jimnoneill/paper-to-field-training huggingface dataset:
Enhancing critical thinking in Ugandan secondary school classrooms: Teacher professional development action research

Critical thinking is recognized as key in any society. However, the Ugandan system of education is not helping students to become critical thinkers; the education is superficial and uncritically based on rote learning. The main objective of this study was to investigate and document how Ugandan secondary school teachers could be supported in explicitly pursuing the goal of fostering students’ critical thinking. This professional development action research showed that the instructional support coaching system contributed to enhancing the teachers’ professional and pedagogical capacity, led them to transform their instructional planning process, and shifted their beliefs with regard to curricula and learning theories.

Topic: Education and Critical Thinking Development
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Abstract 3290: Modulation of AKT, ERK and Mcl-1 by apigenin sensitizes colon cancer cells to anti-tumor activities of ABT263.

Abstract Apigenin is an edible plant-derived flavonoid showing anti-tumor activities in vitro and in vivo. Pretreatment with apigenin resulted in cell growth arrest and/or apoptosis in various types of tumors via modulating multiple cell signaling pathways. In the present study, we evaluated interactions between apigenin and ABT263 in multiple colon cancer cell lines. We found that apigenin enhanced ABT263-induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. ABT263 alone only resulted in limited cell killing in association with upregulation of Mcl-1, a potential mechanism for acquired ABT263 resistance. Apigenin antagonized ABT263-induced Mcl-1 expression and dramatically enhanced ABT263-induced cell death. Apigenin also suppressed AKT and ERK activation. Inactivation of either AKT or ERK pathway by lentivirus-transduced shRNA or specific small molecule inhibitors synergized with ABT263 to induce cell death, reflecting that AKT and ERK pathways are apigenin targets. Moreover, the synergism between ABT263 and apigenin was associated with the upregulation of Bim and subsequent activation of Bax. Xenograft studies with HCT116 cells in SCID mice showed that the combination treatment with apigenin and ABT263 inhibited tumor growth up to 70% without obvious adverse effects, while either agent alone showed only about 30% inhibition. Collectively, our findings demonstrate a novel and effective strategy to treat colon cancer by combination of ABT263 and apigenin. The combined effect is mediated by apigenin downregulation of Mcl-1, Akt and ERK activities. Citation Format: Huanjie Shao, Kai Jing, Esraa Mahmoud, Xianjun Fang, Chunrong Yu. Modulation of AKT, ERK and Mcl-1 by apigenin sensitizes colon cancer cells to anti-tumor activities of ABT263. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3290. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3290

Topic: Flavonoids in Medical Research
Subfield: Pharmacology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
A novel electron-beam-based photomask repair tool

High-resolution electron-beam assisted deposition and etching is an enabling technology for current and future generation photo mask repair. NaWoTec in collaboration with LEO Electron Microscopy has developed a mask repair beta tool capable of processing a wide variety of mask types, such as quartz binary masks, phase shift masks, EUV masks, and e-beam projection stencil masks. Specifications currently meet the 65 nm device node requirements, and tool performance is extendible to 45 nm and below. The tool combines LEO's ultra-high resolution Supra SEM platform with NaWoTec's e-beam deposition and etching technology, gas supply and pattern generation hardware, and repair software. It is expected to ship to the first customer in October this year. In this paper, we present the tool platform, its work flow oriented repair software, and associated deposition and etch processes. Unique features are automatic drift compensation, critical edge detection, and arbitrary pattern copy with automatic placement. Repair of clear and opaque programmed defects on Cr, TaN, and MoSi quartz masks, as well as on SiC and Si stencil masks is demonstrated. We show our development roadmap towards a production tool, which will be available by the end of this year.

Topic: Advancements in Photolithography Techniques
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
The search for and study of the strange multibaryon states in systems with Λ-hyperon and K s 0 -meson in pA collision at momentum of 10 GeV/c

he observed well-known resonances $\Sigma^0$ $\Sigma^{*+}$(1385) and $K^{*\pm}$(892) from PDG are good tests of this method. Exotic strange multibaryon states have been observed in the effective mass spectra of: $\Lambda \pi^{\pm}$,$\Lambda \gamma$, $\Lambda p$, $\Lambda p p$ subsystems. The mean value of mass for $\Sigma^{*-}(1385)$ resonance is shifted till mass of 1370 MeV/$c^2$ and width is two times larger than the same value from PDG. Such kind of behavior for width and invariant mass of $\Sigma^{*-}(1385)$ resonance is interpreted as extensive contribution from stopped $\Xi^-\to\Lambda\pi^-$ and medium effect with invariant mass. The mean value of mass for $\Sigma^{*+}(1385)$ from secondary interactions is also shifted till mass of 1370 MeV/$c^2$. The width of $\Sigma^0$ is $\approx$ 2 times larger than the experimental error. There are enhancement production for all observed hyperons.

