Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advances in our understanding of peroxiredoxin, a multifunctional, mammalian redox protein

Abstract Organisms living under aerobic conditions have developed various anti-oxidative mechanisms to protect them from damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS). A novel family of anti-oxidative proteins, designated as peroxiredoxin (Prx), has been identified in the past two decades and currently comprises six members in mammals. They share a common reactive Cys residue in the N-terminal region, and are capable of serving as a peroxidase and involve thioredoxin and/or glutathione as the electron donor. Prx1 to Prx4 have an additional Cys residue in the conserved C-terminal region, and are cross members as judged by the amino acid sequence similarity. Prx5 also contains an additional Cys in its C-terminal region which is less conserved. On the other hand, Prx6 has only one unique Cys. These Prx family members are distributed in the cytosol, mitochondria, peroxisome and plasma, all of which are potential sites of ROS production. In addition to their role as a peroxidase, however, a body of evidence has accumulated to suggest that individual members also serve divergent functions which are associated with various biological processes such as the detoxification of oxidants, cell proliferation, differentiation and gene expression. It would be expected that these functions might not necessarily depend on peroxidase activity and, therefore, it seems likely that the divergence is due to unique molecular characteristics intrinsic to each member. A comparative study of the divergence would lead to a better understanding of the biological significance of the Prx family.
Proteomic Identification of Nrf2-Mediated Phase II Enzymes Critical for Protection of Tao Hong Si Wu Decoction against Oxygen Glucose Deprivation Injury in PC12 Cells

Chinese herbal medicine formula Tao Hong Si Wu decoction (THSWD) is traditionally used in China for cerebrovascular diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms of THSWD associated with the cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury are largely unknown. The current study applied the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis-based proteomics to investigate the different protein profiles in PC12 cells with and without the treatment of THSWD. Twenty-six proteins affected by THSWD were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Gene ontology analysis showed that those proteins participated in several important biological processes and exhibited diverse molecular functions. In particular, six of them were found to be phase II antioxidant enzymes, which were regulated by NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). Quantitative PCR further confirmed a dose-dependent induction of the six phase II enzymes by THSWD at the transcription level. Moreover, the individual ingredients of THSWD were discovered to synergistically contribute to the induction of phase II enzymes. Importantly, THSWD's protection against oxygen-glucose deprivation-reperfusion (OGD-Rep) induced cell death was significantly attenuated by antioxidant response element (ARE) decoy oligonucleotides, suggesting the protection of THSWD may be likely regulated at least in part by Nrf2-mediated phase II enzymes. Thus, our data will help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effect of THSWD.
Lesion Segmentation in Dermoscopic Images Using Decision Based Neuro Fuzzy Model

This paper presents a novel approach for segmentation based on Neuro-Fuzzy model using decision making. We know that segmentation is done based on some feature values of images. These features work as parameters. There are many segmentation techniques available presently based on different approaches. Many of them require parameter selection which is done manually by observation. This can be performed on those data which are having easily differentiable values. But images such as skin lesion images have very marginal or not-differentiable data of lesion and skin which cannot be easily analysed. This makes parameter selection and assigning parameter value task very difficult. Hence, to solve this problem, we are presenting a novel approach for segmentation problem that uses decision making. We have evaluated this approach by applying it on different dermatological images containing skin lesion which results in good quality segmentation of skin lesion. Keywords— Color Images, Image Segmentation, Fuzzy, CART, Decision Tree, ANFIS, Medical Images.
Down Syndrome Cognitive Phenotypes Modeled in Mice Trisomic for All HSA 21 Homologues

Down syndrome (DS), trisomy for chromosome 21, is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability. The genomic regions on human chromosome 21 (HSA21) are syntenically conserved with regions on mouse chromosomes 10, 16, and 17 (Mmu10, Mmu16, and Mmu17). Recently, we created a genetic model of DS which carries engineered duplications of all three mouse syntenic regions homologous to HSA21. This ‘triple trisomic’ or TTS model thus represents the most complete and accurate murine model currently available for experimental studies of genotype-phenotype relationships in DS. Here we extended our initial studies of TTS mice. Locomotor activity, stereotypic and repetitive behavior, anxiety, working memory, long-term memory, and synaptic plasticity in the dentate gyrus were examined in the TTS and wild-type (WT) control mice. Changes in locomotor activity were most remarkable for a significant increase in ambulatory time and a reduction in average velocity of TTS mice. No changes were detected in repetitive and stereotypic behavior and in measures of anxiety. Working memory showed no changes when tested in Y-maze, but deficiency in a more challenging T-maze test was detected. Furthermore, long-term object recognition memory was significantly reduced in the TTS mice. These changes were accompanied by deficient long-term potentiation in the dentate gyrus, which was restored to the WT levels following blockade of GABAA receptors with picrotoxin (100 μM). TTS mice thus demonstrated a number of phenotypes characteristic of DS and may serve as a new standard by which to evaluate and direct findings in other less complete models of DS.
PERFORMING PEER-TO-PEER E-BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS: A REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS AND PRELIMINARY DESIGN PROPOSAL 1

On-line business transaction processing systems have so far been based on centralized or client-server architectures. It is our firm belief–and it has also been recognized by the research and industrial community–that such systems may also be based on the constantly evolving decentralized peer-to-peer architectures. The first step in this direction, which constitutes the core of our paper, is a detailed requirements definition and analysis. We discuss requirements preceding the actual collaborations, such as support for discovery of services, merchandise or trading parties, authentication and access control, and negotiating collaboration parameters; requirements referring to the actual collaboration and transaction phases, such as support for workflow and collaboration orchestration, logging and non-repudiation; requirements following the collaboration, such as user ranking and reputation management; and generic non-functional requirements including security, availability and anonymity. A preliminary design proposal is presented, based on our proposed set of requirements, and on implementation solutions from the recent literature. We conclude that current peerto-peer technology has evolved to the extent that it is able to fulfill many of these requirements to a large extent.
An AIS-ACO Hybrid Approach for Multi-Objective Distribution System Reconfiguration

This paper proposes a hybrid algorithm based on artificial immune systems and ant colony optimization for distribution system reconfiguration, which is formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem. The algorithm maintains a population of candidate solutions called antibodies. The search space is explored by means of the hypermutation operator that perturbs existing antibodies to produce new ones. A table of pheromones is used to reinforce better edges during hypermutation. An added innovation is the use of the pheromones to obtain quick solutions to restore the distribution system under contingency situations. The hybrid approach has been successfully implemented on two test networks. The results obtained demonstrate the efficacy of the algorithm.
Speaker adaptation of deep neural networks using a hierarchy of output layers

Deep neural networks (DNN) used for acoustic modeling in speech recognition often have a very large number of output units corresponding to context dependent (CD) triphone HMM states. The amount of data available for speaker adaptation is often limited so a large majority of these CD states may not be observed during adaptation. In this case, the posterior probabilities of unseen CD states are only pushed towards zero during DNN speaker adaptation and the ability to predict these states can be degraded relative to the speaker independent network. We address this problem by appending an additional output layer which maps the original set of DNN output classes to a smaller set of phonetic classes (e.g. monophones) thereby reducing the occurrences of unseen states in the adaptation data. Adaptation proceeds by backpropagation of errors from the new output layer, which is disregarded at recognition time when posterior probabilities over the original set of CD states are used. We demonstrate the benefits of this approach over adapting the network with the original set of CD states using experiments on a Japanese voice search task and obtain 5.03% relative reduction in character error rate with approximately 60 seconds of adaptation data.
Keratin 19, a Cancer Stem Cell Marker in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose: Keratin 19 (K19) is a known marker of poor prognosis and invasion in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the relationship between K19 and cancer stem cells (CSCs) is unclear. Here, we determined whether K19 can be used as a new CSC marker and therapeutic target in HCC. Experimental Design: HCC cell lines were transfected with a K19 promoter–driven enhanced green fluorescence protein gene. CSC characteristics, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and TGFb/Smad signaling were examined in FACS-isolated K19+/K19− cells. K19 and TGFb receptor 1 (TGFbR1) expression in 166 consecutive human HCC surgical specimens was examined immunohistochemically. Results: FACS-isolated single K19+ cells showed self-renewal and differentiation into K19− cells, whereas single K19− cells did not produce K19+ cells. K19+ cells displayed high proliferation capacity and 5-fluorouracil resistance in vitro. Xenotransplantation into immunodeficient mice revealed that K19+ cells reproduced, differentiated into K19− cells, and generated large tumors at a high frequency in vivo. K19+ cells were found to be involved in EMT and the activation of TGFb/Smad signaling, and these properties were suppressed by K19 knockdown or treatment with a TGFbR1 inhibitor. The TGFbR1 inhibitor also showed high therapeutic effect against K19+ tumor in the mouse xenograft model. Immunohistochemistry of HCC specimens showed that compared with K19− patients, K19+ patients had significantly poorer recurrence-free survival and higher tumor TGFbR1 expression. Conclusions: K19 is a new CSC marker associated with EMT and TGFb/Smad signaling, and it would thus be a good therapeutic target for TGFbR1 inhibition. Clin Cancer Res; 21(13); 3081–91. ©2015 AACR.
Validation and Cross Cultural Adaptation of the Italian Version of the Harris Hip Score

Introduction The Harris Hip Score (HHS) is one of the most widely used health related quality of life (HRQOL) measures for the assessment of hip pathology: in spite of this, a validation study, and an official Italian version have not been provided yet. The aim of this study was to create an Italian valid and reliable version of the HHS. Materials and methods The score was translated and modified in Italian; then 103 patients with different hip pathologies were evaluated using this HHS version and also with the WOMAC and the SF-12 questionnaires. Content, construct and criterion validities were tested, such as interobserver reliability, test-retest reliability and internal consistency. Results Cross-cultural adaptation was easy, and only minor adaptation was required in the translation process. Construct and criterion validity of the HHS Italian Version were confirmed by satisfactory values of Spearman's Rho for correlation between specific domains of HHS and Womac and SF12 scores. Interobserver and test-retest reliabilities obtained values of 0.996 and 0.975 respectively; Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency was 0.816. Discussion Statistical and clinical analysis showed that HHS is highly valid and reliable in this new Italian version.
AC 2009-433: A STATE-OF-PRACTICE ON TEACHING SOFTWARE VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION

Software testing is an essential activity in the software development process. Moreover, it covers a large part of the development costs involved. And, as the software tester is a key player in the testing activities that occur throughout the software lifecycle, the efficacy of such testing depends very much on his or her experience, efficiency, skills, and intuition. Given this importance of software testing, educators face a significant challenge when teaching and equipping students with the testing methodologies, skills, and knowledge that are in line with industry needs. The aim of this paper is to examine the current state-of-practice with respect to teaching Software Verification and Validation (V&V) in the accredited Bachelor of Software Engineering (BSE) programs offered in Australian universities. An online survey was conducted to obtain the required data from these universities. The same online survey was used to obtain data from the Certified Software Test Professional (CSTP) program. Nine universities responded and the data obtained are compared to the data relating to the CSTP program. Consequently, this paper reports on the differences between the two programs by focusing on the methods of teaching and the coverage of those topics specified within the area of Software V&V Knowledge as it is stated in the ACM Curriculum Guidelines. The survey’s results and analysis facilitate the discussion of further details concerning what is lacking in the teaching of each topic for each category. An initial suggestion that would contribute to overcoming this educational shortfall is explained briefly in the Future Work section.
Entrepreneurial network composition: An analysis across venture development stage and gender

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore gender differences in the composition of entrepreneurs' networks at four new venture stages: discovery, emergence, young, and established.Design/methodology/approach – The study used ANOVA and linear regression on a sample of 134 female and 266 male entrepreneurs.Findings – Female entrepreneurs have significantly lower proportions of males in their social networks in early venture development stages, but similar levels at later stages.Research limitations/implications – Taken together, the findings suggest that, just as women in traditional organizations adapt social networks similar to men in order to succeed, their entrepreneurial counterparts build more “male‐oriented” networks as they proceed through venture phases.Originality/value – This study uses a representative sample of male and female entrepreneurs to explore network composition at four distinct stages. The findings suggest that female entrepreneurs who are able to persist in the new venture pr.
RELATIONS BETWEEN LEAD POISONING IN RABBIT AND MAN.

Electron microscopic studies were made of the retina in several animals. The tissues were fixed promptly in osmic acid buffered according to the method of Palade. After fixation the tissues were embedded in Epon 8I2, cut with a diamond knife with an LKB microtome and studied with an RCA-EMU 3E electron microscope. The following special laboratory procedures were done at 2 to 4 week intervals: serum cholesterol, blood hemoglobin and differential nucleated blood cell counts with stippled red cell counts of blood smears. X-ray studies of the long bones were made of 12 animals of Groups I, II and III over a period of 5 to 7 months.
NepA is a structural cell wall protein involved in maintenance of spore dormancy in Streptomyces coelicolor

Streptomycetes have a complex morphogenetic programme culminating in the formation of aerial hyphae that develop into chains of spores. After spore dispersal, environmental signals trigger dormant spores to germinate to establish a new colony. We here compared whole genome expression of a wild‐type colony of Streptomyces coelicolor forming aerial hyphae and spores with that of the chp null mutant that forms few aerial structures. This revealed that expression of 244 genes was significantly altered, among which genes known to be involved in development. One of the genes that was no longer expressed in the ΔchpABCDEFGH mutant was nepA, which was previously shown to be expressed in a compartment connecting the substrate mycelium with the sporulating parts of the aerial mycelium. We here show that expression is also detected in developing spore chains, where NepA is secreted to end up as a highly insoluble protein in the cell wall. Germination of spores of a nepA deletion mutant was faster and more synchronous, resulting in colonies with an accelerated morphogenetic programme. Crucially, spores of the ΔnepA mutant also germinated in water, unlike those of the wild‐type strain. Taken together, NepA is the first bacterial structural cell wall protein that is important for maintenance of spore dormancy under unfavourable environmental conditions.
The Impact of Bundled High Performance Human Resource Practices on Intention to Leave: Mediating Role of Emotional Exhaustion.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion (EE) in between bundled high-performance human resource practices (HPHRPs) and intention to leave (ITL) in the education sector. Design/methodology/approach – A survey questionnaire method was used to collect data from a sample of 514 teachers working in different professional colleges in Jammu and Kashmir (North India). Data were validated with CFA and SEM was used to test hypothesised relations. Findings – The results show that bundled HPHRPs have greater impact on EE and ITL as compared to individual HPHRPs. Further, the study also confirmed that EE partially mediates the bundled HPHRPs and ITL relationship. Research limitations/implications – Future research need to explore same relationships in different sectors with longitudinal data at the multi-level approach. Practical implications – Educational administration should focus on the bundled HPHRPs, which will benefit not only the teachers, but the students.
Yellow fever vaccine YF-17D activates multiple dendritic cell subsets via TLR2, 7, 8, and 9 to stimulate polyvalent immunity

The live attenuated yellow fever vaccine 17D (YF-17D) is one of the most effective vaccines available, with a 65-yr history of use in >400 million people globally. Despite this efficacy, there is presently no information about the immunological mechanisms by which YF-17D acts. Here, we present data that suggest that YF-17D activates multiple Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on dendritic cells (DCs) to elicit a broad spectrum of innate and adaptive immune responses. Specifically, YF-17D activates multiple DC subsets via TLRs 2, 7, 8, and 9 to elicit the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-12p40, IL-6, and interferon-α. Interestingly, the resulting adaptive immune responses are characterized by a mixed T helper cell (Th)1/Th2 cytokine profile and antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, distinct TLRs appear to differentially control the Th1/Th2 balance; thus, whilst MyD88-deficient mice show a profound impairment of Th1 cytokines, TLR2-deficient mice show greatly enhanced Th1 and Tc1 responses to YF-17D. Together, these data enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanism of action of YF-17D, and highlight the potential of vaccination strategies that use combinations of different TLR ligands to stimulate polyvalent immune responses.
Genetic Associations With Diabetic Retinopathy and Coronary Artery Disease in Emirati Patients With Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Aim: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is associated with both microvascular complications such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), and macrovascular complications like coronary artery disease (CAD). Genetic risk factors have a role in the development of these complications. In the present case-control study, we investigated genetic variations associated with DR and CAD in T2DM patients from the United Arab Emirates. Methods: A total of 407 Emirati patients with T2DM were recruited. Categorization of the study population was performed based on the presence or absence of DR and CAD. Seventeen Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), were selected for association analyses through search of publicly available databases, namely GWAS catalog, infinome genome interpretation platform and GWAS Central database. A multivariate logistic regression test was performed to evaluate the association between the 17 SNPs and DR, CAD, or both. To account for multiple testing, significance was set at p < 0.00294 using the Bonferroni correction. Results: The SNPs rs9362054 near the CEP162 gene and rs4462262 near the UBE2D1 gene were associated with DR (OR = 1.66, p = 0.001; OR = 1.37, p = 0.031; respectively), and rs12219125 near the PLXDC2 gene was associated (suggestive) with CAD (OR = 2.26, p = 0.034). Furthermore, rs9362054 near the CEP162 gene was significantly associated with both complications (OR = 2.27, p = 0.0021). The susceptibility genes for CAD (PLXDC2) and DR (UBE2D1) have a role in angiogenesis and neovascularization. Moreover, association between the ciliary gene CEP162 and DR was established in terms of retinal neural processing, confirming previous reports. Conclusions: The present study reports associations of different genetic loci with DR and CAD. We report new associations between CAD and PLXDC2, and DR with UBE2D1 using data from T2DM Emirati patients.
Depression and Cognitive Impairment in Disability-Free Early Multiple Sclerosis

Cognitive and emotional capabilities were evaluated in 73 female patients with stable relapsing-remitting definite, and/or laboratory-supported multiple sclerosis (MS) and were compared with 32 matched healthy controls. Patients were categorized according to their score in the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) to either no (EDSS 0, n = 33) or few clinical signs (EDSS 1–2, n = 40) of MS without physical disability. Patients with EDSS > 0 were characterized by significantly (p These results indicate that depression may present as an early sign in MS followed by cognitive impairment, in particular visuo-spatial short-term memory, before physical disability appears. Neuropsychological tests as mentioned here could serve as early diagnostic tools to detect subtle disease progression and to initiate and monitor disease modifying therapies. Patients with EDSS > 0 were characterized by significantly (p < 0.001) higher scores on “von Zerssen’s“ depression scale, compared to controls. Patients with higher EDSS scores (1–2) showed significantly decreased performance with respect to the total score of Kimura’s Recurring-Figures-Test (p < 0.001), in addition. Regarding visuo-constructive functioning, patients with EDSS = 0 performed to a significantly lower level (p < 0.001), compared to controls.