High Gainers Research Articles

The dynamics of reading development in L2 English for academic purposes

In a mixed-methods approach, this study investigates the complex and dynamic developmental trajectories of 27 Chinese Chemistry major undergraduates’ English academic reading ability. Twelve parallel tests were designed, validated, and used weekly during one semester. The analyses included a group pre-post design to measure academic reading gains, a regression analysis to predict beginning reading score with English proficiency and Chemistry knowledge as predictors, individual longitudinal case studies to measure variability and phase shifts, and a cluster analysis to discover (un)common developmental patterns. Finally, a qualitative study used interviews to discover difficulties in reading and strategies to overcome them. English proficiency predicted the initial reading score and the group gained significantly in academic reading. Each learner showed different non-linear patterns, and a cluster analysis revealed few similar patterns among learners. The high gainers showed relatively more variability over time and used more and a wider variety and more sophisticated learning and reading strategies to improve.

Coupling of energy intake and energy expenditure across a temperature spectrum: impact of diet-induced obesity in mice.

Obesity and its metabolic sequelae are implicated in dysfunction of the somatosensory, sympathetic, and hypothalamic systems. Because these systems contribute to integrative regulation of energy expenditure (EE) and energy intake (EI) in response to ambient temperature (Ta) changes, we hypothesized that diet-induced obesity (DIO) disrupts Ta-associated EE-EI coupling. C57BL/6N male mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD; 45% kcal) or low-fat diet (LFD; 10% kcal) for ∼9.5 wk; HFD mice were then split into body weight (BWT) quartiles (n = 8 each) to study DIO-low gainers (Q1) versus -high gainers (Q4). EI and indirect calorimetry (IC) were measured over 3 days each at 10°C, 20°C, and 30°C. Responses did not differ between LFD, Q1, and Q4; EI and BWT-adjusted EE increased rapidly when transitioning toward 20°C and 10°C. In all groups, EI at 30°C was not reduced despite lower EE, resulting in positive energy balance and respiratory exchange ratios consistent with increased de novo lipogenesis, energy storage, and relative hyperphagia. We conclude that 1) systems controlling Ta-dependent acute EI/EE coupling remained intact in obese mice and 2) rapid coupling of EI/EE at cooler temperatures is an important adaptation to maintain energy stores and defend body temperature, but less critical at thermoneutrality. A post hoc analysis using digestible EI plus IC-calculated EE suggests that standard IC assumptions for EE calculation require further validation in the setting of DIO. The experimental paradigm provides a platform to query the hypothalamic, somatosensory, and sympathetic mechanisms that drive Ta-associated EI/EE coupling.

Individual differences in conditioned approach and cocaine‐induced locomotor activity in obesity‐susceptible rats

The continuing obesity epidemic has increased the need to understand the neural and behavioral mechanisms that drive over‐eating. Studies in rodents and humans have shown that some individuals are more susceptible to diet‐induced weight gain than others. This may be due in part to differences in the function of mesolimbic circuits that underlie motivation. We previously found that selectively bred male obesity‐prone (OP) rats are more sensitive to the acute locomotor activating effects of cocaine compared to obesity‐resistant (OR) rats, and that intrinsic excitability of medium spiny neurons in the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) is enhanced in OP vs. OR males. In addition, motivational responses to Pavlovian food cues mediated by activity in the NAc are stronger in OP vs. OR rats. However, little is known about potential differences in OP vs. OR females, and it's unclear whether similar neurobehavioral differences are present in outbred rats. Therefore, we evaluated conditioned approach and sensitivity to the acute locomotor‐activating effects of cocaine in outbred rats screened for sensitivity to diet‐induced obesity, as well as F1 offspring generated from these rats. During the initial screen, males had free access to high‐fat diet for 2 weeks, and females for 3 weeks. Weight and food intake were measured daily, and fat mass was determined by NMR at the end of the screening period. Based upon their total change in weight over the screening period, we designated each outbred rat a high or low gainer. F1 offspring were generated by pairing the top 4 male and female high gainers and the bottom 4 male and female low gainers prior to behavioral testing. Post‐NMR, outbred rats began chronic food restriction and underwent training for a simple Pavlovian task where we presented an auditory cue paired with 2 unflavored Bio‐serv food pellets 25 times per session for 10 sessions. Following Pavlovian training, rats underwent extinction followed by reinstatement. Finally, rats went through locomotor testing where they received increasing doses of cocaine within session (males: 7.5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg; females: 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, i.p.). Adult F1 offspring underwent the same behavioral training and testing as their outbred parents. Initial results suggest slight trends towards a greater magnitude of conditioned approach in high vs low gainers in males but not females. The magnitude of reinstatement was greater in both male and female high gainers vs. low gainers. Finally, both males and females identified as high gainers also trended towards greater peak and sustained acute cocaine‐induced locomotor activity than low gainers. Initial results from behavioral studies in F1 offspring from high and low gainer breeding pairs show greater conditioned approach in F1 high gainers compared to F1 low gainers. Taken together, data from screened outbred rats and their F1 offspring support the idea that susceptibility to weight gain is accompanied by enhanced motivational responses to food cues and increased responsivity of mesolimbic circuits.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by NIDDK R01‐DK106188, 1R01DK115526 and NIDA T32DA007268 to CRF. Studies also utilized the Chemistry Core of the Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center funded by DK020572 awarded by NIDDK.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

