Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Solanesyl-diphosphate Synthase Localizes in Glycosomes of Trypanosoma cruzi*

We report the cloning of a Trypanosoma cruzi gene encoding a solanesyl-diphosphate synthase, TcSPPS. The amino acid sequence (molecular mass ∼ 39 kDa) is homologous to polyprenyl-diphosphate synthases from different organisms, showing the seven conserved motifs and the typical hydrophobic profile. TcSPPS preferred geranylgeranyl diphosphate as the allylic substrate. The final product, as determined by TLC, had nine isoprene units. This suggests that the parasite synthesizes mainly ubiquinone-9 (UQ-9), as described for Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania major. In fact, that was the length of the ubiquinone extracted from epimastigotes, as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Expression of TcSPPS was able to complement an Escherichia coli ispB mutant. A punctuated pattern in the cytoplasm of the parasite was detected by immunofluorescence analysis with a specific polyclonal antibody against TcSPPS. An overlapping fluorescence pattern was observed using an antibody directed against the glycosomal marker pyruvate phosphate dikinase, suggesting that this step of the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway is located in the glycosomes. Co-localization in glycosomes was confirmed by immunogold electron microscopy and subcellular fractionation. Because UQ has a central role in energy production and in reoxidation of reduction equivalents, TcSPPS is promising as a new chemotherapeutic target.
Exploiting the succeeding words in recurrent neural network language models

In automatic speech recognition, conventional language models recognize the current word using only information from preceding words. Recently, Recurrent Neural Network Language Models ( RNNLM s) have drawn increased research attention because of their ability to outperform conventional n-gram language models. The superiority of RNNLM s is based in their ability to capture long-distance word dependencies. RNNLM s are, in practice, applied in an N-best rescoring framework, which offers new possibilities for information integration. In particular, it becomes interesting to extend the ability of RNNLM s to capture long distance information by also allowing them to exploit information from succeeding words during the rescoring process. This paper proposes three approaches for exploiting suc-ceeding word information in RNNLM s. The ﬁrst is a forward-backward model that combines RNNLM s exploiting preceding and succeeding words. The second is an extension of a Maximum Entropy RNNLM ( RNNME ) that incorporates succeeding word information. The third is an approach that combines language models using two-pass alternating rescoring. Experimental results demonstrate the ability of succeeding word information to improve RNNLM performance, both in terms of perplexity and Word Error Rate ( WER ). The best performance is achieved by a combined model that exploits the three words succeeding the current word.
Managing the Process of Multi Channel Alignment - The Case of a Large Multinational Corporation

Companies which operate multiple marketing channels face the challenge of properly aligning channel strategies and operations. The case of a large multinational corporation is used to describe the complex and situated nature of multi channel strategies. The case context is used to introduce a framework and a reference process for achieving channel alignment in strategic business units. We build upon the model of strategic channel alignment – a modification of the strategic alignment model – in the development of two instruments which are applied for information gathering and structuring during processes of channel alignment. Exemplary findings from the case are presented. This study concentrates on the development and shaping of a strategy process and supporting instruments which facilitate channel alignment but also reflects on strategic channel alignment as socially accomplished and situated activity. The instruments can be used to gather rich information in a structured way and to gain the required level of understanding necessary to facilitate communication and collaboration between managers to ultimately achieve alignment.
The Correlation Between Technologies and Rating Scales in Gait Analysis

Gait is a key function of human movement which plays an important role in motion analysis. Both in the clinical field and in rehabilitation, gait analysis is useful to evaluate the parameters that are modified following the administration of a protocol of adapted physical activity (APA). Gait parameters could be measured using traditional rating scales, such as the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and technologies as a support to provide an assessment of gait quality. The aim of this study is to increase the objectivity of gait data obtained before and after a targeted APA program for a group of elderly people by integrating the traditional SPPB rating scale with the G Walk digital system. The former is an assessment tool to evaluate the functioning of lower extremity, in terms of chair stand, walk, and standing balance; whereas the latter can objectively evaluate the parameters of the gait. The sample was composed of 11 adults aged between 67 and 94 years. The participants were chosen on the basis of a number of tests carried out to analyze their levels of autonomy, intellectual capacities and motor functioning. It has planned a six months APA protocol: before and after it, SPPB and G-Walk were administered. The results showed that space-time characteristics generally improve after APA intervention; therefore, the use of technology is a useful support for the evaluation scales.
Driving and Dementia in Ontario: A Quantitative Assessment of the Problem

Background: The population is becoming increasingly aged, and concomitantly, the prevalence of dementia is steadily rising. Persons aged 65 years and over are likely to continue driving for many years and often well into the dementia process. Methods: Ontario Ministry of Transportation driving data, census data, and dementia prevalence data were combined to determine the number of persons with potential dementia who are driving, both now and in about 25 years' time. Results: Actual and projected Ontario figures show that the number of senior drivers will increase markedly from just under 500 000 in 1986 to nearly 2 500 000 in 2028. Similarly, the number of drivers with dementia is also increasing. Although not all drivers with dementia are necessarily dangerous, most are estimated to continue driving well into the disease process. By combining the above-mentioned data sets, a best estimate of the number of drivers with dementia in Ontario was derived. It is estimated that this group has grown from just under 15 000 in 1986 to about 34 000 in 2000 and will number nearly 100 000 in 2028. Interpretation: Increasingly, the responsibility for identifying drivers with dementia has fallen on the health care system, a role for which it was never designed nor equipped to handle. The risks associated with the dramatically increasing number of drivers with dementia demand a psychometrically sensitive and efficient screening procedure.
Coping with domestic violence against children and adolescents from the perspective of primary care nurses.

OBJECTIVE To analyse the actions reported by primary care nurses in the fight against domestic violence against children and adolescents. METHODS Qualitative research conducted at five family health centres in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected in the second half of 2013 through semi-structured. RESULTS Two thematic cores emerged: "Public policies identified by the nurses" and "Nurses' actions regarding violence permeated by fear and conflicts". The nurses were familiar with public policies, but they were unable to put them into practice; they were unprepared to identify and cope with the violence; they did not participate in training courses; they were afraid to report the detected cases of violence. CONCLUSION The main limitations to the practical work of nurses are work burden, lack of security, and the dynamics of work that is not articulated with the protection network, which causes the underreporting of cases of domestic violence.
The Impact of Mobile Phone Technology on Agricultural Extension Services Delivery: Evidence from India

Abstract This study examines the impact of mobile phone enhanced intervention in agricultural extension service delivery in India. Findings show that the amount, quality and speed of service delivery have improved significantly because of the intervention. There are also benefits in terms of greater knowledge and awareness of new agricultural practices, farmers’ aspiration to try new technology in the future and access to credit. The system does not discriminate against farmers from disadvantaged and low education backgrounds. Thus, a system of well-used technology, which is assisted by trained village youths, can serve as a tool for inclusive development.
Rehabilitation of Guillain-Barré syndrome patients: an observational study

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy resulting in severe impairments of many body structures and functions with consequent limitations of activities and participation. The aim of our study was to evaluate rehabilitation outcome in these patients. Forty-five (20 women, 25 men) with GBS patients who had completed primary comprehensive rehabilitation were included in the study. Medical Research Council Scale for Muscle Strength was used for assessment of lower-limb function. Patients’ activities were assessed using the Functional Independence Measure and two walking tests (6 min and 10 m). The patients were also described using an adapted International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health checklist. Assessment was performed at admission and at discharge. Clinically important and statistically significant improvements were found in all outcome measures. Strong and significant correlations were found between the outcome measures. International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health coding also clearly reflected the progress. Improvement in patients’ activities increased statistically significantly with time for up to 3 months of rehabilitation. The outcome was not related to the time interval from establishing the diagnosis to the start of rehabilitation. Hence, multidisciplinary care for GBS patients is effective, because clinically important and statistically significant improvements regarding body functions and activities are achieved during relatively short inpatient rehabilitation.
Increasing risk of relapse after treatment of Clostridium difficile colitis in Quebec, Canada.

BACKGROUND Clinicians who treat patients with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) in Quebec, Canada, have noted an apparent increase in the proportion of patients who experience relapse. METHODS To determine whether there was an increase in the frequency of treatment failure and of recurrence of CDAD after treatment, we reviewed data on cases that had been diagnosed in a hospital in the province of Quebec during the period 1991-2004. The frequency of recurrences within 60 days after the initial diagnosis was measured using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox regression was used for multivariate analysis. RESULTS Among patients who had initially been treated with metronidazole, the proportion whose regimens were switched to vancomycin or for whom vancomycin was added because of a disappointing response did not vary between 1991 and 2002 (66 [9.6%] of 688 patients overall) but more than doubled in 2003-2004 (112 [25.7%] of 435; P < .001). Among 845 patients treated with metronidazole only, the 60-day probability of recurrence increased dramatically in 2003-2004 (47.2%), compared with 1991-2002 (20.8%; P < .001). During 1991-2002, the probabilities of recurrence were 20.0%, 13.8%, and 28.9% among individuals aged 0-17, 18-64, and > or = 65 years, respectively; during 2003-2004, the probabilities were 25.0%, 27.1%, and 58.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION In 2003-2004, there was an increase in the proportion of patients with CDAD believed, by their attending physicians, to have experienced metronidazole treatment failure, as well as an increase in the frequency of post-metronidazole therapy recurrences, especially among elderly persons.
Gender and Identity Play on the Net-Raising Men For Fun?

“Rising Men for Fun”, a game of making friends on the web, reverses traditional Chinese gender relationships where women are ‘masters’ and men are ‘pets’. We explore on-line gendered identity representations and find them to reflect and reinforce cultural expectations and entrenched hierarchies. However the prevalence of gender switching and the creation and maintenance of several on-line identities is shown to free men and women to experience profound emotions and roles unavailable as experiences in ‘real’ life off-line. We describe the experiences of ten Chinese men and women as they explore the boundaries of ‘male’ and ‘female’, ‘on-line’ and ‘off-line’, ‘morality’ and ‘deceit’, ‘playing fun ’ and ‘real life’. We find that virtual identity play is not just a game and may emerge as a powerful force of cultural change. Corresponding author: Professor Richard Elliott, School of Business & Economics, University of Exeter, Streatham Court, Rennes Drive, Exeter EX4 4PU, UK email: richard.elliott@exeter.ac. uk
Noninvasive mapping of pancreatic inflammation in recent-onset type-1 diabetes patients

Significance We describe a readily exportable method for noninvasive imaging of the pancreatic inflammation underlying type-1 diabetes (T1D), based on MRI of the clinically approved magnetic nanoparticle ferumoxytol. This approach, which reflects nanoparticle uptake by macrophages in the inflamed pancreatic lesion, has been validated rigorously in mouse T1D models. Methodological advances reported here include extensive optimization of image acquisition and improved MRI registration and visualization technologies. A proof-of-principle study revealed a clear difference in whole-pancreas nanoparticle accumulation in patients with recent-onset T1D versus healthy controls and pronounced intra- and interpancreatic signal heterogeneity in patients. Noninvasive generation of 3D, high-resolution maps of pancreatic inflammation should prove invaluable in assessing T1D progression and as an indicator of response to therapy. The inability to visualize the initiation and progression of type-1 diabetes (T1D) noninvasively in humans is a major research and clinical stumbling block. We describe an advanced, exportable method for imaging the pancreatic inflammation underlying T1D, based on MRI of the clinically approved magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) ferumoxytol. The MNP-MRI approach, which reflects nanoparticle uptake by macrophages in the inflamed pancreatic lesion, has been validated extensively in mouse models of T1D and in a pilot human study. The methodological advances reported here were enabled by extensive optimization of image acquisition at 3T, as well as by the development of improved MRI registration and visualization technologies. A proof-of-principle study on patients recently diagnosed with T1D versus healthy controls yielded two major findings: First, there was a clear difference in whole-pancreas nanoparticle accumulation in patients and controls; second, the patients with T1D exhibited pronounced inter- and intrapancreatic heterogeneity in signal intensity. The ability to generate noninvasive, 3D, high-resolution maps of pancreatic inflammation in autoimmune diabetes should prove invaluable in assessing disease initiation and progression and as an indicator of response to emerging therapies.
The Potential Effect of L-arginine on Mice Placenta

L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway has emerged as novel regulators of several vital roles in the reproductive function which comprise pregnancy events, such as placental development. This study was done to pharmacologically enhance the performance of female reproductive system by using L-arginine powder as forerunner of nitric oxide. The study protocol consists of total number of 96 pregnant mice divided equally into two main groups (48 animals per group) and handled as follows: 1st Control group given normal saline orally daily and 2nd L-arginine dosed group 200 mg/kg BW 20% orally daily, both groups were randomly divided into four subgroup according to dosed period of pregnancy term, the dosed periods were 1-15 days, 7-15 days, 7-21 days and 15-21 days. Several parameters were evaluated and displayed the following results: L-arginine concentration in uterine tissue was elevated in association with increased body, uterine, placenta and fetus weights. That presumably was controlled by an increase food and water intakes. Hormonal levels (estrogen and progesterone) mainly at 7-21 days and 15-21 days of gestation dosed periods. Those results showed histological and stereological profile which illustrated the activity and enlargement of placental layers acquaintance with increasing blood vessels (angiogenesis and vasodilation) and vascular density (%) especially in 7-21 and 15-21 of dosed gestation periods led to an increase placental volume and geometric parameters (cm), weight (gm) and proportional thickness (cm), vascular density, and blood vessels. Fetal traits parameters, displayed significant statistical values of fetuses and weights in all gestation periods expressed at 15-21 days as the best results. Also, increases other parameters: blood volume, steriometry values, histological assessments and alkaline phosphatase and lactogens values. The endpoints of this study presented the L-arginine donated NO which was capable of increasing remodeling blood supply and improvement of some reproductive phenotypic properties of animal models and significant number of fetuses viability.
Assessing a Mixture Model for Clustering with the Integrated Completed Likelihood

We propose an assessing method of mixture model in a cluster analysis setting with integrated completed likelihood. For this purpose, the observed data are assigned to unknown clusters using a maximum a posteriori operator. Then, the integrated completed likelihood (ICL) is approximated using the Bayesian information criterion (BIC). Numerical experiments on simulated and real data of the resulting ICL criterion show that it performs well both for choosing a mixture model and a relevant number of clusters. In particular, ICL appears to be more robust than BIC to violation of some of the mixture model assumptions and it can select a number of dusters leading to a sensible partitioning of the data.
Increased hepatic progenitor cell response and ductular reaction in patients with severe recurrent HCV post‐liver transplantation

Post‐liver transplant (LT) hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients may develop allograft cirrhosis and rarely fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH), while others have a stable course. Hepatic progenitor cells (HPC) may be implicated in liver injury and fibrogenesis through ductular reaction (DR). We studied HPC response and DR in three distinct post‐LT patterns of HCV: stable recurrence, allograft cirrhosis, and FCH.
Determination of age from pubic symphysis: an autopsy study

The present study was conducted on three hundred and thirty-six cases brought for autopsy to the Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India, during the period 2000-2002. Pubic bones of either sex were analysed according to Todd's method (1920; 1921a,b,c) as modified by McKern and Stewart (1957) to assess and compare the known age of the corpses. Cases belonged to both sexes, i.e. 79.46% males and 20.54% females. All the cases were above the age of 17 years. No difference was noted in the scoring of right and left pubic bones. The age estimation from different components in males and females up to the total score of 10 (23-28 years) was ±6, whereas above a score of 10 the estimated age was ±12 in males and ±9 in females. The age range given for scores of 14 and 15, which were 29+ and 36+ respectively, did not account for variability of age after 40 years. Therefore, the age assessment from pubic bones in the fourth decade age group and beyond is not reliable which is in variance to the study by McKern and Stewart (1957).
A Synthesis of Six Exploratory, European Case Studies of Successfully Exited, Venture Capital-Financed, New Technology-Based Firms

This research presents the summary findings on six case studies of successful, venture capital investments in new technology-based firms in four European countries. In all cases, the enterprises had been financed by specialist, early-stage, and technology-focused venture funds which had exited the investments at a significant economic return. The exceptional competence and track records of the founder managers, and their defensible product position in growing markets, each appeared to be a common feature across the individual case studies. The paper also questions the unitary nature of the entrepreneurial process, arguing for entrepreneurial resources to be seen as an eclectically sourced stock.
Additive manufactured push‐fit implant fixation with screw‐strength pull out

Additive manufacturing offers exciting new possibilities for improving long‐term metallic implant fixation in bone through enabling open porous structures for bony ingrowth. The aim of this research was to investigate how the technology could also improve initial fixation, a precursor to successful long‐term fixation. A new barbed fixation mechanism, relying on flexible struts was proposed and manufactured as a push‐fit peg. The technology was optimized using a synthetic bone model and compared with conventional press‐fit peg controls tested over a range of interference fits. Optimum designs, achieving maximum pull‐out force, were subsequently tested in a cadaveric femoral condyle model. The barbed fixation surface provided more than double the pull‐out force for less than a third of the insertion force compared to the best performing conventional press‐fit peg (p < 0.001). Indeed, it provided screw‐strength pull out from a push‐fit device (1,124 ± 146 N). This step change in implant fixation potential offers new capabilities for low profile, minimally invasive implant design, while providing new options to simplify surgery, allowing for one‐piece push‐fit components with high levels of initial stability. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 36:1508–1518, 2018.
Teaching Practices and Pedagogical Innovations

Fortunately, teaching practices help shape the learning experiences and increase motivation and achievement for students. In addition, it has been revealed that when teachers collaborate well together they also tend to work better with students. This new informative publication clearly identifies and arranges profiles in relation to two connected areas of professional teacher practices: classroom teaching practices and participation in professional learning communities. This practical book enables a more comprehensive understanding of teaching practice and participation in professional learning communities nationally and internationally. It provides policy makers and other key stakeholders with the relevant information they need for educational system monitoring.
A Model of Brand Prestige Formation in the Casino Industry

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the antecedents and consequences of brand prestige in the casino industry. To test the proposed model, this study collected data from 228 casino customers in the United States. The results of the data analysis show that three types of casino service quality (i.e. game service, service environment, and service delivery) influence the formation of brand prestige and can thus help to enhance social value, brand preference, and revisit intentions. Finally, brand consciousness moderated the relationship between brand prestige and brand preference.