Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lentiviral Gene Transfer to the Nonhuman Primate Brain

Lentiviral vectors infect quiescent cells and allow for the delivery of genes to discrete brain regions. The present study assessed whether stable lentiviral gene transduction can be achieved in the monkey nigrostriatal system. Three young adult Rhesus monkeys received injections of a lentiviral vector encoding for the marker gene beta galatosidase (beta Gal). On one side of the brain, each monkey received multiple lentivirus injections into the caudate and putamen. On the opposite side, each animal received a single injection aimed at the substantia nigra. The first two monkeys were sacrificed 1 month postinjection, while the third monkey was sacrificed 3 months postinjection. Robust incorporation of the beta Gal gene was seen in the striatum of all three monkeys. Stereological counts revealed that 930,218; 1,192,359; and 1,501,217 cells in the striatum were beta Gal positive in monkeys 1 (n = 2) and 3 (n = 1) months later, respectively. Only the third monkey had an injection placed directly into the substantia nigra and 187,308 beta Gal-positive cells were identified in this animal. The injections induced only minor perivascular cuffing and there was no apparent inflammatory response resulting from the lentivirus injections. Double label experiments revealed that between 80 and 87% of the beta Gal-positive cells were neurons. These data indicate that robust transduction of striatal and nigral cells can occur in the nonhuman primate brain for up to 3 months. Studies are now ongoing testing the ability of lentivirus encoding for dopaminergic trophic factors to augment the nigrostriatal system in nonhuman primate models of Parkinson's disease.
Trends in dental treatment rendered under general anesthesia, 1978 to 1990.

While it is generally accepted that the prevalence of dental caries is decreasing, many institutions report an increase in the demand for dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia. This paper compares the characteristics of patients and types of dental treatment delivered under general anesthesia at the same hospital during 1978-1980 and 1988-1990. Patient records for children, who received dental care under general anesthesia during the two time periods examined were reviewed. Demographic data as well as data pertaining to types of dental treatment performed were collected from each patient record. Demographic characteristics were analyzed with a chi square analysis, and results regarding the types of dental treatment were analyzed using a Students t-test. Results were considered significant at p less than 0.05. There were no statistically significant differences in gender or ethnicity of the patients treated during 1978-1980 compared to 1988-1990. There were statistically significantly more patients treated in the 4-6 age group during 1988-1990 than during 1978-1980. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of dental procedures completed per patient during 1978-1980 compared to 1988-1990 in any procedure category except for dental sealants. This study indicates that the majority of pediatric dental patients being treated under general anesthesia at this hospital facility, still require an extensive amount of restorative dental care. Although most children can be successfully treated in the dental office, there is a group of pediatric patients, who require dental treatment in the hospital, under general anesthesia. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Rôle de l’autoréactivité sur les capacités suppressives des lymphocytes T régulateurs CD4+ Foxp3+

La plupart des lymphocytes T regulateurs CD4+ Foxp3+ (Tregs) sont generes dans le thymus. Plusieurs etudes suggerent fortement que le developpement des Tregs est du a la forte affinite de leur TCR pour le soi (complexes « peptide du soi-CMH II ») presente dans le thymus. Apres avoir migre a la peripherie, les Tregs continuent d’interagir avec le soi et l’expression de Foxp3 est consideree comme necessaire et suffisante pour maintenir le programme de transcription necessaire aux fonctions suppressives de ces cellules en peripherie. En utilisant deux models experimentaux chez la souris, notre etude demontre l’importance des interactions continues avec le soi pour maintenir les capacites suppressives des Tregs a la peripherie. L’absence d’interactions avec le soi aboutit rapidement a une alteration du phenotype des Tregs, de leur capacite a produire certaines cytokines et modifie egalement leur signature transcriptionnelle. De facon interessante, nous avons observe que l’absence d’interaction avec le soi n’affecte pas le niveau d’expression de Foxp3 mais que la reconnaissance du soi induit une signature transcriptionnelle unique et des caracteristiques fonctionnelles qui ne sont pas liees a Foxp3. Dans une seconde etude, nous avons mis en evidence que, chez la souris jeune adulte, l’expression de Ly-6C permet d’identifier deux sous-populations de Tregs distinctes presentant des differences phenotypiques et fonctionnelles. En particulier, nous avons observe que les Tregs Ly-6C- presentent un phenotype plus active et regulateur que leurs homologues Ly-6C+ et que seules les premieres sont fonctionnelles in vitro et in vivo. Nous avons egalement montre un lien etroit entre expression de Ly-6C et autoreactivite, les Tregs Ly-6C- recevant plus de signaux du TCR que les Tregs Ly-6C+. Finalement, nous avons observe que seuls les Tregs Ly-6C- se maintiennent a la peripherie avec le temps, suggerant l’existence d’une selection peripherique permettant la survie preferentielle des Tregs les plus fonctionnels. Au cours de ma these, nous avons ainsi pu demontrer que les interactions avec le soi etaient indispensables et necessaires pour la fonctionnalite, le phenotype et l’homeostasie des Tregs.
Alternative of Innovative Financing Planning in Administration of Slum Areas in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

This study aims to identify innovative financing sources in structuring slums in the city of Bandung, West Java Province, Indonesia. This research method is explorative qualitative. This research is included in a descriptive exploratory study with a qualitative approach. The research data used consists of primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained through interviews and observations, while secondary data was obtained through literature studies. The results showed that the sources of financing used in managing slums in the city of Bandung were obtained through three sources of financing. The three sources include financing through income, financing through debt, and financing through wealth. Income financing includes betterment levies and development impact fees. Debt financing includes bonds, excess condemnation, and linkage. While financing through wealth includes joint ventures (public-private partnership), concession, corporate social responsibility, and non-governmental
Model of factors affecting active learning behavior: Context of three southern border provinces of Thailand

The purpose of this paper is to examine the structure of factors affecting active learning behavior for Islamic studies students’ in three southern border provinces of Thailand. Data were collected from 300 undergraduate students by using a questionnaire. The samples were from three universities in three southern border provinces of Thailand. The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed to develop the model. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were utilized to identify the underlying factors and test the construct reliability and convergent validity. The results show that the factors affecting active learning behavior (FAALB) model was found to be fit and reliable and all parameter estimates was a valid construct, the values of TLI, CFI, IFI and NFI were more than the cut-off point, the X2/df and RMSEA also achieved the suggested value. The study found evidence that active learning behavior is influenced by psychological states.
Evaluating the Impact of Brazil's Central Audit Program on Municipal Provision of Health Services

We evaluate the success of Brazil’s Corregedoria-Geral da União’s (CGU) anti-corruption program in fostering better outcomes in the health sector using panel data from 5560 Brazilian municipalities over the period from 2000 to 2011. Since 2003, the program has randomly selected municipalities to be investigated each year, and immediately disclosed its findings. We examine two mechanisms through which this program could matter: a deterrent effect whereby municipalities react to the threat of being audited, and an auditing effect, whereby municipalities change behavior only when actually audited. A regression discontinuity approach on four outcomes likely to react quickly to corruption changes finds no improvement due to the deterrent or auditing effect, while difference-in-difference models suggest statistically significant but a small short-run effect of actually being audited on the infant mortality rate. Overall, we do not find any meaningful effect of the anticorruption audit program on the health indicators studied.
Source of F series prostaglandins during the early postpartum period in cattle.

In vivo and in vitro studies were conducted to determine the contribution of the bovine uterus to concentrations of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM) in peripheral plasma of postpartum cows. In Experiment 1, cows were assigned to three groups: untreated control (n = 4), hysterectomy following a manually induced prolapse of the uterus (n = 5) and sham operation (n = 3: prolapse of the uterus and replacement). Surgery was performed within 8 h of parturition, and blood samples collected frequently on the day of surgery and once (0800 h) or twice (0800 and 1700 h) daily from Day 1 to Day 15 postpartum. Following hysterectomy, PGFM concentrations decreased precipitously, became essentially undetectable by 5 h, and remained so for the rest of the experimental period. In contrast (P less than 0.01), PGFM concentrations, which remained elevated during the day of surgery in the sham-operated group, peaked on Day 2 (sham-operated group: 1339 pg/ml) or Day 3 (untreated control: 2143 pg/ml), and declined to a basal concentration between Days 10 to 15. In Experiment 2, in vitro metabolism of tritiated arachidonic acid ([3H] AA: 10 microCi) and production of PGF2 alpha and PGFM were studied in explants of early postpartum intrauterine tissues (myometrium, caruncle and intercaruncular endometrium). Extracts of [3H] AA metabolites released into the incubation medium were separated on Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Metabolites of [3H] AA, having the same chromatographic mobility as PGF2 alpha, PGFM and PGE2, were detected. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Factors influencing the intention to use of mobile value‐added services by women‐owned microenterprises in Fiji

We investigate the factors influencing the intention to use mobile value‐added services in the Pacific island of Fiji. Technology adoption literature suggests that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use influence intention to adopt new technology. However, behavioral research suggests that intention to adopt is influenced by social norms. We investigate the impact of these 3 constructs on behavioral intention to use mobile value‐added services in Fiji—a country that has some unique characteristics such as the culture of “sharing” and “reciprocity. ” We surveyed 74 women microentrepreneurs and found that the predominant driver of intention to adopt technology in collectivist societies such as Fiji is social influence. It was found that social influence also impacts perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use and through these the intention to adopt. Accordingly, in societies such as Fiji, policy makers and industry need to engage social organizations/networks for advancement of technology adoption.
The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E in the nucleus: taking the road less traveled

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E is a potent oncogene. Although eIF4E has traditional roles in translation initiation in the cytoplasm, it is also found in the nucleus, suggesting that it has activities beyond its role in protein synthesis. The road less traveled has been taken to study these nuclear activities and to understand their contribution to the oncogenic potential of eIF4E. The molecular features and biological pathways underpinning eIF4E's nuclear mRNA export are described. New classes of eIF4E regulators have been identified and their relevance to cancer shown. The studies presented here reveal the molecular, biophysical, and structural bases for eIF4E regulation. Finally, recent clinical work targeting eIF4E in acute myeloid leukemia patients with ribavirin is discussed. In summary, these findings provide a novel paradigm for eIF4E function and the molecular basis for targeting it in leukemia patients.
The Relationship Between Flag Leaf Senescence and Grain Yield of Some Durum Wheat Varieties under Drought Stress During Grain Filling Period

This study aimed at investigating genotypic differences in the leaf area duration of durum wheat genotypes during grain filling periods and their relation to grain yield under two different irrigation conditions. The experiments were designed randomized complete block design for four replication in 2009/2010 and 2010/2011. Irrigation levels in main plots, cultivars were included in the sub plots. The study gathered data of six genotypes with similar anthesis times in Antakya/Hatay-Turkey. During the growth period, the two groups of plants received general management techniques and 60 kg ha-1 phosphorus and 80 kg ha-1 nitrogen (ammonium sulphate) fertilizer. Two different irrigation regimes were applied; the control group received full irrigation until reaching physiological maturity, while the experiment group was not irrigated after anthesis but instead received rainfall characteristic of WANA (West Asia North Africa). Results showed that flag leaf area (FLA) and lower leaf area (LLA) were not significantly related to spike grain yield (SGY) under control conditions. Flag leaf area duration (FLAD) was not related to grain yield, while the increase in lower leaf area duration (LLAD) reduced grain yield. Meanwhile, a positive relation was observed between FLA and SGY under experimental conditions, since SGY significantly increased according to the increase of FLAD. Moreover, high FLAD positively contributed to grain filling under both the conditions, while high LLAD partly contributed only under control conditions. These results suggest that the genotypes with low leaf number or short plant height and low tillering capacity should receive significant irrigation, while genotypes with middling plant height should be planted during conditions of drought stress. Under both the sets of conditions genotypes must have high FLAD.
Adjusting Synchronverter Dynamic Response Speed via Damping Correction Loop

This paper proposes to augment the conventional synchronverter control scheme with an auxiliary loop to freely adjust the dynamic response speed. This loop is dubbed as a damping correction loop since its form and function are reminiscent of the damping component in the classical synchronous generator model. Central to the proposed auxiliary loop is the creation of an additional tuneable parameter that allows for unrestricted adjustment of the system damping ratio without affecting the steady-state frequency droop characteristic, which is an improvement over the conventional synchronverter design. In the proposed method, relevant parameters are analytically tuned and active- and reactive-power coupling effects are reduced when operating with increased response speed. The dynamic response and robustness of the approach are verified via extensive small-signal analysis. Furthermore, time-domain simulations highlight the advantages of the proposed method over existing ones.
Effect of Pharmacist Led Educational Interventions on Disease Knowledge and Glycaemic Control in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in a University Hospital

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that presents high morbidity and mortality with significant reduction in patient’s quality of life. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of pharmacist led educational interventions on disease knowledge and glycaemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methodology: A prospective randomized educational interventional study was carried out in the General Medicine Outpatient department in a South Indian teaching hospital, Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada district for a period of 12 months from October 2014 – September 2015. Results: A total of 106 patients who met the study criteria were enrolled and randomly divided into usual care and intervention groups. Data were collected by using a validated questionnaire developed by the researcher for overall diabetes knowledge to both the groups at the beginning and at the end of the study. The results showed a significant increase in overall diabetes knowledge from 18.05 to 25.43 (p <0.001) in the intervention group as compared to usual care group (19.78 – 18.07, p =0.007). The mean scores of patient’s knowledge about diabetes, self-care practices and knowledge regarding complications of diabetes mellitus with respect to all the domains in the intervention group showed a significant improvement (p<0.05). A significant decrease (p<0.001) in the fasting and post prandial blood glucose levels was observed in the final follow up from the baseline period in the intervention group. Conclusion: The study highlights the positive impact of clinical pharmacist led intervention through education programme on improving disease knowledge and clinical outcomes in patient with diabetes mellitus.
Posterior Urethral Valves in Successive Generations

Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are a frequent cause of urinary tract obstruction in infant males and may be diagnosed by antenatal ultrasound. PUV have been observed in siblings and in identical twins. However, genetic factors in PUV are poorly understood. In this article, we report the occurrence of PUV diagnosed antenatally in a fetus whose father and paternal uncle were both treated for PUV in childhood. This is the first reported case of PUV that we are aware of occurring in successive generations.
Do households that sell their surplus maize reinvest in improved maize seed? Case of southern Africa

This study assesses the influence of selling maize grain on re-investing in Improved Maize Varieties (IMV). It uses a unique data set from five southern African countries of Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe where the selling of maize grain in 2011 season was linked to buying of IMV in 2012 season form sample 2,954 households. Using a control function approach to correct for the endogeneity of selling maize grain in 2011 and the accessing IMV through government subsidies, the study employed a double hurdle model and finds that households that sold maize grain in 2011 had the high probability of growing IMV in 2012. This study points to the fact that when households are able to raise income through grain market participation, reinvestment into land productivity-enhancing technologies could be possible and household food security is also addressed. Therefore developing a better agribusiness environment will take care of food security and hence government goals should not stop at being food secure but developing a condition where a household aims at selling its surplus output. Acknowledgement : This work was done for the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), as part of the Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa (DTMA) project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The authors wish to thank Deborah Maleni, , Mekonnen Sime, Samson Katengeza, Bernadette Chimai, and Shamiso Chikobvu for collaboration on the design and implementation of the surveys in Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Many thanks are due to our respondents at the study sites.
Design issues for fault tolerant-restructurable aircraft control

This paper discusses the problem of accommodating failures in aircraft. Techniques which may be used to either passively tolerate or actively detect and compensate for component failures and damage are reviewed, and suggestions are made for integrating these techniques into a restructurable flight control system (RFCS). The focus of the discussion is on near-term application of techniques now being researched.
A meta analysis of the relation between TNF-α G 308 A gene polymorphism and heart disease

Objective: To evaluate the correlation of TNF-α G308A polymorphism and heart disease (HD) using meta-analysis. Methods: Databases including PubMed, EMbase, CNKI and WanFang Data were searched (2003 to 2013). Results: A total of 5 studies were included, involving 539 heart disease (HD) cases and 624 controls. The results of meta-analysis according to recessive genetic model of TNF-α G308A showed that there were significant differences in RHD risk between the AA genotype carriers and the GA+GG genotype carries (OR=5.06, 95%CI 2.15 to 11.89, P=0.0002). Conclusion: Current evidence shows that TNF-α G308A polymorphism is related to RHD, and the AA geno-type carriers tend to face an increasing RHD risk. [Li Yang, Chunjiang Fu, Xukai Wang, Chunyu Zeng. A meta analysis of the relation between TNF-α G308A gene polymorphism and heart disease. Life Sci J 2014;11(4):204-206]. (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 30
Regression analysis of residents’ perception on willingness to pay (WTP) for improved water supply: a case from Nigeria

Purpose. The purpose of this paper was to investigate residents’ perception on willingness to pay (WTP) for improved water supply in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria using regression analysis. Methodology / approach. Data were collected from 512 households through multistage sampling from eleven political wards in Owo. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and stepwise regression. Results. Findings showed that 44.9 % of the residents obtained water from public utility while 21.5 % and 18.8 % obtained water from well and borehole respectively. Majority of the residents (72.6 %) were of the opinion that public water supply were irregular and unreliable but were willing to pay for improved water supply (74.6 %). Residents were willing to pay an average sum of N972 (US$2.7) per month for improved water supply services. Originality / scientific novelty. The results of stepwise regression analysis revealed that age, income, access to water supply, education, quality of water, frequency of water supply and gender were the factors influencing residents’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improved water supply services in the study area. There is need for government to create enabling policy for public-private partnership in the improvement of water supply in the study area. Practical value / implications. The implication of these findings is that government and public-private organisation should consider age, income, access to water supply, education, quality of water, frequency of water supply and gender when evaluating residents’ willingness to pay in the study area.