Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bargaining Over Children - From Presumptive Practices to Child-focused Litigation

The current Parliamentary Inquiry into a 'rebuttable presumption' of 50:50 residency taps an aspiration by many children and adults for more meaningful child parent engagement following separation and divorce. But rather than endorse pre-emptive assumptions about family structure, the inquiry should begin with the child's interests and work outwards, argues the author of this article. Discussion includes presumptive and non-presumptive decision-making processes; key patterns of post-separation parenting; the continuing legacy of the motherhood principle; options for parenting plans for school age children; key systemic problems in maintaining a true non-presumptive stance; and what constitutes good practice from a child's perspective. The author states that the proposed 50:50 residence presumption is largely adult oriented, inappropriately focused on structure and, for most separating families, unrealistic. If the proposal was meant to be largely aspirational, and if it succeeds in focusing attention on the fact that too many children miss out on receiving what both parents or other significant carers can offer them after separation, then the inquiry will have been a worthwhile development, the author concludes.
Stable isotopes in benthic foraminiferal calcite from a river-influenced Arctic marine environment, Kara and Pechora Seas

Oxygen and carbon stable-isotope compositions of modern benthic foraminifera in the Kara and Pechora estuarine regions of the Arctic continental shelf were compared with water δ 1 8 O, δ 1 3 C D I C , temperature, and salinity. The foraminiferal δ 1 8 O distribution is mostly similar to that of equilibrium calcite, primarily controlled by mixing of runoff and seawater in near-estuarine areas (depth < 15-20 m), with additional temperature control seaward. The δ 1 3 C composition is controlled by remineralization of organic matter, mostly imported by rivers, and by water mixing. Most analyses used the common Arctic foraminifer Elphidium excavatum forma clavata, which yields depleted δ 1 3 C, as expected for an infaunal species. Isotope records for sediment cores off the Pechora and Yenisey rivers show a decelerating rise in isotope values, of up to 10‰ in δ 1 8 O, over the last 10 kyr in a pattern similar to that of rising sea level and concomitant retreat of river mouths, with local complexities probably resulting from glacio-isostatic rebound and changes in sedimentation.
The correlation of capacitance-voltage hysteresis measurements with performance during accelerated lifetime testing of polycrystalline thin film solar cells

Cell performance, or efficiency, ŋ% is the most used, if not most important metric for evaluating different solar cell technologies. Efficiency in turn is determined directly by the product of open-circuit voltage, Voc, short-circuit current density, Jsc, and fill-factor, FF. From numerous studies involving the measurement of ŋ% as a function of stress, it has been determined that ŋ% can be most correlated with changes in FF. In order to better study changes in FF, and thus, to better understand what causes cells to degrade, we have developed a new and appropriate failure analysis technique which can be readily incorporated within the framework of existing accelerated lifetime testing (ALT). This non-destructive, two-terminal technique is relatively easy to perform on both polycrystalline thin film solar cells as well as finished series-connected thin film modules and is believed to be benign as a failure analysis tool. In this technique, capacitance data is collected using a bi-directional voltage scan in order to capture commonly observed hysteretic or “transient” effects in polycrystalline thin film cells and modules.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ATTENTIONAL INSTRUCTIONS ON RUNNING ECONOMY AT A SUBMAXIMAL VELOCITY

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of external and internal focus of attention instructions on running economy at a submaximal velocity. Twenty-four male physical education students ran on a treadmill at a velocity of 9.6 km·hr -1 in two 10-minute counterbalanced conditions: external focus (watching a video of running from the runner’s perspective), and internal focus (focusing on the movement of their legs). The external focus of attention provided visual feedback of the running velocity to the participants and was shown during the internal focus condition as well. No differences in physiological responses, running economy, or rating of perceived exertion were found between the two conditions. Based on the data of the current study, it was concluded that attentional focus does not affect running economy or physiological responses when running at submaximal velocities.
Occurrence of Isopenicillin-N-Synthase Homologs in Bioluminescent Ctenophores and Implications for Coelenterazine Biosynthesis