Topic: Quantum Chromodynamics and Particle Interactions
Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Bioherbicide from phenolic extract obtained from almazara waste

El uso de herbicidas sintéticos ha demostrado tener efectos nocivos en el medio ambiente y en la salud humana. Una alternativa al uso de estos compuestos sintéticos es el desarrollo de pesticidas derivados de principios activos, encontrados en plantas o metabolitos secundarios provenientes de microorganismos, que presenten propiedades fitotóxicas, pero de poca o nula toxicidad en mamíferos y utilizables en agricultura orgánica. En este contexto, el presente trabajo analizó la capacidad bioherbicida de un extracto fenólico obtenido de alpechín, que es un residuo líquido de producido en la obtención de aceite de oliva. El efecto fitotóxico fue evaluado a través de pruebas de germinación de semillas de trigo (Triticum aestivum). La efectividad del extracto fenólico fue comparada con un herbicida comercial cuyo principio activo es Simazina. Los resultados muestran que a concentraciones de 100 ppm (equivalentes de ácido gálico) aproximadamente el 10% de las semillas germinan. Las pruebas a concentraciones de 480 y 1050 ppm inhiben todas las etapas de la germinación. A diferencia de las pruebas con el extracto fenólico, el herbicida comercial no detiene la emergencia radicular en las semillas. Sin embargo, ellas aparecen con deformaciones y no logran desarrollarse de manera normal.

Topic: Plant and soil sciences
Subfield: General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Domain: Life Sciences
Facile synthesis of anisotropic gold nanoparticles and its synergistic effect on breast cancer cell lines

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possess colourful light‐scattering properties due to different composition, size and shape. Their unique physical, optical and chemical properties coupled with advantages, have increased the scope of anisotropic AuNPs in various fields. This study reports a green methodology developed for the synthesis of anisotropic AuNPs. The aqueous extracts of Alternanthera sessilis (PGK), Portulaca oleracea (PAK) and Sterculia foetida (SF) with gold ions produced violet, purple and pink coloured AuNPs, respectively, under sonication and room temperature methods revealing the formation of different shapes of AuNPs. The results of TEM analysis of AuNPs confirmed the formation of triangular plate AuNPs of the size 35 nm for PAK extract. Spherical‐shaped AuNPs (10–20 nm) were obtained using an extract of PGK. SF extract produced rod, hexagon, pentagon‐shaped AuNPs and nanorice gold particles. The cell viability studies of the PGK, PAK and SF‐mediated AuNPs on MCF‐7 cell lines by MTT assay revealed the cytotoxic activity of AuNPs to depend on the size, shape and the nature of capping agents. The synthesised AuNPs significantly inhibited the growth of cancer cells (MCF‐7) in a concentration‐dependent manner. The size and shape of these anisotropic AuNPs also reveal its potency to be used as sensors, catalysis, photothermal and therapeutic agents.

Topic: Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis and Applications
Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of<i>Cydonia oblonga</i>Miller (Quince) on Sexual Behaviour of Wistar Rats

Cydonia oblonga Miller (quince) is regarded as a potent libido invigorator in Tib-e-Nabvi and Unani System of Medicine. This study was carried out to evaluate the aphrodisiac activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of the fruits of Cydonia oblonga Miller (quince) in Wistar rats. The extract was administered orally by gavage in the dose of 500 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg body weight per day as a single dose for 28 days. The observed parameters were mounting frequency, assessment of mating performance, and orientation activities towards females, towards the environment, and towards self. The results showed that after administration of the extract mounting frequency and the mating performance of the rats increased highly significantly<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M1"><mml:mrow><mml:mfenced separators="|"><mml:mrow><mml:mi>P</mml:mi><mml:mo>&lt;</mml:mo><mml:mn>0.01</mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:mfenced></mml:mrow></mml:math>. The extract also influenced the behaviour of treated animals in comparison to nontreated rats in a remarkable manner, making them more attracted to females. These effects were observed in sexually active male Wistar rats.

Topic: Phytochemistry and Biological Activities
Subfield: Plant Science
Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Domain: Life Sciences
The Language Policy of Placement Tests for Newcomer English Learners

U.S. public schools are required to establish policies ensuring that English language learners have equal access to “meaningful education.” This demands that districts put into place mechanisms to determine student eligibility for specialized English language services. For the most states, this federal requirement is fulfilled through the local administration of the WIDA–Access Placement Test (W-APT), arguably the most widely used, yet under-studied, English language assessment in the country. Through intensive participant observation at one, urban new student intake center, and detailed qualitative, discursive analysis of test administration and interaction, we demonstrate how the W-APT works as a high-stakes assessment, screener, and sorter, and how test takers and test administrators locally negotiate this test and enact this federal and state policy. Our analysis indicates that the W-APT is problematic in several respects, most importantly because the test does not differentiate adequately across students with widely different literacy skills and formal schooling experiences.

