Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HOUSEHOLDS’ WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR IMPROVED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN TAMALE METROPOLITAN AREA, NORTHERN GHANA

This paper examined households’ willingness to pay for improved solid waste management service in the Tamale Metropolitan Area in Northern Region of Ghana. The contingent valuation method (CVM) was used to identify the willingness to pay (WTP), while an ordered probit model was estimated to determine the factors influencing such willingness to pay. We found that a significant number of the respondents were willing to pay for the improved services, the amount ranging from GH ₵ 2 to GH ₵ 25 per monthly collection. Also, households’ WTP were positive and significantly influenced by the sex, age, marital status and education of the household head as well as household income. A key policy implication of this result is that a flat rate cannot be charged across households. Poorer and uneducated households should be charged a lower rate than relatively rich and educated households. Keywords : Ordered probit model, Contingent valuation method, Willingness to pay, Ghana, households
Dynamic changes in the localization of thermally unfolded nuclear proteins associated with chaperone-dependent protection

Molecular chaperones are involved in the protection of cells against protein damage through their ability to hold, disaggregate, and refold damaged proteins or their ability to facilitate degradation of damaged proteins. Little is known about how these processes are spatially coordinated in cells. Using a heat-sensitive nuclear model protein luciferase fused to the traceable, heat-stable enhanced green fluorescent protein (N-luc-EGFP), we now show that heat inactivation and insolubilization of luciferase were associated with accumulation of N-luc-EGFP at multiple foci throughout the nucleus. Coexpression of Hsp70, one of the major mammalian chaperones, reduced the formation of these small foci during heat shock. Instead, the heat-unfolded N-luc-EGFP accumulated in large, insoluble foci. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that these foci colocalized with the nucleoli. Time-lapse analysis demonstrated that protein translocation to the nucleolus, in contrast to the accumulation at small foci, was fully reversible upon return to the normal growth temperature. This reversibility was associated with an increase in the level of active and soluble luciferase. Expression of a carboxyl-terminal deletion mutant of Hsp70(1–543), which lacked chaperone activity, had no effect on the localization of N-luc-EGFP, which suggests that the Hsp70 chaperone activity is required for the translocation events. Our data show that Hsp70 not only is involved in holding and refolding of heat-unfolded nuclear proteins but also drives them to the nucleolus during stress. This might prevent random aggregation of thermolabile proteins within the nucleus, thereby allowing their refolding at the permissive conditions and preventing indirect damage to other nuclear components.
Risk Behavior In The Transmission Mechanism Of Monetary Policy In Indonesia

This study explores interconnections between risk behaviour in the financial sector, particularly banking sector, with monetary policy stance. Referring Bernanke and Blinder (1988) modified model for analyzing the bank credit behavior, we develop an empirical model to test the role of risk behaviour in monetary policy transmission mechanism. Vector Error Correction Model are applied to test the significance of interaction between risk variables and monetary policy stance in the short run dynamics of credit behavior around its long-run cointegration with real GDP. Some empirical results emerge from this preliminary study. First, there is early indication that risk taking channel in the monetary policy transmission mechanism exists in Indonesia during analysis period. Second, risk variables and credit tend to move procyclicalyl while monetary policy stance tends to a-cyclical. Third, pro-cyclical behavior of credit and risk variables reverses the effect of loose monetary policy stance, and there is an indication of asymmetric effect between tight monetary policy and loose monetary policy in Indonesian economy. These empirical findings bring about policy recommencations for better understanding on the risk behavior in the banking sector, as well as integration beetween monetary dan financial sector policies. JEL Code : E52, E58, Keyword : Monetary Policy Transmission Mechanism, Monetary Policy Stance, Banking Risk Behavior, Risk Perception
Selective Increase of α2A‐Adrenoceptor Agonist Binding Sites in Brains of Depressed Suicide Victims

Abstract: The α2A‐ and α2C‐adrenoceptor subtypes were evaluated in postmortem brains from suicides with depression (n = 22), suicides with other diagnoses (n = 12), and controls (n = 26). Membrane assays with the antagonist [3H]RX821002 (2‐[3H]methoxyidazoxan) suggested the presence of α2A‐adrenoceptors in the frontal cortex and both α2C‐adrenoceptors and α2A‐adrenoceptors in the caudate. The proportions in caudate were similar in controls (α2A, 86%; α2C, 14%), depressed suicides (α2A, 91%; α2C, 9%), and suicides with other diagnoses (α2A, 88%; α2C, 12%). Autoradiography of [3H]RX821002 binding under α2B/C‐adrenoceptor‐masking conditions confirmed the similar densities of α2A‐adrenoceptors in the cortex, hippocampus, and striatum from controls and suicides. In the frontal cortex of depressed suicides, competition of [3H]RX821002 binding by (−)‐adrenaline revealed a greater proportion (61 ± 9%) of α2A‐adrenoceptors in the high‐affinity conformation for agonists than in controls (39 ± 5%). Simultaneous analysis with the agonists [3H]clonidine and [3H]UK14304 and the antagonist [3H]RX821002 in the same depressed suicides confirmed the enhanced α2A‐adrenoceptor density when evaluated by agonist, but not by antagonist, radioligands. The results indicate that depression is associated with a selective increase in the high‐affinity conformation of the brain α2A‐adrenoceptors.
Structure of Rotavirus Outer-Layer Protein VP7 Bound with a Neutralizing Fab

Rotavirus Rumbled Rotavirus infection is the primary cause of severe diarrhea in infants. For the virus to enter cells, a Ca2+-stabilized trimer of the outer layer protein VP7 must be dissociated. Aoki et al. (p. 1444) report the structure of the VP7 trimer in complex with the Fab fragment of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody. Based on the structure and an analysis of positions of neutralization escape mutations, the authors propose that many neutralizing antibodies inhibit cell entry by stabilizing the VP7 trimer even at low calcium concentrations. A disulfide-linked trimer was then produced that is a potential subunit immunogen. Binding of neutralizing antibodies to rotavirus stabilizes coat-protein trimers and blocks cell entry. Rotavirus outer-layer protein VP7 is a principal target of protective antibodies. Removal of free calcium ions (Ca2+) dissociates VP7 trimers into monomers, releasing VP7 from the virion, and initiates penetration-inducing conformational changes in the other outer-layer protein, VP4. We report the crystal structure at 3.4 angstrom resolution of VP7 bound with the Fab fragment of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody. The Fab binds across the outer surface of the intersubunit contact, which contains two Ca2+ sites. Mutations that escape neutralization by other antibodies suggest that the same region bears the epitopes of most neutralizing antibodies. The monovalent Fab is sufficient to neutralize infectivity. We propose that neutralizing antibodies against VP7 act by stabilizing the trimer, thereby inhibiting the uncoating trigger for VP4 rearrangement. A disulfide-linked trimer is a potential subunit immunogen.
The modified rankin scale to assess disability in myasthenia gravis: Comparing with other tools

Introduction: We explored the modified Rankin scale (mRS) as a tool to quantitate disability in myasthenia gravis (MG). Our aim was to correlate patients' perception of their disability with that of the care provider and determine its relationship with other MG‐related scores. Methods: We evaluated 107 MG patients at 2 neurological centers. Patients were assessed over the telephone before and after clinic visits using the 15‐item Myasthenia Gravis Quality‐of‐Life index (MG‐QOL15) and mRS. At the clinic, patients were assessed using the MG‐QOL15, MG Composite (MGC), and mRS. Results: The MG‐QOL15 correlated with the MGC, mRS, and assessors' scores of patients. Assessors' perception of disease burden was in line with that of the patients' scoring. MG‐QOL15 scores obtained over the telephone were consistent with those obtained in the clinic. Scores were generally higher in patients receiving steroids at >5 mg/day and in those receiving or seeking benefits. Conclusion: The MG‐QOL15 and mRS are useful for estimating disability in MG. Muscle Nerve 50: 501–507, 2014
Dynamic risk factors associated with non‐severe hypoglycemia in patients treated with insulin glargine or exenatide once weekly 与每日一次使用甘精胰岛素或者每周一次使用艾塞那肽治疗的患者出现非严重低血糖相关的动态危险因素

Glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes is a dynamic process, and changes in risk factors affecting the incidence of hypoglycemia are not well understood. This study explored the association of longitudinal interactive effects of clinical risk factors and concomitant medications on hypoglycemia risk in patients treated with insulin glargine (IG) or exenatide once weekly (EQW).
LETHALITY FOR MICE OF VEGETATIVE AND SPORE FORMS OF BACILLUS CEREUS AND BACILLUS CEREUS-LIKE INSECT PATHOGENS INJECTED INTRAPERITONEALLY AND SUBCUTANEOUSLY

Lamanna, Carl (Army Research Office, Washington, D.C.) and Linda Jones. Lethality for mice of vegetative and spore forms of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus cereus-like insect pathogens injected intraperitoneally and subcutaneously. J. Bacteriol. 85:532–535. 1963. —Lethality for mice of Bacillus thuringiensis var. thuringiensis (two strains), var. sotto (one strain), var. alesti (one strain), and B. entomocidus var. entomocidus (one strain) maintained on artificial laboratory media is dependent upon the route of injection, the number of the bacilli, and their biological state, i.e., vegetative or spore form. Deaths did not occur upon subcutaneous injection of tenfold greater numbers of organisms than the ld50 dose for the intraperitoneal route. From 10 to 100 times the number of spores were required to kill than vegetative bacilli given intraperitoneally. These observations duplicated those made with strains of B. cereus. For both types of spore forms, from 5 × 105 to 5 × 107 vegetative organisms were required for one intraperitoneal ld50. With two strains of highly virulent B. anthracis, ld50 values were the same for the vegetative and spore states, and for subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections. Thus, the insect pathogenic sporeforming bacteria tested are more like B. cereus than like B. anthracis in their capacity to infect mice. The similarity to B. cereus extends to the rapidity of death after fatal injection of the insect pathogenic strains. The medical and taxonomic implications of the observations are discussed.
Effects of Land Use and Land Cover, Stream Discharge, and Interannual Climate on the Magnitude and Timing of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Organic Carbon Concentrations in Three Coastal Plain Watersheds

In‐stream nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon, and suspended sediment concentrations were measured in 18 subbasins over 2 annual cycles to assess how land use and land cover (LULC) and stream discharge regulate water quality variables. The LULC was a primary driver of in‐stream constituent concentrations and nutrient speciation owing to differences in dominant sources and input pathways associated with agricultural, urban, and forested land uses. Stream discharge was shown to be a major factor that dictated not only the magnitude of constituent concentrations, but also the chemical form. In high discharge agricultural subbasins, where nitrate was the dominant nitrogen form, there was a negative correlation between discharge and nitrate concentration indicating groundwater inputs as the dominant pathway. In urban settings, however, nitrate was positively correlated with discharge, and, in forested subwatersheds, where dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) was the dominant nitrogen form, there was a positive correlation between discharge and DON, indicating washoff from the watershed as the dominant input pathway. Similarly, phosphorus concentrations were strongly regulated by LULC, discharge, and seasonality. This comparative study highlights that different mechanisms regulate different forms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon, and thus field programs or water quality models used for regulatory purposes must assess these nutrient forms to accurately apply management plans for nutrient reductions.
Financialisation and Real Investment in the European Union: Beneficial or Prejudicial Effects?

ABSTRACT This article presents an empirical analysis of the relationship between financialisation and real investment for non-financial corporations using panel data composed of 27 European Union countries over 19 years (1995 to 2013). On the one hand, financialisation leads to a rise in financial investments, diverting funds from real investments (‘crowding out’ effect); on the other, pressures from shareholders to intensify financial payments restrict the funds available for new real investments. We estimate an aggregate investment equation with the traditional variables (lagged investment, profitability, debt, cost of capital, corporate savings and output growth) and two further measures of financialisation (financial receipts and financial payments). The findings demonstrate that financialisation has damaged real investment in European Union countries, mainly through the channel of financial payments, either by interest or dividend payments. It is also found that the prejudicial effects of financialisation on investment were more severe in the pre-2007 crisis period. It is concluded that financialisation contributed to a slowdown of real investment by 1 to 8 per cent in the full and pre-crisis period, respectively. During the pre-crisis period, financialisation was the main driver of the slowdown of investment in the European Union.
A double-blind, controlled clinical trial of homeopathy and an analysis of lunar phases and postoperative outcome.

OBJECTIVE To use scientific methods to evaluate 2 claims made by practitioners of alternative medicine. DESIGN A placebo-controlled, double-blind study of homeopathy in children with warts, and a cohort study of the influence of lunar phases on postoperative outcome in surgical patients. SETTING Outpatients of a dermatology department (homeopathy study) and inpatients evaluated at an anesthesiology department (lunar phases). SUBJECTS Sixty volunteers for the homeopathy study and 14,970 consecutive patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia for the lunar phase study. INTERVENTIONS Treatment of children with warts with individually selected homeopathic preparations (homeopathic study); surgical procedures including abdominal, vascular, cardiac, thoracic, plastic, and orthopedic operations and assessment of the lunar phase at the time of operation (lunar phase study). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Reduction of area occupied by warts by at least 50% within 8 weeks; death from any cause within 30 days after surgery. RESULTS Nine of 30 subjects in the homeopathy group and 7 of 30 subjects in the placebo group experienced at least 50% reduction in area occupied by warts (chi 2 = 0.34; P = .56); the mortality rate was 1.20% in patients operated on during waxing moon and 1.33% in patients operated on during waning moon (chi 2 = 0.49; P = .50). CONCLUSIONS Statements and methods of alternative medicine--as far as they concern observable clinical phenomena--can be tested by scientific methods. When such tests yield negative results, as in the studies presented herein the particular method or statement should be abandoned. Otherwise one would run the risk of supporting superstition and quackery.
Community involvement in planning and decision making for democratization of Education in Bagamoyo district community secondary schools.

This study examines community involvement in planning and decision making for democratization of education in Tanzania at Bagamoyo district community secondary schools . The study aimed at exploring provision of education policy that support decentralization policy in community secondary schools, to establish perceptions on the involvement of parents and the community in the planning and decision making process of school activities in Tanzania, to examine the ways and methods used to promote parents and community involvement in planning and decision making in community secondary schools, to explore the extent to which decentralization has influenced parents and community involvement in community secondary schools. The research approach used was qualitative approach while the research design used was case study of Bagamoyo district. The data analysis strategies used was summarizing the content by narration of the information provided. Data were collected from a sample of 92 respondents. Sample techniques used were purposive, convenience and simple randomly sampling techniques. The study used interview, focus group discussion, observation and documentation in collecting data. The study findings are the government initiated various education policies which aimed to improve the education in. The perceptions of parents on community involvement in planning and decision making in education was negative because of lack of knowledge and skills in planning and decision making. On the extent decentralization policy influenced parents and community involvement, it was revealed that awareness on the education decentralization was low. Based on the study findings it was concluded that, parents and community involvement in planning and decision making in community secondary schools is minimal. It is recommended that parents and community members should be involved from the initial stages of policy formulation in order to know their importance of community participation in policy implementation.
Altered thymocyte and T cell development in neonatal mice with hyperoxia-induced lung injury

Abstract Background: The adaptive immune system of neonates is relatively underdeveloped. The thymus is an essential organ for adaptive T cell development and might be affected during the natural course of oxygen induced lung injury. The effect of prolonged hyperoxia on the thymus, thymocyte and T cell development, and its proliferation has not been studied extensively. Methods: Neonatal mice were exposed to 85% oxygen (hyperoxia) or room air (normoxia) up to 28 days. Flow cytometry using surface markers were used to assay for thymocyte development and proliferation. Results: Mice exposed to prolonged hyperoxia had evidence of lung injury associated alveolar simplification, a significantly lower mean weight, smaller thymic size, lower mean thymocyte count and higher percentage of apoptotic thymocytes. T cells subpopulation in the thymus showed a significant reduction in the count and proliferation of double positive and double negative T cells. There was a significant reduction in the count and proliferation of single positive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Conclusions: Prolonged hyperoxia in neonatal mice adversely affected thymic size, thymocyte count and altered the distribution of T cells sub-populations. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that prolonged hyperoxia causes defective development of T cells in the thymus.
Sex differences in stroke: Review of current knowledge and evidence

Stroke is a leading cause of death among women in the United States, and women are more affected by stroke than men. With women living longer than men, women experience not only a higher incidence of stroke but also more negative outcomes. Despite its lethal impact and high morbidity rate, the road from innovative bench research to improved clinical outcomes has been slow. This review explores the differential physiology, epidemiology, and clinical presentation of stroke between men and women, as well as the current status of laboratory and clinical data.
Sources of variability in ketoconazole inhibition of human cytochrome P450 3A in vitro

Despite the extensive use of ketoconazole as an index inhibitor of human cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) isoforms in vitro, literature reports of the quantitative inhibitory potency of ketoconazole are highly variable. In 51 published studies reporting 76 values of ketoconazole inhibition constants (Ki) versus in vitro clearance of 31 different CYP3A substrates, the Ki values ranged from 0.001 µM to 25 µM. The geometric mean was 0.1 µM (90% confidence interval: 0.07 to 0.15 µM), and the median was 0.08 µM. Even for one specific substrate metabolized to one specific metabolite (midazolam α-hydroxylation), variability was still extensive (Ki range: 0.004–0.18 µM). Only about 20% of overall variability in Ki was explained by a combination of incubation, duration, and microsomal protein concentration. The remaining variation is unexplained, but could be attributable to factors such as: in vitro clearance by non-CYP3A pathways; incorrect assignment of inhibition mechanism; and variable relative content of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 in different microsomal preparations. However, the role of these factors still is not established. Until sources of variation are more clearly defined, variability can be minimized by use of low microsomal protein concentrations, short incubation periods, and data analysis procedures that use untransformed reaction velocities and inhibition models that allow for mixed competitive-noncompetitive mechanisms.
Laminin, VEGF, and Bone Matrix Protein Expression in Uroepithelial Bone Induction—a Canine Model

A biological and embryological bone induction from epithelial-mesenchymal cell interactions has been noticed in some developing tissues. However, the mechanism for bone formation induced by the epithelial-mesenchymal cell interactions is not clear. The aim of our study was to reveal the role of laminin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and bone matrix proteins in mesenchymal cell differentiation during uroepithelial bone induction using a well-established canine model. In this model, a myoperitoneal muscle flap from the abdominal rectus sheath was transplanted into the bladder wall. After 6 weeks, the bladder samples were removed and assessed by histology and immunohistochemistry. This study demonstrated that bone formation occurred in two different directions with two distinct mechanisms. We noted that bone-forming cells in two types of bone formation derived from mesenchymal stem cell differentiation induced either from uroepithelium or bone autoinduction. Laminin was only expressed in peripheral regions of uroepithelium bone formation. Type II collagen was expressed both intracellularly and extracellularly around hypertrophic chondrocytes, whereas VEGF was mostly expressed in proliferating chondrocytes. This study indicates that components in basement membrane like laminin play a role in transitional epithelium-induced differentiation of mesenchymal cells to chondrocytes in muscle tissue. The sequential expression of bone matrix proteins by differentiated osteogenetic cells indicates a subsequent sequence of bone autoinduction.