
Mothers' Depression and Parenting Efficacy among Economically Disadvantaged Korean Women: Test of a Mediation Model

This study examined the relationships between life stressors (acute stress, chronic stress, and parental stress) and maternal depression as they relate to parenting self-efficacy among economically disadvantaged Korean women. The present investigation was based on the premise that parenting behavior develops as the result of multiple factors, including stressors, which combine to produce a final effect. The family stress model was expanded to include an examination of socio-environmental stresses as factors that might impair parenting through negative effects on maternal psychological functioning. In addition, parental stress was added as a stressor contributing to parenting quality. The study also investigated the effects of maternal depression on parenting efficacy as a predictor and mediator.The study aimed to assess: (a) the relationship between mothers' stressors (acute, chronic, and parental stress) and parenting self-efficacy while controlling for income, mother's education, mother's job status and total support; (b) the relationships between mothers' stressors and maternal depression; (c) the relationship between maternal depression and parenting self-efficacy; and (d) a mediating effect of maternal depression on the relationship between mothers' stressors and parenting self-efficacy.The study design was cross-sectional, and employed a convenience sampling method. The study participants were Korean mothers of children ages 3-5 in 12 daycare centers in Seoul, Korea. A total of 429 individuals participated in this study and data on 408 cases were analyzed.The results showed that socio-environmental stress and parental stress could result in depression and a low level of parenting self-efficacy among Korean mothers. Although income was an important variable, chronic stress and parental stress were found to be even more influential variables on maternal depression and parenting self-efficacy. This study found that the lower the income, the more vulnerable the mother was to stress, and it also showed that chronic stressors had more influence on maternal depression for low-income mothers than for middle-class mothers. This study showed that the mental health of low-income mothers mediated the relationship between chronic stress and parenting. To maximize effective parenting under high-stress conditions, mothers need to first protect their own psychological well-being against environmental contexts. For the welfare of the children, attention must be shown to the mental health of mothers and their welfare. Policy development and management for these issues are desperately needed in Korea.
Connecting Opportunity: Leaders' Perceptions of Cross-Sector Collaboration Focused on Disconnected Youth in Westchester County, New York An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

This qualitative study analyzed how leaders from the public, private, philanthropic, and educational sectors view the complex issue of cross-sector collaboration addressing disconnected youth in Westchester County, New York. The research explored participants’ perceptions about this population, also known as opportunity youth, who are ages 16 to 24 and not in school, employed, or on-track to successfully transitioning to adult independence. The study used Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as its methodology to explore, examine, and interpret how leaders perceive the complex and challenging issue of disconnected youth who are living in a suburban county in the New York metropolitan region. Findings revealed that how participants defined the problem and viewed interconnections and interdependencies among the sectors were major themes related to cross-sector collaboration focused on reconnecting disconnected youth. Study results suggest cross-sector collaborative influence development should include: (a) a convening table or forum where leaders can share experiences related to their experiences with the issue; (b) identification of common threads among sectors related to disconnected youth as a target population; (c) finding overlapping value propositions by examining how each sector defines value ; and (d) development of interlocking goals that provide greater incentives for collaboration across the sectors. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Education (EdD) Department Executive Leadership Subject Categories Education This dissertation is available at Fisher Digital Publications: http://fisherpub.sjfc. edu/education_etd/171 Connecting Opportunity: Leaders’ Perceptions of Cross-Sector Collaboration Focused on Disconnected Youth in Westchester County, New York An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis
Generalized Reciprocity in Rats

The evolution of cooperation among nonrelatives has been explained by direct, indirect, and strong reciprocity. Animals should base the decision to help others on expected future help, which they may judge from past behavior of their partner. Although many examples of cooperative behavior exist in nature where reciprocity may be involved, experimental evidence for strategies predicted by direct reciprocity models remains controversial; and indirect and strong reciprocity have been found only in humans so far. Here we show experimentally that cooperative behavior of female rats is influenced by prior receipt of help, irrespective of the identity of the partner. Rats that were trained in an instrumental cooperative task (pulling a stick in order to produce food for a partner) pulled more often for an unknown partner after they were helped than if they had not received help before. This alternative mechanism, called generalized reciprocity, requires no specific knowledge about the partner and may promote the evolution of cooperation among unfamiliar nonrelatives.
A one-dimensional analytical model for airborne contaminant transport in airliner cabins.

UNLABELLED Quick information on airborne infectious disease transmission in airliner cabins is essential to reduce the risk of infection of passengers and crew members. This investigation proposed a one-dimensional analytical model that can predict the longitudinal transmission of airborne contaminants or disease viruses inside an airliner cabin. The model considered both diffusive and convective transport of contaminants in the longitudinal direction of the cabin but assumed complete mixing of contaminants in the cabin cross-section. The effect of recirculation of the cabin air and efficiency of the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters is also considered in the model. The analytical solution for the one-dimensional contaminant transport model is obtained by using the principle of superposition and the method of separation of variables. The analytical solutions agree well with the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results. The coupling of a CFD model with the one-dimensional analytical model could capture the impact of local airflow on contaminant transport. This analytical model has been used for analyzing contaminant transport in a 30-row all-economy-class airliner cabin with minimal computing effort. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The paper presents a new one-dimensional analytical model that can provide quick information on global airborne contaminant transmissions in airliner cabins for effective response plans. The model can be used to study the effects of air exchange rates, recirculation, efficiency of the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and longitudinal airflow on airborne contaminant transport in airliner cabins with minimal computing effort.
Country of origin, type of public assistance, and patterns of welfare recipiency among U.S. immigrants and natives

