Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
de Travail du Centre d ’ Economie de la Sorbonne Of similarities and divergences : why there is no continental ideal-type of “ activation reforms

In matters of « activation of social protection » as in other policy areas, one would expect that three types of welfare regimes would be identifiable. However, with the hindsight of 20 years of the deployment of ‘activation strategies’, it is still impossible to draw the stylized characters of a ‘Bismarckian’ or “conservative-corporatist” type to compare with the Scandinavian and Liberal ones. In the domain, Germany and France have reformed, each with their own pace and timing, according to their institutional systems, systems of actors and political culture. They have much in common, but also persistent dissimilarities that can be ascribed to their long term history. The empirically detailed survey (from the 1960’s) contributes to confirming that a ‘broad view’ comparison leaves aside many crucial explanatory factors. It also shows the limits of an analysis in terms of welfare regimes, when it comes to explaining change and reform. Finally, both societies have implemented policies and reforms that have fostered an amazing fragmentation of situations, a much more complex situation that the simple opposition between ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’ is unable to capture, while it postulates a ‘dualization’ of their social protection systems.
Understanding student information behavior in relation to electronic information services : lessons from longitudinal monitoring and evaluation Part I Professor

This two part article establishes a model of the mediating factors that influence student information behavior concerning electronic or digital information sources that support their learning. The first part reviews the literature that underpinned the development of the research methodology for the JISC User Behavior Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, as well as the literature that has subsequently helped to develop the model over the five years the Framework operated in the UK, in five cycles of research that were adjusted to meet the emerging needs of the JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee) at the time. The literature review attempts to synthesize the two main perspectives in the research studies: 1) small scale studies of student information behavior; and 2) the studies that focus on the quantitative usage of particular electronic information services in universities, often including implications for training and support. As the review indicates, there are gaps in the evidence concerning the browsing and selection strategies of undergraduate students, and the interaction of some of the mediating influences on information behavior. The Framework developed a multi-method, qualitative and quantitative, methodology for the continued monitoring of user behavior. The paper discusses the methods used and the project management challenges involved. Concludes that intended impacts need to be specified carefully at the outset, and that a longitudinal study needs committed funding at the outset. A research project on information behavior, intended to inform current policymaking on infrastructure provision is inherently difficult as behavior changes lag behind provision. 1 The research described in this project was conducted under funding from the Joint Information Service Committee (JISC), UK. Student information behavior 3
Functional Analyses Reveal Extensive RRE Plasticity in Primary HIV-1 Sequences Selected under Selective Pressure

Background HIV-1 Rev response element (RRE) is a functional region of viral RNA lying immediately downstream to the junction of gp120 and gp41 in the env coding sequence. The RRE is essential for HIV replication and binds with the Rev protein to facilitate the export of viral mRNA from nucleus to cytoplasm. It has been suggested that changes in the predicted secondary structure of primary RRE sequences impact the function of the RREs; however, functional assays have not yet been performed. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic, structural and functional variation in the RRE primary sequences selected in vivo by Enfuvirtide pressure. Results Multiple RRE variants were obtained from viruses isolated from patients who failed an Enfuvirtide-containing regimen. Different alterations were observed in the predicted RRE secondary structures, with the abrogation of the primary Rev binding site in one of the variants. In spite of this, most of the RRE variants were able to bind Rev and promote the cytoplasmic export of the viral mRNAs with equivalent efficiency in a cell-based assay. Only RRE45 and RRE40-45 showed an impaired ability to bind Rev in a gel-shift binding assay. Unexpectedly, this impairment was not reflected in functional capacity when RNA export was evaluated using a reporter assay, or during virus replication in lymphoid cells, suggesting that in vivo the RRE would be highly malleable. Conclusions The Rev-RRE functionality is unaffected in RRE variants selected in patients failing an ENF-containing regimen. Our data show that the current understanding of the Rev-RRE complex structure does not suffice and fails to rationally predict the function of naturally occurring RRE mutants. Therefore, this data should be taken into account in the development of antiviral agents that target the RRE-Rev complex.
Ionization of large-scale absorbing haloes and feedback events from high-redshift radio galaxies

Aims. We present photoionization calculations for the spatially-extended absorbers observed in front of the extended emission-line spectrum of two high-redshift radio galaxies, 0943–242 (ze = 2.922) and 0200+015 (ze = 2.230), with the aim of reproducing the absorber column ratio, NCIV/NHI. Methods. We explore the effects of using different UV continua in the photoionization calculations. A comparison is made between the absorber in 0200+015 and the two absorbers observed near the lensed Lynx arc nebula at redshift 3.36, which present very similar NCIV/NHI ratios. Results. We find that hot stars from a powerful starburst, or a metagalactic background radiation (mbr) in which stars dominate quasars, are equally successful in reproducing the observed NCIV/NHI, assuming subsolar gas metallicities for each absorber. These softer seds eliminate the difference of a factor 1000 in metallicity between the two absorbers encountered in earlier work where a power-law sed was assumed. The detection of continuum flux in 0943–242 suggests that the level of ionizing photons is consistent with a stellar ionizing source. Conclusions. If the mbr is responsible for the ionization of the radio galaxy absorbing shells, their radii (if spherical) would be large (>100 kpc) and their mass huge >10 12 M� , implying that the feedback mechanism initiated by the central galaxy has caused the expulsion of more baryonic mass than that left in the radio galaxy. If, as we believe is more likely, stellar ionizing sources within the radio galaxy are responsible for the absorber’s ionization, smaller radii of ∼25 kpc and much smaller masses (∼10 8 −10 10 M� ) are inferred. This radius is consistent with the observed transition in radio source size between the smaller sources in which strong H i absorption is almost ubiquitous and the larger sources where it is mostly lacking. Finally, we outline further absorption-line diagnostics that could be used to further constrain the properties of the haloes and their source of ionization.
Tuning of the structure and parameters of neural network using an improved genetic algorithm

Presents the tuning of the structure and parameters of a neural network using an improved genetic algorithm (GA). The improved GA is implemented by floating-point arithmetic. The processing time of the improved GA is faster than that of the GA implemented by binary number as coding and decoding are not necessary. By introducing new genetic operators to the improved GA, it is also shown that the improved GA performs better than the traditional GA based on some benchmark test functions. A neural network with switches introduced to links is proposed. By doing this, the proposed neural network can learn both the input-output relationships of an application and the network structure. Using the improved GA, the structure and the parameters of the neural network can be tuned. An application example on sunspot forecasting is given to show the merits of the improved GA and the proposed neural network.
Evaluation of left and right ventricular myocardial function after lung resection using speckle tracking echocardiography

Abstract The impact of major lung resections on myocardial function has not been well-investigated. We aimed to identify this impact through the use of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) to evaluate the right and left ventricular myocardial function in patients who underwent lung resections. Thirty patients who had lung resections were recruited for this study. Ten patients who underwent pneumonectomies were matched by age and sex, with 20 patients who underwent lobectomies. STE was performed on both right and left ventricle (RV and LV). Strain values of pre and postlung resections were compared in both the pneumonectomy group and the lobectomy group. Comparison between the pneumonectomy group and the lobectomy group was also studied. Left ventricular ejection fraction remained normal (>55%), but significantly decreased after lung resection in both the pneumonectomy group and the lobectomy group. An accelerated heart rate was observed in both groups after lung resection, with the pneumonectomy group demonstrating extra rapid heart rate (P < 0.05). Strain values in the RV and LV decreased in both groups after lung resection, with the pneumonectomy group exhibiting a further decrease in longitudinal strain in LV and RV when compared with the lobectomy group (P < 0.05). Right and left ventricular dysfunction can occur after lung resection regardless of pneumonectomy or lobectomy, and lobectomy may have a less significant impact on myocardial functions. This study demonstrated that STE is able to detect acute cardiac dysfunction after lung resection.
Journal of Information Technology Education Just for Fun: Using Programming Games in Software Programming Training and Education — a Field Study of Ibm Robocode Community

