Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Students' flexibility in solving two-digit addition and subtraction problems: Instruction effects.

This study examined the effects of conceptually based instruction on the development of students' procedural flexibility. Students from 10 2nd-grade classes (206 students) in 9 primary schools in the Netherlands participated in 1 of 2 different instruction programs: the Realistic Program Design (RPD) or the Gradual Program Design (GPD). The RPD teaches conceptual understanding along with procedural skills. The GPD emphasizes the acquisition of standard procedures. Students' use of and preference for procedures were assessed as well as their ability to solve problems in 2 different ways. The RPD led to a higher level of flexibility than did the GPD on all 3 measures, suggesting that the RPD was better in teaching the students conceptual knowledge. In both programs, conceptual understanding seemed to precede procedural skill. However, skill and understanding were closer related in the RPD than in the GPD group.
Ridge-width dependence on high-temperature continuous-wave operation of native oxide-confined InGaAsN triple-quantum-well lasers

InGaAsN triple-quantum-well (TQW) ridge waveguide (RWG) lasers were fabricated with contact ridge width of 4, 10, 50, and 100 /spl mu/m, respectively, using pulsed anodic oxidation (PAO). All these lasers worked under continuous-wave operation up to 100/spl deg/C. A clear trend of improved characteristic temperature (T/sub 0/) was observed as the ridge width narrowed. Proper choosing of ridge height and optimized PAO process were believed to minimize the lateral spreading current and reduce the scattering losses at the etched RWG sidewall, both of which are beneficial to the narrow ridge lasers operation. High output power of 298.8 mW, low transparency current density of 130 A/cm/sup 2//well, and high T/sub 0/ of 157.2 K were obtained from InGaAsN TQW 4-/spl mu/m-width lasers.
Botulinum Toxin, Lidocaine, and Dry-Needling Injections in Patients with Myofascial Pain and Headaches

Abstract Trigger point injections with different solutions have been studied mainly with regard to the management of myofascial pain (MFP) patient management. However, few studies have analyzed their effect in a chronic headache population with associated MFP. The purpose of this study was to assess if trigger point injections using botulinum toxin, lidocaine, and dry-needling injections for the management of local pain and associated headache management. Forty-five (45) myofascial pain patients with headaches that could be reproduced by activating at least one trigger point, were randomly assigned into one of the three groups: G1, dry-needling, G2, 0.25% lidocaine, at 0.25% and G3 botulinum toxin and were assessed during a 12 week period. Levels of pain intensity, frequency and duration, local post-injection sensitivity, obtainment time and duration of relief, and the use of rescue medication were evaluated. Statistically, all the groups showed favorable results for the evaluated requisites (p≤0.05), except for the use of rescue medication and local post injection sensitivity (G3 showed better results). Considering its reduced cost, lidocaine could be adopted as a substance of choice, and botulinum toxin should be reserved for refractory cases, in which the expected effects could not be achieved, and the use of a more expensive therapy would be mandatory.
Public faces, private voices : community and individuality in South India

Individuality is often viewed as an exclusively Western value. In non-Western societies, collective identities seem to eclipse those of individuals. These generalities, however, have overlooked the importance of personal uniqueness, volition, and achievement in these cultures. As an anthropologist in Tamil Nadu, South India, Mattison Mines found private and public expressions of self in all sectors of society. Based on his twenty-five years of field research, Public Faces, Private Voices weaves together personal life stories, historical description, and theoretical analysis to define individuality in South Asia and to distinguish it from its Western counterpart. This engaging and controversial book will be of great interest to scholars and students working in anthropology, psychology, sociology, South Asian history, urban studies, and political science.
Tackling Technique, Injury Risk, and Playing Performance in High-Performance Collision Sport Athletes

This study investigated the tackling technique of high-performance, collision-sport athletes and documented the relationships between tackling technique and playing experience, playing level, game-specific tackling performance, and injury in these athletes. Twenty-two national rugby league (NRL) and 17 state-based rugby league (SRL) players underwent a standardized one-on-one tackling drill in a 10 m grid. Video footage was taken from the rear, side, and front of the defending player. Tackling technique was assessed using standardized technical criteria. A large difference (ES = 1.53, p <0.05) was detected between playing groups for tackling technique, with NRL players having better tackling technique than SRL players. Players who had at least 150 NRL matches experience had a significantly greater (ES = 1.1–1.6, p <0.05) tackling technique than players who had played up to 49 NRL matches, 50–99 NRL matches, or 100–149 NRL matches. Significant relationships (p <0.05) were detected between tackling technique and the proportion of tackles missed each game (r = −0.74) and the proportion of dominant tackles effected each game (r = 0.78). There was no relationship between tackling technique and the incidence of tackling injuries. The results of this study demonstrate that playing level and playing experience influence tackling technique in high-performance, collision sport athletes, with greater playing experience and playing level associated with greater tackling technique. Furthermore, significant relationships were detected between tackling technique and the proportion of tackles missed each game (negative) and the proportion of dominant tackles effected each game (positive). Identifying the factors that limit tackling proficiency may assist playing performance, but may have minimal effect on injury prevention in high-performance, collision-sport athletes.
Faster clonal turnover in high‐infection habitats provides evidence for parasite‐mediated selection

According to the Red Queen hypothesis for sex, parasite‐mediated selection against common clones counterbalances the reproductive advantage of asexual lineages, which would otherwise outcompete sexual conspecifics. Such selection on the clonal population is expected to lead to a faster clonal turnover in habitats where selection by parasites is stronger. We tested this prediction by comparing the genetic structure of clonal and sexual populations of freshwater snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum between years 2003 and 2007 in three depth‐specific habitats in Lake Alexandrina (South Island, New Zealand). These habitats differ in the risk of infection by castrating trematodes and in the relative proportion of sexual individuals. As predicted, we found that the clonal structure changed significantly in shallow and mid‐water habitats, where prevalence of infection was high, but not in the deep habitat, where parasite prevalence was low. Additionally, we found that both clonal diversity and evenness of the asexual population declined in the shallow habitat. In contrast, the genetic structure (based on F–statistics) of the coexisting sexual population did not change, which suggests that the change in the clonal structure cannot be related to genetic changes in the sexual population. Finally, the frequency of sexuals had no effect on the diversity of the sympatric clonal population. Taken together, our results show a more rapid clonal turnover in high‐infection habitats, which gives support for the Red Queen hypothesis for sex.
An Analysis of the Self-Handicapping Scale

The two studies reported in this article examined the psychometric properties of the Self-Handicapping Scale (SHS), an individual difference measure of the tendency to engage in behaviors that strategically protect self-esteem. 'In the first study, initial analyses indicated that the SHS possessed one major factor and several trivial factors. As a result, an abbreviated form of the scale was created; this short form possesses internal consistency higher than that found in the original scale. Correlational analyses with both versions indicated that high self-handicapping was related reliably to high public self-consciousness, high social anxiety, high other-directedness, high depression, and low self-esteem. These relations were stronger when the short form was used, suggesting its psychometric as well as practical utility. In a second study, the validity of the short form was examined by administering it to a sample of students along with a questionnaire that requested information concerning extenuating c.
The Influence of Between-Dimension Correlation, Misfit, and Test Length on Multidimensional Rasch Model Information-Based Fit Index Accuracy

Most research on confirmatory factor analysis using information-based fit indices (Akaike information criterion [AIC], Bayesian information criteria [BIC], bias-corrected AIC [AICc], and consistent AIC [CAIC]) has used a structural equation modeling framework. Minimal research has been done concerning application of these indices to item response models, especially within the framework of multidimensional Rasch analysis with an emphasis of the role of between-dimension correlation on index accuracy. We investigated how sample size, between-dimension correlation, model-to-data misfit, and test length affect the accuracy of these indices in model recovery in dichotomous data using a multidimensional Rasch analysis simulation methodology. Results reveal that, at higher values of between-dimension correlation, AIC indicated the correct two-dimension generating structure slightly more often than the BIC or CAIC. The results also demonstrated that violations of the Rasch model assumptions are magnified at higher between-dimension correlations. We recommend that practitioners working with highly correlated multidimensional data use moderate length (roughly 40 items) instruments and minimize data-to-model misfit in the choice of model used for confirmatory factor analysis (multidimensional random coefficient multinomial logit or other multidimensional item response theory models).
HETEROGENEOUS FLOW PATTERNS DURING HYPOTHERMIC MACHINE PERFUSION PRESERVATION OF LIVERS1

Background. Hypothermic machine perfusion preservation (MPP) has the potential to relieve the current donor shortage problem by providing superior preserved tissue and viable non-heart-beating donor tissue. For the liver, MPP has not improved preservation. Currently, the major cause of damage associated with MPP of livers is unknown. Methods. An intravital microscopy study was conducted to investigate the state of sinusoidal perfusion during MPP and the effect of a high potassium perfusion solution on liver microcirculation. Results. The results showed that there was an increase in vascular resistance (>200%) when the liver was perfused with a high K solution at either 37° or 5°C and with a flow rate of 14 or 5 ml/min. Heterogeneous flow perfusion at the microcirculatory level was evident with regions of no-flow, which after a 10 hr MPP protocol remained unperfused during rewarming. These areas also displayed increased cellular injury as determined by propidium iodide staining (245.4 vs. 12.3 cells) compared with regions that were perfused during MPP. Conclusion. These results suggest that a heterogeneous flow pattern occurs during MPP of the liver as a result of the high K perfusion solution. Regions of no-flow during extended MPP remained unperfused during rewarming resulting in tissue damage and may represent a cause of liver damage associated with MPP.
Nitric oxide synthase in the brain of the turtle Pseudemys scripta elegans