This article analyzes differences in the probability of receiving AFDC and SSI transfer payments between immigrant country-of-origin subgroups and natives. The article develops new estimates of AFDC and SSI recipiency using 1980 and 1990 U.S. Census data, decomposes interdecade changes in recipiency levels into size and rate components, and assesses the extent to which the observed nativity differences derive from nativity differences in sociodemographic and economic characteristics. Over the decade, the overall immigrant/native differential in public assistance usage rises, primarily because of AFDC increases among immigrants and AFDC decreases among natives. The rise in immigrant AFDC recipiency, in turn, is attributable to increased sizes of immigrant country-of-origin groups with above-average rates of U.S. welfare recipiency, namely, Asian refugees and Mexicans and Central Americans, rather than from increased recipiency within these groups. When the influence of other factors on recipiency is controlled, however, the results show that immigrants are less likely than comparable natives to receive AFDC in both years. While this also holds true for SSI recipiency in 1979, in 1989 Asian refugees and, to a lesser extent, Mexican and Central American immigrants, are more likely than statistically equivalent natives to receive SSI. In comparison with results that are not disaggregated by country of origin and type of welfare received, these results imply that targeted programs rather than blanket immigration policy reforms might be needed
The Origin and Initial Rise of Pelagic Cephalopods in the Ordovician

Background During the Ordovician the global diversity increased dramatically at family, genus and species levels. Partially the diversification is explained by an increased nutrient, and phytoplankton availability in the open water. Cephalopods are among the top predators of todays open oceans. Their Ordovician occurrences, diversity evolution and abundance pattern potentially provides information on the evolution of the pelagic food chain. Methodology/Principal Findings We reconstructed the cephalopod departure from originally exclusively neritic habitats into the pelagic zone by the compilation of occurrence data in offshore paleoenvironments from the Paleobiology Database, and from own data, by evidence of the functional morphology, and the taphonomy of selected cephalopod faunas. The occurrence data show, that cephalopod associations in offshore depositional settings and black shales are characterized by a specific composition, often dominated by orthocerids and lituitids. The siphuncle and conch form of these cephalopods indicate a dominant lifestyle as pelagic, vertical migrants. The frequency distribution of conch sizes and the pattern of epibionts indicate an autochthonous origin of the majority of orthocerid and lituitid shells. The consistent concentration of these cephalopods in deep subtidal sediments, starting from the middle Tremadocian indicates the occupation of the pelagic zone early in the Early Ordovician and a subsequent diversification which peaked during the Darriwilian. Conclusions/Significance The exploitation of the pelagic realm started synchronously in several independent invertebrate clades during the latest Cambrian to Middle Ordovician. The initial rise and diversification of pelagic cephalopods during the Early and Middle Ordovician indicates the establishment of a pelagic food chain sustainable enough for the development of a diverse fauna of large predators. The earliest pelagic cephalopods were slowly swimming vertical migrants. The appearance and early diversification of pelagic cephalopods is interpreted as a consequence of the increased food availability in the open water since the latest Cambrian.
The Drosophila Gene Disruption Project: Progress Using Transposons With Distinctive Site Specificities

The Drosophila Gene Disruption Project (GDP) has created a public collection of mutant strains containing single transposon insertions associated with different genes. These strains often disrupt gene function directly, allow production of new alleles, and have many other applications for analyzing gene function. Here we describe the addition of ∼7600 new strains, which were selected from >140,000 additional P or piggyBac element integrations and 12,500 newly generated insertions of the Minos transposon. These additions nearly double the size of the collection and increase the number of tagged genes to at least 9440, approximately two-thirds of all annotated protein-coding genes. We also compare the site specificity of the three major transposons used in the project. All three elements insert only rarely within many Polycomb-regulated regions, a property that may contribute to the origin of “transposon-free regions” (TFRs) in metazoan genomes. Within other genomic regions, Minos transposes essentially at random, whereas P or piggyBac elements display distinctive hotspots and coldspots. P elements, as previously shown, have a strong preference for promoters. In contrast, piggyBac site selectivity suggests that it has evolved to reduce deleterious and increase adaptive changes in host gene expression. The propensity of Minos to integrate broadly makes possible a hybrid finishing strategy for the project that will bring >95% of Drosophila genes under experimental control within their native genomic contexts.
Dyslexia Impairs Speech Recognition but Can Spare Phonological Competence

Dyslexia is associated with numerous deficits to speech processing. Accordingly, a large literature asserts that dyslexics manifest a phonological deficit. Few studies, however, have assessed the phonological grammar of dyslexics, and none has distinguished a phonological deficit from a phonetic impairment. Here, we show that these two sources can be dissociated. Three experiments demonstrate that a group of adult dyslexics studied here is impaired in phonetic discrimination (e.g., ba vs. pa), and their deficit compromises even the basic ability to identify acoustic stimuli as human speech. Remarkably, the ability of these individuals to generalize grammatical phonological rules is intact. Like typical readers, these Hebrew-speaking dyslexics identified ill-formed AAB stems (e.g., titug) as less wordlike than well-formed ABB controls (e.g., gitut), and both groups automatically extended this rule to nonspeech stimuli, irrespective of reading ability. The contrast between the phonetic and phonological capacities of these individuals demonstrates that the algebraic engine that generates phonological patterns is distinct from the phonetic interface that implements them. While dyslexia compromises the phonetic system, certain core aspects of the phonological grammar can be spared.