Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Statewide professional development to support reforms-based science instruction: Results from Two Years of Implementation.

This investigation characterized the experiences of teachers, science coordinators, and science education faculty enrolled in a research-based professional development program. Additionally, we assessed changes in participants’ understanding of and confidence in implementing problem-based learning (PBL), nature of science (NOS), and inquiry instruction. The contexts for the assessments were four components of a statewide professional development: the Elementary Science Institute (ESI), Secondary Teacher Program (STP), New Science Coordinator Academy (NSCA), and Science Education Faculty Academy (SEFA). Participants included 145 elementary teachers, 52 beginning secondary teachers, 28 science coordinators, and 13 science educators. Data consisted of responses to pre-/post Perceptions surveys and interviews designed to elicit participants’ professional development experiences and their understandings and intentions to implement PBL, NOS, and inquiry instruction. Preliminary analysis of the Perceptions surveys and interviews suggested that participants in the professional development perceived positive changes in their perceptions of the program’s key objectives. Participants in all four groups experienced substantive improvements in their understanding of and proficiency in implementing PBL, NOS, and inquiry instruction in their respective contexts. Additional results reflect participants’ perceptions of positive and negative aspects of their respective professional development experiences. Ultimately, the results of this investigation may inform science teacher preparation and professional development that supports implementation of PBL, NOS, and PBL instruction by in-service elementary and secondary science teachers, science coordinators, and college science educators. Future research will explore the extent to which the interplay between the four PD components facilitated the development of a state-wide infrastructure to support reforms-based science instruction.
A Single Binding Site Mediates Resistance- and Disease-Associated Activities of the Effector Protein NIP1 from the Barley Pathogen Rhynchosporium secalis1

The effector protein NIP1 from the barley (Hordeum vulgare) pathogen Rhynchosporium secalis specifically induces the synthesis of defense-related proteins in cultivars of barley expressing the complementary resistance gene, Rrs1. In addition, it stimulates the activity of the barley plasma membrane H+-ATPase in a genotype-unspecific manner and it induces necrotic lesions in leaf tissues of barley and other cereal plant species. NIP1 variants type I and II, which display quantitative differences in their activities as elicitor and H+-ATPase stimulator, and the inactive mutant variants type III* and type IV*, were produced in Escherichia coli. Binding studies using 125I-NIP1 type I revealed a single class of binding sites with identical binding characteristics in microsomes from near-isogenic resistant (Rrs1) and susceptible (rrs1) barley. Binding was specific, reversible, and saturable, and saturation ligand-binding experiments yielded a Kd of 5.6 nm. A binding site was also found in rye (Secale cereale) and the nonhost species wheat (Triticum aestivum), oat (Avena sativa), and maize (Zea mays), but not in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). For NIP1 types I and II, equilibrium competition-binding experiments revealed a correlation between the difference in their affinities to the binding site and the differences in their elicitor activity and H+-ATPase stimulation, indicating a single target molecule to mediate both activities. In contrast, the inactive proteins type III* and type IV* are both characterized by high affinities similar to type I, suggesting that binding of NIP1 to this target is not sufficient for its activities.
Effect of pharmacological concentrations of zinc oxide with or without the inclusion of an antibacterial agent on nursery pig performance.

