Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mastery goal, value and self-concept: what do they predict?

Background: Students’ motivation is known to influence academic outcomes. However, there is a paucity of research showing the relative influences of motivational factors on short-term and long-term outcomes. Purpose: The study investigates the relative influences of motivational factors – mastery goal orientation, value of schooling, and academic self-concepts (perceived competence in and affect to schoolwork) on four outcomes – rule acceptance, identity, general self-efficacy and achievement. Sample: Students in grades 3 to 6 from six primary schools in the Sydney were surveyed (N = 979). The ages of the participants varied from 8 to 13 years (mean = 9.78). Design and methods: Students completed a questionnaire and literacy and numeracy achievement tests. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the paths from four predictors to four outcomes. Results: Whereas all four predictors were positively associated with all four outcomes, students’ mastery goal had stronger positive influences on self-efficacy and identity. Value, perceived competence and affect were found to influence outcomes in different ways – positive influences were found for value on achievement, rule-acceptance, and identity; for perceived competence on achievement and efficacy; and for affect on rule-acceptance and identity. Conclusion: Mastery goal had stronger influences on long-term outcomes while other predictors are stronger for short-term outcomes. To facilitate short-term and long-term outcomes, all four motivational factors need attention.
Robust Small-Sample Inference for Fixed Effects in General Gaussian Linear Models

Although asymptotically, the empirical covariance estimator is consistent and robust with respect to the selection of the working correlation matrix, when the sample size is small, its bias may not be negligible. This article proposes a small sample correction for the empirical covariance estimator in general Gaussian linear models. Inference for the fixed effects based on the corrected covariance matrix is also derived. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with repeated measures, which evaluates the effectiveness of a CB1 receptor antagonist, and a four-period crossover design, which assesses the treatment effect in subjects with intermittent claudication, serve as examples to illustrate the proposed and other investigated methods. Simulation studies show that the proposed method generally performs better than other bias-correction methods, including Mancl and DeRouen (2001), Kauermann and Carroll (2001), and Fay and Graubard (2001), in the investigated balanced designs.
Non-smooth Hopf-type bifurcations arising from impact–friction contact events in rotating machinery

We analyse the novel dynamics arising in a nonlinear rotor dynamic system by investigating the discontinuity-induced bifurcations corresponding to collisions with the rotor housing (touchdown bearing surface interactions). The simplified Föppl/Jeffcott rotor with clearance and mass unbalance is modelled by a two degree of freedom impact–friction oscillator, as appropriate for a rigid rotor levitated by magnetic bearings. Two types of motion observed in experiments are of interest in this paper: no contact and repeated instantaneous contact. We study how these are affected by damping and stiffness present in the system using analytical and numerical piecewise-smooth dynamical systems methods. By studying the impact map, we show that these types of motion arise at a novel non-smooth Hopf-type bifurcation from a boundary equilibrium bifurcation point for certain parameter values. A local analysis of this bifurcation point allows us a complete understanding of this behaviour in a general setting. The analysis identifies criteria for the existence of such smooth and non-smooth bifurcations, which is an essential step towards achieving reliable and robust controllers that can take compensating action.
Anti‐inflammatory, Analgesic, Anticonvulsant and Antiparkinsonian Activities of Some Pyridine Derivatives Using 2,6‐Disubstituted Isonicotinic Acid Hydrazides

A series of novel thiazolo derivatives 2–15 was synthesized by initial condensation of 2,6‐dihydroxyisonicotinohydrazide 1 and 2‐chloro‐6‐hydrazinylisonicotinohydrazide 11 with different organic reagents. The pharmacological screening showed that many of these obtained compounds have good anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, anticonvulsant, and antiparkinsonian activities comparable to diclofenac potassium, Voltarene®, Carbamazepine®, and Benzotropene® as reference drugs. Initially the acute toxicity of the compounds was assayed via the determination of their LD50. The structures of newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, MS spectral data and elemental analysis. The detailed synthesis, spectroscopic data, LD50 and pharmacological activities of the synthesized compounds were reported.
Energy Efficient Data Encoding in DRAM Channels Exploiting Data Value Similarity

