Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Living Alone and Depression Among Older Chinese Immigrants

This study examined the profiles of 147 Chinese elderly immigrants by living arrangement and the role that stress and coping resources played in explaining depressive symptoms in the volunter sample group who were recruited at senior centers and meal sites. Elderly Chinese Americans who lived alone, had higher levels of education, reported poorer health, experienced more stressful life events, and were dissatisfied with help received from family members were more likely to be depressed. The impact of these factors on the quality of life of elderly Chinese immigrants can be understood within the Chinese cultural context and the implications of these findings for service providers are discussed. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: getinfo@haworthpressinc.com]
Social Consequences of Vesico-Vaginal Fistula in Northern Nigeria

Summary The social consequences to the patient who suffers from vesico-vaginal fistula are discussed. Patients are mainly young, come from subsistence farming backgrounds, are often considered to have brought shame on their families, and frequently lose their husband's support, especially if their condition is of long standing. In a society that places a high value on childbearing they have little hope for the future.
The role of organizational culture in construction partnering to produce innovation

Construction firms are faced with problems with learning curve in projects, dissimilarities in organizational culture and business practices with other firms in temporary organizations and distrust in the traditional bidding process.The partnering strategy is being advocated by many literatures as the solution to the many problems in the construction industry.Various studies have collectively added to the current knowledge of known partnering factor, frameworks, possible outcomes and barriers to partnering.Several studies indicate the need for similar organizational culture for partnering organizations to ensure partnering success.This need can be heightened when partnering occurs between firms of varying sizes.However, there seem to be little effort on formulating an organizational cultural based framework for partnering.Apart from that, measure of success is rarely included within these frameworks.The measure is critical as to give the partnering firms an indication whether the partnering venture is succeeding or not, after all guidelines in the framework had been applied.This paper is based on the literature review for a research which aims to develop a new framework that meets the needs of organizational culture in partnering firms which would improve innovation, as a measure of partnering success.This paper proposes that when the elements of organizational culture are present and similar in partnering firms, the partnering effort have a greater chance of succeeding and producing improvements such as innovation in the construction industry. Accordingly, this paper gives a synthesis of literature review on the overview of partnering, the role of organizational culture and how it can help improve innovation in the construction industry.A review of available frameworks for partnering is also included, indicating the lack of focus on the element of organizational culture.By providing an in-depth understanding of the research area, this paper will be adding a significant knowledge to current partnering practices within the construction industry.
Efficacy of melatonin and hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose membrane in preventing adhesion reformation following adhesiolysis in a rat uterine model

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose (HA/CMC) membrane and melatonin separately and in combination in reducing adhesion reformation following adhesiolysis of surgically induced adhesions in a rat uterine horn adhesion model.
Structured Generative Adversarial Networks

We study the problem of conditional generative modeling based on designated semantics or structures. Existing models that build conditional generators either require massive labeled instances as supervision or are unable to accurately control the semantics of generated samples. We propose structured generative adversarial networks (SGANs) for semi-supervised conditional generative modeling. SGAN assumes the data x is generated conditioned on two independent latent variables: y that encodes the designated semantics, and z that contains other factors of variation. To ensure disentangled semantics in y and z, SGAN builds two collaborative games in the hidden space to minimize the reconstruction error of y and z, respectively. Training SGAN also involves solving two adversarial games that have their equilibrium concentrating at the true joint data distributions p(x, z) and p(x, y), avoiding distributing the probability mass diffusely over data space that MLE-based methods may suffer. We assess SGAN by evaluating its trained networks, and its performance on downstream tasks. We show that SGAN delivers a highly controllable generator, and disentangled representations; it also establishes start-of-the-art results across multiple datasets when applied for semi-supervised image classification (1.27%, 5.73%, 17.26% error rates on MNIST, SVHN and CIFAR-10 using 50, 1000 and 4000 labels, respectively). Benefiting from the separate modeling of y and z, SGAN can generate images with high visual quality and strictly following the designated semantic, and can be extended to a wide spectrum of applications, such as style transfer.
Brazil: rapid development, internationalization, and middle class formation

Some three decades ago, the business world was focused strictly on such post-industrial economies as the U.S., Germany, UK, and Japan. It was thought that there was no place beyond the western markets. Fast forward to today, the marketplace has been transformed radically. The forces of globalization brought about a highly competitive and crowded landscape, featuring numerous new players from the so-called Emerging Markets (better referred to as ‘growth markets’ since the most common element of these rapidly transforming economies is sustained growth). The center of economic gravity has now shifted to east Asia. Yesterday’s poor and developing countries have profited from the globalized information and communication technologies. These countries have been experiencing rapid pace of economic development, market liberalization, industrialization, modernization, and urbanization.
Is diversification in male reproductive traits driven by evolutionary trade-offs between weapons and nuptial gifts?

Many male animals have evolved exaggerated traits that they use in combat with rival males to gain access to females and secure their reproductive success. But some male animals invest in nuptial gifts that gains them access to females. Both these reproductive strategies are costly in that resources are needed to produce the weapon or nuptial gift. In closely related species where both weapons and nuptial gifts are present, little is known about the potential evolutionary trade-off faced by males that have these traits. In this study, we use dobsonflies (order Megaloptera, family Corydalidae, subfamily Corydalinae) to examine the presence and absence of enlarged male weapons versus nuptial gifts within and among species. Many dobsonfly species are sexually dimorphic, and males possess extremely enlarged mandibles that they use in battles, whereas in other species, males produce large nuptial gifts that increase female fecundity. In our study, we show that male accessory gland size strongly correlates with nuptial gift size and that when male weapons are large, nuptial gifts are small and vice versa. We mapped weapons and nuptial gifts onto a phylogeny we constructed of 57 species of dobsonflies. Our among-species comparison shows that large nuptial gift production evolved in many species of dobsonfly but is absent from those with exaggerated weapons. This pattern supports the potential explanation that the trade-off in resource allocation between weapons and nuptial gifts is important in driving the diversity of male mating strategies seen in the dobsonflies, whereas reduced male–male competition in the species producing large spermatophores could be an alternative explanation on their loss of male weapons. Our results shed new light on the evolutionary interplay of multiple sexually selected traits in animals.
Effective amygdala-prefrontal connectivity predicts individual differences in successful emotion regulation

Abstract The ability to voluntarily regulate our emotional response to threatening and highly arousing stimuli by using cognitive reappraisal strategies is essential for our mental and physical well-being. This might be achieved by prefrontal brain regions (e.g. inferior frontal gyrus, IFG) down-regulating activity in the amygdala. It is unknown, to which degree effective connectivity within the emotion-regulation network is linked to individual differences in reappraisal skills. Using psychophysiological interaction analyses of functional magnetic resonance imaging data, we examined changes in inter-regional connectivity between the amygdala and IFG with other brain regions during reappraisal of emotional responses and used emotion regulation success as an explicit regressor. During down-regulation of emotion, reappraisal success correlated with effective connectivity between IFG with dorsolateral, dorsomedial and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (PFC). During up-regulation of emotion, effective coupling between IFG with anterior cingulate cortex, dorsomedial and ventromedial PFC as well as the amygdala correlated with reappraisal success. Activity in the amygdala covaried with activity in lateral and medial prefrontal regions during the up-regulation of emotion and correlated with reappraisal success. These results suggest that successful reappraisal is linked to changes in effective connectivity between two systems, prefrontal cognitive control regions and regions crucially involved in emotional evaluation.
Gentle dorsal root retraction and dissection can cause areflexia: Implications for intraoperative monitoring during “selective” partial dorsal rhizotomy

During partial dorsal rhizotomy (PDR), intraoperative dorsal rootlet stimulation often evokes nonreflex, rather than reflex, motor responses that are due to costimulation of adjacent ventral roots. Intraoperative areflexia typically predicts that motor responses evoked by dorsal rootlet stimulation are nonreflexive. The cause of areflexia during PDR is in part due to anesthesia, but other mechanisms are likely to play a role as well. In this study of three consecutive patients undergoing lumbosacral neurosurgery, soleus H‐reflexes evoked by tibial nerve stimulation at the popliteal fossa were found to suddenly decline in amplitude following retraction and gentle dissection of the S‐1 dorsal root. In one areflexic patient, dorsal rootlet stimulation proximal to the main site of dissection evoked soleus H‐reflexes, although they could not be evoked by tibial nerve stimulation. We conclude that the gentle retraction and dissection of dorsal rootlets that occurs during PDR can induce conduction block of reflex afferents. High‐intensity dorsal rootlet stimulation distal to the site of conduction block may then evoke not reflex responses, but rather nonreflex motor responses, due to the costimulation of adjacent ventral roots. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 1352–1358, 2001
Chitoporin from the Marine Bacterium Vibrio harveyi

Background: VhChiP is a sugar uptake channel specific for chitohexaose. Results: Mutations of Trp136, located at the entrance of the transmembrane pore, affect ion and sugar transport through VhChiP. Conclusion: Trp136 regulates chitooligosaccharide uptake through VhChiP. Significance: Chitin uptake by the highly virulent bacterium V. harveyi through VhChiP is dependent on hydrophobic interactions between the sugar molecule and the channel surface. VhChiP is a sugar-specific porin present in the outer membrane of the marine bacterium Vibrio harveyi. VhChiP is responsible for the uptake of chitin oligosaccharides, with particular selectivity for chitohexaose. In this study, we employed electrophysiological and biochemical approaches to demonstrate that Trp136, located at the mouth of the VhChiP pore, plays an essential role in controlling the channel's ion conductivity, chitin affinity, and permeability. Kinetic analysis of sugar translocation obtained from single channel recordings indicated that the Trp136 mutations W136A, W136D, W136R, and W136F considerably reduce the binding affinity of the protein channel for its best substrate, chitohexaose. Liposome swelling assays confirmed that the Trp136 mutations decreased the rate of bulk chitohexaose permeation through the VhChiP channel. Notably, all of the mutants show increases in the off-rate for chitohexaose of up to 20-fold compared with that of the native channel. Furthermore, the cation/anion permeability ratio Pc/Pa is decreased in the W136R mutant and increased in the W136D mutant. This demonstrates that the negatively charged surface at the interior of the protein lumen preferentially attracts cationic species, leading to the cation selectivity of this trimeric channel.
Cochlear implant candidates with psychogenic hearing loss

Abstract Conclusions: Specific requests for cochlear implantations by persons with psychogenic hearing loss are a relatively new phenomenon. A number of features seems to be over-represented in this group of patients. The existence of these requests stresses the importance of auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurements before cochlear implantation. Objective: To describe the phenomenon of patients with psychogenic hearing losses specifically requesting cochlear implantation, and to gain first insights into the characteristics of this group. Methods: Analysis of all cases seen between 2004 and 2013 at the University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland. Results: Four cochlear implant candidates with psychogenic hearing loss were identified. All were female, aged 23–51 years. Hearing thresholds ranged from 86 dB to 112 dB HL (pure-tone average 500–4000 Hz). ABRs and otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) showed bilaterally normal hearing in two subjects, and hearing thresholds between 30 and 50 dB in the other two subjects. Three subjects suffered from depression and one from a pathologic fear of cancer. Three had a history of five or more previous surgeries. Three were smokers and three reported other close family members with hearing losses. All four were hearing aid users at the time of presentation.
Ensemble and single particle photophysical properties (two‐photon excitation, anisotropy, FRET, lifetime, spectral conversion) of commercial quantum dots in solution and in live cells

In this work, we characterized streptavidin‐conjugated quantum dots (QDs) manufactured by Quantum Dot Corporation. We present data on: (1) two‐photon excitation; (2) fluorescence lifetimes; (3) ensemble and single QD emission anisotropy; (4) QDs as donors for Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET); and (5) spectral conversion of QDs exposed to high‐intensity illumination. We also demonstrate the utility of QDs for (1) imaging the binding and uptake of biotinylated transferrin on living cells, and (2) resolving by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) signals originating from QDs from those of spatially and spectrally overlapping visible fluorescent proteins (VFPs). Microsc. Res. Tech. 65:169–179, 2004. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Online Semidefinite Programming

We consider semidefinite programming through the lens of online algorithms - what happens if not all input is given at once, but rather iteratively? In what way does it make sense for a semidefinite program to be revealed? We answer these questions by defining a model for online semidefinite programming. This model can be viewed as a generalization of online coveringpacking linear programs, and it also captures interesting problems from quantum information theory. We design an online algorithm for semidefinite programming, utilizing the online primaldual method, achieving a competitive ratio of O(log(n)), where n is the number of matrices in the primal semidefinite program. We also design an algorithm for semidefinite programming with box constraints, achieving a competitive ratio of O(log F*), where F* is a sparsity measure of the semidefinite program. We conclude with an online randomized rounding procedure.
Quantitative analysis of the number and distribution of neurons richly innervated by GABA‐immunoreactive axons in the rat superior cervical ganglion

The superior cervical ganglion of rats contains a considerable number of nerve fibers with GABA‐like immunoreactivity which show a nonuniform distribution within the ganglion. The topography of these fibers has been analyzed by using antibodies raised against GABA‐BSA‐glutaraldehyde complexes. GABA‐postive axons and axon varicosities accumulated around a subpopulation of principal ganglion cells forming basketlike patterns. These neurons richly innervated by GABA‐positive axons (RIG‐neurons) in turn were aggregated in patches with strong immunoreactivity. The size and packing desity of the patches containing RIG‐neurons and GABA‐positive axons approaching them had rostral‐to‐caudal and medial‐to‐lateral gradients. Similar patterns were found in right and left ganglia. In five ganglia, a quantitative analysis revealed on average 1,344 RIG‐neurons per ganglion representing about 5% of the total neuron population, with small variations (standard deviation 122) despite the highly variable shape of the ganglia. The distribution of RIG‐neurons resembles that of neurons sending their axons into the internal carotid nerve. To check this possible correlation, HRP was injected into the eye and applied to the transected external carotid nerve. Double staining for the retrogradely transported peroxidase and GABA immunohistochemistry revealed that RIG‐neurons formed a small subpopulation of retrogradely labelled neurons in both experiments. This suggests that RIG‐neurons innervate various target organs. This conclusion is in agreement with the observation that RIG‐neurons also exist in other sympathetic ganglia. Data presented suggest that sympathetic ganglion cells can be classified on the basis of non‐uniform innervation patterns formed by axons that use different neurotransmitters.
Transmission of Bank Liquidity Shocks in Loan and Deposit Markets: The Role of Interbank Borrowing and Market Monitoring