A study involving nine research stations from the NCR-42 Swine Nutrition Committee used a total of 1,978 crossbred pigs to evaluate the effects of dietary ZnO concentrations with or without an antibacterial agent on postweaning pig performance. In Exp. 1, seven stations (IA, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, and OH) evaluated the efficacy of ZnO when fed to nursery pigs at 0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, or 3,000 mg Zn/kg for a 28-d postweaning period. A randomized complete block experiment was conducted in 24 replicates using a total of 1,060 pigs. Pigs were bled at the 28-d period and plasma was analyzed for Zn and Cu. Because two stations weaned pigs at < 15 d (six replicates) and five stations at > 20 d (18 replicates) of age, the two sets of data were analyzed separately. The early-weaned pig group had greater (P < 0.05) gains, feed intakes, and gain:feed ratios for the 28-d postweaning period as dietary ZnO concentration increased. Later-weaned pigs also had increased (P < 0.01) gains and feed intakes as the dietary ZnO concentration increased. Responses for both weanling pig groups seemed to reach a plateau at 2,000 mg Zn/kg. Plasma Zn concentrations quadratically increased (P < 0.01) and plasma Cu concentrations quadratically decreased (P < 0.01) when ZnO concentrations were > 1,000 mg Zn/kg. Experiment 2 was conducted at seven stations (KY, MI, MO, NE, ND, OH, and OK) and evaluated the efficacy of an antibacterial agent (carbadox) in combination with added ZnO. The experiment was a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design conducted in a total of 20 replicates. Carbadox was added at 0 or 55 mg/kg diet, and ZnO was added at 0, 1,500, or 3,000 mg Zn/ kg. A total of 918 pigs were weaned at an average 19.7 d of age. For the 28-d postweaning period, gains (P < 0.01), feed intakes (P < 0.05), and gain:feed ratios (P < 0.05) increased when dietary ZnO concentrations increased and when carbadox was added. These responses occurred in an additive manner. The results of these studies suggest that supplemental ZnO at 1,500 to 2,000 mg Zn/kg Zn improved postweaning pig performance, and its combination with an antibacterial agent resulted in additional performance improvements.
Psychometric functions and temporal integration in electric hearing.

Temporal-integration functions and psychometric functions for detection were obtained in eight users of the Nucleus 22-electrode cochlear implant. Stimuli were 100-Hz, 200-microseconds/phase trains of biphasic pulses with durations ranging from 0.44 to 630.4 ms (1 to 64 pulses). Temporal-integration functions were measured for 21 electrodes. Slopes of these functions were considerably shallower than the 2.5 dB/doubling slopes typically observed in acoustic hearing. They varied widely across subjects and for different electrodes in a given subject, ranging from 0.06 to 1.94 dB/doubling of stimulus pulses, with a mean [standard deviation (s.d.)] value of 0.42 (0.38). Psychometric functions were measured for 11 of the same 21 electrodes. Slopes of psychometric functions also varied across subjects and electrodes, and were 2-20 times steeper than those reported by other investigators for normal-hearing and cochlear-impaired acoustic listeners. Slopes of individual psychometric functions for 1-, 2-, 4-, and 8-pulse stimuli ranged from 0.20 to 1.84 log d'/dB with a mean (s.d.) value of 0.77 (0.45). Psychometric-function slopes did not vary systematically with stimulus duration in most cases. A clear inverse relation between slopes of psychometric functions and slopes of temporal-integration functions was observed. This relation was reasonably well described by a hyperbolic function predicted by the multiple-looks model of temporal integration [Viemeister and Wakefield, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 90, 858-865 (1991)]. Psychometric-function slopes tended to increase with absolute threshold and were inversely correlated with dynamic range, suggesting that observed differences in psychometric-function slopes across subjects and electrodes may reflect underlying differences in neural survival.
Galactoceles Mimicking Suspicious Solid Masses on Sonography

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sonographic appearance of a galactocele that can sonographically mimic a suspicious solid mass and to differentiate between a galactocele and a solid mass. Methods. From September 2002 to February 2004, 33 galactoceles classified as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category 4 were included. They were all confirmed by sonographically guided core biopsies. Their sonographic imaging and clinical findings were reviewed retrospectively. Results. The lesions had a round or irregular shape in 26 patients (78.8%), a noncircumscribed margin in 31 (93.9%), a nonparallel orientation in 22 (66%), and posterior shadowing in 13 (39.4%). Twenty‐five nodules (75.8%) had internal hypoechogenicity or mixed echogenicity. Twenty‐nine (87.9%) of 33 lesions showed a relatively sharp convex echogenic rim on the anterior or posterior wall. Conclusions. Galactoceles have various sonographic findings, many of which are similar to those of suspicious solid breast masses. However, there is a tendency for a galactocele to appear as a small, round hypoechoic nodule with an indistinct or microlobulated margin and mild posterior shadowing. It is helpful to search for a partial anterior or posterior echogenic rim to identify a galactocele.
Natural Infection of Wild Canids (Cerdocyon thous and Lycalopex gymnocercus) with the Intraendothelial Piroplasm Rangelia vitalii in Southern Brazil

