Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nuclear envelope alterations in fibroblasts from patients with muscular dystrophy, cardiomyopathy, and partial lipodystrophy carrying lamin A/C gene mutations

Mutations in LMNA, the gene that encodes nuclear lamins A and C, cause up to eight different diseases collectively referred to as “laminopathies. ” These diseases affect striated muscle, adipose tissue, peripheral nerve, and bone, or cause features of premature aging. We investigated the consequences of LMNA mutations on nuclear architecture in skin fibroblasts from 13 patients with different laminopathies. Western‐blotting showed that none of the mutations examined led to a decrease in cellular levels of lamin A or C. Regardless of the disease, we observed honeycomb nuclear structures and nuclear envelope blebs in cells examined by immunofluorescence microscopy. Concentrated foci of lamin A/C in the nucleoplasm were also observed. Only mutations in the head and tail domains of lamins A and C significantly altered the nuclear architecture of patient fibroblasts. These results confirm that mutations in lamins A and C may lead to a weakening of a structural support network in the nuclear envelope in fibroblasts and that nuclear architecture changes depend upon the location of the mutation in different domains of lamin A/C. Muscle Nerve 30: 444–450, 2004
Antioxidant System for the Preservation of Vitamin A in Ultra Rice

Background Ultra Rice grains are micronutrient-fortified, extruded rice grains designed to address specific nutritional deficiencies in populations where rice is a staple food. Vitamin A and some of the B vitamins, as well as iron and zinc, are target nutrients for fortification through Ultra Rice technology. Vitamin A is sensitive to degradation. Therefore, the original Ultra Rice formulations included stabilizers, some of which were not approved as food additives in all of the receiving markets. Objective To develop a new antioxidant system for improving vitamin A storage stability in Ultra Rice grains, while complying with international food regulations. Methods Ten formulations were prepared containing various combinations of hydrophilic and hydrophobic antioxidants, as well as moisture stabilizers. Accelerated vitamin A storage stability tests were conducted at 25°, 35°, and 45°C with 70% to 100% relative humidity. Results The most stable samples contained one or more phenolic antioxidants, a water-soluble antioxidant, and stabilizing agents. The best results were obtained by using butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) in combination with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as the hydrophobic antioxidants and ascorbic acid as the hydrophilic anti-oxidant. Citric acid and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) were used to chelate metal ions and to stabilize moisture, respectively. The best formulations retained more than 85% and approximately 70% of the added vitamin A at 25° and 45°C, respectively, after 24 weeks storage. Conclusions The best antioxidant system, composed of generally accepted food additives, improved vitamin A stability while reducing the price, thus greatly improving the commercial viability of Ultra Rice grains for use as a rice fortificant.
Aflibercept in the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: latest findings and interpretations

Inhibition of angiogenesis is an established adjunct in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A, improves clinical outcomes when added to standard chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, the development of resistance is inevitable, and novel therapeutic strategies are needed. Aflibercept is an intravenously administered fusion protein of the human vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) and VEGFR2 extracellular domains. This antiangiogenic agent binds to VEGF A, VEGF B, and placental growth factor 1 (PlGF1) and PlGF2 with high affinity and inhibits downstream signaling. Common side effects of single agent aflibercept are similar to other antiangiogenic drugs and include hypertension, proteinuria, fatigue, and headache. Recent clinical data regarding the efficacy of aflibercept with standard chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer, associated adverse events, and future areas of research are reviewed.
Multiple determinants are involved in HIV coreceptor use as demonstrated by CCR4/CCL22 interaction in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)

Although a number of chemokine receptors display coreceptor activities in vitro, chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) remain the major coreceptors used by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1). In this study, we used an envelope‐mediated fusion assay to demonstrate low CCR4 coreceptor activity with some primary HIV‐1 and simian immunodeficiency virus‐1 (mac316) isolates in vitro. The coreceptor activity was sensitive to CCR4‐specific antibodies and to the CCR4‐specific chemokine ligand macrophage‐derived chemokine (MDC)/chemokine ligand 22 (CCL22). Treatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs; which express high levels of CCR4) with CCL22 caused down‐modulation of endogenous CCR4 but had no significant effect on HIV‐1 entry, suggesting that CCR4 may not be used as an entry coreceptor. Despite expression of other minor coreceptors on PBMCs, CCR5 and CXCR4 are preferentially used by HIV‐1 isolates, as shown by chemokine‐inhibition data. To determine the factors involved in this selective use, we analyzed CCR4 coreceptor activity and compared it with CCR5 use in PBMCs. We used a quantitative fluorescence‐activated cell‐sorting assay to estimate the numbers of CCR4 and CCR5 antibody‐binding sites (ABS) on PBMCs. Although CCR4 was found on a higher percentage of CD4(+) cells, CCR5 ABS was twofold greater than CCR4 ABS on CD4(+) cells. Confocal microscopy revealed strong cell‐surface CD4/CCR5 but weak CD4/CCR4 colocalization in PBMCs. Binding studies demonstrated that soluble gp120 had greater affinity to CCR5 than CCR4. The results suggested that coreceptor density, colocalization with CD4, and affinity of the viral gp120 to the coreceptor may determine preferential coreceptor use by HIV‐1.
Implementing Laravel framework website as brand image in higher-education institution

The purpose of this study is to examine how significant Laravel framework on the website can be used to strengthen the brand image of Higher-Education Institutions (HEI). Laravel is currently known as the best programming tool for PHP-based web development that is very interactive and intuitive. The methodology used was literature study, observation, interviews, questionnaires, as well as the collection of related documents. The study was conducted by a case study on the website of one Private University in Bandung. Validity test was performed by Alpha Cronbach formula; reliability tests by Spearman’s correlation and Man Whitney test were performed on the questionnaire data to analyze the significance of Laravel framework towards each brand image indicator. The results showed that the application of Laravel framework on the new website could support the brand image of HEIs significantly on all indicators of brand image of Reputation, Recognition, Affinity, and Brand Loyalty when compared to the old web without Laravel framework. The implication of the research result is due to the Application of Laravel framework has a broad function to support quality of the new website. The results can be used as useful information for web development strategies to strengthen the brand image of the HEI.
Component and Mode Models for the Short-Term Scheduling of Combined-Cycle Units

We propose a component model for the scheduling of combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) units by mixed-integer programming (MIP) in which combustion turbines (CTs) and steam turbines (STs) are modeled as individual units. The hourly schedule of CCGT based on the component model is compared with that of the mode model. The modeling of modes, which includes a combination of CTs and STs, would require certain approximations for representing fuel input-power output curves, ramping rate limits, minimum operating time limits, etc. The approximations can result in sub-optimal schedules. Furthermore, the commitment and dispatch of CCGTs based on the mode model will require a real-time dispatch to individual CT and ST components of CCGT. In comparison, the mode modeling approximations will no longer be required in the component model as individual CTs and STs are modeled and dispatched. The enhancement tools such as duct burners, foggers, and peak firing for increasing the CCGT output can be easily modeled in the component model. Case studies show that the proposed component model is effective for representing CCGTs, and verify that the proposed component model can potentially save CCGT operating costs. Numerical simulations in this paper also demonstrate the application of the component model of CCGT to schedule a cogeneration unit.
The Problem of Boys' Literacy Underachievement: Raising Some Questions

that boys perform less well than girls on literacy benchmark or standardized tests. According to the National Assessment of Education Progress (2009), female students consistently score higher than boys on average in both read ing and writing. This trend is supported by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) test results. In 2006, the largest gender gap was found in reading. Girls on average outperformed boys in this area in all of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries (OECD, 2007). Test scores and achievement gaps such as the ones described here have been used to create a sense of "moral panic" concerning boys' literacy skills and engagement (Hall & Coles, 2001; Rowan, Knobel, Bigum, & Lankshear, 2002). In this paper, we express some concerns about the ways in which boys' literacy underachievement is defined and taken up within a context that con tinues to represent all boys as victims or as the "new disadvantaged" (Epstein, Elwood, Hey, & Maw, 1998; Lingard & Douglas, 1999; Rowan et al, 2002). We argue for the need to engage with literature and analytic perspectives that are capable of addressing the complex interplay between various social, cultural, and institutional factors? such as gender, social class, race, ethnic ity, and sexuality? that affect both boys' and girls' engagement with literacy (see American Association of University Women [AAUW], 2008; Martino, 2008a). We also draw attention to the implications associated with move ments to reclaim schooling as a masculine domain and suggest pedagogical rather than structural reforms (see Alloway, Freebody, Gilbert, & Muspratt, 2002; Hammett & Sanford, 2008; Lingard, Martino, & Mills, 2009; Martino & Kehler, 2007). 356
Web advertising vs other media: young consumers' view

This paper examines how young consumers perceive the Web as an advertising medium in relation to eight traditional media on 15 constructs elicited from subjects. Results indicate that the Web is perceived to be very far from most of the other media, except point of purchase and direct mail. Conducting correspondence analysis and cluster analysis revealed the reasons for why the Web advertising is located close to point of purchase and direct mail. A noticeable finding was that farthest away from the Web is outdoor. Implications based on the findings are discussed.
Outcome of transplantation of highly purified peripheral blood CD34+ cells with T-cell add-back compared with unmanipulated bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells from HLA-identical sibling donors in patients with first chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia.

Outcomes of highly purified CD34(+) peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) for chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) (n = 32) were compared with those of PBSCT (n = 19) and of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) (n = 22) in the HLA-compatible sibling donor setting. Median follow-up was 18 months after CD34(+)-PBSCT and unmanipulated PBSCT and 20 months after BMT. CD34(+)-PBSCT was associated with delayed T-cell immune reconstitution at 3 months and 12 months after transplantation compared with PBSCT (P <.001) or BMT (not significant [NS]). The estimated probability of grades II to IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was 60% +/- 13% for the PBSCT group, 37% +/- 13% for the BMT group, and only 14% +/- 8% for the CD34(+)-PBSCT group (CD34-PBSCT versus BMT, P <.01; and CD34-PBSCT versus PBSCT, P <.001). The probabilities for molecular relapse were 88% for CD34(+)-PBSCT, 55% after BMT, and 37% after PBSCT (CD34(+)-PBSCT versus PBSCT, P <. 03). Cytogenetic relapse probability was 58% after CD34(+)-PBSCT, 42% after BMT, and 28% after PBSCT (NS). After CD34(+)-PBSCT, 26 of 32 patients received a T-cell add-back. Hematologic relapse occurred in 4 of 22 patients after BMT, in 3 of 19 patients after PBSCT, and in only 1 of 32 patients after CD34(+)-PBSCT. The occurrence of a hematologic relapse in patients receiving CD34(+)-PBSC transplants was prevented by donor leukocyte infusions, which were applied at a median of 4 times (range, 1-7 times) with a median T-cell dose of 3.3 x 10(6) x kg/body weight [at a median] beginning at day 120 (range, 60-690 days). The estimated probability of 3-year survival after transplantation was 90% in the CD34(+)-PBSCT group, 68% in the PBSCT group, and 63% in the BMT group (CD34-PBSCT versus BMT, P <.01; and CD34-PBSCT versus PBSCT, P <.03). Transplantation of CD34(+)-PBSCs with T-cell add-back for patients with CML in first chronic phase seems to be safe and is an encouraging alternative transplant procedure to BMT or PBSCT.
BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS FERMENTATION OF WASTEWATER AND WASTEWATER SLUDGE – PRESENCE AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHITINASES

Abstract This study investigated the presence of chitinases in Bacillus thuringiensis ssp kurstaki HD‐1(Bt) fermented broths of wastewater sludge (non‐hydrolyzed and hydrolyzed); starch industry wastewater and soyameal. Chitinase activity was absent in soyameal and present in others. Chitinase demonstrated peaks at pH 4.0 and temperatures 40 and 50°C with higher activity between pH 4–5 and 10–11. The chitinase band on SDS‐PAGE was found to be between 36 and 45 kDa for non‐hydrolyzed (NH) and hydrolyzed sludge (TH) and starch industry wastewater. The chitinase profile during fermentation showed peaks at 15 and 30 h for non‐hydrolyzed and hydrolyzed sludge and 15 and 24 h for starch industry wastewater. Chitinase retained 96–99 % activity after two weeks incubation at room temperature and pH 4. Bioassays with supplementation of Bt chitinases showed 1.2 fold increase in entomotoxicity of wastewater sludge and a small increase in starch industry wastewater. This study sheds light on production of Bt chitinases in alternative media which will have a long term effect on entomotoxicity of these formulations.
LuxS Is Required for Persistent Pneumococcal Carriage and Expression of Virulence and Biosynthesis Genes

ABSTRACT Streptococcus pneumoniae causes several diseases, including otitis media, pneumonia, and meningitis. Although little is known about the regulation of or how individual pneumococcal factors contribute to these disease states, there is evidence suggesting that some factors are regulated by a cell-density-dependent mechanism (quorum sensing). Quorum sensing allows bacteria to couple transcription with changes in cell density; bacteria achieve this by sensing and responding to small diffusible signaling molecules. We investigated how the LuxS signaling system impacts the biology of S. pneumoniae. An analysis of the transcriptional profiles of a serotype 2 strain and an isogenic luxS deletion strain utilizing an S. pneumoniae-specific microarray indicated that LuxS regulates gene expression involved in discrete cellular processes, including pneumolysin expression. Contrary to the paradigm for quorum sensing, we observed pronounced effects on transcription in early log phase, where gene expression was repressed in the mutant. Assessing the mutant for its ability to infect and cause disease in animals revealed a profound defect in ability to persist in the nasopharyngeal tissues. Our analysis of an S. pneumoniae transcriptome revealed a function for LuxS in gene regulation that is not dependent upon high cell density and is likely involved in the maintenance of pneumococcal load in susceptible hosts.
PENGARUH NILAI, KUALITAS PELAYANAN, PENGALAMAN PELANGGAN TERHADAP KEPUASAN DAN LOYALITAS PELANGGAN

The research aims examine and analyze the effect of perceived value, service quality, customer experience on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty, the research also examine and analyze effect of perceived value, service quality, customer experience on customer loyalty by mediate of customer satisfaction. This type of research is explanatory research while collecting primary data through distribution of questionnaires to customer in Giant Supermarket Sawojajar Malang as many as 120 customers. Sampling technique used is purposive sampling. In this case, the independent variable are perceived value, service quality, customer experience, as well as intervening variable is customer satisfaction. while dependent variable is customer loyalty. The data has been collected then analysed by using analysis of PLS (Partial Least Square). The result obtained are perceived value has effect on customer satisfaction, service quality has effect on customer satisfaction, customer experience has effect on customer satisfaction, customer satisfaction has effect on customer satisfaction, perceived value has effect on customer loyalty, service quality has effect on customer loyalty, customer experience has effect on customer loyalty, perceived value has effect on customer loyalty by mediate of customer satisfaction, service quality has effect on customer loyalty by mediate of customer satisfaction, customer experience has no effect on customer loyalty by mediate of customer satisfaction DOI : https://doi.org/10.26905/jbm.v4i2. 1694
Project Selection and Transparency Factors in Housing Public-Private Partnerships in Nigeria

The application of Public-Private Partners (PPPs) in housing provisioning is on the increase across the world. However, there is a paucity of empirical studies on the specific factors considered at the initiation, and measures taken to ensure transparency at the procurement stages, of PPP housing projects. This study examined project selection factors and transparency measures in PPP housing projects using data sourced from oral interviews with 27 experts in nine PPP housing schemes in Nigeria. Results of the content analysis revealed that the top two selection factors considered by both the public and private sector operators of PPP housing projects in Nigeria are the availability of land and viability of the funding arrangements. Whereas the public-sector partners also consider the availability of competent private sector to deliver the projects, the private developers are concerned with the location of proposed projects. It was also found that the two key measures taken to ensure transparency at the procurement stage of the projects are transparent and competitive bidding and open advertisements of tender opportunities. These imply that before embarking on PPP housing projects, operators should ensure that there is available land in good locations, sound funding arrangements, and measures for achieving transparency in the schemes.
Macroprudential Stress Tests and Policies: Searching for Robust and Implementable Frameworks

