Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Inter-rater Reliability of a National Assessment Model for Teacher Performance

This study addresses the high stakes nature of teacher performance assessments and consequential outcomes of passing versus failing based on decisions of those who subjectively score them. Specifically, this study examines the inter-rater reliability of an emerging national model, the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT). Current reports on the inter-rater reliability of PACT use percent agreement that combines exact and within 1 point agreement, but such measurements are problematic because adjacent scores of 1 point could be the difference between passing or failing. Multiple methods were used to examine the inter-rater reliability of PACT using 41 assessments (451 double scores) from an accredited institution in California. This study separated and examined the failing and passing groups, in addition to evaluating inter-rater reliability by combining them. Both percent agreement (exact and within 1 point) and Kappa (Cohen, 1960) were estimated to report the level of agreement among PACT raters for candidates who failed versus passed the assessment. Results indicate that inter-rater reliability ranged from poor to moderate, depending on whether a candidate passed or failed. A number of recommendations are proposed, including a model for more precise measurements of inter-rater reliability and improvements for training and calibration processes.
UWB Radio Transceivers For Ultra Low Power and Low Data Rate Communications

Radio transceivers relying on impulsed radio UWB signals show a strong potential for low data rate communications at an ultra low power consumption. They are for instance proposed by the IEEE 802.15.4a low-rate wireless personal area networks standard (LR-WPAN) to support low data rates, low power and low complexity short-range radio communications. In this paper, we give an overview of our recent UWB radio front-end designs along with new system simulation results, and derive specifications for a 15.4a receiver. The system simulations are used to balance the partitioning of gain, noise and distortion for next generation transceivers and allow to analyze the expected communication range of IEEE 802.15.4a systems in various channel conditions. The free-space wireless channel loss as well as 9 propagation scenarios are taken into account.
Distinct genetic forms of frontotemporal dementia

Background: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common type of presenile dementia and can be distinguished into various clinical variants. The identification of MAPT and GRN defects and the discovery of the TDP-43 protein in FTD have led to the classification of pathologic and genetic subtypes. In addition to these genetic subtypes, there exist familial forms of FTD with unknown genetic defects. Methods: We investigated the frequency, demographic, and clinical data of patients with FTD with a positive family history in our prospective cohort of 364 patients. Genetic analysis of genes associated with FTD was performed on all patients with a positive family history. Immunohistochemical studies were carried out with a panel of antibodies (tau, ubiquitin, TDP-43) in brains collected at autopsy. Results: In the total cohort of 364 patients, 27% had a positive family history suggestive for an autosomal mode of inheritance, including MAPT (11%) and GRN (6%) mutations. We identified a new Gln300X GRN mutation in a patient with a sporadic FTD. The mean age at onset in GRN patients (61.8 ± 9.9 years) was higher than MAPT patients (52.4 ± 5.9 years). In the remaining 10% of patients with suggestive autosomal dominant inheritance, the genetic defect has yet to be identified. Neuropathologically, this group can be distinguished into familial FTLD+MND and familial FTLD-U with hippocampal sclerosis. Conclusion: Future genetic studies need to identify genetic defects in at least two distinct familial forms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) with unknown genetic defects: frontotemporal lobe degeneration with ubiquitin-positive inclusions with hippocampal sclerosis and frontotemporal lobe degeneration with motor neuron disease. GLOSSARY: CA1 = cornu ammonis field 1; FTD = frontotemporal dementia; FTD-bv = behavioral variant of FTD; FTD+MND = FTD with motor neuron disease; FTLD = frontotemporal lobe degeneration; FTLD-tau = FTLD with tau-positive pathology; FTLD-U = FTLD with tau-negative, ubiquitin-positive inclusions; HS = hippocampal sclerosis; PNFA = progressive nonfluent aphasia; TDP-43 = TAR-DNA binding protein 43.
ay 2 00 1 DynamicModel for LESWithout Test Filtering : Quantifying the Accuracy of Taylor Series Approximations ⋆

The dynamic model for large-eddy simulation (LES) of turbulent flows requires test filtering the resolved velocity fields in order to determine model coefficients. However, test filtering is costly to perform in large-eddy simulation of complex geometry flows, especially on unstructured grids. The objective of this work is to develop and test an approximate but less costly dynamic procedure which does not require test filtering. The proposed method is based on Taylor series expansions of the resolved velocity fields. Accuracy is governed by the derivative schemes used in the calculation and the number of terms considered in the approximation to the test filtering operator. The expansion is developed up to fourth order, and results are tested a priori based on direct numerical simulation data of forced isotropic turbulence in the context of the dynamic Smagorinsky model. The tests compare the dynamic Smagorinsky coefficient obtained from filtering with those obtained from application of the Taylor series expansion. They show that the expansion up to second order provides a reasonable approximation to the true dynamic coefficient (with errors on the order of about 5% for c2s), but that including higher-order terms does not necessarily lead to improvements in the results due to inherent limitations in accurately evaluating high-order derivatives. A posteriori tests using the Taylor series approximation in LES of forced isotropic turbulence and channel flow confirm that the Taylor series approximation yields accurate results for the dynamic coefficient. Moreover, the simulations are stable and yield accurate resolved velocity statistics.
Effect of Interface Structure on Exchange Biased Heusler Alloy Films

