Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Mixed Method Study Testing Data-Model Fit of a Retention Model for Latino/a Students at Urban Universities

This study presents the conceptualization and subsequent model fit analysis of a retention model for Latino/a students at urban commuter universities. the three institutions involved in the study represent different environments for Latino/a students. two are Hispanic Serving institutions (HSi) and the third represents a predominantly White environment. the model emerged from a concurrent nested mixed method design and reflects the influence of social cognitive theoretical foundations. Using structural equation modeling, the model that emerged from the qualitative data was found to have a good fit and explained 33% of the variance on the intent to persist in college variable.
Observational study of vaccine efficacy 14 years after trial of hepatitis B vaccination in Gambian children

Abstract Objective: To determine the duration of protection from hepatitis B vaccine given in infancy and early childhood. Design: Cross sectional serological study of hepatitis B virus infection in children of various ages 14 years after the start of a trial of vaccination regimens. Setting: Two villages in the Gambia. Participants: Children and adolescents given hepatitis B vaccine in infancy or early childhood: 232 were aged 1-5 years, 225 aged 5-9 years, 220 aged 10-14 years, and 175 aged 15-19 years. Main outcome measures: Vaccine efficacy against infection and against chronic infection in the different age groups. Results: Vaccine efficacy against chronic carriage of hepatitis B virus was 94% (95% confidence interval 89% to 97%), which did not vary significantly between the age groups. Efficacy against infection was 80% (76% to 84%). This was significantly lower in the oldest age group (65%, 56 to 73). Of the uninfected participants in this age group, 36% had no detectable hepatitis B virus surface antibody. Time since vaccination and a low peak antibody response were the most powerful risk factors for breakthrough infection (P<0.001 in each case). Low peak antibody response was also a risk factor for chronic carriage (odds ratio 95, 19 to 466). Conclusions: Children vaccinated in infancy are at increased risk of hepatitis B virus infection in the late teens. The risk of chronic carriage after sexual exposure needs further assessment to determine if booster vaccines are necessary.
Co-design of interdisciplinary projects as a mechanism for school capacity growth

This article examines the use of interdisciplinary project co-design, as a mechanism for increasing the capacity of a school and promoting the growth of teachers’ professional practice in an urban high school setting. Changing teaching practices and the professional culture within a school can be extremely difficult. Simply providing resources about novel strategies can be ineffective. In fact, in some school cultures, suggestions for classroom practice change can be received with hostility, being viewed by some teachers as acts questioning their professional competence. This study describes how a strategically chosen task, interdisciplinary project co-design, was used by external technical assistance providers as a productive, non-threatening mechanism for instructional improvement, by simultaneously enhancing classroom practices and cultivating the growth of teacher collaborative practices.
Orthonormal bases of non-separable wavelets with sharp directions

This paper introduces a family of non-adaptive geometrical wavelets that have high anisotropy and directionality. Unlike curvelets and contourlets, they have no redundancy and form orthonormal bases of L/sup 2/ (R/sup 2/). Their implementation derives from a single non-separable filter bank structure that is designed from 1-D and quincunx filters.
Palpebrae superioris: exploring the design space of eyelid gestures

In this paper, we explore the design space of eyelid gestures. We first present a framework for the design space based on the anatomy of the eye, human perception, and complexity of the eyelid gesture. Based on the framework we propose an algorithm to detect eyelid gestures with commodity cameras, already existing in laptops and mobile devices. We then populate the design space by demonstrating prototypes based on 3 form factors: mobile devices, desktop, and horizontal surfaces. These prototypes demonstrate the breadth of eyelid gestures as an input modality. We follow the scenarios with a discussion of how eyelid gestures can contribute to an interactive environment, and conclude with a discussion on insights, design recommendations, and limitations of the technique.
The effects of internal career orientations on organizational citizenship behavior in Thailand

When the labor market becomes tighter and the economy is uncertain, companies often respond by downsizing and by asking those employees who remain to be more productive and dependable. It is, therefore, of interest to both managers and researchers to better understand the dynamics of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). OCB is defined as one's willingness to do more than required, to go the extra mile. This study explores how one's subjective sense of career orientation (the internal career) affects OCB. The research was conducted in eight medium‐to‐large organizations in Thailand and it was discovered, as predicted, that internal career orientations impact the level of OCB. This finding is important because other research shows that the relationship between dispositional variables and OCB is inconclusive.
Epigenetic Control of Cell Cycle-Dependent Histone Gene Expression Is a Principal Component of the Abbreviated Pluripotent Cell Cycle

