Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ASSESSING FAMILY PALNNING COST-EFFECTIVENESS: APPLICABILITY OF INDIVIDUAL DEMAND-PROGRAM SUPPLY FRAMEWORK

This paper considers the. distinction between two sets.of . factors . that . affect fertility-~ community supply of family planning services, and constraints on parent demand for births -and assesses how it guides the empirical design of evaluation of family planning programs. Evaluating the effect of program activities on fertility requires that certain determinants of parent demand for births be held constant. Increases in supply are associated with reductions in "cost" of birth control. The supply-demand framework can clarify the segments of the population for which the program is likely to be more or less cost-effective, and how the effectiveness of various program activities may change with the scale of the program and interact with other program elements and population characteristics. Evidence from Thailand demonstrates that family planning expenditures are subject to diminishing returns and that marginal returns differ across elements of the program and segments of the population. To improve the efficiency and equity of family planning programs, policymakers need estimates of the cost-effectiveness of family planning programs at the "margin" of various "mixes" of program activities, within distinguishable segments of the reproductive-aged population.
Occupational Attainment and Gender Earnings Differentials in Mexico

Women earned about 20.8% less than men in Mexico in 1987, a difference that increased to 22.0% by 1993. Using 1987–93 data from Mexico's National Urban Employment Survey, the authors study the role of occupational attainment in this wage differential. Most of the 1987–93 increase in the gender log monthly earnings gap, they find, can be explained by relative chnges in human capital endowments; wage coefficient changes would have slightly reduced the gap, all else equal. The increasing male-female earnings differential was tempered by a substantial decline in gender differences in occupational attainment from 1987 to 1993. Most of the male-female differences in earnings in both 1987 and 1993 can be explained by differences in rewards to individual endowments rather than gender differences in endowments.
Homotypic vacuole fusion requires Sec17p (yeast alpha‐SNAP) and Sec18p (yeast NSF).

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, vacuoles are inherited by the formation of tubular and vesicular structures from the mother vacuole, the directed projection of these structures into the bud and the homotypic fusion of these vesicles. We have previously exploited a cell‐free inheritance assay to show that the fusion step of vacuole inheritance requires cytosol, ATP and the GTPase Ypt7p. Here we demonstrate, using affinity‐purified antibodies and purified recombinant proteins, a requirement for Sec17p (yeast alpha‐SNAP) and Sec18p (yeast NSF) in homotypic vacuole fusion in vitro. Thus, Sec17p and Sec18p, which are typically involved in heterotypic transport steps, can also be involved in homotypic organelle fusion. We further show that vacuole‐to‐vacuole fusion is stimulated by certain fatty acyl‐coenzyme A compounds in a Sec18p‐dependent fashion. Finally, our data suggest the presence of a cytosolic factor which activates vacuole membrane‐bound Sec18p.
Experimental study of plane electrode thickness scaling for 3D vertical resistive random access memory

The vertical scaling for the multi-layer stacked 3D vertical resistive random access memory (RRAM) cross-point array is investigated. The thickness of the multi-layer stack for a 3D RRAM is a key factor for determining the storage density. A vertical RRAM cell with plane electrode thickness (tm) scaled down to 5 nm, aiming to minimize 3D stack height, is experimentally demonstrated. An improvement factor of 5 in device density can be achieved as compared to a previous demonstration using a 22 nm thick plane electrode. It is projected that 37 layers can be stacked for a lithographic half-pitch (F) = 26 nm and total thickness of one stack (T) = 21 nm, delivering a bit density of 72.8 nm2/cell.
A high-precision autonomous navigation method for medium-high orbit satellite based on stellar refraction

Autonomous Orbit Determination Method based on stellar refraction is a navigation method with low cost and high precision. At present, domestic and foreign studies on this method mainly focus on Low Earth Orbit (hereinafter referred to as "LEO"). To meet the medium-high orbit satellite's urgent need for autonomous navigation, this paper provides a full-time-running and high-precision stellar refraction autonomous navigation method for medium-high orbit satellites based on one sensor that detects stars. Based on the stellar extraction method under the background where the earth's atmosphere is irradiated by the sun (i.e. under the strong background), this navigation method innovatively overcomes the technological obstacle that the effective observation field angle of the medium-high orbit satellite's autonomous navigation based on stellar refraction is small. Simulation system for stellar refraction navigation is also built and used to analyze the influence of key error sources on navigation precision and finally it is concluded that full-time-running positioning precision of stellar refraction navigation of medium-high orbit satellite is better than 3km.
Flip and Flop Variants of AMPA Receptors in the Rat Lumbar Spinal Cord

The expression of eight messenger RNA splice forms encoding the Flip and Flop variants of AMPA receptor subunits GluR‐A to ‐D in the rat lumbar spinal cord was examined by in situ hybridization using specific oligonucleotides. In the dorsal horn (laminae I, II and III) the predominant mRNA was GluR‐B Flip. Much lower levels of GluR‐A Flip were found in lamina I and in superficial parts of lamina II outer. In the ventral horn, motor neurons expressed mainly GluR‐B Flip, GluR‐C Flip and Flop, and GluR‐D Flip. Serial sectioning through large motor neurons indicated that a given cell contained, for example, both GluR‐C Flip and Flop splice types.
Institutional Reforms and Educational Attainment in Europe: A Long Run Perspective

In this paper we analyse the effects of changes in the institutional design of the educational system on school attainment. In particular, we test whether alternative reforms have increased the average educational attainment of the population and whether various deciles of the education distribution have been differentially affected. We constructed a dataset of relevant reforms occurred at the national level over the last century, and match individual information to the most likely set-up faced when individual educational choices were undertaken. Thus our identification strategy relies on temporal and geographical variations in the institutional arrangements, controlling for time/country fixed effects, as well as for confounding factors. We also explore who are the individual most likely affected by the reforms. We also group different reforms in order to ascertain the prevailing attitudes of policy makers, showing that reforms can belong to either "inclusive" or "selective" in their nature. Finally we correlate these attitudes to political coalitions prevailing in parliament, finding support to the idea that left wing parties support reforms that are inclusive in nature, while right wing parties prefer selective ones.
Portland's Green Building Cluster

This study offers an initial exploration of the green building cluster in Portland, Oregon. Specific objectives include assessing how the factors identified in Michael Porter's “diamond” support the green building industry cluster in this region, describing the trends in terms of growth and expansion in the sector, and, where possible, providing quantitative data to document the impact of this industry cluster. The authors suggest that Portland has a robust and competitive green building cluster that is supported by many of the elements described in Porter's diamond—local and export demand, a critical mass of leading-edge firms, strong supporting institutions, qualified employees, and a robust supply chain. The study also identifies areas in need of additional support to realize the full potential for economic development in this cluster and offers an approach to mapping the green building cluster that may also inform analysis of other emerging sustainability clusters.
Control over Enzymatic Activity by DNA‐Directed Split Enzyme Reassembly

Metabolic pathways are tightly regulated to control the concentration of metabolites in the cell. While a number of different methods are used to achieve such regulation, perhaps the most fascinating is control of enzyme activity through allostery, in which binding of an effector molecule either increases or decreases the catalytic activity. 2] Thus, the activity of allosteric enzymes is modulated by the chemical composition of their environment. In recent years, attempts have been made to design such effects in existing nonallosteric enzymes; this is potentially interesting for applications, such as chemical sensors, as this provides a mechanism for signal amplification. A potentially versatile approach to designed allosteric enzymes involves introduction of nonproteinogenic moieties into an enzyme; these moieties can then be used to control enzyme activity. For this purpose, DNA is particularly attractive; the highly specific base-pairing interactions can be used to modulate enzyme activity with an exceptional degree of control. A few approaches in which DNA hybridization has been used to control enzymatic activity have been reported to date; these include mechanical induction of conformational changes in enzymes or peptidic ligands, rigidification of a DNA tether between an enzyme and a competitive inhibitor, and directed assembly of multi-enzyme systems. 12] Here, we present a novel approach to DNA-controlled enzymatic activity ; this involves a split enzyme system that can be reassembled into a catalytically active conformation by hybridization of the protein-fragment-conjugated oligonucleotides with a template DNA strand. Split proteins have emerged as versatile and attractive tools for in vivo and in vitro sensing applications for protein–protein interactions, protein–DNA interactions, and small-molecule binding. Recently, split proteins have been combined with nonproteinogenic recognition moieties, including DNA oligomers. 22] To date this has been limited to the functional, nontemplated, recombination of fluorescent and luminescent proteins. A similar approach has been reported for a split peroxidase DNAzyme. 24] We envisioned that a split enzyme equipped with oligonucleotides conjugated to both protein fragments, would give rise to an artificial allosteric enzymatic system; upon binding of a complementary external DNA strand the enzyme is reassembled into an active conformation, thereby allowing catalysis to occur (Figure 1). In this manner, catalytic activity can be modulated by both the concentration and the sequence of the external DNA strand.
Localization of gap junctions and tracer coupling in retinal müller cells

