Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Allelic polymorphisms in apical membrane antigen‐1 are responsible for evasion of antibody‐mediated inhibition in Plasmodium falciparum

Apical membrane antigen‐1 (AMA‐1) is a target of antibodies that inhibit invasion of Plasmodium falciparum into human erythrocytes and is a candidate for inclusion in a malaria vaccine. We have identified a line of P. falciparum (W2mef) less susceptible to anti‐AMA1 antibodies raised to the protein from a heterologous parasite line (3D7). We have constructed transgenic P. falciparum expressing heterologous AMA‐1 alleles. In vitro invasion assays show that these transgenic parasites differ from parental lines in susceptibility to inhibitory antibodies, providing direct evidence that sequence polymorphisms within AMA‐1 are responsible for evasion of immune responses that inhibit parasite invasion. We also generated a parasite line that would express a chimeric AMA‐1 protein, in which highly polymorphic residues within domain 1 were exchanged. Inhibition assays suggest that these residues are not sufficient for inhibition by invasion‐blocking antibodies. This study is the first to use P. falciparum allelic exchange to examine the relationship between genetic diversity and susceptibility to protective antibodies. The findings have important implications for the development of an AMA‐1‐based malaria vaccine.
Modeling and Analysis of the Nonrectangular Gate Effect for Postlithography Circuit Simulation

For nanoscale CMOS devices, gate roughness has severe impact on the device I-V characteristics, particularly in the subthreshold region. In particular, the nonrectangular gate (NRG) geometries are caused by subwavelength lithography and have relatively low spatial frequency. In this paper, we present an analytical approach to model NRG effects on I -V characteristics. To predict the change of I- V characteristics due to the NRG effect, the proposed model converts the postlithography gate profile into an equivalent gate length (Le) , which is a function of the gate bias voltage but independent of the drain bias voltage. We demonstrate the accuracy of this approach by comparing it to TCAD simulation results for 65-nm technology. The new Le model is readily integrated into standard transistor models in traditional circuit simulation tools, such as SPICE, for both dc and transient analyses. We further develop a generic procedure to systematically extract the Le value from the postlithography gate profile. The interaction with the narrow-width effect is also efficiently incorporated into the proposed algorithm. TCAD verification demonstrates that the proposed Le model is simple for implementation, scalable with both transistor geometries and bias conditions, and also continuous across all the operation regions.
Scottish Independence Referendum: Risky or Not?

On September 18th, 2014, with a historic 84.7% turnout, Scottish voters declared their wish to stay as part of the UK with 55.3% No versus 44.7% Yes votes. During the period that leads to the referendum both sides made financial and economic claims that effected the actual outcome. Even the European Union, afraid of a contagious independence bid, supported this fear campaign. Financial markets reflect changes in risk. We provide evidence that Scottish independence referendum played a part in sending markets lower. However, evidence is clear that market risk is lower during and after the campaign and actual referendum periods. The referendum, according to the empirical financial evidence, not only did not increase financial risk, it actually lowered it.
New Estimates for Direction of Trade Statistics

In March 2017, the IMF published an upgrade of its Direction of Trade Statistics (DOTS) dataset. This paper documents the new methodology that has been developed to estimate missing observations of bilateral trade statistics on a monthly basis. The new estimation procedure is founded on a benchmarking method that produces monthly estimates based on official trade statistics by partner country reported at different times and frequencies. In this paper we describe the new estimation methodology. Additional data sources have also been incorporated. We also assess the impact of the new estimates on trade measurement in DOTS at global, regional, and country-specific levels. Finally, we suggest some developments of DOTS to strenghten its relevance for IMF bilateral and multilateral surveillance.
‘As if it Was Something Spoken by a Friend’: The Study of Digital Vote-Canvassing Networks on Facebook During the 2013 Bangkok Gubernatorial Election Campaign

Adapting the idea of the traditional vote-canvassing network for the analysis of electoral politics in the digital arena and using the concept of ‘two-steps flow’, this paper explores the way in which Facebook was used to establish and develop ‘digital vote-canvassing networks’ during the 2013 Bangkok gubernatorial election campaign, which was the latest and a completed election in Thailand. This paper attempts to answer the question ‘How was the relationship among the individuals who were part of the candidates’ networks on social networking sites developed during the 2013 Bangkok gubernatorial election campaign? ’ This research used multimodal analysis to determine the two main contenders’ strategy in expanding their Facebook network during the 2013 Bangkok gubernatorial election campaign. This research also conducted a total of 14 semi-structured interviews with Thai politicians, election candidates and their public relations personnel to examine the significant of relationship, interaction and spreadability of content on SNSs during the election campaign. This paper argues that the development of relationships among people connected to the digital vote-canvassing networks was integrated through the coordination and dissemination of campaign content on Facebook to enhance the electoral ties between candidates, their followers and followers’ friends, who might or might not be voters of the election. Vote-canvassing systems become ‘digital’ when a candidate’s public relations personnel acted as core vote-canvassers who manage and transmit campaign messages on the candidate’s Facebook page on behalf of the candidate, while the candidate’s followers interacted and spread the candidate’s campaign message to their own networks, enabling more Facebook users, who are connected to candidates’ Facebook page, in one way or another, to be exposed to the campaign content. However, there is no guarantee of votes in the digital vote-canvassing network.
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Clonazepam in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are currently the first-line pharmacological agents in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Appropriate treatment for OCD also involves cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), including exposure and response prevention. As there is a time delay in seeing full therapeutic response, and not all patients tolerate SSRIs, there remains an unmet need for additional treatment approaches in OCD. In addition, most responders report only a partial reduction in symptoms. Clonazepam has demonstrated effectiveness in several preliminary reports in treating OCD. Twenty-seven patients with OCD were entered into a 10-week, double-blind, parallel design trial of clonazepam vs. placebo. Overall, only 3 out of 25 patients who had ≥ 1 rating on clonazepam/placebo were judged to be treatment responders, by scoring a 1 (very much improved) or 2 (much improved) on the CGI improvement scale. Responders included 2 of 9 in the placebo group and 1 of 16 in the clonazepam group. No significant difference was found between clonazepam and placebo groups on responder/non responder status (X2 = 1.39, df = 1,24, p=0.238), nor on change in YBOCS, HAM-A, HAM-D or NIMH scales from beginning to last evaluation carried forward. These findings suggest that clonazepam is not effective as monotherapy in treating OCD. Its effectiveness in specific subgroups of OCD patients with co-morbid anxiety disorders or as an augmentation strategy added to SSRIs remains to be determined.
When disaster strikes: Under-insurance in Australian households

In undertaking what we believe is the first national-scale study of its kind, we provide methodologically transparent, statistically robust insights into associations and potential unfolding effects of house and contents under-insurance. We identify new dimensions in the complex relationship between householders and insurance, including the salience of interpersonal – and likely institutional – trust. Under-insurance is (re)produced along socio-economic and geographical lines, with those of lower socio-economic status or living in cities more likely to be under-insured. Should a disaster strike, such communities are likely to suffer further disadvantage, especially if governments continue to shift the responsibility for risk onto households. Our findings support the observation that insurance can contribute to increasing socio-economic urban polarisation in light of natural disasters. We conclude by considering how under-insurance may contribute to growing urban social stratification, as well as how it may produce situated ethical and political responses that exceed neoliberal aspirations.
The Corrin Moiety of Coenzyme B12 is the Determinant for Switching the btuB Riboswitch of E. coli

Riboswitches are regulatory elements in the 5′‐untranslated region (5′‐UTR) of bacterial mRNAs that bind certain metabolites with high specificity and affinity. The 202 nucleotide (nt)‐long btuB riboswitch RNA of E. coli interacts specifically with coenzyme B12 and its derivatives thereby leading to changes in the RNA structure and hence to an altered expression of the downstream btuB gene. We report the investigations of the rearrangement of the three‐dimensional structure of the btuB riboswitch upon binding to four different B12 derivatives: coenzyme B12, vitamin B12, adenosyl factor A and adenosyl‐cobinamide. In‐line probing experiments have shown that the corrin ring plays the crucial role in switching the three‐dimensional riboswitch structure. Instead, the apical ligands influence only the binding affinity of the B12 derivative to the btuB riboswitch.
Day‐time melatonin administration: Effects on core temperature and sleep onset latency

