Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Teaching Effectiveness Research in the Past Decade: The Role of Theory and Research Design in Disentangling Meta-Analysis Results

This meta-analysis summarizes teaching effectiveness studies of the past decade and investigates the role of theory and research design in disentangling results. Compared to past analyses based on the process–product model, a framework based on cognitive models of teaching and learning proved useful in analyzing studies and accounting for variations in effect sizes. Although the effects of teaching on student learning were diverse and complex, they were fairly systematic. The authors found the largest effects for domain-specific components of teaching—teaching most proximal to executive processes of learning. By taking into account research design, the authors further disentangled meta-analytic findings. For example, domain-specific teaching components were mainly studied with quasi-experimental or experimental designs. Finally, correlational survey studies dominated teaching effectiveness studies in the past decade but proved to be more distal from the teaching–learning process.
Curvature of Substrates is Measured by Means of a Self-Mixing Scheme

We present a new method for <italic>in-situ</italic> measurement of substrate camber, the deformation introduced by the epitaxial layer being grown on the substrate. Similar to the currently employed laser beam deflection method, we measure the radius of curvature from the inclination angle <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="TeX">\(\alpha \) </tex-math></inline-formula>(z) of the wafer surface, during the wafer rotation under the observation window of a metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) chamber. But, instead of the commonly used triangulation, based on a laser plus a position-sensitive detector, we employ a noncontact self-mixing interferometric detector, based on a diode laser projecting a spot onto the wafer surface and detecting the backreflection with the laser itself. Advantage of the new method is that separation of source and detector is eliminated and a smaller MOCVD window can be used. Ultimate sensitivity is improved because the angular resolution is better than with a normal detector. The experimental data show that the range of curvature radius measurable with the new method spans from <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="TeX">\(\approx 10\) </tex-math></inline-formula> m up to >10 km.
Synapse formation and maintenance by C1q family proteins: a new class of secreted synapse organizers

Several C1q family members, especially the Cbln and C1q‐like subfamilies, are highly and predominantly expressed in the central nervous system. Cbln1, a member of the Cbln subfamily, plays two unique roles at parallel fiber (PF)–Purkinje cell synapses in the cerebellum: the formation and stabilization of synaptic contact, and the control of functional synaptic plasticity by regulating the postsynaptic endocytotic pathway. The delta2 glutamate receptor (GluD2), which is predominantly expressed in Purkinje cells, plays similar critical roles in the cerebellum. In addition, viral expression of GluD2 or the application of recombinant Cbln1 induces PF–Purkinje cell synaptogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Antigen‐unmasking methods were necessary to reveal the immunoreactivities for endogenous Cbln1 and GluD2 at the synaptic junction of PF synapses. We propose that Cbln1 and GluD2 are located at the synaptic cleft, where various proteins undergo intricate molecular interactions with each other, and serve as a bidirectional synaptic organizer.
Noradrenergic enhancement of long-term potentiation at mossy fiber synapses in the hippocampus.