Abstract Rangelia vitalii is a piroplasm that infects canines, causing lesions typical of a hemolytic disorder. Two wild canids, a crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) and a Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus), were presented for necropsy in Setor de Patologia Veterinária at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. On gross examination, both animals had pale mucosae and moderate tick infestation (Amblyomma aureolatum). There was severe splenomegaly, and the liver had a diffusely orange-reddish lobular pattern. The mesenteric lymph nodes were brownish and slightly enlarged. Structures compatible with R. vitalii were observed in the cytoplasm of endothelial cells in the liver, stomach, heart, kidney, lungs, lymph nodes, and bladder. The agent was characterized by PCR and genetic sequencing of liver samples and ticks. We show that parasitism with R. vitalii follows an epidemiologic cycle in which wild canids act as reservoirs.
The Influence of Clinician Emotion on Decisions in Child and Adolescent Eating Disorder Treatment: A Survey of Self and Others

Eating disorder clinicians from various disciplines participated in one of two surveys: the “self” group (n = 143) completed a survey assessing the negative influence of emotions on their own clinical decisions, while the “other” group (n = 145) completed a parallel version of the survey that assessed their perceptions of the negative influence of emotion in their colleagues. Both groups endorsed this phenomenon to some degree, although differences in reporting were noted between groups. The perceived negative influence of emotion with regards to specific treatment decisions fell within three categories: decisions regarding food and weight, decisions regarding the involvement of the family in treatment, and decisions related to autonomy and control. Decisions regarding the involvement of the family were perceived to be the most emotionally charged, in particular the involvement of a critical or dismissive parent.
Direct Pelletization in a Rotary Processor Controlled by Torque Measurements. I. Influence of Process Variables

The aim of this study was to elucidate the feasibility of using torque measurement to control the end point of a wet pelletization process in a rotary processor at varying levels of friction plate rotation speed, air gap pressure difference, and batch size. A 1:1 mixture of lactose monohydrate (200 mesh) and microcrystalline cellulose (PH-101) was granulated into pellets in an instrumented laboratory scale rotary processor using water as aqueous binder liquid. A full factorial designed study was performed to investigate the influence of the friction plate rotation speed (600 and 1200 rpm), the air gap pressure difference (1 and 3 kPa), the torque increase (0.4 and 0.8 N·m) and the batch size (500 and 1000 g) on the pellet properties. All pellets produced were round and showed a narrow size distribution. The geometric mean diameter varied from 400 to 1900 μm with a good reproducibility. Increasing the batch size and the rotation speed led to smaller pellets, whereas a higher torque produced larger pellets. This study showed that the process can be controlled by means of the torque increase because it was possible to produce pellets of a reproducible size by stopping the liquid addition at a certain torque level.
T helper differentiation in resistant and susceptible B7‐deficient mice infected with Leishmania major

The contribution of the costimulatory molecules B7–1 and B7–2 to the in vivo differentiation of Th cells remains controversial. The infection of resistant and susceptible strains of mice with the parasite Leishmania major provides a well‐established model for studying in vivo differentiation of CD4+ T cells. We have infected B7–1/B7‐2‐deficient mice onthe BALB/c and 129 background with L. major and subsequently examined different parameters of infection and cytokine responses upon restimulation of lymph node cells in vitro. BALB/c B7–2‐deficient and B7–1/B7–2‐double deficient mice are resistant to L. major, whereas BALB/c B7–1‐deficient mice remain as susceptible as wild‐type BALB/c mice. Differential expression of B7–1 and B7–2 can explain the distinct roles observed for these B7 costimulators in L. major infection.
Genetic and environmental determinants of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels in Hispanic and African Americans.

