Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Gendered Nature of Disasters

The impacts of disasters rarely reveal themselves equally across an affected population. Rather, the extent of impact is determined by social constructs, such as religion, caste, socioeconomic status and most notably, gender, which cuts across all of these spheres. This article focuses on the variable of gender and the role it played in post-tsunami Tamil Nadu, India. In particular, gender will be discussed in relation to: mortality; access to aid and rehabilitation resources; conditions at temporary shelters; violence against women; and impacts on health. This article argues that women confront human rights gaps during ‘normal’ times and that such pre-existing inequalities are simply reified and magnified in times of disaster. These contentions are upheld by providing a theoretical review of gender and disaster, a survey of actual accounts of gender and disaster across space, and by buttressing the literature with examples from post-tsunami Tamil Nadu. The aim of this article is to analyse salient gender-based issues in a specific post-disaster context and to add to the discourse on gender and disaster writ large.
Interference Mitigation in Femtocell Network Using Q-learning

The idea of femtocell have attracted lots of interest from the research community of wireless communication. Femtocells aim to increase the capacity and coverage area of the current cellular network by helping to reduce its actual cell size. However, new design challenges arise by randomly deploying the femtocells over the cellular network, hence a heterogeneous network. One of the main problems is the so-called co-tier and cross-tier interference caused by the new femtocell network layer, which is operating in the same frequency spectrum as the cellular network. Various techniques have been proposed to deal with the interference management issue in heterogeneous networks. This paper investigates the use of reinforcement learning algorithms to solve interference problems in two tier heterogeneous networks. We assume the femtocell user equipments (FUEs) and macro user equipments (MUEs) to be selfish and we try to guarantee the Quality of Service (QoS) of all users equally if possible. We formulate the power adaptation process of the FUEs and MUE to be a discrete multi agent Markov decision problem and solve it by using the well-known Q-learning algorithm. In the MDP process, each agent adapts its own transmission power by learning from the environment. Numerical results show that the distributed decision process will converge to an equilibrium and make the system more efficient.
Endocannabinoids Regulate the Migration of Subventricular Zone-Derived Neuroblasts in the Postnatal Brain

In the adult brain, neural stem cells proliferate within the subventricular zone before differentiating into migratory neuroblasts that travel along the rostral migratory stream (RMS) to populate the olfactory bulb with new neurons. Because neuroblasts have been shown to migrate to areas of brain injury, understanding the cues regulating this migration could be important for brain repair. Recent studies have highlighted an important role for endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling in the proliferation of the stem cell population, but it remained to be determined whether this pathway also played a role in cell migration. We now show that mouse migratory neuroblasts express cannabinoid receptors, diacylglycerol lipase α (DAGLα), the enzyme that synthesizes the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and monoacylglycerol lipase, the enzyme responsible for its degradation. Using a scratch wound assay for a neural stem cell line and RMS explant cultures, we show that inhibition of DAGL activity or CB1/CB2 receptors substantially decreases migration. In contrast, direct activation of cannabinoid receptors or preventing the breakdown of 2-AG increases migration. Detailed analysis of primary neuroblast migration by time-lapse imaging reveals that nucleokinesis, as well as the length and branching of the migratory processes are under dynamic control of the eCB system. Finally, similar effects are observed in vivo by analyzing the morphology of green fluorescent protein-labeled neuroblasts in brain slices from mice treated with CB1 or CB2 antagonists. These results describe a novel role for the endocannabinoid system in neuroblast migration in vivo, highlighting its importance in regulating an additional essential step in adult neurogenesis.
Treatment Options for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Review of Past and Present Practices

Among disorders affecting children with special needs, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly controversial disorder, both in its diagnosis and its treatment. The definition of ADHD has changed over the years, but the core symptoms of this neurobehavioural syndrome continue to be defined by specific behavioural characteristics, which include persistent difficulties in inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. However, it is defined in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) published by the American Psychiatric Association as a disorder in its own right. ADHD is characterized by over activity, impulsiveness and an inability to sustain attention. Low self-esteem, under-achievement and difficulties in socializing are also often experienced. It is difficult to diagnose, as there is no specific test or marker, and its identification usually relies on a checklist of typical behaviours. The prevalence of ADHD is fairly consistent across diverse geographic, racial, and socioeconomic populations. It is estimated that ADHD affects up to 8% of school aged children. ADHD is most common in childhood or adolescence, but it can persist into adulthood, resulting in on-going problems of under-achievement and social difficulties. The etiology of ADHD is most likely a complex interplay of factors, which include neurobiologic, genetic, environmental and central nervous system (CNS) insults. The most widely used treatment is medication followed by psychological therapies and of recent nutritional/dietary interventions. This paper intends to discuss what ADHD is, its major symptoms, causes and the available medical, psychological, nutritional as well as educational options for treating/managing/remediating children with ADHD. Keywords: Special Needs Education, Nutritional therapy, Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Endothelial Cell-Specific Transcriptional Targeting from a Hybrid Long Terminal Repeat Retrovirus Vector Containing Human Prepro-Endothelin-1 Promoter Sequences

ABSTRACT For many applications, specificity of gene expression by recombinant retroviral vectors is necessary. We wished to obtain transcriptional targeting in endothelial cells as part of an antivasculature approach to cancer treatment and have achieved specificity by using the promoter for human prepro-endothelin-1. In particular, we have inserted this heterologous promoter within the 3′ long terminal repeat (LTR), replacing all viral upstream transcriptional regulatory sequences, to generate a hybrid LTR with precise fusion at the TATA box for initiation of transcription at the viral start site. Reverse transcription and integration resulted in duplication of this hybrid promoter in the 5′ LTR of the provirus for transcription of the internal transgene. An important feature of our vectors is the absence of a selectable marker gene or additional promoters to avoid potential complications of silencing or interference and because selection will be inappropriate for clinical application. This vector design showed endothelial cell specificity of β-galactosidase expression when tested on a panel of human cell lines and primary breast microvascular endothelial cells, matching the specificity of expression of the endogenous promoter. Such simplified vectors exhibiting transcriptional specificity are likely to be useful for the development of a gene therapy approach to targeting tumor vasculature.
BOOK AND TEST REVIEWS

This delightful but brief text can be read in a few hours and provides absorbing reading for clinical neuropsychologists and rehabilitation therapists involved in brain-injury rehabilitation. It summarizes several important points about the complexity of visuospatial neglect and issues involved in the measurement of this neuropsychological impairment. It also provides a succinct and scholarly review of the various therapies that have been used to “treat” (i.e., remediate) patients with visual neglect. What I found most provocative about this text was the notion that disorders of attention may actually contribute to what appear to be purely sensorimotor disturbances (such as hemiplegia). This type of thinking is fascinating and challenges us to think innovatively about the symptoms that follow brain damage. I highly recommend this text and will personally purchase copies for our postdoctoral fellows in neuropsychology. Two omissions, however, were disappointing. First, I had hoped the authors would present a specific plan for assessing spatial neglect during the early phases after a stroke, but such a plan was not included. Chapter 3 focused mainly on the virtue of the behavioral inattention test. A more systematic analysis of neglect phenomena that emphasizes how to measure the degree of spatial neglect of personal, peripersonal, and extrapersonal space is needed, as is guidance on how to assess related disorders. Second, I was looking for data on the course of the natural recovery of neglect phenomena. Perhaps such data are lacking, but the title of chapter 5 promised a little more than it actually delivered. From my perspective with a long-standing interest in disturbances of self-awareness, the discussion of how to measure awareness of neglect could have been more sophisticated. The technique of having patients judge their functional capabilities and having a relative reliably make the same judgment could have received more emphasis. A scale that therapists could use to evaluate patients also would have been instructive. Finally, the text made a point that could be subject to misinterpretation. The findings of Taub et al. (1993) suggest that restricting the use of the so-called unaffected arm after hemiplegia might facilitate greater recovery of the hemiplegic arm. Given that both sides of the body are often affected even if lesions are unilateral, this finding should be interpreted cautiously (Prigatano & Wong, 1997). Restricting the use of an arm may or may not produce positive outcomes related to overall rehabilitation, and this issue needs to be evaluated more extensively. In conclusion, this brief, excellent text summarizes a considerable amount of information on a complicated topic. It will be extremely useful for clinicians who lack the time to read the important papers in this field but who need a brief digest to help guide their clinical practice.
First-pass radionuclide determination of cardiac output: an improved gamma camera method.

A technique for noninvasive determination of cardiac output by aid of first-pass radionuclide cardiography is described. After intravenous injection of 10-15 mCi technetium-99m-(99mTc) labeled red blood cells the method requires acquisition of a first passage time-activity curve recorded with a gamma camera over the left ventricle, the background corrected left ventricular count rate recorded after complete mixing of the tracer in the circulation, and determination of the distribution volume of the tracer. The method was applied in 14 patients with heart disease of various origins and evaluated against the conventional tracer dilution technique with arterial sampling of blood activity. Cardiac output determinations by external counting ranged from 2.30 to 8.56 l/min, mean +/- s.d. 4.50 +/- 1.66 l/min and by arterial blood sampling from 1.88 to 8.96 l/min, mean +/- s.d. 4.52 +/- 1.71 l/min. An excellent correlation was demonstrated between the two techniques, r = 0.978 (p less than 0.001). When no background subtraction was applied to the left ventricular counts at equilibrium, radionuclide cardiac output values were approximately 40% higher than those obtained by arterial sampling. The new first-pass radionuclide cardiographic technique may prove a useful tool in the noninvasive evaluation of cardiac function, especially in patients with arrhythmias and/or valvular incompetence.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Corruption

AbstractCorruption has become one of the most popular topics in the social scientiﬁc disciplines. However,there is a lack of interdisciplinary communication about corruption. Models developed by differentacademic disciplines are often isolated from each other. The purpose of this paper is to review severalmajor approaches to corruption and draw them closer to each other. Most studies of corruption fallinto three major categories: (i) rational-actor models where corruption is viewed as resulting fromcost/beneﬁt analysis of individual actors; (ii) structural models that focus on external forces thatdetermine corruption; and (iii) relational models that emphasize social interactions and networksamong corrupt actors. Focusing on actors’ behavior and the social context, this article explainscorruption concepts taken from sociology, economics, organization studies, political science, socialanthropology, and social psychology. IntroductionCorruption is an elusive phenomenon conceptually. Its literature is enormous, and mostdisciplinesinthesocialsciencesattempttosaysomethingaboutit.Unfortunately,thereisalackof interdisciplinary communication about corruption, such that models developed by differentacademic disciplines are often isolated from each other. However, each social science hasrevealed interesting and important features of corruption, so it is worth drawing them closerto each other. Hence, this paper reviews corruption concepts taken from social anthropology,economics, political science, social psychology, sociology, and organization studies.Many studies of corruption fall into three major categories: (i) a micro-level perspectivewhere corruption is viewed as resulting from rational decisions of individual actors; (ii) amacro perspective that focuses on social norms and the structural arrangements that facilitatecorruption; and (iii) a relational approach that examines social interactions and networksamong corrupt actors. This paper brings some coherence to the extensive literature oncorruption. It provides an interdisciplinary overview of the three major approaches tocorruption, focusing on actors’ behavior and the social context. The article tries to reﬂectthe broader social scientiﬁc context and theoretical background related to each approach.Finally, it argues that relational approach has the potential to integrate the other twoparadigms and link rational actors with structural elements.Conceptualization of corruptionWe can ﬁnd dozens of competing and sometimes contradictory deﬁnitions of corruption inthe literature. Some studies offer interesting overviews of such deﬁnitions (Kurer 2005;Pellegrini 2011; Williams 1999). Rather than try to resolve the deﬁnitional problem, thispaper will provide a framework for comparing and contrasting the predominant approachesin corruption studies. Here, I will use corruption as a broad umbrella term based on fourminimal, sometimes implicit, conceptual elements that one ﬁnds across most disciplines. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Progrès économique et transition démographique dans les pays pauvres : trente ans d'expérience (1950-1980)

Résumé Chesnais Jean-Claude. — Progrès économique et transition démographique dans les pays pauvres : trente ans d'expérience (1950-1980). Les pays en développement viennent au cours des dernières décennies, de traverser leur phase de croissance démographique maximale. Au cours de la période 1950-1980, l'augmentation du PIB par tête a, dans l'ensemble été aussi rapide dans ces pays que dans les pays développés. Les calculs de corrélation entre indices d'accroissement de la population et du PIB par tête aboutissent à des coefficients le plus souvent non significatifs, mais la décomposition en sous-périodes fait apparaître un changement de signe des coefficients, du plus (années 1950 et 1960) vers le moins (années 1970). Cette inversion n'est qu'un artefact lié à la maturation de la transition démographique. Le constat global est suffisamment net en tant que tel pour jeter le doute sur les hypothèses courantes relatives aux effets présumés négatifs d'une augmentation rapide de la population. Le recours au calcul de corrélation n'est qu'un instrument d'infirmation supplémentaire car les coefficients obtenus sont systématiquement faibles; les paradigmes habituels négligent deux faits majeurs : le rôle du recul de la mortalité dans la croissance démographique et la croissance économique; les origines structurelles communes à l'expansion économique et à l'augmentation de la population.
Development of natural and synthetic DNA probes for OXA-2 and TEM-1 beta-lactamases

Cloning of a 6.3-kilobase BglII DNA fragment from plasmid R46 permitted the isolation of the OXA-2 beta-lactamase gene. Selected DNA fragments internal and adjacent to the OXA-2 beta-lactamase structural gene were used as probes in homology studies with other plasmid-mediated beta-lactamases. Under conditions of high stringency, no cross hybridization could be detected with DNA probes from within the open reading frame of the OXA-2 structural gene. At a lower stringency, one of two DNA fragments used as probes cross hybridized weakly with the OXA-3 bla gene. Other DNA fragments tested and known to contain sequences flanking the OXA-2 determinant cross hybridized with OXA-3 and PSE-4 plasmid DNA. From the known nucleotide sequence of OXA-2 and TEM-1, we synthesized a series of oligonucleotides corresponding to sequences internal to their respective structural genes. A 12-mer oligonucleotide containing the OXA-2-active-site nucleotide sequences cross hybridized only with OXA-3. All other oligonucleotides tested were found to be specific for their respective OXA-2 or TEM-1 gene. Such beta-lactamase gene probes should facilitate studies of beta-lactamase molecular epidemiology and beta-lactamase gene polymorphism.
Development and Evaluation of Artemether Taste Masked Rapid Disintegrating Tablets with Improved Dissolution Using Solid Dispersion Technique

The purpose of this research was to mask the intensely bitter taste of artemether (ARM) and to formulate a rapid-disintegrating tablet (RDT) of the taste-masked drug. Taste masking was done by solid dispersion with mono amino glycyrrhyzinate pentahydrate (GLY) by solvent evaporation method. To characterize and formulate taste masked rapid disintegrating tablets (RDTs) of ARM, the 1:1M solid dispersion was selected based on bitterness score. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) were performed to identify the physicochemical interaction between drug and carrier, hence its effect on dissolution. RDTs were evaluated for weight variation, disintegration time, hardness and friability. In vitro drug release studies were performed for RDTs at pH 1.2 and 6.8. Bitterness score was evaluated using mini-column method and compared with gustatory sensation test. FTIR spectroscopy and DSC showed no interaction while XRPD showed amorphization of ARM in GLY solid dispersion. RDTs prepared using solid dispersion, (RDT3), showed faster disintegration (within 28 s) and complete bitter taste masking of ARM. In addition, RDT3 exhibited better dissolution profile at both pH 1.2 and 6.8, than RDTs prepared from pure ARM (RDT5). Taste evaluation of RDTs in human volunteers rated tasteless with a score of 0 to RDT3 and 3 to RDT5. Mini-column revealed that RDT5 showed increase in number of persons who sensed bitterness with increased amount of ARM release while RDT3 sensed no bitterness. Thus, results conclusively demonstrated successful masking of taste and rapid disintegration of the formulated tablets in the oral cavity with improved dissolution.
The Epidemiology of Excess Mortality in People with Mental Illness

Objective: To investigate the burden of excess mortality among people with mental illness in developed countries, how it is distributed, and whether it has changed over time. Method: We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, restricting our attention to peer-reviewed studies and reviews published in English relating to mortality and mental illness. Because of the large number of studies that have been undertaken during the last 30 years, we have selected a representative cross-section of studies for inclusion in our review. Results: There is substantial excess mortality in people with mental illness for almost all psychiatric disorders and all main causes of death. Consistently elevated rates have been observed across settings and over time. The highest numbers of excess deaths are due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. With life expectancy increasing in the general population, the disparity in mortality outcomes for people with mental illness is increasing. Conclusions: Without the development of alternative approaches to promoting and treating the physical health of people with mental illness, it is possible that the disparity in mortality outcomes will persist.
Two-Point Lyapunov Control of Binary Distillation Columns with Four Temperature Measurements

The problem of controlling binary distillation column effluents by manipulating the reflux and vapor flow rates on the basis of four temperature measurements is addressed. The problem is motivated by the need of understanding and systematizing two-point control industrial schemes driven by four temperature measurements. On the basis of the relative degree structure of the nonlinear passivated model, a four-state linear-decentralized model with reconstructible load inputs is drawn. Then, a passivated by backstepping OF controller is built within a Lyapunov dissipation framework, yielding a linear control scheme with: (i) regulation of distillate (or bottom) composition by adjustment of reflux flow (or heat duty) on the basis of two temperature measurements in the stripping (or rectifying) section, (ii) per-section decentralized structure, (iii) a straightforward construction procedure, and (iv) conventional-like simple tuning guidelines, without the primary-secondary gain separation limitation of the standard cascade TPT controller. The proposed control design is tested with a representative example through simulations, finding a behavior which outperforms the ones of previous TP control schemes.
Preparation of  $\hbox{F}_{0}\hbox{F}_{1}$  -ATPase Nanoarray by Dip-Pen Nanolithography and Its Application as Biosensors

Dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) is a widely used technique to create nanoscopic patterns of many different materials. F<sub>0</sub>F<sub>1</sub> -ATPase is a nanoscale rotary molecular motor, and could be used as a biosensor or an ideal motor device in a micro-/nanosystem. In this paper, the DPN technique was used to create nanoarrays of F<sub>0</sub>F<sub>1</sub> -ATPase within chromatophore on a gold surface. The feature size of our F<sub>0</sub>F<sub>1</sub> -ATPase patterns was an average of 130 nm, and mathematically, there were no more than ten F<sub>0</sub>F<sub>1</sub> -ATPases in each dot. The biological activity of patterned F<sub>0</sub>F<sub>1</sub> -ATPase was demonstrated by its adenosine triphosphate synthesis, which was indicated by the fluorescence change of labeled F1300. The patterned F<sub>0</sub>F<sub>1</sub> -ATPase nanoarrays were further constructed as biosensors to detect H9 influenza A virus. The results showed that the biosensor arrays had a remarkable <i>S</i>/<i>N</i> ratio and excellent specificity. This type of biosensor arrays can be further used in high-throughput, high-sensitive detection in future. Meanwhile, the precise patterning of F<sub>0</sub>F<sub>1</sub> -ATPase with desired size, position, and biological activity would accelerate its application in many fields.