Executive Summary Improving learning effectiveness has always been a constant challenge in software education and training. One of the primary tasks educators face is to motivate learners to perform to their best abilities. Using computer games is one means to encourage learners to learn (Klawe, 1994). When games are used in general education, they could enhance self-esteem for the learners, reduce training time and instructor load, provide more opportunities for practice and enhance knowledge acquisition (Brownfield & Vik, 1983; Ricci, 1994). Moreover, researchers have noted many benefits of using computer games in IT education as well. For instance, it has been shown that a game-based environment is more enjoyable to the users than a traditional environment in IT training (Venkatesh, 1999). In this study, we focused on one game: IBM Robocode. We examined the characteristics of Robocode and the Robocode community. We addressed the following research questions: (1) How did the Robocode game influence the participant's learning out-comes? Did the participant's programming skills and knowledge improve after playing the Robo-code game? (2) Was the Robocode game enjoyable to participants with different ages, education and skill levels? (3) What did the participants like the most about the Robocode game? (4) What were the factors that influence the participant's motivation? (5) What activities of the game were more enjoyable? To answer these questions, we conducted a survey of Robocode participants. Our sample was randomly drawn from the online forum of the Robocode community. We sent out a total of 500 surveys and generated 83 valid responses. Regarding the effectiveness in learning new programming skills using Robocode, we found that about 80% of the participants' programming skills increased after playing Robocode. We also found that Robocode was enjoyable not only to younger participants but also to older—and often more experienced—participants. Our results also showed that participants in various education levels and expertise levels all enjoyed Robocode. Examining the motivation for the learners to participate in the game, we found that to have fun (an intrinsic motivator) was the most common reason. Another important factor, also an intrinsic motivator, was the opportunity to learn new programming skills. Extrinsic moti-vators, such as " to win the game " , " to win the prize in the contest " and " to gain peer recognition " , proved to be far less significant. Furthermore, we examined the factors that made Robocode fun. Among the factors listed, …
Acute heart failure volume control multicenter randomized (AVCMA) trial: Comparison of tolvaptan and carperitide

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a common and highly morbid cardiovascular disorder. Diuresis is a major therapy for the reduction of congestive symptoms. However, most diuretics cause hyponatremia, which is a worsening factor of ADHF patients prognosis. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan, which is a selective vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist and produces water excretion without changes in sodium excretion, compared with carperitide.
Evaluating Bilingual Education: A Canadian Case Study

This book challenges the popular assumption that scholarly research is generally inaccessible to the lay reader. Evaluating Bilingual Education: A Canadian Case Study was written as a synthesis and overview of a number of evaluations of French immersion programs in Canada. It is a non-technical yet thorough description of Canadian research in this area, intended not only for researchers, but also for parents, educators and policy makers. Details are provided on the salient features of immersion programs in Canada, the instructional approach used, and the academic, linguistic, social and psychologucal outcomes associated with these programs. This in-depth description of one approach to bilingual education - immersion - permits the reader to determine its relevance to his/her own particular socio-political context and educational setting.
Subtypes of Batterers in Treatment: Empirical Support for a Distinction between Type I, Type II and Type III

This study explores the existence of different types of batterers in a sample of 266 men who had been court referred for intimate partner violence. The data collected in the assessment that have been used to perform a hierarchical and a two-step cluster analysis fall into three areas: aggression towards the partner, general aggression and presence of psychopathology and personality traits, more specifically, alcohol use, borderline and antisocial personality traits, psychopathy traits, state anger and trait anger, anger expression and control, anger, hostility, and, finally, impulsivity. The results show a typology consisting of 3 types of batterers on the basis of violence level and psychopathology: low (65%), moderate (27.8%) and high (7.1%). This study provides empirical support for the development of batterer typologies. These typologies will help achieve early detection of different types of batterers, allowing us to tailor interventions on the basis of the needs of each of the types.
Combinatory effects of siRNA‐induced myostatin inhibition and exercise on skeletal muscle homeostasis and body composition

Inhibition of myostatin (Mstn) stimulates skeletal muscle growth, reduces body fat, and induces a number of metabolic changes. However, it remains unexplored how exercise training modulates the response to Mstn inhibition. The aim of this study was to investigate how siRNA‐mediated Mstn inhibition alone but also in combination with physical activity affects body composition and skeletal muscle homeostasis. Adult mice were treated with Mstn‐targeting siRNA and subjected to a treadmill‐based exercise protocol for 4 weeks. Effects on skeletal muscle and fat tissue, expression of genes, and serum concentration of proteins involved in myostatin signaling, skeletal muscle homeostasis, and lipid metabolism were investigated and compared with Mstn−/− mice. The combination of siRNA‐mediated Mstn knockdown and exercise induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy, which was associated with an upregulation of markers for satellite cell activity. SiRNA‐mediated Mstn knockdown decreased visceral fat and modulated lipid metabolism similar to effects observed in Mstn−/− mice. Myostatin did not regulate its own expression via an autoregulatory loop, however, Mstn knockdown resulted in a decrease in the serum concentrations of myostatin propeptide, leptin, and follistatin. The ratio of these three parameters was distinct between Mstn knockdown, exercise, and their combination. Taken together, siRNA‐mediated Mstn knockdown in combination with exercise stimulated skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Each intervention or their combination induced a specific set of adaptive responses in the skeletal muscle and fat metabolism which could be identified by marker proteins in serum.
Reduction of disulfide bonds during antigen processing: evidence from a thiol-dependent insulin determinant

