Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transnational migration marriage and trafficking at the China-Vietnam border.

Demographic evidence documents an increasing female deficit in China over the past decades. Partly resulting from rising discrimination against females this sex imbalance has important and long-term implications. This paper examines the consequences of the shortage of females in China for transnational migration and trafficking of Vietnamese women across the China-Vietnam border. Within China two provinces sharing a border with Vietnam -- Guang Xi and Yunnan -- are among those with the highest gender imbalances. This female deficit is creating a market for foreign wives and foreign female workers. Other factors such the high cost of marriage (bride price) for Chinese men and the need for agricultural labor also create a demand for foreign wives and daughters-in-law. Pervasive inequalities in gender and intergenerational relations make foreign wives attractive because of their vulnerable and captive position. For the Vietnamese the opening of the border has translated into increasing opportunities to migrate to China for social and economic reasons. Women in particular have crossed the China-Vietnam border in search of a spouse or a job. Single women considered too old to marry in Vietnam see in migration an opportunity to find a spouse and have children. The dynamic Chinese economy and booming border region make migration to China particularly attractive for Vietnamese women facing poverty and unemployment. This paper will examine data on 213 women who have migrated or have been trafficked to China and have returned to Vietnam. Questionnaire and interview data collected in 2005 provide information on the circumstances of these womens migration and return. The paper documents womens perspectives on the process of leaving their village living in China and returning to Vietnam. In addition the study describes traffickers strategies to recruit transport and sell Vietnamese women as wives or sex workers in China. We conclude that social economic and gender inequalities at the macro and micro levels together contribute to the flourishing trafficking market of Vietnamese women. By studying womens trajectories the paper also discusses how migration and trafficking are intertwined and difficult to disentangle conceptually. (authors)
What Is Driving Gender Equality in Secondary Education? Evidence from 57 Developing Countries, 1970–2010

Despite global efforts to expand educational opportunities for women, gender inequalities persist in many developing countries. Addressing the root causes of gender inequalities in secondary education we ask whether such disparities persist because of low state capacity or low willingness. Based on gender- and age-specific educational attainment data for 57 developing countries in 1970–2010, our analysis indicates that willingness factors are central to understanding gender equality in education: ethnically heterogeneous countries and countries where Islam is the primary religion experience lower levels of equality. However, key capacity factors like a country’s income level are unrelated to gender differences in education.
Increase in Meningeal Blood Flow by Nitric Oxide - Interaction with Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor and Prostaglandin Synthesis Inhibition

This study addresses possible interactions of the vasodilators nitric oxide (NO), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and prostaglandins, which may be implicated in the generation of vascular headaches. Local application of the NO donator diethylamine-NONOate (NONOate) to the exposed dura mater encephali of the rat caused dose-dependent increases in meningeal blood flow recorded by laser Doppler flowmetry. Pre-application of the CGRP receptor antagonist CGRP8-37 significantly attenuated the evoked blood flow increases, while the cyclooxygenase inhibitors acetylsalicylic acid and metamizol were only marginally effective. Stimulation of rat dura mater with NONOate in vitro caused increases in CGRP release. NADPH- diaphorase activity indicating NO production was restricted to the endothelium of dural arterial vessels. We conclude that increases in meningeal blood flow caused by NO depend partly on the release and vasodilatory action of CGRP from dural afferents, while prostaglandins are not significantly involved.
Suppression of Proteoglycan-Induced Arthritis by Anti-CD20 B Cell Depletion Therapy Is Mediated by Reduction in Autoantibodies and CD4+ T Cell Reactivity1

B cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since the discovery of RA as an autoimmune disease. There is renewed interest in B cells in RA based on the clinical efficacy of B cell depletion therapy in RA patients. Although, reduced titers of rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide Abs are recorded, the mechanisms that convey clinical improvement are incompletely understood. In the proteoglycan-induced arthritis (PGIA) mouse model of RA, we reported that Ag-specific B cells have two important functions in the development of arthritis. PG-specific B cells are required as autoantibody-producing cells as well as Ag-specific APCs. Herein we report on the effects of anti-CD20 mAb B cell depletion therapy in PGIA. Mice were sensitized to PG and treated with anti-CD20 Ab at a time when PG-specific autoantibodies and T cell activation were evident but before acute arthritis. In mice treated with anti-CD20 mAb, development of arthritis was significantly reduced in comparison to control mAb-treated mice. B cell depletion reduced the PG-specific autoantibody response. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in the PG-specific CD4+ T cell recall response as well as significantly fewer PG-specific CD4+ T cells producing IFN-γ and IL-17, but not IL-4. The reduction in PG-specific T cells was confirmed by the inability of CD4+ T cells from B cell-depleted mice to adoptively transfer disease into SCID mice. Overall, B cell depletion during PGIA significantly reduced disease and inhibited both autoreactive B cell and T cell function.
SARS: public health measures in Hong Kong

As there are no validated and rapid diagnostic tests nor specific treatment for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) at the initial stage of the outbreak, public health measures are vital for the control of the disease. These included an enhanced disease surveillance system, expanded laboratory diagnostic capacity, heightened infection control in hospitals and residential institutions for the elderly, intensive contact tracing coupled with medical surveillance at designated medical centres, quarantine of close contacts by way of home confinement, formation of multidisciplinary investigation and response teams, and public education and communication. The above measures were implemented in many countries during the outbreak. To prevent spread in the region and beyond, port health measures targeted at both entry and exit health screenings were also carried out together with regional and international liaison.
Linear-Phase VDF Design With Unabridged Bandwidth Control Over the Nyquist Band

This brief presents a low-complexity linear-phase variable digital filter (VDF) design with tunable lowpass (LP), highpass (HP), bandpass (BP), and bandstop (BS) responses anywhere over the entire Nyquist band. The spectral-parameter-approximation-based VDFs (SPA-VDFs) was designed using the Farrow structure and has advantages of linear phase, lower group delay, and fewer variable multipliers. However, the total gate count and the dynamic range of filter coefficient values of SPA-VDFs significantly increase with the tunable range of cutoff frequency, which limits their usefulness in emerging signal processing and wireless communication applications. In addition, existing VDFs need to update either filter coefficients or need parallel filter structures to obtain variable LP, HP, BP and BS responses. In this brief, a new VDF design is proposed by deftly integrating SPA-VDF with the modified coefficient decimation method (MCDM), and it will be referred to as SPA-MCDM-VDF. The SPA-MCDM-VDF provides LP, HP, BP, and BS responses with unabridged center frequency and bandwidth control over the entire Nyquist band without the need for hardware reimplementation or coefficient update. The complexity comparisons show that the SPA-MCDM-VDF offers substantial savings in gate count, group delay, and number of variable multiplications over other linear-phase VDFs.
Transcriptional coupling of DNA repair in sporulating Bacillus subtilis cells

In conditions of halted or limited genome replication, like those experienced in sporulating cells of Bacillus subtilis, a more immediate detriment caused by DNA damage is altering the transcriptional programme that drives this developmental process. Here, we report that mfd, which encodes a conserved bacterial protein that mediates transcription‐coupled DNA repair (TCR), is expressed together with uvrA in both compartments of B. subtilis sporangia. The function of Mfd was found to be important for processing the genetic damage during B. subtilis sporulation. Disruption of mfd sensitized developing spores to mitomycin‐C (M‐C) treatment and UV‐C irradiation. Interestingly, in non‐growing sporulating cells, Mfd played an anti‐mutagenic role as its absence promoted UV‐induced mutagenesis through a pathway involving YqjH/YqjW‐mediated translesion synthesis (TLS). Two observations supported the participation of Mfd‐dependent TCR in spore morphogenesis: (i) disruption of mfd notoriously affected the efficiency of B. subtilis sporulation and (ii) in comparison with the wild‐type strain, a significant proportion of Mfd‐deficient sporangia that survived UV‐C treatment developed an asporogenous phenotype. We propose that the Mfd‐dependent repair pathway operates during B. subtilis sporulation and that its function is required to eliminate genetic damage from transcriptionally active genes.
The development of perceptual expertise for faces and objects in autism spectrum conditions

Previous research indicates that individuals with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) do not develop face expertise to the same extent as typical individuals. Yet it remains unclear whether this atypicality is specific to faces or related to more pervasive perceptual or cognitive deficits involved in the actual process of gaining expertise. To address this question, we examined the extent to which adults with ASC were capable of developing expertise with non‐face objects. To become experts, all participants completed a 2‐week training program with novel objects, known as Greebles. Level of expertise was assessed throughout training by measuring the ability to identify Greebles on an individual level. The perceptual strategies acquired as a result of expertise were measured through an inversion effect task completed before and after training, in which performance with upright Greebles and faces was compared to performance with inverted Greebles and faces. After expertise training, it was found that individuals in both the ASC and the typical group successfully achieved expertise and showed an enhanced Greeble inversion effect as a result of training. The development of an inversion effect with Greebles suggests that individuals with ASC may employ the same processing strategies as the typical group. Although exploratory, these findings have implications for understanding the nature of the face processing deficit in ASC as well as offering potential insights into face processing interventions for individuals with ASC. Autism Res 2011, 4:297–301. © 2011 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Backstepping controller design for electro-hydraulic servo system with sliding observer

Because an electro-hydraulic servo system is nonlinear, its parameters are difficult to measure and control accuracy is needed highly, a backstepping control method with sliding state observer is presented. In this strategy, state observer is designed by sliding method, velocity sensor and press sensor aren't needed, and position sensor is needed only. To reducing chattering with sliding method, the saturation function is used to replace signal function. In order to deal with system's uncertainty, controller is designed with backstepping method. The uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB) stabilities of all signals are proved by Lyapunov stability theorem. This method can guarantee the stabilization of the closed-loop systems. Finally, simulation results are presented to illustrate the effective and the applicability of the suggested method.
Association between depressive symptoms and metabolic syndrome is not explained by antidepressant medication: Results from the PPP-Botnia Study

Abstract Introduction. To study whether the frequently reported association between depressive symptoms and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its individual components are secondary to the use of antidepressant medication and to established diabetes or cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Patients and methods. A population-based, random sample of 4,967 women and men aged 18–75 years. MetS was defined according to the new, harmonized criteria. Glucose tolerance was assessed by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). CVD, depressive symptoms, and use of antidepressant medication were self-reported. Results. The odds for having the MetS increased over 10%for each standard deviation increase in depressive symptoms. Users of antidepressant medication had more than 50% increased odds for having the MetS. Depressive symptoms were also associated with higher glucose response during the OGTT, higher serum triglyceride and lower HDL-cholesterol concentrations, and higher waist circumference, while use of antidepressant medication was associated with higher triglycerides, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure. The associations of depressive symptoms were not secondary to use of antidepressant medication and were not explained by established diabetes or CVD. Discussion. Depressive symptoms, the MetS, and the individual components of MetS are related. These associations are not driven by use of antidepressant medication, established diabetes, or CVD.
Comparison of static contact angle change and relaxation in EWOD devices

In conventional Electrowetting on Dielectric (EWOD) devices a static change of the contact angle is observed when a voltage is applied to the electrodes, usually correlated to the Lippmann equation. In this paper we analyze the contact angle changes by using two different dielectrics of different materials and thicknesses and also comparing two different ways of creating the field singularity at the contact line. Although it is known that the contact design may induce a tangential electric field and a spontaneous front wetting, we have observed in our devices that the change in the contact line is still due to the interfacial changing at the air-liquid interface. Several devices were fabricated using Teflon and PDMS coating on top of pyrex wafer and silicon wafer previously oxidized. The results obtained using these devices were compared to a conventional EWOD sample having PDMS deposited on top of metal electrodes previously laid out on top of pyrex wafer. We have compared the static contact angle change, produced using conventional voltage drive source, with a similar measurement after charges were generated in the gas phase. We have observed quite different behaviour of the two films used as coatings, for similar charge densities created, the contact angle on Teflon samples changed much less than in the PDMS samples.
The orbitozygomatic stich: A technical modification of the lateral supraorbital approach

Background: The lateral supraorbital approach (LSO) provides access to a variety of pathologies including anterior and some posterior circulation aneurysms, sellar and suprasellar lesions, and anterior fossa tumors. Technical modifications of LSO improve the surgical exposure of the skull base. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 73 consecutive patients treated by the senior author (Juha A. Hernesniemi), at the Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Hospital in Helsinki, Finland from May 2013 to October 2013. This study cohort underwent a modified LSO to access anterior circulation aneurysms, sellar and suprasellar tumors, and anterior fossa tumors. The studied population comprised 30 men and 43 women, with a mean age at treatment of 54 years (9–83 years). Results: LSO was successfully used to access anterior circulation aneurysms in 59 (81%) patients, 10 (14%) patients with anterior cranial fossa tumors, and 4 (5%) patients with suprasellar tumors. The skull base drilling provided a mean of 6.8 mm (1.7–22 mm) in increased exposure. Conclusion: LSO provides adequate access to vascular and neoplastic lesions of the anterior cranial fossa, by drilling approximately 6.8 mm (1.7–22 mm) of the lateral orbital wall and sphenoid wing. This enhances surgical exposure and trajectory. An additional trick while performing an LSO is to place a single or multiple stiches (orbitozygomatic stich) at the base of the dura once opened, eliminating the dead space between the dura and anterior skull base.
Family-Focused Smoking Cessation

While partner support has been found to be an important factor in smoking cessation, programs with partner training have not demonstrated improved efficacy. The goal of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a smoking cessation treatment program that included partner support in an innovative education/therapy model similar to alcohol and drug treatment programs. Subjects included 23 smokers, 71% with a support partner. The program consisted of a smoking cessation curriculum, combined with facilitated group therapy for participants and partners, and individualized medication evaluation. Smoking abstinence was 87% at program completion and 80% at one month follow up, 100% abstinence in participants with support and 50% in participants without support (p < 0.05). Smoking Stage of Change at enrollment was: contemplation 22%, preparation 70%, and action 8%, with 87% movement toward action stage. In the present study, partner support enhanced short-term abstinence from smoking.
Assessment of genomic damage and repair on human lymphocytes by paint thinner in vitro

Abstract Paint thinners are organic-solvent complex mixtures frequently used by car painters around the world in industries and shops. Some studies have revealed the oxidative effect induced by thinner inhalation; however, its genotoxic effect is poorly studied. The aim of this study was to assess the cytotoxicity, genomic damage and DNA repair in vitro induced by commercial paint thinner 0.14 in human lymphocytes. Cytotoxicity was determined by cell-viability analysis with trypan blue after 4 h treatment with different thinner concentrations (0.025 to 1.2 µL/mL). Genomic damage was evaluated by means of the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE; pH > 13) in treated cultures after 1 h with three low-cytotoxic thinner concentrations (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 µL/mL). In order to evaluate the genomic DNA repair, one set of SCGE slides was prepared immediately after treatment, and another one was prepared after 4 h of liquid-holding recovery. A significant level of cytotoxicity was observed over the entire concentration range of paint thinner in lymphocytes (F = 175.98; p ≤ 0.001). In the SCGE % tail DNA assessment, a significant increase of lymphocyte genomic damage was evidenced (F = 72.32; p < 0.001). In addition, we found a significant decrease in the % tail DNA in thinner-treated cells after liquid-holding recovery period (all p < 0.05), demonstrating that DNA primary lesions induced by low-cytotoxic thinner concentrations are efficiently repaired. In conclusion, thinner components induce cytotoxicity and genomic damage in human lymphocytes under the study conditions, possibly by oxidative and alkylative DNA damage.
Precision agriculture applications using wireless moisture sensor network

Improper irrigation will result in waste of water. Proper irrigation system could be achieved by using Wireless sensor networks (WSN) technology. Monitoring and control applications have been tremendously improved by using Wireless sensor networks technology. It enabled efficient communication with many sensors. Wireless moisture sensor network (WMSN) is a WSN with moisture sensors. Efficient irrigation could be achieved through the utilisation of WMSN. WMSN enabled efficient irrigation in a greenhouse for Precision Agriculture (PA) application. In this paper, we describe the overall system design, system architecture, implementation, system test results of WMSN for PA in a greenhouse. Moisture Sensors are used to measure amount of water in the media. Close loop system acquires sensors data and activates the control devices based on predetermined threshold value. A test was conducted to compare the efficiency of irrigation using two methodologies; schedule and automated. The test shows that there is an average savings of 1,500 ml per day per tree.
Frontal-Plane Variability in Foot Orientation During Fatiguing Running Exercise in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability.

CONTEXT Researchers have reported increased variability in frontal-plane movement at the ankle during jumping in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI), which may increase their risk of recurrent ankle sprain. It is not known if this behavior is present during running gait or how fatigue affects the amount of frontal-plane-movement variability in individuals with CAI. OBJECTIVE To investigate the amount of roll-angle variability at the foot during a fatiguing exercise protocol in participants with CAI. DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. SETTING Motion-analysis research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS A total of 18 volunteers with CAI (10 men, 8 women; age = 29.8 ± 9.2 years, height = 175.8 ± 11.2 cm, mass = 75.4 ± 10.7 kg) and 17 volunteers serving as controls (8 men, 9 women; age = 28.2 ± 6.3 years, height = 172.3 ± 10.6 cm, mass = 68.8 ± 12.9 kg). INTERVENTION(S) Kinematic data for foot position were collected while participants performed a functional fatigue protocol based on shuttle runs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Variability (ie, standard deviation) of the roll angle of the foot about the x-axis, corresponding to inversion-eversion, was measured at 2 discrete times: 50 milliseconds before foot strike and 65% of stance. RESULTS No differences in roll-angle range or variability were observed between limbs in either group. At 65% of stance, we found a main effect for time, whereby both groups demonstrated decreased roll-angle ranges at the end of the fatigue protocol ( P = .01). A between-groups effect in the roll-angle variability at 65% of stance was noted ( P = .04), with the CAI group exhibiting higher levels of variability. No between-groups differences were observed at 50 milliseconds before foot strike. CONCLUSIONS Chronic ankle instability is a complex, multifactorial condition that can affect patients in diverse ways. Identifying excessive foot-position variability in particular situations could potentially inform targeted rehabilitation programs.