Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
2017-13 Overview: Incomes and Inequality in China, 2007-2013

In this chapter we examine trends in Chinaâ€™s household incomes, income distribution and inequality for China as a whole and for each of the urban, rural and rural-urban migrant subgroups, as well as analyzing changes in the income gaps between the urban and rural sectors and among the Eastern/Central/Western regions using the CHIP 2007 and 2013 data. Our base estimates show a decline in national inequality from 2007 to 2013. This decline is robust to alternative income definitions and different inequality indexes. The decline reflects reductions in important dimensions of inequality including the rural-urban income gap, regional income gaps, and inequality in the distribution of the major components of household income, e.g. wage earnings, asset income, etc. The decline in national inequality would have been even larger if not for rising inequality within the urban and rural sectors and the growing importance of unequally distributed income components, such as income from assets and imputed rents on owner-occupied housing. Moreover, the decline in national inequality is not robust to adjustments to correct for spatial differences in the cost of living and for under-representation of top-income groups in the survey sample. These adjustments reveal that some, if not all, of the apparent reduction in inequality from 2007 to 2013 is due to changes in prices and the growing importance of top-income individuals and their incomes that are not captured in the household surveys. The chapter contains further, detailed analyses of changes in incomes and income distribution within each of the urban, rural and migrant population subgroups.
The Shluvim Social-Professional Network: A Bridge for Educational Challenges and Trailblazers in Education

Establishment of the Shluvim network in 2010 responded to the Israeli education profession’s need to introduce innovative pedagogical challenges. This social-professional network provides a virtual space for its members, empowering them through discussion on different aspects of education. The article describes a case study, employing both qualitative and quantitative methodology (questionnaires and interviews), to identify the dynamics of quantitative components involved in the evolvement of the network and to elicit members’ experiences in the communication process. Findings reveal challenges involved in informed use of social networking in education and show how participation in the professional network can assist members’ professional development, although it is necessary to adapt to changes in usage patterns and competition with alternative social networks. The research enhances understanding of the social-professional network’s role as an empowering environment for the Israeli education system in general and for teachers’ education and professional development in particular.
First In-Field Application of a Full Photonic Local Oscillator to Terahertz Astronomy

This letter reports on our recent improvements in photomixing technology for the realization of a photonic local oscillator (LO) at 1.05 THz for the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX) radio telescope. Experiments with state-of-the-art photomixers, operated at room temperature and in cryogenic environment demonstrate successful operation of an astronomical heterodyne receiver at 1050 GHz with a superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) mixer. The system noise temperature of the heterodyne receiver pumped by the photonic LO was at least as low as that using a conventional solid-state LO in the same receiver system. An optical comb generator served as a relative frequency reference to which both lasers were phase-locked. Under the phase lock condition, the 3 dB linewidth of the THz signal was below 3 kHz and could be continuously tuned within a range of 500 MHz-the overall tunability of the system was determined by the photomixer antenna resonance bandwidth, which was roughly 200 GHz. We installed the laser system in the telescope pedestal, from there, the frequency-stabilized laser signal, was fed into the photomixer, installed in the Nasmyth cabin of the telescope, through a 20 meters long single-mode fiber optic.
Canaloplasty for primary open-angle glaucoma: long-term outcome

Background/Aims To study the safety and effectiveness of 360° viscodilation and tensioning of Schlemm canal (canaloplasty) in black African patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods Sixty randomly selected eyes of 60 consecutive patients with POAG were included in this prospective study. Canaloplasty comprised 360° catheterisation of Schlemm's canal by means of a flexible microcatheter with distension of the canal by a tensioning 10-0 polypropylene suture. Results The mean preoperative intraocular pressure pressure (IOP) was 45.0±12.1 mm Hg. The mean follow-up time was 30.6±8.4 months. The mean IOP at 12 months was 15.4±5.2 mm Hg (n=54), at 24 months 16.3±4.2 mm Hg (n=51) and at 36 months 13.3±1.7 mm Hg (n=49). For IOP ≤21 mm Hg, complete success rate was 77.5% and qualified success rate was 81.6% at 36 months. Cox regression analysis showed that preoperative IOP (HR=1.003, 95% CI=0.927 to 1.085; p=0.94), age (HR=1.000, CI=0.938 to 1.067; p=0.98) and sex (HR=3.005, CI=0.329 to 27.448; p=0.33) were all not significant predictors of IOP reduction to ≤21 mm Hg. Complication rate was low (Descemet's detachment n=2, elevated IOP n=1, false passage of the catheter n=2). Conclusion Canaloplasty produced a sustained long-term reduction of IOP in black Africans with POAG independent of preoperative IOP. As a bleb-independent procedure, canaloplasty may be a true alternative to classic filtering surgery, in particular in patients with enhanced wound healing and scar formation.
Genetic variation of microsatellite loci in a bottlenecked species: the northern hairy‐nosed wombat Lasiorhinus krefftii

We investigate the utility of hypervariable microsatellite loci to measure genetic variability remaining in the northern hairy‐nosed wombat, one of Australia's rarest mammals. This species suffered a dramatic range and population reduction over the past 120 years and now exists as a single colony of about 70 individuals at Epping Forest National Park, central Queensland. Because our preliminary research on mitochondrial DNA and multilocus DNA fingerprints did not reveal informative variation in this population, we chose to examine variation in microsatellite repeats, a class of loci known to be highly polymorphic in mammals. To assess the suitability of various wombat populations as a reference for comparisons of genetic variability and subdivision we further analysed mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b sequence, using phylogenetic methods. Our results show that appreciable levels of variation still exist in the Epping Forest colony although it has only 41% of the heterozygosity shown in a population of a closely‐related species. From museum specimens collected in 1884, we also assessed microsatellite variation in an extinct population of the northern hairy‐nosed wombat, from Deniliquin, New South Wales, 2000 km to the south of the extant population. The apparent loss of variation in the Epping Forest colony is consistent with an extremely small effective population size throughout its 120‐year decline.
Energy-saving adaptive computing and traffic engineering for real-time-service data centers

In this paper, we propose a traffic engineering-based adaptive approach to dynamically reconfigure the computing-plus-communication resources of networked data centers which support in real-time the service requirements of mobile clients connected by TCP/IP energy-limited wireless backbones. The goal is to maximize the energy-efficiency, while meeting hard QoS requirements on the delivered transmission rate and processing delay. In order to cope with the (possibly, unpredictable) fluctuations of the offered workload, the proposed optimal cross-layer resource controller is adaptive. It jointly performs: i) the balanced control and dispatching of the admitted workload; ii) the dynamic reconfiguration of the Virtual Machines (VMs) instantiated onto the parallel computing platform at the data center; and iii) the rate control of the traffic injected into the wireless backbone for delivering the service to the requiring clients. Our experimental results show that the proposed technique improves energy consumption of servers by 25% compared to state of the art improvement on average in the entire data center.
Analysing diversity and community structures using PCR‐RFLP: a new software application

Restriction fragment length polymorphism tools is an R application which supports a complete workflow of polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP), dealing with the problems which accompany analysis when PCR‐RFLP is used in diversity studies. Large numbers of different RFLP samples obtained from multiple electrophoresis runs might lead to limitations or misidentifications due to the need for band matching in most existing software applications. Due to the common problem of variation in the density of bands (i.e. distances between bands or visual intensity) in the electropherograms, it is desirable to have options for handling samples with uncertain or faint bands. As a further step in the workflow, scientists often use DNA sequencing to identify individual genotypes, so that the use of specific software to combine these tasks might be helpful. With this background, we here present an application that supports a complete workflow, starting with the analysis of single species samples by PCR‐RFLP, to PCR‐RFLP genotype identification based on a reference data set and DNA sequencing followed by similarity analysis. RFLPtools is a freely available, platform‐independent application which provides analysis functions for DNA fragment molecular weights (e.g. by RFLP analysis), including similarity calculations without the need for band matching. As it is written for the statistical software R, other statistical analyses might also be easily applied.
Collagen-based wound dressing for doxycycline delivery: in-vivo evaluation in an infected excisional wound model in rats.

OBJECTIVES A novel collagen-based dressing consisting of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic-acid-modified gelatin microspheres loaded with doxycycline has previously been reported to address both infection and matrix degradation. In the present study the potential benefits of the dressing were investigated in an excisional wound model in rats challenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. METHODS A full-thick excisional wound (1.5 x 1.5 cm) was created on the dorsum of the rats and infection induced by injecting 10(5) colony-forming units (CFU) of P. aeruginosa. The healing pattern was assessed from wound reduction, matrix metalloprotease (MMP) levels, CFU reduction and histological and biochemical analysis. KEY FINDINGS The treated group exhibited complete healing by day 15, compared with day 24 in the control group. Early subsidence of infection (99.9% by day 9) resulted in faster epidermal resurfacing and fibroplasias, whereas the microbial load exceeded 10(3) CFU even on day 15 in the control group and caused severe inflammation. Biochemical analysis showed that the expression of both collagen and hexosamine was significantly increased in the treated group. Gelatin zymography revealed prolonged expression of MMPs 2, 8 and 9 in the control group compared with the treated group. CONCLUSIONS The study indicates that the developed dressing attenuated both infection and metalloprotease levels, and may therefore have potential application in wound healing.
Impact of body fat mass extent on cardiac autonomic alterations in women

Background Obesity has been associated with significant abnormalities of the cardiac autonomic regulation. However, the precise impact of increasing body weight on cardiac autonomic function and the metabolic and hormonal contributors to these changes are presently unclear. The aim of our study was to explore in subjects with increasing values of body mass index (BMI) the alterations of cardiac autonomic function and to establish the potential role of various metabolic and hormonal contributors to these alterations.
The Escherichia coli enzoskeleton

The nature of the structure of the bacterial cell is becoming clearer. The envelope contains periseptal annuli, a discontinuous periplasm and adhesion sites, whilst the cytoplasmic membrane is probably organized into distinct proteolipid domains by the coupled transcription–translation–insertion (transertion) of membrane proteins. The structure of the nucleoid is determined by proteins which self‐associate and by attachment to membrane, which is achieved in part by transertion. Metabolic pathways form multi‐enzyme complexes which channel substrates and which connect membranes and nucleic acids to create the extensive, cross‐linked, intracellular structure we term the ‘enzoskeleton’. This enzoskeleton includes eukaryotic‐like cytoskeletal structures and elements such as the MukB and FtsZ proteins. We propose that the enzoskeleton is regulated by calcium and by protein phosphorylation during adaptation to different environments and during the cell cycle.
An Examination of the Partner Cyber Abuse Questionnaire in a College Student Sample.

OBJECTIVE To examine the factor structure and convergent validity of a newly developed measure of an understudied form of partner abuse, cyber abuse, and to examine the prevalence of, and gender differences in, victimization by cyber abuse. METHOD College students in a dating relationship (N = 502) completed the Partner Cyber Abuse Questionnaire (Hamby, 2013), as well as measures of partner abuse victimization and depression. RESULTS Using exploratory factor analysis, we determined a one-factor solution was the most statistically and conceptually best fitting model. The cyber abuse victimization factor was correlated with depressive symptoms and physical, psychological, and sexual partner abuse victimization, supporting the convergent validity of the measure. The overall prevalence of victimization by cyber abuse was 40%, with victimization by specific acts ranging from 2-31%. Men and women did not differ in their victimization by cyber abuse. CONCLUSIONS Cyber abuse is prevalent among college students and occurs concurrently with other partner abuse forms and depressive symptoms. Given the interrelated nature of partner abuse forms, prevention and intervention programs should address partner abuse occurring in-person and through technology. Cyber abuse should also be considered in the conceptualization and measurement of partner abuse to more fully understand this social problem.
Expression of JAK3 Sensitive Na+ Coupled Glucose Carrier SGLT1 in Activated Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes

Background: Similar to tumor cells, activated T-lymphocytes generate ATP mainly by glycolytic degradation of glucose. Lymphocyte glucose uptake involves non-concentrative glucose carriers of the GLUT family. In contrast to GLUT isoforms, Na+-coupled glucose-carrier SGLT1 accumulates glucose against glucose gradients and is effective at low extracellular glucose concentrations. The present study explored expression and regulation of SGLT1 in activated murine splenic cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) and human Jurkat T cells. Methods: FACS analysis, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, chemiluminescence and Western blotting were employed to estimate SGLT1 expression, function and regulation in lymphocytes, as well as dual electrode voltage clamp in SGLT1 ± JAK3 expressing Xenopus oocytes to quantify the effect of janus kinase3 (JAK3) on SGLT1 function. Results: SGLT1 is expressed in murine CTLs and also in human Jurkat T cells. 2-(N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)-2-deoxyglucose uptake was significantly decreased by SGLT1-blocker phloridzin (0.2 mM) and by pharmacological inhibition of JAK3 with WHI-P131 (156 µM), WHI-P154 (11.2 µM) and JAK3 inhibitor VI (0.5 µM). Electrogenic glucose transport (Iglucose) in Xenopus oocytes expressing human SGLT1 was increased by additional expression of human wild type JAK3, active A568VJAK3 but not inactive K851AJAK3. Coexpression of JAK3 enhanced the maximal transport rate without significantly modifying affinity of the carrier. Iglucose in SGLT1+JAK3 expressing oocytes was significantly decreased by WHI-P154 (11.2 µM). JAK3 increased the SGLT1 protein abundance in the cell membrane. Inhibition of carrier insertion by brefeldin A (5 µM) in SGLT1+JAK3 expressing oocytes resulted in a decline of Iglucose, which was similar in presence and absence of JAK3. Conclusions: SGLT1 is expressed in murine cytotoxic T cells and human Jurkat T cells and significantly contributes to glucose uptake in those cells post activation. JAK3 up-regulates SGLT1 activity by increasing the carrier protein abundance in the cell membrane, an effect enforcing cellular glucose uptake into activated lymphocytes and thus contributing to the immune response.
Underlying risk factors for prescribing errors in long-term aged care: a qualitative study

Objective(s) To identify system-related risk factors perceived to contribute to prescribing errors in Australian long-term care settings, that is, residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Design and setting The study used qualitative methods to explore factors that contribute to unsafe prescribing in RACFs. Data were collected at three RACFs in metropolitan Sydney, Australia between May and November 2011. Participants included RACF managers, doctors, pharmacists and RACF staff actively involved in prescribing-related processes. Methods included non-participant observations (74 h), in-depth semistructured interviews (n=25) and artefact analysis. Detailed process activity models were developed for observed prescribing episodes supplemented by triangulated analysis using content analysis methods. Results System-related factors perceived to increase the risk of prescribing errors in RACFs were classified into three overarching themes: communication systems, team coordination and staff management. Factors associated with communication systems included limited point-of-care access to information, inadequate handovers, information storage across different media (paper, electronic and memory), poor legibility of charts, information double handling, multiple faxing of medication charts and reliance on manual chart reviews. Team factors included lack of established lines of responsibility, inadequate team communication and limited participation of doctors in multidisciplinary initiatives like medication advisory committee meetings. Factors related to staff management and workload included doctors’ time constraints and their accessibility, lack of trained RACF staff and high RACF staff turnover. Conclusions The study highlights several system-related factors including laborious methods for exchanging medication information, which often act together to contribute to prescribing errors. Multiple interventions (eg, technology systems, team communication protocols) are required to support the collaborative nature of RACF prescribing.
The impact of the Asian financial crisis on Japanese demand for travel to Hong Kong: A study of various forecasting techniques

Abstract The Asian financial crisis has drawn worldwide attention because of its significant economic impact on local economics, especially on the economy of a tourism‐dependent destination. Unfortunately, there have been very few articles about the relationship of the Asian financial crisis and tourism demand forecasting. This relative lack of prior studies on the Asian financial crisis and tourism demand forecasting is particularly true in the context of Hong Kong. This article reports on a study that utilized officially published data to test the accuracy of forecasts of Japanese demand for travel to Hong Kong, measured in terms of the number of Japanese tourist arrivals. Seven commonly‐used tourism forecasting techniques were used to determine the forecasting accuracy. The quality of forecasting accuracy was measured in five dimensions. Experimental results indicated mixed results in terms of forecasting accuracy. Overall, artificial neural network outperformed other techniques in three of the five dimensions.
External apical root resorption concurrent with orthodontic forces: the genetic influence

Abstract Root resorption is a pathological process of multifactorial origin related to the permanent loss of dental root structure in response to a mechanical, inflammatory, autoimmune or infectious stimulus. External apical root resorption (EARR) is a frequent clinical complication secondary to orthodontic tooth movement; apart from variables related to treatment, environmental factors and/or interindividual genetic variations can confer susceptibility or resistance to its occurrence. In this context, genetic predisposition has been described as an etiological factor, together with mechanical factors derived from orthodontic treatment. In recent years, international research groups have determined the degree of influence of some genetic biomarkers in defining increased/reduced susceptibility to postorthodontic EARR. The influences of the IL1 gene cluster (IL1B, IL1A, IL1RN, IL6), P2RX7, CASP1, OPG (TNFRSF11B), RANK (TNFRSF11A), Osteopontin (OPN), TNFα, the vitamin D receptor (TaqI), TNSALP and IRAK1 have been analyzed. The objective of the present review study was to compile and analyze the latest information about the genetic background predisposing to EARR during orthodontic treatment. Genetics-based studies along with other basic science research in the field might help to clarify the exact nature of EARR, the influence of genetic inheritance and possibly lead to the prevention or even eradication of this phenomenon during orthodontic treatment.
The relationship between management characteristics and firm innovation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the relationship between some management features (management capability, management entrenchment, agency costs and overconfidence) and the innovation of companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. Design/methodology/approach The study carried out during 2009–2015. A total of 125 companies were selected from eight industries as the sample of study using the method of systematic elimination. A descriptive-correlational design was used in this study and panel data regression models were employed for developing the relationship between research variables. Findings The obtained results indicated that managerial ability could foster innovation, while managerial entrenchment could stifle innovation and agency costs and overconfidence have no effect on innovation. Originality/value The current study is almost the first project which focuses on the management characteristics and firm innovation in developing countries.
Natrialba magadii virus φCh1: first complete nucleotide sequence and functional organization of a virus infecting a haloalkaliphilic archaeon

The double‐stranded (ds)DNA virus φCh1 infects the haloalkaliphilic archaeon Natrialba magadii. The complete DNA sequence of 58 498 bp of the temperate virus was established, and the probable functions of 21 of 98 φCh1‐encoded open reading frames (ORFs) have been assigned. This knowledge has been used to propose functional modules each required for specific functions during virus development. The φCh1 DNA is terminally redundant and circularly permuted and therefore appears to be packaged by the so‐called headful mechanism. The presence of ORFs encoding homologues of proteins involved in plasmid replication as well as experimental evidence indicate a plasmid‐mediated replication strategy of the virus. Results from nanosequencing of virion components suggest covalent cross‐linking of monomers of at least one of the structural proteins during virus maturation. A comparison of the φCh1 genome with the partly sequenced genome of Halobacterium salinarum virus φH revealed a close relationship between the two viruses, although their host organisms live in distinct environments with respect to the different pH values required for growth.