Previous studies have demonstrated that insulin, like other protein antigens, requires processing in metabolically active antigen- presenting cells (APC) before it can be recognized by class II- restricted T lymphocytes. Unlike many other proteins, insulin peptides of minimal size retain the requirement for antigen processing. We demonstrate that this requirement can be bypassed by incubation of insulin with reducing agents in the presence of aldehyde-fixed APC. Fixed APC treated in this way were able to stimulate I-Ab- and I-Ad- restricted T cell hybridomas. Data are presented that demonstrate that cloned and polyclonal T cells recognize a determinant within the NH2- terminal 14 residues of the beef insulin A chain with no requirement for B chain residues. The common feature among peptides capable of stimulating these cells in the presence of live APC is the chemical form of the cysteine thiol groups. Those forms that produce free thiols upon reduction are active, whereas those with irreversibly protected sulfhydryls are not. Functional experiments with fixed APC and competition binding experiments with purified I-Ad indicate that only A chain peptides with free thiols are able to stably associate with the peptide-binding site on class II in a form that is recognized by specific T cells. Our findings indicate that reduction of disulfide bonds is both necessary and sufficient for presentation of insulin to a major population of class II-restricted T cells. The results provide strong support for the hypothesis that protein disulfides can be reduced during physiologic antigen processing.
Parent–Adolescent Communication Via Mobile Devices: Influences on Relational Closeness

Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding families’ cell phone use and family outcomes. Some research has shown that mobile devices might isolate family members, but families in other studies report higher levels of closeness because they can reach one another more often. This study looks at parents’ and adolescents’ motivations for mobile communication as mediators of the link between cell phone use and relational closeness. We analyzed data from 504 parent–child dyads regarding the frequency of and reasons for their mobile communication, as well as their perceptions of closeness to one another. Our results indicate that relation-centric uses of mobile devices (e.g., expressing support, handling conflict) are predictive of feelings of closeness. On the other hand, more functional uses (e.g., coordinating schedules, sharing content) do not predict closeness. These findings are discussed within the context of family life cycle positions and adolescent development.
Tight Junction Disruption Induced by Type 3 Secretion System Effectors Injected by Enteropathogenic and Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli

The intestinal epithelium consists of a single cell layer, which is a critical selectively permeable barrier to both absorb nutrients and avoid the entry of potentially harmful entities, including microorganisms. Epithelial cells are held together by the apical junctional complexes, consisting of adherens junctions, and tight junctions (TJs), and by underlying desmosomes. TJs lay in the apical domain of epithelial cells and are mainly composed by transmembrane proteins such as occludin, claudins, JAMs, and tricellulin, that are associated with the cytoplasmic plaque formed by proteins from the MAGUK family, such as ZO-1/2/3, connecting TJ to the actin cytoskeleton, and cingulin and paracingulin connecting TJ to the microtubule network. Extracellular bacteria such as EPEC and EHEC living in the intestinal lumen inject effectors proteins directly from the bacterial cytoplasm to the host cell cytoplasm, where they play a relevant role in the manipulation of the eukaryotic cell functions by modifying or blocking cell signaling pathways. TJ integrity depends on various cell functions such as actin cytoskeleton, microtubule network for vesicular trafficking, membrane integrity, inflammation, and cell survival. EPEC and EHEC effectors target most of these functions. Effectors encoded inside or outside of locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) disrupt the TJ strands. EPEC and EHEC exploit the TJ dynamics to open this structure, for causing diarrhea. EPEC and EHEC secrete effectors that mimic host proteins to manipulate the signaling pathways, including those related to TJ dynamics. In this review, we focus on the known mechanisms exploited by EPEC and EHEC effectors for causing TJ disruption.
Directed graphs requiring large numbers of shortcuts

A conjecture by Thorup is that the diameter of a directed graph with <i>n</i> vertices and <i>m</i> edges can be reduced to (log <i>n</i>)<sup><i>O</i>(1)</sup> by adding <i>O</i>(<i>m</i>) edges [3]. We give a counterexample to this conjecture. We construct a graph <i>G</i> requiring the addition of Ω(<i>mn</i> <sup>1/17</sup>) edges to reduce its diameter below Θ(<i>n</i><sup>1/17</sup>). By extending the construction to higher dimensions, we construct graphs with <i>n</i><sup>1+ε</sup> edges that require the addition of Ω(<i>n</i><sup>2--ε</sup>) edges to reduce their diameter. These constructions yield time-space tradeoffs in lower bounds for transitive closure queries in a certain computational model.