Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amyloid- b dimers in the absence of plaque pathology impair learning and synaptic plasticity

Despite amyloid plaques, consisting of insoluble, aggregated amyloid- b peptides, being a deﬁning feature of Alzheimer’s disease, their signiﬁcance has been challenged due to controversial ﬁndings regarding the correlation of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease with plaque load. The amyloid cascade hypothesis deﬁnes soluble amyloid- b oligomers, consisting of multiple amyloid- b monomers, as precursors of insoluble amyloid- b plaques. Dissecting the biological effects of single amyloid- b oligomers, for example of amyloid- b dimers, an abundant amyloid- b oligomer associated with clinical progression of Alzheimer’s disease, has been difﬁcult due to the inability to control the kinetics of amyloid- b multimerization. For investigating the biological effects of amyloid- b dimers, we stabilized amyloid- b dimers by an intermolecular disulphide bridge via a cysteine mutation in the amyloid- b peptide (A b -S8C) of the amyloid precursor protein. This construct was expressed as a recombinant protein in cells and in a novel transgenic mouse, termed tgDimer mouse. This mouse formed constant levels of highly synaptotoxic soluble amyloid- b dimers, but not monomers, amyloid- b plaques or insoluble amyloid- b during its lifespan. Accordingly, neither signs of neuroinﬂammation, tau hyperphosphorylation or cell death were observed. Nevertheless, these tgDimer mice did exhibit deﬁcits in hippocampal long-term potentiation and age-related impairments in learning and memory, similar to what was observed in classical Alzheimer’s disease mouse models. Although the amyloid- b dimers were unable to initiate the formation of insoluble amyloid- b aggregates in tgDimer mice, after crossbreeding tgDimer mice with the CRND8 mouse, an amyloid- b plaque generating mouse model, A b -S8C dimers were sequestered into amyloid- b plaques, suggesting that amyloid- b plaques incorporate neurotoxic amyloid- b dimers that by themselves are unable to self-assemble. Our results suggest that within the ﬁne interplay between different amyloid- b species, amyloid- b dimer neurotoxic signalling, in the absence of amyloid- b plaque pathology, may be involved in causing early deﬁcits in synaptic plasticity, learning and memory that accompany Alzheimer’s disease. tgDimer) immediately prior to fractionation. The double transgenic CRND8 (cid:3) tgDimer mouse showed strong signals of dimeric amyloid- b in the formic acid (FA) fraction whereas no signiﬁcant increase of amyloid- b dimers were detected in the formic acid fraction of the spiked control in comparison to CRND8 alone.
EFFECT OF INVENTORY MANAGEMENT ON THE ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF THE SELECTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS Agu

The study sought to ascertain the extent at which inventory control affect the productivity of selected manufacturing firms, to determine the nature of the relationship between demand management and customer satisfaction of selected manufacturing firms and to determine the effect of Just – intime on the growth of selected manufacturing firms. The study had a population size of 996, out of which a sample size of 285 was realized using Taro Yemeni's formula at 5% error tolerance and 95% level of confidence. The instrument used for data collection was primarily questionnaire and interview. Out of 285 copies of the questionnaire that were distributed, 270 copies were returned while 15 were not returned. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient and simple linear regression statistical tools. The findings indicate that inventory control significantly affects productivity of selected manufacturing firms (r = 0.849; t = 27.726; F= 768.754; p< 0.05) . There is a positive relationship between demand management and customer satisfaction of selected manufacturing firms (r =.799, P<.05). Just – in – time has a significant effects on growth of the selected manufacturing firms ( r = .885; t = 32.865; F= 1080.094; p < 0.05). The study concluded that inventory management is essential in the operation of any business. Inventory as an asset on the balance sheet of companies has taken on increased importance because many companies are applying the strategy of reducing their investment in fixed assets. The study recommended that Organizations should train their personnel in the area of inventory control management that will empower them to be in charge for the smooth running of the inventory management activities or program.
A Formalism for Expressing the Probability Density Functions of Interrelated Quantities

In this paper we address measurement problems involving several quantities that are interrelated by model equations. Available knowledge about some of these quantities is represented by probability density functions (PDFs), which are then propagated through the model in order to obtain the PDFs attributed to the quantities for which nothing is initially known. A formalism for analyzing such models is presented. It comprises the concept of a „base parameterization“, which is used in conjunction with the change-of-variables theorem. The calculation procedure that results from this formalism is described in very general terms. Guidance is given on how to employ it in practice by presenting both an elementary example and a much more involved one.
Southward fl ow on the western fl ank of the Florida Current

A suite of long-term in situmeasurements in the Straits of Florida, including the ADCP bottom moorings at an 11m isobath and 244-m isobath (Miami Terrace) and several ADCP ship transects, have revealed a remarkable feature of the ocean circulation southward flow on the western, coastal flank of the Florida Current. We have observed three forms of the southward flow a seasonally varying coastal countercurrent, an undercurrent jet attached to the Florida shelf, and an intermittent undercurrent on the Miami Terrace. According to a 13-year monthly climatology obtained from the near-shore mooring, the coastal countercurrent is a persistent feature from October through January. The southward flow in the form of an undercurrent jet attached to the continental slope was observed during five ship transects from April through September but was not observed during three transects in February, March, and November. This undercurrent jet is well mixed due to strong shear at its top associated with the northward direction of the surface flow (Florida Current) and friction at the bottom. At the same time, no statistically significant seasonal cycle has been observed in the undercurrent flow on the Miami Terrace. Theoretical considerations suggest that several processes could drive the southward current, including interaction between the Florida Current and the shelf, as well as forcing that is independent of the Florida Current. The exact nature of the southward flow on the western flank of the Florida Current is, however, unknown.
In Vitro Biocompatibility of Ni-Free Ti-Based Shape Memory Alloys for Biomedical Applications

This study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility of newly developed Ni-free Ti-based shape memory alloys (SMAs) in comparison to that of commercial pure titanium (cpTi). This study compared Ti-24 mol%Nb-3 mol%Al (Ti-Nb-Al) and Ti-7 mol%Cr-3 mol%Sn (Ti-Cr-Sn) to cpTi from a cell-compatibility perspective. In all, 63 samples (21 samples for each group) were prepared, which were machined into 10-mm-diameter, 0.15-mm-thick, mirror-polished disks. Their surface morphology was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical composition of the sample surface was determined using an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDX). Sample surface roughness was measured using a non-contact 3D profiler. After sample surface observations, the cell proliferation and viability of African green monkey kidney fibroblast cell line COS7 in direct contact with these new alloys were evaluated by DNA quantification, by live cell imaging using CelLuminate Red fluorescent cell stain as a new method, and by cytoskeletal observations by immunofluorescent actin labelling. Cell proliferation was examined after 1, 3, and 5 days of culture. Results were the following. (i) Each sample showed high purity and a very smooth surface, showing no morphological differences among groups. (ii) The COS7 cells took in sufficient CelLuminate Red to visualize the cells using epifluorescent microscopy, and (iii) cell proliferation with Ti-Cr-Sn was lower than with either cpTi or Ti-Nb-Al. These results suggest that Ti-Nb-Al alloy showed biocompatibility as high as that of cpTi and that it is more suitable for biomedical applications.
Prevalence of Avian Influenza Virus (H5) in Poultry Layer Flocks in and Around Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan

Avian influenza virus (AIV: H5) infections are persisting in wild birds in sub-clinical form and are source of dissemination to commercial birds. In an outbreak, rapid detection of the AIV is considered to be a valuable tool for its handling on poultry farms. In the present study, 975 samples of tissue homogenate, tracheal, and cloacal swabs (325 of each) were collected from 40 suspected flocks (10 layer breeder and 30 commercial layers) and were processed for AIV detection using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and virus culture and identification techniques. The AIV was detected from 92 (9.4%) samples (12 samples of tissue homogenate, 50 tracheal and 30 cloacal swabs) of 4 (10%) layer flocks (one layer breeder and 3 commercial layer) using RT-PCR technique while the virus was confirmed from 16 (1.6%) samples (10 samples of tissue homogenate, 20 tracheal swabs and 10 cloacal swabs) of 2 (5%) flocks (one layer flock of each category) using virus culture technique. Fifty tracheal swabs (15.4%), 30 cloacal swabs (9.2%) and 12 tissue homogenate (3.7%) showed presence of the AIV through RT- PCR and 20 tracheal swabs (6.2%), 10 cloacal swabs (3.1%) and 10 Tissue homogenate (3.1%) showed presence of the virus through the virus culture technique. In conclusion, AIV subtype H5 was prevailing in poultry layer flocks in and around Faisalabad city, Pakistan. Tracheal swabs were the most reliable source of sample for detection of virus RNA using RT-PCR technique and isolation of the virus for subsequent confirmation through hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test.
PRECONCENTRATION OF CADMIUM USING AMBERLITE XAD-4 PRIOR TO ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROMETERY

is an important environmental constituent widely used in industrial processes for production of synthetic materials and therefore can be released in the environment causing public exposure especially around the industrial residence area. For evaluation of human exposure to trace toxic metal of Cd (II), environmental and biological monitoring are essential processes, in which, preparation of such samples is one of the most time-consuming and error-prone aspects prior to analysis. The use of solid-phase extraction (SPE) has grown and is a fertile technique of sample preparation as it provides better results than those produced by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). To evaluate factors influencing quantitative analysis scheme of cadmium in water samples, solid phase extraction using mini columns filled with XAD-4 resin was optimized with regard to sample pH, ligand concentration, loading flow rate, elution solvent, sample volume (up to 500 ml), elution volume, amount of resins, and sample matrix interferences. Cadmium was retained on solid sorbent and eluted followed by simple determination of analytes by using flame atomic absorption spectrometery. Obtained recoveries of the metal ion were more than 92%. The amount of the analyte detected after simultaneous preconcentration was basically in agreement with the added amounts. The optimized procedure was also validated with three different pools of spiked urine samples and showed a good reproducibility over six consecutive days as well as six within-day experiments. The developed method promised to be applicable for evaluation of other metal ions present in different environmental and occupational samples as suitable results were obtained for relative standard deviation (less than 10%); therefore, it is concluded that, this optimized method can be considered to be successful in simplifying sample preparation for trace residue analysis of Cd in different matrices for evaluation of occupational and environmental exposures.
Biochemical and Cellular Response of Catharanthus roseus Callus Cells to Cadmium Toxicity

Catharanthus roseus is a medicinal and ornamental plant with growing attention toward its economical value. Cell suspension from C. roseus were treated with 0 to 60mM of cadmium nitrate for 1, 3 and 6 days, then cell viability was determined using trypan blue and MTT assay. Cell morphology was investigated using 0, 10, 30 and 50 mM of cadmium nitrate as selected dose for 3 days. Callus of C.roseus was treated with selected doses for same period to estimate the hydrogen peroxide content, level of lipid peroxidation, proline content and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase as well as protein profile. In addition, the production of total alkaloid, flavonoid and phenolic compounds was estimated. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Duncan test and p
Mathematical Model of Dengue Disease Transmission Dynamics with Control Measures

Dengue disease is a mosquito-borne infectious tropical disease caused by the dengue viruses of four serotypes, DEN 1 DEN 4. It is transmitted between people by the bite of female adult Aedes mosquitoes. In the present work, we study a vector host epidemic model of dengue disease by considering control measures of the disease. The aim of the study is to observe the effects of control measures on the dengue disease development. Explicit formula for the metric, basic reproduction number R0 is obtained using Next Generation Matrix method. Stability of the disease free equilibrium and sensitivity analysis of model’s parameters are discussed in terms of basic reproduction number. It is observed that the disease free equilibrium is locally and globally stable when R0 < 1 and unstable when R0 > 1. Numerical results are carried out to illustrate the impact of control measures in the disease transmission.
FACEBOOK USAGE AMONG ARABIC COLLEGE STUDENTS: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS ON GENDER DIFFERENCES

With immense popularity and candid participation, social networking sites (SNS) such as Facebook have great impacts on both commercial and social life. Despite their popularity, research on SNS is far behind the practice. Particularly, research outside of western countries is very limited, given the global nature of SNS. With the young generation in the Arabic world embarking on Internet use, SNS, and particularly Facebook, have become a main arena for their identity construction and relationship development, playing a vital role in shaping future society. The purpose of this exploratory study is to provide descriptive information about the use of Facebook by Arabic college students, with a focus on gender differences in motivations and perceived consequences of Facebook usage. This study represents an initial attempt to tackle the SNS phenomenon in the Arabic world, and its results suggest a promising research opportunity in gender differences in SNS usage patterns. By contributing empirical evidence from the UAE, our study helps develop an understanding of the regional uniqueness in SNS usage.
A Model of Large-Scale Evolution of Complex Food Webs

A simple model of biological evolution of community food webs is introduced. This model is based on the niche model, which is known to generate model food webs that are very similar to empirical food webs. The networks evolve by speciation and extinction. Co-extinctions due to the loss of all prey species are found to play a major role in determining the longterm shape of the food webs. The central aim is to design the model such that the characteristic parameters of the niche model food webs remain in realistic intervals. When the mutation rule is chosen accordingly, it is found that food webs with a complex, biologically meaningful structure emerge and that the statistics of extinction events agrees well with that observed in the paleontological data.
A Novel technique for the Control of Processes with long dead time by Smith Predictor using Gravitational Search Algorithm

The Modified Smith Predictor(MSP) is also known as Dead-Time Compensator for the integrating processes. In this paper the MSP is a PID controller in series with a second order filter which is defined by an adjustable parameter and dead-time. Optimization of the regulatory performance of this controller is performed by Gravitational Search Algorithm. Excellent performance/robustness is obtained for stable, integrating and unstable processes including dead-time which is confirmed by simulations.
Comparative in vitro equivalence evaluation of some Aceclofenac generic tablets marketed in Bangladesh

Availability of copious generic brands in local drug market makes the health professionals confused to select the desired quality product. This study was designed to assess the bioequivalence of six generic Aceclofenac tablets from different manufacturers using in vitro dissolution study in order to minimize health risk factors. Other general quality assessments of these tablets like diameter, thickness, hardness, friability, weight variation, disintegration time were also evaluated according to the established protocols. Using a validated UV spectrophotometric method, active ingredients were assayed. All brands complied with the official specification for weight variation and disintegration time but only two brands complied in case of friability. Assay value was recorded within 92.68% to 100.51%. The dissolution profiles showed intra brand and inter brand variability. Only three brands achieved 80% dissolution within 60 minutes. Test results were subjected to statistical analysis to compare the dissolution profile. Model independent approaches of difference factor (f1) and similarity factor (f2) were employed and the data revealed that only two brands may be used interchangeably. Such study serves as a good cursor for assessment of in vitro parameters of commercially available products.
Post Stroke Seizure in Group of Hospitalized Patient in Baghdad Teaching Hospital

