Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
International education and the ‘second phase’: a framework for conceptualizing its nature and for the future assessment of its effectiveness

International education involves a dichotomy of study between the largely theoretical discipline of comparative education, and the still relatively under‐researched body of international schools. The last 40 years has seen the rapid growth both in scale and diversity of this type of school, plus the emergence of a discrete industry. This dimension of international education now seems to be entering a ‘second phase’, characterized in the main by a desire to exert more influence. This seems to hinge on the bringing of order and greater structure to the growing industry, and the creating of a deeper and more meaningful educational experience. This paper offers an introductory framework for conceptualizing the complex nature and ambition of this ‘second phase’, and offers an introductory platform for the future assessing of its overall effectiveness.
Initial experiments of a 128-channel FPGA and PC-based ultrasound imaging system for teaching and research activities

Although widely employed in medical diagnostic applications, most of the available commercial ultrasound (US) scanners do not always fit the needs of research users. Access to raw US data, portability, flexibility and advanced user control are essential features to explore alternative biomedical signal and imaging processing algorithms. In this paper, we present the initial results of a reconfigurable, cost-effective and modular 128-channel FPGA and PC-based US system, specifically designed for teaching and medical imaging research. The proposed system exploits the advantages of the MD2131 (Microchip Technology Inc.) beamformer source driver to generate arbitrary waveforms and the analog front-end AFE5805 (Texas Instruments Inc.) to obtain the maximum flexibility and wide data access to the various US data streams. Two applications involving plane wave excitation and delay-and-sum (DAS) beamforming are discussed. The results show that the open platform can help biomedical students and researchers to develop and evaluate different imaging strategies for medical US imaging and nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques, among other applications.
Are shape differences detected in early vision?

A series of visual search experiments explored whether early visual processes are sensitive to the overall shape of objects. Previous work (Wolfe & Bennett, 1997) has suggested that information concerning overall shape is not coded in early vision. However, in Experiment 1, we demonstrate that these previous findings are explicable in terms of non-target heterogeneity rather than an absence of shape information in early vision. In Experiments 2 and 3, we demonstrate that shape similarity, rather than individual contour similarity, can determine search efficiency. In Experiments 4 and 5, we show that manipulating the contrast polarity of contours and defining shape using texture significantly impeded search for an odd-one-out shape. The implications of these results for shape processing in early vision are discussed.
Determinants of parenting attitudes in mothers with severe psychopathology

Abstract Determinants of individual differences in the sensitivity of parenting attitudes were investigated in mothers with schizophrenic or major mood disorders. Constructs from the major domains of the mother's childhood relational experiences, personality, social context, and child characteristics were evaluated in a developmental model to predict differences in parenting attitudes. Two pathways were identified. An index of the severity and chronicity of the mother's disorder was shown to predict less-adaptive parenting attitudes. A second pathway revealed that emotional support from network members influenced self-esteem, which predicted more adaptive parenting attitudes. However, perceptions of childhood relational experiences, particularly maternal uninvolvement, predicted parenting attitudes as well as accounted for relationships among emotional support, self-esteem, and parenting. The results were discussed from an attachment theory perspective. The implications of individual differences in maternal functioning for both the mother and the child's adaptation were discussed, and treatment issues were addressed.
Culture Clash? Contesting Notions of American Identity and the Effects of Latin American Immigration

The publication of Samuel Huntington's Who Are We? The Challenges to America's National Identity provides an opportunity to consider several distinct underlying assumptions about American national identity, and to evaluate the claim that this identity is threatened by growth among native-born and immigrant populations of Latin American origin, particularly—but not exclusively—Mexicans.Luis R. Fraga is Associate Professor of Political Science at Stanford University (fraga@stanford.edu). Fraga was a member of the APSA Standing Committee on Civic Engagement and Education that co-authored Democracy at Risk: And What to do About it (Brookings Institution Press 2005) and is co-author of Multiethnic Moments: The Politics of Urban Education Reform (Temple University Press, forthcoming 2006). Gary M. Segura is Associate Professor of Political Science at University of Washington (gmsegura@u.washington.edu). Among his most recent publications are “Earth Quakes and After Shocks: Race, Direct Democracy, and Partisan Change,” in the American Journal of Political Science (2006), “The Mobilizing Effect of Majority-Minority Districts on Latino Turnout” in the American Political Science Review (2004), and the edited volume Diversity In Democracy: Minority Representation in the United States, published in 2005 by the University of Virginia Press. Fraga and Segura are both among the co-principal investigators of the Latino National Survey (LNS), an 8600 respondent state-stratified survey of Latinos in the U.S. scheduled for completion in the Spring of 2006.
New paradigm psychology of reasoning: An introduction to the special issue edited by Elqayam, Bonnefon, and Over

