Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of relationship between social capital and quality of life in female headed families

Background: Although most studies on female-headed families focus on women's access to social support, the associations between social capital and quality of life in these families are unclear in many societies (such as Iran). This study aimed to determine the associations between social capital and quality of life in Iranian female headed families. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 152 female-headed households supported by Tehran Municipality, district 9 from April 2011 to July 2012. Convenience sampling was employed. Data were collected using demographic questionnaire, the Iranian version of World Health Organization Quality of Life, and the Word Bank Social Capital. Descriptive and multiple regression methods were used to analyze the data. Results: The mean±SD age of participants was 50.8±13.8 years. Findings revealed that in quality of life, the domains of environment health and social relation received the lowest (9.87 ± 2.41) and the highest (12.61 ±3.43) scores respectively; and with respect to social capital, membership in groups and social trust had the least (19.61 ± 17.11) and the most (51.04 ± 17.37) scores, respectively. The multiple regression model revealed a significant positive association between total score of the quality of life and the total score for the social capital (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Findings suggest that quality of life of female-headed families and social capital domains are strongly related. This means that by improving the social capital, women’s life can also be improved.
Huntington disease arises from a combinatory toxicity of polyglutamine and copper binding

Significance The etiology of Huntington disease (HD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion in huntingtin, is not well clarified. Here using a Drosophila model of HD, we show that altered expression of genes involved in copper metabolism can significantly modulate the HD progression. Dietary copper intervention also modifies HD phenotypes in the fly. Copper reduction dramatically decreases the level of toxic huntingtin levels. Strikingly, substitution of two potential copper-binding residues of huntingtin completely dissociates the copper-intensifying toxicity of huntingtin. Our results therefore indicate huntingtin entails both the copper-facilitated toxicity as conferred by direct copper binding and the copper-independent polyQ toxicity and suggest that an ideal HD therapy would need to take both of these actions into consideration. Huntington disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by dominant polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion within the N terminus of huntingtin (Htt) protein. Abnormal metal accumulation in the striatum of HD patients has been reported for many years, but a causative relationship has not yet been established. Furthermore, if metal is indeed involved in HD, the underlying mechanism needs to be explored. Here using a Drosophila model of HD, wherein Htt exon1 with expanded polyQ (Htt exon1-polyQ) is introduced, we show that altered expression of genes involved in copper metabolism significantly modulates the HD progression. Intervention of dietary copper levels also modifies HD phenotypes in the fly. Copper reduction to a large extent decreases the level of oligomerized and aggregated Htt. Strikingly, substitution of two potential copper-binding residues of Htt, Met8 and His82, completely dissociates the copper-intensifying toxicity of Htt exon1-polyQ. Our results therefore indicate HD entails two levels of toxicity: the copper-facilitated protein aggregation as conferred by a direct copper binding in the exon1 and the copper-independent polyQ toxicity. The existence of these two parallel pathways converging into Htt toxicity also suggests that an ideal HD therapy would be a multipronged approach that takes both these actions into consideration.
Functional divergence between morphs of a dwarf chameleon: differential locomotor kinematics in relation to habitat structure

Arboreal lizards are extremely effective at moving in structurally complex habitats, including surfaces of varying diameter and incline. Chameleons exemplify this by exhibiting a number of morphological specializations for moving in these habitats, including the use of prehensile feet and tail to grasp branches. Despite their unique morphology and behaviour, little is known about how locomotor movements vary between species. In addition, some species, such as the Cape Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion pumilum, consist of two morphs that differ in ecology, morphology, and behaviour. The two morphs can be found in either closed canopy woodland habitat or relatively open fynbos habitat. The morph that occupies the woodland habitat tends to be larger and utilizes larger diameter perches. Although their ecological and morphological divergence is established, whether this translates into differences in three-dimensional kinematics of locomotion is not known. Given the potentially strong selective pressures from structurally different habitats, kinematic differences might reveal the functional basis of incipient speciation. We determined that the two morphs diverge significantly in multidimensional kinematic space, and that this occurs for the forelimb and hindlimb independently. These differences outweigh the effects of substrate within each morph, although the differences between morphs were more pronounced on the vertical treatments.
Evidence of rapid change in genetic structure and diversity during range expansion in a recovering large terrestrial carnivore