Background: Stroke is the most common causes of seizures in adulthood. The incidence of seizures after stroke varies widely between 3.7% to 42.8%. Objectives: To assess the incidence of post – stroke seizures, the time of onset of seizures and, the type of seizures, also to evaluate the relationship between the development of seizures with subtypes of stroke, stroke size, and stroke site. Patients and methods: Data of 380stroke patients were collected consecutively in Baghdad Teaching Hospital from Oct. 2013 to Nov. 2014; age, sex, date of stroke, symptoms and signs of stroke, time of seizures onset, patterns of seizures, neuroimaging findings, and the findings of both carotid Doppler and echocardiography were studied in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software package for Windows 6.0. Results: Post – stroke seizures were developed in (9.73%) of our patients, furthermore, (8.5%) of patients with ischemic stroke and (18%) of patients with hemorrhagic stroke developed seizures. early onset seizures occurred in (56.76%) of patients with post – stroke seizures, while (71.43%) developed seizures within the first 24 hours. status epilepticus was seen in (10.8%). partial seizures developed in (61.9%) of patients with early onset seizures, while, (75%) of patients with late onset seizures had Secondarily generalized seizures. post – stroke seizures were occurred in (81.1%) of patients with cortical lesions, (P< 0.00005). Also (20%) of patients with large size lesion developed seizures, while (5.3%) of patients with small lesion developed seizures, (P < 0.0002). Post – stroke seizures developed in; (17.53%), (6.06%), (1.47%), of patients with embolic, thrombotic, and lacunar subtype of stroke, (P = 0.0004). Conclusions: The post – hemorrhagic stroke seizures more frequently within the first 24hr after the onset of stroke, while the post – ischemic stroke seizures occur equally at early onset and at late onset seizures, early onset seizures are more likely to be simple partial seizures, while late onset seizures are more likely to be secondarily generalized, further more status epilepticus occur more frequently within the first week after the onset of stroke. The hemorrhagic stroke, the embolic stroke, the cortical lesion and the large size lesion are associated with a higher risk for the development of the post – stroke seizures.
On the manipulative behavior of low Machiavellians : Feigning incompetence to sandbag an opponent

Three decades of research has revealed that people scoring high in Machiavellianism (high Machs) are manipulative and domineering. However, the domineering style of high Machs may preclude them from using manipulations that require a display of weakness. The authors examined whether Machiavellianism moderates the use of sandbagging-a manipulative strategy in which people display low ability to induce an opponent to reduce effort or lower his or her guard. In Experiment 1, participants (N = 198) reported that they would reduce effort in response to a disadvantaged opponent and anticipated that their opponent would behave similarly if they were disadvantaged. In Experiment 2 (N = 66), low Machs in competition sandbagged their opponent when they were uncertain that they could otherwise beat him. High Machs, in contrast, preferred a show of strength to a show of weakness, displaying high ability even when sandbagging might have been an advantageous strategy.
Approximation algorithms for quantum many-body problems

We discuss classical algorithms for approximating the largest eigenvalue of quantum spin and fermionic Hamiltonians based on semidefinite programming relaxation methods. First, we consider traceless 2-local Hamiltonians H describing a system of n qubits. We give an efficient algorithm that outputs a separable state whose energy is at least λmax/O(log n), where λmax is the maximum eigenvalue of H. We also give a simplified proof of a theorem due to Lieb that establishes the existence of a separable state with energy at least λmax/9. Second, we consider a system of n fermionic modes and traceless Hamiltonians composed of quadratic and quartic fermionic operators. We give an efficient algorithm that outputs a fermionic Gaussian state whose energy is at least λmax/O(n log n). Finally, we show that Gaussian states can vastly outperform Slater determinant states commonly used in the Hartree-Fock method. We give a simple family of Hamiltonians for which Gaussian states and Slater determinants approximate λmax within a fraction 1 − O(n−1) and O(n−1), respectively.We discuss classical algorithms for approximating the largest eigenvalue of quantum spin and fermionic Hamiltonians based on semidefinite programming relaxation methods. First, we consider traceless 2-local Hamiltonians H describing a system of n qubits. We give an efficient algorithm that outputs a separable state whose energy is at least λmax/O(log n), where λmax is the maximum eigenvalue of H. We also give a simplified proof of a theorem due to Lieb that establishes the existence of a separable state with energy at least λmax/9. Second, we consider a system of n fermionic modes and traceless Hamiltonians composed of quadratic and quartic fermionic operators. We give an efficient algorithm that outputs a fermionic Gaussian state whose energy is at least λmax/O(n log n). Finally, we show that Gaussian states can vastly outperform Slater determinant states commonly used.