We report on the effects of grain size in antiferromagnetic IrMn layers exchange bias to Co2FeSi. We also report on an enhanced effect where Mn layers are inserted in the interface. The exchange-biased IrMn/Co2FeSi samples were grown by a HiTUS system, which allows us to control the grain size. The smaller IrMn grains were too small to give a large Hex while an Mn layer 0.5 nm thick dramatically increased Hex. This significant increase is attributed to optimization of the Mn concentration at the interface. This grain-size and interface tuning offers a way to control the exchange bias in such systems.
A Heat-Sensitive TRP Channel Expressed in Keratinocytes

Mechanical and thermal cues stimulate a specialized group of sensory neurons that terminate in the skin. Three members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of channels are expressed in subsets of these neurons and are activated at distinct physiological temperatures. Here, we describe the cloning and characterization of a novel thermosensitive TRP channel. TRPV3 has a unique threshold: It is activated at innocuous (warm) temperatures and shows an increased response at noxious temperatures. TRPV3 is specifically expressed in keratinocytes; hence, skin cells are capable of detecting heat via molecules similar to those in heat-sensing neurons.
Random subspace ensemble for hyperspectral imagery classification based on dictionary learned sparse representation

A new hyperspectral data classification method based on dictionary learned sparse representation technique is proposed in this paper. For a given hyperspectral data, dictionary learned sparse representation is first applied to extract the sparse feature. Then, random subspace ensembles (RSEs) based on k-nearest neighbor classifier (k-NN) is performed, by randomly selecting subsets of components without replacement from sparse feature space, conducting k-NN classifiers on the subsets, and combining classification results with majority voting. Finally, spatial contextual information is combined for improving the classification results obtained in the second step by means of an iteratively probabilistic estimated regularization (IPER) method. Experiments are presented using AVIRIS hyperspectral images and the proposed classification scheme is compared with other classification maps obtained by some other methods. The results demonstrate that the proposed method improves classification accuracies in contrast with other classification approaches.
Developing Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Literature-Based Discussions in a Cross-Institutional Network

This article examines how secondary English teachers serving as preservice mentors developed pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of literature discussions by participating in a cross-institutional teacher educator network. The joint creation of dialogic space in the English Educatorsâ€™ Network provided a context where mentor teachers expanded their understandings of discussions to a dialogic view of literature-based discussion involving the interaction of reader, text, and multiple worldviews.
Changing the Way We Think in English Education: A Conversation in the Universal Barbershop

This essay extends Robert Yagelskiߣs discuss sustainability; in teacher education by examining how the processes of Cartesian-Newtonian thinking limit the ability of both standards reformers and English educators to think in genuinely new ways and to conceive of real change. The essay includes a discussion of how standards reform since the publication of A Nation at Risk in 1983 has been based on arguments and ways of thinking similar to reform measures in the early twentieth century. The essay also discusses four areas of professional practice toward which English teacher educators might look for guidance in initiating real change. One key point of reference is the work of David Bohm, a physicist and philosopher of science, whose critique of scientific thinking represents a unique way of understanding how to understand and reconfigure approaches to educational reform in the twenty-first century.
Statistical and signal‐based network traffic recognition for anomaly detection

In this paper, a framework for recognizing network traffic in order to detect anomalies is proposed. We propose to combine and correlate parameters from different layers in order to detect 0‐day attacks and reduce false positives. Moreover, we propose to combine statistical and signal‐based features. The major contribution of this paper is novel framework for network security based on the correlation approach as well as new signal‐based algorithm for intrusion detection on the basis of the Matching Pursuit (MP) algorithm. As to our best knowledge, we are the first to use MP for intrusion and anomaly detection in computer networks. In the presented experiments, we proved that our solution gives better results than intrusion detection based on discrete wavelet transform.
Ecological Dynamics of Campylobacter in Integrated Mixed Crop–Livestock Farms and Its Prevalence and Survival Ability in Post‐Harvest Products

