Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Targeting Social Transfer Programmes: Comparing Design and Implementation Errors Across Alternative Mechanisms

An innovative cash transfer programme in northern Kenya is the first of its kind to trial three targeting mechanisms to learn about which approach is most effective at identifying the poorest households while minimising inclusion and exclusion errors. Analysing data collected through a randomised controlled trial, we conclude that community‐based targeting is the most accurate of the three approaches, followed by categorical targeting by age and household dependency ratio. However, targeting performance is strongly affected by implementation capacity and modalities. Through a simulation exercise, we show that a proxy means test would have performed better than single categorical indicators. © 2015 UNU‐WIDER. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Allogeneic Transplantation Induces Expression of Cytomegalovirus Immediate-Early Genes In Vivo: a Model for Reactivation from Latency

ABSTRACT Reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) from latency is a frequent complication of organ transplantation, and the molecular mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. Previous studies have shown that allogeneic stimulation induces reactivation of human CMV (HCMV) in vitro (64). We find that transplantation of vascularized allogeneic kidneys induces murine CMV (MCMV) and HCMV immediate-early (ie) gene expression. This induction is accompanied by increased expression of transcripts encoding inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-2, and gamma interferon, and by activation of NF-κB. TNF alone can substitute for allogeneic transplantation in inducing HCMV and MCMV iegene expression in some tissues. Our studies suggest that reactivation is a multistep process which is initiated by factors that induceie gene expression, including TNF and NF-κB. Allogeneic transplantation combined with immunosuppression may be required to achieve complete reactivation in vivo.
A new species of Haploperla from China (Plecoptera, Chloroperlidae)

Abstract A new species of the genus Haploperla, Haploperla triangulata sp. n. , is described and illustrated from specimens collected in Qinghai province, China. Haploperla triangulata is characterized by the epiproct mostly sclerotized and hairless, sub-triangular in dorsal view and blunt at tip; and by the aedeagus with two median elliptical lobes ventrally. The new species is compared with its most similar congeners, and diagnostic characters are presented.
Optical identification of binary pulsars: Implications for magnetic field decay in neutron stars

We report the discovery of the optical counterparts of two binary pulsar systems-0655+64 and 0820+02. In accordance with stellar evolution scenarios we find the optical counterparts to be white dwarfs. The existence of a cool and therefore old white dwarf in the 0655+64 system contradicts the standard hypothesis of exponential decay of magnetic fields in neutron stars. We resolve this contradiction by hypothesizing that the magnetic field in neutron stars consists of two components-an exponentially decaying field and a steady field. The former probably resides in the crust and the latter perhaps in the core: The consequences of this hypothesis for the lifetimes of millisecond pulsars, binary pulsars, and galactic bulge X-ray sources are discussed.
GNPAT variant (D519G) is not associated with an elevated serum ferritin or iron removed by phlebotomy in patients referred for C282Y-linked hemochromatosis.

BACKGROUND Previous studies in high and low expressors has demonstrated that a variant in the GNPAT gene (D519G, Rs11558492, chromosome 1, exon 11) has been associated with severe iron overload in C282Y homozygotes for hemochromatosis. In this study, a GNPATvariant was assessed prospectively in patients referred for HFE testing over a range of serum ferritin levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS Consecutive patients sent for HFE testing were studied for the GNPAT variant using a TaqMan kit assay (Life Technologies, Burlington, ON). Serum ferritin and iron removed by phlebotomy was compared in C282Y homozygotes with and without the GNPATvariant. The frequency of the GNPATvariant in referred patients was compared to a control population of voluntary blood donors without HFE mutations. RESULTS There were 533 patients that had GNPATanalysis. The allele frequency for the GNPATvariant in C282Y homozygotes (n = 75) was 0.226 and in wild type control patients (n = 458) was 0.213 (p = .07). Forty-eight percent (of the C282Y homozygotes were heterozygous (n = 28) or homozygous (n = 8) for the GNPATvariant. The mean (log)ferritin and iron removed did not significantly differ between C282Y homozygous with GNPAT homozygotes, GNPAT heterozygotes, and without the GNPATvariant (p = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS C282Y homozygotes referred for HFE testing commonly have a GNPATvariant. This GNPATvariant does not appear be a co-modifying gene affecting expression of HFE related hemochromatosis in this population. The GNPATvariant does not predict the severity of iron overload.
Impact of daily cotrimoxazole on clinical malaria and asymptomatic parasitemias in HIV-exposed, uninfected infants.

