Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microparticles From Human Atherosclerotic Plaques Promote Endothelial ICAM-1–Dependent Monocyte Adhesion and Transendothelial Migration

Rationale and Objective: Membrane-shed submicron microparticles (MPs) released following cell activation or apoptosis accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques, where they stimulate endothelial proliferation and neovessel formation. The aim of the study was to assess whether or not MPs isolated from human atherosclerotic plaques contribute to increased endothelial adhesion molecules expression and monocyte recruitment. Method and Results: Human umbilical vein and coronary artery endothelial cells were exposed to MPs isolated from endarterectomy specimens (n=62) and characterized by externalized phosphatidylserine. Endothelial exposure to plaque, but not circulating, MPs increased ICAM-1 levels in a concentration-dependant manner (3.4-fold increase) without affecting ICAM-1 mRNA levels. Plaque MPs harbored ICAM-1 and transferred this adhesion molecule to endothelial cell membrane in a phosphatidylserine-dependent manner. MP-borne ICAM-1 was functionally integrated into cell membrane as demonstrated by the increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation following ICAM-1 ligation. Plaque MPs stimulated endothelial monocyte adhesion both in culture and in isolated perfused mouse carotid. This effect was also observed under flow condition and was prevented by anti–LFA-1 and anti–ICAM-1 neutralizing antibodies. MPs isolated from symptomatic plaques were more potent in stimulating monocyte adhesion than MPs from asymptomatic patients. Plaque MPs did not affect the release of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, or MCP-1, nor the expression of VCAM-1 and E-selectin. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that MPs isolated from human atherosclerotic plaques transfer ICAM-1 to endothelial cells to recruit inflammatory cells and suggest that plaque MPs promote atherosclerotic plaque progression.
Network-Based Integration of GWAS and Gene Expression Identifies a HOX-Centric Network Associated with Serous Ovarian Cancer Risk

Background: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have so far reported 12 loci associated with serous epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) risk. We hypothesized that some of these loci function through nearby transcription factor (TF) genes and that putative target genes of these TFs as identified by coexpression may also be enriched for additional EOC risk associations. Methods: We selected TF genes within 1 Mb of the top signal at the 12 genome-wide significant risk loci. Mutual information, a form of correlation, was used to build networks of genes strongly coexpressed with each selected TF gene in the unified microarray dataset of 489 serous EOC tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Genes represented in this dataset were subsequently ranked using a gene-level test based on results for germline SNPs from a serous EOC GWAS meta-analysis (2,196 cases/4,396 controls). Results: Gene set enrichment analysis identified six networks centered on TF genes (HOXB2, HOXB5, HOXB6, HOXB7 at 17q21.32 and HOXD1, HOXD3 at 2q31) that were significantly enriched for genes from the risk-associated end of the ranked list (P < 0.05 and FDR < 0.05). These results were replicated (P < 0.05) using an independent association study (7,035 cases/21,693 controls). Genes underlying enrichment in the six networks were pooled into a combined network. Conclusion: We identified a HOX-centric network associated with serous EOC risk containing several genes with known or emerging roles in serous EOC development. Impact: Network analysis integrating large, context-specific datasets has the potential to offer mechanistic insights into cancer susceptibility and prioritize genes for experimental characterization. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(10); 1574–84. ©2015 AACR.
Nitric oxide inhibits the adenovirus proteinase in vitro and viral infectivity in vivo

Nitric oxide (NO) is an antiviral effector of the innate immune system, but few of the viral targets of NO have been identified. We now show that NO inhibits adenovirus replication by targeting the adenovirus proteinase (AVP). NO generated from diethylamine NONOate (DEA‐ NONOate) or spermine NONOate (Sp‐NONOate) inhibited the AVP. Inhibition was reversible with dithiothreitol. The equilibrium dissociation constant for reversible binding to the AVP by Sp‐NONOate, or Ki, was 0.47 mM, and the first‐order rate constant for irreversible inhibition of the AVP by Sp‐NONOate, or ki, was 0.0036 s−1. Two hallmarks of a successful adenovirus infection were abolished by the NO donors: the appearance of E1A protein and the cleavage of cytokeratin 18 by AVP. Treatment of infectious virus by DEA‐NONOate dramatically decreased viral infectivity. These data suggest that NO may be a useful antiviral agent against viruses encoding a cysteine proteinase and in particular may be an antiadenovirus agent.
Noise Invalidation Denoising

A denoising technique based on noise invalidation is proposed. The adaptive approach derives a noise signature from the noise order statistics and utilizes the signature to denoise the data. The novelty of this approach is in presenting a general-purpose denoising in the sense that it does not need to employ any particular assumption on the structure of the noise-free signal, such as data smoothness or sparsity of the coefficients. An advantage of the method is in denoising the corrupted data in any complete basis transformation (orthogonal or non-orthogonal). Experimental results show that the proposed method, called noise invalidation denoising (NIDe), outperforms existing denoising approaches in terms of mean square error (MSE).
Growth Factor Regulation of Estrogen Receptor Coregulator PELP1 Functions via Protein Kinase A Pathway

PELP1 (proline-rich, glutamic acid–rich, and leucine-rich protein-1) is a potential proto-oncogene that functions as a coregulator of estrogen receptor (ER), and its expression is deregulated during breast cancer progression. Emerging evidence suggests growth factor signaling crosstalk with ER as one possible mechanism by which breast tumors acquire resistance to therapy. In this study, we examined mechanisms by which growth factors modulate PELP1 functions, leading to activation of ER. Using in vivo labeling assays, we have found that growth factors promote phosphorylation of PELP1. Utilizing a panel of substrate-specific phosphorylated antibodies, we discovered that growth factor stimulation promotes phosphorylation of PELP1 that is recognized by a protein kinase A (PKA) substrate–specific antibody. Accordingly, growth factor–mediated PELP1 phosphorylation was effectively blocked by PKA-specific inhibitor H89. Utilizing purified PKA enzyme and in vitro kinase assays, we obtained evidence of direct PELP1 phosphorylation by PKA. Using deletion and mutational analysis, we identified PELP1 domains that are phosphorylated by PKA. Interestingly, site-directed mutagenesis of the putative PKA site in PELP1 compromised growth factor–induced activation and subnuclear localization of PELP1 and also affected PELP1-mediated transactivation function. Utilizing MCF-7 cells expressing a PELP1 mutant that cannot be phosphorylated by PKA, we provide mechanistic insights by which growth factor signaling regulates ER transactivation in a PELP1-dependent manner. Collectively, these findings suggest that growth factor signals promote phosphorylation of ER coactivator PELP1 via PKA pathway, and such modification may have functional implications in breast tumors with deregulated growth factor signaling. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(5):851–61)
Expectations of tourism and recreation students towards the course of education: expectations of students towards the course of education.

The aim of this study was to diagnose the expectations of students entering education in tourism and recreation. The expectations of respondents towards the knowledge and skills necessary to enter professional life and pursue further education were analysed. The research was conducted in academic year 2008/2009 according to the method of diagnostic survey, namely the auditorium questionnaire technique. The group included all undergraduate first-year full time students at the Faculty of Physical Education in Biala Podlaska of the University of Physical Education in Warsaw (N = 157). The sampling was purposeful and comprehensive. The results of the studies showed that students expected good preparation for employment and are counting on the general intellectual development to enable them to undertake further training. They also declare that during the course of their education they are interested in acquiring additional, extracurricular skills and abilities. Expectations of the respondents were largely shaped by the motives that guided their choice of the course of education. They also depended on their educational and professional plans for the period after completing the undergraduate level. The attitude of the respondents to the learning process was also significantly influenced by their gender and the level of secondary school preparedness.
Soberania alimentar: uma perspectiva cética

Este trabalho busca identificar e avaliar alguns dos principais elementos que ‘delimitam’ a questao da Soberania Alimentar: (i) um ataque global a agricultura industrial e suas consequencias ecologicas, no atual momento da globalizacao; (ii) a defesa de um (do) “modo campones” como base de um sistema alimentar sustentavel e socialmente justo; e (iii) um programa para concretizar esse objetivo mundial-historico. Embora acolha o primeiro desses elementos, sou muito mais cetico quanto ao segundo, em razao do modo como a soberania alimentar concebe os “camponeses” e do seu postulado de que pequenos produtores adeptos da agricultura ecologica – tida como de baixo consumo de insumos (externos) e intensiva em trabalho – podem abastecer o mundo. Isso leva ao argumento de que a soberania alimentar e incapaz de construir um programa viavel (o terceiro elemento) para vincular as atividades de pequenos agricultores as necessidades alimentares de nao agricultores, cujos numeros vem crescendo, tanto absolutamente quanto como proporcao da populacao mundial.
Asas penulisan tesis, penyelidikan & statistik

Asas penulisan tesis, penyelidikan dan statistik ini memfokuskan panduan praktikal bagi penulisan tesis yang berkemungkinan terdapat perbezaan daripada yang anda pernah baca dalam buku lain yang seumpamanya. Penulis menggunakan pengalaman beliau ketika mengendalikan bengkel penulisan tesis di hampir semua IPTA untuk dikongsikan dengan pembaca di dalam buku ini. Kekuatan buku ini bergantung pada pengelasan yang diberikan secara mudah berserta d engan contoh yang praktikal. Huraian berserta contoh penulisan sorotan kajian secara kritis yang selama ini menjadi masalah kepada pelajar yang menulis tesis, projek mahupun disertasi turut dikemukakan. Buku ini mengandungi 10 bab yang menggabungkan langkah-langkah daripada persediaan menyiapkan cadangan penyelidikan (proposal), bagaimana kajian dilakukan sehinggalah pembaca difahamkan mengenai asas statistic dalam penyelidikan sains sosial. Gaya penulisan yang digunakan oleh pengarang adalah bahasa yang mudah dan dapat difahami oleh pembaca walaupun berlainan latar belakang pendidikan.
CD34‐positive interstitial cells of the human detrusor

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are well described in the bowel wall. They are c‐kit positive and play a role as pacemaker cells. Similar c‐kit‐positive cells have recently been described in the human bladder. The aim of this study was to characterize interstitial cells of the bladder detrusor using a panel of antibodies directed against CD117/c‐kit, CD34, CD31, S100, tryptase, neurofilament, NSE, Factor‐VIII and GFAP. A striking finding was an interstitial type of cell which is CD34 immunoreactive (CD34‐ir) but CD117/c‐kit negative. The cells have a tentacular morphology, enveloping and intermingling with individual muscle fasicles. Morphologically and immunohistochemically, they show no neurogenic, endothelial or mast cell differentiation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed the presence of interstitial cells with a round‐to‐oval nucleus, sparse perinuclear cytoplasm and long flattened processes, ramifying primarily in a bipolar fashion. Using immunoelectron microscopy (I‐TEM) it was possible to view CD34 gold labelling of cells corresponding to interstitial cells. Although similar CD34‐positive cells have been demonstrated in the bowel wall, they have never been described in the detrusor. The ontogeny and function of CD34‐ir, a kit‐negative cell, is unknown, but it may be involved in smooth muscle contraction.
Pengaruh Etnosentrisme, Brand Image Dan Product Knowledge Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Produk Pakaian Jadi Impor

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh etnosentrisme, brand image dan product knowledge terhadap keputusan pembelian produk pakaian jadi impor. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa Fakultas Ekonomi Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta yang masih aktif kuliah. Sampel dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 100 orang mahasiswa dengan teknik pengambilan sampel accidental sampling. Alat analisis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis regresi linier berganda, uji t, uji F dan koefisien determinasi (R2). Berdasarkan hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa etnosentrisme mempengaruhi keputusan pembelian. Konsumen dengan etnosentrisme tinggi akan cenderung memiliki perasaan bersalah apabila mengonsumsi produk dari luar negeri, variabel citra merek tidak mempengaruhi keputusan pembelian. Hasil penelitian ini bertolak belakang dengan pendapat bahwa citra merek (brand image) berhubungan dengan sikap, sikap positif konsumen terhadap sebuah merek lebih mudah mengarahkannya untuk membeli merek dan produk tersebut, variabel product knowledge mempengaruhi keputusan pembelian. Konsumen dengan product knowledge tinggi akan cenderung mengandalkan isyarat intrinsik bukan stereotip untuk membuat penilaian terhadap kualitas produk karena mereka menyadari pentingnya informasi produk.
Role of Cajal Bodies and Nucleolus in the Maturation of the U1 snRNP in Arabidopsis

Background The biogenesis of spliceosomal snRNPs takes place in both the cytoplasm where Sm core proteins are added and snRNAs are modified at the 5′ and 3′ termini and in the nucleus where snRNP-specific proteins associate. U1 snRNP consists of U1 snRNA, seven Sm proteins and three snRNP-specific proteins, U1-70K, U1A, and U1C. It has been shown previously that after import to the nucleus U2 and U4/U6 snRNP-specific proteins first appear in Cajal bodies (CB) and then in splicing speckles. In addition, in cells grown under normal conditions U2, U4, U5, and U6 snRNAs/snRNPs are abundant in CBs. Therefore, it has been proposed that the final assembly of these spliceosomal snRNPs takes place in this nuclear compartment. In contrast, U1 snRNA in both animal and plant cells has rarely been found in this nuclear compartment. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we analysed the subnuclear distribution of Arabidopsis U1 snRNP-specific proteins fused to GFP or mRFP in transiently transformed Arabidopsis protoplasts. Irrespective of the tag used, U1-70K was exclusively found in the nucleus, whereas U1A and U1C were equally distributed between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. In the nucleus all three proteins localised to CBs and nucleoli although to different extent. Interestingly, we also found that the appearance of the three proteins in nuclear speckles differ significantly. U1-70K was mostly found in speckles whereas U1A and U1C in ∼90% of cells showed diffuse nucleoplasmic in combination with CBs and nucleolar localisation. Conclusions/Significance Our data indicate that CBs and nucleolus are involved in the maturation of U1 snRNP. Differences in nuclear accumulation and distribution between U1-70K and U1A and U1C proteins may indicate that either U1-70K or U1A and U1C associate with, or is/are involved, in other nuclear processes apart from pre-mRNA splicing.
Effects of selective slow wave sleep disruption on musculoskeletal pain and fatigue in middle aged women.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether disrupted slow wave sleep (SWS) would evoke musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and an alpha electroencephalograph (EEG) sleep pattern. We selectively deprived 12 healthy, middle aged, sedentary women without muscle discomfort of SWS for 3 consecutive nights. Effects were assessed for the following measures: polysomnographic sleep, musculoskeletal tender point pain threshold, skinfold tenderness, reactive hyperemia (inflammatory flare response), somatic symptoms, and mood state. METHODS Sleep was recorded and scored using standard methods. On selective SWS deprivation (SWSD) nights, when delta waves (indicative of SWS) were detected on EEG, a computer generated tone (maximum 85 decibels) was delivered until delta waves disappeared. Musculoskeletal tender points were measured by dolorimetry; skinfold tenderness was assessed by skin roll procedure; and reactive hyperemia was assessed with a cotton swab test. Subjects completed questionnaires on bodily feelings, symptoms, and mood. RESULTS On each SWSD night, SWS was decreased significantly with minimal alterations in total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and other sleep stages. Subjects showed a 24% decrease in musculoskeletal pain threshold after the third SWSD night. They also reported increased discomfort, tiredness, fatigue, and reduced vigor. The flare response (area of vasodilatation) in skin was greater than baseline after the first, and again, after the third SWSD night. However, the automated program for SWSD did not evoke an alpha EEG sleep pattern. CONCLUSION Disrupting SWS, without reducing total sleep or sleep efficiency, for several consecutive nights is associated with decreased pain threshold, increased discomfort, fatigue, and the inflammatory flare response in skin. These results suggest that disrupted sleep is probably an important factor in the pathophysiology of symptoms in fibromyalgia.
Simulation of stationary time series

The study of parameter estimation, prediction, and hypothesis test methodology in time series analysis frequently involves simulation of a stationary time series from an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model with nonnormal random shocks. The simulation question is how to generate the dependent and possibly nonnormal initial values of the time series. Usually, the simulation must be warmed up in order to diminish the bias induced by approximate methods used to generate the initial values of the time series. This paper examines current concepts and algorithms for simulating a stationary time series from an ARMA model with either normal or nonnormal random shocks.
COORDENAÇÃO INTERORGANIZACIONAL NA IMPLEMENTAÇÃO DE PROGRAMAS PÚBLICOS

A implementacao de programas publicos atraves de redes de relacoes interorganizacionais, envolvendo varios niveis de governo e uma variedade de instituicoes publicas e privadas e complexa e requer uma coordenacao que seja capaz de induzir a acao cooperativa para o alcance dos resultados planejados. Para examinar essa questao, o presente trabalho focaliza o Programa de Alfabetizacao e Capacitacao de Jovens e Adultos de 1998, coordenado pela superintendencia de Desenvolvimento do Nordeste. Utilizando uma metodologia qualitativa para a coleta e analise de dados, o estudo investigou a configuracao do arranjo interorganizacional e os mecanismos de coordenacao utilizados na gestao do mesmo. Observouse que o arranjo adquiriu uma configuracao hierarquica e verticalizada, cuja coordenacao se desenvolveu de forma centralizada e pouco interativa tendo como principais consequencias: (1) articulacao insuficiente para obtencao dos melhores resultados ; e (2) deficiencia de estimulo e orientacao para o alto desempenho. Conclui-se o trabalho tecendo recomendacoes para o estabelecimento de formas de coordenacao que contribuam para o atendimento das demandas por resultados, no atual contexto de implementacao interorganizacional de programas publicos.
Contribution du Stockage à la Gestion Avancée des Systèmes Électriques : approches Organisationnelles et Technico-économiques dans les Réseaux de Distribution

Des solutions innovantes doivent etre developpees pour envisager l’avenir des systemes electriques face a un nombre grandissant de contraintes. En particulier, le stockage d’energie est pressenti comme un soutien indispensable a l’essor massif dans les reseaux de distribution de sources de production exploitant les energies renouvelables. Les presents travaux visent a apporter des elements de reflexion sur cette option technique qui arrive a maturite et suscite l’interet. Dans un premier temps, des methodes d’etude sont proposees pour cerner le potentiel et les opportunites du stockage distribue. Une grille de caracterisation des technologies est introduite et sa mise en œuvre souligne des performances interessantes a des couts qui, cependant, demeurent eleves. Pour rendre leur utilisation realiste, la valeur de ces dispositifs pour les systemes electriques est donc critique. Nous l’analysons en deux etapes : une classification de leurs services pour les differents acteurs en presence est definie avant d’aborder la mutualisation de fonctions, requise pour favoriser l’atteinte d’une rentabilite, via une approche originale. Cette demarche aboutit a l’identification de configurations porteuses qui meritent des etudes plus poussees. Pour ce faire, un modele general de comportement des unites de stockage est developpe dans un second temps. Interface a un logiciel de simulation dynamique des reseaux, il permet d’evaluer l’utilisation de telles installations pour diverses offres de services. Ces outils sont appliques et valides experimentalement sur la caracterisation d’une reserve impulsionnelle fournie par le stockage pour reduire les delestages dans les systemes insulaires
Cooling rates and body temperature regulation of hibernating echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

SUMMARY Echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) are amongst the largest deep hibernators, but it is difficult to get them to hibernate normally under laboratory conditions. We measured body temperature (Tb) in 14 free-ranging echidnas using implanted data-loggers. Cooling during entry into hibernation bouts followed a Newtonian cooling curve, and conductances calculated from cooling curves were identical to those observed in cold exposed euthermic echidnas. Comparison with a reference soil temperature demonstrated that echidnas showed behavioural thermoregulation during hibernation; early in the hibernation season echidnas preferred to hibernate in cool areas, while during the coldest months they moved to warmer hibernacula, giving a preferred Tb in the range 8–10°C. Thermal buffering against excessive variation in Tb may be as important as maintaining a low Tb.