This study investigated the ecological distribution of zoonotic bacterial pathogen, Campylobacter, in mixed crop–livestock (MCL) farms compared to conventional farms and their products at pre‐ and post‐harvest levels. A total of 222 Campylobacter isolates were identified. At pre‐harvest level, a total of 1287 samples from seven MCL farms, four conventional poultry farms, four organic produce‐only and five conventional produce‐only farms from Maryland and the DC metropolitan area were analysed from 2012 to 2014. Campylobacter was detected in 11.16% and 3.6% of MCL and conventional farm samples, respectively, but none from produce‐only farm samples. Tetracycline resistance was observed in 51.02% of MCL farm isolates but none among conventional farm isolates. For post‐harvest analysis, a total of 1281 food products from seven farmers markets, three organic retail supermarkets and three conventional retail supermarkets were collected from the same area. Campylobacter was isolated in 87.5%, 71.43% and 33.33% of whole chicken carcasses in farmers markets, organic and conventional retail supermarkets, respectively. No Campylobacter was detected in post‐harvest produce samples due in part to the inability of Campylobacter to survive in absence of sufficient water activity. Overall, this study reveals public health concerns regarding the MCL farm environment and their products that are sold in retail and farmers markets.
Does a Parent-Reported History of Pneumonia Increase the Likelihood of Respiratory Symptoms Needing Therapy in Asthmatic Children and Adolescents?

Background. Asthmatic children and adolescents attending outpatient clinics often have a history of pneumonia. Whether respiratory symptoms, lung function, and airway inflammation differ in asthmatic patients with and without a history of pneumonia remains controversial. Aims. To compare clinical, lung functional, and inflammatory variables in asthmatic outpatients with and without a history of pneumonia. Methods. In 190 asthmatic outpatients, aged 6–18 years, we assessed respiratory symptoms, lung function (flows, volumes, and pulmonary diffusion capacity, DLCO/VA), and atopic-airway inflammation as measured by the fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO). A previous medical and radiological diagnosis of pneumonia was defined as “recurrent pneumonia” if subjects had at least three pneumonia episodes or two episodes within a year. Results. Of the 190 outpatients studied, 38 (20%) had a history of pneumonia. These patients had more frequent upper-respiratory symptoms, nighttime awakenings in the past 4 weeks, daily use of inhaled corticosteroids, and lower FENO than the 152 asthmatic children without previous pneumonia (FENO: 20.6 ppb, 95% CI: 15.2–28.0 vs. 31.1 ppb, 95% CI: 27.0–35.8; p < .05). Of the 38 patients with previous pneumonia, 14 had recurrent pneumonia. Despite comparable lung volumes and flows, they also had lower DLCO/VA than asthmatic children with no recurrent pneumonia and asthmatic children without previous pneumonia (DLCO/VA%: 91.2 ± 11.3 vs. 108.5 ± 14.7 vs. 97.9 ± 18.6, p < .05). Conclusion. Respiratory assessment in asthmatic children and adolescents with a history of pneumonia, especially recurrent pneumonia, often discloses symptoms needing corticosteroid therapy, and despite normal lung volumes and flows, mild reductions in the variables reflecting gas diffusion and atopic-airway inflammation (DLCO/VA and FENO). Whether these respiratory abnormalities persist in adulthood remains an open question.
Benchmarking Data Curation Systems

Data curation includes the many tasks needed to ensure data maintains its value over time. Given the maturity of many data curation tasks, including data transformation and data cleaning, it is surprising that rigorous empirical evaluations of research ideas are so scarce. In this work, we argue that thorough evaluation of data curation systems imposes several major obstacles that need to be overcome. First, we consider the outputs generated by a data curation system (for example, an integrated or cleaned database or a set of constraints produced by a schema discovery system). To compare the results of different systems, measures of output quality should be agreed upon by the community and, since such measures can be quite complex, publicly available implementations of these measures should be developed, shared, and optimized. Second, we consider the inputs to the data curation system. New techniques are needed to generate and control the metadata and data that are the input to curation systems. For a thorough evaluation, it must be possible to control (and systematically vary) input characteristics such as the number of errors in data cleaning or the complexity of a schema mapping in data transformation. Finally, we consider benchmarks. Data and metadata generators must support the creation of reasonable gold-standard outputs for different curation tasks and must promote productivity by enabling the creation of a large number of inputs with little manual effort. In this work, we overview some recent advances in addressing these important obstacles. We argue that evaluation of curation systems is itself a fascinating and important research area and challenges the curation community to tackle some of the remaining open research problems.
Evaluation of a local ICU sedation guideline on goal-directed administration of sedatives and analgesics