We examine the international transmission of bank liquidity shocks from multinational bankholding companies to their subsidiaries. Our findings are consistent with the studies that document that parent bank fragility negatively affects lending by subsidiaries. We further find that reduction in foreign bank lending is stronger for those that are dependent on the interbank market. Moreover, foreign bank lending is determined by different factors in emerging markets and in developed countries. Finally, we show that liquidity needs determine the change in deposits in developing economies, especially during the recent crisis whereas market discipline is relatively more dominant in developed countries.
Title Structural analysis on mutation residues and interfacialwater molecules for human TIM disease understanding

Background: Human triosephosphate isomerase (HsTIM) deficiency is a genetic disease caused often by the pathogenic mutation E104D. This mutation, located at the side of an abnormally large cluster of water in the intersubunit interface, reduces the thermostability of the enzyme. Why and how these water molecules are directly related to the excessive thermolability of the mutant have not been investigated in structural biology. Results: This work compares the structure of the E104D mutant with its wild type counterparts. It is found that the water topology in the dimer interface of HsTIM is atypical, having a “wet-core-dry-rim” distribution with 16 water molecules tightly packed in a small deep region surrounded by 22 residues including GLU104. These water molecules are co-conserved with their surrounding residues in non-archaeal TIMs (dimers) but not conserved across archaeal TIMs (tetramers), indicating their importance in preserving the overall quaternary structure. As the structural permutation induced by the mutation is not significant, we hypothesize that the excessive thermolability of the E104D mutant is attributed to the easy propagation of atoms’ flexibility from the surface into the core via the large cluster of water. It is indeed found that the B factor increment in the wet region is higher than other regions, and, more importantly, the B factor increment in the wet region is maintained in the deeply buried core. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that for the mutant structure at normal temperature, a clear increase of the root-mean-square deviation is observed for the wet region contacting with the large cluster of interfacial water. Such increase is not observed for other interfacial regions or the whole protein. This clearly suggests that, in the E104D mutant, the large water cluster is responsible for the subunit interface flexibility and overall thermolability, and it ultimately leads to the deficiency of this enzyme. Conclusions: Our study reveals that a large cluster of water buried in protein interfaces is fragile and highmaintenance, closely related to the structure, function and evolution of the whole protein.
CASTOR: learning to create context-sensitive and emotionally engaging narrations in-situ

This paper describes the design and the experimentation of a tablet-based authoring system for supporting the creation of stories in-situ, in the context of a learning path that has led 19 children aged 7 of the second class of a Primary School to learn how to build stories using different techniques, ranging from the traditional writing techniques exercised in class to the in-situ authoring with the tablet application. The project was characterized by a strong involvement of the teachers, that modeled a substantial part of the ordinary classroom work for embedding the in-situ experimentation and designing a smooth learning path. To our knowledge CASTOR is one of the first authoring systems allowing the direct creation of structured stories in-situ, rather than the simple gathering of material. Its architecture is based on a story model presented in previous works [3, 20] and characterized by the use of the environmental and social context for augmenting the emotional engagement of the story listeners. All the components of the architecture have been designed for complying with the learning needs and the skills of a class of young children. The final part of the paper will present the results of the experimentation, that gave interesting insights not only on the use of the authoring interface itself, but also on its effects on the children learning process.
In vivo studies of methanogenesis in the bovine rumen: dissimilation of acetate.

SUMMARY: The introduction of sodium acetate-2-14C into a bovine rumen resulted in the in vivo labelling of the rumen gases and volatile fatty acids. The relative isotope concentration in substrate and products indicated that a maximum of 5.6% of the methane and 11% of the carbon dioxide in rumen gas might have been derived from the methyl carbon of acetate when the substrate was added to the rumen 18 hr. after the animal had been fed a normal ration. A maximum of 3.2% of the methane and 4.2% of the carbon dioxide might have been derived from the methyl carbon of sodium acetate-2-14C when this substrate was introduced into the rumen immediately after the animal had been fed. The addition of sodium acetate-1-14C to the rumen 18 hr. after feeding indicated that 2% of the methane and 10% of the carbon dioxide was derived from the carboxyl carbon of the substrate. Most of the derived radioactivity of the volatile acids of the rumen was found in the butyric acid fraction, although smaller amounts appeared in propionic acid and the volatile fatty acids with a chain length of greater than 4 carbons.