APRT – Another Pattern Recognition Tool

Understanding and using Design Patterns improves software quality through better comprehension of programs for both experienced developers and relative novices. Often design patterns are learned through simplified “toy” programs and exemplars that foreground the structure of the pattern. In production code the objects and methods that comprise the pattern can be hidden within a complex mesh of intra-code relationships. This paper introduces APRT, an ANTLR-based tool that recovers the structure of both static and dynamic patterns from large codebases so that they can be studied in context

The Luminous Convolution Model as an alternative to dark matter in spiral galaxies

The Luminous Convolution Model (LCM) demonstrates that it is possible to predict the rotation curves of spiral galaxies directly from estimates of the luminous matter. We consider two frame-dependent effects on the light observed from other galaxies: relative velocity and relative curvature. With one free parameter, we predict the rotation curves of twenty-three (23) galaxies represented in forty-two (42) data sets. Relative curvature effects rely upon knowledge of both the gravitational potential from luminous mass of the emitting galaxy and the receiving galaxy, and so each emitter galaxy is compared to four (4) different Milky Way luminous mass models. On average in this sample, the LCM is more successful than either dark matter or modified gravity models in fitting the observed rotation curve data. Implications of LCM constraints on populations synthesis modeling are discussed in this paper. This paper substantially expands the results in arXiv:1309.7370.Comment: Implications of LCM constraints on populations synthesis modeling are discussed in this paper. This paper substantially expands the results in arxiv:1309.737

Effects of In-Season Velocity- Versus Percentage-Based Training in Academy Rugby League Players

Purpose: To compare the effects of velocity-based training (VBT) versus percentage-based training (PBT) on strength, speed and jump performance in academy rugby league players during a 7-week in-season mesocycle. Methods: Twenty-seven rugby league players competing in the Super League U19s Championship were randomised to VBT (n = 12) or PBT (n = 15). Both groups completed a 7-week resistance training intervention (2x/week) that involved the back squat. The PBT group used a fixed load based on a percentage of one repetition maximum (1RM), whereas the VBT group used a modifiable load based on individualised velocity thresholds. Biomechanical and perceptual data were collected during each training session. Back squat 1RM, countermovement jump (CMJ), reactive strength index (RSI), sprint times, and back squat velocity at 40-90% 1RM were assessed pre- and post-training. Results: The PBT group showed likely to most likely improvements in 1RM strength and RSI, whereas the VBT group showed likely to very likely improvements in 1RM strength, CMJ height, and back squat velocity at 40 and 60% 1RM. Sessional velocity and power were most likely greater during VBT compared with PBT (standardised mean differences [SMDs] = 1.8 to 2.4), whilst time under tension and perceptual training stress were likely lower (SMDs = 0.49 to 0.66). The improvement in back squat velocity at 60% 1RM was likely greater following VBT compared with PBT (SMD = 0.50). Conclusion: VBT can be implemented during the competitive season, instead of traditional PBT, to improve training stimuli, decrease training stress, and promote velocity-specific adaptations

Production and characterization of anti-human interferon γ receptor antibody fragments that inhibit cytokine binding to the receptor

Three single-chain antibody fragments that recognize the extracellular human interferon γ receptor α-chain (IFNγR), and inhibit the binding of human IFNγ, have been produced in Escherichia coli. These fragments are derived from murine anti-receptor monoclonal antibodies, and comprise the variable heavy (VH) domain linked to the variable light (VL) chain through a 15 amino acid linker [(GGGGS)3]. Using surface plasmon resonance technology (BIAcore), the soluble proteins were shown to retain a high affinity for recombinant IFNγR, and by radioimmunoassay to possess high inhibitory activity towards IFNγ-binding to human Raji cells. The antibody fragments most likely recognize epitopes that overlap the cytokine binding site on the receptor surface. Attempts to dissect further the antibodies to isolated VH- and VL-chains and to synthetic linear and cyclic peptides derived from the individual complementarity determining regions failed to afford fragments with significant IFNγR binding affinity. Nevertheless, these native-like variable region fragments and petidomimetics derived from them are of interest in the design of novel IFNγR antagonist

Unplugged Learning in the Kindergarten Computer Science Classroom

The purpose of this action research study was to determine the impact of teaching computer science to kindergarten using only unplugged learning rather than plugged or a mixture of plugged and unplugged learning on engagement. Participants included 71 kindergarten and transitional kindergarten students in a public school in rural central Iowa. Data was collected through behavior and off-task reminder tallies, as well as assessment data over nine classes equal to a trimester’s number of computer science classes. Students were taught using either strictly unplugged methods using games, books, manipulatives, and movement or a plugged/online curriculum using online puzzles and videos, including a couple of unplugged lessons. The study found that unplugged learning positively impacted behavior and off-task behavior. No statistical difference was shown in academic achievement; however, it is noted that more topics were covered in the unplugged group than that of the plugged group over the same amount of time. Overall, unplugged learning in kindergarten computer science class positively impacts engagement. The researcher recommends further studies extending the entire year of kindergarten, further studies extending the research through first grade should be considered as well

The Politics of Commerce : The Congress of Chambers of Commerce of the Empire, 1886-1914

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Modifications and Medications to Improve Alzheimer’s Disease from Type 2 Diabetes

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) are chronic conditions increasing in prevalence that impact the daily lives of those afflicted with them. AD and T2D are linked through the pathophysiology of insulin resistance. Thus, there are intersections that can allow the management of T2D to improve the treatment and prevention of AD. Modifiable risk factors, such as diet and physical activity level, play important roles in the health of T2D patients as well as in preventing AD. Medications traditionally used in the treatment of T2D, such as metformin, pioglitazone, and insulin, are being examined for use in the new context of treating AD. Improving patient education on chronic diseases and modifiable risk factors, as well as continuing research into applications of drugs to treat and prevent AD, can reduce much of the suffering associated with AD and other chronic illnesses, such as T2D

ANTENATAL ANXIETY PREDICTING CHILD OUTCOMES IN FRAGILE X SYNDROME

A relationship between maternal anxiety during pregnancy, known as antenatal anxiety, and negative child outcomes has been consistently shown in the literature. Children of mothers who experienced antenatal anxiety have higher rates of physical, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional deficits compared to children whose mothers did not experience clinical levels of anxiety during pregnancy. To date, research on antenatal anxiety and child outcomes is almost exclusively limited to non-clinical populations. Therefore, little is known about the relationship between maternal anxiety during pregnancy and suboptimal cognitive and behavioral development in children with disabilities. Families with fragile X syndrome (FXS) are a unique population with which to examine these relationships, as children with the full mutation have higher rates of problem behavior and cognitive deficits compared to typical children and mothers with the pre- and full-mutation are at an increased risk for developing psychopathology. The current study examines the relationship between maternal antenatal anxiety and child outcomes, specifically problem behavior, autistic symptoms, and HPA axis functioning in children with the full mutation. Results suggested that maternal antenatal anxiety significantly predicted child anxiety/depression. Current maternal anxiety was also predicative of child internalizing behaviors and attention problems. Implications of findings, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed