Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What mom and dad don't know can hurt you: adolescent disclosure to and secrecy from parents about type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE To examine how adolescent disclosure to and secrecy from parents were related to parental knowledge of diabetes management behaviors, and to adolescent adherence, metabolic control, and depressive symptoms. METHODS A total of 183 adolescents with type 1 diabetes reported on disclosure to and secrecy from parents regarding diabetes management, adherence behaviors, depressive symptoms, and perceptions of parental knowledge. Mothers and fathers reported on their own knowledge. RESULTS Adolescent disclosure was associated with all reporters' perceptions of knowledge. Secrecy from both parents moderated the relationship between disclosure and adherence, and secrecy from fathers moderated the relationship between disclosure to fathers and glycosylated hemoglobin level. In all cases, disclosure was associated with better diabetes management only when secrecy was low. Finally, higher secrecy related to greater adolescent depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Disclosure to parents appears to be an important component of how parents get their knowledge about adolescents' diabetes management, but may be most beneficial for diabetes management when it occurs together with low secrecy.
Data Security in Cloud using AES

- Cloud computing is a future generation technology for IT enterprise. It has different characteristics like virtualization, multi-user, scalability and many more. It also provides on demand computational infrastructure which has the power to reduce the cost to build the IT based services. It can provide different types of service over the internet. One of the important services provided by the cloud is storage where users can keep their data as per the requirement. It is a challenging issue for the user as all the data are stored in some inter-connected resource pool but this resource pool is situated over different places of the world. An unauthorized user may be access this data through the virtual machines. So, it is the dark side of cloud data storage. This insecurity creates a big problem for users. Therefore data security in cloud computing is a major problem. Currently, AES is regarded as the most popular symmetric cryptographic algorithm. It is very significant to develop high performance AES to further broaden its widespread application.
Mucosal IgA Responses: Damaged in Established HIV Infection—Yet, Effective Weapon against HIV Transmission

HIV infection not only destroys CD4+ T cells but also inflicts serious damage to the B-cell compartment, such as lymphadenopathy, destruction of normal B-cell follicle architecture, polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, increased apoptosis of B cells, and irreversible loss of memory B-cell responses with advanced HIV disease. Subepithelial B cells and plasma cells are also affected, which results in loss of mucosal IgG and IgA antibodies. This leaves the mucosal barrier vulnerable to bacterial translocation. The ensuing immune activation in mucosal tissues adds fuel to the fire of local HIV replication. We postulate that compromised mucosal antibody defenses also facilitate superinfection of HIV-positive individuals with new HIV strains. This in turn sets the stage for the generation of circulating recombinant forms of HIV. What can the mucosal B-cell compartment contribute to protect a healthy, uninfected host against mucosal HIV transmission? Here, we discuss proof-of-principle studies we have performed using passive mucosal immunization, i.e., topical administration of preformed anti-HIV monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as IgG1, dimeric IgA1 (dIgA1), and dIgA2 isotypes, alone or in combination. Our data indicate that mucosally applied anti-HIV envelope mAbs can provide potent protection against mucosal transmission of simian-human immunodeficiency virus. Our review also discusses the induction of mucosal antibody defenses by active vaccination and potential strategies to interrupt the vicious cycle of bacterial translocation, immune activation, and stimulation of HIV replication in individuals with damaged mucosal barriers.
Do people who care about others cooperate more? Experimental evidence from relative incentive pay

We experimentally study ways in which social preferences affect individual and group performance under indefinitely repeated relative incentives. We also identify the mediating role that communication and leadership play in generating these effects. We find other-regarding individuals tend to depress efforts by 15% on average. However, selfish individuals are nearly three times more likely to lead players to coordinate on minimal efforts when communication is possible. Hence, the other-regarding composition of a group has complex consequences for organizational performance.
Predicting Intentions to Read Suicide Awareness Stories. The Role of Depression and Characteristics of the Suicidal Role Model.

BACKGROUND Research on factors that influence the intention to read suicide awareness material is lacking. AIMS To identify how social and state similarities between the featured protagonist of a suicide awareness story and the audience impact on the intent to read similar stories. METHOD Laboratory experiment with n = 104 students. Participants were randomly assigned to study groups. In the first group, the role model provided his personal story of crisis and was a student. In the second group, the content was identical but the model was socially dissimilar. The third group read about a topic unrelated to suicide. Depression, identification, and exposure intent were measured after the experiment. Conditional process analysis was carried out. RESULTS In the group featuring a once-suicidal role model with high social similarity, depression in the audience increased the intention to read similar material in the future via identification with the role model; 82% of individuals wanted to read similar material in the future, but only 50% wanted to do so in the group featuring a dissimilar person. CONCLUSION Exposure intention increases via identification when role model and audience characteristics align regarding social traits and the experience of depression. These factors are relevant when developing campaigns targeting individuals with stories of recovery.
Ad hoc wireless networks with femto-cell deployment: a study