Macroprudential stress testing (MaPST) is becoming firmly embedded in the post-crisis policy-frameworks of financial-sectors around the world. MaPSTs can offer quantitative, forward-looking assessments of the resilience of financial systems as a whole, to particularly adverse shocks. Therefore, they are well suited to support the surveillance of macrofinancial vulnerabilities and to inform the use of macroprudential policy-instruments. This report summarizes the findings of a joint-research effort by MCM and the Systemic-Risk-Centre, which aimed at (i) presenting state-of-the-art approaches on MaPST, including modeling and implementation-challenges; (ii) providing a roadmap for future-research, and; (iii) discussing the potential uses of MaPST to support policy.
Role of Endogenous Interleukin-18 in Resolving Wild-Type and Attenuated Salmonella typhimuriumInfections

ABSTRACT The stimulation of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) has been shown to be essential in resolving infections by intracellular pathogens. As such, several different cytokines including, interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-18, can induce IFN-γ. To resolve Salmonellainfections, the stimulation of IL-12 and IFN-γ are important for mediating its clearance. In this present study, the relevance of IL-18 in protection against oral challenge with Salmonella typhimurium was investigated to determine the role of this IFN-γ-promoting cytokine. Rabbit anti-murine IL-18 antisera was generated and administered prior to the oral challenge of BALB/c and IL-12p40-deficient knockout (IL-12KO) mice with a wild-type S. typhimurium strain. The median survival time was reduced by 2 days for the anti-IL-18-treated BALB/c mice, while no significant reduction in survival rate for the anti-IL-18-treated IL-12KO mice was observed compared to vehicle-treated mice. To investigate the contribution of IL-18 to resolving Salmonella infections, an attenuated aro-negative mutant (H647) was orally administered to BALB/c mice. This Salmonella infection induced both IL-12 and IFN-γ in both the Peyer's patches and the spleens. In vehicle-treated mice, Peyer's patch IL-12 peaked by 24 h, while IL-18 levels peaked at 3 days, suggesting sequential support by these cytokines for IFN-γ. Anti-IL-18 treatment exerted its greatest effect upon the mucosal compartment, limiting early IFN-γ production. However, anti-IL-18 treatment had little effect upon splenic IFN-γ levels until late in the response. Infection of IL-12KO mice with H647 strain induced IFN-γ, but it was not supported by IL-18, although IL-18 levels were reduced by this treatment. These results suggest that IL-18 does contribute to the clearance of S. typhimurium and that endogenously induced IL-18 could not substitute for IL-12.
The transcription factor FBI-1/OCZF/LRF is expressed in osteoclasts and regulates RANKL-induced osteoclast formation in vitro and in vivo.

OBJECTIVE Since transcription factors expressed in osteoclasts are possible targets for regulation of bone destruction in bone disorders, we investigated the expression of the transcription factor FBI-1/OCZF/LRF (in humans, factor that binds to inducer of short transcripts of human immunodeficiency virus type 1; in rats, osteoclast-derived zinc finger; in mice, leukemia/lymphoma-related factor) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and assessed its role in osteoclastogenesis in vivo. METHODS Expression of FBI-1/OCZF was investigated in subchondral osteoclasts in human RA and in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) using immunostaining and in situ hybridization, respectively. Transgenic mice overexpressing OCZF (OCZF-Tg) under the control of the cathepsin K promoter were generated, and bone mineral density and bone histomorphometric features were determined by peripheral quantitative computed tomography, calcein double-labeling, and specific staining for osteoclasts and osteoblasts. LRF/OCZF expression and the consequence of LRF inhibition were assessed in vitro with RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. RESULTS FBI-1/OCZF was detected in the nuclei of osteoclasts in rat AIA and human RA. RANKL increased the levels of LRF messenger RNA and nuclear-localized LRF protein in primary macrophages. In OCZF-Tg mice, bone volume was significantly decreased, the number of osteoclasts, but not osteoblasts, was increased in long bones, and osteoclast survival was promoted. Conversely, inhibition of LRF expression suppressed the formation of osteoclasts from macrophages in vitro. CONCLUSION FBI-1/OCZF/LRF regulates osteoclast formation and apoptosis in vivo, and may become a useful marker and target in treating disorders leading to reduced bone density, including chronic arthritis.