BACKGROUND Cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT) is recommended for all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed infants to avoid opportunistic infections. Cotrimoxazole has antimalarial effects and appears to reduce clinical malaria infections, but the impact on asymptomatic malaria infections is unknown. METHODS We conducted an observational cohort study using data and dried blood spots (DBSs) from the Breastfeeding, Antiretrovirals and Nutrition study to evaluate the impact of CPT on malaria infection during peak malaria season in Lilongwe, Malawi. We compared malaria incidence 1 year before and after CPT implementation (292 and 682 CPT-unexposed and CPT-exposed infants, respectively), including only infants who remained HIV negative by 36 weeks of age. Malaria was defined as clinical, asymptomatic (using DBSs at 12, 24, and 36 weeks), or a composite outcome of clinical or asymptomatic. Linear and binomial regression with generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the association between CPT and malaria. Differences in characteristics of parasitemias and drug resistance polymorphisms by CPT status were also assessed in the asymptomatic infections. RESULTS CPT was associated with a 70% (95% confidence interval, 53%-81%) relative reduction in the risk of asymptomatic infection between 6 and 36 weeks of age. CPT appeared to provide temporary protection against clinical malaria and more sustained protection against asymptomatic infections, with no difference in parasitemia characteristics. CONCLUSIONS CPT appears to reduce overall malaria infections, with more prolonged impacts on asymptomatic infections. Asymptomatic infections are potentially important reservoirs for malaria transmission. Therefore, CPT prophylaxis may have important individual and public health benefits.
Eliciting and using expert opinions about dropout bias in randomized controlled trials

Background The analysis of clinical trials with dropout usually assumes the missing data are `missing at random', i.e. given an individual's past observed data, their probability of dropout does not depend on their present outcome. However, in many settings this assumption is implausible, so it is sensible to assess the robustness of conclusions to departures from missing at random. Purpose To develop a practical, accessible, approach that allows expert opinions about the degree of departure from missing at random in the analysis of a clinical trial to be meaningfully and accurately elicited and incorporated in sensitivity analysis. Methods We elicit experts' prior beliefs about the mean difference between missing and observed outcomes in each trial arm. Then we perform a Bayesian synthesis of the information in the trial data with that in the experts' prior, using (i) a full Bayesian analysis for which we give WinBUGS code, and (ii) a simple approximate formula for the estimated treatment effect and its standard error. We illustrate our approach by re-analysing a recent trial of interventions to improve the quality of peer review. Results In the peer review trial, the approximate formula agreed well with the full Bayesian analysis, and both showed substantially larger standard errors than an analysis assuming missing at random. Limitations Strictly, the method is only applicable if the outcome is normally distributed. We did not elicit the full bivariate prior distribution, and instead used a sensitivity analysis. Our approach is not designed to incorporate prior beliefs about the intervention effect itself. Conclusions Our proposed approach allows for the greater uncertainty introduced by missing data that are potentially informatively missing. It can therefore claim to be a truly conservative method, unlike methods such as `last observation carried forward'. It is practical and accessible to non-statisticians. It should be considered as part of the design and analysis of future clinical trials. Clinical Trials 2007; 4: 125—139. http:/ctj.sagepub. com
N 88 S seipin mutant transgenic mice develop features of seipinopathy / BSCL 2-related motor neuron disease via endoplasmic reticulum stress