1. We tested several hypotheses related to the modulation of long-term potentiation (LTP) by norepinephrine (NE) at the mossy fiber synapses in the rat hippocampal slice preparation using extracellular and intracellular recording techniques. 2. NE exerted frequency-dependent effects on mossy fiber synaptic transmission. It had little effect on extracellular population excitatory postsynaptic potentials (pEPSPs) sampled during low-frequency stimulation, whereas it had marked effects on the duration, magnitude, and probability of induction of LTP at these synapses. 3. The beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol mimicked all of the effects of NE, whereas the beta-adrenoceptor antagonists propranolol and timolol reversibly blocked the induction of LTP, suggesting the effects of NE are mediated by a beta-adrenoceptor and that beta-adrenoceptor activation may be an important constituent for the expression of LTP at these synapses. 4. Frequency-dependent effects of NE and isoproterenol on mossy fiber pEPSPs were also observed in the presence of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonist, picrotoxin, suggesting that NE can enhance LTP by a mechanism that does not depend on intact inhibition. However, propranolol did not block LTP in these disinhibited slices and did not affect LTP magnitude. 5. The adenylate cyclase activator forskolin augmented pEPSPs sampled during low-frequency stimulation in disinhibited slices and significantly enhanced LTP. Forskolin, however, did not produce LTP in the absence of tetanic stimulation. This supports the hypothesis that NE and isoproterenol augment features of LTP by stimulating adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production and that cAMP plays a modulatory role in the induction of LTP. 6. The postsynaptic injection of the cAMP analogue 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-bromo-cAMP) significantly increased the probability of induction of LTP measured intracellularly under voltage-clamp conditions with intact inhibition. An analysis of the inhibitory synaptic slope conductance during these experiments indicated that changes in this measure could neither account for the increase in mossy fiber synaptic slope conductance in those cells that displayed it nor account for the group differences in this variable. 7. The amplitude and duration of the postsynaptic depolarization during tetanic stimulation in the cells that displayed LTP in the 8-bromo-cAMP-injected group were significantly greater than in the cells that did not display LTP in the adenosine 5'-monophosphate-injected group. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Troglitazone Acts on Cellular pH and DNA Synthesis through a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ-Independent Mechanism in Breast Cancer-Derived Cell Lines

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess whether troglitazone (TRO) would induce cellular acidosis by inhibiting Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) 1 in breast carcinoma-derived cell lines and, if so, whether cellular acidosis would be associated with a reduction in proliferation. Experimental Design: Intracellular pH (pHi) and acid extrusion capacity after an exogenous acid load were assayed using (2, 7)-biscarboxyethyl-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells treated with TRO. Radiolabeled thymidine incorporation was used to assess DNA synthesis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ involvement was assessed using an antagonist and PPARγ−/− NIH3T3 cells. Results: TRO induced a prompt (<4 minute) and severe cellular acidosis in both MCF-7 (7.54 ± 0.23 to 6.77 ± 0.06; P < 0.001) and MDA-MB-231 cells (7.38 ± 0.18 to 6.89 ± 0.25; P < 0.05) after 12 minutes, without increasing acid production. Acid extrusion as assessed by the response to an exogenous acid load (NH4Cl pulse) was markedly blunted (MDA-MB-231, P < 0.01) or eliminated (MCF-7, P < 0.001). Chronic exposure to TRO resulted in NHE1 activity reduction (P < 0.05) and a dose-dependent decrease in DNA synthesis (<75% inhibition at 100 μmol/L; P < 0.001 and P < 0.01 for MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, respectively) associated with a decreased number of viable cells. TRO-mediated inhibition of proliferation was not reversed by the presence of the PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 and was demonstrable in PPARγ−/− NIH3T3 cells, consistent with a PPARγ-independent mechanism. Conclusions: TRO induces marked cellular acidosis in MCF-7 and MDA-MD-231 cells. Sustained acidosis is consonant with decreased proliferation and growth that is not reversed by a PPARγ antagonist. Our results support a NHE-mediated action of TRO that exerts its effect independent of PPARγ.
Associations between types of lameness and fertility

Four hundred and twenty-seven cases of first-reported foot lameness were recorded in 17 dairy herds in Somerset during the winter housing period. Lameness was classified into three categories: sole ulceration, digital disease (white line abscess, foreign bodies in the sole and pricked or punctured sole), and interdigital disease (lesions of the skin between claws and heel including foul in the foot, interdigital fibroma and dermatitis). In addition, a 'clinical effect score' was calculated to take account of the severity of lameness, the structures involved and the time for which the cows were clinically affected. The fertility records of lame cows were compared with those of the healthy cows nearest in parity and stage of lactation. In the lame cows the interval from calving to first service was four days longer, and the interval from calving to conception was 14 days longer than in the control cows, the pregnancy rate to first service was 46 per cent (controls 56 per cent), 2.14 services were required per conception (controls 1.72) and 16 per cent of lame cows were culled (controls 5 per cent). Lameness, first reported in the period 36 to 70 days after calving, was associated with a significant (P less than 0.01) increase in the interval from calving to first service of eight days; and sole ulceration, in the period 71 to 120 days after calving, was associated with an increase of 11 days (P less than 0.05). Lameness in all periods up to 120 days after calving was associated with significantly increased intervals from calving to conception (P less than 0.05). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Conserved Odontogenic Potential in Embryonic Dental Tissues