ABSTRACT Self-renewal of human pluripotent embryonic stem cells proceeds via an abbreviated cell cycle with a shortened G1 phase. We examined which genes are modulated in this abbreviated period and the epigenetic mechanisms that control their expression. Accelerated upregulation of genes encoding histone proteins that support DNA replication is the most prominent gene regulatory program at the G1/S-phase transition in pluripotent cells. Expedited expression of histone genes is mediated by a unique chromatin architecture reflected by major nuclease hypersensitive sites, atypical distribution of epigenetic histone marks, and a region devoid of histone octamers. We observed remarkable differences in chromatin structure—hypersensitivity and histone protein modifications—between human embryonic stem (hES) and normal diploid cells. Cell cycle-dependent transcription factor binding permits dynamic three-dimensional interactions between transcript initiating and processing factors at 5′ and 3′ regions of the gene. Thus, progression through the abbreviated G1 phase involves cell cycle stage-specific chromatin-remodeling events and rapid assembly of subnuclear microenvironments that activate histone gene transcription to promote nucleosomal packaging of newly replicated DNA during stem cell renewal.
Range‐wide population genetic structure of the Caribbean sea fan coral, Gorgonia ventalina

The population structure of benthic marine organisms is of central relevance to the conservation and management of these often threatened species, as well as to the accurate understanding of their ecological and evolutionary dynamics. A growing body of evidence suggests that marine populations can be structured over short distances despite theoretically high dispersal potential. Yet the proposed mechanisms governing this structure vary, and existing empirical population genetic evidence is of insufficient taxonomic and geographic scope to allow for strong general inferences. Here, we describe the range‐wide population genetic structure of an ecologically important Caribbean octocoral, Gorgonia ventalina. Genetic differentiation was positively correlated with geographic distance and negatively correlated with oceanographically modelled dispersal probability throughout the range. Although we observed admixture across hundreds of kilometres, estimated dispersal was low, and populations were differentiated across distances <2 km. These results suggest that populations of G. ventalina may be evolutionarily coupled via gene flow but are largely demographically independent. Observed patterns of differentiation corroborate biogeographic breaks found in other taxa (e.g. an east/west divide near Puerto Rico), and also identify population divides not discussed in previous studies (e.g. the Yucatan Channel). High genotypic diversity and absence of clonemates indicate that sex is the primary reproductive mode for G. ventalina. A comparative analysis of the population structure of G. ventalina and its dinoflagellate symbiont, Symbiodinium, indicates that the dispersal of these symbiotic partners is not coupled, and symbiont transmission occurs horizontally.
Psoriatic arthritis: latest treatments and their place in therapy

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory disease that may affect peripheral and axial joints, entheses, skin and nails, and other organs. Treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs had been the backbone of traditional management of PsA for many years. However, improvement in our understanding of immunopathogenesis of PsA has led to new immunomodulatory therapies. Introduction of novel agents has raised the bar for treatment and helped drive research into additional therapeutic options.
Compact Lorentz manifolds with local symmetry

We prove a structure theorem for compact aspherical Lorentz manifolds with abundant local symmetry. If M is a compact, aspherical, real-analytic, complete Lorentz manifold such that the isometry group of the universal cover has semisimple identity component, then the local isometry orbits in M are roughly fibers of a fiber bundle. A corollary is that if M has an open, dense, locally homogeneous subset, then M is locally homogeneous. Acknowledgements: I thank my dissertation advisor, Benson Farb for his guidance and encouragement. I also thank Abdelghani Zeghib, with whom I had helpful conversations while working on this project. In loving memory of Laura Sue-Jung Kang
Non‐white readings of whiteness

Whiteness has rarely surfaced as a theoretical category in consumer research. Yet consumer research is dominated by whiteness, reflecting the privileged position of white academics and a Euro‐American epistemological stance that is inscribed within academic disciplines and institutions. Whiteness theory provides an explanation of ethnic and racial differences based on power, privilege and oppression. Whiteness is a marker against which other cultures, “the other,” are measured. Through the medium of in‐depth interviews this article focuses on the non‐white reading of whiteness as a distinctive, although marginalized, approach within studies of whiteness. The implications for consumption and consumer research are addressed.
Telomeres and Telomerase: Implications for Cancer and Aging

Abstract Shay, J. W. and Wright, W. E. Telomeres and Telomerase: Implications for Cancer and Aging. Maintenance of telomere stability is required for cells to escape from replicative senescence and proliferate indefinitely. Telomere length is maintained by a balance between processes that lengthen telomeres (telomerase) and processes that shorten telomeres (the end-replication problem). Telomerase is a cellular ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase which stabilizes telomere length by adding hexameric (TTAGGG) repeats to the telomeric ends of the chromosomes, thus compensating for the continued erosion of telomeres. Introduction of the telomerase catalytic protein component into normal telomerase-negative human cells results in restoration of telomerase activity and extension of cellular life span. Human cells with introduced telomerase maintain a normal chromosome complement and continue to grow in a normal manner. Telomerase-induced manipulations of telomere length may thus be important not only for cell and tissue engineering but also for dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying inherited genetic diseases, as well as defining the genetic pathways leading to cancer. Because almost all human tumors express telomerase activity, inhibition of telomerase may result in gradual erosion of telomeres and eventual cessation of cell proliferation or induction of apoptosis. Thus telomerase may also be a promising target for cancer therapy.
PCA Supervised and Unsupervised Classifiers in Signal Processing

The aims of the research reported in this paper are to investigate the potential of principal directions-based approach in supervised and unsupervised frameworks. The structure of a class is represented in terms of the estimates of its principal directions computed from data, the overall dissimilarity of a particular object with a given class being given by the “disturbance” of the structure, when the object is identified as a member of this class. In case of unsupervised framework, the clusters are computed using the estimates of the principal directions. Our attempt uses arguments based on the principal components to refine the basic idea of k-means aiming to assure soundness and homogeneity to the resulted clusters. Each cluster is represented in terms of its skeleton given by a set of orthogonal and unit eigen vectors (principal directions) of sample covariance matrix, a set of principal directions corresponding to the maximum variability of the “cloud” from metric point of view. A series of conclusions experimentally established are exposed in the final section of the paper.
The individual-system relationship: methodological cues from the stance-taking process analysis

The individual-system relationship is one of the core, and most controversial, issues that have animated family therapy discussions since their origins. We advance the idea that an important point of departure for addressing this issue is the contamination of family therapy with constructs and methods coming from systemic research into normal family processes, such as the notion of stance-taking. Relying on empirical data taken from a study conducted with families dealing with adolescents, we introduce and discuss the notion of stance-taking as an innovative methodological procedure that can illuminate the individual-system relationship while family interactions unfold. For the purpose of this article, we present and describe three selected family cases that document the potentialities of the stance-taking process analysis for studying the individual-system relationship, thus offering cues to systemic research and practice in family therapy. Practitioner points The stance-taking process analysis allows clinical practitioners to develop systematic and empirically informed hypotheses. Pointing out the different stances taken by each member during family interactions, therapists can make such variability into a resource to promote change. Therapists can be trained to observe how their stances shape the ongoing process, and act in the unfolding conversations to transform the emerging patterns.
Association between rs6887695 and 3′-untranslated region polymorphisms within the interleukin-12B gene and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases in Asian and European population: A meta-analysis

Abstract Background: The associations between rs6887695 and 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within interleukin-12B (IL-12B) and autoimmune diseases (ADs) remain controversial and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between IL-12B (3′-UTR A/C and rs6887695 C/G SNPs) and ADs by meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed and EMBASE were exhaustively searched for studies on the association between IL-12B SNPs and ADs. Publication bias was examined by a funnel plot and Egger’s test. The robustness of the pooled results was assessed by sensitivity analysis. A fixed- or a random-effects model was applied to calculate the pooled odds ratios (ORs). Results: A total of 34 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results demonstrated that IL-12B rs6887695 SNPs were significantly associated with the risk of ADs. However, there was no significant association between IL-12B 3′-UTR SNPs and ADs. When the studies were stratified by ethnicity, significant association between IL-12B 3′-UTR SNPs and ADs was observed in both Asian and European population. In addition, allele A within 3′-UTR of IL-12B gene was found to be a protective factor for T1DM, but a risk factor for psoriasis. Conclusion: The IL-12B 3′-UTR and rs6887695 SNPs are associated with susceptibility to ADs.
[Mononeuropathy in chronic lymphatic leukaemia].

INTRODUCTION Chronic lymphatic leukaemia (CLL) is the most frequent form of leukaemia in the adult population in western countries. Only 7.2% of the complications of CLL are neurological and most of them are secondary to an infection by herpes zoster virus. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 71-year-old female with B-type CLL in stage IV or type C that was progressing and becoming diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (Richter's syndrome), who developed an incomplete axonotmesis of the left peroneal nerve and numerous violet-coloured nodules under the skin in the left knee. Magnetic resonance imaging showed signs of diffuse infiltration into the subcutaneous tissue and the muscles of the left leg; a biopsy study of one of the subcutaneous nodules revealed a lymphoid infiltration by large B-cells. In this patient, the injury to the left peroneal nerve was probably secondary to a lymphoid infiltration of the nerve from adjacent infiltrated soft tissues. CONCLUSION Peripheral neuropathy due to direct infiltration can be a neurological complication of CLL that has not be reported to date, but which is known to occur in other lymphoproliferative processes.
A Comparison of Models to Infer the Distribution of Fitness Effects of New Mutations