Heterozygosity for mutations (N88S and P90L) in the N-glycosylation site of seipin/BSCL2 is associated with the autosomal dominant motor neuron diseases, spastic paraplegia 17 and distal hereditary motor neuropathy type V, referred to as ‘seipinopathies’. Previous in vitro studies have shown that seipinopathy-linked mutations result in accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), leading to the unfolded protein response and cell death, suggesting that seipinopathies is closely associated with ER stress. To further understand the molecular pathogenesis of seipinopathies, we generated a transgenic (tg) mouse line expressing the human N88S seipin mutant with the murine Thy-1 promoter to permit analyses of in vivo phenotypic changes. The N88S seipin tg mice develop a progressive spastic motor deficit, reactive gliosis in the spinal cord and neurogenic muscular atrophy, recapitulating the symptomatic and pathological phenotype in patients of seipinopathy. We also found that expression of mutant seipin in mice upregulated the ER stress marker, immunoglobulin-heavy-chain-binding protein, protein disulfide isomerase and X-box binding protein 1, but was not linked to significant neuronal loss in affected tissue, thereby indicating that ER stress is sufficient, while neuronal death is not necessary, for the development of motor phenotypes of seipinopathies. Our findings in the mutant seipin tg mouse provide clues to understand the relationship with ER stress and neurodegeneration, and the seipin tg mouse is a valid tool for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against ER stress-related diseases.
Modelling tourist loyalty via statistical techniques

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between the atmospheric factors in the hotel managements and the customer loyalty. Also, this study shows the effective demographic factors on tourist loyalty. To model these effective factors; Optimal Scaling, CHAID Analysis, Explanatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling techniques are applied. The data set is obtained from 468 Russian tourists in Antalya-Turkey between the dates June-August 2013 through questionnaire forms. As well as demographic variables, a fivepoint Likert scale is used to measure the loyalty levels of these tourists. The results of the Optimal Scaling analysis indicate that among the consumers whose loyalty is high are those more than 35 years old and those who have visited Antalya at least 2 times and those with MS or Ph.D. degrees. Loyalty levels of female consumers have been found higher than male consumers̀ . Numbers of visit, gender and marital status are also important factors on consumer loyalty according to the results of the CHAID analysis. Structural Equation Modelling reached to a conclusion that internal factors of hotel atmosphere are more effective on customer loyalty than external factors. Detailed results are given in related tables and figures.
The conserved global regulator VeA is necessary for symptom production and mycotoxin synthesis in maize seedlings by Fusarium verticillioides

The veA or velvet gene is necessary for biosynthesis of mycotoxins and other secondary metabolites in Aspergillus species. In addition, veA has also been demonstrated to be necessary for normal seed colonization in Aspergillus ﬂavus and Aspergillus parasiticus . The present study shows that veA homologues are broadly distributed in fungi, particularly in ascomycetes. The Fusarium verticillioides veA orthologue, FvVE1 , is also required for the synthesis of several secondary metabolites, including fumonisin and fusarins. This study also shows that maize plants grown from seeds inoculated with FvVE1 deletion mutants did not show disease symptoms, while plants grown from seeds inoculated with the F. verticillioides wildtype and complementation strains clearly showed disease symptoms under the same experimental conditions. In this latter case, the presence of lesions coincided with accumulation of fumonisins in the plant tissues, and only these plant tissues had elevated levels of sphingoid bases and their 1-phosphate derivatives, indicating inhibition of ceramide synthase and disruption of sphingolipid metabolism. The results strongly suggest that FvVE1 is necessary for pathogenicity by F. verticillioides against maize seedlings. The conservation of veA homologues among ascomycetes suggests that veA could play a pivotal role in regulating secondary metabolism and associated pathogenicity in other fungi.
Service Learning and Teacher Education in Reading

