Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Jesus and the streets: A hermeneutical framework for understanding the intraracial gender academic achievement gap in black urban America and the United Kingdom

In this article, against John Ogbu’s oppositional culture theory and Claude Steele’s disidentification hypothesis, this work offers a more appropriate neo-Marxian her meneutical framework for contextualizing, conceptualizing, and evaluating the locus of causality for the black male/female intra-racial gender academic achievement gap in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Positing that in general the origins of the black/white academic achievement gap is grounded in what Paul C. Mocombe refers to as a ‘mismatch of linguistic structure and social class function’. Within Mocombe’s neo-Marxist theoretical framework the intra-racial gender academic achievement gap between black boys and girls is a result of the social class functions associated with the urban street life where the majority of urban black males achieve their status, social mobility, and economic gain, and the black church where black females are overwhelmingly more likely to achieve their status, social mobility, and drive for economic gain via education and professionalization.
Modeling in-network aggregation in VANETs

The multitude of applications envisioned for vehicular ad hoc networks requires efficient communication and dissemination mechanisms to prevent network congestion. In-network data aggregation promises to reduce bandwidth requirements and enable scalability in large vehicular networks. However, most existing aggregation schemes are tailored to specific applications and types of data. Proper comparative evaluation of different aggregation schemes is difficult. Yet, comparability is essential to properly measure accuracy, performance, and efficiency. We outline a modeling approach for VANET aggregation schemes to achieve objective comparability. Our modeling approach consists of three models, which provide different perspectives on an aggregation scheme. The generalized architecture model facilitates categorization of aggregation schemes. The aggregation information flow model supports analysis of where information is aggregated by a scheme. The aggregation state graph models how knowledge about the road network and its environment is represented by a scheme. Furthermore, it facilitates error estimation with respect to the ground truth. We apply each modeling approach to existing aggregation schemes from the literature and highlight strengths, as well as weaknesses, that can be used as a starting point for designing a more generic aggregation scheme.
Polynomial Modeling of Child and Adult Intonation in German Spontaneous Speech.

In a data set of 291 spontaneous utterances from German 5-year-olds, 7-year-olds and adults, nuclear pitch contours were labeled manually using the GToBI annotation system. Ten different contour types were identified.The fundamental frequency (F0) of these contours was modeled using third-order orthogonal polynomials, following an approach similar to the one Grabe, Kochanski, and Coleman (2007) used for English. Statistical analyses showed that all but one contour pair differed significantly from each other in at least one of the four coefficients. This demonstrates that polynomial modeling can provide quantitative empirical support for phonological labels in unscripted speech, and for languages other than English. Furthermore, polynomial expressions can be used to derive the alignment of tonal targets relative to the syllable structure, making polynomial modeling more accessible to the phonological research community. Finally, within-contour comparisons of the three age groups showed that for children, the magnitude of the higher coefficients is lower, suggesting that they are not yet able to modulate their pitch as fast as adults.
Academic critique and the need for an open mind (a response to Kristiansen)

In two recent books, From Stonehenge to Las Vegas – Archaeology as popular culture (AltaMira 2005) and Archaeology is a brand! The meaning of archaeology in popular culture (Archaeopress 2007), Cornelius Holtorf wants us to readdress the focus of archaeology from being predominantly a study of the past to becoming a study of its use in popular culture in the present. While I am in general sympathy with the attempt to analyse the role of archaeology in modern popular culture – and his 2007 book especially provides some good examples of that – I am deeply sceptical of Holtorf's theoretical and political programme for archaeology. It represents a dangerous attempt to deconstruct archaeology as a historical discipline in order to allow modern market forces to take over the archaeological heritage and the consumption of the past as popular culture.
The drivers of customer satisfaction for academic library services: managerial hints from an empirical study on two Italian university libraries using the Kano model

