Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
C-terminal-truncated apolipoprotein (apo) E4 inefficiently clears amyloid-β (Aβ) and acts in concert with Aβ to elicit neuronal and behavioral deficits in mice

Apolipoprotein (apo) E4 is the major known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We have shown in vitro and in vivo that apoE4 preferentially undergoes aberrant cleavage in neurons, yielding neurotoxic C-terminal-truncated fragments. To study the effect of these fragments on amyloid-β (Aβ) clearance/deposition and their potential synergy with Aβ in eliciting neuronal and behavioral deficits, we cross-bred transgenic mice expressing apoE3, apoE4, or apoE4(Δ272–299) with mice expressing human amyloid protein precursor (APP) harboring familial AD mutations (hAPPFAD). At 6–8 mo of age, hAPPFAD mice expressing apoE3 or apoE4 had lower levels of hippocampal Aβ (94% and 89%, respectively) and less Aβ deposition (89% and 87%) than hAPPFAD mice without apoE, whereas hAPPFAD mice expressing mouse apoE had higher Aβ levels. Thus, human apoE stimulates Aβ clearance, but mouse apoE does not. Expression of apoE4(Δ272–299) reduced total Aβ levels by only 63% and Aβ deposition by 46% compared with hAPPFAD mice without apoE. Unlike apoE3 and apoE4, the C-terminal-truncated apoE4 bound poorly with Aβ peptides, leading to decreased Aβ clearance and increased Aβ deposition. Despite their lower levels of Aβ and Aβ deposition, hAPPFAD/apoE4(Δ272–299) mice accumulated pathogenic Aβ oligomers and displayed neuronal and behavioral deficits similar to or more severe than those in hAPPFAD mice. Thus, the C-terminal-truncated apoE4 fragment inefficiently clears Aβ peptides and acts in concert with low levels of Aβ to elicit neuronal and behavioral deficits in mice.
Genetic analysis of the role of the drosophila fat facets gene in the ubiquitin pathway.

The Drosophila fat facets gene encodes a deubiquitinating enzyme required during eye development to limit the number of photoreceptors in each facet to eight. Ubiquitin is a small polypeptide that targets proteins for degradation by the proteasome. Deubiquitinating enzymes cleave ubiquitin-protein bonds. In order to investigate the role of FAT FACETS in the ubiquitin pathway, genetic interactions between fat facets and the Drosophila UbcD1 gene were assessed. In addition, three yeast deubiquitinating enzyme genes were tested for their ability to substitute for fat facets in the developing Drosophila eye and for their effects on eye morphology. The results of these experiments support the hypothesis that FAT FACETS activity antagonizes that of the proteolytic machinery. The implications of these results for the specificity of FAF and yeast UBPs are discussed as well.
[2010] Avoiding Side-Channel Attacks in Embedded Systems with Non-deterministic Branches

In this paper, we suggest handling security in embedded systems by introducing a small architectural change. We propose the use of a non-deterministic branch instruction to generate non-determinism in the execution of encryption algorithms. Non-determinism makes side-channel attacks much more difficult. The experimental results show at least three orders of magnitude improvement in resistance to statistical side-channel attacks for a custom AES implementation, while enhancing its performance at the same time.Compared with previous countermeasures, this architectural-level hiding countermeasure is trivial to integrate in current embedded processor designs, offers similar resistance to side-channel attacks, while maintaining similar power consumption to the unprotected processor.
Public Governance Decentralization Modelling in the Context of Reforms

The author of the present article analyses the dissemination of the processes and the change of the content of public governance decentralization in the context of the public governance system development. The reiterations of the objects of public governance reforms and the observations that these reforms re-lose targets raise questions for both practitioners and academics. Practitioners lack the knowledge and skills to manage the processes of public governance reforms. After analyzing the features of the theoretical modelling of public governance decentralization, the author presents a model of public governance decentralization integrating the systematic and the procedural approaches.
Mass Isotopomer Analysis of Metabolically Labeled Nucleotide Sugars and N- and O-Glycans for Tracing Nucleotide Sugar Metabolisms*

Nucleotide sugars are the donor substrates of various glycosyltransferases, and an important building block in N- and O-glycan biosynthesis. Their intercellular concentrations are regulated by cellular metabolic states including diseases such as cancer and diabetes. To investigate the fate of UDP-GlcNAc, we developed a tracing method for UDP-GlcNAc synthesis and use, and GlcNAc utilization using 13C6-glucose and 13C2-glucosamine, respectively, followed by the analysis of mass isotopomers using LC-MS. Metabolic labeling of cultured cells with 13C6-glucose and the analysis of isotopomers of UDP-HexNAc (UDP-GlcNAc plus UDP-GalNAc) and CMP-NeuAc revealed the relative contributions of metabolic pathways leading to UDP-GlcNAc synthesis and use. In pancreatic insulinoma cells, the labeling efficiency of a 13C6-glucose motif in CMP-NeuAc was lower compared with that in hepatoma cells. Using 13C2-glucosamine, the diversity of the labeling efficiency was observed in each sugar residue of N- and O-glycans on the basis of isotopomer analysis. In the insulinoma cells, the low labeling efficiencies were found for sialic acids as well as tri- and tetra-sialo N-glycans, whereas asialo N-glycans were found to be abundant. Essentially no significant difference in secreted hyaluronic acids was found among hepatoma and insulinoma cell lines. This indicates that metabolic flows are responsible for the low sialylation in the insulinoma cells. Our strategy should be useful for systematically tracing each stage of cellular GlcNAc metabolism.
Developmental expression of metalloproteases ADAM 9, 10, and 17 becomes restricted to divergent pancreatic compartments

The A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease (ADAM) family of metalloproteases affects a variety of proteins with important roles in development and disease, including growth factors and adhesion molecules. We have analyzed the expression patterns of ADAMs 9, 10, and 17 during pancreas ontogeny. All ADAMs investigated were expressed in the pancreatic anlagen but invariably became restricted to divergent pancreatic compartments. ADAM9 and 17 became restricted to the insulin‐producing β‐cells and all islet cells, respectively. During embryogenesis, ADAM10 was detected predominantly in acinar cells, but in the adult, it was localized to the cell surface membrane of both endocrine and exocrine cells. In addition to ADAM9, a potential prognostic factor for ductal cancers, we describe the expression of ADAM10 and ADAM17 in the pancreatic ductal epithelium. Altogether, the dynamic expression profile of the ADAM proteases described here may reflect a functional divergence of these as mediators of pancreas biology. Developmental Dynamics 232:1105–1114, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gonadal Function in Male Mountain Bikers

Yamaner, F, Atmaca, H, Bayraktaroglu, T, Aydin, M, and Aydemir, S. Gonadal function in male mountain bikers. J Strength Cond Res 25(8): 2311-2315, 2011—Some studies reported testicular disorders associated with biking in mountain cyclists, which include injuries, erectile dysfunction, and higher scrotal temperatures. But none of these studies evaluated gonadal function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate gonadal function in male mountain bikers. Twenty-two male professional mountain bikers and 30 healthy noncyclist controls were included in the study. The mean age and body mass index were similar in both groups. Fasting blood samples for the measurement of the levels of total testosterone (TT), sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were obtained from all study participants before any physical activity. In addition, because insulin sensitivity and leptin modulate gonadal function, the concentrations of insulin, glucose, and leptin were also measured in the same samples. Calculated free testosterone (cFT) and bioavailable testosterone (bioT) were calculated from SHBG and TT. Basal hormonal levels including insulin, leptin, LH, FSH, SHBG, TT, glucose, and homeostasis model assessment scores were similar between the groups. However, bioT and cFT levels were significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) in the mountain bikers than those in the controls. Despite the lower mean testosterone levels in the study group, the levels of LH and FSH were similar to controls. Insulin and leptin do not contribute to lower testosterone levels. In conclusion, male mountain bikers have lower testosterone concentrations compared to controls. This alteration cannot solely be explained by testicular dysfunction. The etiology of lower testosterone levels in cyclists appears to be complex and requires further research. The influence of such a decline on the athlete's performance, quality of life, and muscle strength is not known as yet.
Soft power, global governance of cultural industries and rising powers: the case of China

This article addresses the importance of cultural industries for the strengthening of the soft power of the rising powers and it seeks to understand how the cultural industries allow rising powers to shape the structures of their international environment. More specifically, studying the cases of People’s Republic of China and of the movie industry, my article focuses on the current evolution of the relationship between the Chinese authorities and the film industry, as well as on the development of the domestic film market. I further aim to draw up an inventory of China’s role within the global governance of cultural industries. Finally, I aim to highlight the global cultural competition that China faces, emphasizing the practices of the US administration and Hollywood. I argue that even if China is the current centre of gravity within the world economy, it still has a long way to go in order to shape the distribution of resources within the global governance of cultural industries and to play a crucial role in the international battle of cultural symbols.
Successful correction of murine sickle cell disease with reduced stem cell requirements reinforced by fractionated marrow infusions

Minimal criteria requirements of stem cell replacement, conditioning regimen and modalities of infusion essential for cure of sickle cell disease (SCD) by bone marrow(BM)/stem cell transplantation or gene therapy must be established prior to clinical trials. The threshold of normal BM/stem cells for therapeutic correction of this red blood cell disorder was evaluated in the SAD murine SCD model from peripheral donor white blood cells. From 11 groups of stable chimeric SAD mice (5–92%) analyzed over ∼2 years, mice with ∼16% normal donor stem cells showed improvement of haematological and erythroid responses. Mice in the 26% chimeric group and above demonstrated substantial amelioration of organ pathologies with generalized decreased iron deposits, fibrosis and reached normal lifespan. Subsequently, the minimal myelosuppression concurrently with number and timing of infusions and number of BM cells was determined to reach therapeutic threshold in SAD mice. Higher myelosuppression (2 Gy vs. 1 Gy) and cell number in single infusion led to increased chimerism. Importantly, administration of three‐equivalent cell subdoses within 28 h of mild myelosuppression resulted in 100% recipient engraftment at therapeutic levels. These studies established the long‐term therapeutic chimeric threshold of normal white blood cells at ∼26% and determined the minimal fractionated BM/stem cell doses concomitant with mild myelosuppression for significant correction of SCD in SAD mice.
Query-based summarization for Indonesian news articles

Query-based summarization not only finds important information, but also relevant information to query given by users. This research aims to determine the best technique and configurations of query-based summarizer for Indonesian news articles. We develop two techniques adapted from the first rank summarizers on Document Understanding Conferences which are using Wordnet-based and word cluster-based sentence scoring. We also compared three sentence selection methods i.e.: Maximal Marginal Relevance (MMR), Integer Linear Programming (ILP), and dynamic programming. Based on evaluation using ROUGE-2, the first technique which is adapted from NUS summarizer has the best recall of 0.1232, while the second one (which is adapted from IIIT Hyderabad summarizer) 0.1555. Both techniques give the best result when using MMR as sentence selection method.
A randomized controlled trial of the people with arthritis can exercise program: symptoms, function, physical activity, and psychosocial outcomes.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the basic 8-week People with Arthritis Can Exercise (PACE) program for improvements in primary (symptoms, functioning, level of physical activity) and secondary (psychosocial) outcomes. METHODS A total of 346 individuals with self-reported arthritis from 18 sites participated in a randomized controlled trial of PACE. Outcomes were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. The intervention group completed self-reported assessments at 3 and 6 months. Two-level multiple linear regression models were estimated to calculate adjusted outcome means in the intervention and control groups. A mixed-effects repeated-measures model was used to calculate adjusted means in the intervention group at 3 and 6 months. Both intent-to-treat (ITT) and as-treated (AT) analyses were conducted. RESULTS At 8 weeks, the intervention group had improvements in the following outcomes: 2 symptom outcomes (pain, fatigue) and 1 psychosocial outcome (self-efficacy for managing arthritis) in the ITT analyses; 1 symptom outcome (pain), 1 function outcome (chair stands), and 1 psychosocial outcome (self-efficacy for arthritis management) in the AT analyses. In addition, completers who attended>or=9 classes had improvements in 3 symptom outcomes (pain, fatigue, stiffness), 2 function outcomes (10-pound lifts, chair stands), and 1 psychosocial outcome (self-efficacy for arthritis management) at 8 weeks. Relative to baseline, PACE participants maintained significant improvements in symptoms at 6 months, but declined in function and self-efficacy for exercise. CONCLUSION If adults with arthritis attend a majority of PACE classes, they may expect improvements in symptoms, self-efficacy for arthritis management, and upper and lower extremity function. Achieving sustained improvement in outcomes may require continued participation in PACE.
Low-Grade B-Cell Bronchial Associated Lymphoid Tissue (BALT) Lymphoma

Low-grade B-cell bronchial associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) lymphoma is a distinct subgroup of nonHodgkin's lymphoma. Chronic antigen stimulation, triggered by autoimmune process or persistent infection may precede the development of BALT lymphoma. The lymphoma cells originate from the marginal zone and by invading the bronchial epithelial tissue, give rise to the lymphoepithelial lesion. BALT lymphoma shares the morphologic, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic characteristics of other mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas. A majority of the patients are asymptomatic and pulmonary lesions are incidentally discovered on a routine chest radiograph. However, the clinical and radiographic features of BALT lymphoma are nonspecific. The disease is often localized at the time of diagnosis and responds favorably to local treatment, but the optimal management is not clearly defined. Overall, BALT lymphoma has a favorable prognosis and is associated with long-term survival.
Dupuytren's disease: Comparative growth dynamics and morphology between cultured myofibroblasts (nodule) and fibroblasts (cord)

The excised palmar fascia of 11 patients with Dupuytren's disease was separated clinically into nodules and cords. Myofibroblasts were seen by light and electron microscopy in each of the nodules, but the cords generally lacked myofibroblasts. Only one cord specimen had microscopic features that were intermediate between nodule and cord. Electron microscopy demonstrated that in vivo differences between myofibroblasts from nodules and fibroblasts from cords and control skin samples could be preserved in vitro. Growth studies showed slower growth of cultured myofibroblasts (mean ± SD generation time 68.7 ± 15 h) than cord‐derived fibroblasts (mean ± SD generation time 51.5 ± 0.9 h). These data suggest that the life cycle of the myofibroblasts from Dupuytren's disease nodules differs from that of fibroblasts found in cordlike tissues. These myofibroblasts have biological characteristics nearly identical to those of myofibroblasts found in other contracting tissues, such as granulating wounds and breast cancer.
15-Lipoxygenase-1 mediates nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced apoptosis independently of cyclooxygenase-2 in colon cancer cells.

We previously found (I. Shureiqi et al., Carcinogenesis (Lond.), 20: 1985-1995, 1999; I. Shureiqi et al, J. Natl. Cancer Inst. , 92: 1136-1142, 2000) that (a) 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LOX-1) protein and its product 13-S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-S-HODE) are decreased; and (b) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced 15-LOX-1 expression is critical to NSAID-induced apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells expressing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). We used the NSAIDs sulindac sulfone (COX-2-independent) and NS-398 (a COX-2 inhibitor) to assess NSAID upregulation of 15-LOX-1 in relation to COX-2 inhibition during NSAID-induced apoptosis in the DLD-1 (COX-2-negative) colon cancer cell line. We found that: (a) NSAIDs up-regulated 15-LOX-1, which preceded apoptosis; and (b) 15-LOX-1 inhibition blocked NSAID-induced apoptosis, which was restored by 13-S-HODE but not by its parent, linoleic acid. NSAIDs can induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells via up-regulation of 15-LOX-1 in the absence of COX-2.
Monodisperse Magnetite Nanoparticles Synthesis and Their Thermal-Stability

Monodisperse magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (MNPs) of 25 plusmn 5 nm were prepared by modified chemical co-precipitation, and they were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and magnetic property measurement system (MPMS). The MNPs properties and structure were investigated thoroughly, particularly for their thermal-stability after different drying treatments. The results revealed that the nanoparticles after vacuum drying tended to agglomerate more easily than others when the grain average diameter was decreased because of the evaporation of the surface and inter-particles adsorptive water, but the structure and morphology were maintained better than others after ambient air drying. Among all samples, the magnetic property was maintained best at T = 70degC. The results provide some physicochemical perspective between nanoparticles' structure and property under thermal treatments.
Therapeutic Discovery Targeted Expression of BikDDEliminates Breast Cancerwith Virtually No Toxicity in Noninvasive Imaging Models

Breast cancer is a major public health problem all over the world, and the current treatment strategies are not potent enough for some patients, especially those with triple-negative breast cancer. Therefore, novel and more effective treatments are critically needed. Of the current methods, targeted therapy, which not only retains cancer-specific expression but also limits toxicity, is a new strategy for treating cancers. In this study, we found that the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT; T) promoter also possesses high target specificity in breast cancer. Moreover, we developed a versatile T-based breast cancer–specific promoter VISA (VP16-Gal4-WPRE integrated systemic amplifier) composite (T-VISA) to target transgene expression in breast tumors, which has stronger activity comparable or higher than that of the cytomegalovirus promoter in cancer cells. Thereafter, targeted expression of BikDD (a mutant form of proapoptotic gene Bik) through the T-VISA platform in breast cancer initiated robust antitumor effects and prolonged survival in multiple xenograft and syngeneic orthotopic mouse models of breast tumors with virtually no toxicity in intact mice. Thus, these findings show that our T-VISA-BikDD nanoparticles effectively and safely eradicate breast cancer in vitro and in vivo and are worthy of development in clinical trials treating breast cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(9); 1915–24. 2012 AACR.
When Employers Betray: A Study of Psychological Contract Breach Among Croatian Employees

Abstract In this paper we report the results of a study exploring psychological contract breach (PCB) in a heterogeneous sample of Croatian employees (N=363). In addition to reporting PCB, the participants informed us about their basic demographic characteristics, job attitudes (job satisfaction and organizational commitment) and reported three aspects of their job performance (in-role performance, organizational citizenship behavior, counterproductive work behavior). Our analyses showed that PCB experience depended on participants’ characteristics, and, more importantly, was negatively related to job attitudes and job performance. Thus, the detrimental effect of PCB reported in the organizational behavior literature was replicated among Croatian employees.
Inhibitory Activity of Cranberry Extract on the Bacterial Adhesiveness in the Urine of Women: An Ex-vivo Study

Strains of uropathogenic E. coli are responsible for approximately 90% of community-acquired, uncomplicated cystitis, and fimbriae represent the adhesive factors enabling E. coli to be anchored to uroepithelial cells in the first step of the infectious process. Recently, a few studies have shown that a correlation between the consumption of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and prevention of UTI is related to the ability of proanthocyanidins to reduce the bacterial adhesion to uroepithelial cells. In this study we evaluate the inhibitory activity of urine of healthy women treated with tablets containing cranberry extract on the adhesiveness of E. coli to uroepithelial human cells. Two groups of 12 female volunteers each, aged between 18 and 65 years, were enrolled, one group with negative history and one group with positive history of recurrent cystitis. Subjects were treated with the active product or placebo in a random, cross-over, double-blinded sequence for one week in each of the two treatment sequences. Urine samples were collected at the beginning and the end of each study period. Tests of bacterial adhesiveness were performed with two strains of E. coli (ATCC 25922 and ATCC 35218) on HT1376 human bladder carcinoma cells. Significant reductions of bacterial adhesiveness were observed in women who received cranberry extract (−50.9%; p<0.0001), regardless of their medical history and the treatment period in the cross-over sequence. No changes were observed with placebo (−0.29%; n.s.). This ex-vivo study showed that the assumption of cranberry extract in suitable amounts can have an anti-adhesive activity on uropathogenic E. coli.