Topic: Multilingual Education and Policy
Subfield: Linguistics and Language
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Authenticating time and frequency signals

I describe a protocol that can be used to authenticate digital time signals transmitted between time servers and client systems. This authentication is useful to protect the data from being modified en route and to guarantee that the messages really originated from a bona fide server operated by a national timing center. The protocol is based on the standard Network Time Protocol, which is widely used for synchronizing computers on the Internet. The authenticated version of the protocol can be realized using either packet-switched networks (such as the Internet) or standard dial-up telephone circuits. The implementation using dial-up telephone circuits can provide authenticated messages with an accuracy of about 1 ms, but this version requires dedicated modems and telephone lines for its implementation. The Internet version can provide equivalent accuracy in principle, but is vulnerable to a number of attacks that can degrade the accuracy and that are difficult to detect. Either method is suitable for applications that only require a timing accuracy on the order of 1 s. The protocol will be generally available, but will be most useful for systems that are involved in time-sensitive commercial or financial transactions.

Topic: Network Time Synchronization Technologies
Subfield: Computer Networks and Communications
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
The Methylation Analysis of KLF11 and PCDH9 Genes in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and the 5-year survival rate is still very poor due to the lack of effective tools for early detection. Epigenetics and especially studies on DNA methylation have given important information towards a better achievement of lung cancer pathogenesis in the recent decades. The inactivation of tumor suppressor genes via promoter hypermethylation is an obvious mechanism and is straightly related to carcinogenesis. In this study, we compared the methylation status of KLF11 and PCDH9 genes in non-small cell lung cancer and adjacent normal tissues.Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from 30 tumor tissues, bisulfite treated and were analyzed in terms of promoter methylation status of KLF11 and PCDH9 genes by high resolution melting method. Statistical analysis was carried out by chi-square test.Results: No significant difference in methylation level at the PCDH9 promoter region in NSCLC tumors compared with non-tumor tissues was observed (P = 0.3132, chi-square test). In contrast, the difference in methylation levels between normal and tumor tissue samples for the promoter of the KLF11 gene was quite significant (P = 0.0001).Conclusions: Promoter methylation of KLF11 gene is an important mechanism in the development of NSCLC, therefore, it could be used as one of the potential therapeutic goals for molecular targeted therapy and epigenetic treatment. The role of the PCDH9 gene in the development of lung cancer is complex and requires more research and a larger statistical population.

Topic: Kruppel-like factors research
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Novel 14-helical functionalised β3-peptides

β3-Peptides, (oligomers of β3-amino acids) are among the most widely studied unnatural peptides at present, due to their ability to adopt discrete and stable secondary helical structures. Of the many types of helices formed by β3-peptides, 14-helices are particularly interesting as they have 3 residues per helical turn (with a pitch of 5.0Å) and are stabilised by 14-membered hydrogen bonding rings. This allows the side chains to be aligned perfectly in three faces. The residues at positions i/i+3 are not only on the same face of the helix but are also are relatively close to each other. The aim of this study was to design and synthesise novel 14-helical stapled β3-peptides on which further functionalisation of the stapled face of the helix can be performed and used to create novel peptide assemblies. β3-Peptides were synthesised by incorporating O-allyl-β3-serines and allyl-β3-glycines at i/i+3 positions and efficiently stapling the allyl groups via ring closing metathesis (RCM) on a solid support. Further functionalisation was also performed on the alkene moiety of the staple with established alkene chemistry. The CD and NMR spectroscopic studies showed that β3-peptides, unstapled, stapled as well as functionalised staple, exhibited 14-helix signatures. These results indicate the stability of the 14-helical conformation in β3-peptides irrespective of the modification performed on the peptide. Crystallographic studies also confirms that the unstapled, stapled or functionalised staple in β3-peptides are not only 14-helical but that they assemble into ‘super-helices’. These are nanorod-like structures which self-assemble axially through three intermolecular hydrogen bonds between adjacent peptides. The crystal packing also showed that ‘super-helices’ or nanorods arranged in antiparallel sheets and are held together by hydrophobic interactions and apparently a critical hydrogen bonding between antiparallel nanorods. These findings suggest that 14-helical β3-peptides are very stable and can be structurally manipulated without altering its folding conformation or the binding motifs. Thus, 14-helical β3-peptides can be used to generate a library of new molecules of biological significance.

