Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Uniform approximate functional equation for principal L-functions

We prove an approximate functional equation for the central value of the L-series attached to an irreducible cuspidal automorphic representation of GL(m) over a number field with unitary central character. We investigate the decay rate of the terms involved using the analytic conductor of Iwaniec and Sarnak as a guideline. Straightforward extensions of the results exist for products of central values. We hope that these formulae will help further understanding of the central values of principal L-functions, such as finding good bounds on their various power means, or establishing subconvexity or nonvanishing results in certain families. A crucial role in the proofs is played by recent progress on the Ramanujan--Selberg conjectures achieved by Luo, Rudnick and Sarnak. The bounds at the non-Archimedean places enter through the work of Molteni.
Metaphors and Gestures in Music Teaching: An Examination of Junior High Schools in Taiwan

In cognitive metaphor theory, metaphor is a conceptual and experiential process that structures our world. This study, taking an applied linguistic' view on CMT, examines how metaphor is manifested in speech and via gestures by music teachers in classrooms where Mandarin Chinese is the main language employed. Thirteen music sessions by, and interviews with, six teachers in six junior high schools in Taiwan constitute the data. The three-stage analysis focuses on the nature of verbal and gestural metaphors, the relations between verbal and gestural metaphors, their functions, and the educational implications. The study represents an original and exploratory empirical contribution to the field, and the results further support CMT by providing empirical data on how native speakers of Chinese express metaphor via the two modalities. It also contributes to metaphor identification procedures for identifying metaphorically-used words in Chinese, and coding metaphoric gestures. Chapter 1 concerns the motivation for the study, its aims and significance, and the initial research questions. Chapter 2 provides a background context for the study by reviewing the existing research in the field of verbal and gestural metaphor use in (music) classrooms, and by giving an introduction to the current education system in Taiwan. After this, chapters 3 and 4 describe a preliminary and a pilot study designed to explore the ground and examine the feasibility of the intended research design. These are followed by the research design and methodology for the main study in chapter 5. Chapter 6 covers the methods of transcribing, identifying verbal metaphors, and coding metaphoric gestures, used in the main study. The results and discussion of the data analysis of the main study are dealt with in chapter 7. Finally, conclusions, implications, limitations, and suggestions are presented in chapter 8.
High In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Pac-525 against Porphyromonas gingivalis Biofilms Cultured on Titanium

In order to investigate the potential of short antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as alternative antibacterial agents during the treatment of peri-implantitis, the cytotoxic activity of three short AMPs, that is, Pac-525, KSL-W, and KSL, was determined using the MTT assay. The antimicrobial activity of these AMPs, ranging in concentration from 0.0039 mg/mL to 0.5 mg/mL, against the predominant planktonic pathogens, including Streptococcus sanguis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Porphyromonas gingivalis, involved in peri-implantitis was investigated. Furthermore, 2-day-old P. gingivalis biofilms cultured on titanium surfaces were treated with Pac-525 and subsequently observed and analysed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The average cell proliferation curve indicated that there was no cytotoxicity due to the three short AMPs. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values of Pac-525 were 0.0625 mg/mL and 0.125 mg/mL, respectively, for P. gingivalis and 0.0078 mg/mL and 0.0156 mg/mL, respectively, for F. nucleatum. Using CLSM, we confirmed that compared to 0.1% chlorhexidine, 0.5 mg/mL of Pac-525 caused a significant decrease in biofilm thickness and a decline in the percentage of live bacteria. These data indicate that Pac-525 has unique properties that might make it suitable for the inhibition the growth of pathogenic bacteria around dental implants.
PTEN Regulates Fibroblast Elimination during Collagen Matrix Contraction*

During tissue repair, excess fibroblasts are eliminated by apoptosis. This physiologic process limits fibrosis and restores normal anatomic patterns. Replicating physiologic apoptosis associated with tissue repair, fibroblasts incorporated into type I collagen matrices undergo apoptosis in response to collagen matrix contraction. In this in vitro model of wound repair, fibroblasts first attach to collagen via α2β1 integrin. This provides a survival signal via activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signal pathway. However, during subsequent collagen matrix contraction, the level of phosphorylated Akt progressively declines, triggering apoptosis. The mechanism underlying the fall in phosphorylated Akt is incompletely understood. Here we show that PTEN phosphatase becomes activated during collagen matrix contraction and is responsible for antagonizing phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity and promoting a decline in phosphorylated Akt and fibroblast apoptosis in response to collagen contraction. PTEN null fibroblasts displayed enhanced levels of phosphorylated Akt and were resistant to collagen matrix contraction-induced apoptosis. Reconstitution of PTEN in PTEN null cells conferred susceptibility to apoptosis in response to contraction of collagen matrices. Consistent with this, knockdown of PTEN in PTEN+/+ embryonic fibroblasts by small interfering RNA augmented Akt activity and suppressed apoptosis in contractile collagen matrices. Furthermore, inhibition of Akt activity restored the sensitivity of PTEN null cells to collagen contraction-induced apoptosis, indicating that the mechanism by which PTEN alters fibroblast viability is through modulation of phosphorylated Akt levels. Our work suggests that collagen matrix contraction activates PTEN by a mechanism involving cytoskeletal disassembly. Our studies indicate a key role for PTEN in regulating fibroblast viability during tissue repair.
Will attracting the “creative class” boost economic growth in old industrial regions? a case study of scotland

