Assessing Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching: The Role of Teaching Context

Assessments of mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT), which are often designed to measure specialized types of mathematical knowledge, typically include a representation of teaching practice in the assessment task. This analysis makes use of an existing, validated set of 10 assessment tasks to both describe and explore the function of the teaching contexts represented. We found that teaching context serves a variety of functions, some more critical than others. These context features play an important role in both the design of assessments of MKT and the types of mathematical knowledge assessed

The impact of modelling method selection on predicted extent and distribution of deep-sea benthic assemblages

Predictive modelling of deep-sea species and assemblages with multibeam acoustic datasets as input variables is now a key tool in the provision of maps upon which spatial planning and management of the marine environment can be based. However, with a multitude of methods available, advice is needed on the best methods for the task at hand. In this study, we predictively modelled the distribution and extent of three vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) at the assemblage level (‘Lophelia pertusa reef frameworks’; ‘Stylasterids and lobose sponges’; and ‘Xenophyophore fields’) on the eastern flank of Rockall Bank, using three modelling methods: MaxEnt; RandomForests classification with multiple assemblages (gRF); and RandomForests classification with the presence/absence of a single VME (saRF). Performance metrics indicated that MaxEnt performed the best, but all models were considered valid. All three methods broadly agreed with regard to broad patterns in distribution. However, predicted extent presented a variation of up to 35 % between the different methods, and clear differences in predicted distribution were observed. We conclude that the choice of method is likely to influence the results of predicted maps, potentially impacting political decisions about deep-sea VME conservation

Behavioral And Neurochemical Effects of Amphetamine Analogs That Release Monoamines in the Squirrel Monkey

To date, there are no effective pharmacotherapies for treating psychostimulant abuse. Previous preclinical and clinical studies have shown that continuous treatment with the monoamine releaser amphetamine reduces cocaine self-administration, but amphetamine selectively targets the dopamine system and is reinforcing. In the present study, we examined the consequences of administration of amphetamine and three structurally related analogs that vary in their potencies for releasing dopamine and serotonin on behavioral-stimulant effects and nucleusaccumbens dopamine levels in squirrel monkeys. Amphetamine and PAL-353, which have relatively high selectivity for releasing dopamine vs. serotonin, increased accumbens dopamine levels and induced stimulant effects on behavior maintained by a fixed-interval schedule of reinforcement. PAL-313, which has a relatively low selectivity for releasing dopamine vs. serotonin, increased dopamine levels, but did not induce behavioral-stimulant effects. PAL-287, which is relatively nonselective in releasing dopamine and serotonin, did not increase dopamine levels or induce behavioral-stimulant effects. These results demonstrate that increasing serotonergic activity attenuates dopamine release and dopamine-mediated behavioral effects of monoamine releasers. In addition, these results support further investigation of PAL-313 and similar compounds as a potential medication for treating psychostimulant abuse

The Focus Group as a Demonstration Technique

Focus group interviews are research techniques, and demonstration projects are Extension techniques. Our title is a little misleading; we are merely proposing that many aspects of focus groups can be used to strengthen demonstrations. We describe a focus group field forestry interview that was described by participants as an outstanding demonstration. This was surprising because our project had no demonstration objective. We discuss four aspects of focus group methodology that might be incorporated into demonstrations in order to enhance educational effectiveness: group dynamics, reversed information flow, enhanced networking opportunity, and increased variables in demonstrations to facilitate more discussion

Conceptualizing Ethics, Authenticity, and Efficacy of Simulations in Teacher Education

This working group was a continuation of working groups in 2019 and 2021 that initially aimed to focus on equity in simulations of practice in mathematics teacher education. We began by discussing our conceptualizations of simulations and equity. Next, we reflected on the lack of work that currently exists at the intersection of simulations and equity as well as our limited collective expertise in this space. We proposed the following areas of potential research: Access,Design, Affective Domains, Teaching Practices, Assessment, Critical Conversations. Attendees self-selected into focus groups and met to discuss their current work and how future work could focus more on equity and access. At the conclusion of our time together we developed a plan for achieving our key goal of disseminating a book that documents the landscape of the field

Known-groups validity of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) in adolescents and young adults with special healthcare needs

To examine known-groups validity of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) Short Forms (SFs) for adolescents and young adults with special health care needs (SHCN) using data collected from the PROMIS Linking Study

Can Tetrahymena thermophila help us better understand the activity of proto-oncogenes and their associated gene regulation?

Nearly all of us have been affected by cancer, a deadly disease that has its roots in mitotic dysregulation. Proto-oncogenes, or regulated growth genes, are present in all eukaryotic cells. In many tumors, the regulatory elements that allow for homeostatic growth have been silenced or lost to mutations, resulting in pathological overgrowth of cells. Tetrahymena thermophila are free-living eukaryotic unicellular organisms that generally reproduce asexually via mitosis. Our previous studies have shown that these organisms appear to express homologues of the proto-oncogene, Ras, and its signaling partner, Raf. The Ras/Raf uncoupler BAY-293 reduces mitotic signaling in this organism, apparently by decreasing gene expression as indicated by the increased level of histone acetylation seen with drug treatment. Another proto-oncogene involved in vertebrate mitotic signaling is the tyrosine phosphatase SHP2, encoded by the gene PTPN11. This protein is instrumental in recruiting a number of pathways involved in mitosis and differentiation, including the Ras/Raf pathway. BLAST searches of the Tetrahymena Genome Database using the SHP2 sequence indicate a high likelihood that Tetrahymena have a SHP2 homolog, making this an intriguing target for drug study. We hypothesized that inhibiting SHP2 would reduce mitosis in Tetrahymena; however, the SHP2 inhibitor PHPS significantly increased cell division in this organism while decreasing histone acetylation. PHPS increased levels of tyrosine phosphorylation and nucleolar activity in Tetrahymena; the distribution of phosphorylation throughout the cell was also affected. In summary, we see that while the Ras homolog in Tetrahymena affects mitosis in a manner that is similar to vertebrates, the SHP2 homolog does not. Therefore, Tetrahymena would be a useful model system in which to study drugs that affect the Ras/Raf portion of growth factor signaling

