Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rural development NGOs and service delivery to the very poor: An empirical analysis of a training center in rural Cameroon

The role of development nongovernmental organizations (DNGOs) in driving change, servicing the very poor and reducing poverty especially in rural areas in developing countries has been generally affirmed in the rural economics literature. This romantic image accounts to a large extent for the exponential numeric growth observed in the sector, and for burgeoning research on the subject by rural development economists. However, not enough empirical evidence exists on the extent to which such organizations actually service the very poor. This paper uses the example of a rural development NGO in the administrative unit of North West Cameroon to assess the extent to which the very poor actually benefit from DNGO services. A relative poverty approach is applied, allowing for the use of individual indicators and computed poverty indices to compare beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the DNGO service delivery based on cross sectional data. The results indicate that the DNGO serviced mainly poor communities. However, a disproportionately higher share of the benefits (60%) went to groups that were already well off before service delivery, than to the very poor. The paper then emphasizes the need for DNGOs to carry out poverty analysis prior to service delivery, as a prerequisite to effectively reach out to the very poor, particularly in rural areas in Cameroon.
Simultaneous multichannel nonlinear imaging: combined two-photon excited fluorescence and second-harmonic generation microscopy

Simultaneous two-photo excited fluorescence (TPF) and second- harmonic generation (SHG) imaging is demonstrated using a single femtosecond laser and a scanning microscope. This composite nonlinear microscopic technique was applied to imaging DNA and chromosomes, and it was shown that the two different interaction mechanisms provide complementary information on the structure and nonlinear properties of these biological materials beyond that achievable using either TPF or SHG imaging alone. The use of separate modes of detection, in reflection and transmission respectively, and the simultaneous nature of the acquisition of the two images allows pure TPF and SHG images in precise registration to be obtained.
The Role of Preparation in Overlapping-task Performance

We examined how performance of two overlapping discrete tasks is organized and controlled. Experiment 1 showed that when stimuli were presented in an unexpected order, expectations rather than actual presentation order determined the order in which the two stimuli were processed. In Experiment 2, when task order was unpredictable, performance was facilitated when task order was repeated on consecutive trials. In Experiment 3, performance of the second but not the first task benefited greatly when task order was held constant as compared to regularly alternated between trials; such effects were especially pronounced at short intertrial intervals. These results suggest that sequential performance of overlapping tasks is scheduled in advance and is regulated by initially allocating the central processing channel to one task and subsequently switching this channel to the other task.
Re-Examining the Influence of Attention and Consciousness on Visual Afterimage Duration

The relationship between visual attention and conscious perception has been the subject of debate across a number of fields, including philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience. Whereas some researchers view attention and awareness as inextricably linked, others propose that the two are supported by distinct neural mechanisms that can be fully dissociated. In a pioneering study, van Boxtel, Tsuchiya, and Koch (2010b) reported evidence for a dissociation between attention and conscious perception using a perceptual adaptation task in which participants’ perceptual awareness and visual attention were manipulated independently. They found that participants’ awareness of an adapting stimulus increased afterimage duration, whereas attending to the adaptor decreased it. Given the important theoretical implications of these findings, we endeavored to replicate them using an identical paradigm while dealing with some potential shortcomings of the original study by adding more trials and a larger participant sample. Consistent with van Boxtel, Tsuchiya, and Koch, we found that afterimage duration was reliably increased when participants were aware of the adapting stimulus. In contrast to the original findings, however, attention to the adaptor also increased afterimage duration, suggesting that attention and awareness had the same—rather than opposing—effects on afterimage duration. We discuss possible reasons for this discrepancy.
Palmitoylation of ERBIN is required for its plasma membrane localization

LAP (leucine‐rich repeats (LRR) and PSD‐95/Dlg/ZO‐1 (PDZ)) family proteins, including Scribble, LET‐413, ERBIN, Densin‐180 and Lano, are involved in the regulation of cell polarity. The LRR domains of LAP proteins were reported to mediate their basolateral membrane localization and to be essential for their function. To further dissect the mechanism of the plasma membrane localization of ERBIN, we introduced various mutants of ERBIN into cultured cells and observed the intracellular localization. When an LRR domain mutant lacking amino acid residues 1–32 at the amino (N) terminal region was over‐expressed in cells, the mutant did not localize at the plasma membrane, but localized in the cytoplasm. We found that cysteines 14 and 16 at the N‐terminal region of ERBIN are in vivo palmitoylated. Over‐expressed mutants in which cysteine 14 and/or cysteine 16 were changed to serines did not localize at the plasma membrane, indicating that the palmitoylation of ERBIN is necessary for its plasma membrane localization. The over‐expressed 1–196 amino acids fragment of ERBIN, which lacked the latter half of LRR, was palmitoylated but did not localize at the plasma membrane. These results suggest that both palmitoylation and LRR are required for the plasma membrane localization of ERBIN.
Tongue movement in a second language: The case of Spanish /ei/-/e/ for English learners of Spanish

