Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of ERAB/l-3-Hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A Dehydrogenase Type II Activity in Aβ-induced Cytotoxicity*

Endoplasmic reticulum-associated amyloid β-peptide (Aβ)-binding protein (ERAB)/l-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase type II (HADH II) is expressed at high levels in Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-affected brain, binds Aβ, and contributes to Aβ-induced cytotoxicity. Purified recombinant ERAB/HADH II catalyzed the NADH-dependent reduction of S-acetoacetyl-CoA with a K m of ≈68 μm and aV max of ≈430 μmol/min/mg. The contribution of ERAB/HADH II enzymatic activity to Aβ-mediated cellular dysfunction was studied by site-directed mutagenesis in the catalytic domain (Y168G/K172G). Although COS cells cotransfected to overexpress wild-type ERAB/HADH II and variant β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP(V717G)) showed DNA fragmentation, cotransfection with Y168G/K172G-altered ERAB and βAPP(V717G) was without effect. We thus asked whether the enzyme might recognize alcohol substrates of which the aldehyde products could be cytotoxic; ERAB/HADH II catalyzed oxidation of a variety of simple alcohols (C2–C10) to their respective aldehydes in the presence of NAD+ and NAD-dependent oxidation of 17β-estradiol. Addition of micromolar levels of synthetic Aβ(1–40) to purified ERAB/HADH II inhibited, in parallel, reduction of S-acetoacetyl-CoA (K i ≈ 1.6 μm), as well as oxidation of 17β-estradiol (K i ≈3.2 μm) and (−)-2-octanol (K i ≈ 2.6 μm). Because micromolar levels of Aβ were required to inhibit ERAB/HADH II activity, whereas Aβ binding to ERAB/HADH II occurred at much lower concentrations (K m ≈ 40–70 nm), the latter more closely simulating Aβ levels within cells, Aβ perturbation of ERAB/HADH II was likely to result from mechanisms other than the direct modulation of enzymatic activity. Cells cotransfected to overexpress ERAB/HADH II and βAPP(V717G) generated malondialdehyde-protein and 4-hydroxynonenal-protein epitopes, which were detectable only at the lowest levels in cells overexpressing either ERAB/HADH II or βAPP(V717G) alone. Generation of such toxic aldehydes was not observed in cells contransfected to overexpress Y168G/K172G-altered ERAB and βAPP(V717G). We conclude that the generalized alcohol dehydrogenase activity of ERAB/HADH II is central to the cytotoxicity observed in an Aβ-rich environment.
Equity in health care utilization: further tests based on hurdle models and Swedish micro data.

This paper tests the null hypothesis of no horizontal inequity in delivery of health care by use of count data hurdle models and Swedish micro data. It differs from most earlier work in three principal ways: First, the tests are carried out separately for physician and hospital care; second, the tests are carried out separately for the probability of seeking care and the amount of care received (given any use); and third, the tests are based on a model that includes several socioeconomic variables, e.g. income, education and size of community of residence. The paper rejects the hypothesis of no inequity because socioeconomic factors also have significant effects on utilization, e.g. income and size of community of residence. Size of community of residence has a positive significant effect on the frequency of physician visits but not on the probability of visiting a physician.
Board Effectiveness and Employee Engagement: Nigeria Stakeholder Perceptions

The objective of this study is to determine whether employee participation yields effective board performance. To stimulatedebates inthe stakeholder theoretical perspective in an attempt to offer more inclusive approach to strengthen the existing governance structure in Nigeria.This research intends to investigate the suitability of employees participating in board’s decision-making hierarchy because of their contractual importance as wealth creators of the firm. A conceptual model is proposed and tested on public listed companies in Nigeria based on survey perception of sampled 154 respondents. The study employs in-depth confirmatory factory analysis in a structural equation modeling approach. Building upon constructs such as union relations, productivity, and skilled-labor turnover, the study found the indicator variables measure employee participation, which focused more on the board’s control, operational decisions, and strategy in monitoring, service, and networking roles. Hence, we conclude that employees as important contractual company stakeholders affect board performance. Builds on the limited research agenda for boards and corporate governance that focus on coordinating, exploring and distribution of stakes using adventurous research designs and statistical tools, especially in Nigerian emerging economy. This paper exposes the firm’s potentials as provider of sustainable and longer-term benefits not only limited to equityholders, but also to employees as wealth creators, which will improve mutual trust, harmony and confidence for more stable and productive outputs that could give visibility to income inequality. The paper provides valid measures that link corporate governance debates to broader stakeholder perspective.
Generation of Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Without Viral Vectors

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have been generated from mouse and human somatic cells by introducing Oct3/4 and Sox2 with either Klf4 and c-Myc or Nanog and Lin28 using retroviruses or lentiviruses. Patient-specific iPS cells could be useful in drug discovery and regenerative medicine. However, viral integration into the host genome increases the risk of tumorigenicity. Here, we report the generation of mouse iPS cells without viral vectors. Repeated transfection of two expression plasmids, one containing the complementary DNAs (cDNAs) of Oct3/4, Sox2, and Klf4 and the other containing the c-Myc cDNA, into mouse embryonic fibroblasts resulted in iPS cells without evidence of plasmid integration, which produced teratomas when transplanted into mice and contributed to adult chimeras. The production of virus-free iPS cells, albeit from embryonic fibroblasts, addresses a critical safety concern for potential use of iPS cells in regenerative medicine.
Optimization of Single-Trial Detection of Event-Related Potentials Through Artificial Trials

Goal: Many brain-computer interface (BCI) classification techniques rely on a large number of labeled brain responses to create efficient classifiers. A large database representing all of the possible variability in the signal is impossible to obtain in a short period of time, and prolonged calibration times prevent efficient BC! use. We propose to improve BCIs based on the detection of event-related potentials (ERPs) in two ways. Methods: First, we increase the size of the training database by considering additional deformed trials. The creation of the additional deformed trials is based on the addition of Gaussian noise, and on the variability of the ERP latencies. Second, we exploit the variability of the ERP latencies by combining decisions across multiple deformed trials. These new methods are evaluated on data from 16 healthy subjects participating in a rapid serial visual presentation task. Results: The results show a significant increase in the performance of single-trial detection with the addition of artificial trials, and the combination of decisions obtained from altered trials. When the number of trials to train a classifier is low, the proposed approach allows us improve performance from an AUC of 0.533 ± 0.080 to 0.905 ± 0.053. This improvement represents approximately an 80% reduction in classification error. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that artificially increasing the training dataset leads to improved single-trial detection. Significance: Calibration sessions can be shortened for BCIs based on ERP detection.
Security attack prediction based on user sentiment analysis of Twitter data

In recent years, security attacks on the web have been perpetrated by hacker activist organizations that aim to destabilize (using different techniques) web services in a specific context for which they are motivated. Predicting these attacks is an important task that helps to consider what actions should be taken if the attack is latent. Although there are applications to detect security threats on the web, currently there is no system that can predict or forecast whether the attacks can reach consummation. This paper presents a sentiment analysis method on Twitter content to predict future attacks on the web. The method is based on the daily collection of tweets from two sets of users; those who use the platform as a means of expression for views on relevant issues, and those who use it to present contents related to security attacks in the web. Daily information is converted into data that can be analysed statistically to predict whether there is a possibility of an attack. The latter is done by analyzing the collective sentiment of users and groups of hacking activists in response to a global event.
Thulium nickel/lithium distannide, TmNi1−xLixSn2 (x = 0.035)

The quaternary thulium nickel/lithium distannide, TmNi1−xLixSn2 (x = 0.035), crystallizes in the orthorhombic LuNiSn2 structure type. The asymmetric unit contains three Tm sites, six Sn sites, two Ni sites and one Ni/Li site [relative occupancies = 0.895 (8):0.185 (8)]. Site symmetries are . m. for all atoms. The 17-, 18- and 19-vertex distorted pseudo-Frank–Kasper polyhedra are typical for all Tm atoms. Four Sn atoms are enclosed in a 12-vertex deformed cubooctahedron, and another Sn atom is enclosed in a pentagonal prism with three added atoms. A tricapped trigonal prism is typical for a further Sn atom. The coordination number for all Ni atoms and Ni/Li statistical mixtures is 12 (fourcapped trigonal prism [Ni/LiTm5Sn5]). Tm atoms form the base of a prism and Ni/Li atoms are at the centres of the side faces of an [SnTm6Ni/Li3] prism. These isolated prisms are implemented into three-dimensional-nets built out of Sn atoms. Electronic structure calculations using TB-LMTO-ASA suggest that the Tm and Ni/Li atoms form positively charged n[TmNi/Li]m+ polycations which compensate the negative charge of 2n[Sn]m− polyanions. Analysis of the interatomic distances and electronic structure calculations indicate the dominance of a metallic type of bonding.
The Life Cycle of Scholarly Articles Across Fields of Research

Aggregate citation behavior plays a key role in scientific knowledge diffusion, as citations document the collective and cumulative nature of knowledge production. Additionally, citations are commonly taken as input for several influential evaluative metrics used to assess researchers’ performance. Nevertheless, little effort has been devoted to understanding and quantifying how article citations evolve over the years following an article’s publication and how these trends vary across fields of research. By collecting and analyzing a dataset consisting of more than five million citations to 59,707 research articles from 12 dissimilar fields of research, we quantify how citations evolve across fields of research as articles grow older. Analyzing raw citation data spanning different periods poses several methodological challenges; to tackle them, we employ quantile regression, a technique that makes it possible to control for citation inflation (the fact that citations have become more common nowadays) and to take into consideration the well-known asymmetry in the distribution of citations. We find that citations follow a life-cycle pattern. In the first years after publication, articles generally receive a small but growing number of citations until, eventually, they reach a peak from which they then decline. Importantly, the shape of these life cycles varies greatly from one field to the next. Given that several influential metrics restrict their input to a certain range in terms of the number of years since publication, these differences are by no means neutral and should be taken into account when evaluating researchers or their institutions.
Islamic Banking and Financial Development

Abstract Abstract With the growing number of Islamic banks worldwide, much ink has been spilled on heated debate about its merits and ability to improve the financial sector. In order to buttress the subject matter of this debate, this paper investigate the link between Islamic banking assets share and the financial development. Using five different proxies of financial development from 22 countries for the period between 2000 and 2013, this research employs the generalized method of moments to cope with the endogeneity problem, and concludes that the share of Islamic banking is positively associated with the banking sector activity as measured by private credit. The competition of banking sector intensifies in countries with higher Islamic bank shares resulting in smaller net interest margin, whereas the structure of the financial sector does not change. A financial sector index composite regression showed that in general, financial development is positively linked to the Islamic banking presence. These findings provide empirical evidence that Islamic banking presence benefits financial development in Muslim countries.
Fractal quasi-self complimentary miniaturized UWB antenna

A miniature Ultra-wideband (UWB) quasi self-complementary antenna with Koch fractal boundary for ultra-wideband is presented. The proposed antenna has a total size of 16 mm × 13 mm × 1.5 mm that enables embedding in various portable devices with wide impedance bandwidth covering the range from 3.3-13.5 GHz with return loss better than -10dB. It also exhibits a much-reduced ground plane effect compared to the stand-alone design. Omnidirectional radiation patterns with appreciable gain across the operating band can be obtained.
Forebrain mineralocorticoid receptor overexpression enhances memory, reduces anxiety and attenuates neuronal loss in cerebral ischaemia

The nuclear mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), a high‐affinity receptor for glucocorticoids, is highly expressed in the hippocampus where it underpins cognitive, behavioural and neuroendocrine regulation. Increased neuronal MR expression occurs early in the response to cellular injury in vivo and in vitro and is associated with enhanced neuronal survival. To determine whether increased neuronal MR might be causal in protecting against ischaemic damage in vivo we generated a forebrain‐specific MR‐overexpressing transgenic mouse (MR‐Tg) under the control of the CamKII alpha promoter, and subjected mice to transient cerebral global ischaemia induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 20 min. We also separately assessed the effects of MR overexpression on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity and cognitive and affective functions in noninjured animals. Our results showed that MR‐Tg mice had significantly reduced neuronal death following transient cerebral global ischaemia compared to wild‐type littermates. This effect was not associated with alterations in basal or poststress HPA axis function or in arterial blood pressure. MR‐Tg mice also demonstrated improved spatial memory retention, reduced anxiety and altered behavioural response to novelty. The induction of neuronal MR appears to offer a protective response which has potential therapeutic implications in cerebral ischaemia and cognitive and affective disorders.
HUMAN PERIPHERAL BLOOD LYMPHOCYTE RECONSTITUTED SEVERE COMBINED IMMUNODEFICIENT (hu‐PBL‐SCID) MICE: A Model for Human Islet Allograft Rejection

Severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice have become a promising tool for the development of models of human immunologic process. We report the development of a reproducible technique for engrafting SCID mice with human PBL (hu-PBL-SCID). Our results show that a booster injection of anti-CD3 antibody stimulated human lymphocytes given 2 days after the initial injection of lymphocytes will improve the efficiency of chimera establishment to 86.7% (13 out of 15). There was also good correlation among detection of human Ig, human CD3+ cells, and human DNA by polymerase chain reaction amplification in the circulation of hu-PBL-SCID mice. Questions remain concerning the immune function of the human lymphoid cells in the SCID mouse. In this study, we analyzed the ability of human T cells in SCID mice to reject human islet allografts transplanted under the kidney capsule. Human islet allograft function assessed by human C-peptide levels demonstrated failure of islet allografts within 21 days after transplantation in hu-PBL-SCID. In contrast, human islets grafted in unreconstituted SCID mice continued to function for greater than 60 days. Recovered human T cells from rejected islets of hu-PBL-SCID mice displayed specific cytolytic activity against HLA class I-matched islets, while the recovered cells from spleen of hu-PBL-SCID mice showed minimal specific cytotoxicity against islets. These results suggest that graft-infiltrating lymphocytes were activated by the engrafted islets within the hu-PBL-SCID, causing the eventual rejection of the human islet allograft. Thus, engraftment of the anti-CD3 antibody-primed human PBL results in a mouse-human chimera with a functionally competent human immune system that is capable of rejecting a human islet allograft.
Evaluating the well-being of public library workers

This study aimed to develop and pilot a questionnaire to determine the ways in which working in a UK public library system can impact the well-being of those deployed in the sector. The methodological framework was based on an approach used to evaluate the well-being of patients in a clinical setting. Based on the responses of 466 employees, the results identified eight dimensions of library worker well-being; organizational, advancement, job design aspects, physical health, psychological health, interpersonal relationships, workload and facilities. Analyses indicated that organizational aspects most impaired well-being and longer-serving employees were worst affected. The findings offer a new, evidence-based perspective on the well-being issues that public library workers perceive to be most important and challenge earlier claims regarding stress and burnout. Also considered is the relevance of employer-sponsored wellness programmes where improvement in organizational performance is the prime reason behind provision.
Bicipital tendinitis and tenosynovitis in the dog: a study of 15 cases

Abstract Aim: To describe the clinical, radiographic, and sonographic features of 15 dogs with bicipital tendinitis and tenosynovitis, classify them according to cause, and evaluate the long-term efficacy of treatment. Methods: Dogs exhibiting forelimb lameness with pain localised to the biceps tendon were included in the study. Sonographic examination of the tendon and tendon sheath, and radiographic examination including positive contrast arthrograms of the shoulder joint were performed, and assessed for features consistent with biceps tendon disease. In some cases, synovial-fluid analysis and surgical investigation were also undertaken. The causes of the conditions were classified as either traumatic, mechanical, neoplastic or inflammatory. Dogs were treated conservatively with rest and anti-inflammatory drugs, or surgically by either transection of the transverse humeral ligament or tenodesis of the biceps tendon. Assessment of the effects of treatment was made by re-examination at six weeks and from information gained by telephone interview with the dog's owner at longer-term follow-up. Results: Bicipital tendinitis and tenosynovitis were common causes of forelimb lameness in active, middle-aged or older, medium- to large- breed dogs. The most sensitive physical tests for localising pain to the biceps apparatus were shoulder flexion with the elbow extended, focal digital pressure applied directly to the biceps origin, and the biceps retraction test. Sonographic assessment was found to be more sensitive than shoulder radiography or arthrography for characterising the lesion. Conservative treatment of 11 traumatic cases resulted in good or excellent function at long-term follow-up. One mechanical bicipital tendinitis secondary to mineral deposits within the supraspinatus tendon improved following transection of the transverse humeral ligament and removal of the deposits. One of two cases of inflammatory tendinitis/ tenosynovitis improved following tenodesis. One dog with neoplastic disease did not improve and was euthanased. dConclusions: The diagnosis of bicipital tendinitis and tenosynovitis requires a careful examination using a combination of physical tests. Of the ancillary tests, sonography was the most reliable, however information gained from all tests was useful in fully evaluating the biceps apparatus and shoulder joint. The classification system employed in this study was helpful in selecting a treatment protocol and determining the likely prognosis.
Sustained effects of nonallele‐specific Huntingtin silencing

Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the huntingtin (htt) protein. No cure is available to date to alleviate neurodegeneration. Recent studies have demonstrated that RNA interference represents a promising approach for the treatment of autosomal dominant disorders. But whether an allele‐specific silencing of mutant htt or a nonallele‐specific silencing should be considered has not been addressed.
Transcription of interferon-stimulated genes is induced by adenovirus particles but is suppressed by E1A gene products

Interferon treatment of cell cultures results in the rapid transcriptional induction of a specific set of genes. In this paper we explore the effect of cellular infection by several adenoviruses, both wild type and mutant, on the expression of these genes. Infection with adenovirus induces the transcription of the interferon-stimulated genes in the absence of any protein synthesis. In fact, the inhibition of protein synthesis during a wild-type infection produces enhanced stimulation of transcription of these genes. Experiments with viral mutants indicate the ability to specifically suppress this transcription maps to the E1A gene. In addition, the E1A gene products are capable of suppressing the specific transcriptional induction of interferon-stimulated promoters during cotransfection experiments and therefore presumably during viral infection. The dual effect of adenovirus on the expression of interferon-stimulated genes may represent an example of action and evolutionary reaction between virus and host.