As DRAM data bandwidth increases, tremendous energy is dissipated in the DRAM data bus. To reduce the energy consumed in the data bus, DRAM interfaces with symmetric termination, such as Pseudo Open Drain (POD) and Low Voltage Swing Terminated Logic (LVSTL), have been adopted in modern DRAMs. In interfaces using asymmetric termination, the amount of termination energy is proportional to the hamming weight of the data words. In this work, we propose Bitwise Difference Encoding (BD-Encoding), which decreases the hamming weight of data words, leading to a reduction in energy consumption in the modern DRAM data bus. Since smaller hamming weight of the data words also reduces switching activity, switching energy and power noise are also both reduced. BD-Encoding exploits the similarity in data words in the DRAM data bus. We observed that similar data words (i.e. data words whose hamming distance is small) are highly likely to be sent over at similar times. Based on this observation, BD-coder stores the data recently sent over in both the memory controller and DRAMs. Then, BD-coder transfers the bitwise difference between the current data and the most similar data. In an evaluation using SPEC 2006, BD-Encoding using 64 recent data reduced termination energy by 58.3% and switching energy by 45.3%. In addition, 55% of the LdI/dt noise was decreased with BD-Encoding.
PolyU tail of rho-independent terminator of bacterial small RNAs is essential for Hfq action

Major bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs) regulate the translation and stability of target mRNAs through base pairing with the help of the RNA chaperone Hfq. The Hfq-dependent sRNAs consist of three basic elements, mRNA base-pairing region, Hfq-binding site, and rho-independent terminator. Although the base-pairing region and the terminator are well documented in many sRNAs, the Hfq-binding site is less well-defined except that Hfq binds RNA with a preference for AU-rich sequences. Here, we performed mutational and biochemical studies to define the sRNA site required for Hfq action using SgrS as a model sRNA. We found that shortening terminator polyU tail eliminates the ability of SgrS to bind to Hfq and to silence ptsG mRNA. We also demonstrate that the SgrS terminator can be replaced with any foreign rho-independent terminators possessing a polyU tail longer than 8 without losing the ability to silence ptsG mRNA in an Hfq-dependent manner. Moreover, we found that shortening the terminator polyU tail of several other sRNAs also eliminates the ability to bind to Hfq and to regulate target mRNAs. We conclude that the polyU tail of sRNAs is essential for Hfq action in general. The data also indicate that the terminator polyU tail plays a role in Hfq-dependent stabilization of sRNAs.
Constraint-induced therapy for moderate chronic upper extremity impairment after stroke

Primary objective. To explore the effectiveness of constraint-induced therapy (CIT) in the treatment of individuals with moderate chronic upper extremity paresis. Research design. Multiple case reports, pre–post-treatment comparisons as well as long-term follow-ups at 1 and 6 months after intervention. Methods and procedures. Seven subjects, each greater than 12 months post-stroke, participated in an intensive 3 weeks CIT programme. The Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Motor Activity Log (MAL) and Fugl-Meyer Evaluation (FM) were used to measure outcomes. Main outcomes and results. Subjects exhibited notable improvements in mean WMFT scores (0.25 point increase post-treatment, 0.38 point increase at 1-month follow-up, 0.44 point increase at 6-month follow-up). Similarly, improvements were seen for mean MAL (1.71 points for AS, 1.77 points for HW) and FM scores (6 points FM-UE, 6 points FM-TOT) post-treatment. Additional improvements were seen at some follow-up assessments. Conclusions. Subjects demonstrated gains in objective measures, however, did not regain normal functional ability of their paretic upper extremities. Further investigation of the effects of CIT in this population, as well the functional significance of the objective measures used is warranted.
Effect of long-term dyslipidemia on arterial blood supply of inner ear

Objective: To verify whether the long-term dyslipidemia could cause the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in the inner ear and affect the inner ear blood supply, finally leading to the sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Methods: 100 patients with SSNHL were selected for this study as SSNHL group, while another 100 patients with normal hearing who were treated for polyp of vocal cord or deviation of nasal septum during the same period were selected as the control group. The indices of blood lipid (TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C) and blood viscosity were compared between two groups. Multi-variant Logistic regression analysis was performed to decide the risk factors for SSNHL. The rabbit atherosclerosis model was established using atherogenic diet and immune damage. Blood lipid indices include total cholesterol (TC) concentration, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). Lipid stripe and atherosclerosis plaque of thoracic and abdomen aorta, AICA and vertebral artery were examined by HE staining. Sigmaplot 12 software was used for statistical analysis of all data. Results: The TC, TG and LDL-C of SSNHL group were significantly higher than those of control group, while the HDL-C was significantly lower than that of control group, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05); the plasma viscosity, red cell assembling index, Erythrocyte deformation index and whole blood viscosity at low-shear of SSNHL group were also significantly higher than those of control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05); Multi-variant Logistic regression analysis showed LDL elevation is an important risk factor for SSNHL. The result of single factor logistic regression shows that TC (P<0.01), TG (P<0.01) and LDL-C (P<0.01) of test group were significantly higher than those of the control group. Moreover, the lipid stripe and atherosclerosis plaque were found in the thoracic aorta or abdomen of the test group (9/10), but no abnormal change was detected in AICA or vertebral artery of the test group. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia plays great important role in the pathogenesis of SSNHL, and LDL-C elevation is an important risk factor for SSNHL. The long-term dyslipidemia could hardly form the arterial embolization in the inner ear, which showed little correlation between long-term dyslipidemia and the inner ear blood supply, implying that the dyslipidemia might affect the SSNHL through other ways.
The nuclear and extended infrared emission of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 2992 and the interacting system Arp 245