The biosynthesis of the luciferin coelenterazine has remained a mystery for decades. While not all organisms that use coelenterazine appear to make it themselves, it is thought that ctenophores are a likely producer. Here we analyze the transcriptome data of 24 species of ctenophores, two of which have published genomes. The natural precursors of coelenterazine have been shown to be the amino acids L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine, with the most likely biosynthetic pathway involving cyclization and further modification of the tripeptide Phe-Tyr-Tyr (“FYY”). Therefore, we searched the ctenophore transcriptome data for genes with the short peptide “FYY” as part of their coding sequence. We recovered a group of candidate genes for coelenterazine biosynthesis in the luminous species which encode a set of highly conserved non-heme iron oxidases similar to isopenicillin-N-synthase. These genes were absent in the transcriptomes and genome of the two non-luminous species. Pairwise identities and substitution rates reveal an unusually high degree of identity even between the most unrelated species. Additionally, two related groups of non-heme iron oxidases were found across all ctenophores, including those which are non-luminous, arguing against the involvement of these two gene groups in luminescence. Important residues for iron-binding are conserved across all proteins in the three groups, suggesting this function is still present. Given the known functions of other members of this protein superfamily are involved in heterocycle formation, we consider these genes to be top candidates for laboratory characterization or gene knockouts in the investigation of coelenterazine biosynthesis.
In vitro induction of human cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses against peptides of mutant and wild‐type p53

The central role of the p53 tumor suppressor gene product in oncogenesis is gradually being clarified. Point mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene are common in most human cancers and are often associated with p53 protein overexpression. Overexpressed wild‐type or mutant determinants of the p53 protein thus represent an attractive target for immunotherapy of cancer directed against a structure involved in malignant transformation. An important step towards this goal is identification of epitopes of p53 that can be recognized by human cytotoxic T lymphocytes. We identified peptides of (mutant) p53 capable of binding to HLA‐A2.1 in an in vitro assay. These HLA‐A2.1‐binding peptides were utilized for in vitro induction of primary cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses using a human processing‐defective cell line (174CEM.T2) as antigen‐presenting cell. These cells display “empty” HLA class I surface molecules, that can efficiently be loaded with a single peptide. We obtained CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte clones capable of specifically lysing target cells loaded with wild‐type or tumor‐specific mutant p53 peptides. This strategy allows the in vitro initiation of human cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses against target molecules of choice.
ANALYSIS OF ADOPTION AND PRODUCTION OF ORANGE-FLESHED SWEETPOTATOES: THE CASE STUDY OF GAZA PROVINCE IN MOZAMBIQUE

ANALYSIS OF ADOPTION AND PRODUCTION OF ORANGE-FLESHED SWEETPOTATOES: THE CASE STUDY OF GAZA PROVINCE IN MOZAMBIQUE By FELICIANO M. MAZUZE Vitamin A Deficiency is a major threat to women and children’s health in Mozambique. In 2000, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development launched a program to multiply and widely distribute vines of orange-fleshed sweetpotato varieties (OFSVs) to smallholders throughout the country. Since sweetpotatoes are grown and consumed by almost all small farmers, it was anticipated that widespread farmer adoption of OFSVs would have a major impact on reducing vitamin A deficiency. Farmers (150) who had received vines in 2000 of recently-released OFSVs were surveyed to assess the adoption rate and investigate the key factors determining farmer adoption of the nutritionally-improved sweetpotato varieties. Major factors associated with adoption include sweetpotato cultivated area, participation in field days/demonstration activities, number of OFSVs grown by farmers, and the number of times the respondent received vines. To spur adoption of OFSVs, it is recommended that more resources should be allocated to post-harvest research to identify appropriate storage and processing techniques, market opportunities for processed sweetpotato products, and effective ways to link OFSVs growers to potential processors and output markets, and funding to rehabilitate soil drainage systems in lowlands.
TLR signaling in mast cells: common and unique features

In addition to the well known role of mast cells in immunity to multi-cellular parasites and in the pathogenesis of allergy and asthma, the importance of mast cells in the immune defense against bacteria and viruses is increasingly being recognized. Their location in the skin, gut, and airways puts mast cells in an ideal location to encounter and respond to pathogens, and in order to perform this function, these cells express a variety of pattern recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Mast cells respond to TLR ligands by secreting cytokines, chemokines, and lipid mediators, and some studies have found that TLR ligands can also cause degranulation, although this finding is contentious. In addition, stimulation via TLR ligands can synergize with signaling via the FcεRI, potentially enhancing the response of the cells to antigen in vivo. A great deal is now known about TLR signaling pathways. Some features of these pathways are cell type-specific, however, and work is under way to fully elucidate the TLR signaling cascades in the mast cell. Already, some interesting differences have been identified. This review aims to address what is known about the responses of mast cells to TLR ligands and the signaling pathways involved. Given the location of mast cells at sites exposed to the environment, the response of these cells to TLR ligands must be carefully regulated. The known mechanisms behind this regulation are also reviewed here.
ASSESSMENTS OF ORGANIZATIONAL MODULARITY, NETWORK BANDWIDTH, AND SOCIAL CAPITAL IN THE MNC'S VALUE NETWORK

