Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assistance needed for the integration of orphaned and vulnerable children — views of South African family and community members

Guardianship within families is often regarded as the most viable and preferred option for orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC). However, this will place a considerably increased burden on the new caregivers of these children. This study examines whether assistance to prospective families would incline them towards incorporating children and, if so, what would act as ‘threshold’ incentives for them. Adults (N = 1 400) in diverse locations and of various ‘relational proximity’ to children were interviewed in three high HIV/AIDS prevalence provinces in South Africa. Close relatives were more inclined to take in children and would generally require lower levels of assistance than more distanced adults. Nonetheless, for most poor families, no matter their relation to the child, help is critical. More distanced families, friends and strangers also showed a strong willingness to incorporate children - provided they receive sufficient help. For all categories, the greater the assistance the more likely they would be to take in children.While direct financial assistance was important, assistance with education-related costs and having a trained and caring person come in ‘now and then’ to help were also significant factors. The age and HIV status of the child were viewed as important intervening factors in deciding whether or not to take in an additional child/ren by some people.
Sum Rate Maximization for VLC Systems With Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer

This letter investigates the sum rate maximization problem in a downlink visible light communication system with simultaneous wireless information and power transfer. To solve this nonconvex sum rate maximization problem, we first transform it into an equivalent convex problem. Then, we provide the optimal condition and propose a low-complexity iterative algorithm, which yields the optimal solution. Numerical results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve good performance.
Induction and Modulation of Cerebellar Granule Neuron Death by E2F-1*

Growing evidence suggests that certain cell cycle regulators also mediate neuronal death. Of relevance, cyclin D1-associated kinase activity is increased and the retinoblastoma protein (Rb), a substrate of the cyclin D1-Cdk4/6 complex, is phosphorylated during K+ deprivation-evoked death of cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors block this death, suggesting a requirement for the cyclin D1/Cdk4/6-Rb pathway. However, the downstream target(s) of this pathway are not well defined. The transcription factor E2F-1 is regulated by Rb and is reported to evoke death in proliferating cells when overexpressed. Accordingly, we examined whether E2F-1 was sufficient to evoke death of CGNs and whether it was required for death evoked by low K+. We show that adenovirus-mediated expression of E2F-1 in CGNs results in apoptotic death, which is independent of p53, dependent upon Bax, and associated with caspase 3-like activity. In addition, we demonstrate that levels of E2F-1 mRNA and protein increase during K+ deprivation-evoked death. The increase in E2F-1 protein is blocked by the CDK inhibitor flavopiridol. Finally, E2F-1-deficient neurons are modestly resistant to death induced by low K+. These results indicate that E2F-1 expression is sufficient to promote neuronal apoptosis and that endogenous E2F-1 modulates the death of CGNs evoked by low K+.
Is There a Link between a Firm's Determinants and Its Decision to Issue Either Debt-Like or Equity-Like Convertibles?

Convertible security misclassification within the Australian market is well documented. Consequently in 2001, the Commonwealth enacted the New Business Tax System (Debt and Equity) Act to mitigate this phenomenon. This paper utilizes the new tax framework to investigate whether there is a link between the firm’s determinants and its decision to issue either debt-like or equity-like convertibles. Our findings reveal that firms with high effective tax rates are more likely to issue debt-like securities, benefiting from the tax shields available. Firms with high levels of franking credits per share are more likely to issue equity-like securities. Finally, unlike in the U.S. markets, agency cost is not a significant determinant in Australia. Overall, the findings on the dissipation of franking credits contribute new evidence to the clientele effect phenomenon for franked dividends. This has significant implications for investors seeking to maximize their demand for higher yields.
Pixel-Pair Features Selection for Vehicle Tracking

This paper proposes a novel tracking algorithm to cope with the appearance variations of vehicle in the natural environments. The algorithm utilizes the discriminative features named pixel-pair features for estimating the similarity between the template image and candidate matching images. Pixel-pair features have been proved to be robust for illumination changes and partial occlusions of the training object. This paper improves the original feature selection algorithm to increase the tracking performance in other appearance changes (such as shape deformation, drifting and view angle change). The new feature selection algorithm incrementally selects the discriminative pixel-pair feature whose matching error between the target and the background is lower than a given threshold. Also the roulette selection method based on the edge values is utilized to increase the possibility to select more informative feature points. The selected features therefore are considered to be robust for shape deformation and view angle changes. Compared with the original feature selection algorithm, our algorithm shows excellent robustness in a variety of videos which include illumination changes, shape deformation, drifting and partial occlusion.
Learning in social networks and contraceptive choice

A puzzling observation in the diffusion of modern fertility control is the persistent diversity in contraceptive practices across communities or social strata. I propose a model of “learning in social networks” to explain this diversity with the random dynamics of word-of-mouth communication. Women are uncertain about the merits of modern contraception and estimate the different qualities of available methods based on imprecise information from network partners. Their contraceptive choices are determined by this estimate and by private knowledge about one s personal characteristics. This process of social learning leads to path-dependent adoption of fertility control within, and diversity in contraceptive practices across villages or social strata.
Gain-flatness considerations on the ultra-wideband low-noise amplifier design

Conventional ultra-wideband low-noise amplifiers require a flat gain over the entire 7.5-GHz bandwidth, which severely restricts the trade-off space for noise and power requirements. This paper proposes a relaxed gain-flatness requirement based on system level investigations. Considering the wireless transceiver front-end with propagation channel characteristics, the unflat-gain low-noise amplifier with an incremental gain characteristic does not degrade the performance of overall system. As an alternative to its flat-gain counterpart, the proposed unflat gain requirement greatly eases the design challenges to low-noise amplifier for ultra-wideband wireless receivers.
Supporting self-regulated learners with formative assessments using automatically created QTI-questions

Recently, a new age of information has appeared where information and communication technology plays a major role in education and learning society. Consequently, modern learning settings represented by emerging learning strategies have been used in higher education. A primary goal for higher education is to support students and lifelong learners to be independent, self-motivated, and self-regulated. As a result, students should be provided with enhanced approaches of learning and assessment that support them to set their learning goals effectively, to plan and use effective strategies in order to achieve their goals, to manage resources, to monitor their understanding, and to assess their progress towards their goals. This paper proposes an enhanced approach of e-assessment where automatically created formative assessments are provided to support self-regulated learners.
Rac function is crucial for cell migration but is not required for spreading and focal adhesion formation

Summary Cell migration is commonly accompanied by protrusion of membrane ruffles and lamellipodia. In two-dimensional migration, protrusion of these thin sheets of cytoplasm is considered relevant to both exploration of new space and initiation of nascent adhesion to the substratum. Lamellipodium formation can be potently stimulated by Rho GTPases of the Rac subfamily, but also by RhoG or Cdc42. Here we describe viable fibroblast cell lines genetically deficient for Rac1 that lack detectable levels of Rac2 and Rac3. Rac-deficient cells were devoid of apparent lamellipodia, but these structures were restored by expression of either Rac subfamily member, but not by Cdc42 or RhoG. Cells deficient in Rac showed strong reduction in wound closure and random cell migration and a notable loss of sensitivity to a chemotactic gradient. Despite these defects, Rac-deficient cells were able to spread, formed filopodia and established focal adhesions. Spreading in these cells was achieved by the extension of filopodia followed by the advancement of cytoplasmic veils between them. The number and size of focal adhesions as well as their intensity were largely unaffected by genetic removal of Rac1. However, Rac deficiency increased the mobility of different components in focal adhesions, potentially explaining how Rac – although not essential – can contribute to focal adhesion assembly. Together, our data demonstrate that Rac signaling is essential for lamellipodium protrusion and for efficient cell migration, but not for spreading or filopodium formation. Our findings also suggest that Rac GTPases are crucial to the establishment or maintenance of polarity in chemotactic migration.
Preconditioned HSS-Like Iterative Method for Saddle Point Problems

一个新象 HSS 一样反复的方法首先基于为解决僵绳点问题 non-Hermitian (1,1 ) 切开块的象 HSS 一样被建议。 为新方法的集中分析被给。 同时，我们由 preconditioned Krylov subspace 方法考虑僵绳点系统的解决方案并且讨论一些光谱 preconditioned 僵绳的性质削尖矩阵。 数字实验被给验证 preconditioners 的表演。 [从作者抽象]
THE ASSESSMENT OF ‘VISION FOR DEVELOPMENT’ IN SEVERELY VISUALLY HANDICAPPED BABIES

Vision makes a substantial contribution to the pattern and rate of normal development. Considering infant development in 3 phases, global, integrative and specific the most important attributes of vision to development within each phase are discussed. A method for assessment of the aspects of vision most relevant to each childs current developmental needs is described and a philosophy outlined whereby the findings can be represented as a balanced practical prescription for development. The development of the visual system is often delayed in visually handicapped babies; some reasons are put forward and a concern that many may never achieve their potential maximum visual competence is expressed. A method for evaluating the current stage of visual development in a visually handcapped baby is described in which the findings form the starting point of a programme towards achieving maximum visual competence as young as possible.
Selection of Multi-Drug Resistant Influenza A and B Viruses under Zanamivir Pressure and their Replication Fitness in Ferrets

Background Intravenous zanamivir has been used to treat patients with severe influenza. Because the majority of cases (including immunocompromised patients) require the drug for an extended period of treatment, there is a higher risk that the virus will develop resistance. Therefore, knowing the possible amino acid substitutions that may arise in recently circulating influenza strains under prolonged zanamivir exposure and their impact on antiviral susceptibility is important. Methods Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B virus were serially passaged under increasing zanamivir pressure in vitro. Neuraminidase (NA) mutations that arose were introduced into recombinant viruses and the susceptibility to oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir and laninamivir was determined. The replication fitness of the recombinant variants was assessed in the ferret. Results NA mutations E119D (N1 numbering) and E117D (B numbering) were detected in A(H1N1)pdm09 and B (Victoria-lineage) viruses respectively and were associated with reduced susceptibility to all four NA inhibitors. No NA mutations were detected in the A(H3N2) or B (Yamagata-lineage) viruses. In ferrets, the A(H1N1) pdm09 E119D variant caused a lower degree of morbidity and the mutation was found to be unstable with E119 reverted virus detected 4 days post-infection of ferrets with the variant E119D virus. In contrast, the influenza B E117D variant was genetically stable in ferrets, caused a noticeable level of morbidity but had a significant reduction in replication fitness compared to wild-type virus. Conclusions The NA mutations E119D in influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and E117D in influenza B viruses that arose under zanamivir pressure conferred resistance to multiple NA inhibitors but had compromised viral replication in ferrets compared to wild-type virus without antiviral drug pressure.
The Haloferax volcanii FtsY Homolog Is Critical for Haloarchaeal Growth but Does Not Require the A Domain

ABSTRACT The targeting of many Sec substrates to the membrane-associated translocation pore requires the cytoplasmic signal recognition particle (SRP). In Eukarya and Bacteria it has been shown that membrane docking of the SRP-substrate complex occurs via the universally conserved SRP receptor (Srα/β and FtsY, respectively). While much has been learned about the archaeal SRP in recent years, few studies have examined archaeal Srα/FtsY homologs. In the present study the FtsY homolog of Haloferax volcanii was characterized in its native host. Disruption of the sole chromosomal copy of ftsY in H. volcanii was possible only under conditions where either the full-length haloarchaeal FtsY or an amino-terminally truncated version of this protein lacking the A domain, was expressed in trans. Subcellular fractionation analysis of H. volcanii ftsY deletion strains expressing either one of the complementing proteins revealed that in addition to a cytoplasmic pool, both proteins cofractionate with the haloarchaeal cytoplasmic membrane. Moreover, membrane localization of the universally conserved SRP subunit SRP54, the key binding partner of FtsY, was detected in both H. volcanii strains. These analyses suggest that the H. volcanii FtsY homolog plays a crucial role but does not require its A domain for haloarchaeal growth.
Free-Riders and Underdogs: Participation in Corporate Voting