Topic: Chemical Synthesis and Analysis
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Reactivation coefficient of muon-catalyzed deuterium-tritium fusion and its enhancement

The reactivation process of a muon that is stuck to an alpha-particle produced in muon-catalyzed deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion is studied for the different isotope targets P, D, and T by using the born approximation calculation of charge-transfer cross sections. The isotope dependence is small compared with the large isotope effects observed by Jones et al. The authors calculated density dependence is very similar to that of Bracci and Fiorentini, and it is not as large as that observed by Jones et al. The enhancement of muon reactivation by application of a high-intensity electric field to the target is studied. Even when the very high electrical field of 40 mv/cm is applied to a liquid hydrogen target, the enhancement is small because of the isotropic emission of an alpha particle in unpolarized D-T fusion. Even in polarized D-T fusion, the enhancement is small.

Topic: Muon and positron interactions and applications
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
A comprehensive review of Guduchi ( Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.) Miers), the ambrosia of Ayurveda : A classical memoir

In Ayurveda, Guduchi, [Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.) Miers] is considered as a lead drug (agrya dravya) having multitude of therapeutic indications. This review provides a concise information regarding Guduchi, pertaining to its identifying characters, therapeutic properties and actions, being collected from 30 Nighantu (lexicons), 12 Samhita (treaties) and Chikitsa grantha (Compendia) and 15 Rasa grantha (Pharamcopoeia). The study reveals that, Guduchi is also known by about 79 other names (paryaya) , signifying its morphological features and pharmacological properties and actions. Guduchi possesses tikta, kashaya, katu rasa, laghu guna, ushna veerya, madhura vipaka and tridoshaghna property. Kandaguduchi, a variety of Guduchi, has also been pronounced and attributed with 12 synonyms, possesses katu rasa, ushna veerya and sannipatahara properties and highlighted for its categorical actions like Jvaraghni, Vishabhutghni and Valipalitnashini. Guduchi, singularly has been attributed with fourteen karma(action) and indicated in twenty one clinical conditions. It is one among the few herbs advocated to be used in ardra (fresh) condition.. Guduchi is also used in
pharmaceutical procedures like Shodhana (processing), Marana (calcination) and Jarana (incineration) of various metals and minerals. This review is expected to enrich the documentary evidences about classical references on Guduchi as add on to future researches.

Topic: Phytochemicals and Medicinal Plants
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Inelastic X-ray scattering measurements of III–V multiple quantum wells

Inelastic X-ray scattering (IXS) on an In0.17Ga0.83As/GaAs0.8P0.2 multiple quantum well (MQW) superlattice has been conducted to investigate the potential for phonon bottlenecks in low dimensional materials. This work shows that the measured spectra are in good agreement with an adiabatic bond charge model prediction and back-folded phonon modes make large contributions to the broadening of peaks observed in the spectra. The high-lying mode at 45 meV in the MQW is attributed to vibrations of Ga and P and confirmed by both experiment and theory. The acoustic phonons have a dominant contribution from the Ga and As components, and the contribution from InAs is small and only visible at around 29.7 meV. Low energy optical modes resulting from back-folding might be a key to increased electron-phonon coupling in the material system. The suitability of utilizing IXS as a means to investigate phonon modes in low dimensional materials is also discussed.

Topic: Machine Learning in Materials Science
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
A Stronger Second Chamber? Assessing the Impact of House of Lords Reform in 1999 and the Lessons for Bicameralism

The UK's second chamber is generally seen as a historical curiosity and, as Labour governments post-1997 have failed to introduce elected members, continues to be seen as ‘unreformed’. But a ‘first stage’ reform of the House of Lords in 1999 removed most of its hereditary members, leaving it almost wholly made up of appointed life peers. Although many at the time claimed that this would neuter the upper house, since most of those evicted were Conservatives, it instead seems to have had the opposite effect. This article examines whether the 1999 reform strengthened the House of Lords, how we can assess this and why it might have happened. The article concedes that measuring legislative influence is notoriously difficult. The analysis it constructs seeks to overcome this by using a range of indicators on two dimensions: the assertiveness of the House of Lords to use its powers, and the executive's responses to the chamber. This analysis indicates that the 1999 changes strengthened the Lords against the government and, in doing so, strengthened parliament as a whole. The most obvious consequence is that our understanding of British politics now needs revision. But if the Lords was strengthened by reform this also demonstrates a need to revise established comparative politics theories of bicameralism – particularly that of Arend Lijphart, which would have predicted the reverse. The recent developments in Britain validate George Tsebelis' approach of recognising ‘partisan veto players’ and the critical role of partisan balance in inter-cameral relations. But they also demonstrate that a more nuanced understanding of both legitimacy and legislative influence is needed in order to understand second chambers' (and indeed first chambers') de facto power.

Topic: Political Systems and Governance
Subfield: Political Science and International Relations
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences