Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amyloid-Beta Associated with Chitosan Nano-Carrier has Favorable Immunogenicity and Permeates the BBB

Subfragments of amyloid-beta (Aβ) appear to protect neurons from Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) has limited in vivo research. The aim of this study is to explore permeation of the BBB by chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Aβ and to evaluate immunogenicity of these particles. Chitosan microspheres were prepared by mechanical stirring emulsification methods combined with chemical crosslinking. Morphological characteristics of the nanoparticles were examined using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The peptide association efficiency was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Fluorescently labeled chitosan nanoparticle-intramembranous fragments of Aβ (NP-IF-A) were administered systemically to mice in order to evaluate brain translocation by fluorescence microscopy. The immunogenicity of the nano-vaccine was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All nanoparticles analyzed were well-separated, roughly spherical structures with uniform particle size distribution in the range of 15.23 ± 10.97 nm. The peptide association efficiency was 78.4%. The brain uptake efficiency of nano-antigen was 80.6%; uptake efficiency of antigen alone was only 20.6%. ELISA showed that the nano-vaccine had favorable immunogenicity. A chitosan nano-carrier for Aβ allowed permeation of the BBB and was non-immunogenic. These findings indicate that this novel targeted nano-vaccine delivery system can be used as a carrier for Aβ. This system will further research of peptide vaccines for AD.
A critical narrative analysis of the deployment of corporate arrangements in the conduct of government employee pension fund

The South African (SA) government is experiencing problems with regard to its service delivery mandate in public institutions. These problems have resulted from a number of factors, such as SA’s history of unequal distribution of resources; the introduction of remedial legislations and programmes when the new government took office in 1994; incorrect implementation of these legislations and programmes with the accompanying departure of skilled managers accompanied by the influx of new and inexperienced managers. Deliberate interventions were introduced to address this service delivery problem however, many public institutions remain unsuccessful in fulfilling their mandate to service delivery. In this study, the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) is used as a case study to learn more about the effect of corporate governance in addressing service delivery problems in public institutions. As a government entity, the GEPF experienced some service delivery problems with regard to its mandate. Like any other public entity in SA, the GEPF is governed by all legislative provisions governing public entities and is equally affected by challenges such as scarcity of resources (financial; equipment and skills). The objectives of the study is to identify major principles and techniques related to corporatisation as an approach to management practice; to identify major challenges encountered by GEPF prior to corporatisation; and to analyse the deployment of corporate arrangements in the conduct of the GEPF in relation to these techniques and principles. The basis of this research is a thorough literature study and interviews with managers of the GEPF. The major finding of this study is that the GEPF has entrusted basic duties and responsibilities affecting its mandate to employer institutions (EIs). These basic yet sensitive functions have been left arbitrarily to EIs, hence the GEPF is unable to execute its duties in its benefits administration in line with its vision. Other findings include internal processes are incorrectly applied, thus hampering effective and efficient benefits administration; there is lack of, or limited use of a performance management system; there is an inability to deal with predictable problems; and the organisation of resources does not support the vision of the GEPF. Achievements in terms of the corporatisation process to improve performance were noted. The enrolment of the services of consultants to assist the GEPF to improve its performance led to the following: approval of the organisational structure that supports the GEPF’s vision; Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za
A Self-Stabilizing Algorithm for Maximal Matching in Anonymous Networks

We propose a self-stabilizing algorithm for computing a maximal matching in an anonymous network. The complexity is O(2) moves with high probability, under the adversarial distributed daemon. Among all adversarial distributed daemons and with the anonymous assumption, our algorithm provides the best known complexity. Moreover, the previous best known algorithm working under the same daemon and using identity has a O(m) complexity leading to the same order of growth than our anonymous algorithm. Finally, we do not make the common assumption that a node can determine whether one of its neighbors points to it or to another node, and still we present a solution with the same asymptotic behavior.
Perceptions and Expectations of Staffs from Training Services Provided by NISOC's Training centre Based on SERVQUAL Model

Introduction: The evaluation of training services quality in training centers is one of the major steps in improving quality. Deciding the amount of difference between the present condition and expected condition can facilitate the promotion of training services quality. Methods: This study was a descriptive–survey. The population size was the 1217 learners attending the on-the-job training courses in training centers (computer, Technical-specific and management) in the Training and Development Department of National Iranian South Oil Company (NISOC) in the second half of 2014. The sample volume was decided 292 people using the Cochran Formula (1977). The sample size of each training center was chosen based on the percentage of the learners in the population size using the randomstratified method. The data collection was done via SERVQUAL standard questionnaire. The questionnaire measured the gap in the five dimensions of service quality. The data were analyzed using SPSS software as well as conducting descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis Test. Results and Analysis: The findings showed no gaps for the two dimensions of empathy and reliability and a negative one for the tangible (-0.66), responsiveness (-0.41) and assurance (-1.44). No difference was found between the quality of training services in training centers. Conclusion: Although the mean of percent condition is higher than the average(4.01) but the observed gap between the expectations and perceptions proves that the learners expectation for the provided services were not fulfilled. As a result it is suggested that for establishing the customer-care culture, the dimensions which had the biggest gap be prioritized when allocating the budget.
Revenue Management: Advanced Strategies and Tools to Enhance Firm Profitability

Much of the past research on revenue management (RM) has focused on forecasting and optimization models and, more recently, on adaptation of RM to the specific needs in various industries, such as restaurants, car rental, transport and even health care services. Surprisingly, although many industries have become increasingly customer-focused, the customer seems to have been relatively forgotten in this stream of research. Our intent in this monograph is to help explore the role of marketing in RM in more depth.
Performance analysis of a PM brushless rotor claw pole motor using 3D FEM

A new type of PM brushless claw pole motor (CPM) with soft magnetic composite (SMC) core is presented and analyzed in this paper. The rotor field of the CPM is generated by the PM mounted on the claw pole surface, the three-phase stator windings are fed with variable-frequency three-phase AC currents. The advantages of the proposed CPM are that there are no slip rings on the rotor, and it can achieve the higher power density and efficiency improvement. The effects of the claw-pole structure parameters, the air-gap length, the phase of stator current and the PM thinner parameter of the proposed CPM on the output torque are investigated by using three-dimensional time-stepping finite element method (3D TS-FEM). The optimal rotor structure of the proposed CPM is obtained by using the response surface methodology (RSM) and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method and the comparison of full-load performances of the proposed CPM with different material cores (SMC and silicon steel) is analyzed.
Adaptive capability to reverse logistics - An empirical study in European electronics industry

Reverse Logistics was previously not an important driver of supply chain in European electronics industry to create differentiation and cost reduction, suggesting that it might not be managed strategically. However, because of transformed market with the enforcements of laws, the scarcity of resources, and the more powerful customers, many companies have adjusted their existing supply chain to adapt to reverse logistics, which resolves the issues related to reverse flows for complying with the law, satisfying customers, and recapturing value. Reverse logistics has today become a competitive necessity and has gained increased acceptance of profitable business strategy. This study uses structural equation modeling technique with Partial Least Squares to examine how firms adapt to reverse logistics and its influences on reverse logistics performance. Empirical results relying on responses from 102 firms in European electronics industry indicate that there has been increasing adaptability to reverse logistics through resource commitments, strategy formulation, liberalized returns policy, capabilities and performance of reverse logistics. Testing indirect effects of resource commitments on performance of reverse logistics through multiple mediator models suggests that formulating a proper strategy of reverse logistics is currently the most important adaptability influencing performance of reverse logistics.
Immunosensitization of Tumor Cells to Dendritic Cell-Activated Immune Responses with the Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib (PS-341, Velcade)1

Proteasome inhibition results in proapoptotic changes in cancer cells, which may make them more sensitive to immune effector cells. We established a murine model to test whether the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib could sensitize established B16 melanoma tumors to dendritic cell (DC)-activated immune effector cells. Day 3-established s.c. B16 tumors had significantly decreased tumor outgrowth when treated with a combination of bortezomib and DC, regardless of whether the DC were loaded or not with a tumor Ag. In vivo Ab-depletion studies demonstrated that the effector cells were NK and CD8+ cells, but not CD4+ cells. NF-κB nuclear transcription factor assay and gene-expression profiling of B16 treated with bortezomib was consistent with inhibition of NF-κB target genes leading to a proapoptotic phenotype. In vitro lytic assays demonstrated that TNF-α, but not perforin, Fas-ligand, or TRAIL, was responsible for bortezomib-sensitized B16 cytotoxicity. In conclusion, the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib can pharmacologically sensitize tumor cells to the lytic effects of DC-activated immune effector cells.
Chapter 4 Calsequestrin

I. Sarcoplasmic Reticulum . 152 II. Isolated Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Vesicles . 153 III. Isolation of Calsequestrin . 155 IV. Ca Binding by Calsequestrin . 155 V. Size and Shape of Calsequestrin. 157 VI. Amino Acid Sequence . 159 VII. Carbohydrate Content. 160 VIII. Stains-All Staining. 160 IX. Properties of Calsequestrin in Other Muscles. 161 X. Phosphorylation of Calsequestrin . 162 XI. Localization of Calsequestrin . 163 XII. Biosynthesis. 166 XIII. Calsequestrin in Disease . 168 References . 168
Acquisitions of bankrupt and distressed firms

We focus on acquisitions of bankrupt firms and firms that recently emerged from Chapter 11 and compare these firms with acquired distressed firms to determine whether or not transaction timing plays a role in the outcomes of the mergers. We analyse deal premiums (or lack thereof) and evaluate post-merger operating cash flows to determine whether or not timing of the transactions impacts their effectiveness and success. We find that distressed targets sell their assets at a premium or at a discount smaller than bankrupt firms do, thereby benefiting from acquisitions more than bankrupt targets. We also find that abnormal post-merger cash flow and cumulative abnormal return changes are more pronounced for bankrupt than distressed firms, indicating that acquisitions in Chapter 11 add greater economic value for both target and its acquirer than do acquisitions outside of bankruptcy. We observe post-merger market performance improvements for bankrupt and not distressed firms.
The significance of thymidine phosphorylase/platelet‐derived endothelial cell growth factor activity in renal cell carcinoma

Thymidine phosphorylase (TP) is identical to platelet‐derived endothelial cell growth factor (PDECGF) and has angiogenic activity. Little is known about the significance of TP/PDECGF activity in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The authors examined the enzymatic activity of TP in 66 RCC specimens and investigated the association between the level of TP activity and the stage/grade status of patients with RCC. Furthermore, the authors examined the correlation between TP/PDECGF activity and prognosis.
A survey on software components search and retrieval

In the literature, several works that explore component search may be found, since the decade of 90 until today. Current research on component-based software engineering (CBSE) point to the creation of component markets, which allow reuse to occur at large scale. Although search mechanisms play a very important role in such markets, the literature is quite poor in putting these two concerns together. This work presents a survey about the main research on component search, and discusses how should be a mechanism to efficiently search components, in order to offer support for future component markets.
English Assistant: a support strategy for on-line second language learning

We present an approach to the provision of on-line assistance for learners of English as a second language. The basis for this design is the application of directed support in the form of 'dynamic annotation' to English information. Critically, we aim to provide aid where it is likely to be needed most. Our work falls into two parts. Firstly, we have a mechanism that facilitates the dynamic annotation of English content Web pages. Secondly, we are investigating the application of criteria to drive the decision-making that underlies such support.
Weighted statistics for aggregation and linkage analysis of human longevity in selected families: The Leiden Longevity Study

Typically long‐lived sibling pairs have been collected for linkage analysis of human longevity and information on life span of first‐degree relatives is available to assess familial aggregation of life span. We propose a new weighted statistic for aggregation analysis, which tests for a relationship between a family history of excessive survival of the sibships of the long‐lived pairs and the survival of their parents and their offspring. For linkage analysis, we derive a new weighted score statistic from a simple gamma frailty model, which assigns more weight to excessive long‐lived pairs. We apply the methods to data from the Leiden Longevity Study, which consists of sibling pairs of age 90 years or above and their first‐degree relatives. The pairs have been genotyped for microsatellite markers in a candidate region. Association was present between survival within the sibships and survival of the offspring, but not with the parental generation. For linkage analysis, weighting increased the value of the test statistic, but the result was not statistically significant. About the methods we conclude that the statistic for aggregation provides insight into clustering of life span and the statistic for linkage provides a new tool to include demographic information into the analysis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Digital signal processing for spectrally-sliced coherent optical receivers

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel DSP concept in bandwidth-oriented coherent receivers for flexible optical communication systems. A 7000-km transparent reach is achieved for a 56-GBd-PM-QPSK single channel transmission using a pair of 40-GSa/s oscilloscopes with 16-GHz optical front-ends.
Efficacy and side‐effects of clozapine not associated with variation in the 5‐HT2C receptor

IN the present study we tested the hypothesis that individual response to clozapine treatment and/or the occurrence of side-effects may be influenced by genetic variation in the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor. We investigated the frequency of a common Cys23Ser substitution, which is known to alter the pharmacological properties of the protein, in 152 patients treated with clozapine. Presence of the Ser23 variant was previously reported to predict a good response to clozapine. However, our results did not support an association between genetic variation of the 5-HT2C receptor and response to clozapine. This held true whether the patients were subgrouped for sex and length of treatment. Moreover, we found no consistent association with any of the observed side-effects.
Survival of older patients with cancer in the Veterans Health Administration versus fee-for-service Medicare.

PURPOSE The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides high-quality preventive chronic care and cancer care, but few studies have documented improved patient outcomes that result from this high-quality care. We compared the survival rates of older patients with cancer in the VHA and fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare and examined whether differences in the stage at diagnosis, receipt of guideline-recommended therapies, and unmeasured characteristics explain survival differences. PATIENTS AND METHODS We used propensity-score methods to compare all-cause and cancer-specific survival rates for men older than age 65 years who were diagnosed or received their first course of treatment for colorectal, lung, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma in VHA hospitals from 2001 to 2004 to similar FFS-Medicare enrollees diagnosed in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) areas in the same time frame. We examined the role of unmeasured factors by using sensitivity analyses. RESULTS VHA patients versus similar FFS SEER-Medicare patients had higher survival rates of colon cancer (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.87; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.93) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC; HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.88 to 0.95) and similar survival rates of rectal cancer (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.16), small-cell lung cancer (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.05), diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.18), and multiple myeloma (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.03). The diagnosis of VHA patients at earlier stages explained much of the survival advantages for colon cancer and NSCLC. Sensitivity analyses suggested that additional adjustment for the severity of comorbid disease or performance status could have substantial effects on estimated differences. CONCLUSION The survival rate for older men with cancer in the VHA was better than or equivalent to the survival rate for similar FFS-Medicare beneficiaries. The VHA provision of high-quality care, particularly preventive care, can result in improved patient outcomes.
Regional Innovation System: Dynamic Positioning for Policy

In this paper,we establish a dynamic positioning framework for policy based on life-cycle theory and system failure theory in RIS(regional innovation systems). Taking Zhejiang Province as an example for empirical analysis,it can be used as a useful tool to judge the system stage and the type of system failure through factor analysis.Then,some policy suggestions will be put forward according to the current and potential obstacles.
Retracted: Inhibition of constitutive activity of nuclear transcription factor kappaB sensitizes doxorubicin‐resistant cells to apoptosis

Retraction: The following article from the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, “Inhibition of Constitutive Activity of Nuclear Transcription Factor kappaB Sensitizes Doxorubicin‐Resistant Cells to Apoptosis” by Charitha Gangadharan, Maikho Thoh, and Sunil K. Manna, published online on February 25, 2009, in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, Gary S. Stein, and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The authors have requested the retraction as some of the data was not properly documented as per the norms of good laboratory practice.
Dexamethasone as antiemetic during gynaecological laparoscopic surgery.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous dexamethasone for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in women undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery. DESIGN Double blind trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY December 2001 to June 2002 at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. PATIENTS AND METHODS A 100 admitted female patients of ASA-1-II scheduled for diagnostic gynecological laparoscopic surgery were included in this study. Patients with severe systemic or endocrine disease who had predisposing factors for delayed gastric emptying, such as diabetes, chronic cholecystitis or neuromuscular disorders were excluded. In addition patients who suffered from postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) or had received an antiemetic agent or narcotic medications within last 24 hours were also excluded. Patients were divided into two equal groups, patients in one group were given dexamethasone while saline was injected to patients in the second group. Nausea and vomiting were assessed immediately after operation, at 1 hour interval for 4 hours in the recovery and from 4-10 hours in the Ward. Result was compared in two groups by chi-square test. RESULTS During patient s stay in the Postanaesthesia Care Unit (4 hours postoperatively) 26% patients in the dexamethasone group in comparison with 54% of patients in the saline group reported PONV (P < 0.01). Sixteen percent of patients in the dexamethasone group, in comparison with 28% of patients in the saline group needed rescue antiemtic (P 0.05), postoperative nausea vomiting (P < 0.01). During the postoperative observation period of 10 hours, 42% of the patients in the dexamethasone group in comparison with 82% of patients in the saline group reported postoperative nausea and vomiting (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Dexamethasone significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in women undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Furthermore, it is freely available, is less costly and has few side-effects. So, it should be more frequently used as prophylactic antiemetic in women undergoing gynaecological laparoscopic surgery.