Classic tissue recombination studies have demonstrated that, in the early developing mouse tooth germ, the odontogenic potential, known as the tooth-inductive capability, resides initially in the dental epithelium and then shifts to the dental mesenchyme. However, it remains unknown if human embryonic dental tissues also acquire such odontogenic potential. Here we present evidence that human embryonic dental tissues indeed possess similar tooth-inductive capability. We found that human dental epithelium from the cap stage but not the bell stage was able to induce tooth formation when confronted with human embryonic lip mesenchyme. In contrast, human dental mesenchyme from the bell stage but not the cap stage could induce mouse embryonic second-arch epithelium as well as human keratinocyte stem cells, to become enamel-secreting ameloblasts. We showed that neither post-natal human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) nor stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) possess odontogenic potential or are odontogenic-competent. Our results demonstrate a conservation of odontogenic potential in mouse and human dental tissues during early tooth development, and will have an implication in the future generation of stem-cell-based bioengineered human replacement teeth.
SIX MONTHS OF SUPERVISED HIGH‐INTENSITY LOW‐VOLUME RESISTANCE TRAINING IMPROVES STRENGTH INDEPENDENT OF CHANGES IN MUSCLE MASS IN YOUNG OVERWEIGHT MEN

To determine the effects of a 6-month supervised low-volume resistance training (RT) program (1 set, 85–90%, one repetition maximum, 1RM, 3 d·wk−1) on muscular strength (1RM) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) in previously sedentary, overweight men on an ad libitum diet. Nineteen men were randomly assigned to a control (CON, n = 8) or RT (n = 11) group. The exercise protocol consisted of 5 upper- and 4 lower-body exercises using weight machines. CON maintained their sedentary lifestyle. One RM for upper body (chest press [CP] + lat pull-down [LPD]) and lower body (leg press [LP]) and SMM were assessed at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months. Adherence was 96 ± 2% with an average time to complete each exercise session of 15 ± 2 minutes. Volume completed per exercise session significantly increased from baseline (2,812 ± 670 kg) to 6 months (6,411 ± 2,128 kg). There was a group by time interaction in 1RM for CP, LPD, and LP. Upper-body strength increased significantly (p < 0.001) (31.3 ± 9.3%) from baseline to 3 months and from 3 to 6 months (17.9 ± 8.7%). Lower-body strength also increased significantly from baseline to 3 months (17.8 ± 16.6%) and from 3 to 6 months (32.0 ± 33.7%). No changes in upper- or lower-body strength occurred in the CON group. There was no group by time interaction for SMM (CON, 34.5 ± 2.9 kg vs. RT, 34.2 ± 2.9 kg; p > 0.05) or for energy intake (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a single set resistance training program at 85% of 1RM, 3 d·wk−1 resulted in continued increases in muscular strength and a very high adherence rate over a 6-month period in sedentary, overweight men independent of significant changes in SMM. This training protocol may increase adherence and produce long-term increases in muscular fitness as part of an adult fitness program.
IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF SOME EXTRACTS OBTAINED FROM AGARICUS BISPORUS BROWN, PLEUROTUS OSTREATUS AND FOMES FOMENTARIUS

The polyphenols and flavonoids from two edible mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus brown 3 samples, Pleurotus ostreatus 2 samples) and one un-edible mushroom (Fomes fomentarius one sample) have been extracted with methanol. From each extract the quantity of these compounds has been determined by spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant properties of each extract have been evaluated by in vitro tests: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) assay, 2,2’-azino-bis-3ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assay, iron chelating activity test and the capacity to block 15-lipoxygenase. Fomes fomentarius sample contained the highest quantity of polyphenols (8.58 mg/g methanolic extract) and the sample 2 of Pleurotus ostreatus contained the highest quantity of flavonoids (2.62 mg/g methanolic extract). Excepting the test for inhibition of 15-lipoxygenase the antioxidant properties depend on the content of polyphenols.
Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: inclusion‐body myositis, polymyositis, and dermatomyositis