The new paradigm in psychology of reasoning is becoming increasingly established. In this editorial to the special issue of Thinking & Reasoning we introduce the paradigm and explore some of its dimensions. The old paradigm focused on binary truth and truth preservation from assumptions, whereas the new paradigm puts subjective degrees of belief centre stage, represented as probabilities. Subjective psychological value, or utility, and social pragmatics also play a central role. Dual process theories provide the algorithmic-level underpinning to these computational-level functions. The new paradigm aims to integrate the psychology of reasoning with study of judgement and decision making, leading to a much more unified field of higher mental processing.
Lateral Inhibition Pyramidal Neural Network for Image Classification

The human visual system is one of the most fascinating and complex mechanisms of the central nervous system that enables our capacity to see. It is through the visual system that we are able to accomplish from the most simple task such as object recognition to the most complex visual interpretation, understanding and perception. Inspired by this sophisticated system, two models based on the properties of the human visual system are proposed. These models are designed based on the concepts of receptive and inhibitory fields. The first model is a pyramidal neural network with lateral inhibition, called lateral inhibition pyramidal neural network. The second proposed model is a supervised image segmentation system, called segmentation and classification based on receptive fields. This work shows that the combination of these two models is beneficial, and the results obtained are better than that of other state-of-the-art methods.
Mechanisms of Regulatory T‐cell Induction by Antigen‐IgG‐transduced Splenocytes

Our previous studies have demonstrated that splenocytes, transduced with glutamate decarboxylate 65 (GAD) and IgG fusion construct, protect non‐obese diabetes (NOD) mice from diabetes. However, the mechanism by which this strategy prevents diabetes is not well understood. Here, we found that CD4+Foxp3+Treg cells, in vitro induced by GAD‐IgG‐transduced splenocytes, after transfer, were responsible for prevention of diabetes in NOD mice. Further studies suggested that GAD‐IgG‐transduced B cells could secrete high level of TGF‐β and stimulated CD4+T cells to secrete high level of IFN‐γ. Finally, we found that when TGF‐β and/or IFN‐γ were blocked, CD4+Foxp3−T cells were not converted into CD4+Foxp3+Treg cells. The results suggest that GAD‐IgG‐transduced B cells via TGF‐β and IFN‐γin vitro induce the CD4+Foxp3+Treg cells which are responsible for prevention of diabetes in NOD mice by GAD‐IgG‐gene transfer.
Supply chain management in Newspaper Industry : A case of responsiveness

The purpose of this paper is to assess the responsiveness of supply chain in newspaper industry at discrete events. Newspaper industry presents a different set of challenges and opportunities for implementing supply chain management initiatives. The paper focuses on a survey-based research that has sought to assess the responsiveness of supply chain at discrete events. Typically, a responsive supply chain is capable of meeting market demand and increased capability to provide/produce more at less cost in less time. Looking at the perishable nature of newspaper, the responsiveness assumes significance. Four key determinants-forecast uncertainty, demand variability, contribution margin, and time of delivery are found suitable to assess the responsiveness of the newspaper supply chain. The methodology is based on literature review, field surveys, and interviews conducted at various stages in supply chain. The paper summarizes the observations based on survey/interviews conducted on various entities and events in the entire supply chain. It also explores various drivers responsible for adding value in the supply chain. Lastly, the responses by the survey respondents indicate that not enough resources were allocated to meet the desired responsive levels in supply chain. The results and insights derived will be useful for business managers to understand and implement supply chain plans in terms of responsiveness.
Development of an in vitro assay for analysis of cellular uptake of nanoparticles

