Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Capital and Income Distribution in Malaysia: A Case Study

Malaysia has achieved a remarkably high economic growth as a result of strong government policy and political stability. The national vision to achieve the status of newly industrialized nation by year 2020 seemed to be realized. However, achieving high economic growth alone cannot guarantee a decent life of the society if there is large income gap between them. Based on the historical data, the trend of income inequality in Malaysia has been unstable since independence even though human capital development has been expanding over time. This paper aims to identify the role of human capital in explaining income distribution in Malaysia. The analysis is based on 4,003 household data collected through a survey conducted in 2007-2008 throughout the Peninsular Malaysia. The study constructs Gini coefficient by various segments like ethnics, regions and strata to look at patterns of income distribution. In addition, other measurements of income distribution such as income ratio and income percentage will also be used in the analysis. A regression model will be specified to estimate the role of human capital on income distribution. In the model, household income ratio will be used as dependent variable whilst household characteristics including human capital achievement, location and regions will act as independent variables.
Male Genetic Quality and the Inequality Between Paternity Success and Fertilization Success: Consequences for Studies of Sperm Competition and the Evolution of Polyandry

Abstract Studies of postcopulatory sexual selection typically estimate a male's fertilization success from his paternity success (P2) calculated at hatching or birth. However, P2 may be affected by differential embryo viability, thereby confounding estimations of true fertilization success (F2). This study examines the effects of variation in the ability of males to influence embryo viability upon the inequality between P2 and F2. It also investigates the consequences of this inequality for testing the hypothesis that polyandrous females accrue viability benefits for their offspring through facilitation of sperm competition (good-sperm model). Simulations of competitive mating trials show that although relative measures of male reproductive success tend to underestimate the strength of underlying good-sperm processes, good-sperm processes can be seriously overestimated using P2 values if males influence the viability of the embryos they sire. This study cautions the interpretation of P2 values as a proxy for fertilization success or sperm competitiveness in studies of postcopulatory sexual selection, and highlights that the good-sperm hypothesis needs empirical support from studies able to identify and separate unequivocally the males' ability to win fertilizations from their ability to influence the development of embryos.
A Team CGA Learning Method TCCLA

In distributed virtual environment, through learning, individual CGA(Computer Generated Actor) can adapt environment and other CGA in team, so the team capability of solving problems, the adaptability and robust of CGA team have been increased. When the learning based on random games of team CGA has multiple equilibriums, the equilibrium selection problem of every member in team must be solved. This paper gives a learning method for team CGA called TCCLA. It divides the learning into two levels: managerial member learning and non-managerial member learning. Every member in team selects its optimization actions according to its preference. Non-managerial member learns the optimization equilibrium under the direction of managerial member, so the problem of equilibrium selection has been solved. The IPL algorithm has been improved. The high efficiency of TCCLA has been verified through experiment.
Broader utilization of origins of DNA replication in cancer cell lines along a 78 kb region of human chromosome 2q34

Human DNA replication depends on the activation of thousands of origins distributed within the genome. The actual distribution of origins is not known, nor whether this distribution is unique to a cell type, or if it changes with the proliferative state of the cell. In this study, we have employed a real‐time PCR‐based nascent strand DNA abundance assay, to determine the location of origins along a 78 kb region on Chr2q34. Preliminary studies using nascent DNA strands isolated from either HeLa and normal skin fibroblast cells showed that in both cell lines peaks of high origin activity mapped in similar locations. However, the overall origin profile in HeLa cells corresponded to broad origin activation zones, whereas in fibroblasts a more punctuated profile of origin activation was observed. To investigate the relevance of this differential origin profile, we compared the origin distribution profiles in breast cancer cell lines MDA‐MB‐231, BT‐474, and MCF‐7, to their normal counterpart MCF‐10A. In addition, the CRL7250 cell line was also used as a normal control. Our results validated our earlier observation and showed that the origin profile in normal cell lines exhibited a punctuated pattern, in contrast to broader zone profiles observed in the cancer cell lines. A quantitative analysis of origin peaks revealed that the number of activated origins in cancer cells is statistically larger than that obtained in normal cells, suggesting that the flexibility of origin usage is significantly increased in cancer cells compared to their normal counterparts. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 132–140, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationships between strategic performance measures, strategic decision-making, and organizational performance: empirical evidence from Canadian public organizations