In this review, the main emphasis is on new advances concerning sporadic inclusion-body myositis and hereditary inclusion-body myopathy. Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are reviewed briefly. Hypotheses are presented regarding the possible cause and significance of abnormally accumulated β-amyloid protein, two other epitopes of β-amyloid precursor protein, hyperphosphorylated τ, α1-antichymotrypsin, ubiquitin, and prion protein in sporadic inclusion-body myositis and hereditary inclusion-body myopathy. Because most of those proteins are also accumulated at the neuromuscular junction, “junctionalization” of other muscle fiber nuclei is a possibility. Attention is given to the fact that vacuolated muscle fibers in hereditary inclusion-body myopathy may represent early changes because they are virtually free of congophilic amyloid deposit but, like sporadic inclusion-body myositis, contain large accumulations of β-amyloid protein and prion.
Charge retention characteristics of SiGe quantum dot flash memories

For application to nonvolatile memory devices, a long retention time is most important. Recent efforts on alternate high-K gate dielectric materials replacing silicon dioxide in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology have demonstrated a higher /spl epsiv/ values, reduced leakage, improved resistance to boron diffusion, and better reliability characteristics. In this paper we present the charge retention characteristics of SiGe nanocrystals embedded in ZrO/sub 2/ using a TaN/ZrO/sub 2//Si MIS. The devices show improved retention characteristics and have a high potential for further scaling of EEPROM cells.
The Eye Drop Preservative Benzalkonium Chloride Potently Induces Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Preferentially Affects LHON Mutant Cells

Purpose Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is the most commonly used eye drop preservative. Benzalkonium chloride has been associated with toxic effects such as “dry eye” and trabecular meshwork degeneration, but the underlying biochemical mechanism of ocular toxicity by BAK is unclear. In this study, we propose a mechanistic basis for BAK's adverse effects. Method Mitochondrial O2 consumption rates of human corneal epithelial primary cells (HCEP), osteosarcoma cybrid cells carrying healthy (control) or Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) mutant mtDNA [11778(G>A)], were measured before and after acute treatment with BAK. Mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and cell viability were also measured in the BAK-treated control: LHON mutant and human-derived trabecular meshwork cells (HTM3). Results Benzalkonium chloride inhibited mitochondrial ATP (IC50, 5.3 μM) and O2 consumption (IC50, 10.9 μM) in a concentration-dependent manner, by directly targeting mitochondrial complex I. At its pharmaceutical concentrations (107–667 μM), BAK inhibited mitochondrial function >90%. In addition, BAK elicited concentration-dependent cytotoxicity to cybrid cells (IC50, 22.8 μM) and induced apoptosis in HTM3 cells at similar concentrations. Furthermore, we show that BAK directly inhibits mitochondrial O2 consumption in HCEP cells (IC50, 3.8 μM) at 50-fold lower concentrations than used in eye drops, and that cells bearing mitochondrial blindness (LHON) mutations are further sensitized to BAK's mitotoxic effect. Conclusions Benzalkonium chloride inhibits mitochondria of human corneal epithelial cells and cells bearing LHON mutations at pharmacologically relevant concentrations, and we suggest this is the basis of BAK's ocular toxicity. Prescribing BAK-containing eye drops should be avoided in patients with mitochondrial deficiency, including LHON patients, LHON carriers, and possibly primary open-angle glaucoma patients.
A Qualitative Analysis of Slot Clubs as Drivers of Casino Loyalty