Abstract MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, is used for disease detection such as assessing blood flow, detecting tumours and diagnosing many forms of cancer. Contrast agents are chemical substances that increase the MRI sensitivity. One class of contrast agents are the so called nanoparticulate contrast agents. Since tumour-associated formation of new blood vessels often results in highly permeable vessels, appropriately sized nanoparticles can selectively leak from the blood flow into the tumour interstitium and accumulate in tumours. This creates an increased difference in contrast between normal and abnormal tissue in an image. Spago Imaging AB is developing a novel and tumour specific nanoparticle based contrast agent. In solving the clinical evaluation of the nanoparticle it is important to know how the nanoparticle interacts with specific cells and tissues types. In this thesis work, an in vitro based assay was developed so that one aspect of the nanoparticle cell interactions can be studied; cellular uptake. The assay was developed using three reference particles, PEGylated gold nanoparticles and Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO) which were in this study successfully functionalized with PEG1000 and APTMS. All three are known from literature to be internalized in certain cell lines [1-3]. HepG2 hepatocytes cells and human breast carcinoma cells MDA-MB-231 cells were used as models. By investigating the effect of cell density and amount, exposure time, nanoparticle concentration and particle surface characteristics, a functional assay could be set up. ICP-AES analysis and T1 and T2 relaxivity measurments showed that the internalization of nanoparticles occurred in a concentration dependant manner. The assay was used to test cellular uptake of a precursor of Spago Imaging AB Ion-X-gel, itself a staring material for the final contrast agent product. The findings indicated that the Ion-X-Gel precursor was internalized in a concentration dependent manner. The study also demonstrated that silane-coated SPIO nanoparticles possessed a higher in vitro labeling efficiency in HepG2 cells compared to PEG coated SPIO nanoparticles. The results will give a better understanding of how the nanoparticles behave in a biological system and can in the long run help the developmental process to produce a product with the potential to provide more accurate diagnosis, earlier detection of tumours, a decrease in the number of false positives and above all, it could lead to less suffering for patients.
Inequality and Economic Growth: The Perspective of the New Growth Theories

We analyze the relationship between inequality and economic growth from two directions. The first part of the survey examines the effect of inequality on growth, showing that when capital markets are imperfect, there is not necessarily a trade-off between equity and efficiency. It therefore provides an explanation for two recent empirical findings, namely, the negative impact of inequality and the positive effect of redistribution upon growth. The second part analyzes several mechanisms whereby growth may increase wage inequality, both across and within education cohorts. Technical change, and in particular the implementation of "General Purpose Technologies," stands as a crucial factor in explaining the recent upsurge in wage inequality.
Characterization of the Interactions between the Nucleoprotein and the Phosphoprotein of Henipavirus*

The Henipavirus genome is encapsidated by the nucleoprotein (N) within a helical nucleocapsid that recruits the polymerase complex via the phosphoprotein (P). In a previous study, we reported that in henipaviruses, the N-terminal domain of the phosphoprotein and the C-terminal domain of the nucleoprotein (NTAIL) are both intrinsically disordered. Here we show that Henipavirus NTAIL domains are also disordered in the context of full-length nucleoproteins. We also report the cloning, purification, and characterization of the C-terminal X domains (PXD) of Henipavirus phosphoproteins. Using isothermal titration calorimetry, we show that NTAIL and PXD form a 1:1 stoichiometric complex that is stable under NaCl concentrations as high as 1 m and has a KD in the μm range. Using far-UV circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance, we show that PXD triggers an increase in the α-helical content of NTAIL. Using fluorescence spectroscopy, we show that PXD has no impact on the chemical environment of a Trp residue introduced at position 527 of the Henipavirus NTAIL domain, thus arguing for the lack of stable contacts between the C termini of NTAIL and PXD. Finally, we present a tentative structural model of the NTAIL-PXD interaction in which a short, order-prone region of NTAIL (α-MoRE; amino acids 473–493) adopts an α-helical conformation and is embedded between helices α2 and α3 of PXD, leading to a relatively small interface dominated by hydrophobic contacts. The present results provide the first detailed experimental characterization of the N-P interaction in henipaviruses and designate the NTAIL-PXD interaction as a valuable target for rational antiviral approaches.
Sensitivity to Large-Scale Environmental Fields of the Relaxed Arakawa–Schubert Parameterization in the NASA GEOS-1 GCM

An adjoint sensitivity analysis of the relaxed Arakawa‐Schubert scheme in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration GEOS-1 GCM with respect to perturbations in large-scale environmental fields was conducted. The response functions were defined as measures of the strength of convective cloud precipitation, the cloud-induced heating and drying (moistening) in both the instantaneous and time-integrated sense. The roles of different variables in producing variations on the response functions were evaluated and the most sensitive vertical levels of the perturbations were identified with the gradient provided by the adjoint model. It was found that the potential temperature perturbations had significant impact on all the response functionals analyzed, especially on the convective precipitation. The perturbations at subcloud layers and at midtroposphere from 500 to 600 hPa were found to be the most influential. The impact from the moisture fields was most significant on cloud heating and drying effects and the strongest influence came from the subcloud layers. The moisture perturbations at midtroposphere also significantly influenced the cloud drying (moistening) effect. On the other hand, the cloud-induced heating and drying at levels between 400 and 600 hPa felt the strongest impact from perturbations in large-scale fields. The influence of the perturbations in the wind field was weaker but still provided reasonable sensitivity patterns. The time-integrated and instantaneous sensitivities for the same response differ only in magnitude but not in the general distributions. The impact of large-scale condensation and reevaporation on the sensitivity was also evaluated. Their effect was significant at the midtropospheric level and they enhanced the model sensitivity to perturbations in temperature and moisture fields. The sensitivity analysis results obtained indicated that accurate gridscale vertical profile of temperature and moisture, especially at subcloud layers and midtroposphere between 500 and 600 hPa were essential for the accurate evaluation of the cumulus cloud effects. The implications of the results of this work for variational data assimilation were also discussed.
Treatment of Nightmares Related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in an Adolescent Rape Victim

