Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parkinson's Disease Brain Mitochondrial Complex I Has Oxidatively Damaged Subunits and Is Functionally Impaired and Misassembled

Loss of mitochondrial complex I catalytic activity in the electron transport chain (ETC) is found in multiple tissues from individuals with sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD) and is a property of some PD model neurotoxins. Using special ETC subunit-specific and complex I immunocapture antibodies directed against the entire complex I macroassembly, we quantified ETC proteins and protein oxidation of complex I subunits in brain mitochondria from 10 PD and 12 age-matched control (CTL) samples. We measured nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-driven electron transfer rates through complex I and correlated these with complex I subunit oxidation levels and reductions of its 8 kDa subunit. PD brain complex I shows 11% increase in ND6, 34% decrease in its 8 kDa subunit and contains 47% more protein carbonyls localized to catalytic subunits coded for by mitochondrial and nuclear genomes We found no changes in levels of ETC proteins from complexes II–V. Oxidative damage patterns to PD complex I are reproduced by incubation of CTL brain mitochondria with NADH in the presence of rotenone but not by exogenous oxidant. NADH-driven electron transfer rates through complex I inversely correlate with complex I protein oxidation status and positively correlate with reduction in PD 8 kDa subunit. Reduced complex I function in PD brain mitochondria appears to arise from oxidation of its catalytic subunits from internal processes, not from external oxidative stress, and correlates with complex I misassembly. This complex I auto-oxidation may derive from abnormalities in mitochondrial or nuclear encoded subunits, complex I assembly factors, rotenone-like complex I toxins, or some combination.
Amyloid Precursor Protein Trafficking, Processing, and Function*

Intracellular trafficking and proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) have been the focus of numerous investigations over the past two decades. APP is the precursor to the amyloid β-protein (Aβ), the 38–43-amino acid residue peptide that is at the heart of the amyloid cascade hypothesis of Alzheimer disease (AD). Tremendous progress has been made since the initial identification of Aβ as the principal component of brain senile plaques of individuals with AD. Specifically, molecular characterization of the secretases involved in Aβ production has facilitated cell biological investigations on APP processing and advanced efforts to model AD pathogenesis in animal models. This minireview summarizes salient features of APP trafficking and amyloidogenic processing and discusses the putative biological functions of APP.
A Fast Algorithm of Address Lines Extraction on Complex Chinese Mail Pieces

A fast and efficient method is presented to extract address lines on both machine printed and handwritten Chinese mail envelopes. The algorithm is based on a bottom-up approach. First, we select out text blocks from connected components (CCs) and immediately group the text blocks into the initial lines. Then, the average text block features are computed to validate the initial text lines and guide an iterative split and merge process. Lines are split by merging the text CCs in detail according to criteria for similarity and consistency of neighborhood text blocks. Particularly, some non-text blocks within the lines are recovered if they are similar with other text blocks. A skew detection and, accordingly, deskew step is followed. We have tested the performance of our methods on a large mail sample test deck with different categories of envelopes, and an obvious improvement both on accuracy and on computation time could be achieved compared to our previous system.
Compositional Effects on the Creep Properties of SnAgCu Solder

Although there seems to be agreement that the SnAgCu-solder is the lead-free alloy of choice, the basic eutectic SnAgCu system does not fully satisfy the requirements of an alternative to the classic SnPb system. Therefore the question is, how the simple SnAgCu eutectic needs to be changed in order to achieve a higher mechanical performance of the solder. Changes include the increase or reduction of the Sn-, Ag- or Cu-content in order to achieve a non eutectic SnAgCu solder, or the addition of other alloying elements like Ni, Au and Co. The scope of the paper is to present creep data, that was gained on non eutectic SnAgCu-solder specimens with different compositions. The experimental program contained the following alloys: Sn98Ag2, Sn97Ag3, Sn96Ag4, Sn97.5Ag2Cu0. 5, Sn97.1Ag2Cu0. 9, Sn98.8Ag2Cul. 2, Sn96.5Ag3Cu0. 5, Sn96.1Ag3Cu0. 9, Sn95.8Ag3Cu1. 2, Sn96.9Ag3Au0. 1. Bulk solder specimens were produced from raw solder bars by melting in an aluminum mould. The length of the specimens is 50 mm. The specimens have a rectangular cross section of 4mm times 3mm. Constant-load creep tests were carried out. The specimens were tested in a standard load frame. All creep tests were carried out at temperatures of 30 degC, 60 degC, 100 degC and 150 degC. Creep data was taken for strain rates between 1*10E-9 s-1 and 1*10E-1 s-1. The specimens were tested in "as cast" condition. In the second step of this study, the microstructural properties of the specimens were examined using metallographic sectioning, optical microscopy techniques, and SEM-microprobe analysis. The intermetallic phase sizes were determined. Finally, the results of the microstructural analysis were related to the investigated mechanical properties of the solders. The contribution will present all the investigated creep data on the different solders. It will point out, how the individual alloying elements of SnAgCu solders change the creep properties of the alloy. A comparison with the microstructural properties will indicate the physics behind the effect on the creep behavior
Adaptive Flattening for Multidimensional Image Restoration

Whereas most previous works treating color or hyper- spectral image restoration use hybrid filters or data splitting, some new approaches consider multidimensional or tensor signal processing techniques. Tensor processing methods are based on multilinear algebra and are more efficient than 2-D filtering. However, they rely on orthogonal tensor flattening. The aim of this letter is to show that this orthogonal flattening may not be optimal for multidimensional images. We propose a method to adapt the flattening depending on the data set. Our proposed method is based on the estimation of main directions in multidimensional data. For this purpose, we extend the straight line detection algorithm. Multidimensional filtering method HOSVD - (K1,., KN) is applied along the estimated directions. We also adapt a quadtree partitioning in order to split tensors into homogeneous sub-tensors to keep local characteristics. Considering some examples of color and hyperspectral images, we present some promising results.
Mobile App Security Analysis with the MAVeriC Static Analysis Module

The success of the mobile application model is mostly due to the ease with which new applications are uploaded by developers, distributed through the application markets (e.g. Google Play), and installed by users. Yet, the very same model is cause of serious security concerns, since users have no or little means to ascertain the trustworthiness of the applications they install on their devices. Such concerns grow up when dealing with professional scenarios like the use of mobile devices within organisations. To protect their customers, Poste Italiane has defined the Mobile Application Verification Cluster (MAVeriC), a process for the systematic security analysis of third-party mobile apps leveraging their online services (e.g. home banking, parcel tracking). MAVeriC is an ongoing project that will be completed in the next few years. At the core of the MAVeriC project lies the Static Analysis Module (SAM), a toolkit that supports automatic static analysis of mobile applications by automating a number of operations including reverse engineering, privilege analysis and automatic verification of security properties. In this paper we present the SAM that has been fully developed and tested. We introduce the functionalities of SAM through a demonstration of the platform applied to real Android applications.
Preferential Termination of Corticorubral Axons on Spine-Like Dendritic Protrusions in Developing Cat

The formation of synaptic contacts is a crucial event during neural development and is thought to be achieved by complex interactions between incoming axons and the neurons in the target. We have focused on spine-like dendritic protrusions (SLDPs), which are transient pleomorphic protrusive structures seen in developing brains. Although the functional significance of SLDPs remains unknown, accumulatingin vitro evidence suggests that the SLDP plays an important role in synaptogenetic interactions with axons. As a test of this idea, the present study was performed to examine whether the SLDPs are the preferential sites of synapse formation in vivo. The ultrastructure of biocytin-labeled corticorubral (CR) terminals was examined in serial thin sections during the period of synaptogenesis in newborn cats. We found that a major proportion (86%) of the CR synapses was formed on SLDPs. The presynaptic terminals were often invaginated by fine processes extending from the tips of SLDPs. Synaptic structures presumably of cortical origin were also found on SLDPs of HRP-labeled rubrospinal cells, suggesting that SLDPs postsynaptic to labeled CR terminals originate at least in part from rubrospinal cells. Taken together, these results indicate that SLDPs may represent preferred sites of synapse formation and support the notion that SLDPs play a role in synaptogenic interactions during brain development.
Administration of a CD31-derived peptide delays the onset and significantly increases survival from lethal graft-versus-host disease.

The CD31 monoclonal antibody, LYP21, binds to the CD31 domain 6 and inhibits the human mixed-lymphocyte reaction (MLR) in a specific and dose-dependent fashion. A synthetic CD31 peptide based on human CD31 epitope (amino acids 551 to 574) recognized by LYP21 is equally effective in inhibiting the MLR. In this study, we used the murine homolog of CD31 peptide 551 to 574 and a control peptide to study the role of CD31 molecule on T-cell activation. In vitro, CD31 peptide inhibited the MLR across several major and minor histocompatibility differences in a specific and dose-dependent fashion, similar to the results observed in the human system. Maximal inhibition was achieved at a dose of 200 microg/mL. In the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) assay, CD31 peptide inhibited CTL responses by 97%. To study the in vivo effect of this peptide, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) across minor histocompatibility barriers was induced in the B10.D2 (H-2d) --> BALB/c (H-2d) model. BALB/c recipients received CD31 peptide (100 microg/d), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), or control peptide (100 microg/d) intraperitoneally (IP) for the first 5 weeks. CD31 peptide delayed onset of graft-versus-host disease and significantly increased long-term survival. Twelve of 14 mice receiving CD31 peptide survived more than 100 days after transplantation, as compared with none of 10 mice receiving PBS and none of five mice receiving control peptide (P = .0001). Long-term engraftment of allogeneic bone marrow was documented in all transplanted mice by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of microsatellite region in the interleukin (IL)-1beta gene. Our data suggest that the CD31 molecule has an important functional role in T-cell activation in vitro and in vivo.
Psychological Co-morbidity in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Epidemiology, Mechanisms and Management

Functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) is one of the commonest digestive diseases worldwide and leads to significant morbidity and burden on healthcare resource. The putative bio-psycho-social pathophysiological model for FGID underscores the importance of psychological distress in the pathogenesis of FGID. Concomitant psychological disorders, notably anxiety and depressive disorders, are strongly associated with FGID and these psychological co-morbidities correlate with severity of FGID symptoms. Early life adversity such as sexual and physical abuse is more commonly reported in patients with FGID. There is mounting evidence showing that psychological disorders are commonly associated with abnormal central processing of visceral noxious stimuli. The possible causal link between psychological disorders and FGID involves functional abnormalities in various components of the brain-gut axis, which include hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, serotonergic and endocannabinoid systems. Moreover, recent studies have also shown that psychological distress may alter the systemic and gut immunity, which is increasingly recognized as a pathophysiologic feature of FGID. Psychotropic agent, in particular antidepressant, and psychological intervention such as cognitive behavioral therapy and meditation have been reported to be effective for alleviation of gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life in FGID patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of early detection and management of co-morbid psychological disorders on the long-term clinical outcome and disease course of FGID.
A randomized comparison of print and web communication on colorectal cancer screening.

BACKGROUND New methods to enhance colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are needed. The web offers novel possibilities to educate patients and to improve health behaviors, such as cancer screening. Evidence supports the efficacy of health communications that are targeted and tailored to improve the uptake of recommendations. METHODS We identified unscreened women at average risk for CRC from the scheduling databases of obstetrics and gynecology practices in 2 large health care systems. Participants consented to a randomized controlled trial that compared CRC screening uptake after receipt of CRC screening information delivered via the web or in print form. Participants could also be assigned to a control (usual care) group. Women in the interventional arms received tailored information in a high- or low-monitoring Cognitive Social Information Processing model-defined attentional style. The primary outcome was CRC screening participation at 4 months. RESULTS A total of 904 women were randomized to the interventional or control group. At 4 months, CRC screening uptake was not significantly different in the web (12.2%), print (12.0%), or control (12.9%) group. Attentional style had no effect on screening uptake for any group. Some baseline participant factors were associated with greater screening, including higher income (P = .03), stage of change (P < .001), and physician recommendation to screen (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS A web-based educational intervention was no more effective than a print-based one or control (no educational intervention) in increasing CRC screening rates in women at average risk of CRC. Risk messages tailored to attentional style had no effect on screening uptake. In average-risk populations, use of the Internet for health communication without additional enhancement is unlikely to improve screening participation. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00459030.
Technology Diffusion : the Case of Agent Technologies

Despite several examples of deployed agent systems, there remain barriers to the large-scale adoption of agent technologies. In order to understand these barriers, this paper considers aspects of marketing theory which deal with diffusion of innovations and their relevance to the agents domain and the current state of diffusion of agent technologies. In particular, the paper examines the role of standards in the adoption of new technologies, describes the agent standards landscape, and compares the development and diffusion of agent technologies with that of objectoriented programming. The paper also reports on a simulation model developed in order to consider different trajectories for the adoption of agent technologies, with trajectories based on various assumptions regarding industry structure and the existence of competing technology standards. We present details of the simulation model and its assumptions, along with the results of the simulation exercises.
Oxidative stress and antioxidant vitamins in cataract patients

Background: In Pakistan age related vision disturbances are mainly due to cataract. Various studies have reported relationship of ocular lesion with senile changes and diabetes mellitus resulting in reduced quality of life due to vision. Oxidative stress is an important factor in the process of cataractogenesis. The pathogenesis of the cataract may involve decreased activity of antioxidant scavenging system which includes non-enzymatic natural antioxidants as biomolecules such as carotenoids and vitamins. So, it is planned to investigate the level of serum antioxidant vitamins in diabetic cataract patients and in non-diabetic cataract patients.Methods: The study was conducted at Biochemistry department, Al-Tibri Medical College Karachi from October 2016 to October 2017. Ninety pre diagnosed cataract patients were selected from Al-Ibrahim Eye Hospital Karachi 40 normal control subjects were selected from the same population with same socioeconomic group. The demographic data was analyzed. The random blood sugar, antioxidant vitamins (C, A and E) and malondialdehyde were analyzed in the blood sample of control and cataract patients. The data was analyzed by SPSS version 20.Results: There was no significant difference in the level of vitamin C, A, E and MDA between diabetic and non-diabetic cataract patients, but the blood levels of vitamins of control are higher as compared to the cataract patients. The level of MDA is significantly high in cataract patients as compared to control. Antioxidant vitamin E was negatively correlated with serum malondialdehyde in cataract patients.Conclusions: It is concluded that in diabetic and non-diabetic cataract low level of serum antioxidant vitamins may be a contributory factor for cataractogenesis.
ApoA‐I mutations, L202P and K131del, in HDL from heterozygotes with low HDL‐C

Mutations in apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I) may affect plasma high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and the risk for cardiovascular disease but little is known about the presence and effects of circulating apoA‐I variants. This study investigates whether the apoA‐I mutations, apoA‐IL202P and apoA‐IK131del, are present on plasma HDL particles derived from heterozygote carriers and whether this is associated to changes in HDL protein composition.
Examining the Technical Adequacy of the Ages & Stages Questionnaires: INVENTORY

Although many children live in healthy, supportive environments, far too many are exposed to or experience biological and/or psychosocial risk factors (e.g., infectious diseases, maternal depression). To evaluate the effectiveness of early childhood programs that are established to support these vulnerable children, funding agencies and nongovernmental organizations are increasing their focus on the development and implementation of interventions aimed at supporting the development of infants and toddlers and need a means for evaluating the effectiveness of the programs. However, there is a lack of psychometrically sound, easy-to-administer, change-sensitive measurement tools to assess the developmental outcomes of children from birth to 3 years. The Ages & Stages Questionnaires: INVENTORY (ASQ:I) is a new measure that was designed to meet this need. The ASQ:I is a continuous measure that was developed by combining items from the Ages & Stages Questionnaires. The ASQ:I is intended to be used for evaluating and monitoring the development of children from 1 to 36 months of age using naturalistic methods that incorporate and capitalize on parent participation. This study presents preliminary evidence for the technical adequacy of the ASQ:I.
Orlicz norm equivalence for the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck operator

The Meyer equivalence on an abstract Wiener space states that the L p -norm of square root of the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck operator is equivalent to L p -norm of the Malliavin derivative. We prove the equivalence in the framework of Orlicz space. We also discuss the logarithmic Sobolev inequality in L p setting and higher order loga- rithmic Sobolev inequality.
Food Production and Processing Considerations of Allergenic Food Ingredients: A Review

Although most consumers show no adverse symptoms to food allergens, health consequences for sensitized individuals can be very serious. As a result, the Codex General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods has specified a series of allergenic ingredients/substances requiring mandatory declaration when present in processed prepackaged food products. Countries adhering to international standards are required to observe this minimum of eight substances, but additional priority allergens are included in the list in some countries. Enforcement agencies have traditionally focused their effort on surveillance of prepackaged goods, but there is a growing need to apply a bottom-up approach to allergen risk management in food manufacturing starting from primary food processing operations in order to minimize the possibility of allergen contamination in finished products. The present paper aims to review food production considerations that impact allergen risk management, and it is directed mainly to food manufacturers and policy makers. Furthermore, a series of food ingredients and the allergenic fractions identified from them, as well as the current methodology used for detection of these allergenic foods, is provided.
Measuring the Correlation of Shocks between the UK and the Core of Europe

This paper considers the question of the symmetry of inflation and GDP shocks between the UK and the three major European EMU countries. It applies a relatively new technique, the orthogonal GARCH model, which allows us to calculate a complete time varying correlation matrix for these four countries. We can then examine the way the conditional correlation of shocks between the UK and the other European countries ahs been evolving over time. Our overall results Show that the shocks, which hit the UK, are now broadly symmetrical with France and Italy but that Germany seems to exhibit very low correlation with any of the other three countries.