The slot club is a very common type of loyalty program in the casino industry. In this research, the authors look at the deep meanings and emotions of a slot club for tourists and frequent local customers at a Las Vegas mega casino resort using an in-depth interview technique, the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique (ZMET). Results indicate that the opportunities for casino loyalty programs to establish emotional bonds with the customer lie in the capacity of reflecting human qualities in the slot club service delivery process, such as memory, creativity, and flexibility. The results also indicate that the slot club brings different meanings to different customer groups and that these emotional connections (or lack thereof) are best elucidated via this qualitative research technique that uses images, rather than words, to guide the in-depth interview. The authors discuss the implications of the results for loyalty programs as well as how this research technique might be used in other sectors of the hospitality industry.
Relational factors in psychopathological responses to childbirth

Childbirth can represent for women the time of greatest vulnerability experience, often associated with being out of control, loneliness or sadness. One hundred and sixty women who had ‘normal’ births were assessed within 48 hours on potential predictive measures and at 3–6 months post-partum for PTSD. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, perceived and desired support by family members, friends, medical personnel were also assessed. t-Test and chi-square were used to analyze differences between ‘risk group’ and ‘non-risk group’. Few women (1.25%) showed questionnaire responses suggesting clinically significant levels on PTSD; other women (28.75%) reported clinically significant symptoms for at least one subscale. Being at the first delivery experience, together with perceptions of low levels of support from family members and medical personnel, were found to be related to experience of post-traumatic stress symptoms. Anxiety for the child and previous depression are also related to such symptoms. Moreover, anxiety and depression are related to a difficult recognition of the support received, as well as to the desire for more support, in the care of the newborn, from medical professionals.
A Nationwide Survey of Migraine in France: Prevalence and Clinical Features in Adults

In November 1990 a nationwide survey of migraine was conducted in France on a representative sample of residents aged 15 years and older. The diagnosis of migraine was based on the International Headache Society (IHS) classification. In a previous study, we validated a diagnostic algorithm which classifies headache sufferers as IHS migraine, “borderline” migraine, possible migraine and non-migrainous headache. The overall prevalence of migraine patients with the IHS criteria in the present study was 8.1%; another 4% were classified as “borderline” migraine, which we in fact considered as definite migraine. Age, gender and occupation were found to be risk factors for migraine. Neither frequency and duration of attacks nor length of time of disease differed with gender. Expressed intensity of attacks, however, was greater in females.
Phylogenomic analysis of gene co‐expression networks reveals the evolution of functional modules

Molecular evolutionary studies correlate genomic and phylogenetic information with the emergence of new traits of organisms. These traits are, however, the consequence of dynamic gene networks composed of functional modules, which might not be captured by genomic analyses. Here, we established a method that combines large-scale genomic and phylogenetic data with gene co-expression networks to extensively study the evolutionary make-up of modules in the moss Physcomitrella patens, and in the angiosperms Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa (rice). We first show that younger genes are less annotated than older genes. By mapping genomic data onto the co-expression networks, we found that genes from the same evolutionary period tend to be connected, whereas old and young genes tend to be disconnected. Consequently, the analysis revealed modules that emerged at a specific time in plant evolution. To uncover the evolutionary relationships of the modules that are conserved across the plant kingdom, we added phylogenetic information that revealed duplication and speciation events on the module level. This combined analysis revealed an independent duplication of cell wall modules in bryophytes and angiosperms, suggesting a parallel evolution of cell wall pathways in land plants. We provide an online tool allowing plant researchers to perform these analyses at http://www.gene2function. de.
Developing an Open Resource Bank for Interactive Teaching of STEM: Perspectives of school teachers and teacher educators

Much of the current literature related to Open Educational Resource (OER) development and practice concentrates on higher education, although a growing body of work is also emerging for the primary and secondary school sectors. This article examines the user perspectives of teachers and teacher educators, regarding: discovery of teaching resources; what they know about OER; their sharing practices; and their perspectives on resource quality and trust. The research was done in the context of the Open Resource Bank for Interactive Teaching (ORBIT), a JISC-funded Phase III OER project at the University of Cambridge. ORBIT is an OER Resource Bank containing more than 200 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) focused lesson ideas for primary and secondary teachers as well as serving as a resource bank of OER to be used by teacher educators in a variety of settings.