We present subarcsecond resolution infrared (IR) imaging and mid-IR (MIR) spectroscopic observations of the Seyfert 1.9 galaxy NGC 2992, obtained with the Gemini North Telescope and the Gran Telescopio CANARIAS (GTC). The N-band image reveals faint extended emission out to ∼3 kpc, and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon features detected in the GTC/CanariCam 7.5–13 μm spectrum indicate that the bulk of this extended emission is dust heated by star formation. We also report arcsecond resolution MIR and far-IR imaging of the interacting system Arp 245, taken with the Spitzer Space Telescope and the Herschel Space Observatory. Using these data, we obtain nuclear fluxes using different methods and find that we can only recover the nuclear fluxes obtained from the subarcsecond data at 20–25 μm, where the active galactic nuclei (AGN) emission dominates. We fitted the nuclear IR spectral energy distribution of NGC 2992, including the GTC/CanariCam nuclear spectrum (∼50 pc), with clumpy torus models. We then used the best-fitting torus model to decompose the Spitzer/IRS 5–30 μm spectrum (∼630 pc) in AGN and starburst components, using different starburst templates. We find that, whereas at shorter MIR wavelengths the starburst component dominates (64 per cent at 6 μm), the AGN component reaches 90 per cent at 20 μm. We finally obtained dust masses, temperatures and star formation rates for the different components of the Arp 245 system and find similar values for NGC 2992 and NGC 2993. These measurements are within those reported for other interacting systems in the first stages of the interaction.
The expression of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) is permissive for early pancreatic neoplasia

Pancreatic cancer is an almost uniformly lethal disease, characterized by late diagnosis, early metastasis, resistance to chemotherapy, and early mutation of the Kras oncogene. Here we show that the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) is required for the activation of interleukin 6 (IL-6)–mediated mitochondrial signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling in pancreatic carcinogenesis. RAGE expression correlates with elevated levels of autophagy in pancreatic cancer in vivo and in vitro, and this heightened state of autophagy is required for IL-6–induced STAT3 activation. To further explore the intersection of RAGE, autophagy, and pancreatic carcinogenesis, we created a transgenic murine model, backcrossing RAGE-null mice to a spontaneous mouse model of pancreatic cancer, Pdx1-Cre:KrasG12D/+ (KC). Targeted ablation of Rage in KC mice delayed neoplasia development, decreased levels of autophagy, and inhibited mitochondrial STAT3 activity and subsequent ATP production. Our results suggest a critical role for RAGE expression in the earliest stages of pancreatic carcinogenesis, potentially acting as the “autophagic switch,” regulating mitochondrial STAT3 signaling.
Can EMS Providers Provide Appropriate Tidal Volumes in a Simulated Adult-sized Patient with a Pediatric-sized Bag-Valve-Mask?

Abstract Introduction: In the prehospital setting, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals rely on providing positive pressure ventilation with a bag-valve-mask (BVM). Multiple emergency medicine and critical care studies have shown that lung-protective ventilation protocols reduce morbidity and mortality. Our primary objective was to determine if a group of EMS professionals could provide ventilations with a smaller BVM that would be sufficient to ventilate patients. Secondary objectives included 1) if the pediatric bag provided volumes similar to lung-protective ventilation in the hospital setting and 2) compare volumes provided to the patient depending on the type of airway (mask, King tube, and intubation). Methods: Using a patient simulator of a head and thorax that was able to record respiratory rate, tidal volume, peak pressure, and minute volume via a laptop computer, participants were asked to ventilate the simulator during six 1-minute ventilation tests. The first scenario was BVM ventilation with an oropharyngeal airway in place ventilating with both an adult- and pediatric-sized BVM, the second scenario had a supraglottic airway and both bags, and the third scenario had an endotracheal tube and both bags. Participants were enrolled in convenience manner while they were on-duty and the research staff was able to travel to their stations. Prior to enrolling, participants were not given any additional training on ventilation skills. Results: We enrolled 50 providers from a large, busy, urban fire-based EMS agency with 14.96 (SD = 9.92) mean years of experience. Only 1.5% of all breaths delivered with the pediatric BVM during the ventilation scenarios were below the recommended tidal volume. A greater percentage of breaths delivered in the recommended range occurred when the pediatric BVM was used (17.5% vs 5.1%, p < 0.001). Median volumes for each scenario were 570.5mL, 664.0mL, 663.0mL for the pediatric BMV and 796.0mL, 994.5mL, 981.5mL for the adult BVM. In all three categories of airway devices, the pediatric BVM provided lower median tidal volumes (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study suggests that ventilating an adult patient is possible with a smaller, pediatric-sized BVM. The tidal volumes recorded with the pediatric BVM were more consistent with lung-protective ventilation volumes.
Bidirectional plasticity at developing climbing fiber–Purkinje neuron synapses