CONTEXT Vitamin D deficiency is associated with many adverse health outcomes, yet little is known about the genetic epidemiology of vitamin D or its metabolites. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to examine the relationship among three vitamin D-related genes and levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] in Hispanics (HAs) and African Americans (AAs). DESIGN AND SETTING The cross-sectional Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Family Study recruited and examined subjects in: Los Angeles, California (AAs; 513 individuals from 42 families); San Luis Valley (SLV), Colorado (HAs; 513 individuals from 30 families); and San Antonio (SA), Texas (HAs; 504 individuals from 58 families). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Plasma levels of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D were measured. RESULTS Levels of 25(OH)D were highest in SLV-HAs [18.3 +/- 7.7 ng/ml (45.7 +/- 19.2 nmol/liter)], lower in SA-HAs [14.6 +/- 6.4 ng/ml (36.4 +/- 16.0 nmol/liter)], and lowest in AAs [11.0 +/- 5.4 ng/ml (27.5 +/- 13.5 nmol/liter)]. Levels of 1,25(OH)2D were similar in AAs [43.5 +/- 13.9 pg/ml (113.1 +/- 36.1 pmol/liter)] and SLV-HAs [43.2 +/- 13.3 pg/ml (112.3 +/- 34.6 pmol/liter)], but higher in SA-HAs [48.6 +/- 17.0 pg/ml (126.4 +/- 44.2 pmol/liter)]. After adjusting for gender and age within the site, two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the vitamin D binding protein gene (DBP), rs4588 and rs7041, were associated with 25(OH)D, and one SNP in the DBP, rs4588, was associated with 1,25(OH)2D at all three study centers. CONCLUSIONS SNPs in the DBP are associated with levels of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D in HA and AA participants in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Family Study.
Sex-Role Orientation and Attachment Styles of Sex Offenders

Given the increase of individuals who have a history of sexual offenses, there has been an increase in research on the etiology of sex-offending behavior. The present purpose was to evaluate the relationship between sex-role orientation and attachment styles of males who were sex offenders. Analysis yielded statistically significant differences between comparison (n = 22) and clinical groups (n = 21) in gender roles, with little sign of the androgynous gender type for sex offenders. The offender group showed significantly lower frequency of androgyny scores and significantly higher scores on feminine and undifferentiated orientations, supporting the theoretical view of sex offenders as being “cross-sex-typed. ” In addition, the sex offender group had a significantly higher mean score on anxious-avoidant relationship attachment. Based on the present findings, there appears to be a need to help sex offenders explore how their gender roles may relate to their sex-offending behavior and assist sex offenders in the development of adaptive relationships with reduced anxiety and ambivalence.
Direct comparison of 3D spiral vs. Cartesian gradient‐echo coronary magnetic resonance angiography

While 3D thin‐slab coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has traditionally been performed using a Cartesian acquisition scheme, spiral k‐space data acquisition offers several potential advantages. However, these strategies have not been directly compared in the same subjects using similar methodologies. Thus, in the present study a comparison was made between 3D coronary MRA using Cartesian segmented k‐space gradient‐echo and spiral k‐space data acquisition schemes. In both approaches the same spatial resolution was used and data were acquired during free breathing using navigator gating and prospective slice tracking. Magnetization preparation (T2 preparation and fat suppression) was applied to increase the contrast. For spiral imaging two different examinations were performed, using one or two spiral interleaves, during each R‐R interval. Spiral acquisitions were found to be superior to the Cartesian scheme with respect to the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast‐to‐noise‐ratio (CNR) (both P < 0.001) and image quality. The single spiral per R‐R interval acquisition had the same total scan duration as the Cartesian acquisition, but the single spiral had the best image quality and a 2.6‐fold increase in SNR. The double‐interleaf spiral approach showed a 50% reduction in scanning time, a 1.8‐fold increase in SNR, and similar image quality when compared to the standard Cartesian approach. Spiral 3D coronary MRA appears to be preferable to the Cartesian scheme. The increase in SNR may be “traded” for either shorter scanning times using multiple consecutive spiral interleaves, or for enhanced spatial resolution. Magn Reson Med 46:789–794, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Initial testing of the multitargeted kinase inhibitor pazopanib by the pediatric preclinical testing program

Pazopanib is an oral angiogenesis inhibitor targeting vascular growth factor receptor‐1, ‐2, and ‐3, platelet derived growth factor receptor‐α, platelet derived growth factor receptor‐β, and KIT that has demonstrated activity against a variety of adult cancer xenografts. Pazopanib was tested against a panel of pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma xenografts at a dose of 108 mg/kg/day or 100 mg/kg twice daily, administered orally for 28 days. While no objective responses were observed, pazopanib induced statistically significant differences in event‐free survival compared to controls in approximately one‐half of the sarcoma xenograft models tested. Though well tolerated, pazopanib showed limited activity against the sarcoma models evaluated, with the best tumor responses being growth delay. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:586–588. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Randomized Trial of Observation and Execution of Upper Extremity Actions Versus Action Alone in Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Background. The properties of the mirror neuron system suggest a new type of upper limb (UL) rehabilitation in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP), based on observation of action therapy followed by execution of a variety of observed movements (AOT). Objective. We tested the effects of AOT in the Upper Limb Children Action Observation Training (UP-CAT) trial. Methods. In a randomized, evaluator-blinded, block-designed trial, 24 UCP children with mild to moderate hand impairment were assigned to 2 groups. The experimental group observed, 1 hour per day for 3 consecutive weeks, video sequences of unimanual or bimanual goal-directed actions and subsequently executed observed actions with the hemiparetic UL or both ULs. The control group performed the same actions in the same order as the experimental sample, but had watched computer games. The Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) scale was the primary outcome measure; the Melbourne assessment and ABILHAND-Kids were secondary ones. Outcomes were assessed at 1 week (T1), 8 weeks (T2), and 24 weeks (T3) after the end of the training. Results. The experimental group improved more (P = .008) in score changes for the AHA at the primary endpoints T1 (P = .008), T2 (P = .019), and T3 (P = .049). No between-group significant changes were found for ABILHAND-Kids or Melbourne assessment. Conclusions. UP-CAT improved daily UL activities in UCP children, suggesting a new rehabilitation approach based on a neurophysiological model of motor learning.
Structural and functional studies of MinD ATPase: implications for the molecular recognition of the bacterial cell division apparatus

Proper placement of the bacterial cell division site requires the site‐specific inactivation of other potential division sites. In Escherichia coli, selection of the correct mid‐cell site is mediated by the MinC, MinD and MinE proteins. To clarify the functional role of the bacterial cell division inhibitor MinD, which is a membrane‐associated ATPase that works as an activator of MinC, we determined the crystal structure of a Pyrococcus furiosus MinD homologue complexed with a substrate analogue, AMPPCP, and with the product ADP at resolutions of 2.7 and 2.0 Å, respectively. The structure reveals general similarities to the nitrogenase iron protein, the H‐Ras p21 and the RecA‐like ATPase domain. Alanine scanning mutational analyses of E.coli MinD were also performed in vivo. The results suggest that the residues around the ATP‐binding site are required for the direct interaction with MinC, and that ATP binding and hydrolysis play a role as a molecular switch to control the mechanisms of MinCDE‐dependent bacterial cell division.