Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alteration in Levels of Expression of Brain Calbindin D‐28k and Calretinin mRNA in Genetically Epilepsy‐Prone Rats

Summary: Variations in the concentration of free calcium in neurons is believed to play a major role in regulating neuronal excitability. Because calcium‐binding proteins such as calbindin D‐28k and calretinin help to regulate intracellular calcium, we investigated the possibility that the expression of these proteins may be affected in genetically epilepsy‐prone rats (GEPRs). The mRNA levels of both proteins were compared across several brain regions using in situ hybridization histochemistry and Northern blot analysis with semiquantitation by optical density measures on autoradiograms from two GEPR strains that differ in the severity of audiogenic seizures (GEPR9 and GEPR3) and from Sprague‐Dawley rats. Results revealed a lower level of expression in calbindin D‐28k mRNA in the caudate putamen‐accumbens nuclei in GEPR3 (‐30%) and GEPR9 (‐60%) relative to controls. The calbindin D‐28k mRNA level was also lower in the reuniens nucleus of the thalamus (‐41% in GEPR3; ‐34% in GEPR9). The calretinin mRNA level was lower in the substantia nigra compacta of both GEPR rat strains (‐31% in GEPR3 and ‐34% in GEPR9 relative to controls). No changes in mRNA were detected in other brain regions expressing calbindin D‐28k or calretinin mRNA. These results indicate that the expression of these related calcium‐binding proteins is altered in the GEPRs before the induction of seizures. This initial defect could alter either the calcium‐buffering capacity or regulation of calcium‐mediated processes by these proteins and thus play a role in the molecular cascade of events inducing the genetic susceptibility to, and the generalization of, seizures in these rat strains.
Knowledge of dietary and behaviour-related determinants of non-communicable disease in urban Senegalese women

Abstract Objective To assess knowledge of dietary and behaviour-related determinants of non-communicable disease (NCD) of urban Senegalese women. Design A cross-sectional, population study using an interviewer-administered knowledge questionnaire, developed and validated for this study. The questionnaire consisted of 24 items with six scores measuring knowledge of: (1) diet- and behaviour-related causes of NCD; (2) diet quality–NCD relationship; (3) fruit and vegetable link with NCD; (4) health consequences of obesity; (5) causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD); and (6) causes of certain cancers. Subjects A random sample of 301 women aged 20–50 years. Results The knowledge scores developed suggest that the health consequences of obesity (mean score of 65.4%) were best understood followed by causes of CVD (mean score of 60.6%), because obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol and dietary fat were well recognised as risk factors for CVD. Subjects scored least for their knowledge of the protective effect of fruit and vegetables (mean score of 19.9%). Knowledge of causes of certain cancers (mean score of 36.1%) was also low. Women who worked outside the home had better knowledge for two scores but otherwise no relationship was found between knowledge and literacy, formal education or body mass index. Conclusions Findings suggest reasonable overall knowledge concerning diet and behaviour with NCD, especially given the relatively new context of the obesity epidemic in Senegal. However, there was poor knowledge of the benefit of eating fruit and vegetables and other preventable causes of certain cancers. Education targeting the benefits of vegetables and fruit may have the greatest impact on NCD prevention.
Oligonucleotide based artificial nuclease (OBAN) systems. Bulge size dependence and positioning of catalytic group in cleavage of RNA-bulges.

Three zinc ion dependent oligonucleotide based artificial nucleases (OBANs) have been synthesized. These consist of 2'-O-methyloligoribonucleosides connected to 5-amino-2,9-dimethylphenanthroline via a urea function to a linker extending either from C-5 of deoxyuridine or from the 2'-position of uridine moieties. Both types of linkers are placed centrally in the modified sequence and in addition one OBAN carries the C-5 modified dU as an additional nucleoside unit at the 5'-end. All three OBANs are shown to cleave target oligoribonucleotides selectively. The target RNA's are varied to form differently sized bulges (0-5 nucleotides (nt)) and the different OBANs have different preferences for which sizes are preferentially cleaved. The OBAN with the centrally positioned C-5 linked zinc chelate preferentially cleaves 3 and 4-nt bulges, the OBAN with the 2'-linked chelate has a preference for slightly smaller bulges and the OBAN with a 5'-end chelate is more efficient the larger the bulge is. In addition the OBAN with the centrally positioned C-5 linked zinc chelate is shown to be a real enzyme, capable of turnover of substrate and displaying Michaelis-Menten behaviour. The main differences in efficiency of cleavage between the different OBAN-RNA substrate combinations are likely to be due to proximity factors i.e. the positioning of a catalytic group relative to cleaved phosphodiester functions. The model systems investigated partially display the importance of catalytic group positioning and should be useful in future development of more efficient OBANs.
CryoEM and mutagenesis reveal that the smallest capsid protein cements and stabilizes Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus capsid

Significance Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and EBV are cancer-causing human herpesviruses. Their smallest capsid proteins (SCPs) were shown to be required for capsid assembly and are potential drug targets for curbing viral infections, but how they work is unclear. By cryoEM and genetic engineering, we determine the structures of KSHV capsids bearing full-length or truncated SCPs and localize regions of SCP that are important for capsid assembly. We show that a long kinked helix of SCP cross-links neighboring subunits of the major capsid protein of hexons to stabilize the capsid. Our results explain how SCP, acting like a cementing protein found in bacterial viruses, facilitates tumor herpesvirus capsid assembly and viral maturation. With just one eighth the size of the major capsid protein (MCP), the smallest capsid protein (SCP) of human tumor herpesviruses—Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)—is vital to capsid assembly, yet its mechanism of action is unknown. Here, by cryoEM of KSHV at 6-Å resolution, we show that SCP forms a crown on each hexon and uses a kinked helix to cross-link neighboring MCP subunits. SCP-null mutation decreased viral titer by 1,000 times and impaired but did not fully abolish capsid assembly, indicating an important but nonessential role of SCP. By truncating the C-terminal half of SCP and performing cryoEM reconstruction, we demonstrate that SCP’s N-terminal half is responsible for the observed structure and function whereas the C-terminal half is flexible and dispensable. Serial truncations further highlight the critical importance of the N-terminal 10 aa, and cryoEM reconstruction of the one with six residues truncated localizes the N terminus of SCP in the cryoEM density map and enables us to construct a pseudoatomic model of SCP. Fitting of this SCP model and a homology model for the MCP upper domain into the cryoEM map reveals that SCP binds MCP largely via hydrophobic interactions and the kinked helix of SCP bridges over neighboring MCPs to form noncovalent cross-links. These data support a mechanistic model that tumor herpesvirus SCP reinforces the capsid for genome packaging, thus acting as a cementing protein similar to those found in many bacteriophages.
Hematological Values of 163 Normal Fetuses between 18 and 30 Weeks of Gestation

ABSTRACT. Utilizing an easy and safe procedure for fetal blood sampling in utero we have studied 409 fetuses for prenatal diagnosis of rubella, toxoplasmosis, hemophilia, and hemoglobinopathies. Retrospectively we selected 163 fetuses confirmed as normal at birth and tested between 18 and 30 wk of gestation to establish normal hematological parameters and to follow the evolution of erythropoiesis, differential counts, hemoglobin synthesis, and hemostasis. Total white blood cell and platelet counts did not change during this period. The lymphocytes represented the main population and we observed a decrease of normoblasts during gestation. The results show a progressive increase of red blood cells and hemoglobin. This evolution is demonstrated by the ratio hemoglobin A to acetylated hemoglobin F. No significant modification of hemostasis was observed over a 12-wk intrauterine gestation. These results provide useful reference values for future investigations.
Modeling of battery charging algorithms

This paper describes a universal computer model of charging system for accumulator batteries. Among many strategies and approaches of accumulator battery charge, the main of them all are those involving charge with constant current and voltage and combined ones with switching the constant current and/or voltage during the charge. To understand the difference of state of charge (SOC) after the charging process, we developed a mathematic model of accumulator battery-charging system with the Matlab/Simulink software [4] based on the battery cell model. The developed computer model contains a charging controller built on the base of the S-Function module in the Matlab/Simulink. The signals from voltage and temperature sensors of each cell were considered as the input information signals, and the commands for setting up the required charging current value for each cell complied with the output signals. We used the model of multi-channel oscilloscope as the measuring and recording equipment. Today, more and more scientists and engineers are being involved into the research of efficient storage and usage of electric energy. One of the important tasks in energy saving technologies is efficient charging of accumulator batteries. To solve this task, we have developed a universal computer model of charging system for accumulating batteries. The S-function module allows simplifying the research of different battery charging algorithms using the control program written with the high-level language that provides comfortable toolbox both in research activity and solving the application-oriented tasks.
Peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome and constipation in two populations in Iran.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic constipation in two Iranian populations (pastoral nomads and industrial labourers) with different life styles, and to evaluate the risk factors associated with these diseases. SUBJECTS A total of 455 randomly selected pastoral nomads and 492 industrial labourers (all male) aged between 35-55 years. METHODS Demographic and social data were obtained by interviews. An upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy was performed and biopsy specimens were taken from subjects complaining of abdominal symptoms and randomly selected asymptomatic subjects. A urease test was performed on antral specimens. Serum pepsinogen I concentrations and Helicobacter pylori antibody titres were measured by radioimmunoassay and immunoglobulin (Ig) G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests, respectively. RESULTS Serum pepsinogen I concentrations were similar in both nomads and industrial labourers, and the percentage with positive antibody titres for H. pylori was high in both populations (86.3 and 91% in nomads and industrial labourers, respectively). Industrial labourers were twice as likely to have duodenal ulcer (P < 0.05) than nomads. The prevalence of duodenal ulcer disease and gastric ulcer was 4.6 and 0.6% in nomads and 10.3 and 0.4% in industrial labourers, respectively. The prevalence of IBS was similar in nomads (3.1%) and industrial labourers (3.6%). Fewer nomads (1.4%) than industrial labourers (3.3%) had chronic constipation. Logistic regression analysis showed that being an industrial labourer, or smoker and having undergone previous non-gastric surgery were risk factors for duodenal ulcer disease. When the variable 'urease test' was included in the logistic regression analysis, smoking, a positive urease test and the quantity of fruit eaten per week were associated risk factors. The risk factors associated with IBS were the use of analgesics and back pain. The only risk factor associated with chronic constipation was being an industrial labourer. CONCLUSIONS Industrial labourers were twice as likely to have duodenal ulcer disease as nomads. The prevalence of IBS and chronic constipation in the two male Iranian populations was lower than that found in western countries. Duodenal ulcer disease was associated with H. pylori colonization but not with a positive serum antibody titre for H. pylori. H. pylori colonization of the antral mucosa and smoking are causative factors for duodenal ulcer disease and fruit intake is possibly an associated factor.
Escherichia coli transport mutants lacking binding protein and other components of the branched-chain amino acid transport systems

Further evidence on the role of binding proteins in branched-chain amino acid transport in Escherichia coli was obtained by selecting mutants with altered expression of the binding proteins. The mutator phage Mu was used to induce E. coli L-valine-resistant mutants defective in branched-chain amino acid transport. By making use of mild selective conditions and strain backgrounds with derepressed high-affinity, binding protein-mediated transport systems, we were able to isolate a new class of transport mutants defective in these systems. Mutant strains AE84084 (livK::Mucts) and AE840102 (livJ) were found to be defective in leucine-specific and LIV binding proteins, respectively, by transport assay, in vitro binding activity, and by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Mutant strain AE4107 (livH::Mu), although lacking high-affinity, branched-chain amino acid transport, retained functional binding proteins and therefore evidently codes for an additional component of high-affinity transport. The livH, livJ, and livK mutations were mapped by transduction and shown to be closely linked to each other in the malT region (min 74) of the E. coli genetic map.
MEKANISME TRANSMISI GONCANGAN HARGA MINYAK DAN HARGA PANGAN DUNIA TERHADAP PEREKONOMIAN MAKRO INDONESIA: PENDEKATAN STRUCTURAL VECTOR AUTOREGRESSIVE (SVAR)

This study examines the transmission channels of oil and food price shocks to selected Indonesian macroeconomic variables including Indonesia industrial production index, world interest rate, inflation, domestic interest rate, real effective exchange rate, and Jakarta Composite Index using monthly data over the period 2001M01-2013M08. An empirical analysis is carried out by utilizing structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) framework. Impulse response functions (IRFs) and forecast variance decompositions (FEVDs) are employed to track the impact of oil and food price shock to Indonesian economy. The empirical findings of IRFs suggest that oil price shock negatively affects industrial production, depreciates real effective exchange rate, increases inflation and interest rate, and negatively affects aset price. However, following food price shocks, industrial production increases, depreciates real effective exchange rate, increase stock return. Moreover, inflation and interest rate respond positively following food price shocks. The FEVDs results clearly reveals that the variation in industrial production growth, inflation, interest rate, real effective exchange rate, and aset price due to oil price shock is relatively larger than the food price shocks. This implies that oil price is most important source of disturbances in Indonesian macroeconomy. As a whole, this study recommend that world oil and food price should be considered for policy analysis and forecasting an Indonesian macroeconomy. Key Words : Oil and food price shocks, SVAR, IRFs, FEVDs, Indonesia
Physicians utilisation of internet medical databases at the tertiary health institutions in Osun State, south west, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES To determine the extent, purpose, determinants and the impact of the utilization of Internet medical databases among the respondents. METHODOLOGY A descriptive cross sectional survey of 540 randomly selected physicians at the two tertiary health institutions in Osun State, south west, Nigeria. RESULT A total of 444 (82.2%) physicians completed the questionnaires. All the respondents have used the internet medical databases within the last 4 weeks of the study. Majority, (53.8%) used the internet resources at least once in 2 weeks, while 12.2% used the resources every day. The online resources are mainly sought for Routine patient care and for Research purposes. pubmed (70.3%), hinari (69.0%), and Free medical journals (60.1%) are the frequently used online databases/digital archives. The internet resources has positively impacted the Clinical practice (40.0%) and Research output (65.5%) of the physicians. CONCLUSION There had been considerable increase in the extent and quality of utilization of online medical databases which has positively impacted on the Clinical practice and Research output of the physicians. Ease of finding the needed information and the availability of evidence based resources are the major determinants of the databases utilized.
Assessing the Influence of Payment on Motivations of Women Participating as Oocyte Donors

We report on the motivations of potential ovum donors entering an assisted reproduction program and discuss the potential ramifications of escalating payments to donors. From July 1995 to July 1998, recruitment of ovum donors was directed at healthy women between 21 and 34 years of age. Financial remuneration for services rendered was USD 2,500 from July 1995 through March 1998 and increased to USD 5,000 after that. Donors were screened and consented according to established SART guidelines. The demographic background of the women was similar for women paid USD 2,500 to those receiving USD 5,000. The financial motivation was greater in those receiving USD 5,000 (68%) than USD 2,500 (39%). Some form of expressed altruism was similarly present in both groups (USD 5,000 90%, and USD 2,500 91%). However, altruism expressed as the sole motivation occurred more in those receiving USD 2,500 (61%) compared to USD 5,000 (32%). Financial reimbursement has escalated for the services of ovum donors in order to maintain the increasing demand. While money has become a dominant factor motivating ovum donors, its seductive nature requires even greater attention to adequate informed consent. Young donors may be unable to adequately weigh the risks of ovarian hyperstimulation and oocyte retrieval against the monetary reward.
Modeling Alberta Power Prices Through Fundamentals

We model medium- and long-term Alberta power prices by identifying the primary price drivers and characterizing their dynamics in an engineering-based bottom-up model. This fundamental model is based on the economic theory of supply and demand. Power prices will be represented naturally while satisfying operational constraints. In view of the uncertainty around their future values, we model independent exogenous variables such as fuel prices, outages and load as stochastic processes. The model simulates bid stack by incorporating historical bidding behavior. This simulated bid stack model is an original, creative approach to modeling not just spot prices but also different risk measures and forward contracts. The interactions of simulations of different factors produce a distribution of prices, with a probability associated with each price range, rather than having a single price. While common optimization models in the literature mimic the role of a market administrator, our simulation-based model aims to combine the influences of a wide range of underlying variables in a mathematical approach. Fundamental models can potentially be used for delta analysis, scenario/sensitivity analysis, measuring risk matrixes, market-price-of-risk analyses, development of trading strategies and decision support for investments or acquisitions.
Autobiographical Memory Specificity and Trauma in Inpatient Adolescents

Investigated the relation between memory specificity and self-reported trauma, depressive symptoms, and other emotional characteristics in a group of adolescent inpatients. Research with adults has shown that clinical depression is associated with a difficulty in retrieving specific autobiographical memories in response to cue words, and this pattern of overgeneral memory is related to the prognosis of depression. Research has also shown a clear positive association between self-reported trauma and overgeneral memory. This study's results showed that higher levels of trauma-both in terms of total number and in terms of severity or related distress-were associated with reduced autobiographical memory specificity (AM). None of the other emotional variables, such as depression, anxiety, worry, hopelessness, or subjective stress, were significantly related to the retrieval of specific memories. The results are reconcilable with Williams' (1996) developmental idea that a pattern of overgeneral AM retrieval originates in childhood trauma as a way of regulating affect.
Evaluation of a training program for health care workers to improve the quality of care for rape survivors: a quasi-experimental design study in Morogoro, Tanzania

Background Sexual violence against women and children in Tanzania and globally is a human rights violation and a developmental challenge. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the impact of training health professionals on rape management. The specific objectives were to evaluate the changes of knowledge and attitudes toward sexual violence among a selected population of health professionals at primary health care level. Design A quasi-experimental design using cross-sectional surveys was conducted to evaluate health care workers’ knowledge, attitude, and clinical practice toward sexual violence before and after the training program. The study involved the Kilombero (intervention) and Ulanga (comparison) districts in Morogoro region. A total of 151 health professionals at baseline (2012) and 169 in the final assessment (2014) participated in the survey. Data were collected using the same structured questionnaire. The amount of change in key indicators from baseline to final assessment in the two areas was compared using composite scores in the pre- and post-interventions, and the net intervention effect was calculated by the difference in difference method. Results Overall, there was improved knowledge in the intervention district from 55% at baseline to 86% and a decreased knowledge from 58.5 to 36.2% in the comparison area with a net effect of 53.7% and a p-value less than 0.0001. The proportion of participants who exhibited an accepting attitude toward violence declined from 15.3 to 11.2% in the intervention area but increased from 13.2 to 20.0% in the comparison area. Conclusions Training on the management of sexual violence is feasible and the results indicate improvement in healthcare workers’ knowledge and practice but not attitudes. Lessons learned from this study for successful replication of such an intervention in similar settings require commitment from those at strategic level within the health service to ensure that adequate resources are made available.
Over 57% efficiency C-band GaN HEMT high power amplifier with internal harmonic manipulation circuits

In this paper, a high efficiency C-band GaN HEMT high power amplifier with internal harmonic manipulation circuits is presented. We employed a new circuit topology for simultaneous high efficiency matching at both fundamental and 2nd-harmonic frequencies. The developed GaN HEMT amplifier has achieved over 57% drain efficiency (50% power-added-efficiency) with 100W output power at C-band. This is the state-of-the-art efficiency of GaN HEMT high power amplifier at C-band to the best of our knowledge.