Recovery of natural populations occurs often with simultaneous or subsequent range expansions. According to population genetic theory, genetic structuring emerges at the expansion front together with decreasing genetic diversity, owing to multiple founder events. Thereupon, as the expansion proceeds and connectivity among populations is established, homogenization and a resurgence of genetic diversity are to be expected. Few studies have used a fine temporal scale combined with genetic sampling to track range expansions as they proceed in wild animal populations. As a natural experiment, the historical eradication of large terrestrial carnivores followed by their recovery and recolonization may facilitate empirical tests of these ideas. Here, using brown bear (Ursus arctos) as model species, we tested predictions from genetic theory of range expansion. Individuals from all over Finland were genotyped for every year between 1996 and 2010 using 12 validated autosomal microsatellite markers. A latitudinal shift of about 110 km was observed in the distribution and delineation of genetic clusters during this period. As the range expansion proceeded, we found, as theory predicts, that the degree of genetic structure decreased, and that both genetic variation and admixture increased. The genetic consequences of range expansions may first be detected after multiple generations, but we found major changes in genetic composition after just 1.5 generations, accompanied by population growth and increased migration. These rapid genetic changes suggest an ongoing concerted action of geographical and demographic expansion combined with substantial immigration of bears from Russia during the recovery of brown bears within the large ecosystem of northern Europe.
Comparative analyses of clinical and environmental populations of Cryptococcus neoformans in Botswana

Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii (Cng) is the most common cause of fungal meningitis, and its prevalence is highest in sub‐Saharan Africa. Patients become infected by inhaling airborne spores or desiccated yeast cells from the environment, where the fungus thrives in avian droppings, trees and soil. To investigate the prevalence and population structure of Cng in southern Africa, we analysed isolates from 77 environmental samples and 64 patients. We detected significant genetic diversity among isolates and strong evidence of geographic structure at the local level. High proportions of isolates with the rare MATa allele were observed in both clinical and environmental isolates; however, the mating‐type alleles were unevenly distributed among different subpopulations. Nearly equal proportions of the MATa and MATα mating types were observed among all clinical isolates and in one environmental subpopulation from the eastern part of Botswana. As previously reported, there was evidence of both clonality and recombination in different geographic areas. These results provide a foundation for subsequent genomewide association studies to identify genes and genotypes linked to pathogenicity in humans.
Large-scale object recognition with CUDA-accelerated hierarchical neural networks

Robust recognition of arbitrary object classes in natural visual scenes is an aspiring goal with numerous practical applications, for instance, in the area of autonomous robotics and autonomous vehicles. One obstacle on the way towards human-like recognition performance is the limitation of computational power, restricting the size of the training and testing dataset as well as the complexity of the object recognition system. In this work, we present a hierarchical, locally-connected neural network model that is well-suited for large-scale, high-performance object recognition. By using the NVIDIA CUDA framework, we create a massively parallel implementation of the model which is executed on a state-of-the-art graphics card. This implementation is up to 82 times faster than a single-core CPU version of the system. This significant gain in computational performance allows us to evaluate the model on a very large, realistic, and challenging set of natural images which we extracted from the LabelMe dataset. To compare our model to other approaches, we also evaluate the recognition performance using the well-known MNIST and NORB datasets, achieving a testing error rate of 0.76% and 2.87 %, respectively.
Regulation of Presynaptic Ca2+, Synaptic Plasticity and Contextual Fear Conditioning by a N-terminal β-Amyloid Fragment