Nightmares are a common response to a traumatic event and are one symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder. Although several treatments are currently available for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder, few studies report the efficacy of such treatments for nightmares. The current case involves the treatment of an adolescent rape victim who was involved in a treatment that targeted posttraumatic stress disorder and panic attacks. Following this treatment, the adolescent continued to report the experience of nightmares several times per week. The adolescent was then treated with a three-session cognitive behavioral treatment package involving relaxation procedures, exposure to the nightmare content, and rescripting the nightmare. At the one-month and three-month follow-up sessions, the patient reported a decrease in the intensity and frequency of nightmares. In this case it appeared necessary to include exposure and to target salient trauma-related themes in the rescripted dream.
A numerical‐experimental method to characterize the non‐linear mechanical behaviour of human skin

Background/aims: Human skin is a complex tissue consisting of several distinct layers. Each layer consists of various components with a specific structure. To gain a better insight into the overall mechanical behaviour of the skin, we wish to study the mechanical properties of the different layers. A numerical‐experimental method was developed to characterize the non‐linear mechanical behaviour of human dermis.
In their own words: a qualitative study of the reasons Australian university students plagiarize

The ways in which universities and individual academics attempt to deter and respond to student plagiarism may be based on untested assumptions about particular or primary reasons for this behaviour. Using a series of group interviews, this qualitative study gathered the views of 56 Australian university students on the possible reasons for plagiarism within their institution. The results indicate a wide and disparate range of possible contributing reasons for plagiarism, including: institutional admission criteria; student understanding of plagiarism; poor academic skills; a range of teaching and learning factors; personality factors; and external pressures. These findings are compared with other findings about reasons for student plagiarism in Australasia. The implications of these findings are considered for universities and individual academics seeking to better engage with their students to minimize or marginalize plagiarism.
Designer Vaginas

The goal of creating the idealized female form is neither new nor novel. Women have been altering their bodies for centuries. However, the focus recently has come onto the vagina the most culturally value-laden of anatomical parts. This paper seeks to explore how historical representations and contemporary perceptions of the vagina have shaped attitudes towards female genitalia, and why society has perpetuated the objectified, idealized female image and imposed that falsification on the vagina. Additionally the author explores the practice of female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS), potential impetus behind the increase in elective vagina surgeries, and the implications of FGCS for both the individual and broader society. Further the author hopes to examine implications for social work practice working in a society blanketed with the pernicious cultural message that in order for a woman to be accepted and feel adequate, she must attain the “perfect” physical form.
Masticatory Loading, Function, and Plasticity: A Microanatomical Analysis of Mammalian Circumorbital Soft‐Tissue Structures

In contrast to experimental evidence regarding the postorbital bar, postorbital septum, and browridge, there is exceedingly little evidence regarding the load‐bearing nature of soft‐tissue structures of the mammalian circumorbital region. This hinders our understanding of pronounced transformations during primate origins, in which euprimates evolved a postorbital bar from an ancestor with the primitive mammalian condition where only soft tissues spanned the lateral orbital margin between frontal bone and zygomatic arch. To address this significant gap, we investigated the postorbital microanatomy of rabbits subjected to long‐term variation in diet‐induced masticatory stresses. Rabbits exhibit a masticatory complex and feeding behaviors similar to primates, yet retain a more primitive mammalian circumorbital region. Three cohorts were obtained as weanlings and raised on different diets until adult. Following euthanasia, postorbital soft tissues were dissected away, fixed, and decalcified. These soft tissues were divided into inferior, intermediate, and superior units and then dehydrated, embedded, and sectioned. H&E staining was used to characterize overall architecture. Collagen orientation and complexity were evaluated via picrosirius‐red staining. Safranin‐O identified proteoglycan content with additional immunostaining performed to assess Type‐II collagen expression. Surprisingly, the ligament along the lateral orbital wall was composed of elastic fibrocartilage. A more degraded organization of collagen fibers in this postorbital fibrocartilage is correlated with increased masticatory forces due to a more fracture‐resistant diet. Furthermore, the lack of marked changes in the extracellular composition of the lateral orbital wall related to tissue viscoelasticity suggests it is unlikely that long‐term exposure to elevated masticatory stresses underlies the development of a bony postorbital bar. Anat Rec, 293:642–650, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.