The intent of this qualitative research is to investigate and understand the requisites of customer satisfaction for academic libraries' users and to give managerial hints for the implementation of user centred academic library services. To this aim, we analyse the library services of two Italian Universities (the Faculty of Economics of University of Palermo and the Central Library of the University of Salerno) to find relations and congruencies and to evaluate the perceived relevance of the tangible and intangible aspects of these services. In the preliminary phase of the research, we conducted both focus groups and individual interviews involving students or researchers who regularly use the library services. This study supplies a significant analysis of qualitative data that can be functional for researchers and for university managers to plan strategic and operative activities in order to improve academic library services.
Pharmacology and Antitussive Efficacy of 4-(3-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic Acid (5-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-amide (JNJ17203212), a Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Antagonist in Guinea Pigs

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) plays an integral role in modulating the cough reflex, and it is an attractive antitussive drug target. The purpose of this study was to characterize a TRPV1 antagonist, 4-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid (5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-amide (JNJ17203212), against the guinea pig TRPV1 receptor in vitro followed by a proof-of-principle study in an acid-induced model of cough. The affinity of JNJ17203212 for the recombinant guinea pig TRPV1 receptor was estimated by radioligand binding, and it was functionally characterized by antagonism of low-pH and capsaicin-induced activation of the ion channel (fluorometric imaging plate reader and electrophysiology). The nature of antagonism was further tested against the native channel in isolated guinea pig tracheal rings. Following pharmacokinetic characterization of JNJ17203212 in guinea pigs, pharmacodynamic and efficacy studies were undertaken to establish the antitussive efficacy of the TRPV1 antagonist. The pKi of JNJ17203212 for recombinant guinea pig TRPV1 was 7.14 ± 0.06. JNJ17203212 inhibited both pH (pIC50 of 7.23 ± 0.05) and capsaicin (pIC50 of 6.32 ± 0.06)-induced channel activation. In whole-cell patch clamp, the pIC50 for inhibition of guinea pig TRPV1 was 7.3 ± 0.01. JNJ17203212 demonstrated surmountable antagonism in isolated trachea, with a pKB value of 6.2 ± 0.1. Intraperitoneal administration of 20 mg/kg JNJ17203212 achieved a maximal plasma exposure of 8.0 ± 0.4 μM, and it attenuated capsaicin evoked coughs with similar efficacy to codeine (25 mg/kg). Last, JNJ17203212 dose-dependently produced antitussive efficacy in citric acid-induced experimental cough in guinea pigs. Our data provide preclinical support for developing TRPV1 antagonists for the treatment of cough.
Evolutionary Thought in Management and Organization Theory at the Beginning of the New Millennium

The beginning of a new millennium provides a welcome opportunity to take stock of the accomplishments, open questions, and most promising research avenues of evolutionary models in management and organization theory. Johann Peter Murmann has invited Howard Aldrich, Daniel Levinthal, and Sidney Winter to appraise the state of the art in evolutionary research and where scholarly efforts should go in the new millennium. The panel also clarified their positions by answering questions that Johann Peter Murmann solicited from the scholarly community in response to the panel's dialogue.
Direct observation and adherence to tuberculosis treatment in Chongqing, China: a descriptive study.

INTRODUCTION China has an estimated 5 million people with tuberculosis (TB). Official policy is that treatment of all patients is directly observed by health workers; completion rates are reported to be in excess of 90%, and drugs should be supplied for free. However, some research suggests there is a gap between the official policies and practice. METHODS Survey of TB patients in four counties of one municipality; record assessment at one TB centre; patient and village doctor in-depth interviews. RESULTS Sixteen per cent (64/401) reported being directly observed every time they took treatment; less than 5% of TB patients (17/401) were observed by health staff. Overall, 12.5% (50/401) reported they had not taken any TB drugs in the previous week, but this varied between the four counties (range 6.2 to 21.7%). We used survival analysis with medical records at one centre: 74.1% of new patients collected their drugs for their sixth month of treatment, and 50.3% attended the final visit at 6 months. Qualitative research indicated direct observation is neither well understood nor thought to be necessary, and that patients reported being charged expensive fees for ancillary treatments, such as liver protection drugs. CONCLUSION In China, direct observation is not well implemented and may not be a feasible policy option. Official completion rates are higher than we found in this study. The concept of free treatment has become blurred, with charges for additional tests and drugs, especially liver protection drugs. The government is already actively tackling these issues, and involvement of managers and others in this process will be helpful.
Relation Between Chemokine Receptor Use, Disease Stage, and HIV-1 Subtypes A and D: Results From a Rural Ugandan Cohort