Soluble β-amyloid has been shown to regulate presynaptic Ca2+ and synaptic plasticity. In particular, picomolar β-amyloid was found to have an agonist-like action on presynaptic nicotinic receptors and to augment long-term potentiation (LTP) in a manner dependent upon nicotinic receptors. Here, we report that a functional N-terminal domain exists within β-amyloid for its agonist-like activity. This sequence corresponds to a N-terminal fragment generated by the combined action of α- and β-secretases, and resident carboxypeptidase. The N-terminal β-amyloid fragment is present in the brains and CSF of healthy adults as well as in Alzheimer's patients. Unlike full-length β-amyloid, the N-terminal β-amyloid fragment is monomeric and nontoxic. In Ca2+ imaging studies using a model reconstituted rodent neuroblastoma cell line and isolated mouse nerve terminals, the N-terminal β-amyloid fragment proved to be highly potent and more effective than full-length β-amyloid in its agonist-like action on nicotinic receptors. In addition, the N-terminal β-amyloid fragment augmented theta burst-induced post-tetanic potentiation and LTP in mouse hippocampal slices. The N-terminal fragment also rescued LTP inhibited by elevated levels of full-length β-amyloid. Contextual fear conditioning was also strongly augmented following bilateral injection of N-terminal β-amyloid fragment into the dorsal hippocampi of intact mice. The fragment-induced augmentation of fear conditioning was attenuated by coadministration of nicotinic antagonist. The activity of the N-terminal β-amyloid fragment appears to reside largely in a sequence surrounding a putative metal binding site, YEVHHQ. These findings suggest that the N-terminal β-amyloid fragment may serve as a potent and effective endogenous neuromodulator.
Analytical Modeling of Pulse Transformers for Power Modulators

The parasitic capacitances of transformers significantly influence the resulting pulse shape of a power modulator system. In order to predict the pulse shape and optimize the geometry of the pulse transformer before building the transformer, an equivalent circuit and analytic expressions relating the geometry with the parasitic elements are needed. Therefore, a model consisting of 6 equivalent capacitors and a simplified circuit, as well as the belonging equations, are presented. The equations are verified by measurement results for a pulse transformer and a solid-state modulator designed for linear accelerators
Sensorless starting of a wound-field synchronous starter/generator for aerospace applications

The present paper describes an angle and speed estimation algorithm suitable for the control of a wound-field synchronous starter/generator (S/G) without position sensors for aircraft engine starting applications. The proposed control strategy is based on the injection of a high-frequency voltage signal and the subsequent demodulation of the resulting high-frequency stator current components. The coupling due to high-speed operation that degrades the estimation accuracy of similar algorithms based on signal injection is taken into account. Modeling of the machine response to a high-frequency voltage signal injected into the estimated d-axis is presented, also considering the influence of damping circuits both on the d- and q-axis. Local asymptotic stability of the proposed observer is also demonstrated. Through extensive experimental results, the proposed control technique is shown capable of guaranteeing full-torque sensorless operation at zero speed and sustained operation up to engine ignition speed.
Impact of the Non-Contributory Social Pension Program 70 y más on Older Adults’ Mental Well-Being

Background In 2007, a non-contributory pension program was launched in rural areas of Mexico. The program consisted in a non-conditional cash transfer of US$40 monthly to all older adults (OA) aged 70 and over. We evaluate the effect of the program on mental well-being of its beneficiaries. Methods and Findings Quantitative and qualitative methods were used. For the quantitative component, we used the selection criteria established by the program (age and locality size) to form the Intervention (OA aged 70–74 residing in rural localities, <2500 inhabitants) and Control groups (OA aged 70–74, in localities with 2501–2700 inhabitants). Baseline data collection was conducted in 2007 where 5,465 OA were interviewed. The follow-up survey was conducted in 2008, and it was possible to interview 5,270 OA, with a response rate of 96%. A difference-in-difference linear probability model with individual fixed effect was used to estimate the impact of the program on mental well-being indicators. In 2009 a qualitative component was designed to explore possible causal pathways of such effect. Results After a year of exposure, the program had a significant effect on reduction of depressive symptoms (β = −0.06, CI95% −0.12; −0.01) and an increase in empowerment indicators: OA participated in important household decisions (β = 0.09, CI95% 0.03;0.15); and OA participated in household decisions pertaining to expenses (β = 0.11, CI95% 0.05;0.18). Qualitative analysis found a strong trend showing a reduction of sadness, and feeling of increasing empowerment. Conclusions These results suggest that a non-conditional transfer in older ages have an impact beyond the economic sphere, impacting even the mental well-being. This effect could be explained because the pension produces feelings of safety and welfare. It is recommendable that governments should invest efforts towards universalizing the non-contributory pension programs in order to ensure a basic income for the elderly.
Genetic analysis of the connexin-26 M34T variant: identification of genotype M34T/M34T segregating with mild-moderate non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss

Mutations in the human gap junction β-2 gene (GJB2) that encodes connexin-26 have been shown to cause non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss (NSSNHL) at theDFNB1 locus on 13q11. Functional and genetic data regarding the disease causing potential of one particularGJB2 sequence variant, 101 T→C (M34T), have proven contradictory. In this study, we found the prevalence of the M34T allele in a cohort of white sib pairs and sporadic cases with NSSNHL from the United Kingdom and Ireland to be 3.179% of chromosomes screened. Significantly, we identified the first M34T/M34T genotype cosegregating in a single family with mid to high frequency NSSNHL. Screening a control population of 630 subjects we identified 25 M34T heterozygotes; however, no M34T homozygotes were detected. Surprisingly, the majority of M34T alleles (88%) were incis with a 10 bp deletion in the 5′ non-coding sequence. This non-coding deletion was also homozygous in the homozygous M34T subjects. Microsatellite analysis of flanking loci in M34T heterozygotes and controls does not define an extensive ancestral haplotype but preliminary data suggest two common alleles in subjects with the M34T allele. In summary, we provide data that support M34T acting as a recessive GJB2 allele associated with mild-moderate prelingual hearing impairment.
Sperm DNA fragmentation and morphological degeneration in chilled elephant (Elephas maximus and Loxodonta Africana) semen collected by transrectal massage

Ejaculates from nine Asian and two African elephants were analysed to gain a further understanding of mechanisms underlying variable semen quality after transrectal massage. Semen analysis was performed after collection (0 h; subjective motility parameters only) and after 24 h of chilled storage at 10 °C (24 h; all ejaculate and sperm characteristics). Ejaculates with ≤50% total motility (TM) at 24 h, which represented >90% of collection attempts, contained a sperm population with a high degree of DNA damage (64.2 ± 19.2% fragmented DNA) and an elevated incidence of detached heads (43.3 ± 22.5%). In contrast, good quality ejaculates designated as those with >50% TM at 24 h displayed higher (p < 0.05) values of sperm kinetic parameters, DNA integrity and normal morphology. Fertility potential was high for good quality ejaculates from two males (one Asian and one African bull) based on in vitro characteristics after chilled storage for up to 48 h post‐collection. Urine contamination of semen, as assessed quantitatively by creatinine concentration, was confirmed as a significant factor in reduced elephant ejaculate quality. However, the identification of considerable DNA damage and morphological degeneration in the majority of ejaculates after only 24 h of chilled storage indicates that sperm ageing could be a primary contributor to inconsistent semen quality in the elephant.
Thermo-Optic Characterization of Silicon Nitride Resonators for Cryogenic Photonic Circuits

In this paper, we characterize the Thermo-optic properties of silicon nitride ring resonators between 18 and 300 K. The Thermo-optic coefficients of the silicon nitride core and the oxide cladding are measured by studying the temperature dependence of the resonance wavelengths. The resonant modes show low temperature dependence at cryogenic temperatures and higher dependence as the temperature increases. We find the Thermo-optic coefficients of PECVD silicon nitride and silicon oxide to be 2.51 + 0.08 E-5 K-1 and 0.96 + 0.09 E-5 K-1 at room temperature while decreasing by an order of magnitude when cooling to 18 K. To show the effect of variations in the thermo-optic coefficients on device performance, we study the tuning of a fully integrated electrically tunable filter as a function of voltage for different temperatures. The presented results provide new practical guidelines in designing photonic circuits for studying low-temperature optical phenomena.
An exploratory study investigating children's perceptions of dental behavioural management techniques.