We examine direct effects of both organizational modularity and group social capital on choice of effective configuration of the MNC's value network. This paper also examines three key mediators on these direct effects, such as network bandwidth, value growth path, and political ties to regional economic blocs. Tumultuous disequilibrium in the crude oil market has destabilized global economies and geo-politics of energy-sensitive countries. One adverse impact is that the value networks (Stabel & Fjeldstad, 1998) of energy-related multinational corporations (MNCs) are constrained for profiting from environmental uncertainty. The modular MNCs is our focal firms. Modular MNCs refer to the firms that structure their global operations into organizational modules and that complement such modules with roles. Effective configuration of the MNC's value network (Stabel & Fjeldstad, 1998) has strategic impact on the firm's value creation capability. This paper draws on the notion that a firm could deploy its core assets and activities more effectively to create value (Chesgrough, 2003; McGarth, 2004). Thus, we propose that value creation of the network-type MNC come from effective deployment of the firm's core assets and activities in its value network worldwide. Configuration of organizational routines within the MNC affects the firm's capabilities for succeeding in the global marketplace (Eisenhardt & Martin, 2000). These routines of the MNC could help its executives to leverage its assets and coordinate its activities toward superior performance. That is, the firm's improved network configuration that institutionalizes value delivery processes could increase effectiveness of the firm (Chesbrough, 2003), or survival of the firm with early internationalization (Sapienza, Autio, George, & Zahra, 2006). Motivated by these observations, we focus on two research questions: What determines strategic choice of the configuration of the MNC's value network? In addition to direct effects on network configuration, are there mediating effects on the relationships between network configuration and its determinants? This paper focuses mainly on the direct effects of both organizational modularity and group social capital on such strategic choice. Also, we attempt to examine some key mediators on these direct effects, such as network bandwidth, value growth path, and geo-political factors. We denote such mediators as strategic drivers for deploying MNC's group social capital. Moreover, organizational modularity affects the firm's ability to obtain inter-temporal economies of scope (Helfat & Eisenhardt, 2004), which could alter the boundaries of the firm's assets and activities or configuration of the firm's value network. When network grows in size, modules become modular clusters (Baldwin & Clark, 2000) that help manage networked relationships due to their flexibility for newly-conceived opportunities or threats. Thus, modularization of the network positions could be a strategic response to increasing requirements for effectiveness.
On the Selection of Non-Invasive Methods Based on Speech Analysis Oriented to Automatic Alzheimer Disease Diagnosis

The work presented here is part of a larger study to identify novel technologies and biomarkers for early Alzheimer disease (AD) detection and it focuses on evaluating the suitability of a new approach for early AD diagnosis by non-invasive methods. The purpose is to examine in a pilot study the potential of applying intelligent algorithms to speech features obtained from suspected patients in order to contribute to the improvement of diagnosis of AD and its degree of severity. In this sense, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) have been used for the automatic classification of the two classes (AD and control subjects). Two human issues have been analyzed for feature selection: Spontaneous Speech and Emotional Response. Not only linear features but also non-linear ones, such as Fractal Dimension, have been explored. The approach is non invasive, low cost and without any side effects. Obtained experimental results were very satisfactory and promising for early diagnosis and classification of AD patients.
On the validity of subjective measures of company performance

Subjective measures of company performance are widely used in research and typically are interpreted as equivalent to objective measures. Yet, the assumption of equivalence is open to challenge. We compared the use of both types of measure in 3 separate samples. Findings were consistent in showing that: (a) subjective and objective measures of company performance were positively associated (convergent validity); (b) those relationships were stronger than those between measures of differing aspects of performance using the same method (discriminant validity); and (c) the relationships of subjective and objective company performance measures with a range of independent variables were equivalent (construct validity).
Individual variation and repeatability of maximum cold-induced energy assimilation in house mice

Maximum cold-induced rate of food consumption in cold-acclimated laboratory house mice Mus domesticus averaged 10.4 g/day in females (body mass before cold exposure = 25.2 g) and 10.7 g/day in males (body mass = 31.7 g.); corresponding maximum rates of energy assimilation were 139 kJ/day in females and 144 kJ/day in males.
Immunohistochemical Detection of Disease-Associated Prion Protein in the Peripheral Nervous System in Experimental H-Type Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