Abstract. Attracting in‐migration of the creative class has been argued by Florida (2002) to be a route to higher economic growth in the era of the knowledge economy. This paper critically evaluates this proposition in relation to old industrial regions using the example of Scotland. The paper presents an assessment of, in the first instance, to what extent there is a shortage of skilled, talented and entrepreneurial individuals and, in the second instance, whether a talent attraction strategy alone can hope to attract such people to Scotland. It is proposed that for most migrants the availability of appropriate economic opportunities is a prerequisite for mobility. However, despite uncertain evidence that place attractiveness is a catalyst to mobility among the so‐called creative class, this is not a reason for dismissing talent attraction programmes. Instead it is argued that talent attraction programmes have the potential to contribute to old industrial economies, but their success will be greatest when talent attraction is carefully targeted and based on economic realities rather than the marketing of ethereal conceptions of place attractiveness.
Coordinating Futures: Toward a Theory of Anticipation1

This article presents a theoretical approach for studying the coordination of futures. Building off theories of temporality and action, the authors map three different modes of future making—protentions, trajectories, and temporal landscapes—that actors need to coordinate in order to make sense of action together. Using a wide range of empirical evidence, they then show that these modes of future-coordination are autonomous from each other, so that although they are connected, they can clash or move in disjointed directions in interaction. By focusing on the coordination and disjunctures of those three modes, the authors argue that sociologists can provide a methodological axis of comparison between cases; depict mechanisms through which other theoretical or empirical constructs—such as racism or late modernity—operate; and open a window into the ways in which people organize and coordinate their futures, a topic of inquiry in its own right.
Estimating the incubation period of paediatric AIDS in Rwanda

ObjectiveTo estimate the distribution of the incubation period of paediatric AIDS in Rwanda. DesignData were collected between February 1984 and December 1990 at the Centre Hospitalier de Kigali (CHK), the capital city of Rwanda, Central Africa. PatientsWe used a sample of 685 AIDS cases registered consecutively in the Department of Paediatrics of the CHK, in which the proportion of perinatally acquired HIV-1 infection was estimated to be 98.6%. MethodsWe performed both non-parametric and parametric analyses. The methods of estimation were adapted to truncated data, using essentially the same methods as Auger et al. in their analysis of data from the New York City and the New York State AIDS case registries in 1988. ResultsWe found that a double Weibull model fitted the data very well and that the risk of developing AIDS was high for subjects under 18 months of age, but lower for older subjects. ConclusionsOur results were qualitatively similar to those of Auger et al. There were quantitative differences between the two studies, but it was not possible to compare median survival periods. Parameters such as median or mean survival times cannot be validly estimated using only data from registers because these data exclude infected subjects who have not yet developed AIDS.
Patterns of Sport Participation in Portuguese Volleyball Players According to Expertise Level and Gender

This study aimed to examine the sport participation of 229 Portuguese volleyball players through a previously validated questionnaire within different stages of their development and considering their expertise level and gender. The skilled players differed from the less skilled in having accrued more hours of training throughout all stages. Female players reported less early sport involvement (fewer number of sports practiced and less involvement in team sports and competitions) than males. The early involvement in individual sports by skilled female players seems to be important in their route to expertise, while the later involvement in individual sports by less-skilled male players possibly indicates the need for other motivational sport experiences. These particular findings provide valuable information to guide the designs of Portuguese volleyball players' development considering gender and expertise at the same time. However, additional work is needed to understand to what extent these findings may be system, culture or sport dependent.
Bridging the chasm between two worlds: identifying perceived challenges in a sample of graduate educational-leadership students

