Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Urbanization and fertility: An event-history analysis of Coastal Ghana

In this article, we undertake an event-history analysis of fertility in Ghana. We exploit detailed life history calendar data to conduct a more refined and definitive analysis of the relationship among personal traits, urban residence, and fertility. Although urbanization is generally associated with lower fertility in developing countries, inferences in most studies have been hampered by a lack of information about the timing of residence in relationship to childbearing. We find that the effect of urbanization itself is strong, evident, and complex, and persists after we control for the effects of age, cohort, union status, and education. Our discrete-time event-history analysis shows that urban women exhibit fertility rates that are, on average, 11% lower than those of rural women, but the effects vary by parity. Differences in urban population traits would augment the effects of urban adaptation itself. Extensions of the analysis point to the operation of a selection effect in rural-to-urban mobility but provide limited evidence for disruption effects. The possibility of further selection of urbanward migrants on unmeasured traits remains. The analysis also demonstrates the utility of an annual life history calendar for collecting such data in the field.
Type I Interferon Responses by HIV-1 Infection: Association with Disease Progression and Control

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and its infection leads to the onset of several disorders such as the depletion of peripheral CD4+ T cells and immune activation. HIV-1 is recognized by innate immune sensors that then trigger the production of type I interferons (IFN-Is). IFN-Is are well-known cytokines eliciting broad anti-viral effects by inducing the expression of anti-viral genes called interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Extensive in vitro studies using cell culture systems have elucidated that certain ISGs such as APOBEC3G, tetherin, SAM domain and HD domain-containing protein 1, MX dynamin-like GTPase 2, guanylate-binding protein 5, and schlafen 11 exert robust anti-HIV-1 activity, suggesting that IFN-I responses triggered by HIV-1 infection are detrimental for viral replication and spread. However, recent studies using animal models have demonstrated that at both the acute and chronic phase of infection, the role of IFN-Is produced by HIV or SIV infection in viral replication, spread, and pathogenesis, may not be that straightforward. In this review, we describe the pluses and minuses of HIV-1 infection stimulated IFN-I responses on viral replication and pathogenesis, and further discuss the possibility for therapeutic approaches.
Participants' Explanations for Nonadherence in the FEM-PrEP Clinical Trial

Background:FEM-PrEP—a clinical trial of daily, oral emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for HIV prevention among women in sub-Saharan Africa—did not show a reduction in HIV acquisition because of low adherence to the study pill. We conducted a follow-up study to identify reasons for nonadherence. Methods:Qualitative, semistructured interviews (n = 88) and quantitative, audio computer-assisted self-interviews (n = 224) were conducted with former FEM-PrEP participants in Bondo, Kenya, and Pretoria, South Africa. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data, and descriptive statistics were used to describe audio computer-assisted self-interviews responses. Data are presented within the 5 categories of Ickovics' and Meisler's conceptual framework on adherence: (1) the individual, (2) trial characteristics and study pill regimen, (3) patient-provider relationship, (4) clinical setting, and (5) the disease. Results:Participants' explanations for nonadherence were primarily situated within 3 of the framework's 5 categories: (1) the individual, (2) trial characteristics and study pill regimen, and (3) the disease. Concerns about the investigational nature of the drug being tested and side effects were the prominent reasons reported for nonadherence. Participants also described being discouraged from taking the study pill by members of the community, their sexual partners, and other participants, primarily because of these same concerns. Limited acceptability of the pill's attributes influenced nonadherence for some participants as did concerns about HIV-related stigma. In addition, many participants reported that others continued in FEM-PrEP while not taking the study pill because of the trial's ancillary benefits and visit reimbursement—factors related to the clinical setting. Negative patient-provider relationships were infrequently reported as a factor that influenced nonadherence. Conclusions:Despite substantial study staff engagement with participants and communities, concerns about the study pill and discouragement from others seemed to have influenced nonadherence considerably. Alternative study designs or procedures and enhanced community engagement paradigms may be needed in future studies.
Analysis on venture capitalists' strategies in IPO market based on evolutionary game

In the IPO market,the asymmetry information between venture capitalists(VCs)and outside investors can easily lead to adverse selection problem during the process of venture capital exit.However,the incentive effects of reputation and the punishment effects of supervision can reduce,even avoid such problem effectively.Considering the bounded rationality of players,we analyze the interaction mechanism between the VCs' policy and the outside investors' policy by using evolutionary game theory and method.We demonstrated the incentive effect of reputation and the constraint effect of supervision on different VCs,and discussed how the reputation and supervision guide VCs' strategy selection.At last,some suggestions are offered for both VCs and outside investors,which can provide a theoretical basis for solving adverse selection problem in venture capital.
Aggregate Industry Behaviour in a Monopolistic Competition Model with Heterogeneous Firms

The paper analyses how a tractable representation of productivity heterogeneity among firms modifies the standard Dixit-Stiglitz (DS) model of monopolistic competition. The properties of the asymmetric model are explored by comparative statics analysis. The equilibrium adjustments of industry aggregates, such as the number of firms, output and the productivity of variable inputs are compared with the corresponding adjustments in the symmetric model. The analysis thereby clarifies when and why the standard DS model may provide a misleading picture of the aggregate industry behaviour. A by-product of the paper is to demonstrate that a more realistic description of a basic aspect of technology heterogeneity can be taken into account at a relatively low cost in terms of reduced tractability.
Framing from the inside: an examination of Pakistani newspapers’ house editorials on Osama bin Laden's targeted assassination

ABSTRACT This study examined how two prominent Pakistani newspapers framed the US Navy Seals killing of Osama bin Laden. Framing and content analysis were used as theoretical and methodological tools, respectively. Only in-house editorials were analysed. Results show the newspapers blaming the Pakistani government for its security laxity during the invasion that killed Osama bin Laden. Results also focused on the ruptured diplomatic ties between the USA and Pakistan, but not on condemning the USA for the breach of Pakistan's national sovereignty in the process of assassinating the al-Qaeda leader.
Involvement of NO in gastric emptying of semi‐solid meal in conscious pigs

Abstract The influence of non‐selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition on gastric emptying of a semi‐solid meal was studied in conscious pigs. Antro‐duodenal motility and fundic compliance were also assessed to evaluate the mechanisms at the origin of potential alteration in gastric emptying pattern. NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME; 20 mg kg−1 i.v.) delayed gastric emptying (half‐emptying time of 128.98 ± 16.86 min vs 73.74 ± 7.73 min after saline, P < 0.05, n = 6) as a result of decreased proximal gastric emptying. No changes were observed for distal gastric emptying as a result of unchanged antral motility. Similarly, no changes were noted on duodenal motor patterns either in the fasted or in the fed state. l‐NAME decreased fundic compliance in fasted state (49 ± 11 mL mmHg−1vs 118 ± 15 mL mmHg−1 after saline, P < 0.05, n = 6). As this phenomenon is expected to increase emptying rate, the gastroparesis induced by NOS inhibition is thus likely to originate from distal resistive forces. It is concluded that NO positively modulates gastric emptying.
Marginal bone loss around implants with platform‐switched Morse‐cone connection: a radiographic cross‐sectional study

OBJECTIVES The aims of the present cross-sectional study are to evaluate the bone remodeling around Morse-cone implants placed subcrestally 1 year after loading and the prevalence of bone loss >0.5 mm after at least 3 years of loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS Subjects who underwent a radiographic check in 2013 with implants that had been in function for at least 3 years were considered for inclusion. The study population comprised of 145 subjects with a total of 523 implants. At the moment of insertion, all the implants were placed subcrestally from 1 to 3 mm as clinically measured. Radiographs taken at baseline, that is 1 year after loading (T0), and at the follow-up visit in 2013 (T1) were examined. The distance between the rim of the implant and the marginal bone level at mesial and distal aspects of each implant was determined and the mean bone loss calculated. RESULTS In the total sample, the mean bone loss occurred between baseline and 2013 examination was 0.42 ± 0.77 mm; at T1 424 implants presented the marginal bone level at the implant rim (78) or above it (346). On the other hand, 99 implants presented the rim above the bone crest. Fifty-one implants that at T1 presented the rim above the bone crest, and that between T0 and T1 had lost at least 0.5 mm, were considered losers: 10 implants lost up to 0.5 mm, 11 lost from 0.6 to 1 mm, 16 lost from 1.1 to 2 mm, and 14 lost more than 2 mm of bone. On a subject basis, 34 subjects (group A) with a total of 200 implant sites presented loser implants, while 111 subjects (group B) with 323 implants displayed non-loser implants. CONCLUSIONS Within the limits of a cross-sectional study, the results show that Morse-cone implants placed subcrestally in the vast majority of cases (89.9%) are able to maintain the bone crest at level of the rim or above it 1 year after loading. The incidence of loser sites (bone loss >0.5 mm) after at least 3 years of follow-up is 9.7% at implant level and 23.5% at patient level.
MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY DIRECTED AGAINST NEOSPORA CANINUM TACHYZOITE CARBOHYDRATE EPITOPE REACTS SPECIFICALLY WITH APICAL COMPLEX–ASSOCIATED SIALYLATED BETA TUBULIN

Monoclonal antibodies (mabs) were generated against whole sonicated Neospora caninum tachyzoites as immunogen. Initial ELISA screening of the reactivity of hybridoma culture supernatants using the same antigen and antigen treated with sodium periodate prior to antibody binding resulted in the identification of 8 supernatants with reactivity against putative carbohydrate epitopes. Following immunoblotting, mab6D12 (IgG1), binding a 52/48-kDa doublet, and mab6C6 (IgM), binding a 190/180-kDa doublet, were selected for further studies. Immunofluorescence of tachyzoite-infected cultures localized the corresponding epitopes not to the surface, but to interior epitopes at the apical part of N. caninum tachyzoites. During in vitro tachyzoite to bradyzoite stage conversion, mab6C6 labeling translocated toward the cyst periphery, while for mab6D12 no changes in localization were noted. Upon extraction of tachyzoites with the nonionic detergent Triton-X-100, the 52-kDa band recognized by mab6D12 was present exclusively in the insoluble, cytoskeletal fraction of both N. caninum and Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. Tandem mass spectrometry analysis identified this protein as N. caninum β tubulin. The 48-kDa band labeled by mab6D12 was a Vero cell protein contamination. The protein(s) reacting with mab6C6 could not be conclusively identified by mass spectrometry. Immunofluorescence consistently failed to label T. gondii tachyzoites, indicating that β tubulin in T. gondii and N. caninum could be differentially modified or that the reactive epitope in T. gondii is masked. Immunogold TEM of isolated apical cytoskeletal preparations and dual immunofluorescence with antibody to tubulin confirmed that mab6D12 binds to the anterior part of apical complex–associated microtubules. The sodium periodate sensitivity of the β tubulin associated epitope was confirmed by immunoblotting and ELISA, and treatment of N. caninum cytoskeletal proteins with sialidase prior to mab6D12 labeling resulted in a profound loss of antibody binding, suggesting that mab6D12 reacts with sialylated β tubulin.
Hypertonicity regulates the aquaporin-2 promoter independently of arginine vasopressin.