Knowing the distribution of fitness effects (DFE) of new mutations is important for several topics in evolutionary genetics. Existing computational methods with which to infer the DFE based on DNA polymorphism data have frequently assumed that the DFE can be approximated by a unimodal distribution, such as a lognormal or a gamma distribution. However, if the true DFE departs substantially from the assumed distribution (e.g., if the DFE is multimodal), this could lead to misleading inferences about its properties. We conducted simulations to test the performance of parametric and nonparametric discretized distribution models to infer the properties of the DFE for cases in which the true DFE is unimodal, bimodal, or multimodal. We found that lognormal and gamma distribution models can perform poorly in recovering the properties of the distribution if the true DFE is bimodal or multimodal, whereas discretized distribution models perform better. If there is a sufficient amount of data, the discretized models can detect a multimodal DFE and can accurately infer the mean effect and the average fixation probability of a new deleterious mutation. We fitted several models for the DFE of amino acid-changing mutations using whole-genome polymorphism data from Drosophila melanogaster and the house mouse subspecies Mus musculus castaneus. A lognormal DFE best explains the data for D. melanogaster, whereas we find evidence for a bimodal DFE in M. m. castaneus.
THE CENTRALITY OF RACE IN AMERICAN POLITICS

▪ Abstract The study of race and U.S. politics has always been controversial in the discipline. Theory and evidence are often ignored or misconstrued. Furthermore, literatures that examine the impact of race have developed in relative isolation from one another. We try to address this shortcoming here. We examine research on the influence of race on the political attitudes, behavior, and institutions of both blacks and whites. Our focus is on partisanship, voting, policy opinions, and representation. We identify linkages across these domains and then discuss the implications of this work for assessing the nation's progress toward achieving racial justice.
Borrelia burgdorferi in an urban environment: white-tailed deer with infected ticks and antibodies

Ticks and blood samples were collected from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in forests located in an insular, urban area of Bridgeport, Conn. , and in rural south central Connecticut during 1992 and 1993. Immature and adult Ixodes scapularis ticks were tested for Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiologic agent of Lyme borreliosis, by indirect fluorescent-antibody staining methods. Deer sera were analyzed for antibodies to this bacterium by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Infected ticks parasitized deer in Bridgeport from May through December; the prevalence of infection varied from 1.1% of 93 larvae to 28.1% of 114 adult females. The percentages of infected males (10.5% of 380 ticks) and females (13.7% of 328 ticks) were relatively lower in south central Connecticut. In antibody tests, the prevalence of seropositive specimens collected in Bridgeport (61% of 146 serum specimens) was more than twofold greater than that of specimens obtained in south central Connecticut (26.7% of 116 serum specimens). Foci for Lyme borreliosis can occur in forested, urban settings as well as in rural areas if there are ticks, rodents, birds, and large mammals present. Human exposure to ticks in such sites should be considered as a possible source of B. burgdorferi infection.
Customers as Good Soldiers: Examining Citizenship Behaviors in Internet Service Deliveries

Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) research is extended to the customer domain by examining the role of customer behavior in Internet service deliveries. Based on the OCB framework, it was hypothesized that a conceptual distinction between in-role behaviors (i.e., task performance) and extra-role behaviors (i.e., citizenship behavior) can be extended to customers who participate in service delivery. Survey data show that customers differentiate coproduction behaviors from customer citizenship behaviors. Furthermore, these two behaviors had different sets of predictors. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed from the perspective of OCB theories.
Systemic, not just systematic

Inquiry toward object systems too often has the support of only a limited disciplinary perspective. The practice of system science offers an opportunity to frame a design of inquiry. A systemic design of inquiry toward object systems evolves into a Meta inquiry of inquiry. Three levels of Meta awareness are indicated and organized from the trace of Systems Research publications. An ethic toward building the systemic premise by the awareness of an epistemic design is both recognized and urged for developmental evolution.
Leaf Features Extraction and Recognition Approaches to Classify plant

Plant classification based on leaf identification is becoming a popular trend. Each leaf carries substantial information that can be used to identify and classify the origin or the type of plant. In medical perspective, images have been used by doctors to diagnose diseases and this method has been proven reliable for years. Using the same method as doctors, researchers try to simulate the same principle to recognise a plant using high quality leaf images and complex mathematical formulae for computers to decide the origin and type of plants. The experiments have yielded many success stories in the lab, but some approaches have failed miserably when tested in the real world. This happens because researchers may have ignored the facts that the real world sampling may not have the luxury and complacency as what they may have in the lab. What this study intends to deliver is the ideal case approach in plant classification and recognition that not only applicable in the real world, but also acceptable in the lab. The consequence from this study is to introducing more external factors for consideration when experimenting real world sampling for leaf recognition and classification does this.