A model service learning course for elementary teaching credential candidates is described. Preservice teachers taking a required university reading methods course studied scientifically-based reading instruction and volunteered in Los Angeles Unified School District classrooms during reading instruction time. Service learning experiences were found to assist teaching credential candidates in developing strategies for teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension skills to elementary students. The Literacy Profile Project, reflective journaling, and direct benefits to school district personnel, supervising teachers, and elementary students are discussed.
Perceptions of the Social and Personal Characteristics of Hypermuscular Women and of the Men Who Love Them

A predominately European American sample of middle class college students rated hypermuscular female bodybuilders and the men who were romantically involved with them on measures of perceived gender traits, personality traits, social behaviors, and heterosexual behaviors. Participants perceived hypermuscular women, as compared to the average woman, as having more masculine and fewer feminine interests, less likely to be good mothers, and less intelligent, socially popular, and attractive. However, participants also perceived them as being less likely to engage in socially deviant behaviors or to be sexually manipulative and more likely to be extraverted, conscientious, and open to new experiences than the average woman. Participants perceived men who are romantically involved with hypermuscular women as having stronger masculine traits, interests, and identities than the average man. The authors found no relationships between the perceiver's gender type and his or her perceptions of hypermuscular women or the men who were romantically involved with them.
Disorder and Decline: Crime and the Spiral of Decay in American Cities

Objectives:A significant and diverse body of research has built up during the 30+ years since the publication of Wilson and Kelling’s seminal “broken windows” article. They affected research, policy, and politics around the world. This article summarizes some of the main strands of research that have since sprung up around these and other claims.Results:This article discusses approaches to conceptualizing and measuring disorder and weighs the strengths and weaknesses of various measurement modalities. It summarizes what this research has revealed about the apparent causes and effects of disorder.Conclusion:Research documents that disorder has broad implications for public health and safety and that it is deeply implicated in the dynamics of neighborhood stability and change. Further, there is evidence that—directly and via its impact on other features of community life—disorder stimulates conventional crime.
Iron requirements for dinitrogen‐ and ammonium‐supported growth in cultures of Trichodesmium (IMS 101): Comparison with nitrogen fixation rates and iron: carbon ratios of field populations

We quantified the relationships among the specific growth rate, intracellular iron content, and steady state iron uptake rate for cultures of the marine diazotrophic cyanobacterium Trichodesmium (IMS 101) grown under differing conditions of Fe and N availability. The Fe quotas necessary to support a moderately Fe‐limited growth rate (70% mmax) of 0.1 d−1 under diazotrophy and ammonium were 38 and 8 µmol mol−1, indicating a fivefold increased Fe cost for diazotrophy. This increased demand reflects the influences of both the ninefold lower marginal use efficiency and the greater maintenance Fe :C requirement at zero growth rate under diazotrophy (13.5 versus 5.2 µmol mol−1). For diazotrophic growth at µ = 0.1 d−1, we estimate that 19%–53% of the cellular Fe is bound in nitrogenase. Trichodesmium is capable of luxury uptake of at least 13‐fold greater amounts of Fe than needed for moderately Fe‐limited growth. At least half of the populations sampled from the continental shelf of northern Australia had Fe :C ratios within the range of iron limitation of laboratory cultures. Bottle incubations showed that, after 3–4 d with added iron, a low Fe :C population (21 µmol mol−1) had higher N2 fixation rates than controls, whereas a high Fe :C population (78 µmol mol−1) showed no response. The cellular N: P quotas and N2 fixation rates were compared to those previously reported for the Atlantic Ocean. Empirically, these data suggest a critical N: P ratio ~40–50 for the onset of P limitation of growth. Only 10% of the Trichodesmium populations from coastal Australia had N: P ratios within the putative P‐limitation range (>40), whereas 40% the Atlantic populations fell within this range. These comparisons, along with those for N fixation versus colony Fe :C ratio, suggest that Fe limitation is more prevalent in the Australia Trichodesmium populations, while P limitation predominates in the Atlantic populations.
Relapsing and recurrent peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis: a multicenter registry study.