BACKGROUND Behaviour management techniques (BMTs) are utilised by dentists to aid children's dental anxiety (DA). Children's perceptions of these have been underexplored, and their feedback could help inform paediatric dentistry. AIM To explore children's acceptability and perceptions of dental communication and BMTs and to compare these by age, gender, and DA. DESIGN A total of sixty-two 9- to 11-year-old school children participated in the study. Children's acceptability of BMTs was quantified using a newly developed Likert scale, alongside exploration of children's experiences and perceptions through interviews. anova and t-tests explored BMT acceptability ratings by age, gender, and DA. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interviews. FINDINGS Statistical analyses showed no effect of age, gender, or DA upon BMT acceptability. Children generally perceived the BMTs as acceptable or neutral; stop signals were the most acceptable, and voice control the least acceptable BMT. Beneficial experiences of distraction and positive reinforcement were common. Children described the positive nature of their dentist's communication and BMT utilisation. CONCLUSION Dental anxiety did not affect children's perceptions of BMTs. Children were generally positive about dentist's communication and established BMTs. Children's coping styles may impact perceptions and effectiveness of BMTs and should be explored in future investigations.
Extended cyclic fatigue life of F2 ProTaper instruments used in reciprocating movement.

AIM To evaluate the cyclic fatigue fracture resistance of engine-driven F2 ProTaper instruments under reciprocating movement. METHODOLOGY A sample of 30 NiTi ProTaper F2 instruments was used. An artificial canal was made from a stainless steel tube, allowing the instruments to rotate freely. During mechanical testing, different movement kinematics and speeds were used, which resulted in three experimental groups (n = 10). The instruments from the first group (G1) were rotated at a nominal speed of 250 rpm until fracture, whilst the instruments from the second group (G2) were rotated at 400 rpm. In the third instrument group (G3), the files were driven under reciprocating movement. The time of fracture for each instrument was measured, and statistical analysis was performed using parametric methods. RESULTS Reciprocating movement resulted in a significantly longer cyclic fatigue life (P < 0.05). Moreover, operating rpm was a significant factor affecting cyclic fatigue life (P < 0.05); instruments used at a rotational speed of 400 rpm (approximately 95 s) failed more rapidly than those used at 250 rpm (approximately 25 s). CONCLUSIONS Movement kinematics is amongst the factors determining the resistance of rotary NiTi instruments to cyclic fracture. Moreover, the reciprocating movement promoted an extended cyclic fatigue life of the F2 ProTaper instrument in comparison with conventional rotation.
Lactate is always the end product of glycolysis

Through much of the history of metabolism, lactate (La−) has been considered merely a dead-end waste product during periods of dysoxia. Congruently, the end product of glycolysis has been viewed dichotomously: pyruvate in the presence of adequate oxygenation, La− in the absence of adequate oxygenation. In contrast, given the near-equilibrium nature of the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) reaction and that LDH has a much higher activity than the putative regulatory enzymes of the glycolytic and oxidative pathways, we contend that La− is always the end product of glycolysis. Cellular La− accumulation, as opposed to flux, is dependent on (1) the rate of glycolysis, (2) oxidative enzyme activity, (3) cellular O2 level, and (4) the net rate of La− transport into (influx) or out of (efflux) the cell. For intracellular metabolism, we reintroduce the Cytosol-to-Mitochondria Lactate Shuttle. Our proposition, analogous to the phosphocreatine shuttle, purports that pyruvate, NAD+, NADH, and La− are held uniformly near equilibrium throughout the cell cytosol due to the high activity of LDH. La− is always the end product of glycolysis and represents the primary diffusing species capable of spatially linking glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation.