Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In silico studies of the early stages of aggregation of Aβ42 peptides†

Accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide in the brain is responsible for debilitating neurodegenerative disease, namely, Alzheimer’s disease. We have carried out atomistic molecular dynamics simulation to study the early stages of the aggregation process of five full-length Aβ42 peptide monomers with varying secondary structural contents in aqueous solution. Attempts have been made to study the conformational modifications of the Aβ peptide monomers and their dynamical features during the oligomer formation. In particular, specific molecular interactions that drive the association process leading to the formation of the stable oligomer have been identified. The calculations revealed that the helix–helix linkage plays an important role for bringing the unstructured regions of the monomers closer for self-assembly. Importantly, it is demonstrated that the contribution originating from the nonpolar interactions between the peptides and the corresponding nonpolar solvation more than compensates the weakening effect of unfavorable inter-peptide electrostatic interactions, thereby stabilizing the nucleated oligomer.
Leverage and Firm Efficiency : A Study of Indian Microfinance Institutions

Swati Chauhan Research Scholar Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal Nehru Nagar, Bhopal Email : swati.chauhan09@gmail.com Microfinance is the provision of providing savings, credit, insurance and remittance facility to poor and deprived people. Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) are playing a significant role in the development of developing countries like India by providing financial services to the financially excluded population. MFIs differ from traditional financial institutions by providing a mortgage-free loan. MFIs have the double bottom line objective of outreach and financial sustainability. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of leverage on the efficiency of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). For the study fixed and random effect model have been performed on a panel dataset of 25 Indian NGO-MFIs for the period 2010-2015. Regression result of the study shows that Indian MFIs are highly leveraged. Leverage enhanced the efficiency of NGO-MFIs by reducing cost per borrower and operating expenses resulting in improvement of portfolio quality.
Immunolocalization of AQP 5 in resting and stimulated normal labial glands and in Sj € ogren ’ s syndrome

Sj€ogren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by progressive infiltration of exocrine glands by mononuclear cells, mainly resulting in decreased secretions of salivary glands (xerostomia) and lacrimal glands (xerophthalmia) (Carpenter et al, 2000; Jonsson et al, 2001; Fox, 2005). In human minor and major salivary glands, AQP5 is abundantly localized to the apical plasma membrane domains of acinar cells and not detected in the duct cells (Gresz et al, 2001). In the symptomatic treatment for xerostomia, oral pilocarpine has been used to increase salivary secretion (Fox et al, 1991, 2001; Rhodus, 1997; Vivino et al, 1999; Nyarady et al, 2006). At 30, 60, and 90 min after drug intake, salivary flow rate significantly increased with a peak salivary flow occurring approximately 60 min after drug intake. The main adverse effect was sweating. Fivemilligram pilocarpine tablets/day improved symptoms significantly. Examination of AQP5 distribution in intracellular structures and apical plasma membrane of the human labial salivary gland cells following stimulation of secretion have not previously been performed in vivo. Discrepancies in the literature regarding AQP5-localization in human salivary tissue were challenging to us (Ishikawa et al, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005; Tada et al, 1999; Ishikawa and Ishida, 2000; Beroukas et al, 2001; Steinfeld et al, 2001, 2002; Steinfeld and Delporte, 2002; Waterman et al, 2002, 2003; Matsuzaki et al, 2003; Gresz et al, 2004; Li et al, 2004, 2006; Delporte and Steinfeld, 2006; Xiao et al, 2011). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of oral pilocarpine on the localization of AQP5 in human labial minor salivary glands of normal and patients with SS using light microscopy and immunogold electron microscopy with different types of anti-human AQP5 antibodies. To show the earliest events in salivary secretion, a stimulation time of 30 min was chosen. According to the data in the literature, in our current work, we chose a time point where the concentration of AQP5 is the highest at the place of its basic function, that is, at the place of water secretion, namely at the apical membrane. This was 30 min after stimulation with pilocarpine. At 90 min, a decrease in secretion has already been observed (Vivino et al, 1999). Correspondence: Veronika Gresz, DMD, PhD, Department of Oral Diagnostics, Semmelweis University, Szentkiralyi utca 47, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary. Tel: +3613171044, Fax: +3614591500 /ext. 59160, E-mail: greszveronika@gmail.com Received 13 December 2013; revised 13 February 2014; accepted 13 March 2014 Oral Diseases (2015) 21, e114–e120 doi:10.1111/odi.12239 © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd All rights reserved
Phosphorus affects enzymatic activity and chemical properties of cotton soil

Pot experiments were conducted in 2017 with two cotton cultivars (CCRI 79 and LMY 28) and three phosphorus (P) levels: 3, 8 and 12 mg P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>/kg as P<sub>0</sub>, P<sub>1</sub> and P<sub>2</sub>, respectively. In this study, the soil water-soluble organic carbon content increased as the soil available P (AP) increased, while there were no significant variations for soil total organic matter content among the three AP levels. The activities of invertase, cellulase and urease in cotton soil decreased significantly in the P0. There were positive correlations between invertase and cellulose activities with soil organic carbon and inorganic-nitrogen (N); these correlated negatively with soil C/N ratio and AP level. In addition, high soil AP can raise soil AP and enhance alkaline phosphatase activity, which had a significant negative relationship with the soil C/P ratio. Urease activity had a significant positive relationship with soil NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>-N, C/P and N/P, as well as a negative correlation with soil C/N. Moreover, soil NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>-N and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup>-N in the P<sub>1</sub> and P<sub>2</sub> were lower than in the P<sub>0</sub>, which might be an effect of high AP on soil N availability.
Clinical Manifestations of Mesoendemic Onchocerciasis in an Area with Multiple Filarial Species

Background : The Imo River Basin, Nigeria is endemic for onchocerciasis, bancroftian filariasis, loaiasis and mansonellosis. This study was aimed at determining the clinical manifestations of onchocerciasis in this region. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2006 in Umuowaibu I and Ndiorji commu­nities in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. Consenting individuals were ex­amined for various gradations of skin manifestations, subcutaneous nodules, and visual im­pair­ments by qualified medical doctors. Five categories of skin manifestations were observed, namely permanent itching, onchodermatitis, atrophy of skin, leopard skin, and sowda. A total of 1024 individuals were examined. Results: The prevalence of the skin manifestations were permanent itching (2.5%), onchoder­ma­titis (3.9%), atrophy of the skin (5.8%), leopard skin (22.1%), and sowda (0.1%). The preva­lence of subcutaneous nodules was 25.3%, but 88.9% among the oldest age group, and mostly found in lower half of body. The majority of cases of visual acuity problems (6.8% overall prev­alence) were in the oldest age groups. Among those who were ≥ 20 years old, the prevalence of visual acuity problems was significantly higher in females than in males (χ 2 -test; P < 0.05). Only two of the examined persons were observed to be blind. Conclusion: Clinical manifestations of onchocerciasis are perhaps more intense in the area prob­ably because of presence of endemic infections of other filarial species.
Deferred Patent Examination

Most patent systems allow applicants to defer patent examination by some time. Deferred examination was introduced in the 1960s, first at the Dutch patent office and subsequently in many other countries, as a response to mounting backlogs of unexamined patent applications. Some applicants allow the examination option to lapse and never request examination once they learn about the value of their invention. Examination loads are reduced substantially in these systems, albeit at the cost of having a large number of pending patent applications. Economic models of patent examination and renewal have largely ignored this important feature to date. We construct a model of patent application, examination and renewal in which applicants have control over the timing of examination and study the tradeoffs that applicants face. Using data from the Canadian patent office and a simulated GMM estimator, we obtain estimates for parameter values of the value distributions and of the learning process. We use our estimates to assess the value of Canadian patents as well as applications. We find that a considerable part of the value is realized before a patent is even granted. In addition, we simulate the counterfactual impact of changes in the deferment period. The estimates we obtain for the value of one additional year of deferment are relatively high and may explain why some applicants embark on delay tactics (such as continuations or divisionals) in patent systems without a statutory deferment option.
Effect of replacing wheat offal with soybean chaff on the growth response , blood profile and carcass yield of finishing broiler chickens

A 5-week feeding study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of soybean chaff (SC) as a replacement for wheat offal in the diets of broiler chickens. A total of three hundred and sixty (360), 21-d-old mixed sexes, broiler chickens were weighed individually and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments with 8 replicate pens and 15 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments consisted of maize-soybean based diets containing 0, 50, 100% SC as replacement for wheat offal. Data generated on growth performance, blood indices, carcass yield and sensory properties of finishing broiler chickens were analyzed by ANOVA using PROC GLM of SAS (2007). Results showed that higher (P<0.05) final weight and daily weight gain were obtained in birds fed 100% SC and control diet. However, Feed conversion ratio (FCR), livability, European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) and European Broiler Index (EBI) were not significantly (P>0.05) affected. Birds fed 100% SC had higher (P<0.05) live weight, plucked weight, wings and empty gizzard weight compared to other treatments. Replacement of wheat offal with soybean chaff did not interfere with the organoleptic properties of broiler meat. More so, birds fed 100% SC had least cost of feed, cost of feed per weight gain and most profitable commercial value as revealed by reduced total cost of production. Therefore, soybean chaff could be used to completely replace wheat offal as dietary fibre source in the diets of broiler chickens.
Titre : Title : Linking brain stroke risk factors to human movement features for the development of preventive tools Auteurs :

Title: Linking brain stroke risk factors to human movement features for the development of preventive tools Auteurs: Authors: Christian O'Reilly, Réjean Plamondon et Louise-Hélène Lebrun Date: 2014 Type: Article de revue / Journal article Référence: Citation: O'Reilly, C. , Plamondon, R. & Lebrun, L. -H. (2014). Linking brain stroke risk factors to human movement features for the development of preventive tools. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2014. 00150
Abundance and spatial distribution of Culex and Aedes mosquitoes as potential vectors of rift valley fever in Jazan region

The mosquito and Sandfly fauna of Jazan region-Southwest Saudi Arabia were investigated to identify the density and the geographic distribution of potential vectors of Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV), as part of ongoing control program against RVF during inter-epizootic period. Overall, 128190 mosquito females, 3229 Phlebotomine sandflyies and 2018 Culicoides were collected from 18 October 2015 through 4 Sep 2016, by using a carbon-dioxide (dry ice) baited light traps. All samples were morphologically identified at genus level and frozen at -80 before submitted to the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay to investigate the likely circulation of RVFV in mosquitoes. Among the collected mosquitoes, Culex species was consistently the predominant mosquito, ranged from 98.13% to 99.26% in Sabia and Abuareesh respectively. While, phlebotomus sandflies, were found sporadically distributed in all districts with high relative abundance in Bulgazi (5.6%). Interestingly, all samples tested by RT-PCR were reported as negative for RVFV. In light of the reported results, conducting more spatio-temporal distribution of mosquitoes based on species identification should be considered in future studies towards implementing more effective control measures against mosquitoborne diseases.
Mechanical behaviour of the lithosphere beneath the Adamawa Uplift ( Cameroon , West Africa ) based on gravity data

The Adamawa massif in Central Cameroon is one of the African domal uplifts of volcanic origin. It is an elongated feature, 200 km wide. The gravity anomalies over the Adamawa uplift were studied to determine the mechanical behaviour of the lithosphere. Two approaches were used to analyse six gravity profiles that are 600 km long and that run perpendicular to the Adamawa trend. Firstly. the coherence function between topography and gravity was interpreted; secondly, source depth estimations by spectral analysis of the gravity data was performed. To get significant information for the interpretation of the experimental coherence function, the length of the profiles was varied from 320 km to 600 km. This treatment allows one to obtain numerical estimates of the coherence function. The coherence function analysis points out that the lithosphere is deflected and thin beneath the Adamawa uplift, and the Effective Elastic Thickness is of about 20 km. To fit the coherence, a load from below needs to be taken into account. This result on the Adamawamassif is of the same order of magnitude as those obtained on other African uplifts such as Hoggar, Darfur and Kenya domes. For the depth estimation, three major density contrasts were found the shallowest depth (4-15 km) can be correlated to shear zone structures and the associated sedimentary basins beneath the uplift; the second density contrast (18-38 km) corresponds to the Moho; and finally, the last depth (70-90 km) would be the top of the upper mantle and denotes the low density zone beneath the Adamawa uplift.
4225 Status Concerns as a Motive for Crime ?

This paper analyzes the implications of potential offenders caring about their relative status. We establish that subjects' status concerns can result in multiple-equilibrium crime rates and may modify the standard comparative-statics results regarding how the crime rate changes in response to a higher detection probability and higher sanctions. In addition, we argue that the socially optimal level of the detection probability and the sanction will often be higher when potential offenders care about their relative positions. Our analysis can be linked to one of the most important criminological theories of crime, namely strain theory. JEL-Code: H230, K420.
Loughborough University Institutional Repository The impact of US uncertainty on the Euro area in good and bad times : evidence from a quantile structural vector autoregressive model

We estimate a quantile structural vector autoregressive model for the Euro Area to assess the real effects of uncertainty shocks in expansions and recessions using monthly data covering the period of 1999:02 to 2016:05. Domestic and foreign (US) uncertainty shocks hitting during recessions are found to produce a relatively overall stronger negative impact on output growth than in expansions, with US shocks having more pronounced effects. Inflation, in general, is unaffected from a statistical perspective. Our results tend to suggest that policymakers need to implement state-dependent policies, with stimulus policies being more aggressive during recessions – something we see from our results in terms of stronger declines in the interest rate during bad times. JEL Codes: C32, E32, E60
JURNAL BPPK THE DETERMINANT OF CORE INFLATION IN INDONESIA

Accepted to be published 28 November 2014 This paper analyzes factors affecting core inflation in Indonesia. Using quarterly data, we argue that after economic crisis in 1997/1998, core inflation is significantly affected by backward-looking expectation (its lag), forward-looking expectation (consensus forecast), output gap, exchange rate (growth and volatility), and the growth of M1. Comparing to the whole sample (1992-2011), the role of lag of core inflation becomes more significant, exchange rate pass-through is smaller, and the impact of volatility of exchange rate is bigger after the crisis. Employing MV filter method, we find an output gap threshold. Econometric model shows that the role of BI rate to reduce core inflation is limited. Using ARDL model and monthly data (year-on-year) from January 2002 to June 2011, we find that administered price inflation and volatile food inflation, to some extent, have an effect on the dynamic of core inflation. In general, the effect of volatile foods group on core inflation is bigger than the effect of administered prices group. Some commodities in administered prices basket have significant impact on core inflation, such as fuel, intercity transportation, household fuel, and telephone charge. Some commodities in volatile foods basket also have significant impact on core inflation, such as rice, beef, milk, noodles, and cooking oil.
DNAMethylation Suppresses Leptin Gene in 3 T 3L 1 Adipocytes

Leptin is a key regulator of energy intake and expenditure. This peptide hormone is expressed in mouse white adipose tissue, but hardly expressed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Using bisulfite sequencing, we found that CpG islands in the leptin promoter are highly methylated in 3T3-L1cells. 5-azacytidine, an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase, markedly increased leptin expression as pre-adipocytes matured into adipocytes. Remarkably, leptin expression was stimulated by insulin in adipocytes derived from precursor cells exposed to 5-azacytidine, but suppressed by thiazolidinedione and dexamethasone. In contrast, adipocytes derived from untreated precursor cells were unresponsive to both 5-azacytidine and hormonal stimuli, although lipid accumulation was sufficient to boost leptin expression in the absence of demethylation. Taken together, the results suggest that leptin expression in 3T3-L1 cells requires DNA demethylation prior to adipogenesis, transcriptional activation during adipogenesis, and lipid accumulation after adipogenesis.
Structural Reform Priorities for Brazil, WP/18/224, October 2018

Over the last few decades, Brazil has experienced relatively weak economic growth due to stagnant productivity. To boost productivity, Brazil should embark on an ambitious structural reform process. In doing so, it is crucial that authorities select a few reform priorities to avoid dispersing political capital on an overly broad reform agenda. The paper aims to identify Brazil’s reform priorities in two steps. First, it estimates the impact that different reforms have on Brazil’s productivity. Second, it analyzes survey data to assess the extent of public support for reforms. The results show that banking sector reforms would generate the largest productivity gains and have the highest level of public support. Moreover, they would also be relatively easy to legislate and generate significant fiscal savings. JEL Classification Numbers: E02, E60, C83
(2018). An Exploratory Study of the Influence of Attitudes toward Animal Welfare on Meat Consumption in Ghana. Food Ethics

Meat is an important source of nutrients for human health and wellbeing. However, because meat intake is reportedly linked to diseases such as obesity, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and other health problems, more and more people are reducing meat consumption in the developed world. Yet in developing countries, maternal and childhood malnutrition continue to bedevil people due to a lack of or inadequate consumption of meat and other foods rich in protein. In this paper, we undertook an exploratory study of the influence of attitudes toward animal welfare on meat consumption among Ghanaians. After controlling for other covariates of meat consumption, we found that people who express concern about animal welfare are significantly less likely to consume meat in Ghana.
Research Article Volume 2 , Issue 6 Effect of Cognitive Training by Music Therapy

Purpose: Targeting elderly people who live in local areas, by intervening the mixture of music therapy and recognition training, we will clarify if there is a significant difference among before the intervention, and nonintervened term, and after the intervention. Method: The object of studies turned out to become 162 people out of 200 people through the invite applications. We compared the music therapy as once a month for 90 minutes with the group that were intervened for 3 months and the group that were not intervened for 3 months. We conducted the measurement between Montreal Cognitive Assessment test (MoCA test), which is a screening scale of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the measurement of the stress level was conducted by doing a comparative test by measuring the amylase of sublingual glands and one-way analysis of variance. In addition, we validated the interphase of cognitive function and the stress level with the use of Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient. Result: Regarding cognitive scores, both immediate replay tasks (p<0.05) and delay playback tasks (p<0.01) had a significant rise after the intervention. In the respect of evaluating the total points of the doubt about the presence of MCI, the score improved after the intervention (p<0.01). The amount of amylase included in the saliva that shows the stress level decreased after the intervention (p<0.05), and there was a correlation found between the stress level and the cognitive scores. Conclusion: After conducting the recognition training that integrates music therapy, there was a significant improvement in the cognitive score and a decrease in the stress level. Thus, this method is beneficial in terms of
Metropolitan regional differences in primary health carte of postnatal depression

This study examines the psychological and social aspects of the transition to motherhood by primiparous women, including care received, in two regions of suburban Melbourne, Australia. Two hundred and thirteen women were recruited from antenatal clinics in the regions and completed questionnaires at 24 weeks gestation, six weeks, four months and nine months postpartum. Maternal child health nurses were also asked to complete questionnaires on services in their region. Rates of distress decreased over time in the eastern affluent established region, but increased in the western rapidly developing region. For women in both regions, satisfaction in their relationship with their partners decreased. A previous history of mental illness, lower social integration and cultural background were predictors of distress. Nurses in the west reported high stress and less satisfaction from their clientele. Results highlight the need for health planning related to childbirth in developing regions. (author abstract)