H-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been identified in aged cattle in Europe and North America. To determine the localization of disease-associated prion protein (PrPSc) in the peripheral nerve tissues of cattle affected with H-type BSE, we employed highly sensitive immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques with the tyramide signal amplification (TSA) system. PrPSc deposition was detected in the inferior ganglia, sympathetic nerve trunk, vagus nerve, spinal nerves, cauda equina, and adrenal medulla, using this system. Notably, granular PrPSc deposits were present mainly in the Schwann cells and fibroblast-like cells and occasionally along certain nerve fibers at the surface of the axons. In the adrenal gland, PrPSc immunolabeling was observed within the sympathetic nerve fibers and nerve endings in the adrenal medulla. Although our results were limited to only 3 experimental cases, these results suggest that the TSA system, a highly sensitive immunohistochemical procedure, may help in elucidating the peripheral pathogenesis of H-type BSE.
Learning relationships in online contexts: a substantive theory constructed from the integrated analyses of learner-learner interaction and knoweldge construction in an undergraduate communication course

This study examines the processes of, and the relationship between, learner-learner interaction and knowledge construction in online learning contexts within a single cohort of undergraduate students. The research strategy was a single case study with an embedded case design. Social network analysis (SNA) and constant comparative method, which incorporated the analytical procedures of constructivist grounded theory, were utilised to analyse the data. The analyses revealed how learners interacted and constructed knowledge within large and small groups using asynchronous and synchronous communication, how individual learners conceptualised interaction and knowledge construction in an online communication course and how learner perceptions shaped communication and learning. A substantive theory explaining the conditions, actions, interactions and consequences of learning relationships in online contexts was constructed and the research was acknowledged retrospectively as a grounded theory study. In this case, contextual conditions and learner perceptions shaped learning relationships. Participation in collaborative activities was characteristic of the course design yet the nature of that participation was self-determined and influenced by contextual conditions. Learners interacted with content and other learners to meet learning objectives and initiated communication strategies to overcome the challenges they associated with textual communication and collaboration in online groups. The learners‟ sense of place, participation in collaborative activities and communication strategies promoted the development of open, supportive relationships in large and small groups. The openness of those relationships facilitated a conversational mode of learning, which necessitated remembering, negotiating and articulating experience, knowledge and understanding. The connections between, and support among, learners promoted a sense of community. The learners' ability to share and model experiences, knowledge and understanding, combined with their perceptions of one another, led to increased understandings of self and others and resulted in personal and collective transformations. The theory has implications for educational practice as it reveals information about conditions for effective learner-learner interaction and knowledge construction in online courses. These findings are significant because they demonstrate that undergraduate learners participating in a first year online course can develop close relationships with peers and a sense of community. They also experienced learning which led to personal and collective transformation within a 12 week term.
Antimicrobial Resistance-Conferring Plasmids with Similarity to Virulence Plasmids from Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strains in Salmonella enterica Serovar Kentucky Isolates from Poultry

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica, a leading cause of food-borne gastroenteritis worldwide, may be found in any raw food of animal, vegetable, or fruit origin. Salmonella serovars differ in distribution, virulence, and host specificity. Salmonella enterica serovar Kentucky, though often found in the food supply, is less commonly isolated from ill humans. The multidrug-resistant isolate S. Kentucky CVM29188, isolated from a chicken breast sample in 2003, contains three plasmids (146,811 bp, 101,461 bp, and 46,121 bp), two of which carry resistance determinants (pCVM29188_146 [strAB and tetRA] and pCVM29188_101 [blaCMY-2 and sugE]). Both resistance plasmids were transferable by conjugation, alone or in combination, to S. Kentucky, Salmonella enterica serovar Newport, and Escherichia coli recipients. pCVM29188_146 shares a highly conserved plasmid backbone of 106 kb (>90% nucleotide identity) with two virulence plasmids from avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains (pAPEC-O1-ColBM and pAPEC-O2-ColV). Shared avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) virulence factors include iutA iucABCD, sitABCD, etsABC, iss, and iroBCDEN. PCR analyses of recent (1997 to 2005) S. Kentucky isolates from food animal, retail meat, and human sources revealed that 172 (60%) contained similar APEC-like plasmid backbones. Notably, though rare in human- and cattle-derived isolates, this plasmid backbone was found at a high frequency (50 to 100%) among S. Kentucky isolates from chickens within the same time span. Ninety-four percent of the APEC-positive isolates showed resistance to tetracycline and streptomycin. Together, our findings of a resistance-conferring APEC virulence plasmid in a poultry-derived S. Kentucky isolate and of similar resistance/virulence plasmids in most recent S. Kentucky isolates from chickens and, to lesser degree, from humans and cattle highlight the need for additional research in order to examine the prevalence and spread of combined virulence and resistance plasmids in bacteria in agricultural, environmental, and clinical settings.