ABSTRACT This study investigates the role of strategic performance measures (SPM) in strategic decision-making and their impact on organizational performance. Based on 143 online survey responses from senior administrators across Canadian public organizations, the study found that SPM of efficiency and effectiveness are positively associated with performance, as well as, the former with both strategy implementation and strategy assessment decisions. The study extends prior research by linking both SPM and their use in strategic decision-making to organizational performance.
Comparison of elderly people's technique in using two dry powder inhalers to deliver zanamivir: randomised controlled trial

Abstract Objective: To determine whether elderly people can learn to use the inhaler used to deliver zanamivir (Relenza Diskhaler) as effectively as the Turbohaler and to identify which aspects of inhaler technique are most problematic. Design: Randomised, controlled, intervention study. Setting: Wards for acute elderly care in a large district general hospital. Participants: 73 patients who were unfamiliar with the use of an inhaler, aged 71 to 99 (mean 83) years. Main outcome measures: Initial scores and changes in scores 24 hours later using a 10 point scoring system of five aspects of inhaler technique. Results: 38 patients were allocated the Relenza Diskhaler and 35 the Turbohaler. The mean total score was significantly greater in the Turbohaler than Diskhaler groups both initially (8.74 v 7.05) and after 24 hours (8.28 v 5.43). The major difference between inhalers was in loading and priming. After tuition 50% (19 of 38) of patients allocated the Diskhaler were unable to load and prime the device and 65% (24 of 37) were unable to do so 24 hours later. Of those allocated the Turbohaler, two patients were unable to load and prime the device after initial review and one after 24 hours. Conclusion: Most elderly people cannot use the inhaler device used to deliver the anti-influenza drug zanamivir. Treatment with this drug is unlikely to be effective in elderly people unless the delivery system is improved
Isolation and characterization of a new member of the human Ly6 gene family (LY6H).

The Ly6 family of genes encodes glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cell surface glycoproteins expressed on various types of cells. Intriguing patterns of expression of Ly6 genes on specific subpopulations of lymphoid and myeloid cells suggest that Ly6 molecules may be involved in the development and homeostasis of hematopoietic cells. We have isolated a new member of the human Ly6 gene family, LY6H, from a human fetal brain cDNA library. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and radiation hybrid analyses assigned LY6H to chromosome 8, where other members of the Ly6 gene family are also located. Northern analysis revealed that LY6H is highly expressed in particular subdivisions of human brain and also in MOLT-3 and -4 acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. These data suggest that LY6H may play a role(s) in both the central nervous system and the immune system.
miR-497 and miR-302b Regulate Ethanol-induced Neuronal Cell Death through BCL2 Protein and Cyclin D2*

Background: Ethanol-induced neuronal apoptosis causes brain shrinkage and cognitive defects. Results: Exposure to ethanol (0.5% v/v for 72 h) in SH-SY5Y cells induced expression of miR-497 and miR-302b and down-regulated expression of BCL2 and/or cyclin D2. Conclusion: Ethanol-induced neuronal apoptosis follows both the mitochondria-mediated and non-mitochondria-mediated pathways. Significance: Our study shows that miRNAs are involved in regulation of ethanol neurotoxicity. In chronic alcoholism, brain shrinkage and cognitive defects because of neuronal death are well established, although the sequence of molecular events has not been fully explored yet. We explored the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in ethanol-induced apoptosis of neuronal cells. Ethanol-sensitive miRNAs in SH-SY5Y, a human neuroblastoma cell line, were identified using real-time PCR-based TaqMan low-density arrays. Long-term exposure to ethanol (0.5% v/v for 72 h) produced a maximum increase in expression of miR-497 (474-fold) and miR-302b (322-fold). Similar to SH-SY5Y, long-term exposure to ethanol induced miR-497 and miR-302b in IMR-32, another human neuroblastoma cell line. Using in silico approaches, BCL2 and cyclin D2 (CCND2) were identified as probable target genes of these miRNAs. Cotransfection studies with 3′-UTR of these genes and miRNA mimics have demonstrated that BCL2 is a direct target of miR-497 and that CCND2 is regulated negatively by either miR-302b or miR-497. Overexpression of either miR-497 or miR-302b reduced expression of their identified target genes and increased caspase 3-mediated apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells. However, overexpression of only miR-497 increased reactive oxygen species formation, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and induced cytochrome c release (mitochondria-related events of apoptosis). Moreover, ethanol induced changes in miRNAs, and their target genes were substantially prevented by pre-exposure to GSK-3B inhibitors. In conclusion, our studies have shown that ethanol-induced neuronal apoptosis follows both the mitochondria-mediated (miR-497- and BCL2-mediated) and non-mitochondria-mediated (miR-302b- and CCND2-mediated) pathway.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided treatment of visceral artery pseudoaneurysm.

A 73-year-old woman with peripheral vascular disease underwent investigation for abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a visceral pseudoaneurysm (Fig. 1a, arrow) and coeliac artery stenosis with collateral filling of the hepatic artery via the gastroduodenal artery. There was no history of trauma or pancreatitis. Selective angiography on two occasions was unsuccessful in embolizing the pseudoaneurysm. Following a multidisciplinary review, endoscopic ultrasound (US) was performed and demonstrated the lesion clearly (Fig. 1b). A mixture of histoacryl glue and lipiodol was injected directly into the lesion (Fig. 1c, d). On completion of the procedure, the aneurysm was visualized according to the acoustic shadow cast by the glue (Fig. 1e). A follow-up CT angiogram 6 weeks later demonstrated the almost complete resolution of the lesion. Figure 1 (a) Computed tomography shows a visceral pseudoaneurysm (arrow) and coeliac artery stenosis with collateral filling of the hepatic artery via the gastroduodenal artery. (b) Endoscopic ultrasound (US) demonstrates the lesion clearly. (c, d) A mixture of . Angiographic embolization successfully treats the majority of visceral pseudoaneurysms.1,2 Occasionally, endoluminal stents3 and percutaneous injection4 have been used after failed embolization. Endoscopic US provides an alternative minimally invasive method of contemporary treatment.5
I Don't Like It: Pauline Pantsdown and the Politics of the Inauthentic

This and the following two articles constitute a mini-dossier analysing the nature and significance of the controversy over Australian academic and sound performer Simon Hunt's Pauline Pantsdown persona (as enacted on recordings, in public appearances and publicity material) and its relationship to Australian right-wing politician Pauline Hanson. Jon Stratton's extended analysis is complemented by two supporting articles, an interview with Simon Hunt conducted by Stratton and an essay by Hunt submitted to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation at their invitation. Stratton's article serves as an introduction to the interview and Hunt's essay (avoiding unnecessary duplication of content between the pieces)
A Built-In Self-Test (BIST) Technique for Single-Event Testing in Digital Circuits

A built-in self-test technique for testing digital logic circuits for single-events has been developed. The BIST technique can be used for single-event testing in any conventional laboratory to evaluate the circuit level response to SEs. Experimental and simulation results for multiple technology nodes show the feasibility of this approach to test circuits, with the added advantages of reduced testing time and cost.
A statewide case-control study of spousal homicide-suicide in older persons.

OBJECTIVE Homicide-suicides are rare relative to suicides and homicides, but these lethal events are an emerging public health concern. They have a mortality count similar to meningitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, influenza, and viral hepatitis, and the rate may be increasing in the United States, especially among older persons. The goal of this case-control study was to identify factors that differentiate older married men who commit homicide-suicide from those who commit suicide only. METHODS A total of 20 spousal homicide-suicides involving persons age 55 years and older were ascertained in Florida between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 1999 from medical examiner records. Two suicide controls were matched to each homicide-suicide perpetrator by age, race, marital status, method of death, and medical examiner district. Perpetrator groups were compared on sociodemographic characteristics, medical variables, and autopsy findings. RESULTS Homicide-suicide perpetrators displayed significantly more domestic violence or were caregivers for their wives, in contrast to suicide perpetrators, who had health problems and were receiving care from their spouses. Both groups of perpetrators had reported depressed mood, and there were no differences in sociodemographic factors. CONCLUSIONS Depression plays a significant role in both homicide-suicide and suicide, but the associated factors are different: we see caregiving strain in perpetrators of homicide-suicide, and living with physical health disorders as a care-recipient in men who commit suicide. Marital conflict is a significant factor in some spousal homicide-suicides.
Development of a Magnetic Planetary Gearbox

In this paper, we describe a new design for a magnetic planetary gearbox. We discuss the theory of operation and a simulated design. We constructed and verified the simulation by measuring the transmitted torque and cogging torque. A magnetic planetary gearbox operates like a mechanical planetary gearbox, except that it is contact-free and needs no gear lubrication. Hence, it has the same characteristics of three transmission modes, a high-speed-reduction ratio, and high durability. The starting point for the design procedure is to avoid possible sliding (i.e., pole-slipping), and we propose three steps to obtain the maximum number of magnetic planet gears. We show that using more planetary gears is a way to increase the transmission torque. Cogging torque can be high in this design. We assessed this potential by using finite-element analysis and then measuring performance of the fabricated gearbox. While the simulation overestimates the cogging torque (for various reasons), we propose a method to reduce the cogging torque to a very low value. We present a literature review to illustrate the development of magnetic gearing and highlight the innovation of this design.
Discovering Relevance-Dependent Bicluster Structure from Relational Data

In this paper, we propose a statistical model for relevance-dependent biclustering to analyze relational data. The proposed model factorizes relational data into bicluster structure with two features: (1) each object in a cluster has a relevance value, which indicates how strongly the object relates to the cluster and (2) all clusters are related to at least one dense block. These features simplify the task of understanding the meaning of each cluster because only a few highly relevant objects need to be inspected. We introduced the RelevanceDependent Bernoulli Distribution (R-BD) as a prior for relevance-dependent binary matrices and proposed the novel Relevance-Dependent Infinite Biclustering (R-IB) model, which automatically estimates the number of clusters. Posterior inference can be performed efficiently using a collapsed Gibbs sampler because the parameters of the R-IB model can be fully marginalized out. Experimental results show that the R-IB extracts more essential bicluster structure with better computational efficiency than conventional models. We further observed that the biclustering results obtained by RIB facilitate interpretation of the meaning of each cluster.
Two cooperation models and their optimal routing for cooperative diversity in wireless ad hoc networks

Cooperative communication based on cooperative diversity allows a collection of radio terminals to relay signals for each other in wireless fading channels. In wireless ad hoc networks, nodes communicate with each other using multihop routed transmission and thus hop-by-hop cooperative diversity can be effectively exploited. This paper proposes two cooperation models of per-link cooperation (PLC) and per-node cooperation (PNC) and their optimal routing for exploiting cooperative diversity in wireless ad hoc networks, in which the best relays are selected for cooperative transmission. The major contribution of this paper is two-fold: First, the two cooperation models of PLC and PNC are introduced and formally modelled as an edge-weighted graph with effective link quality. Second, the proposed models are transformed into a simplified graph and the optimal routing algorithm with O(n2) time is developed, where n is the number of nodes in the network.
Large discrepancies in differentiation of allozymes, nuclear and mitochondrial DNA loci in recently founded Pacific populations of the pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera

Abstract This study presents a comparative analysis of population structure applied to the pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) from the Central Pacific islands using three classes of molecular markers: two mitochondrial genes (mtDNA), five anonymous nuclear loci (anDNA), and eight polymorphic allozymes. Very low levels of haplotype diversity and nucleotidic divergence detected for mtDNA validate the hypothesis of a recent (re)colonization of Polynesian lagoons after their exondation during the last glaciations. Some nuclear loci, however, showed highly significant FST values, indicating a reduced amount of larval exchange between archipelagos at present. A large interlocus variance of FST was nevertheless observed. We discuss whether this pattern is inherent to the stochasticity of the drift process since recolonization, or if it could result from balancing selection acting on certain loci. This study illustrates once more the need to combine the analysis of several kinds of loci when unrelated phenomena are likely to leave their footprints on genetic structure.
On the mechanisms of nectar secretion: revisited.

BACKGROUND AND SCOPE Models of nectar formation and exudation in multilayered nectaries with modified stomata or permeable cuticle are evaluated. In the current symplasmic model the pre-nectar moves from terminal phloem through the symplasm into the apoplasm (cell walls and intercellular spaces) with nectar formation by either granulocrine or eccrine secretion and its diffusion outwards. It is concluded, however, that no secretory granules are actually produced by the endoplasmic reticulum, and that secretory Golgi vesicles are not involved in the transport of nectar sugar. Therefore, the concept of granulocrine secretion of nectar should be discarded. The specific function of the endomembrane system in nectary cells remains unknown. According to the apoplasmic model, the pre-nectar moves from the terminal phloem in the apoplasm and, on the way, is transformed from phloem sap into nectar. However, viewed ultrastructurally, the unloading (terminal) phloem of nectaries appears to be less active than that of the leaf minor veins, and is therefore not actively involved in the secretion of pre-nectar components into the apoplasm. This invalidates the apoplasmic model. Neither model provides an explanation for the origin of the driving force for nectar discharge. PROPOSAL A new model is proposed in which nectar moves by a pressure-driven mass flow in the nectary apoplasm while pre-nectar sugars diffuse from the sieve tubes through the symplasm to the secretory cells, where nectar is formed and sugars cross the plasma membrane by active transport ('eccrine secretion'). The pressure originates as the result of water influx in the apoplasm from the symplasm along the sugar concentration gradient. It follows from this model that there can be no combinations of apoplasmic and symplasmic pre-nectar movements. The mass-flow mechanism of nectar exudation appears to be universal and applicable to all nectaries irrespective of their type, morphology and anatomy, presence or absence of modified stomata, and their own vascular system.
Cutting-Edge Microfabricated Biomedical Tools for Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Research

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (hESCs and hiPSCs, respectively), continue to attract researchers and clinicians as well as patients worldwide because of their applicability in regenerative medicine, cell-based therapies, and drug discovery. However, conventional biomedical approaches for stem cell research provide only limited insights regarding how stem cells are regulated in our body and how we could control them. To accelerate the progress of stem cell research and their applications, interdisciplinary research needs to be carried out to enable access of or mimic in vivo physiological conditions and to investigate their functions. In the past few decades, progress in microfabrication engineering has had a tremendous impact in both academia and industry (electronics, mechanics, chemicals, and environments), and many people have realized that microfabricated tools hold great potential for applications in stem cell research because they allow precise manipulation of a wide range of biological materials, including small molecules, DNA/RNA, proteins, cells, and tissues. In this review, I describe advanced microfabricated tools for studying the mechanisms of in vivo stem cell regulation and precise manipulation of stem cells, notably hPSCs, and concerns of using such tools for stem cell research.