BACKGROUND Aquaporin-2 (AQP-2) is an arginine vasopressin (AVP)-regulated water channel in kidney collecting duct cells. The present study was undertaken to determine whether a change in tonicity could directly regulate the AQP-2 gene in an in vitro experiment. METHODS Various fragments of the 5'-flanking region of the murine AQP-2 gene up to -9.5 kb were cloned into a luciferase (Luc) reporter plasmid, and they were transiently transfected into Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. RESULTS Hypertonicity significantly increased the Luc activity of the constructs containing >6.1 kb of the 5'-flanking region of the AQP-2 gene (-6.1AQP2). However, promoter regions <4.3 kb in length containing the tonicity-responsive enhancer (TonE) at bp -570 to -560 were not stimulated by hypertonicity. The TonE-deleted construct which contains -9.5 to -1.1 kb of the 5' side of the AQP-2 gene, 8.4AQP2, was also stimulated by hypertonicity. Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitors SB203580 and U0126 did not affect the Luc activity of -6.1AQP2 induced by hypertonicity. In addition, the vector expressing dominant-negative TonE-binding protein (TonEBP) did not affect the hypertonicity-induced Luc activity of -6.1AQP2. The Luc activity of -6.1AQP2 was stimulated by the overexpression of TonEBP. Hypertonicity further increased the Luc activity of -6.1AQP2 under the overexpression of TonEBP. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that hypertonicity regulates AQP-2 promoter activity via an AVP-independent mechanism, and that the tonicity-responsive element resides between the -6.1 and -4.3 kb 5'-flanking region of the AQP-2 gene, in which the structure and mechanism of response to hypertonicity could be distinct from those of TonE.
Gesture mimicry in social human-robot interaction

Mimicry of social behaviours is an imitation behaviour among humans that benefits building rapport, teamwork and aids blending into social situations. As social robots become more popular, these are aspects that gain importance in robotic behaviour designs. A key part of human communication to which mimicry might be applied is co-verbal gesture, which we have investigated. In our proposed system dynamic cues are extracted from human gestures and adapted to a robot's gesture motion. We have conducted empirical studies to validate this mimicry approach. Our results support that the concept of imitating gesture features is a successful method for robotic gesture mimicry, which can be helpful to support human-robot cooperation and building rapport.
Cultivating credibility: a study of how news anchors establish trust

This thesis,examines t e l e v i s i o n news anchor c r e d i b i l i t y c u l t i v a t i o n . The establishment of t r u s t i s examined through i t s r e l a t i o n s h i p to s t a t i o n i d e n t i t y and audience c o n s t r u c t i o n . Open-focused i n t e r v i e w s w i t h news anchors, news d i r e c t o r s , producers and make-up a r t i s t s i n a major Canadian t e l e v i s i o n market were conducted. I maintain that anchors' a c t i o n s and looks can p e r s o n i f y d i s t i n c t i o n and c r e d i b i l i t y when they r e f l e c t viewers' t a s t e s and s e n s i b i l i t i e s . Perceptions of anchor t r u s t w o r t h i n e s s are the key to viewer l o y a l t y d e c i s i o n s and s t a t i o n i d e n t i t y . I contend that c r e d i b i l i t y c u l t i v a t i o n r e q u i r e s anchors' e n t r y i n t o a complex system of expressive c o n t r o l which i s e x e r c i s e d through c o n s t r a i n t and expectation. I n s t i t u t i o n a l needs f o r t r u s t and an audience, the c o n s t r a i n t s imposed by the medium, entertainment format and news genre, a l l c o n t r i b u t e to the expressive standards which must be adhered t o . The image demands are i n t e n s i f i e d when viewer r e f l e x i v i t y , c o n t i n u i t y and t r u s t needs are incorporated i n t o an already r i g i d performance regimen. There i s room, however, f o r anchors' a u t h e n t i c expressions which are i n t e g r a l to the c o n s t r u c t i o n of t r u s t and necessary r e f l e c t i o n s of both s t a t i o n and viewer uniqueness. Findings suggest that anchors who c u l t i v a t e the appearance of t h e i r own a c c e s s i b i l i t y are l i k e l y to be t r u s t e d because they seem f a m i l i a r , on some l e v e l , to t y p i c a l c i t i z e n s t u n i n g i n . I argue t h a t while t h i s image i s c u r r e n t l y i n vogue, i t i s
Sodium and Calcium Currents in Glial Cells of the Mouse Corpus Callosum Slice

We studied Na+ and Ca2+ currents in glial cells during the development of the corpus callosum in situ. Glioblasts and oligodendrocytes from frontal brain slices of postnatal day (P) 3 to P18 mice were identified based on morphological and ultrastructural features after characterization of the currents with the patch‐clamp technique. Slices from P3‐P8 mice contained predominantly glioblasts with immature morphological features. These cells showed Na+ and Ca2+ currents, but the population with these currents decreased between P3 and P8. Na+ currents were blocked in Na+‐free bathing solution and in the presence of tetrodotoxin, Ca2+ currents were only observed when a high concentration of extracellular Ba2+ was present. The cells from the corpus callosum of P10 – P18 mice predominantly had morphological features of oligodendrocytes. In these cells, which in some cases were shown to form myelin, neither Na+ nor Ca2+ currents were detected. To compare these in situ results with those from the electrophysiologically and immunocytochemically well‐characterized cultured glial cells, we determined the expression pattern of stage‐specific antigens in the corpus callosum in situ. The first O4 antigen‐positive glial precursors were observed at P1, the earliest stage examined. The oligodendrocytic antigens O7 and O10 appeared at P6 and P14, respectively, and prominent labelling with the corresponding markers was seen at P12 and P18, respectively. Despite the existence of numerous mature, O10‐positive oligodendrocytes at P18, which expressed Ca2+ channels in vitro, we failed to detect Ca2+ currents in situ at this stage.
THE EFFECT OF LEARNING ON EXPERIMENTAL EVOLUTION OF RESOURCE PREFERENCE IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Abstract Learning is thought to be adaptive in variable environments, whereas constant, predictable environments are supposed to favor unconditional, genetically fixed responses. A dichotomous view of behavior as either learned or innate ignores a potential evolutionary interaction between the learned and innate components of a behavioral response. We addressed this interaction in the context of oviposition substrate choice in Drosophila melanogaster, asking two main questions. First, will learning also evolve in a constant environment in which it always pays to show the same choice? Second, how does an opportunity to learn affect the evolution of the innate (genetic) component of oviposition substrate choice? We exposed experimental populations to four selection regimes, involving selection on oviposition substrate preference (an orange versus a pineapple medium). In two selection regimes the flies were selected for preference either for the orange medium, or for the pineapple medium. In the remaining two selection regimes the flies were also selected for preference for either orange or pineapple, but additionally could use past experience (aversion learning) to decide which medium it paid to avoid. Lines exposed to the latter selection regimes evolved improved learning ability, indicating that learning may be advantageous even if the same behavioral response is favored every generation. Furthermore, of the two selection regimes that favored oviposition on the pineapple medium, the regime that allowed for learning led to the evolution of a stronger innate preference for pineapple, than the regime that did not allow for learning. In contrast, of the two regimes that selected for oviposition on the orange medium, the one that allowed for learning led to a smaller evolutionary change of the innate preference. Thus, an opportunity to learn facilitated the evolution of innate preference under selection for preference for pineapple, but hindered it under selection for preference for orange. We discuss possible mechanisms for this effect.
Human lactoferrin: a novel therapeutic with broad spectrum potential

Lactoferrin (Lf), a natural defence iron‐binding protein, has been found to possess antibacterial, antimycotic, antiviral, antineoplastic and anti‐inflammatory activity. The protein is present in exocrine secretions that are commonly exposed to normal flora: milk, tears, nasal exudate, saliva, bronchial mucus, gastrointestinal fluids, cervico—vaginal mucus and seminal fluid. Additionally, Lf is a major constituent of the secondary specific granules of circulating polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). The apoprotein is released on degranulation of the PMNs in septic areas. A principal function of Lf is that of scavenging free iron in fluids and inflamed areas so as to suppress free radical‐mediated damage and decrease the availability of the metal to invading microbial and neoplastic cells. Mechanisms of action of Lf in addition to iron deprivation are also described. Administration of exogenous human or bovine Lf to hosts with various infected or inflamed sites has resulted in some prophylactic or therapeutic effects. However, an adverse response to the protein might occur if it were to stimulate antibody production or if it were to provide iron to the invading pathogen. The recombinant form of human Lf has become available and development of the product for use in a wide range of medical conditions can now be anticipated.