MIXED METHOD ANALYSIS IN ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTENTIONAL LEARNING INSTRUMENTS IN TEACHING CIRCUITS

Research results on Intentional Learning proved positive implications in the teaching and learning processes.  In this study, the researcher analyzed data gathered from the implementation of Intentional Learning Questionnaire in Electric Circuit (ILQ-EC) and Intentional Learning Module (ILM) as the intentional learning instruments. The over-all study involves implementation of ILQ-EC, development of ILM and testing its effectiveness using quantitative and qualitative research analysis. Previous research used ILQ-EC in identifying motivation and learning strategies factors which were highly correlated and predictive to conceptual understanding of student respondents. These factors served as the benchmark in the development and testing of ILM for this present study. Results for both quantitative and qualitative analysis showed that high gainers tend to be more intentional, specifically, more critical thinker and with higher perceived competence than low gainers. Moreover, average normal gains of the student-participants after using ILM was higher compared to previous research results using different learning approaches. ILM evaluation based on student responses also confirmed the influence of ILM in their learning gains. Thus, enhancing intentionality proved significant effect in the teaching and learning process.

Oral fluency, sociolinguistic competence, and language contact: Arabic learners studying abroad in Egypt

This study examines the development of oral fluency and sociolinguistic competence in 21 U.S. university Arabic learners studying for four months in three programs in Egypt. Two measures of oral fluency (speech rate and mean length of run) were measured in pre and post sociolinguistic interviews. Sociolinguistic competence was operationalized as the percent of Egyptian phonological, morphosyntactic, and lexical items used in the post interview (students had not been extensively exposed to Egyptian dialect prior to study abroad). The results demonstrate that while students made gains in oral fluency on average, not all students made gains. However, all students gained in sociolinguistic competence, implying that this measure of oral performance may not be captured by fluency measures. Observation and interview data were used to analyze the experiences of high and low gainers on each measure. These results show that high gainers socialized in Arabic with both study abroad students and Egyptians, while low gainers primarily socialized with other study abroad students in English. Program components helped shape social networks and language use. The study concludes with recommendations for measuring oral gains during study abroad and program interventions.

Energy Intake and Energy Expenditure for Determining Excess Weight Gain in Pregnant Women.

To conduct a secondary analysis designed to test whether gestational weight gain is the result of increased energy intake or adaptive changes in energy expenditures. In this secondary analysis, energy intake and energy expenditure of 45 pregnant women (body mass index [BMI] 18.5-24.9 [n=33] and BMI 25 or greater [n=12]) were measured preconceptionally and at 22 and 36 weeks of gestation. Energy intake was calculated as the sum of total energy expenditure measured by doubly-labeled water and energy deposition determined by the four-compartment body composition model. Measurements of weight, body composition, and basal metabolic rate were completed preconceptionally and 9, 22, and 36 weeks of gestation. Basal metabolic rate was measured by indirect calorimetry in a room calorimeter and activity energy expenditure by doubly-labeled water. Energy intake from 22 to 36 weeks of gestation was significantly higher in high gainers (n=19) (3,437±99 kcal per day) compared with low+ideal gainers (n=26) (2,687±110, P<.001) within both BMI categories. Basal metabolic rate increased in proportion to gestational weight gain; however, basal metabolic rate adjusted for body composition changes with gestational weight gain was not significantly different between high gainers and low+ideal gainers (151±33 compared with 129±36 kcal per day; P=.66). Activity energy expenditure decreased throughout pregnancy in both groups (low+ideal gainers: -150±70 kcal per day; P=.04 and high gainers: -230±92 kcal per day; P=.01), but there was no difference between high gainers and low+ideal gainers (P=.49). Interventions designed to increase adherence to the Institute of Medicine guidelines for weight gain in pregnancy may have increased efficacy if focused on limiting energy intake while increasing nutrient density and maintaining levels of physical activity.