Objectives:To determine whether there are differences in coreceptor use in subjects infected with HIV-1 envelope subtypes A and D that could explain the differences in progression rates between these subtypes in a rural Ugandan cohort. Methods:HIV-1 was subtyped in env by V3 sequencing or heteroduplex mobility assay. Coreceptor use was determined by the ability of the isolates to replicate in U87 CD4+ cells expressing different coreceptors. The Fisher exact test was used to examine the relation between coreceptor use and subtype, clinical stage, and V3 charge. The Kruskall-Wallis nonparametric test was used to examine the association between median CD4 cell counts, coreceptor use, and subtype. Logistic regression was used to examine predicted coreceptor use at different CD4 groupings. Results:Isolates from 66 participants were analyzed. Thirty-one were infected with subtype A, and 35 were infected with subtype D. Although this work was based on a small sample size, we found statistically significant differences. The probability of having an X4 virus was higher in subtype D infections than in subtype A infections among those with a non-AIDS clinical status (Fisher exact test, P = 0.040). Logistic regression analysis, in which we predicted X4 use by subtype and stratified by CD4 group, confirmed these findings among those with a CD4 count >200 cells/μL (likelihood ratio test, P = 0.003). R5 viruses were associated with higher median CD4 cell counts than X4 or X4/R5 (Kruskall-Wallis test, P = 0.0045). A V3 charge of +5 and greater was highly associated with X4 virus (Fisher exact test, P = 0.006). Conclusions:These subtype differences in coreceptor use may partially explain the faster progression rates we have previously reported in individuals infected with subtype D compared with subtype A. Our observations may have implications for the future use of coreceptor inhibitors in this population.
The STEM Pathway for Women

In previous decades, researchers have identified a gender gap in the careers and academic achievement of men and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Recently, it has been suggested that some of these gender gaps no longer exist; however, the picture is more nuanced, for women are represented well in some STEM fields (such as biology) and not in others (such as computer science). The current research employed survey methodology to explore the perceptions of 360 finalists and semifinalists of the prestigious Science Talent Search. Two cohorts of participants who were either in their late 30s (Cohort 2) or late 20s (Cohort 1) were contacted to investigate factors that influenced them to select or not select STEM college majors and occupations. Comparisons between men and women revealed that women recalled having lower self-efficacy in STEM in college than men, and fewer women selected STEM majors as undergraduates. Interest was cited as a major influence for occupational selection for both men and women. Proportionally, more women than men entered fields such as biology and fewer women entered fields such as engineering and physics/astronomy. A greater proportion of older women mentioned leaving STEM because of a lack of flexible hours and needing to attend to family responsibilities. Implications for education and future research are discussed.
SENSORY SHELF-LIFE ESTIMATION OF ALFAJOR BY SURVIVAL ANALYSIS

Survival analysis methodology was used to estimate the shelf life of alfajor (a chocolate-coated individually wrapped cake) at 20 and 35C by using results obtained from consumers when asked if they would accept or reject samples with different storage times. Sensory acceptability (measured by consumers), off-flavor (measured by a trained panel) and moisture content were linearly related to time. These correlations were used to estimate values at the shelf-life times calculated for 25 and 50% rejection probability. Survival analysis provided the following shelf-life estimation: 74 days at 20C and 33 days at 35C for a 25% of rejection, 87 days at 20C and 39 days at 35C for a 50% of rejection. An alfajor stored at 20C having an acceptability value below 4.9 (1–9 hedonic scale) and off-flavor intensity above 5.3 (0–10 scale) would be rejected by 25% of the consumers. Chemical data were not good shelf-life predictors.
The identification and examination of the elements that caused a schism in the Johannine community at the end of the first century CE