Physiological studies have demonstrated the existence of direct intercellular communication, presumably mediated by gap junctions, both between neurons and between glial cells in the vertebrate retina. We localized gap junctions in the retinas of rat, goldfish, and mudpuppy by using antisera directed against proteins that make up the connexon channels in two tissues from which connexins have been isolated: liver (connexin 32; CX32) and heart (connexin 43; CX43). Although the antiserum against CX32 stained liver gap junctions, it did not reveal any staining in rat or goldfish retina. The antiserum against CX43 stained gap junctions associated with the intercalated disk in rat heart and also stained gap junctions between pigment epithelium cells in rat, goldfish, and mudpuppy retina. Anti‐CX43 also stained gap junctions between Müller cells in goldfish and mudpuppy retina but not in rat retina. Intracellular injections of the tracer Neurobiotin into Müller cells in the mudpuppy retina revealed that these glial cells are extensively tracer coupled. Staining with the tracer formed a syncytium of thin processes surrounding every neuron from the outer limiting membrane to the inner limiting membrane. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that the Müller cells were in close apposition with one another at every level of the retina. However, CX43 immunoreactivity was heaviest at the outer limiting membrane, where the apical processes of Müller cells are located. Some anti‐CX43 staining was observed at the level of the outer nuclear layer and the inner plexiform layer but not in the ganglion cell layer or at the Müller cell end feet forming the inner limiting membrane. J. Comp. Neurol. 393:48–57, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Model calibration in the continual reassessment method

Background The continual reassessment method (CRM) is an adaptive model-based design used to estimate the maximum tolerated dose in dose finding clinical trials. A way to evaluate the sensitivity of a given CRM model including the functional form of the dose-toxicity curve, the prior distribution on the model parameter, and the initial guesses of toxicity probability at each dose is using indifference intervals. While the indifference interval technique provides a succinct summary of model sensitivity, there are infinitely many possible ways to specify the initial guesses of toxicity probability. In practice, these are generally specified by trial and error through extensive simulations. Methods By using indifference intervals, the initial guesses used in the CRM can be selected by specifying a range of acceptable toxicity probabilities in addition to the target probability of toxicity. An algorithm is proposed for obtaining the indifference interval that maximizes the average percentage of correct selection across a set of scenarios of true probabilities of toxicity and providing a systematic approach for selecting initial guesses in a much less time-consuming manner than the trial-and-error method. The methods are compared in the context of two real CRM trials. Results For both trials, the initial guesses selected by the proposed algorithm had similar operating characteristics as measured by percentage of correct selection, average absolute difference between the true probability of the dose selected and the target probability of toxicity, percentage treated at each dose and overall percentage of toxicity compared to the initial guesses used during the conduct of the trials which were obtained by trial and error through a time-consuming calibration process. The average percentage of correct selection for the scenarios considered were 61.5 and 62.0% in the lymphoma trial, and 62.9 and 64.0% in the stroke trial for the trial-and-error method versus the proposed approach. Limitations We only present detailed results for the empiric dose toxicity curve, although the proposed methods are applicable for other dose—toxicity models such as the logistic. Conclusions The proposed method provides a fast and systematic approach for selecting initial guesses of probabilities of toxicity used in the CRM that are competitive to those obtained by trial and error through a time-consuming process, thus, simplifying the model calibration process for the CRM.
Impact of distance-proximity in spreading process in mobile networks

In the process of epidemic spreading, the most important question is: how a healthy individual does catch a disease? To answer this question, researchers have developed plenty models depending on the assumption that said the contamination factor is a β coefficient, which is defined probabilistically, representing the infection rate. However, in the real life, the contagion process could depend on many factors like direct contact, indirect contact or proximity. In this paper, we use an epidemic model, SIS (Suspected, Infected, Suspected), that simulates in the framework of synthetic mobility models such as Random Waypoint (RWP), Gauss Markov (GM) and Truncated Levy Walk (TLW) and we show the impact of distance-proximity in the process of contamination.
The Value of Ranch Open Space to Tourists: Combining Observed and Contingent Behavior Data

Several empirical studies have estimated the value of agricultural land as open space to local residents. An important goup of individuals that may be affected by the loss of agricultural land are visitors to a region. The value of ranchland to tourists visiting a resort town in the Rocky Mountains is estimated through a travel cost model that combines information on observed behavior data from actual trips with contingent behavior data on intended current visitation if the resource were converted to urban and resort uses. The value of ranch open space to tourists is the gain or loss in consumer surplus derived from a visit to the study area attributable to the resource. A random effects Poisson regression model is estimated because of the panel nature of the data, accounting for the correlation of the multiple responses from heterogeneous individuals. Twenty-five percent of the sample would reduce visitation and 23 percent of the sample would increase visitation if ranch open space were converted to urban and resort uses. The overall effect of converting ranch open space to resort and urban uses is no net change in average consumer surplus per trip for summer tourists in general.
Modernizing schooling through performance management: a critical appraisal

This paper examines the ways in which a culture of performance has impacted on schooling in the English setting and draws parallels with other post‐industrializing nations. There is a growing awareness amongst researchers and practitioners that improving the quality of teaching and learning through performance management is not working. In education policy terms the UK Government has made much of the importance of modernizing the teaching profession in raising levels of achievement, attainment, and success in schools and colleges. The proposed trade‐off for teachers is improved pay for improved standards. Advocates of such reform point to the benefits derived from greater devolution of market principles to frontline professionals which, it is argued, enhance performance, remuneration, and motivation (Barber 2001). Critics, on the other hand, have criticized the deprofessionalizing tendency of tying performance management to government targets, which fail to connect with the contextual realities of teaching and learning in the classroom or education workplace (Elliott 2001, Merson 2001). Recently such criticism was rejected by the (then) Secretary of State for Education as cynicism. ‘In education it is those who offer cynicism in the guise of experience who can drive young teachers to look for other careers. We shall always try to combat cynicism wherever it threatens progress on standards’ (Morris 2001: 9). This paper seeks to avoid such inference by arguing for greater authenticity in the way education practice might drive, rather than being driven by, the policy and performance agenda.
Alcohol craving in outpatients with alcohol dependence: rate and clinical correlates.

OBJECTIVE The present study was undertaken to assess the rate and severity of alcohol craving symptoms among registered alcohol-dependent patients at a Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic. We also examined the relationship between alcohol craving and the clinical characteristics of alcohol-dependent patients. METHOD Participants included 101 alcohol-dependent veterans enrolled in an outpatient addiction clinic. Alcohol craving was measured by the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale. Alcoholism severity and clinical characteristics were assessed with the Addiction Severity Index, Timeline Followback method, and other instruments. Three alcohol-craving groups (low, moderate, and high) were identified and compared using their demographic and clinical characteristics. Multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the potential predictors and alcohol craving. RESULTS The rate of alcohol craving was as follows: low craving (46%), moderate craving (29%), and high craving (25%). When these three craving groups were compared using univariate analyses, patients with higher alcohol craving had significantly higher alcohol composite scores (last 30 days) and severe alcohol dependence (last 1 year). In multiple regression analysis, the model explained 50% of the variance in alcohol craving, with alcoholism severity (42%), withdrawal symptoms (5%), and depression (3%) as significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS Patients in an outpatient treatment setting had a wide range of alcohol cravings. Level of alcohol craving was directly associated with several increased indices of alcohol- and non-alcohol-related morbidity.
Demand and cost impacts of the 2 mm technology program in the US motor-vehicle market

We assess the impact on demand and producers’ costs of a new technology implemented in the US auto industry, the 2 mm program. This is a fascinating case partially because of the unique collaboration among public agencies and a consortium of manufacturers and universities. Using a type of hedonic price model for demand, we show that the new technology was responsible for a short-lived increase in demand for vehicles produced by US automakers at increased producers’ costs. Firms that refused to participate in the consortium attained smaller net gains implementing the technology independently. Overall, our approach differs from that of previous analysts in that we (1) separate demand from supply, (2) employ a comprehensive vehicle database, spanning 1981–1998 data, including data on virtually all vehicle models sold in the USA, as well as data on plants’ and producers’ technology characteristics, and (3) rely on sales and production data rather than plant data. Also, we quantify the cost of not participating in the consortium.
Irrigation water demand for the decision maker

This paper deals with the problems of estimating irrigation water demand. We propose an original method of estimation in two steps. First, we develop a dynamic programming model in order to explain the optimal irrigation management plan. Based on a microeconomic approach describing the farmer's behavior, this economic model, introducing an agronomic model, and an algorithm of solution search, is used to compute a realistic database. Second, these data are used to estimate profit functions by a non-parametric method. The irrigation water demand function is estimated using a non-parametric derivation procedure. An application to irrigation water demand is proposed in the southwestern area of France where conflicts appear frequently. The same results appear for different climates: for small quantities of water available, irrigation water demand seems to be quite inelastic. If one increases the total quantity of water available, the shape of the curve changes and the demand appears more elastic. The threshold price at which the changes in price-responsiveness appears, depends on weather conditions and range from 0.30 F/m3 in a wet year to 1.60 F/m3 in a dry year. These results are crucial information for the regulator in order to analyze the effects of a water regulation policy, based on prices. The impact of an increase in the water price will depend not only on the climate but also on the location of the initial and final prices on the demand function. JEL classification: C14, C16, Q15