Nowadays, with a worldwide market penetration of over 50% in the mobile telecommunications sector, there is also an unrelenting demand from the subscri bers for ever increasing transmission rates and availability of broadband-like experience o n the handset. Due to this, research in next-generation networks is rife. Such systems are expec ted to achieve peak data rates of up to 1 Gbps through the use of innovative technologies such a s multiple-input and multipleoutput (MIMO) and orthogonal frequency division multiple a ccess (OFDMA). Two more ways of boosting capacity have also been identified: shrinking ce ll sizes and greater reuse of resources in the same area. This forms the foundation of the res ea ch presented in this thesis. For operators, the costs involved with planning and deployi ng additional network infrastructure to provide a dense coverage of small, high capacity cell s annot be justified. Femto-cells, however, promise to fulfil this function. These are user-dep loyed mini base stations (BSs), known as home evolved NodeBs (HeNBs), which are envisaged to be commonplace in homes and offices in the coming years. Since they drastically reduc communication distances to user equipments (UEs) and reuse the resources already utilised i n the macro-cell, they help boost the system capacity significantly. However, there are issues to be addressed with the deployment of femto-cells, such as increased interference to the syste m and methods of access. These and other problems are discussed and analysed in this thesis. On e of the first steps towards femtocell research has been the study of the time division duplex ( TDD) underlay concept, whereby an indoor UE acts as a relay between the evolved NodeB (eNB) an d other indoor UEs. In order to gain a deeper understanding of how and under what condi ti s such a self-organising network can be deployed, a mathematical analysis of the dist ribution of path losses in a network of uniformly distributed nodes has been performed. In c o nection with this, research has also been done in the identification of well connected nodes i n such networks. Next, extensive simulations on traditional cellular networks with embedde f mto-cells have been carried out in order to demonstrate the benefits of femto-cell deploymen t. This research has shown that femto-cells can cause severe downlink (DL) interference to badly placed macro UEs. Finally, a novel interference avoiding technique that addresses thi s problem is investigated. Declaration of Originality I hereby declare that the research recorded in this thesis an d the thesis itself was composed and originated entirely by myself in the Institute for Digital C ommunications at The University of Edinburgh and The School of Engineering and Sciences at Jaco bs University.
The role of Land Records in the protection of Citizens’ Rights and Entitlements: A study of Ministry of Lands, Bungoma County, Kenya

Land records are integral to human rights and entitlements as access to land records ensures economic protection by providing access to livelihoods. The right to access land records forms the basis for other numerous rights and entitlements. The study investigated the role of land records in the protection of citizens‟ rights and entitlements in the Ministry of Lands in Bungoma County with a view to coming up with a bestpractice framework to integrate management of land records in the protection of citizens‟ rights and entitlements. The specific objectives of the study were to: carry out a Business Process Analysis (BPA) of the lands office to determine the functions performed and types of records generated; determine how the land records are managed; determine how the existing records management practices in the lands office affect citizens‟ rights and entitlements; investigate the potential applications of Information Communications Technologies in the management of land records for enhanced protection of citizens‟ rights and entitlements; determine the challenges faced in the management of land records and; propose a best-practice framework for the management of land records for the protection of citizens‟ rights and entitlements. The study was informed by the Control, Access, Disposal, Storage and Sustain (CADSS) model. The study research design was qualitative design and study population consisted of 32 respondents. Data was collected through the use of structured face-to-face interviews and observation methods and analyzed according to relevant themes. The findings revealed that there existed an obvious correlation between the functions, transactions and the land records generated in the Ministry of Lands, land records are integral to human rights and entitlements, the existing records management practices though support the protection of citizens‟ rights and entitlements, but not satisfactorily, ICTs can be applied in the management of land records to enhance the protection of citizens‟ rights and entitlements. Among the challenges that hamper effective management of land records included incompetency of records staff, lack of organizational plans as well as lack of basic records management policies and tools. The study recommended the need for the Principal Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary in-charge of Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development to embark on a resource mobilization campaign to support the development of a Records Management Policy, modernization of the Ministry of Lands, Bungoma County, adequate funding for management of land records, outreach programme and automation of the Lands Office. Best-practice framework for the management of land records and protection of citizens‟ rights and entitlements is proposed and areas for further research suggested.
Carboxyl methylation of the phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit promotes its functional association with regulatory subunits in vivo

The phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) catalytic subunit contains a methyl ester on its C‐terminus, which in mammalian cells is added by a specific carboxyl methyltransferase and removed by a specific carboxyl methylesterase. We have identified genes in yeast that show significant homology to human carboxyl methyltransferase and methylesterase. Extracts of wild‐type yeast cells contain carboxyl methyltransferase activity, while extracts of strains deleted for one of the methyltransferase genes, PPM1, lack all activity. Mutation of PPM1 partially disrupts the PP2A holoenzyme in vivo and ppm1 mutations exhibit synthetic lethality with mutations in genes encoding the B or B′ regulatory subunit. Inactivation of PPM1 or overexpression of PPE1, the yeast gene homologous to bovine methylesterase, yields phenotypes similar to those observed after inactivation of either regulatory subunit. These phenotypes can be reversed by overexpression of the B regulatory subunit. These results demonstrate that Ppm1 is the sole PP2A methyltransferase in yeast and that its activity is required for the integrity of the PP2A holoenzyme.
Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)-23 Inhibits Renal Phosphate Reabsorption by Activation of the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway*

The homeostasis of the plasma phosphate level is essential for many biological processes including skeletal mineralization. The reabsorption of phosphate in the kidney is a major determinant of the plasma levels of phosphate. Phosphatonin is a hormone-like factor that specifically inhibits phosphate uptake in renal proximal epithelial cells. Recent studies on tumor-induced osteomalacia suggested that phosphatonin was potentially identical to fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23. However, as purified recombinant FGF-23 could not inhibit phosphate uptake in renal proximal epithelial cells, the mechanism of action of FGF-23 remains to be elucidated. Therefore, we examined the mechanism of action of FGF-23 in cultured renal proximal epithelial cells, opossum kidney cells. FGF-23 was found to require heparin-like molecules for its inhibitory activity on phosphate uptake. FGF-23 binds to the FGF receptor 3c, which is mainly expressed in opossum kidney cells, with high affinity. An inhibitor for tyrosine kinases of the FGF receptor, SU 5402, blocked the activity of FGF-23. FGF-23 activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which is the major intracellular signaling pathway of FGF. Inhibitors of the MAPK pathway, PD98059 and SB203580, also blocked the activity of FGF-23. The present findings have revealed a novel MAPK-dependent mechanism of the regulation of phosphate uptake by FGF signaling.
CUSTOMER PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE OF LOYALTY PROGRAMS IN CROATIA

This paper explains the reasons for loyalty programs emergence in retail and their significance to retailers and buyers, as well as the components they consist of. Subsequently, customers’ attitudes on these loyalty programs components on the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) market in Croatia have been analyzed. Aim of the study was to explore the antecedents of loyal customers and therefore only those respondents who participated in at least one loyalty programs were used for testing the research question of the paper. The results of the conducted research undoubtedly show that, customers appreciate the simplicity in loyalty programs and ask for their transparency. They want to be able to choose rewards within loyalty programs and prefer delayed, but more valuable rewards. It has also been confirmed that customers want to win points in innovative ways. The research results, in view of buyers’ priorities and the factors deemed crucial for the success of such programs on Croatian retail market, can be of use to retailers who wish to improve their loyalty programs. It is clearly evident from the research results on Croatian market what customers consider as important and what they want from a loyalty program.
Role of mGluR5 neurotransmission in reinstated cocaine‐seeking

In animal models of addiction, reducing glutamate stimulation of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) inhibits drug‐seeking. The present study used the reinstatement model of cocaine‐seeking to show that blockade of mGluR5 directly in the core subcompartment of the nucleus accumbens (NAcore) prevented both conditioned cue‐ and cocaine‐reinstated drug‐seeking. Consistent with this finding, microinjection of the mGluR5 agonist (RS)‐2‐chloro‐5‐hydroxyphenylglycine into the NAcore produced modest reinstatement of lever pressing when given alone and significantly potentiated cue‐induced reinstatement. Homer proteins are contained in the post‐synaptic density and regulate mGluR5 intracellular signaling and trafficking to the membrane. Microinjecting a membrane permeable peptide antagonist of Homer binding to mGluR5 into the NAcore also inhibited cue‐ and cocaine‐reinstated lever pressing. However, this peptide did not change the surface expression of mGluR5, indicating that the peptide inhibitor did not alter the surface trafficking of mGluR5. Taken together, these data show that mGluR5 inhibition and stimulation in the NAcore can regulate cocaine‐seeking, and demonstrate that one mechanism for this effect is via interactions with Homer proteins.
Method for the Calculation of all Zeros of an Analytic Function Based on the Kantorovich Theorem

Abstract. We propose a method to calculate all zeros of an analytic function in a given rectangle. The main idea of our method is to construct a covering of the initial rectangle by subsets where either there are no zeros or the zero uniqueness test based on the Kantorovich theorem is satisfied. The algorithm for the construction of such covering is presented. The implementation of the method is shown on different examples.
Alterations in the mechanical properties of the human chondrocyte pericellular matrix with osteoarthritis.

