Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The near-atomic cryoEM structure of a flexible filamentous plant virus shows homology of its coat protein with nucleoproteins of animal viruses

Flexible filamentous viruses include economically important plant pathogens. Their viral particles contain several hundred copies of a helically arrayed coat protein (CP) protecting a (+)ssRNA. We describe here a structure at 3.9 Å resolution, from electron cryomicroscopy, of Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV), a representative of the genus Potexvirus (family Alphaflexiviridae). Our results allow modeling of the CP and its interactions with viral RNA. The overall fold of PepMV CP resembles that of nucleoproteins (NPs) from the genus Phlebovirus (family Bunyaviridae), a group of enveloped (-)ssRNA viruses. The main difference between potexvirus CP and phlebovirus NP is in their C-terminal extensions, which appear to determine the characteristics of the distinct multimeric assemblies – a flexuous, helical rod or a loose ribonucleoprotein. The homology suggests gene transfer between eukaryotic (+) and (-)ssRNA viruses. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.11795. 001
Epigallocatechin gallate affects glucose metabolism and increases fitness and lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster

In this study, we tested whether a standardized epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) rich green tea extract (comprising > 90% EGCG) affects fitness and lifespan as well as parameters of glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Following the application of the green tea extract a significant increase in the mean lifespan (+ 3.3 days) and the 50% survival (+ 4.3 days) as well as improved fitness was detected. These effects went along an increased expression of Spargel, the homolog of mammalian PGC1α, which has been reported to affect lifespan in flies. Intriguingly, in flies, treatment with the green tea extract decreased glucose concentrations, which were accompanied by an inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity. Computational docking analysis proved the potential of EGCG to dock into the substrate binding pocket of α-amylase and to a greater extent into α-glucosidase. Furthermore, we demonstrate that EGCG downregulates insulin-like peptide 5 and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, major regulators of glucose metabolism, as well as the Drosophila homolog of leptin, unpaired 2. We propose that a decrease in glucose metabolism in connection with an upregulated expression of Spargel contribute to the better fitness and the extended lifespan in EGCG-treated flies.
The health sector reforms and the efficiency of public hospitals in Turkey: provincial markets.

BACKGROUND Turkey initiated the 'Health Transformation Programme' (HTP) in 2003 to align its health care system with the European Union and OECD countries. This study investigates the impact of these reforms on the efficiency of public hospitals. Our study would contribute to the existing literature with a comprehensive analysis of the health system in a developing country. METHODS We employ the data envelopment approach and the Malmquist index to comparatively examine before and after the reform years. Our analyses compare the performances of public hospitals served in provincial markets. Inputs of number of beds, number of primary care physician, and number of specialists, and how they are used to produce outputs of inpatient discharges, outpatient visits and surgical operations are investigated. Indeed, as the performance indicators dead rate, hospital bed occupation rate and average length of stay are considered. RESULTS The HTP was generally successful in boosting productivity due to advancements in technology and technical efficiency but in the socio-economically disadvantaged provinces productivity gains have not been achieved. The average technical efficiency gains took place because of the significantly improved scale efficiencies, as the average pure technical efficiency slightly improved. Lastly, the hospital performance indicators have not improved in the short run. CONCLUSION It appears that the expected benefits from the health reforms in Turkey have been partially achieved in the short run.
TransNewGuinea.org: An Online Database of New Guinea Languages

The island of New Guinea has the world’s highest linguistic diversity, with more than 900 languages divided into at least 23 distinct language families. This diversity includes the world’s third largest language family: Trans-New Guinea. However, the region is one of the world’s least well studied, and primary data is scattered across a wide range of publications and more often then not hidden in unpublished “gray” literature. The lack of primary research data on the New Guinea languages has been a major impediment to our understanding of these languages, and the history of the peoples in New Guinea. TransNewGuinea.org aims to collect data about these languages and place them online in a consistent format. This database will enable future research into the New Guinea languages with both traditional comparative linguistic methods and novel cutting-edge computational techniques. The long-term aim is to shed light into the prehistory of the peoples of New Guinea, and to understand why there is such major diversity in their languages.
Mutations in Caprine DGAT1 and STAT5A Genes were Associated with Milk Production Traits ——Combined Effects of DGAT1 and STAT5A Genes on Milk Yield and Fat

In this study, polymorphisms of the DGAT1 and STAT5A genes were detected in 528 individuals from Xinong Saanen and Guanzhong goat breeds by PCR-RFLP, PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing methods. Three allelic variants were identified: DQ380250: g. 407_408insC, AJ237937: g.6798C>T and g.6852C>T in both breeds. At g. 407_408insC locus, the frequencies of C1 allele were 0.79–0.85, and frequencies of C2 allele were 0.21–0.15. At g.6852C>T locus, frequencies of C3 allele were 0.70–0.72, and frequencies of T3 allele were 0.30–0.28. Compared with goats with C1C1 and C3C3, those with C1C2 and C3T3 genotypes had significant effects on milk yield and fat percentage (P<0.05), respectively. The result showed that does with C1C1C3T3 and C1C2C3T3 had higher milk yield than those with C1C2C3C3 (P < 0.05). In addition, the combined effect of C1C2C3T3 on milk fat percentage was the highest in comparison with other combination genotypes (P<0.05).
Point and Click or Grab and Heft: Comparing the Influence of Physical and Virtual Instructional Materials on Elementary School Students' Ability to Design Experiments

The widespread availability of computers in elementary schools makes them an appealing option for presenting instructional materials in laboratory science. However, there are neither theoretical nor empirical grounds for predicting whether virtual or physical presentation of instructional materials will be more effective. The definition of "active manipulation" is poorly specified and there are few studies that directly compare the two approaches unaccompanied by other potential confounds. In this study, 4th- and 5th-grade children were taught how to design simple unconfounded experiments using 1 of 2 instructional methods differing only in whether children manipulated physical or virtual materials. The 2 types of materials were equally effective in achieving several instructional objectives, including the design of unconfounded experiments, the derivation of correct predictions from them, and explicit reference to the need for experiments to be unconfounded.
Low and intermediate mass star yields. II. The evolution of nitrogen abundances

Aims. We analyze the impact on the Galactic nitrogen abundances of using a new set of low and intermediate mass star yields. These yields have a significant yield of primary nitrogen from intermedia te mass stars. Methods. We use these yields as an input to a Galactic Chemical Evolution model and study the nitrogen abundances in the halo and in the disc, and compare them with models obtained using other yield sets and with a large amount of observational data. Results. We find that, using these new yields, our model adequately rep roduce the observed trends. In particular, these yields sol ve the historical problem of the evolution of nitrogen, giving the right level of relative abundance N/O by the production of a primary component in intermediate mass stars. Moreover, using different evolutionary rates in each radial region of the Galaxy, we may explain the observed N dispersion.
Region-Dependent Role of Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Insulin Absorption Across the Rat Small Intestinal Membrane

We have reported that the cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) penetratin acts as a potential absorption enhancer in oral insulin delivery systems and that this action occurs through noncovalent intermolecular interactions. However, the region-dependent role of CPPs in intestinal insulin absorption has not been clarified. To identify the intestinal region where CPPs have the most effect in increasing insulin absorption, the region-dependent action of penetratin was investigated using in situ closed intestinal loops in rats. The order of the insulin area under the insulin concentration–time curve (AUC) increase effect by l-penetratin was ileum > jejunum > duodenum > colon. By contrast, the AUC order after coadministration of insulin with d-penetratin was colon > duodenum ≥ jejunum and ileum. We also compared the effects of the l- and d-forms of penetratin, R8, and PenetraMax on ileal insulin absorption. Along with the CPPs used in this study, l- and d-PenetraMax produced the largest insulin AUCs. An absorption study using ilea pretreated with CPPs showed that PenetraMax had no irreversible effect on the intestinal epithelial membrane. The degradation of insulin in the presence of CPPs was assessed in rat intestinal enzymatic fluid. The half-life (t1/2) of insulin increased from 14.5 to 23.7 and 184.7 min in the presence of l- and d-PenetraMax, respectively. These enzymatic degradation-resistant effects might contribute partly to the increased ileal absorption of insulin induced by d-PenetraMax. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the ability of the l- and d-forms of penetratin to increase intestinal insulin absorption was maximal in the ileum and the colon, respectively, and that d-PenetraMax is a powerful but transient enhancer of oral insulin absorption.
Remarks on the Controllability of Some Quasilinear Equations

In this Note, we review the main existing results, methods, and some key open problems on the controllability of nonlinear hyperbolic and parabolic equations. Especially, we describe our recent universal approach to solve the local controllability problem of quasilinear time-reversible evolution equations, which is based on a new unbounded perturbation technique. It is also worthy to mention that the technique we develop can also be applied to other problems for quasilinear equations, say local existence, stabilization, etc.
Sodium dodecyl sulfate allows the persistence and recovery of biofilms of Pseudomonas fluorescens formed under different hydrodynamic conditions

The effect of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms was investigated using flow cell reactors with stainless steel substrata, under turbulent (Re = 5200) and laminar (Re = 2000) flow. Steady-state biofilms were exposed to SDS in single doses (0.5, 1, 3 and 7 mM) and biofilm respiratory activity and mass measured at 0, 3, 7 and 12 h after the SDS application. The effect of SDS on biofilm mechanical stability was assessed using a rotating bioreactor. Whilst high concentrations (7 mM) of SDS promoted significant biofilm inactivation, it did not significantly reduce biofouling. Turbulent and laminar flow-generated biofilms had comparable susceptibility to SDS application. Following SDS exposure, biofilms rapidly recovered over the following 12 h, achieving higher respiratory activity values than before treatment. This phenomenon of post-treatment recovery was more pronounced for turbulent flow-generated biofilms, with an increase in SDS concentration. The mechanical stability of the biofilms increased with surfactant application, except for SDS concentrations near the critical micellar concentration, as measured by biofilm removal due to an increase in external shear stress forces. The data suggest that although SDS exerts antimicrobial action against P. fluorescens biofilms, even if only partial and reversible, it had only limited antifouling efficacy, increasing biofilm mechanical stability at low concentrations and allowing significant and rapid recovery of turbulent flow-generated biofilms.
A novel methodology for constructing secure multipath overlays

One technique for securely delivering data in structured overlays is to increase the number of disjoint paths among peers. However, most overlays do not offer a substrate to accommodate multiple paths. The binary-equivalence relationship-based Cyclone methodology is decoupled from the overlay architecture, which insulates it from such limitations. It fortifies existing routing algorithms to defend against data-forwarding attacks.
Structure, Standpoint and Practices: The Construction and Meaning of the Boundaries of Blackness for African-American Female High School Seniors in the College Choice Process.

This qualitative study examined the role played by race in the college choice behavior of a group of minority females. It examines the college aspirations and decision making processes of Black female college-bound students and the influences of their parents, friends, college counselors, teachers, and school staff. Subjects were 50 students at 3 urban California high schools. Data collection included transcribed and coded interviews as well as extensive ethnographic observational data and review of documents. The schools were chosen for their ethnic and social differences and included: a predominantly African-American public school with predominantly lower class families; a racially mixed public school of diverse social class composition; and a predominantly white, private school with upper class families. It was found that the students chose colleges where they could see students like themselves who already attended the college. The high schools they attended had acted as templates that encouraged particular kinds of action with the role of Blackness having a different meaning at each of the three schools. The study supported the importance of race and class in defining students' choice behavior with race a clear marker of class membership and class distinction that greatly impacts decision making. Appended are a summary of the data and descriptions of the school settings. (Contains 15 references.) (JLS) ******************************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * ********************************************************************************
The prevalence of serum antibodies to tick-borne infections in Mbale District, Uganda: The effect of agro-ecological zone, grazing management and age of cattle

Abstract Between August and October 2000, a cross-sectional study was conducted in smallholder dairy farms in Mbale District, Uganda to assess the prevalence of ticks and tick-borne diseases under different grazing systems and agro-ecological zones and understand the circumstances under which farmers operated. A questionnaire was administered to obtain information on dairy farm circumstances and practices. A total of 102 farms were visited and sera and ticks were collected from 478 animals. Sero-prevalence of tick-borne diseases was determined using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Acaricides were used indiscriminately but the intensity of their use varied with the grazing system and zone. Cattle from different farms mixed for various reasons. During the dry seasons farmers have to get additional fodder from outside their farms that can result in importation of ticks. The prevalence of ticks and serum antibodies to tick-borne infections differed across the grazing systems and zones. The highest serum antibody prevalence (>60%) was recorded in the lowland zone under the free range and tethering grazing systems. The lowest tick challenge and serum antibody levels (<50%) were recorded in the midland and upland zones under a zero-grazing system. These findings suggest that endemic stability to East Coast Fever, babesiosis and anaplasmosis is most likely to have existed in the lowland zone, particularly, under the tethering and free-range grazing systems. Also, endemic stability for babesiosis existed in the upland zones. Endemic instability for East Coast Fever existed in the midland and upland zones. These structured observational studies are instrumental in planning of control strategies for ticks and tick borne diseases since production systems and the cattle population at high risk of the diseases in the district have been identified. zone agro-ecological zone
A review of the physiology of the canine digestive tract related to the development of in vitro systems

Abstract Food and nutrition studies in animals and human beings often meet with technical difficulties and sometimes with ethical questions. An alternative to research in living animals is the dynamic multicompartmental in vitro model for the gastrointestinal tract described by Minekus et al. (1995) and Havenaar & Minekus (1996). The dynamic conditions that are simulated in this model are peristaltic movements, transit times, pH responses, secretion of enzymes and electrolytes and absorption of nutrients and water. To obtain data for an in vitro model of the dog gastrointestinal tract, the literature was surveyed for physiological responses to different types of dog food. These included: values of enzyme activities, electrolyte concentrations, gastric emptying and intestinal transit times, pH values, secretion and composition of bile and absorption rates in different parts of the dog gastrointestinal tract. The review focuses on research carried out on healthy, adult dogs of 10–20 kg and on parameters related to the oral cavity, stomach and small intestine. This literature research gives sufficient data on the physiology of the canine digestive tract for the development of an in vitro dynamic model that adequately simulates the functions of the stomach and small intestine of the dog.
Morphological and Functional Diversity of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi on Roan Mountain (NC/TN)

Abstract A comparison of ectomycorrhizal morphotypes and hypogeous fungi (truffles and false-truffles) in northern hardwood and spruce-fir forests on Roan Mountain (NC/TN) was performed to increase our knowledge of the fungal communities in the Southern Appalachian high elevation forests. These forests are home to an endangered subspecies and mycophagist, the Carolina northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus), as well as the popular Christmas tree species and ectomycorrhizal host, Fraser fir (Abies fraseri). Ectomycorrhizal root tips were collected with soil cores and separated into morphotypes for quantification. Fruiting bodies of hypogeous fungi were sampled with a stratified random design, using exclosures to minimize mycophagy. Elaphomyces muricatus was the most commonly found hypogeous fruiting body, and Cenococcum geophilum the most commonly found ectomycorrhiza, in both forest types. Elaphomyces muricatus was most strongly associated with A. fraseri. There were more ectomycorrhizal morphotypes in the spruce-fir forest than in the northern hardwood forest. Functional groups of ectomycorrhizas were classified by exploration type. Historical land use on Roan Mountain is discussed in conjunction with the patterns found in this study, along with future concerns of the fragile Southern Appalachian spruce-fir ecosystem.
Fundamentals of private pensions

For four decades, Fundamentals of Private Pensions has been regarded as the single most authoritative reference source on private pensions. This seventh edition of the classic text represents a major restructuring of the contents with a wealth of new material and an expanded discussion that provides new economic and policy perspectives on the provision of retirement income. It addresses the economics of tax incentives provided to retirement programs and evaluates the various human resource incentives in defined benefit and defined contribution programs. The discussion and development of retirement income adequacy measures, a feature dating back to the first edition, has been significantly expanded. The seventh edition is organized into five main sections. Section 1 lays out the regulatory environment in which private pension plans operate. Section 2 investigates the various forms of retirement plans available. Section 3 focuses on the economics of pensions, including a discussion of the recent economic literature on the operations of employer sponsored retirement plans. Section 4 explores the funding and accounting environment in which private employer-sponsored retirement plans operate. Section 5 examines the handling of assets in employer-sponsored plans and their valuation, as well as insurance provisions behind the benefit promises implied by these plans As the single most authoritative source on corporate pensions, Fundamentals of Private Pensions is invaluable to managers seeking to develop efficient pension plans, scholars and policymakers concerned with pension design and regulation, and actuaries and tax specialists. Employee benefits and human resource professionals around the world will find this edition an essential reference, and investment experts as well as accountants will gain a clearer understanding of how pensions influence corporate and employee well-being.
Bank Lending Channels During the Great Recession

We study the existence and economic significance of bank lending channels that affect employment in U.S. manufacturing industries. In particular, we address the question of how a dramatic worsening of firm and consumer access to bank credit, such as the one observed over the Great Recession, translates into job losses in these industries. To identify these channels, we rely on differences in the degree of external finance dependence and of asset tangibility across manufacturing industries and in the sensitivity of these industries’ output to changes in the supply of consumer credit. We show that household access to bank loans matters more for employment than firm access to local bank loans. Our results suggest that, over the recent financial crisis, tightening access to commercial and industrial loans and consumer installment loans explains jointly about a quarter of the drop in employment in the manufacturing sector. In addition, a decrease in the availability of home equity loans explains an extra one-tenth of the drop.