Eighty-three educators attending a Masters’ programme in school leadership discussed their responses as they compared models learned in class with the organisational reality they experience at work. Content analysis, conducted by two independent coders revealed a sense of crisis. The majority reported experiencing frustration and anger both with the school system that is perceived as anachronistic and unsupportive of change and the study programme seemingly teaching models and ideas that are irrelevant in the reality they experience. A considerable minority reported being positively challenged to promote change. A smaller minority reported feeling the system is already going in the direction pointed out by modern models and theories. The results are discussed in light of global evidence on the issue and recommendations for future policy and educational design are offered.
A longitudinal study of childhood social behaviour: Inter-informant agreement, inter-context agreement, and social preference linkages

This study examined inter-informant agreement, inter-context agreement, and social preference linkages for social behaviour subtypes. On two occasions, data was collected on 600 children (8—10 years old) via mother, father, teacher, and peer reports. Informant reports converged within each context and agreement across school and home contexts was strong for overt aggression and for prosocial behaviour, but less pronounced for relational aggression. Concurrent associations with social preference emerged within the school context and longitudinal bidirectional associations surfaced between dislikeability and overt aggression at school. Relational aggression at school correlated with future dislikeability, whereas likeability and dislikeability correlated with future relational aggression. Prosocial behaviour at school was particularly linked with future likeability. Gender and grade differences emerged for social preference linkages.
Identifying Behaviors to Target During Zoo Visits

Abstract Although many zoos and zoo associations state the capability and importance of influencing the behavior of zoo visitors, the little research conducted to date gives limited support for these statements. Addressing this deficit involves more research, but zoos also need to design communication strategies with the specific purpose of influencing visitor behavior. However, it's important, before designing a communication campaign, that zoos identify which behaviors to target. As a first step toward doing this, five nominal group technique (NGT) sessions were conducted with general staff from three zoos in Australia, as well as an executive body overseeing three zoos and members of a volunteer group for an urban zoo. Following NGT protocol, desired on-site and off-site visitor behaviors were identified and their importance prioritized. The most prioritized behaviors are presented here. The discussion in this paper focuses on the efficacy of the NGT sessions, the need for further capacity-building in Australian zoos, and proposals for some areas of future research.
The Epidemiology of Urinary Tract Infections in Hiroshima

In recent years techniques have been developed and criteria established which for the first time have permitted study of the epidemiology of gramnegative bacillary infections of the urinary tract in the general population. There have been three studies of adult general populations, and all have attempted to determine the relation of urinary infection to blood pressure levels. `' A study by Switzer in Hiroshima failed to detect a significant difference in rates of infection in persons above and below a defined blood pressure level. ' More infections were found in hypertensives; however, the total group of infected persons numbered only 17. In a study of rural and urban Jamaicans"S the mean blood pressure of bacteriuric subjects under age 60 was higher than nonbacteriuric subjects, but aside from one age group in which blood pressure was significantly lower and another in which it was significantly higher, no statistically significant differences were found. Data from a similar study in Wales have not been published in detail but are described as also having shown higher blood pressures in bacteriuric as compared with nonbacteriuric subjects.
Fitting Observed Inflation Expectations

This paper provides evidence on the extent to which inflation expectations generated by a standard Christiano et al. (2005)/Smets and Wouters (2003)? type DSGE model are in line with what is observed in the data. We consider three variants of this model that differ in terms of the behavior of, and the public? s information on, the central banks? inflation target, allegedly a key determinant of inflation expectations. We find that: 1) time-variation in the inflation target is needed to capture the evolution of expectations during the post-Volcker period; 2) the variant where agents have imperfect information is strongly rejected by the data; 3) inflation expectations appear to contain information that is not present in the other series used in estimation; and 4) none of the models fully captures the dynamics of this variable.
Classrooms as learning communities, what's in it for schools?

It is rare to find a book that offers so much in an easy to read and accessible format, that uses literature to support ideas systematically and which can appeal to a vast array of individuals at all levels of education. Classrooms as learning communities part of the ‘What’s in it for schools? ’ series does just that. It is an incredibly easy read and yet is never simplistic; a provocative book yet never patronising and well worth every penny. All involved in education are well aware of the changes wrought by successive policies and government decree. Whether one agrees with the direction of such activities it is certainly noteworthy that the educational landscape has changed immeasurably in recent years. Increases in professional accountability have engendered a situation whereby teachers are now questioned and quizzed, prodded and probed, observed and obliged at every opportunity and from all sides from parents to inspectors, peers to pupils. For many, and I include myself in this category, this direction has been to the detriment of all involved in education for the very simple reason that that which should be at the heart of the educational project, learning, has been replaced by a culture of performance and passivity both on the part of pupils and professionals. Some of us have attempted to critique this situation and provide alternative perspectives, Watkins included: this book does that tremendously well. Classrooms as learning communities has at its heart a very simple message: to improve education we have to improve learning. More specifically, it proposes that we alter our very conception of the classroom to that of community. Chapter one introduces the reader to these ideas quickly and simply through a belief that schools should exist as core social centres and focused learning communities (3) that permit teachers to refocus away from classroom management and onto learning so that pupils might develop transferable skills thereby ensuring a better future life for all (5). From this point on, Watkins weaves a stimulating narrative around a series of core features of community that he asserts are essential if schools are to both meet the political need for greater attainment on national tests and international comparators and lead the next generation of children and young people on a path to lifelong love of, and ability to engage with, learning. Through a careful analysis of the hitherto dominant ideas about teaching and its relationship with and to learning, the reader is introduced to the core tenet that the latter should be viewed as an act of co-construction within
Beliefs Into Practice: A Religious Inquiry Into Teacher Knowledge