Voting outcomes can differ from underlying preferences due to selection into voting. One source of such selection is lower participation of shareholders with popular preferences (free-rider effect) relative to that of those with unpopular preferences (underdog effect). We illustrate these strategic effects in a rational choice model in which the voting participation decision depends on the probability of being pivotal and the costs and benefits of voting. Based on the model, we structurally estimate unobservable shareholder preferences in US data. We show that strategic selection into voting is relevant: 13% of voting outcomes in shareholder governance proposals represent the minority.
Application of Microalgal Fucoxanthin for the Reduction of Colon Cancer Risk: Inhibitory Activity of Fucoxanthin against β-Glucuronidase and DLD-1 Cancer Cells

Intestinal bacterial beta-glucuronidases are capable of retoxifying compounds that have been detoxified by liver glucuronidation and are also known to accelerate colon cancer invasion and metastasis. In this study, fucoxanthin extracted from the microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum was investigated for its inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli beta-glucuronidase and DLD-1 cancer cells. Fucoxanthin inhibited beta-glucuronidase in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 2.32 mM and a mixed inhibition type. Fucoxanthin had more potent inhibitory activity on beta-glucuronidase at 37 degrees C and in alkaline conditions. Fucoxanthin also inhibited the beta-glucuronidase activity of DLD-1 cancer cells at a concentration of 20-50 microM. The presence of beta-glucuronidase and substrate in the medium decreased the inhibitory activity of fucoxanthin against DLD-1 cancer cells. Therefore, microalgal fucoxanthin might prevent colon cancer because of its strong beta-glucuronidase inhibitory activity and could be utilized as a novel functional ingredient of food and pharmaceutical supplements.
Diaqua(nitrato-κ2 O,O′)bis(l-phenylalaninato-κ2 O,O′)lead(II) nitrate

In the title complex, [Pb(C9H11NO2)2(NO3)(H2O)2]NO3, the cation is a monomeric species including zwitterionic aminoacids. In both zwitterions, rotation of the NH3 + groups about their C—N bonds is blocked by intermolecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. Assuming a limit for Pb—O bond lengths of 3 Å, the PbII ion is coordinated by eight O atoms. Each phenylalaninate ligand coordinates asymmetrically, with one short and one long Pb—O bond. Coordinated water molecules are also found at significantly different distances, while the bidentate nitrate ion coordinates symmetrically. The resulting [PbIIO8] core is hemi-directed, with a void placed almost trans to a carboxylate group. However, the 6s 2 lone pair of the metal center can not be considered as stereochemically active, as a non-coordinating O atom of a nitrate belonging to a symmetry-related cation is placed in the empty hemisphere, with a short Pb⋯O separation of 3.035 (10) Å.
Two pathways for store-mediated calcium entry in human platelets

In human platelets and other non-excitable cell types depletion of the intracellular calcium stores promotes calcium entry across the plasma membrane. Although the mechanism of this store-mediated calcium entry remains uncertain, it has been suggested that a tyrosine phosphorylation step could be involved. In support of this hypothesis various tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been shown to reduce store-mediated calcium entry in platelets, although this inhibition is never complete. Here we investigate the properties of store-mediated calcium entry in human platelets during the time course of its activation. Our data suggest that at least two pathways may contribute to store-mediated calcium entry in these cells. An early component, activated soon after the initiation of Ca 2+ store depletion, is insensitive to trivalent cations, SKF 96365 and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This is followed by a second component which is inhibited by La 3+ , SKF 96365 and by tyrosine kinase inhibitors. These results suggest a role for tyrosine kinases in generating only the later stages of store-mediated calcium entry in platelets and may explain the incomplete inhibition of this pathway by inhibitors of tyrosine kinases.
Pharmacodynamics of RWJ-54428 against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis in a Neutropenic Mouse Thigh Infection Model

ABSTRACT RWJ-54428 (also known as MC-02,479) is a new cephalosporin with promising activity against gram-positive bacteria. The pharmacodynamics (PDs) of RWJ-54428 against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis were studied in a neutropenic mouse thigh infection model. The RWJ-54428 MICs ranged from 0.25 to 1 mg/liter. Mice with ca. 106 CFU/thigh at the initiation of therapy were treated intraperitoneally with RWJ-54428 at doses that ranged from 3 to 1,200 mg/kg of body weight/day (in 2, 3, 4, 6, or 12 divided doses) for 24 h. The maximal reductions in bacterial counts in thigh tissues at 24 h for the methicillin-resistant S. aureus, penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae, and E. faecalis strains were −2.8, −3.8, and −1.7 log10 CFU/thigh, respectively. The percentage of a 24-h dosing interval that the unbound serum RWJ-54428 concentrations exceeded the MIC (fT>MIC) was the pharmacokinetic (PK)-PD parameter that best described the efficacy of RWJ-54428. The fT>MICs for a bacteriostatic effect (no net change in the numbers of CFU/thigh over 24 h) ranged from 14 to 20% for staphylococci and streptococci; for maximal reductions in the numbers of CFU/thigh, the fT>MICs ranged from 22 to 36% for these strains. For E. faecalis, the ranges of fT>MICs for static and maximal effects were 30 to 46% and 55 to 60%, respectively. These data show that treatment with RWJ-54428 results in marked antibacterial effects in vivo, with the PK-PD parameters for efficacy being comparable to those for the efficacy of penicillins and carbapenems active against staphylococci and pneumococci.
Living on Campus? College Residence and Academic Performance: Who Benefits From

Although previous research suggests that living on campus promotes a variety of desirable academic outcomes by enhancing students’ involvement and engagement with their institutions, research on academic performance frequently ignores the possibility that different groups of students are differentially affected by their living environments. Furthermore, previous studies tend to rely on students from a few large public research universities rather than a broad range of institutions, which precludes any analysis of institutional differences in the impact of residence. Using a sample of 1st-year students from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), this study found that, for most students in most institutions, the type of residence during college does not have a significant effect on 1st-year academic performance. However, among Black students, those who live on campus have significantly higher GPAs than similar students at the same institution who live off campus with family. Among students attending liberal arts institutions, those who live on campus also have significantly higher GPAs than comparable students at the same institution who live off campus with family. 1University of Wisconsin–Madison 2Rice University, Houston, TX, and University of Michigan–Ann Arbor Corresponding Author: Ruth N. López Turley, Department of Sociology MS-28, Rice University, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251-1892 at UNIV OF MICHIGAN on May 15, 2013 uex.sagepub. com Downloaded from Turley and Wodtke 507
Immunization with Plant-Expressed Hemagglutinin Protects Chickens from Lethal Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 Challenge Infection

ABSTRACT Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a striking disease in susceptible poultry, which leads to severe economic losses. Inactivated vaccines are the most widely used vaccines in avian influenza virus (AIV) vaccination programs. However, these vaccines interfere with the serological detection of wild-type AIV infections in immunized populations. The use of vaccines that allow differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA strategy) would stop current stamping-out policies. Therefore, novel vaccination strategies are needed to allow improved protection of animals and humans against HPAI virus (HPAIV) infection. The presented study analyzed for the first time the immunogenic capacity of plant-expressed full-length hemagglutinin (rHA0) of HPAIV H5N1 in several vaccine formulations within the highly relevant host species chicken. We were able to express plant-expressed rHA0 at high levels and could show that, when administered with potent adjuvants, it is highly immunogenic and can fully protect chicken against lethal challenge infection. Real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and serological tests demonstrated only marginally increased virus replication in animals vaccinated with plant-derived rHA0 compared to animals immunized with an inactivated reference vaccine. In addition, the use of plant-expressed rHA0 also allowed an easy serological differentiation of vaccinated from AIV-infected animals based on antibodies against the influenza virus NP protein.