Significant hypothermic and hypnotic effects have been reported for melatonin at a wide range of doses. It has been suggested that this decrease in core temperature (Tc) following melatonin administration may mediate the observed increase in sleepiness. To test this, melatonin was administered to young adults during the day, and the concurrent effects on Tc and sleep onset latency (SOL) were recorded. Sixteen healthy males received either a 5 mg oral formulation of melatonin or placebo at 14.00 hours. Core temperature was recorded continuously. Sleep onset latency to stage 1 (SOL1) and stage 2 (SOL2) were recorded using an hourly multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). Compared with placebo, melatonin significantly decreased Tc 1.5 h after administration for 6 h. Between 15.00 and 18.00 hours, the drop in Tc was associated with a concurrent decrease in SOL1 and SOL2. Following administration mean SOL1 and SOL2 were reduced by 40 and 25%, respectively. In this study, daytime melatonin administration produced a significant decrease in Tc with a corresponding decrease in SOL. Taken together, these data are not inconsistent with the suggestion that melatonin may facilitate sleep onset via a hypothermic effect. In addition, this study provides support for the idea that melatonin may play a role in regulating circadian and/or age‐related variations in sleep/wake propensity. From a practical perspective, exogenous melatonin may be useful in the treatment of sleep disorders associated with increased nocturnal Tc.
Migrating (Grand)Parents, Intergenerational Relationships and Neo-Familism in China

Based on a case study in one residential community in Shenzhen, China, this article explores the relationship between the migration of elder (grand)parents and the intergenerational relationship between the elders and their adult children. Specifically, we analyse how the intergenerational relationship influences and is influenced by the migration of the elders. The empirical data consists of eight qualitative in-depth interviews with elder migrants, who primarily migrated for helping with childcare. The analysis is embedded in theoretical discussions around Chinese descending/neo-familism (Yan, 2011, 2016), which depicts the significant changes that have taken place in Chinese family life, and new perceptions on the traditional ideals and norms regarding family relations in China (e.g. the notion of filial piety). Based on the analysis, this article argues that the migration of the elder (grand)parents is one specific form of descending/neo-familism, which entails an intergenerational solidarity that builds upon intimacy, with the focus and meaning of life flow downward to the third generation, as well as entailing aspects of self-salvation (Yan, 2017). However, it also identifies tensions between the generations that are further intensified by the migration, most notably the elder generation’s loss of autonomy and authority within the joint family structure. Furthermore, this article also raises some suggestions for social work intervention for this group.
Теоретико-методологічні основи забезпечення керованого соціального інновування в національній економіці.

Надано оцінку ступеню опрацювання проблеми соціального інновування в контексті реалізації моделі інноваційного розвитку. Узагальнено підходи зарубіжних вчених до визначення сутності інновацій взагалі та обгрунтовано авторську концепцію соціальних інновацій, як матеріалізованих рішень, здатних більш раціонально змінити безпосередньо чи опосередковано вибірково зафіксовані інститути та інституції в різних секторах національної економіки країни на відповідному етапі соціалізаційних перетворень. Визначено, що соціальні інновації являються статичною категорією і постають наслідком відповідного за спрямованістю процесу соціального інновування. Встановлено, що результатом соціального інновування виступає не соціальна інновація, і не її впровадження, а досягнення бажаних соціальних змін. Запропоновано розглядати соціальне інновування як сукупність практичних дій держави, юридичних осіб і громадян щодо проектування й реалізації соціальних інновацій, результативність яких залежить від об’єктивного визначення сфер економіки, які потребують соціалізації в даний момент часу, і оконтурення відповідних їм соціальних удосконалень. Акцентується увага на тому, що інновації соціального характеру як свідомо організовані нововведення для забезпечення відповідних змін у соціумі щодо посилення соціальної результативності загалом потребують централізованого ініціювання для створення мотиваційного поля і контролю змін у бажаному напрямі за наслідками їх впровадження. Встановлено, що інновації створюють поле мінливості соціальних систем, в якому може реалізовуватися як природний, так і селективний відбір їх зразків, що забезпечують їм ефективний режим функціонування та розвитку. Методологічною основою забезпечення керованого соціального інновування є виділення на основі емпіричних досліджень зон прийнятних змін параметрів функціонування й розвитку соціальної системи під впливом удосконалення соціальних інститутів і інституцій.
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE AND INTEREST RATE ON FDI AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA

This research work focuses on examining the effect of exchange rate and interest rate on FDI and its relationship with economic growth of a developing economy focusing on Nigeria as a case study. An attempt is made to postulate a model based on the assumption that exchange rate and interest rate affect the inflow of FDI and in turn the growth of Nigerian economy. A simple econometric modeling patterned after the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model construct (ARDL) approach was applied to time series annual Nigerian data for a period covering forty eight years. The result revealed that there exist a strong positive relationship between FDI flows and economic growth represented by the GDP. The macro economic variables used in the study showed expected pattern as predicted in literature. The interest rate with negative sign as a priori expected implies that in Nigeria FDIs occurs irrespective of whether or not the interest rate is moving as expected. The result of the exchange rate condition of the country a priori postulated to be positive was confirmed to comply with expectation. The conclusion of the study is that irrespective of how we view FDI, it is still germane to the economic development of a developing country and on the basis of the findings it is recommended that a positive step should be taken. JEL: F31, O24, E22, F21 Article visualizations:
Chloride conductance in mouse muscle is subject to post‐transcriptional compensation of the functional Cl− channel 1 gene dosage

1 In mature mammalian muscle, the muscular chloride channel ClC‐1 contributes about 75% of the sarcolemmal resting conductance (Gm). In mice carrying two defective alleles of the corresponding Clc1 gene, chloride conductance (GCl) is reduced to less than 10% of that of wild‐type, and this causes hyperexcitability, the salient feature of the disease myotonia. Potassium conductance (GK) values in myotonic mouse muscle fibres are lowered by about 60% compared with wild‐type. 2 The defective Clcadr allele causes loss of the 4.5 kb ClC‐1 mRNA. Mice heterozygous for the defective Clc1adr allele contain about 50% functional mRNA in their muscles compared with homozygous wild‐type mice. 3 Despite a halved functional gene dosage, heterozygous muscles display an average GCl which is not significantly different from that of homozygous wild‐type animals. The GK values in heterozygotes are also indistinguishable from homozygous wild‐type animals. 4 These results indicate that a regulatory mechanism acting at the post‐transcriptional level limits the density of ClC‐1 channels. GK is probably indirectly regulated by muscle activity.
Some HIV protease inhibitors alter lamin A/C maturation and stability, SREBP-1 nuclear localization and adipocyte differentiation

Objectives: To study whether HIV protease inhibitors could induce nuclear lamina alterations in adipocytes as observed in a genetic form of lipodystrophy due to lamin A/C mutation. Design: We have previously observed that indinavir (IDV) impairs adipocyte differentiation and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) nuclear localization in 3T3-F442A adipocytes. We compared here the effects of IDV with that produced by two other PIs, nelfinavir (NFV) and amprenavir (APV) on adipose conversion, cellular localization of SREBP-1, nuclear morphology, and maturation and stability of the lamina network. Results: IDV and NFV, but not APV, altered adipose cell differentiation, as shown by lipid staining and protein expression of SREBP-1, CAAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)α and fatty acid synthase (FAS). In IDV-treated cells, 50–60 % of the nuclei could not accumulate SREBP-1. Twenty percent of these SREBP-negative nuclei were grossly dysmorphic, with blebs and prominent herniations, and showed an altered distribution of lamin A/C and lamin B. In IDV-treated cells, nuclear fragilization was shown by the abnormal extractibility of lamina proteins and SREBP-1, and the accumulation of prelamin A. NFV similarly altered lamin A/C maturation whereas APV was almost ineffective. Conclusions: We show in an adipose cell line that IDV and NFV induced alterations at the nuclear level by promoting defects in lamin A/C maturation, organization and stability. We suggest that these lamina network alterations might be responsible for SREBP-1 nuclear mislocalization therefore resulting in altered adipocyte differentiation.
Development of electronic locks using gesture password of smartphone base on RSA algorithm