In the field of teacher knowledge, “beliefs” is a large term narrowly constructed. The beliefs theorized, researched, and discussed are beliefs about technique, methodology, curriculum, classroom management, professional development, and similarly. Spiritual and religious beliefs are for the most part omitted. This study argues that they should be included, especially because they already fit the area of inquiry the field has defined for itself. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative questionnaire study is to explore how Christian ESOL teachers perceive and describe putting their personal religious beliefs into practice in their professional lives. This study found that as a result of their religious beliefs, respondents believed they should (a) act in a loving or charitable manner toward their students; (b) respect all students as intrinsically valuable human beings; (c) teach in student-centered ways; and (d) witness to their Christian faith. Participants' responses illuminate the interrelationships and interactions among personal and professional beliefs in the formation of teacher knowledge.
Intestinal Parasitic Infections in HIV Infected and Non-Infected Patients in a Low HIV Prevalence Region, West-Cameroon

The magnitude of intestinal parasitic infection in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients requires careful consideration in the developing world where poor nutrition is associated with poor hygiene and several tropical diseases. However, there have been very few studies addressing this issue in Cameroon. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in HIV/AIDS patients in Dschang -Cameroon. Stool and blood specimens from HIV/AIDS patients and control group were screened respectively for intestinal parasites and for HIV antibodies. Intestinal parasites were identified using direct microscopy, formalin-ether concentration and Ziehl Neelsen methods. Out of 396 participants recruited among patients consulting at hospital, 42 (10.6%) were HIV positive, thirty of them treatment naïve. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 14.64%. Out of 42 HIV/AIDS patients, 59.5% (25/42) were infected with intestinal parasites, while only 9.32% (33/354) of the HIV negative patients were infected with intestinal parasites. The parasites detected in our study population included Crystosporidium parvum (2.53%), Entamoeba histolytica (7.52%), Entamoeba coli (4.04%), Giardia lamblia (0.25%), Trichuris trichura (0.25%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.25%) and Taenia spp. (0.25%). In the HIV infected group, Crystosporidium parvum (19.04%), Entamoeba histolytica (19.04%), Entamoeba coli (21.42%), Giardia lamblia (2.38%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.25%) and Taenia spp. (0.25%) were found. Crystosporidium parvum was found to be significantly higher in HIV/AIDS patients than in controls (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the HIV status and the quality of water were the major risk factors for intestinal parasitosis. Routine examinations of stool samples for parasites would significantly benefit the HIV patients by contributing in reducing morbidity and improving the efficiency of antiretroviral treatment. Even after the introduction of free anti-retroviral drugs, opportunistic intestinal infections are still a threat. HIV patients should be screened routinely for intestinal parasites and treated for their overall well being.
Multi-directional Reach Test: An Investigation of the Limits of Stability of People Aged between 20–79 Years

[Purpose] The multi-directional reach test (MDRT) is a simple, inexpensive, reliable and valid screening tool for assessing the limits of stability in the anterorposterior and mediolateral directions. The aim of this study was to quantify the limits of stability of people aged between 20 and 79 years using the MDRT. [Subjects] One hundred and eighty subjects were divided into the following 6 age groups: 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70–79 years (n=30 per group). [Methods] The MDRT was used to measure the limits of stability in four directions: forward, backward, leftward and rightward. Subjects performed maximal outstretched arm reach in each direction with their feet flat on the floor. [Results] All age groups performed the greatest values of the limit of stability in the forward direction. The 60–79 year group demonstrated significantly lower limits of stability in the forward, leftward and rightward directions compared to the 20–39 year group. [Conclusion] The limits of stability declined with age mainly in the forward, leftward and rightward directions. The MDRT appears to be a useful assessment tool for postural control and balance of those aged 60 years and over.