A group of people within the Johannine community (2:18) contributed towards destroying the fellowship of this community. Because 1 and 2 John do not provide direct evidence of the identities of the community’s heretically inclined members, they are defined in different ways by different scholars. A search for socio-religious circumstances which contribute towards determin-ing the opponents and adherents of the author which created the agenda for the reconstruction of the phenomena that caused this schism. The nature of the schism comprises “Pneumatological,” “Christological” and “ethical” issues encoded in the polemical language of slogans, dialectic discourse, confessions and denials. The schism in 1 John proves to be a matter of different interpretations of a shared tradition.
Associations of alternative markers of glycemia with hemoglobin A(1c) and fasting glucose.

BACKGROUND 1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), fructosamine, and glycated albumin are of increasing interest as alternative measures of hyperglycemia. We characterize the associations of these nontraditional glycemic markers with hemoglobin A(1c) (Hb A(1c)) and fasting glucose and assess their ability to identify people with diabetes. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional comparison of 1,5-AG, fructosamine, and glycated albumin with Hb A(1c) and fasting glucose measurements in 1719 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. We evaluated nonlinear relationships using R(2) and F-statistics. Performance for identification of cases of diabetes was determined using the area under the curve (AUC). Diabetes was defined by Hb A(1c) ≥6.5%, fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL (≥6.99 mmol/L), and/or a self-reported history of diagnosed diabetes. RESULTS Median values of Hb A(1c) and fasting glucose were 5.8% and 109 mg/dL (6.05 mmol/L), respectively; 17.3% of the study population had diagnosed diabetes. Glycated albumin, fructosamine, and 1,5-AG were more strongly correlated with Hb A(1c) compared with fasting glucose (all P values <0.05). Nonlinear models provided the best fit for describing the relationships of the alternative markers to Hb A(1c). When diabetes was defined by an Hb A(1c) ≥6.5%, fructosamine (AUC 0.83; 95% CI, 0.79-0.87) and glycated albumin (AUC 0.87; 95% CI, 0.83-0.90) performed comparably to fasting glucose (AUC 0.83; 95% CI, 0.79-0.87), while 1,5-AG performed worse (AUC 0.74; 95% CI, 0.69-0.78) for identifying cases of undiagnosed diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Fructosamine and glycated albumin may be useful adjuncts to Hb A(1c) and fasting glucose. Future studies should examine these markers in situations in which fasting glucose or Hb A(1c) measurements are invalid or not available.
Advances in the genetic dissection of plant cell walls: tools and resources available in Miscanthus

Tropical C4 grasses from the genus Miscanthus are believed to have great potential as biomass crops. However, Miscanthus species are essentially undomesticated, and genetic, molecular and bioinformatics tools are in very early stages of development. Furthermore, similar to other crops targeted as lignocellulosic feedstocks, the efficient utilization of biomass is hampered by our limited knowledge of the structural organization of the plant cell wall and the underlying genetic components that control this organization. The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) has assembled an extensive collection of germplasm for several species of Miscanthus. In addition, an integrated, multidisciplinary research programme at IBERS aims to inform accelerated breeding for biomass productivity and composition, while also generating fundamental knowledge. Here we review recent advances with respect to the genetic characterization of the cell wall in Miscanthus. First, we present a summary of recent and on-going biochemical studies, including prospects and limitations for the development of powerful phenotyping approaches. Second, we review current knowledge about genetic variation for cell wall characteristics of Miscanthus and illustrate how phenotypic data, combined with high-density arrays of single-nucleotide polymorphisms, are being used in genome-wide association studies to generate testable hypotheses and guide biological discovery. Finally, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the molecular biology of cell wall biosynthesis in Miscanthus and closely related grasses, discuss the key conceptual and technological bottlenecks, and outline the short-term prospects for progress in this field.
Genotoxicity assessment of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) fingerlings by tissue DNA damage and micronucleus test, after environmental exposure to fenitrothion

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adverse effects of sublethal doses of fenitrothion, an organophosphothionate insecticide on brain, gill, liver, and muscle tissues as a ratio of 8-OHdG to dG to indicate the DNA damage and erythrocyte micronucleus frequency for genotoxicity of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) fingerlings. In our study, the mean weights and lengths of the fish (n = 4–12) were 31.13 ± 14.24 g and 12.53 ± 1.41, respectively. Before the experiment, fish were maintained in aerated dechlorinated tap water at 21.8 ± 1°C and fed daily with commercial feed at a rate of 2% of their body weights. Experiments were conducted under static conditions in the aquaria. Technical grade (95%) fenitrothion was diluted in acetone to give a dosing solution of 10 mg/L. The increased lesions/106 DNA bases (p < 0.05) of liver tissue of exposure group (0.49 ± 0.18) was observed when compared to control group (0.28 ± 0.30). There was not any significant differences between brain tissues, no damage were detectable in gill and muscle tissues of control groups, and in exposure groups altered levels of damage were detected for gill (0.06 ± 0.05) and muscle (0.16 ± 0.21) tissues. The increased micronucleus frequencies (%) in erythrocytes of carp following the exposure to 48 h fenitrothion (6.43 ± 3.89; p<0.05) was observed when compared to control group (1.29 ± 1.03). The available data indicate that there is still lack of well-established dose–response relationships between occupational or environmental exposures and the induction of 8-OHdG. Such biomarkers may be used in assessing adverse/toxic effects of pesticides as environmental stressors.
Reassessment of sphenoid dysplasia associated with neurofibromatosis type 1.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Sphenoid dysplasia associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 is classically thought to be primarily related to abnormal development of the sphenoid bone. We investigated the possibility that these changes may be progressive. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of sphenoid bone changes in all patients with craniofacial neurofibromatosis type 1 who had undergone CT (31 patients) and MR imaging (seven patients) at our facility. A review of repeat images of 20 patients permitted analysis of progressive sphenoid bone changes. RESULTS Eighteen patients had abnormalities of the sphenoid wings, 13 of whom also had enlargement of the middle cranial fossa compatible with descriptions of classic sphenoid dysplasia. All the patients with sphenoid dysplasia had neurofibromas in the ipsilateral superficial temporal fossa that were often contiguous with a radiologically abnormal temporo-squamosal suture. All except one had tumor infiltration in the deep orbit, contiguous with the sphenoid wings. Four patients had radiologic evidence of progressive sphenoid bone changes over time. CONCLUSION The origin of sphenoid bone changes may be multifactorial. A modified concept of sphenoid dysplasia is proposed that emphasizes interaction between neurofibromas and sphenoid bone during skull development.
Teachers and Learners: Roles Adopted in Interracial Discussions

Whites are stereotyped as ignorant of race issues, and African Americans as race experts. Therefore they may respond differently when discussing race. We examined whether Whites and African Americans adopt ‘teacher’ versus ‘learner’ roles when discussing race-relevant versus race-irrelevant topics in mixed-race versus same-race groups. Furthermore, we tested whether concern about appearing prejudiced and prior knowledge of the topic predicted role adopted. Results confirmed that African Americans adopted a ‘teacher’ role whereas Whites adopted a ‘learner’ role during interracial discussions about race. Assuming a teacher role predicted greater willingness to engage in future interracial discussions about race; but Whites, who were concerned about appearing prejudiced when talking about race, were less likely to adopt a teacher role than African Americans.