Stroke impact on mortality and psychologic morbidity within the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.

BackgroundPoor socioeconomic and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes in survivors of childhood cancer can lead to distress and overall negatively impact the lives of these individuals. The current report has highlighted the impact of stroke and stroke recurrence on mortality, psychological HRQOL, and socioeconomic outcomes within the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS).MethodsThe CCSS is a retrospective cohort study with longitudinal follow-up concerning survivors of pediatric cancer who were diagnosed between 1970 and 1986. Mortality rates per 100 person-years were calculated across 3 periods: 1) prior to stroke; 2) after first stroke and before recurrent stroke; and 3) after recurrent stroke. Socioeconomic outcomes, the standardized Brief Symptoms Inventory-18, the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and the CCSS-Neurocognitive Questionnaire also were assessed.ResultsAmong 14,358 participants (median age, 39.7 years), 224 had a stroke after their cancer diagnosis (single stroke in 161 patients and recurrent stroke in 63 patients). Based on 2636 deaths, all-cause late mortality rates were 0.70 (95% CI, 0.68-0.73) prior to stroke, 1.03 (95% CI, 0.73-1.46) after the first stroke, and 2.42 (95% CI, 1.48-3.94) after the recurrent stroke. Among 7304 survivors, those with stroke were more likely to live with a caregiver (single stroke odds ratio [OR], 2.3 [95% CI, 1.4-3.8]; and recurrent stroke OR, 5.3 [95% CI, 1.7-16.8]) compared with stroke-free survivors. Stroke negatively impacted task efficiency (single stroke OR, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.4-4.1] and recurrent stroke OR, 3.3 [95% CI, 1.1-10.3]) and memory (single stroke OR, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.2-3.7]; and recurrent stroke OR, 3.5 [95% CI, 1.1-10.5]).ConclusionsStroke and stroke recurrence are associated with increased mortality and negatively impact HRQOL measures in survivors of pediatric cancer

Partnering for a Resilient and Sustainable Future

Ohio Military Kids (OMK) is a joint partnership of OSU Extension 4-H youth development and Ohio National Guard Family Readiness and Warrior Support. There are roughly 30,000 Ohio children with a parent or guardian serving in the military. These 30,000 youth are spread across every county in Ohio; and 16 counties have more than 500 military youth residing in them. With only one active duty base in Ohio (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base), the importance of education and community outreach is necessary when it comes to supporting the social, emotional, and academic needs of these children. Ohio has the outstanding benefit of community and university support to offer countless resources to military families. With financial support of private donors and grants, OMK is a thriving program that offers year-round educational and recreational programs to youth of military families. In addition, OMK promotes and distributes resources to equip families with the skills and networks necessary to thrive as a successful military family, whether on reservist duties or actively serving. Events offered by OMK are intended to let military-connected youth know they are not alone. Youth build relationships with other children who are experiencing similar situations. Not only does every county in Ohio have military youth residing in them, every school district in the United States has military-connected youth. "Military-connected youth" are children, adolescents, or students with a close family member (parent, step parent, sibling, step-sibling, cousin) or friend serving in any branch of the United States Armed Forces in any status (active duty, reserve, or national guard). Ohio Military Kids offers several programs that support the youth and their families through the deployment cycle. Programs that will be highlighted in the presentation include hero camps, troop and family camps, youth and teen camps, and parent workshops. The mission of OMK is to empower and support the social, emotional, and academic needs of all Ohio National Guard and Reserve Component youth. OMK educates the public on the impact a deployment has on service members’ children, families, and communities through awareness-building and educational trainings with schools and community organizations. Through programming, OMK also educates the youth to build upon their resilience and how they can make the best of their unique situation. This conference poster will highlight recent trends in OMK involvement, promote the resources that are offered, and convey the resilience with which OMK programming equips military youth.AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Kayla Oberstadt, 4-H program manager, OSU Extension, [email protected] (Corresponding Author); Theresa Ferrari, OSU Extension specialist, 4-H youth development; Alexis Howell, 4-H student assistant, OSU Extension; Heather Corson, 4-H student assistant, OSU ExtensionOhio Military Kids (OMK) is a joint effort between OSU Extension 4-H youth development and Ohio National Guard Family Readiness and Warrior Support. OMK activities offer a positive opportunity to meet other children who face the unique family situations, stresses, and successes of a military family. Learn what OMK offers including camps and workshops, as well as the resilience developed by military youth who participate in our programs. Visit the OMK poster to see how to refer military families to our local resources, learn how you could become a volunteer, and how we, as a community, can support those families who bravely serve our country