Climbing fibers provide one of the two major excitatory inputs to the cerebellar cortex. In an immature animal, several climbing fibers form synapses with one Purkinje neuron. During postnatal development most climbing fiber innervations with a Purkinje neuron are eliminated and only one strong fiber remains. Previous studies suggested that this pruning of surplus climbing fiber innervations depends on the neuronal activity. We hypothesized that synaptic plasticity might play a role in the maturation and refinement of such a climbing fiber projection pattern, and examined the plasticity properties of synapses between postnatal days 5 and 9 in mice. We found that a 5 Hz conditioning stimulation of climbing fibers forming relatively strong synapses with a Purkinje neuron induced long‐term potentiation of the transmission accompanied by a decrease in the paired‐pulse ratio of excitatory postsynaptic current amplitudes. This was suggestive of an increased probability of presynaptic release. However, the conditioning stimulation of climbing fibers forming relatively weak synapses induced long‐term depression and tended to increase the paired‐pulse ratio. Thus, the direction of plasticity appears to be determined by the strength of synaptic connection. Long‐term depression occurred only in the conditioned climbing fiber, whereas long‐term potentiation spread to unconditioned climbing fibers. A postsynaptic increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration was required for long‐term potentiation but not for long‐term depression. These results reveal the existence of novel presynaptic plasticity at immature climbing fiber–Purkinje cell synapses, which may contribute to the maturation and refinement of the climbing fiber projection pattern.
Comparison of some secondary metabolite content in the seventeen species of the Boraginaceae family

Abstract Context: The Boraginaceae family comprises plants that have important therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Their pharmacological effect is related to the presence of naphthaquinones, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, or purine derivative – allantoin. Objective: In the present study, comparison of some secondary metabolite content and phytochemical relationship between 17 species of the Boraginaceae family were analyzed. Materials and methods: High performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) was used to perform a chemometric analysis in the following Boraginaceae species: Anchusa azurea Mill. , Anchusa undulata L. , Borago officinalis L. , Buglossoides purpurocaerulea (L.) I.M. Johnst. , Cerinthe minor L. , Cynoglossum creticum Mill, Echium italicum L. , Echium russicum J.F. Gmel. , Echium vulgare L. , Lindelofia macrostyla (Bunge) Popov (syn. Lindelofia anchusoides (Lindl.) Lehm. ), Lithospermum officinale L. , Nonea lutea (Desr.) DC. , Omphalodes verna Moench (syn. Cynoglossum omphaloides L.), Pulmonaria mollis Wulfen ex Hornem. , Pulmonaria obscura Dumort. , Symphytum cordatum Waldst. & Kit ex Willd. , and Symphytum officinale L. Results: Six active compounds in shoot extracts (allantoin, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, rutin, hydrocaffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and chlorogenic acid) and four compounds in root extracts (allantoin, hydrocaffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and shikonin) were identified. The presence and abundance of these compounds were used for the characterization of the species and for revealing their phytochemical similarity and differentiation. Discussion and conclusion: The present study provides the first comprehensive report of the extraction and quantification of several compounds in Boraginaceae species (some of them for the first time). Among the 17 species studied, species with potentially high pharmacological activity were recognized.
ICT in the secondary visual arts classroom: A study of teachers' values, attitudes and beliefs

For some 20 years the literature has been highlighting a range of benefits to be gained from integrating information and communication technology (ICT) in the teaching of visual arts. However, little research has depicted the 'state of play' regarding visual arts teachers' approaches to technology within the Australian context. This paper reports on a study of 14 visual arts teachers from a rural area of Australia and reveals broad diversity in individual teachers' social, artistic and educational values, attitudes and beliefs about ICT, leading to widely diverse approaches to both their personal and professional use of technology. The paper explores a number of key issues, including: whether teachers perceive dissonance between ICT and visual arts; whether teachers believe it is important to integrate ICT in their teaching; the role ICT is currently playing in classrooms; the issues teachers are experiencing and how teachers approach their own ICT learning. It is argued that effective ICT professional development for teachers must take account of teachers' values, attitudes, beliefs and perceptions not only regarding ICT, but in relation to teachers' own approaches to their personal and professional learning.