BACKGROUND The causes, predictors, treatment, and outcomes of relapsed and recurrent peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis are poorly understood. STUDY DESIGN Observational cohort study using Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant (ANZDATA) Registry data. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS All Australian PD patients between October 1, 2003, and December 31, 2007, with first episodes of peritonitis. PREDICTORS Demographic, clinical, and facility variables and type of peritonitis; relapse (same organism or culture-negative episode occurring within 4 weeks of completion of therapy of a prior episode or 5 weeks if vancomycin used); recurrence (different organism occurring within 4 weeks of completion of therapy of a prior episode or 5 weeks if vancomycin used); control (first peritonitis episode without relapse or recurrence). OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS Hospitalization, catheter removal, hemodialysis therapy transfer, death. RESULTS Of 6,024 PD patients studied, first episodes of relapsed, recurrent, and control peritonitis occurred in 356, 165, and 2,021 patients, respectively. Coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus accounted for 48% of relapsing peritonitis (adjusted OR, 1.26 [95% CI, 0.94-1.70] and 1.54 [95% CI, 1.08-2.19], respectively), but were much less likely to be isolated in recurrent peritonitis. Recurrent peritonitis was associated more frequently with fungi (13%; OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.12-4.17). The empirical antimicrobial approaches to relapsing and recurrent peritonitis were similar and their subsequent clinical outcomes were comparable. Compared with uncomplicated peritonitis, relapsed and recurrent peritonitis were associated with higher rates of catheter removal (22% vs 30% vs 37%, respectively; P < 0.001) and permanent hemodialysis therapy transfer (20% vs 25% vs 32%; P < 0.001), but similar rates of hospitalization (73% vs 70% vs 70%) and death (2.8% vs 2.0% vs 1.2%). LIMITATIONS Limited covariate adjustment. Residual confounding and coding bias could not be excluded. CONCLUSIONS Relapsed and recurrent peritonitis are caused by different spectra of micro-organisms, but are not readily clinically distinguishable at presentation. Empirical treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and subsequent adjustment according to antimicrobial susceptibilities results in similar clinical outcomes, albeit with appreciably higher rates of catheter removal and hemodialysis therapy transfer than for uncomplicated peritonitis.
Tobacco price increase and smoking behaviour changes in various subgroups: a nationwide longitudinal 7-year follow-up study among a middle-aged Japanese population

Objective Few longitudinal studies have examined the effect of tobacco price increase on both cessation among smokers and relapse among quitters. Our objective was to investigate the differential impact of the tobacco price increase on the changes in smoking status in the total population and various subgroups. Methods We analysed data from a Japanese nationally representative longitudinal study of 30 773 individuals aged 50–59 years (weighted sum of discrete-time number = 215 411) with smoking information, using inverse probability weighting to account for non-response at follow-up. Generalised estimating equation models were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) for smoking behavioural changes (cessation among smokers and relapse among quitters), using discrete-time design. Stratified analyses were conducted according to demographic, socioeconomic and health behavioural characteristics. Results From 2005 to 2012, current smoker prevalence among the middle-aged Japanese population decreased from 30.5% to 24.3%. Of all the factors surveyed, only the tobacco price increase in 2010 (up by 37%, the highest increase during the period) was significantly associated with both cessation among smokers (OR 2.14, 95% confidence interval 1.90 to 2.41) and prevention of relapse among quitters (0.60, 0.46 to 0.77). Regarding the subgroup analysis, the tobacco price increase was associated with a significant reduction in relapse in the lowest income, recent quitters and very poor health subgroups. However, different associations were observed for cessation; a significant association between price increase and cessation was observed among all subgroups except for the heavy smoker and recently unemployed subgroups. Conclusions We confirmed that the tobacco price rise was associated with increasing cessation and decreasing relapse concurrently. Furthermore, this price rise was associated with favourable smoking changes in nearly all population subgroups; a large differential impact was not observed across the various subgroups.