This study examines the amount of tongue movement in the productions of native Spanish speakers and native English learners of Spanish for the Spanish diphthong/monophthong contrast /ei//e/. We hypothesized that English learners would use their native English category /e/ for both Spanish vowels. However, results show that against our prediction, for both Spanish vowels, learners produced less tongue movement than was expected if they used their L1 category. Instead, they produced both vowels as the monophthong /e/, effectively neutralizing the contrast in terms of
Venous Thromboembolism After Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer

Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a serious complication after the surgical treatment of breast cancer. Contemporary guidelines limit VTE chemoprophylaxis to the period of hospitalization. We conducted this study to evaluate the frequency of postdischarge VTE among surgically treated breast cancer patients and identify patient level factors associated with postdischarge VTE. Methods Using Arkansas, Florida, Nebraska, and New York state inpatient databases, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult women who underwent surgical treatment for breast cancer between October 1, 2008, and September 30, 2013. The primary outcome was a VTE event within 90 days of discharge. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify patient factors associated with VTE development. Results The final sample included 52,547 women with most undergoing mastectomy without reconstruction (n = 25,665), followed by mastectomy with implant based reconstruction (n = 16,851), lumpectomy (n = 5319), and mastectomy with autologous reconstruction (n = 4622). There were 395 patients (0.8%) who developed at least 1 VTE. Of the 395 VTEs, 32.9% (n = 130) were identified before discharge, whereas 67.1% were identified within 90 days after discharge. Patients with respiratory disease (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.56 [1.22–1.98]), hypothyroidism (AOR = 1.31 [1.01–1.70]), a hospital stay of more than 5 days (AOR = 8.07 [5.99–10.89]), previous VTE (AOR = 6.26 [3.95–9.91]), or mastectomy with autologous reconstruction (AOR = 1.50 [1.03–2.19]) more frequently developed postdischarge VTEs. Conclusions Nearly two thirds of all 90-day VTE events after breast cancer surgery occur after discharge. Further research should determine whether a longer course of VTE prophylaxis is warranted among specific populations including those with prolonged hospitalizations, previous VTE, and those undergoing autologous reconstruction.
Illness during the 2010 Super 14 Rugby Union tournament – a prospective study involving 22 676 player days

Background Illness accounts for a significant proportion of consultations with a team physician travelling with elite athletes. Objective To determine the incidence, type, cause and consequences of illness in Rugby Union players participating in a 16-week tournament. Setting 8 teams participating in the 2010 Super 14 Rugby tournament Participants A cohort of 259 elite rugby players from eight teams was recruited. Assessmen All players were followed daily over the 16-week competition period (22 676 player days). Each day, team physicians completed an illness log with 100% compliance. Information included the daily squad size and illness details including system affected, final diagnosis, type and onset of symptoms, training/match days lost and suspected cause. Main outcome measurement Incidence of illness (illness per 1000 player days). Results The incidence of illness in the cohort was 20.7/1000 player days (95% CI 18.5 to 23.1) with the highest incidence of illness in the respiratory system (6.4: 95% CI 5.5 to 7.3), gastrointestinal system (5.6: 95% CI 4.9 to 6.6) and the skin and subcutaneous tissue (4.6; 95% CI 4.0 to 5.4). Infections accounted for 54.5% of all illness and 26.1% of illness resulted in time loss of ≥1 day. In over 50% of illnesses, symptoms were present for ≥1 day before being reported to the team physician. Conclusion Infective illness involving the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract together with dermatological illness was common in elite rugby players participating in this international tournament. A delay in reporting of symptoms >24 h could have important clinical implications in player medical care.
Interlaboratory variation of biochemical markers of bone turnover.

BACKGROUND Biochemical markers of bone metabolism are used to assess skeletal turnover, but the variability of marker assays is still an issue of practical concern. We describe the results of an international proficiency testing program for biochemical bone markers among clinical laboratories. METHODS Two serum and two urine pools (normal and increased marker concentrations) were sent on dry ice to 79 laboratories for analysis within 2 weeks of receipt. RESULTS Data were submitted by 73 laboratories. The within-method interlaboratory CVs (CV(IL)s) were as follows: serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (n = 47 laboratories), 16-48%; serum osteocalcin (n = 31), 16-42%; urinary free deoxypyridinoline (n = 30), 6.4-12%; urinary total deoxypyridinoline and pyridinoline (n = 29), 27-28%; urinary N-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (n = 10), 39%; serum C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP; n = 8), 22-27%; urinary hydroxyproline (n = 13), 12%. Analytical results showed both systematic and nonsystematic deviations. In identical samples, results obtained for the same marker by the same method differed up to 7.3-fold. In urine-based assays, correction for urinary creatinine slightly increased CVs. CONCLUSION Even with identical assays and methods, results for most biochemical markers of bone turnover differ markedly among laboratories.
A Flexible Maximum Power Point Tracking Control Strategy Considering Both Conversion Efficiency and Power Fluctuation for Large-inertia Wind Turbines

In wind turbine control, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control is the main control mode for partial-load regimes. Efficiency potentiation of energy conversion and power smoothing are both two important control objectives in partial-load regime. However, on the one hand, low power fluctuation signifies inefficiency of energy conversion. On the other hand, enhancing efficiency may increase output power fluctuation as well. Thus the two objectives are contradictory and difficult to balance. This paper proposes a flexible MPPT control framework to improve the performance of both conversion efficiency and power smoothing, by adaptively compensating the torque reference value. The compensation was determined by a proposed model predictive control (MPC) method with dynamic weights in the cost function, which improved control performance. The computational burden of the MPC solver was reduced by transforming the cost function representation. Theoretical analysis proved the good stability and robustness. Simulation results showed that the proposed method not only kept efficiency at a high level, but also reduced power fluctuations as much as possible. Therefore, the proposed method could improve wind farm profits and power grid reliability.
Building limb buds

A recent workshop (April 8–10,2002) on limb development, cosponsored by the Juan March Foundation and EMBO, gathered 50 people together in Madrid to present and discuss their latest results. [][1] This workshop on limb development was a highly enjoyable meeting that covered a wide range of topics related to appendage development and evolution. The discussions were vivid, open and stimulating for all participants. It was particularly interesting to see how broadly accepted concepts, such as the morphogen models in the fly and the progress zone model in vertebrates, were re‐evaluated on the basis of new evidence presented. Important contributions included intense analyses of the roles of factors important in limb development, such as Wingless (Wg) in the fly and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) in vertebrates. In addition, the overall view of appendage evolution was significantly expanded by data arising from new animal models such as dogfish and cricket and from the analysis of regulatory regions of genes involved in appendage patterning. Within the limits of this report, we have tried to condense the essentials of the advances presented at this meeting. ### Limb initiation and identity Limb initiation in vertebrates is coupled to the general embryonic patterning system controlled by Homeobox (Hox) genes. Although the Hox‐based mechanisms that pattern the embryo and determine limb‐type identity are similar in insects and vertebrates, the molecular readout of these early processes is increasingly showing them to be distinct. The trend towards differences between the systems was also reflected at this meeting, since unrelated mechanisms that trigger these processes in vertebrates and insects were reported. The current model for limb specification in vertebrates postulates a complicated interplay between Wnt (orthologous to Wg in the fly) and FGF (fibroblast growth factor) signaling pathways in this process (Kawakami et al ., 2001). Two new elements were added to this model at the meeting. J.C. … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Propagation of Front Waves in Myelinated Nerve Fibres: New Electrical Transmission Lines Constituted of Linear and Nonlinear Portions

In this paper, the authors examine the propagation of wave fronts in myelinated nerve fibres and applications as electrical transmission lines constituted of linear and nonlinear portions. Numerical simulations show that the front introduced in the nonlinear portion deforms itself in the linear portion, but recovers its initial profile and velocity in the next nonlinear portion. The phenomenon of deformation and recovery can be used for the development of new and low cost electrical transmission lines that can be used to transport localized excitations.
The neurobiology of addiction-like behaviors.

1 A ddiction remains one of society’s major public health problems, posing a signifi cant threat to the health as well as the social and economic fabric of individuals, families, communities, and nations. Over the past two decades, preclinical and clinical studies have yielded signifi cant new information that has contributed to improving understanding of the neural substrates underlying the biological basis of addiction-like behaviors. However, even as scientists learn more about the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction, a great deal remains unknown, and new categories of addictions (e.g., prescription medications, food, Internet, gambling, sex, and shopping) are being defi ned. The articles in this issue focus on the neurobiology of addiction-like behaviors and show that addiction is varied and complex, and often comorbid with other psychiatric disorders. Convergent evidence from the fi elds of neuroscience, genetics, and psychiatry has provided signifi cant insight into the neurobiological adaptations that underlie addiction-like behaviors. Wu and Schulz (2012) discuss the importance of the development of appropriate animal models to study addictionlike behaviors. As reviewed by Quinones-Jenab and Jenab (2012), the contribution of gender has taken on new importance in the management of addiction-related behaviors. Studies examining the infl uence of sex in substance abuse have shown differences in all aspects of drug abuse history— from age of fi rst use to progression to dependence and propensity to relapse after drug abstinence. More recently, an emphasis has been placed on the study of addiction-like behaviors as they relate to non-drug-related “reinforcers” such as food. Corwin and Babbs (2012) introduce the notion of binge eating in the context of addictionlike behaviors. Barson and colleagues (2012) consider the neurobiological mechanisms that control food intake, particularly excessive intake, and how these systems may be coopted to control consumption of the commonly used drug alcohol. Finally, Michaelides and colleagues (2012) discuss the striking similarities between drug addiction and obesity in functional impairment in discrete brain regions and neurotransmitter circuits. To understand addiction-like behaviors, it is necessary to elucidate the fundamental neural (e.g., synaptic) adaptations that occur after a single exposure to a “natural” reward or addictive drug and, subsequently, how repetitive exposure may lead to neural circuit dysfunction that defi nes the phenotype of addiction. As basic knowledge of the association between adaptive experience and dependent plasticity continues to progress, it will lead to a better understanding of the substrates underlying neural circuit dysfunction and circuit remodeling in addiction-like behaviors, which will in turn enable the identifi cation of novel targets for intervention and treatment (Luscher and Malenka 2011).
The relationship of gestational smoking with pregnancy complications and sociodemographic characteristics of mothers.

OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship of gestational smoking and passive smoking with pregnancy complications like preterm delivery, low birthweight, early membrane rupture, abruptio placentae, fetal distress and preeclampsia. We also analyzed the sociodemographic features of mothers who smoked during their pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Pregnant women have been questionned for their habits of smoking and household members' usage of tobacco products during their antenatal visits. Perinatal outcome of gestational smoking was assessed by the type of the delivery, birthweight, occurrence of preeclampsia, early membrane rupture and fetal distress during pregnancy. Differences in group means were analyzed with the Fisher's exact test, Chi-square test and ANOVA. RESULTS There wasn't any significant statistical difference between the smokers' (n=86), passive smokers' (n=118) and nonsmokers' (n=77) groups in terms of maternal age, socioeconomic status of the family, gestational age, Apgar scoring and the rate of delivery by cesearian section. However, gestational smoking was found to be more common in mothers with poor or none education (p=0.001). There wasn't any significant statistical change in the rates of fetal distress, early membrane rupture, abruptio placentae and preeclampsia by gestational smoking (p>0.05). But, infants of mothers who smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day showed statistically significant birthweight deficits (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Data from this study indicate that gestational smoking is more common among women with low education and results in low birthweight. Therefore, it is essantial to educate the women before pregnancy and implement new smoking cessation programs for pregnancy.
Geoarchaeology: The Geomorphologist and Archaeology

Abstract The contributions of the earth sciences, particularly geomorphology and sedimentary petrography, to the interpretation and environmental reconstruction of archaeological contexts is called "geoarchaeology. " The physical context provides a palaeo-environmental legacy liable to patterning and interpretation just as artifacts imply prehistoric cultural activity. Through field study and laboratory analyses, the geoarchaeologist elaborates the micro-, meso-, and macro-environments of a site, and provides input for erecting prehistoric human activity patterns in time and space. The categories of information that must be examined in the field, the range of interpretive problems that confront the field worker, and the laboratory techniques which corroborate field interpretations can be illustrated by examining archaeology in an alluvial site. These considerations emphasize the need to involve the geomorphologist in all aspects of the design and execution of an archaeological excavation.
Effects of Music Engagement on Responses to Painful Stimulation

Objectives:We propose a theoretical framework for the behavioral modulation of pain based on constructivism, positing that task engagement, such as listening for errors in a musical passage, can establish a construction of reality that effectively replaces pain as a competing construction. Graded engagement produces graded reductions in pain as indicated by reduced psychophysiological arousal and subjective pain report. Methods:Fifty-three healthy volunteers having normal hearing participated in 4 music listening conditions consisting of passive listening (no task) or performing an error detection task varying in signal complexity and task difficulty. During all conditions, participants received normally painful fingertip shocks varying in intensity while stimulus-evoked potentials (SEP), pupil dilation responses (PDR), and retrospective pain reports were obtained. Results:SEP and PDR increased with increasing stimulus intensity. Task performance decreased with increasing task difficulty. Mixed model analyses, adjusted for habituation/sensitization and repeated measures within person, revealed significant quadratic trends for SEP and pain report (Pchange<0.001) with large reductions from no task to easy task and smaller graded reductions corresponding to increasing task difficulty/complexity. PDR decreased linearly (Pchange<0.001) with graded task condition. We infer that these graded reductions in indicators of central and peripheral arousal and in reported pain correspond to graded increases in engagement in the music listening task. Discussion:Engaging activities may prevent pain by creating competing constructions of reality that draw on the same processing resources as pain. Better understanding of these processes will advance the development of more effective pain modulation through improved manipulation of engagement strategies.