In articular cartilage, chondrocytes are surrounded by a pericellular matrix (PCM), which together with the chondrocyte have been termed the "chondron. " While the precise function of the PCM is not know there has been considerable speculation that it plays a role in regulating the biomechanical environment of the chondrocyte. In this study, we measured the Young's modulus of the PCM from normal and osteoarthritic cartilage using the micropipette aspiration technique, coupled with a newly developed axisymmetric elastic layered half-space model of the experimental configuration. Viable, intact chondrons were extracted from human articular cartilage using a new microaspiration-based isolation technique. In normal cartilage, the Young's modulus of the PCM was similar in chondrons isolated from the surface zone (68.9 +/- 18.9 kPa) as compared to the middle and deep layers (62.0 +/- 30.5 kPa). However, the mean Young's modulus of the PCM (pooled for the two zones) was significantly decreased in osteoarthritic cartilage (66.5 +/- 23.3 kPa versus 41.3 +/- 21.1 kPa, p < 0.001). In combination with previous theoretical models of cell-matrix interactions in cartilage, these findings suggest that the PCM has an important influence on the stress-strain environment of the chondrocyte that potentially varies with depth from the cartilage surface. Furthermore, the significant loss of PCM stiffness that was observed in osteoarthritic cartilage may affect the magnitude and distribution of biomechanical signals perceived by the chondrocytes.
Multi-element arrangements of back-to-back E-shaped patches for MIMO-enabled laptops

This paper deals with patch antennas for MIMO applications in laptops. Four E-shaped back- to-back patches are integrated along the laptop screen top and side edges. The laptop housing effects on mutual coupling and correlation are investigated numerically using an accurate model where the antenna elements and the laptop structure are taken into account together. Good agreement is observed between numerical simulations and experimental results.
Cloning and heterologous expression of a gene encoding an alkane-induced extracellular protein involved in alkane assimilation from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa PG201 produces a 16-kDa extracellular protein in media containing n-hexadecane as a carbon source but not in media containing glycerol or glucose. This protein was purified, and the N-terminal amino acid sequence was determined. The amino acid composition of the protein was found to be very similar to that of the so-called protein-like activator for n-alkane oxidation (PA) from P. aeruginosa S7B1. This extracellular protein was previously characterized (K. Hisatsuka, T. Nakahara, Y. Minoda, and K. Yamada, Agric. Biol. Chem. 41:445-450, 1977) and found to stimulate the growth of P. aeruginosa on n-hexadecane and to possess emulsifying activity. To study the role(s) of the PA protein and to make it accessible for possible future applications, we have cloned the PA-encoding (pra) gene and determined its nucleotide sequence. This analysis revealed a protein-coding region of 162 amino acids, with the first 25 residues being reminiscent of those of a typical bacterial signal sequence. The pra gene was inactivated by insertional mutagenesis, and the resulting strain was found to lack extracellular PA protein and to be retarded in its growth in n-hexadecane-containing media. These results are consistent with the growth stimulatory role of the PA protein. The pra gene was expressed in Escherichia coli, and substantial amounts of the recombinant protein were found in the extracellular growth medium. The recombinant protein was purified by metal chelate affinity chromatography. The ability to produce secreted PA protein by E. coli provides a simple and safe means to analyze its function(s) in alkane assimilation in the future.
Health Worker Engagement and Facility Performance in Delivering HIV Care in Tanzania

With an increasing number of people living with HIV linked to long-term treatment, a productive health workforce is essential to provide quality care. Engaged health workers are more productive and provide higher quality care. This study examined latent characteristics of engagement, factors that influence engagement, and the association with health facility performance in providing HIV care in Tanzania.
REST‐PEEP: reduced scan time phase‐encoded echo planar imaging

Echo planar methodology can be used for rapid acquisition in three dimensions of k‐space. There are two groups of sequences which have thus far been implemented. The first group is characterized by three‐dimensional acquisition from a single RF excitation. Echo planar shift mapping and echo volumar imaging are single‐shot chemical shift imaging and three‐dimensional spatial imaging techniques, respectively. Even though these methods are extremely fast, their spatial and spectral resolutions are poor. In the second group of sequences, echo planar imaging acquisition is repeated for every phase‐encode gradient step to improve upon the spatial resolution and signal‐to‐noise ratio at the expense of acquisition time. Here we report a novel combination of these two groups of sequences aimed at providing additional flexibility in trade‐offs between the spectral bandwidth, signal‐to‐noise ratio, spatial resolution and imaging time. Preliminary results for both chemical shift imaging and three‐dimensional spatial imaging are presented. The chemical shift imaging was optimized for excitation of the N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA). An interesting consequence of our approach is that the Nyquist ghost is transferred from the spectrum to the metabolite image. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.