Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STEEM: ALSTOM and RATP experience of supercapacitors in tramway operation

The STEEM project is a research and experimentation project in public transport. Its goal is twofold: increase tramway systems energy efficiency and allow a vehicle to run without overhead contact lines. It associates a tram manufacturer (Alstom), a public transport operator (RATP) and a public research laboratory (INRETS) with the financial support of the French governmental agency ADEME under a PREDIT program. It is based on the use of onboard supercapacitors, and a demonstrator has been installed on an existing tramway of RATP T3 line. This vehicle is running in revenue service since late 2009 and delivers its first promising results.
Does country governance foster revenue efficiency of Islamic and conventional banks in GCC countries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide new empirical evidence on the impact of country governance on the revenue efficiency of Islamic and conventional banks. The empirical analysis is confined to Islamic and conventional banks operating in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries banking sectors during the period of 2007-2011. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis comprises two main stages. In the first stage, the authors employ the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method to compute the revenue efficiency of Islamic and conventional banks. The authors then used the multivariate panel regression analysis with the ordinary least square and generalized method of moments as an estimation method to investigate the potential determinants and the effect of country governance on the revenue efficiency. Findings – The empirical findings indicate that greater voice and accountability, government effectiveness, and rule of law enhance the revenue efficiency of both Islamic and conventional banks.
Malaria status in Al-Hodeidah Governorate, Republic of Yemen. Part II: Human factors causing the persistence of chloroquine resistant P. falciparum local strain.

Two hundred and nine Yemeni with P. falciparum local strain satisfing all criteria of WHO for monitoring chloroquine sensitivity by in vivo and in vitro tests in urban and rural population of Al-Hodiedah G. were interviewed to study the human factors causing the persistence of chloroquine resistant. A pre-designed questionnaire sheet was used for every case, which included data concerning assessment of chloroquine resistant problem. The results revealed that, 54.7% of the studied group had used chloroquine for malaria treatment. About 75.0% were used antimalarial drugs by over the counter (OTC) i.e. self medication which was more common in rural (76.9%) than urban areas (63.6%). Chloroquine resistant was increased with the decrease of education level; decrease income/capita/month; among younger age-group (<15 years); and sleeping in open air in courts (56.3%, 57.8%, 56.6% and 66.7% respectively). The highest percentage of chloroquine resistant (71.0%) was recorded among cases with high parasite density (>1000 asexual parasite/microL); in presence of gametocytes (82.6%); among cases who did not complete antimalarial course (89.7%); those who gave a history of receiving antimalarial drugs without laboratory diagnosis (75.0%); those keeping leftover drugs after usage (63.8%) and reading expiry date and pamphlet of malaria drugs (26.9%). The results suggested the need for increasing of public awareness on emergence and spread of chloroquine-resistant and to outline potential risk factors useful for health workers in Yemen, especially in remote areas to identify high risk P. falciparum patients for chloroquine resistance before treatment.
Protein crystallization in drug design: towards a rational approach

X-ray crystallography is the method of choice for the detailed characterization of stereochemistry of interactions of drug leads and potential chemotherapeutics with their protein targets. The resulting atomic models allow for rational enhancement of the lead properties and consequently for the design of high-affinity inhibitors. However, a major bottleneck of the technique is the requirement for the protein and its complexes to yield high quality single crystals. Furthermore, it is highly desirable that such crystals diffract to high resolution, preferably ≥ 1.2 Å, revealing the structures in atomic detail. Unfortunately, only a small portion of proteins readily crystallize in that fashion. New approaches are being developed to circumvent this problem. One proposed option includes rational protein surface engineering to systematically improve the crystallizability of the protein. This is accomplished by creating surface patches readily mediating weak, but specific, intermolecular interactions that take on the role of crystal contacts during nucleation and crystal growth phase.
Tracheoesophageal puncture site closure with single perforator‐based deltopectoral flap

Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) combined with a voice prosthesis is commonly used for voice production in postlaryngectomy patients. In certain cases, however, leakage occurs around the prosthesis. Many techniques have been described to correct this problem. Surgical closure of the puncture site has to be done if the conservative techniques fail. We present the use of the pedicled deltopectoral flap on the basis of a single perforator in the closure of these fistulae.
A Clinically Feasible Approach to Induce Delayed Tolerance in Recipients of Prior Kidney or Vascularized Composite Allotransplants

Background Mixed chimerism induces donor-specific tolerance to kidney and vascularized composite allotransplants (VCA). However, simultaneous kidney or VCA and bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is problematic because of the combined risk and time required for conditioning. Here, we developed a delayed tolerance induction strategy with mixed chimerism through BMT in prior kidney or VCA recipients. Methods Wistar Furth rats that received kidney transplantation (KTx) or VCA from allogeneic August-Copenhagen Irish donors were maintained on immunosuppression (IS) for 8 weeks. These recipients were then conditioned with anti–&agr;&bgr;–T-cell receptor and anti-CD8 monoclonal antibodies, total body irradiation, cyclosporine A and mycophenolate mofetil (12 doses), and antilymphocyte serum (one dose); and transplanted with T-cell–depleted donor marrow. All IS was discontinued on day 11 after BMT. Results Cyclosporine A monotherapy prevented acute rejection of KTx or VCA. However, all allografts were rejected after IS withdrawal in KTx or VCA recipients who were conditioned but did not receive BMT. After delayed BMT, mixed chimerism was initially achieved in all KTx or VCA recipients with 200-, 300-, and 400-cGy total body irradiation. Long-term tolerance to KTx or VCA was achieved in most of these recipients with total IS withdrawal. The tolerance achieved with delayed BMT was donor specific as confirmed by acceptance of donor skin and rejection of third-party skin graft. Conclusions IS-free donor-specific tolerance can be successfully induced with delayed BMT to previous recipients of kidney transplantation or VCA. These findings have significant clinical implications for transplant recipients who receive an organ from either a living donor or a deceased donor with frozen bone marrow cells available.
Effect of Phenotypic Residual Feed Intake and Dietary Forage Content on the Rumen Microbial Community of Beef Cattle

ABSTRACT Feed-efficient animals have lower production costs and reduced environmental impact. Given that rumen microbial fermentation plays a pivotal role in host nutrition, the premise that rumen microbiota may contribute to host feed efficiency is gaining momentum. Since diet is a major factor in determining rumen community structure and fermentation patterns, we investigated the effect of divergence in phenotypic residual feed intake (RFI) on ruminal community structure of beef cattle across two contrasting diets. PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were performed to profile the rumen bacterial population and to quantify the ruminal populations of Entodinium spp. , protozoa, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Ruminococcus albus, Prevotella brevis, the genus Prevotella, and fungi in 14 low (efficient)- and 14 high (inefficient)-RFI animals offered a low-energy, high-forage diet, followed by a high-energy, low-forage diet. Canonical correspondence and Spearman correlation analyses were used to investigate associations between physiological variables and rumen microbial structure and specific microbial populations, respectively. The effect of RFI on bacterial profiles was influenced by diet, with the association between RFI group and PCR-DGGE profiles stronger for the higher forage diet. qPCR showed that Prevotella abundance was higher (P < 0.0001) in inefficient animals. A higher (P < 0.0001) abundance of Entodinium and Prevotella spp. and a lower (P < 0.0001) abundance of Fibrobacter succinogenes were observed when animals were offered the low-forage diet. Thus, differences in the ruminal microflora may contribute to host feed efficiency, although this effect may also be modulated by the diet offered.
Mutations in the carboxyl-terminal hydrophobic sequence of human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B alter transport and protein chaperone binding

Human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B (gB) plays a role in the fusion of the virion envelope with the host cell membrane and in syncytium formation in infected cells. Hydrophobic sequences at the carboxyl terminus, amino acids (aa) 714 to 771, anchor gB in the lipid bilayer, but the unusual length of this domain suggests that it may serve another role in gB structure. To explore the function(s) of this region, we deleted aa 717 to 747 (gB deltaI mutation), aa 751 to 771 (gB deltaII mutation), and aa 717 to 772 (gB deltaI-II mutation) and constructed a substitution mutation, Lys-748 to Val (Lys748Val)-Asn749Ala-Pro750Ile (gB KNPm). Mutated forms of gB were expressed in U373 glioblastoma cells and subjected to analysis by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and immunoprecipitation. Mutations gB deltaI-II and gB deltaII alone caused secretion of gB into the medium, confirming that aa 751 to 771 function as a membrane anchor. In contrast, mutations gB deltaI and gB KNPm blocked cell surface expression and arrested gB transport in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Detailed examination of gB deltaI and gB KNPm with a panel of monoclonal antibodies showed that the mutated forms were indistinguishable from wild-type gB in conformation and formed oligomers; however, they remained sensitive to endoglycosidase H and did not undergo endoproteolytic cleavage. Analysis of protein complexes formed by gB and molecular chaperones in the ER showed that calnexin and calreticulin, lectin-like chaperones, bound equal amounts of uncleaved wild-type gB, gB deltaI, and gB KNPm, but the glucose-regulated proteins 78 (BiP) and 94 formed stable complexes only with the mutated forms, causing their retention in the ER. Our studies show that aa 714 to 750 are key residues in the architecture of gB molecules and that the ER chaperones, which facilitate gB folding and monitor the quality of glycoproteins, detect subtle changes in folding intermediates that are conferred by mutations in this region.
Localized release of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) by a fecal pellet regulates migrating motor complexes in murine colon.

BACKGROUND & AIMS The colonic migrating motor complex (CMMC) is a motor pattern that regulates the movement of fecal matter through a rhythmic sequence of electrical activity and/or contractions along the large bowel. CMMCs have largely been studied in empty preparations; we investigated whether local reflexes generated by a fecal pellet modify the CMMC to initiate propulsive activity. METHODS Recordings of CMMCs were made from the isolated murine large bowel, with or without a fecal pellet. Transducers were placed along the colon to record muscle tension and propulsive force on the pellet and microelectrodes were used to record electrical activity from either side of a fecal pellet, circular muscle cells oral and anal of a pellet, and in colons without the mucosa. RESULTS Spontaneous CMMCs propagated in both an oral or anal direction. When a pellet was inserted, CMMCs increased in frequency and propagated anally, exerting propulsive force on the pellet. The amplitude of slow waves increased during the CMMC. Localized mucosal stimulation/circumferential stretch evoked a CMMC, regardless of stimulus strength. The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine-3) receptor antagonist ondansetron reduced the amplitude of the CMMC, the propulsive force on the pellet, and the response to mucosal stroking, but increased the apparent conduction velocity of the CMMC. Removing the mucosa abolished spontaneous CMMCs, which still could be evoked by electrical stimulation. CONCLUSIONS The fecal pellet activates local mucosal reflexes, which release serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) from enterochromaffin cells, and stretch reflexes that determine the site of origin and propagation of the CMMC, facilitating propulsion.
The role of meaning in life in community-dwelling older adults with depression and relationship to other risk factors

ABSTRACT Objectives: The aims of this study were to examine the association of Meaning in Life (MiL) with sociodemographic and physical factors, and its association with depression in older people. Method: A cross-sectional survey with a sample of N = 2104 older adults from communities of four European countries was conducted, using an age-appropriate interview for the diagnosis of depression and the Schedule for Meaning in Life Evaluation (SMiLE) questionnaire to assess MiL. Results: Overall, MiL was particularly low in old male participants, in older people from Ferrara (Italy), those with a lower religious affiliation, fewer social contacts, and poorer physical health. Furthermore, younger old age (65–69 compared to 80–84 year olds), female gender, being married, living in Geneva and poorer physical health were significantly associated with a higher risk for depression. In addition, lower MiL significantly increased the likelihood to suffer from depression in older people. An interaction effect of study center and MiL also emerged: with decreasing MiL the risk for depression significantly increases in Hamburg compared to the other study centers. Conclusion: This study underlines the association of MiL and depression in old age. Integration of meaning-specific aspects in treatment for older adults with depression may be promising.
Impact Evaluation of Innovation and Linkage Development Programs in Costa Rica: The Cases of PROPYME and CR Provee

This paper estimates the impact of two productive development programs (PDPs) in Costa Rica: PROPYME and CR Provee. The first seeks to increase the capacity of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) to innovate, and the second aims to increase backward linkages between Costa Rican SMEs and multinational companies operating in the country. The impacts of each program were measured in terms of three result variables: real average wages, employment demand, and the probability of exporting. A combination of fixed effects and propensity score matching techniques was used in estimations to correct for any selection bias. The results show that both PROPYME and CR Provee have positive and significant impacts on SME performance. PROPYME¿s beneficiaries performed better than other firms in terms of labor demand and their probability of exporting, while firms treated by CR Provee showed higher average wages, labor demand, and chances of exporting than untreated firms. Firms treated simultaneously by both programs performed better in terms of average wages than those that were only treated by CR Provee. This result is of special interest to policymakers since it indicates the importance of bundling in the implementation of PDPs. The findings suggest that policies aimed at overcoming the weaknesses of these two programs are important for obtaining higher real wages, generating more employment, and increasing the probability of exporting by Costa Rican SMEs.
Fighting Separately: Jointness and Civil-Military Relations in India

ABSTRACT How do countries transition from single service to joint operations? This article engages with the discussion on military innovation to argue that civil–military relations are the most important driver for jointness. In doing so it examines jointness in the Indian military. Relying on archival research and primary interviews this article sheds new light on the operations of the Indian Peacekeeping Forces (IPKF) in Sri Lanka from 1987–1990, the 1999 Kargil War and the Post-Kargil defence reforms. The main argument is that the Indian military’s transition to jointness has been ‘incomplete’ primarily because of its prevailing model of civil-military relations. This model prevents civilians from interfering in the operational issues of the military, including on matters pertaining to jointness. It therefore recommends more forceful civilian intervention to overcome the prevailing single service approach.
Maternal Mercury Exposure, Season of Conception and Adverse Birth Outcomes in an Urban Immigrant Community in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.

Adverse birth outcomes including preterm birth (PTB: <37 weeks gestation) and low birth weight (LBW: <2500 g) can result in severe infant morbidity and mortality. In the United States, there are racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence of PTB and LBW. We investigated the association between PTB and LBW with prenatal mercury (Hg) exposure and season of conception in an urban immigrant community in Brooklyn, New York. We recruited 191 pregnant women aged 18–45 in a Brooklyn Prenatal Clinic and followed them until delivery. Urine specimens were collected from the participants during the 6th to 9th month of pregnancy. Cord blood specimens and neonate anthropometric data were collected at birth. We used multivariate logistic regression models to investigate the odds of LBW or PTB with either maternal urinary mercury or neonate cord blood mercury. We used linear regression models to investigate the association between continuous anthropometric outcomes and maternal urinary mercury or neonate cord blood mercury. We also examined the association between LBW and PTB and the season that pregnancy began. Results showed higher rates of PTB and LBW in this cohort of women compared to other studies. Pregnancies beginning in winter (December, January, February) were at increased odds of LBW births compared with births from pregnancies that began in all other months (OR7.52 [95% CI 1.65, 34.29]). We observed no association between maternal exposure to Hg, and either LBW or PTB. The apparent lack of association is consistent with other studies. Further examination of seasonal association with LBW is warranted.
Importin- (cid:2) Promotes Passage through the Nuclear Pore Complex of Human Immunodeﬁciency Virus Type 1 Vpr

Viral protein R (Vpr) of human immunodeﬁciency virus type 1 has potent karyophilic properties, but details of the mechanism by which it enters the nucleus remain to be clariﬁed. We reported previously that two regions, located between residues 17 and 34 ( (cid:1) H1) and between residues 46 and 74 ( (cid:1) H2), are indispensable for the nuclear localization of Vpr. Here, we reveal that a chimeric protein composed of the nuclear localization signal of Vpr, glutathione S -transferase, and green ﬂuorescent protein was localized at the nuclear envelope and then entered the nucleus upon addition of importin- (cid:1) . An in vitro transport assay using a series of derivatives of importin- (cid:1) demonstrated that the carboxyl terminus was required for this nuclear import process. We also showed that Vpr interacts with importin- (cid:1) through (cid:1) H1 and (cid:1) H2; only the interaction via (cid:1) H1 is indispensable for the nuclear entry of Vpr. These observations indicate that importin- (cid:1) functions as a mediator for the nuclear entry of Vpr.
Evolution in the structure and function of aspartic proteases

Aspartic proteases (EC3.4.23) are a group of proteolytic enzymes of the pepsin family that share the same catalytic apparatus and usually function in acid solutions. This latter aspect limits the function of aspartic proteases to some specific locations in different organisms; thus the occurrence of aspartic proteases is less abundant than other groups of proteases, such as serine proteases. The best known sources of aspartic proteases are stomach (for pepsin, gastricsin. and chymosin). lysosomes (for cathepsins D and E), kidney (for renin), yeast granules, and fungi (for secreted proteases such as rhizopuspepsin, penicillopepsin, and endothiapepsin). These aspartic proteases have been extensively studied for their structure and function relationships and have been the topics of several reviews or monographs (Tang: Acid Proteases, Structure, Function and Biology. New York: Plenum Press, 1977; Tang: J Mol Cell Biochem 26:93–109, 1979; Kostka: Aspartic Proteinases and Their Inhibitors. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter, 1985). All mammalian aspartic proteases are synthesized as zymogens and are subsequently activated to active proteases. Although a zymogen for a fungal aspartic protease has not been found, the cDNA structure of rhizopuspepsin suggests the presence of a “pro” enzyme (Wong et al: Fed Proc 44:2725, 1985). It is probable that other fungal aspartic proteases are also synthesized as zymogens.
Measuring support for tobacco control policy in selected areas of six countries

OBJECTIVE To explore the validity, reliability, and applicability of using a short, psychometrically sound survey instrument to measure population attitudes toward tobacco control policies. DESIGN Surveys. SUBJECTS AND SETTING Student respondents attending university in Australia (n = 403), Hong Kong (n = 336), the Netherlands (n = 351), South Africa (n = 291), the United Kingdom (n = 164) and the United States (n = 241); total n = 1786. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The Smoking Policy Inventory (SPI), a 35-item scale. SPI scores were adjusted for age, income, gender, and smoking status. Estimates of internal consistency and tests of factorial invariance were conducted in each sample. RESULTS Across all six countries, the SPI was found to be highly reliable and to have a consistent factor structure, indicating that the SPI scale represents a higher order construct that assesses general attitudes about tobacco control policy with five dimensions. In general, the degree of endorsement of anti-tobacco policies as measured by the SPI reflected the extent and strength of tobacco control legislation in those countries. Dutch students were the least likely, and Australian and Hong Kong students the most likely, to support tobacco control policies. CONCLUSIONS It is possible to develop appropriate and meaningful measurement tools for assessing support of tobacco control policies. Strong evidence was found for internal reliability and structural invariance of the SPI. The SPI may be a useful mechanism for monitoring ongoing policy initiatives, making cross-cultural comparisons, and evaluating population receptiveness to proposed policy approaches.