This paper presents an educational game in mathematics based on an apprenticeship model using a teachable agent, as well as an evaluative study of how the game affects (1) conceptual understanding and (2) attitudes towards mathematics. In addition, we discuss how collaborative and competitive affordances of the game may affect understanding and motivation. 19 students played the game in pairs once

The mechanisms by which melanin-based colour polymorphism can evolve and be maintained in wild populations are poorly known. Theory predicts that colour morphs have differential sensitivity to environmental conditions. Recently it has been proposed that colour polymorphism covaries genetically with intrinsic and behavioural properties. Plumage moult is a costly and crucial somatic maintenance func

HIV-1 is divided into different subtypes and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) but the impact of HIV-1 subtype/CRF on disease progression is not fully understood. We determined the HIV-1 subtype/CRF of 152 seroincident individuals from Guinea-Bissau, based on the C2-V3 region of env. Rate of disease progression was measured as time from estimated seroconversion to AIDS and AIDS-related death. H

Diets high in protein have shown positive effects on short-term weight reduction and glycaemic control. However, the understanding of how dietary macronutrient composition relates to long-term risk of type 2 diabetes is limited. The aim of the present study was to examine intakes of macronutrients, fibre and protein sources in relation to incident type 2 diabetes. In total, 27 140 individuals, age

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that a single prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measured at ages 44-50 was highly predictive of subsequent prostate cancer diagnosis in an unscreened population. Here we report an additional 7 years of follow-up. This provides replication using an independent data set and allows estimates of the association between early PSA and subsequent advanced cancer (clinical

We present comprehensive results on continuous atmospheric cluster and particle measurements in the size range similar to 1-42 nm within the European Integrated project on Aerosol Cloud Climate and Air Quality interactions (EUCAARI) project. We focused on characterizing the spatial and temporal variation of new particle formation events and relevant particle formation parameters across Europe. Dif

This paper analyses the potential, barriers and limitations for regional innovation policy to facilitate industrial renewal in old industrial regions. It draws on a case analysis of the policy programme ‘Biorefinery of the Future’ geared to promote renewal of the forest industry in Northern Sweden. It is shown that infusion of radical emergent technology is necessary for new regional path developm

The multiple energy states of water held by surfaces of a clay mineral can be effectively probed with time-of-flight and fixed elastic window neutron scattering. We used these techniques to quantitatively differentiate water types, including rotational and translational diffusions, in Ca- and Na-montmorillonite (SAz-1) and charge-reduced preparations equilibrated at RH = 33% and 55%, whose gravime

The Tumbleweed (TW) is a concept for an artificial, tri-pedal, protein-based motor designed to move unidirectionally along a linear track by a diffusive tumbling motion. Artificial motors offer the unique opportunity to explore how motor performance depends on design details in a way that is open to experimental investigation. Prior studies have shown that TW's ability to complete many successive

Macroporous sponge-like gelatin-fibrinogen (Gl-Fg) scaffolds cross-linked with different concentrations (0.05-0.5%) of glutaraldehyde (GA) were produced using cryogelation technology, which allows for the preparation of highly porous scaffolds without compromising their mechanical properties, and is a more cost-efficient process than freeze-drying. The produced Gl-Fg-GA(X) scaffolds had a uniform

The filamentous bacteria Streptomyces grow by tip extension and through the initiation of new branches, and this apical growth is directed by a polarisome-like complex involving the essential polarity protein DivIVA. New branch sites must be marked de novo and, until recently, there was no understanding of how these new sites are selected. Equally, hyphal branching patterns are affected by environ

Natural formation of organically bound chlorine is extensive in many environments. The enzymes associated with the formation of chlorinated organic matter are produced by a large variety of organisms. Little is known about the ecological role of the process, the key question being: why do microorganisms promote chlorination of organic matter? In a recent paper we discuss whether organic matter chl

This article explores how the organisation of urban and transport planning departments affects the development of a sustainable transport system and the promotion of bicycling. Interviews conducted in Stockholm and Copenhagen showed that the organisation of the departments affects the social relations between the planners and creates power relations that either foster or marginalise cycling within

An association between preterm birth and an increased risk for childhood asthma has been demonstrated but the importance of intrauterine growth retardation on asthma risk is unclear.Using data from Swedish health registers, infant characteristics and childhood asthma were studied. Analyses were made using Mantel-Haenszel methodology with adjustment for year of birth, maternal age, parity, smoking

Significance: Haptoglobin (Hp) is an abundant plasma protein controlling the fate of hemoglobin (Hb) released from red blood cells after intravascular hemolysis. The complex formed between Hp and Hb is extraordinary strong, and once formed, this protein-protein association can be considered irreversible. Recent advances: A model of the Hp-Hb complex has been generated and the first steps towards u

[Context & motivation] For market-driven software product developing organizations operating on a competitive open market, it is important to plan the product’s releases so that they can reach the market as early as possible with a competitive level of quality compared to its competitors' products. Hence, quality requirements can be seen as a key competitive advantage. The QUPER model was deve

Context Mitochondrial ATP production is important in the regulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Genetic factors may modulate the capacity of the β-cells to secrete insulin and thereby contribute to the risk of type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify genetic loci in or adjacent to nuclear encoded genes of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway that are

Purpose of the Study: To identify risk factors for early nursing home placement (NHP) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), focusing on the impact of longitudinal change in cognition, activities of daily living (ADL), service utilization, and cholinesterase inhibitor treatment (ChEI). DESIGN AND METHODS: In an open, 3-year, prospective, multicenter study in a routine clinical setting, 880 AD patients were