Purpose: Sedatives and analgesics are commonly used in mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit. Sedation guidelines have been shown to improve sedation management as well as various patient outcomes. The main objective was to evaluate adherence to a sedation guideline with both sedative prescribing and documentation of Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) scores. Methods: In a retrospective chart review, data was collected on 111 medical intensive care unit patients mechanically ventilated via endotracheal tube for 12 hours or greater at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Fifty-seven patients were evaluated pre-guideline implementation and 54 patients were evaluated post-guideline. Results: Significant increases were seen in the post-guideline group in goal-directed sedation with a patient-specific RASS goal in the sedation order: 21.3 vs 85.4% (P < 0.001), and mean number of sedation assessments per 24 hours using the RASS: 4.7 vs 11.4 (P < 0.001). Similarly, this group experienced a higher percentage of RASS scores at their sedation goal: 31.4 vs 44.1% (P < 0.001). No difference was seen in other clinical endpoints. Conclusion: Implementation and routine application of a hospital pain and sedation guideline was associated with significantly improved sedation metrics, such as goal-directed sedation, as well as frequency of sedation level assessment and documentation. An increase was observed in the time that post-guideline patients spent at or near their RASS goal.
UV-B exposure reduces locomotor performance by impairing muscle function but not mitochondrial ATP production

ABSTACT Ultraviolet B radiation (UV-B) can reduce swimming performance by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. High concentrations of ROS can damage mitochondria, resulting in reduced ATP production. ROS can also damage muscle proteins, thereby leading to impaired muscle contractile function. We have shown previously that UV-B exposure reduces locomotor performance in mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) without affecting metabolic scope. Our aim was therefore to test whether UV-B influences swimming performance of mosquitofish by ROS-induced damage to muscle proteins without affecting mitochondrial function. In a fully factorial design, we exposed mosquitofish to UV-B and no-UV-B controls in combination with exposure to N-acetylcysteine (NAC) plus no-NAC controls. We used NAC, a precursor of glutathione, as an antioxidant to test whether any effects of UV-B on swimming performance were at least partly due to UV-B-induced ROS. UV-B significantly reduced critical sustained swimming performance and tail beat frequencies, and it increased ROS-induced damage (protein carbonyl concentrations and lipid peroxidation) in muscle. However, UV-B did not affect the activity of sarco-endoplasmic reticulum ATPase (SERCA), an enzyme associated with muscle calcium cycling and muscle relaxation. UV-B did not affect ADP phosphorylation (state 3) rates of mitochondrial respiration, and it did not alter the amount of ATP produced per atom of oxygen consumed (P:O ratio). However, UV-B reduced the mitochondrial respiratory control ratio. Under UV-B exposure, fish treated with NAC showed greater swimming performance and tail beat frequencies, higher glutathione concentrations, and lower protein carbonyl concentrations and lipid peroxidation than untreated fish. Tail beat amplitude was not affected by any treatment. Our results showed, firstly, that the effects of UV-B on locomotor performance were mediated by ROS and, secondly, that reduced swimming performance was not caused by impaired mitochondrial ATP production. Instead, reduced tail beat frequencies indicate that muscle of UV-B exposed fish were slower, which was likely to have been caused by slower contraction rates, because SERCA activities remained unaffected. Summary: UV-B-induced reactive oxygen species reduce locomotor performance of mosquitofish without affecting mitochondrial metabolism and ATP production.
The Resource-as-a-Service (RaaS) Cloud

Over the next few years, a new model of buying and selling cloud computing resources will evolve. Instead of providers exclusively selling server equivalent virtual machines for relatively long periods of time (as done in today's IaaS clouds), providers will increasingly sell individual resources (such as CPU, memory, and I/O resources) for a few seconds at a time. We term this nascent economic model of cloud computing the Resource-as-a-Service (RaaS) cloud, and we argue that its rise is the likely culmination of recent trends in the construction of IaaS clouds and of the economic forces operating on both providers and clients.
The role of syllables in sign language production

The aim of the present study was to investigate the functional role of syllables in sign language and how the different phonological combinations influence sign production. Moreover, the influence of age of acquisition was evaluated. Deaf signers (native and non-native) of Catalan Signed Language (LSC) were asked in a picture-sign interference task to sign picture names while ignoring distractor-signs with which they shared two phonological parameters (out of three of the main sign parameters: Location, Movement, and Handshape). The results revealed a different impact of the three phonological combinations. While no effect was observed for the phonological combination Handshape-Location, the combination Handshape-Movement slowed down signing latencies, but only in the non-native group. A facilitatory effect was observed for both groups when pictures and distractors shared Location-Movement. Importantly, linguistic models have considered this phonological combination to be a privileged unit in the composition of signs, as syllables are in spoken languages. Thus, our results support the functional role of syllable units during phonological articulation in sign language production.