Describing What College Physics Students Learned and How They Learned

In this study, the author compared the epistemological beliefs between students who were more successful (high gainers) and students who were less successful (low gainers) in a Mechanics standard test. The study involved five high gainers and five low gainers randomly chosen from a Physics class at Central Mindanao University. Epistemological beliefs were determined from the students’ descriptions on what and how they learned physics concepts as reflected in their weekly journals. Findings reveal that both groups viewed physics as made up of CONCEPTS. To the high gainers, CONCEPTS are coherent and interrelated giving a clear picture of a big system that form the basis for explaining physical phenomena; while to the low gainers, physics CONCEPTS are isolated bits of information and ideas. On how they learned what they learned, high gainers believe that knowledge has to be reconstructed from what was previously learned, and being less dependent on AUTHORITY, preferred learning through discussion and REASONING after careful OBSERVING A PHENOMENON and INTERPRETATION. The low gainers, on the other hand, believe that physics can be learned from AUTHORITY by carefully listening to their lectures and OBSERVING what they demonstrate.  Keywords - Conceptual Gains, Epistemological beliefs, weekly-journal, Physics Concepts Â

1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy-based metabolic assessment in a rat model of obesity induced by a high-fat diet

Obesity, whose prevalence is increasing rapidly worldwide, is recognized as a risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and renal disease. To investigate metabolic changes in the urine of a rat model of obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD), rats were divided into the following four groups based on the diet type and degree of weight gain: normal-diet (ND) low gainers, ND high gainers, HFD low gainers, and HFD high gainers. Biochemical analyses of visceral fat-pad weight, plasma, and liver tissues were performed. The (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H-NMR) spectra of urine were analyzed using multivariate statistical analysis to identify the separation of the groups. It was observed that the metabolic profile of urine obtained by (1)H-NMR-spectroscopy-based metabolomic analysis differed between ND low gainers and ND high gainers even though these animals consumed the same normal diet. Several key metabolites in urine, such as betaine, taurine, acetone/acetoacetate, phenylacetylglycine, pyruvate, lactate, and citrate contributed to the classification of these two groups. The metabolic profile of urine also differed between ND low gainers and HFD high gainers, which consumed the different diet and showed a different weight gain. This study has identified features of urine metabolites in various groups and demonstrated the reliability of an NMR-based metabolomics approach to investigate the effects of the diet and the physical constitution on obesity.

Do Computers Enhance or Detract from Student Learning

Does becoming familiar with computer and information technology during college add to or detract from making progress toward other desirable outcomes of college? Based on responses to the 23 gains items from the CSEQ (including computer use), more than 125,000 undergraduates from 205 four-year colleges and universities were divided into two categories: (1) High Gainers (those who made substantial progress on using computers) and (2) Low Gainers (those reporting less progress). Increased familiarity with computers was positively related to developing other important skills and competencies, including social skills.

Individual severity of dietary obesity in unselected Wistar rats: relationship with hyperphagia.

We investigated the relative importance of overeating, thermogenesis, and uncoupling protein (UCP) expression in determining the severity of obesity in male Wistar rats fed a highly palatable diet. After 2 wk of feeding, body weight did not differ significantly from controls (248 +/- 4 vs. 229 +/- 3 g; P > 0.3), but rectal temperature, brown adipose tissue (BAT) mass, UCP3 expression in gastrocnemius muscle, and UCP2 expression in white adipose tissue (WAT) were all elevated in diet-fed animals. In a further study, rats fed a palatable diet for 8 wk exhibited higher energy intake and rectal temperature than controls. Dietary-obese rats were divided into high (427-490 g; n = 8) and low (313-410 g; n = 10) weight gainers. The high gainers ate significantly more than the low gainers, and energy intake was positively correlated with weight gain (r(2) = 0.72, P < 0.01). UCP2 and UCP3 mRNA levels in gastrocnemius muscle were significantly increased above lean controls in all diet-fed animals, whereas UCPs in WAT and BAT did not differ significantly from controls. Whereas rats fed palatable food exhibited a thermogenic response, there was no significant difference in core temperature between high and low gain groups (37. 5 +/- 0.1 vs. 37.6 +/- 0.1 degrees C; P > 0.5). We conclude that a higher energy intake is the critical factor determining susceptibility to dietary obesity in unselected Wistar rats.

Heredity and the path to overweight and obesity

Overweight and obesity are not homogeneous phenotypes as individuals differ in terms of the regional distribution of the excess weight or fat. Overweight and obesity are also complex multifactorial phenotypes influenced by both genetic and nongenetic determinants. Heritability of fat mass or percent body fat derived from underwater weighing measurement reaches about 25% of the age and gender adjusted phenotypic variance. Based on twin and parent-child data, it has been reported that the heritability of resting metabolic rate, thermic response to food, and energy cost of submaximal exercise, adjusted for the proper concomitants, is as high as 40%. The level of habitual physical activity also exhibits a significant heritability level on the order of about 25%. Experimental overfeeding with identical twins demonstrates that there are inherited differences in body weight and body composition response. The most important factor identified thus far to account for the individual differences in response to long-term overfeeding is a nutrient partitioning characteristic, namely the proportion of fat vs lean tissue gained. The high gainers are those storing energy primarily in the form of fat, while the low gainers are storing relatively more in the form of lean tissue.