The distribution pattern of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was investigated in the brain of the turtle by NADPH‐diaphorase histochemistry. The specificity of the histochemical staining was tested by immunocytochemical colocalization with an antiserum specific for NOS. In the forebrain, neurons staining intensely for nitric oxide synthase were localized in the olfactory tubercle, the basal ganglia complex, the basal amygdaloid nucleus, suprapeduncular nucleus, and the posterior hypothalamic area. Many positive fibers course in a tract connecting the basal amygdaloid nucleus with the hypothalamus, corresponding to the stria terminalis. Bundles of nitroxergic fibers were seen to course at the ventromedial edge of the optic tract and to cross in the supraoptic decussation, apparently consisting of tectothalamic and thalarnotectal fibers. In the midbrain, strongly NOS‐positive neurons were present in the substantia nigra, the nucleus profundus mesencephali, the periventricular grey of the optic tectum, the laminar nucleus of the torus semicircularis, and the nucleus of the lateral lemniscus. The area of the locus coeruleus harbored an accumulation of intensely stained neurons, which, as n mammals, might represent a cholinergic cell group of the reptilian brainstem. In the cerebellum, strong staining was confined to bundles of afferent fibers running in the lower molecular and in the Purkinje cell layer. These axons appeared to include ascending projections from the dorsal funicular nucleus or the spinal cord. NOS‐positive cells in the caudal Brainstem were found in the cerebellar nuclei, in the superior vestibular nucleus, in the reticular nuclei, ventrolateral to the nucleus of the solitary tract, in the perihypoglossal, and in the dorsal funicular nucleus. Taken together, these results suggest that nitric oxide acts as a messenger molecule in different areas of the reptilian brain and spinal cord. In certain areas, the pattern of expression of NOS appears to have evolved before radiation of present mammalian, avian, and reptilian species. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors Affecting High School Baseball Coaches’ Enforcement of School Tobacco Policy

In spite of policy bans and recommendations against spit tobacco (ST) use, baseball athletes have demonstrated ST prevalence rates ranging from 34% to 50% in high school, 42% in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and 50% in the professional ranks. To evaluate enforcement of ST bans, high school baseball coaches in North Carolina (N = 93) completed a survey about ST attitudes, behaviors, and intentions to use and enforce tobacco use policies. Findings revealed that coaches who were current ST users, considered ST pleasant, did not value health impacts, and stated the baseball environment influenced their ST use were less likely to enforce school ST policy with their players.
Identification of Two Novelhrp-Associated Genes in the hrp Gene Cluster ofXanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

ABSTRACT We have cloned a hrp gene cluster fromXanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Bacteria with mutations in the hrp region have reduced growth in rice leaves and lose the ability to elicit a hypersensitive response (HR) on the appropriate resistant cultivars of rice and the nonhost plant tomato. A 12,165-bp portion of nucleotide sequence from the presumed left end and extending through the hrpB operon was determined. The region was most similar to hrp genes from Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Ralstonia solanacearum. Two new hrp-associated loci, namedhpa1 and hpa2, were located beyond thehrpA operon. The hpa1 gene encoded a 13-kDa glycine-rich protein with a composition similar to those of harpins and PopA. The product of hpa2 was similar to lysozyme-like proteins. Perfect PIP boxes were present in the hrpB andhpa1 operons, while a variant PIP box was located upstream of hpa2. A strain with a deletion encompassinghpa1 and hpa2 had reduced pathogenicity and elicited a weak HR on nonhost and resistant host plants. Experiments using single mutations in hpa1 and hpa2indicated that the loss of hpa1 was the principal cause of the reduced pathogenicity of the deletion strain. A 1,519-bp insertion element was located immediately downstream of hpa2. Hybridization with hpa2 indicated that the gene was present in all of the strains of Xanthomonas examined. Hybridization experiments with hpa1 and IS1114indicated that these sequences were detectable in all strains ofX. oryzae pv. oryzae and some other Xanthomonasspecies.
Menstrual Cycle-Dependent Neural Plasticity in the Adult Human Brain Is Hormone, Task, and Region Specific

In rodents, cyclically fluctuating levels of gonadal steroid hormones modulate neural plasticity by altering synaptic transmission and synaptogenesis. Alterations of mood and cognition observed during the menstrual cycle suggest that steroid-related plasticity also occurs in humans. Cycle phase-dependent differences in cognitive performance have almost exclusively been found in tasks probing lateralized neuronal domains, i.e., cognitive domains such as language, which are predominantly executed by one hemisphere. To search for neural correlates of hormonally mediated neural plasticity in humans, we thus conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging study measuring brain activity related to a semantic decision task in the language domain. This was contrasted with a letter-matching task in the perceptual domain, in which we expected no steroid hormone-mediated effect. We investigated 12 young healthy women in a counterbalanced repeated-measure design during low-steroid menstruation and high-steroid midluteal phase. Steroid serum levels correlated with the volume and lateralization of particular brain activations related to the semantic task but not with brain activity related to the perceptual task. More specifically, bilateral superior temporal recruitment correlated positively with progesterone and medial superior frontal recruitment with both progesterone and estradiol serum levels, whereas activations in inferior and middle frontal cortex were unaffected by steroid levels. In contrast to these specific interactions, testosterone levels correlated nonselectively with overall activation levels by neural and/or vascular factor(s). In conclusion, our data demonstrate steroid hormone responsivity in the adult human brain by revealing neural plasticity in the language domain, which appears hormone, task, and region specific.
No Child Left Behind: Gifted Children and School Counselors

A gifted-education researcher discusses the potential effects of No Child Left Behind on gifted children and adolescents as well as implications for those who counsel such children in public schools. With the primary purpose of stimulating thought, discussion, and action, she addresses the marginalization of gifted and other at-risk children in the current educational climate and provides recommendations for school counselors.
Development of Mouse Models of Ovarian Cancer for Studying Tumor Biology and Testing Novel Molecularly Targeted Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract : The objective of this project was to create genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models that in addition to developing ovarian carcinomas similar to human endometrioid carcinomas, also express a reporter for Caspase-3 activity, a hallmark of cells undergoing apoptosis. During the three year funding period, we generated stable lines of transgenic mice carrying a Cre-inducible luciferase reporter (ROSA26LSL-Luc) or apoptosis reporter (ApoptosisLSL-Luc) and verified function of the reporter transgenes in vivo. Using Apcflox/flox;Ptenflox/flox;ROSA26LSL-Luc/+ and Apcflox/flox;Ptenflox/flox;ApoptosisLSL-Luc mice generated as part of this project, we demonstrated that bioluminescence imaging can be used to monitor ovarian tumor progression and drug response in vivo. In addition, we showed that Apcflox/flox;Ptenflox/flox;ApoptosisLSL-Luc mice can be used to image treatment-dependent induction of apoptosis. Efficacy of a targeted therapeutic agent (Akt inhibitor, Perifosine), alone and in combination with a standard chemotherapeutic agent (Cisplatin) was evaluated. Our studies revealed that combination therapy resulted in enhanced levels of apoptosis compared to either agent alone, and suggest this may be a promising approach for treating women with advanced stage ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinomas with PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway defects.
Near Optimal Column-Based Matrix Reconstruction

We consider low-rank reconstruction of a matrix using a subset of its columns and we present asymptotically optimal algorithms for both spectral norm and Frobenius norm reconstruction. The main tools we introduce to obtain our results are: (i) the use of fast approximate SVD-like decompositions for column-based matrix reconstruction, and (ii) two deterministic algorithms for selecting rows from matrices with orthonormal columns, building upon the sparse representation theorem for decompositions of the identity that appeared in [1].
Selective Representation of Gender, Ethnicity, and Nationality in American Television Coverage of the 2000 Summer Olympics

Past research of American Olympic telecasts has suggested that gender, ethnic, and national biases may hide within prime-time network telecasts. Analysis of host and reporter commentary in the 2000 Sydney Olympics confirmed that men athletes, Whites, and Americans continued to be the most-mentioned and most-positively portrayed in the television coverage, yielding more than their fair share of coverage. Analysis of gendered coverage showed that men were characterized as being more athletic and more committed than women athletes, and, in addition, men received over half of all airtime and of all mentions of athletes. Analyses of ethnicity showed that White athletes were portrayed as succeeding because of commitment, whereas Black athletes succeeded because of innate athletic skills. Analyses of nationalism found that the most-mentioned athletes and half of all athletes mentioned were American participants. Such differential treatment has significant implications for the development of American viewers’ self-identity, particularly for children and teenagers.
A Survey of Science Content in U.S. Television Broadcasting, 1940s through 1950s

On U.S. network television in the 1940s and 1950s, pioneering broadcasters such as Roy K. Marshall, Lynn Poole, and Don Herbert demonstrated that serious science programs could also be entertaining. Developers of early science series embraced television's ability to dramatize. They also mixed facts and fictions, combining real film footage of scientists with scientific explanations from animated cartoon characters, as in the specials underwritten by the Bell Telephone System. This survey examines the science content of early television broadcasting in the United States and the role played by key individuals, associations, and corporations in the development of innovative programming. It also considers the extent to which these programs and techniques were harbingers of trends observable in popular science communication today and identifies a number of topics deserving more research by historians of science communication.