Based on the Internet of Things (IoT) architecture, a Rivest Shamir Adleman (RSA) algorithm was proposed for use in a novel electronic lock system that can be unlocked using gesture password. In this system, a handheld device (smartphone) is connected to a development board at the receiver-end via Bluetooth; after inputting the gesture password, users can upload the door lock information onto the cloud server via Wi-Fi without having to use their personal computer (PC). This study focused on the use of RSA algorithm for data encryption before initiating Bluetooth transmission. When the receiver-end receives data, the data are decrypted using a microcomputer, which considerably enhances the security of Bluetooth transmission. This study was conducted in four phases: 1. Unlocking application by using gesture password; 2. RSA encryption/decryption; 3. Hardware circuit integration; and 4. Integration of cloud service platform and monitoring system. The results of multiple experiences revealed that the proposed electronic lock system, including Bluetooth pairing and use of gesture password to unlock an application, is easy-to-use, suggesting that it is widely applicable for all age groups, from elderly users to children. In addition, the proposed system functioned normally in password comparison, RSA encryption and decryption, automatic unlocking, cloud uploading, and remote monitoring.
More Dispersion, Higher Bonuses? On Differentiation in Subjective Performance Evaluations

We investigate the claim that supervisors do not differentiate enough between high- and low-performing employees when evaluating performance. In a first step, this claim is illustrated in a formal model showing that rating compression reduces performance and subsequent bonus payments. The effect depends on the precision of performance information and may be reversed when cooperation is important. We then investigate panel data spanning different banks and find that stronger differentiation indeed increases subsequent bonus payments. The effect tends to be larger for larger spans of control and at higher hierarchical levels but is reversed at the lowest levels.
The Chemical Uncoupler 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP) Protects against Diet-induced Obesity and Improves Energy Homeostasis in Mice at Thermoneutrality*

Background: The chemical uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol was widely used as a treatment for obesity in the past. Results: In mice, 2,4-dinitrophenol generates heat and turns off brown fat heat production. It reduces weight gain at thermoneutrality but not at cooler ambient temperatures. Conclusion: Environmental temperature should be considered when assessing anti-obesity drugs in mice. Significance: Chemical uncouplers deserve further investigation for the treatment of obesity. The chemical uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) was an effective and widely used weight loss drug in the early 1930s. However, the physiology of DNP has not been studied in detail because toxicity, including hyperthermia and death, reduced interest in the clinical use of chemical uncouplers. To investigate DNP action, mice fed a high fat diet and housed at 30 °C (to minimize facultative thermogenesis) were treated with 800 mg/liter DNP in drinking water. DNP treatment increased energy expenditure by ∼17%, but did not change food intake. DNP-treated mice weighed 26% less than controls after 2 months of treatment due to decreased fat mass, without a change in lean mass. DNP improved glucose tolerance and reduced hepatic steatosis without observed toxicity. DNP treatment also reduced circulating T3 and T4 levels, Ucp1 expression, and brown adipose tissue activity, demonstrating that DNP-mediated heat generation substituted for brown adipose tissue thermogenesis. At 22 °C, a typical vivarium temperature that is below thermoneutrality, DNP treatment had no effect on body weight, adiposity, or glucose homeostasis. Thus, environmental temperature should be considered when assessing an anti-obesity drug in mice, particularly agents acting on energy expenditure. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of DNP suggest that chemical uncouplers deserve further investigation for the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities.