Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unravelling the impact of lignin on cell wall mechanics: a comprehensive study on young poplar trees downregulated for CINNAMYL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE (CAD)

Lignin engineering is a promising tool to reduce the energy input and the need of chemical pre-treatments for the efficient conversion of plant biomass into fermentable sugars for downstream applications. At the same time, lignin engineering can offer new insight into the structure-function relationships of plant cell walls by combined mechanical, structural and chemical analyses. Here, this comprehensive approach was applied to poplar trees (Populus tremula × Populus alba) downregulated for CINNAMYL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE (CAD) in order to gain insight into the impact of lignin reduction on mechanical properties. The downregulation of CAD resulted in a significant decrease in both elastic modulus and yield stress. As wood density and cellulose microfibril angle (MFA) did not show any significant differences between the wild type and the transgenic lines, these structural features could be excluded as influencing factors. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman imaging were performed to elucidate changes in the chemical composition directly on the mechanically tested tissue sections. Lignin content was identified as a mechanically relevant factor, as a correlation with a coefficient of determination (r²) of 0.65 between lignin absorbance (as an indicator of lignin content) and tensile stiffness was found. A comparison of the present results with those of previous investigations shows that the mechanical impact of lignin alteration under tensile stress depends on certain structural conditions, such as a high cellulose MFA, which emphasizes the complex relationship between the chemistry and mechanical properties in plant cell walls.
Obesity and pregnancy

Summary Obesity is reaching pandemic proportions worldwide. It is increasingly being recognised as a risk factor during pregnancy. Women should ideally be counselled preconceptionally about the increased risks and encouraged to lose weight actively, some may be candidates for bariatric surgery. Maternal risks include gestational diabetes, hypertension and pre-eclampsia, increased incidence of operative delivery, postpartum haemorrhage, anaesthetic risks as well as infective and thrombo-embolic complications while fetal risks include miscarriage, neural-tube defects, macrosomia and stillbirth. Obstetric units should institute appropriate guidelines for the management of pregnancy in this ‘high-risk' group of women.
Proton MR spectroscopy for the evaluation of brain injury in asphyxiated, term neonates.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Neurologic and developmental outcomes of asphyxiated, term neonates are difficult to predict applying clinical or laboratory criteria. In this study, we investigated the association of MR spectroscopy (MRS) results with neurodevelopmental status at age 12 months. METHOD Thirty-one term neonates, who were enrolled in a prospective study of the utility of MR imaging for the determination of neurologic and developmental status, underwent single-voxel proton MRS of the basal nuclei and intervascular boundary zones. Ratios of lactate, choline, creatine, and N-acetylaspartate (NAA) peaks were calculated and tested for association with neuromotor scores and Mental Development Index of the Bayley Scores of Infant Development obtained at age 12 months. RESULTS Elevated lactate and diminished NAA were the most common findings in infants with neurologic and developmental abnormalities at age 12 months. Although many ratios had statistically significant associations with outcome (P<.05), the highest significance was obtained with lactate/choline ratios in the basal nuclei. A false-positive finding was seen in a patient who was born after a 36-week gestation period (high lactate/choline but normal neurodevelopmental status at 12 months) and in three patients with apparent watershed injury (high watershed lactate/choline but normal neurodevelopmental status at 12 months). A false-negative MRS finding (normal lactate/choline but abnormal outcome) was seen in a patient who had an apparent prenatal injury. CONCLUSION Proton MRS appears to be a useful tool for assessing brain injury in neonates who have suffered hypoxia or ischemia. Correlation with gestational age and imaging findings are essential for proper interpretation of the spectra. Patients with apparent watershed injuries may have normal neurodevelopmental status at age 12 months.
Creating a firm-level dynamic capability through capitalizing on market orientation and innovativeness

Drawing on the resource-based view of the firm, this study addresses the dynamic capability-generating capacity of market orientation on firm performance. Whereas prior literature has examined environmental turbulence as a contextual condition shaping the market orientation-firm performance relationship, this study takes an internal approach by focusing on existing stocks of resources within the firm while controlling for environmental conditions. A conceptual model is developed that explains how market orientation can be transformed into dynamic capability when complemented by transformational (reconfig-urational) constructs, such as innovativeness. The empirical results support the authors— theory that the effect of market orientation on firm performance is strengthened when market orientation is bundled together with internal complementary resources, such as innovativeness. The authors discuss the findings in the context of varying stages of the product life cycle and at different levels of market development.
Family history of hypertension and pain during blood donation.

&NA; Parental history of hypertension was associated with significantly lower venipuncture pain ratings in women with little or no blood donation experience. Healthy men (N = 288) and women (N = 434) presenting at Red Cross blood donor clinics provided pain ratings in response to an initial blood sample and venipuncture for blood donation. Analyses were restricted to 460 individuals with and without a confirmed parental history of hypertension (N = 188 and 272, respectively). There were no significant gender or parental history effects on initial blood sample pain ratings. Significantly lower venipuncture pain ratings were observed 1) for men vs. women, 2) for more experienced blood donors, and 3) among subjects with 0–1 previous donations, for women with vs. women without a parental history of hypertension. Although pain ratings were positively correlated with subjective anxiety throughout donation, there were no significant differences in anxiety ratings between women with and without a parental history of hypertension. The results provide suggestive evidence of an association between genetic risk for hypertension and decreased pain sensitivity.
Influence of impurities in raw material on sensory and physicochemical properties of cold-pressed rapeseedoil produced from conventionally and ecologically grown seeds.

BACKGROUND The main problem of cold-pressed technology is its low yield and the varying quality of the end product, which is dependent on the quality of the raw material, technological process applied and also on conditions of packaging and storage. The effects of different contents of impurities in rapeseed on the sensory, physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of rapeseed oil produced by cold-pressing were investigated. METHODS Cold-pressed oil produced from conventionally grown rapeseeds (individual cultivars and industrial seeds) and certified ecological rapeseeds. Quantified quality parameters included the following: the content of impurities, acid value, peroxide value, spectrophotometric indices (K232, K268), oxidative stability determined by the Rancimat test, pheophytin a content, and sensory assessment. RESULTS The seeds which were homogenous in terms of cultivar contained the lowest level of impurities (up to 1.3%) and differed significantly in this regard from ecological and industrial seeds. It was found that the presence of impurities exerts an adverse effect on the sensory and physicochemical characteristics of the oil. Impurity content exceeding 5% resulted in the appearance of off -flavours, such as woody, strawy and fusty/musty. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between impurity content and acid value (r = 0.781), peroxide value (r = 0.656), anisidine value (r = 0.645), K232 (r = 0.625), while in the case of oxidative stability, no such correlation was observed. CONCLUSIONS The type and percentage of seed impurities in the rape crop determines the sensory and physicochemical properties of the cold-pressed oil. It seems advisable, therefore, to minimize the amount of impurities, in order to obtain high-quality cold-pressed rapeseed oil.
The use of allografts in orthopaedic surgery.

As a result of the advances in imaging modalities, adjuvant treatment, surgical techniques, and reconstruction implants in the last few decades, limb salvage has become the standard of care for most patients with a malignant bone tumor. Because of an improved overall treatment approach, patients are now surviving longer and in greater numbers, which places greater demands on the reconstructive aspect of this care. First used by Lexer in the early 1900s, allografts were reintroduced as a reconstructive option following tumor resection, with successful results reported by Parrish, Volkov, Ottolenghi, and Mankin et al.
Susceptibility to Leishmania major Infection in Interleukin-4-Deficient Mice

Interleukin-4 (IL-4), a pleiotropic cytokine, is a major regulator of the immune system and is considered crucial for the development of T helper cell type 2 (TH2) responses. The susceptibility of BALB/c mice to infection with Leishmania major has been associated with a polarized TH2 response and an inability to down-modulate IL-4 production. The role of IL-4 in vivo was examined directly by disrupting the IL-4 gene in BALB/c embryonic stem cells. Despite the absence of IL-4, the genetically pure BALB/c mutant mice remained susceptible to L. major infection, showed no signs of lesion healing or parasite clearance, and did not switch to a TH1 phenotype.
Nongenomic Effects of Aldosterone on Renal Protein Expressions of pEGFR and pERK1/2 in Rat Kidney

Background: In vitro studies have demonstrated that aldosterone elicits nongenomic actions by enhancing protein expressions of phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (pEGFR) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (pERK1/2). There are no available in vivo investigations regarding this action of aldosterone on renal pEGFR-pERK1/2 protein expressions. Methods: Male Wistar rats received normal saline solution, low-dose (LA: 150 µg/kg BW) or high-dose aldosterone (HA: 500 µg/kg BW) by intraperitoneal injection. After 30 min, protein abundances and localizations of renal pEGFR and pERK1/2 were determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results: Plasma aldosterone levels were increased in LA and HA groups (p < 0.001). Aldosterone enhanced renal pEGFR and pERK1/2 protein abundances (p < 0.001). HA showed a greater stimulation on pEGFR immunoreactivity than LA in the glomerulus, vasa recta, and thin limb of Henle’s loop in the inner medulla area. LA provided more reactivity of pERK1/2 in the thick ascending limb of Henle’s loop, outer medullary collecting duct, and proximal straight tubule, whereas HA illustrated more pERK1/2 activation in the glomerulus, peritubular capillary, and inner medulla region. Conclusion: This is the first in vivo study which demonstrates that aldosterone, via the nongenomic pathway, could elevate pEGFR and pERK1/2 protein abundances and expressions in the rat kidney. These results indicate that aldosterone induces phosphorylation of EGFR upstream of ERK1/2.
Mapping Customer Segments for Personal Financial Services

Driven by changes in the regulatory environment and pressures on product profitability, market segmentation is increasing in importance as a competitive weapon. However, still too much emphasis is being placed on descriptive studies which do not sufficiently explain differences in financial services consumer behaviour. Reports the results of a qualitative study which attempts to offer a more detailed explanation of financial services consumer behaviour. Investigates consumer‐perceived knowledge, confidence and level of involvement in dealing with financial services, and analyses the impact of these factors on financial services usage. Four segments are identified (Apathetic Minimalists, Capital Accumulators, Cautious Investors, and Financially Confused) which differ in terms of their financial services usage. The results also suggest that consumer‐perceived knowledge and confidence have an impact on the level of potential profitability which can be expected from the segments identified. Further work is be.
Do Former Auditors on the Audit Committee Constrain Earnings Management? Evidence from the Banking Industry

This paper examines whether former auditors on the audit committee constrain earnings management in the banking industry. Given the complexity and the size of the entities, it can be argued that the audit committees of large banks should possess a higher level of financial expertise than stipulated by the regulatory requirements in order to successfully monitor the financial reporting process. Using data on large publicly traded U.S. banks, we document a negative association between earnings management and the presence of former auditors on the audit committee. Specifically, our empirical findings indicate that banks with ex-auditors on the audit committee have lower levels of income-increasing as well as absolute discretionary loan loss provisions. We further document that the constraining effect of ex-auditors on earnings management is strongest for banks in which the former auditors on the audit committee have not been affiliated with the bank’s current audit firm. Overall, our results suggest that audit committee members with professional auditing experience may improve financial reporting quality in the financial industry.
Buyer-Supplier Partnerships in the Global Apparel Industry: A Study of US Buyers and Indian Suppliers

Abstract The purpose of this article is to explore US apparel industry buyers’ perceptions of and experiences with building partnerships with their Indian suppliers. A qualitative methodology was used for data collection and interpretation. In-depth interviews were conducted with twenty-three buyers in the USA engaged in sourcing apparel products from Indian suppliers. A thematic interpretation of the interview data revealed six factors participants look for when working with their suppliers in India: Expertise, Convenience, Price, Functionality, Service, and Partnership. Participants valued the unique offerings provided by Indian suppliers, and preferred to focus on building strong partnership-based relationships with a few select suppliers rather than working with many different suppliers. Four types of partnerships were defined based on the interview data. Results of the study contribute to both U.S. apparel industry buyers’ and Indian suppliers’ knowledge of relationship-building in the global apparel industry.
Antecedents and Consequences of Marketing Managers’ Conflict-Handling Behaviors

In this study, the authors develop and test a cross-cultural conceptual model of the organizational-based antecedents and consequences of marketing managers’ conflict-handling behaviors during the new product development process. The hypotheses were tested using data collected from 968 companies in Japan, China (Hong Kong), the United States, and the United Kingdom. The results provide some interesting insights regarding the varying role of conflict management among diverse cultures.
Impact of Capital Structure on Firms Financial Performance and Shareholders Wealth: Textile Sector of Pakistan

The basic purpose of our research paper is to evaluate the impact of Capital Structure on the Firms Financial Performance and Shareholders Wealth in textile sector of Pakistan. We have conducted the regression analysis on our sample data of 155 textile firms for the year 2006 to 2011. We use the overall textile sector ROA ROE and EPS ratios as accounting measures to evaluate the impact of Capital Structure on Firms Financial Performance and Shareholders wealth. Our results shows that the capital structure positively impact the Firms Financial Performance and Shareholders Wealth.
Atomic-resolution imaging of close-packed metal surfaces by scanning tunneling microscopy.

The resolution of individual atoms in scanning-tunneling-microscopy (STM) images of A1(111) is demonstrated. From results of gap-width and energy-dependent measurements the corrugation observed in the STM images cannot reflect the electronic structure of the Al surface near E F , as usually assumed for such images, but must be due to tip-surface interactions. On the basis of an investigation of the process of tip preparation, an elastic deformation of the frontmost end of the tip mediated by adhesive tip-surface interactions is proposed as the predominant factor for atomic-resolution STM imaging of such metal surfaces.
Input Characteristics and the Mode of Offshoring: Evidence for French Firms

Using rich data on the international transactions of intermediate inputs by French firms we investigate the determinants of the choice between vertical integration and outsourcing at the international level. Our results show that the probability of vertical integration is reduced by the extent of asset specificity of imported inputs and enhanced by the significance of the inputs in the cost share of the firm. Our findings provide support for the property right models of offshoring and also for the knowledge capital model.
Scavenging in the operating room

Purpose of review The use of inhalation general anesthetic gases has led to contamination of the operating room environment. Chronic exposure to these agents has been associated with a number of adverse health effects. Controversy remains with regard to these health effects, and whether further reducing the level of operating room contamination should be a high priority. Current methods are outlined by which anesthetic waste gases contaminate and are removed from the operating room. These controversies are explored in the light of recent research. Recent findings Recent work employing genotoxicity studies suggests that National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommendations may be appropriate to protect healthcare workers. New developments over the past year include the suggestion of employing devices such as the Anesthetic Scavenging Hood (ASH), SiBI tube connector and mask stopper. The use of these devices, in concert with efficient anesthesia machine scavenging, may further reduce operating room contamination. Summary The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health calls for lower levels of exposure when compared with those found in European standards. It may be appropriate for European guidelines to be re-addressed; however, more conclusive studies need to be undertaken to identify the precise effects of these agents at a given exposure level. It may also be appropriate to expand the arena of monitoring and scavenging to all areas where inhalation anesthetics are used or emitted, such as in the post-anesthesia care unit and research laboratory settings.
50 Hz magnetic fields of constant or fluctuating intensity: Effects on immunocyte hsp70 in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

Effects of a single 30 min exposure to a 50 Hz, 400 µT sinusoidal extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF MF) on hsp70 expression in immunocytes from the bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis was investigated using RT‐PCR and immunoblot approaches. The results indicate that in M. galloprovincialis immunocytes hsp70 expression was unaltered at both transcriptional and translational level after exposure to constant or fluctuating intensity MFs. Bioelectromagnetics 27:427–429, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation of epoxy-based macroporous monolithic columns for the fast and efficient immunofiltration of Staphylococcus aureus.

Macroporous epoxy-based monolithic columns were used for immunofiltration of bacteria. The prepared monolithic polymer support is hydrophilic and has large pore sizes of 21 μm without mesopores. A surface chemistry usually applied for immobilization of antibodies on glass slides is successfully transferred to monolithic columns. Step-by-step, the surface of the epoxy-based monolith is hydrolyzed, silanized, coated with poly(ethylene glycol diamine) and activated with the homobifunctional crosslinker di(N-succinimidyl)carbonate for immobilization of antibodies on the monolithic columns. The functionalization steps are characterized to ensure the coating of each monolayer. The prepared antibody-immobilized monolithic column is optimized for immunofiltration to enrich Staphylococcus aureus as an important food contaminant. Different kinds of geometries of monolithic columns, flow rates and elution buffers are tested with the goal to get high recoveries in the shortest enrichment time as possible. An effective capture of S. aureus was achieved at a flow rate of 7.0 mL/min with low backpressures of 20.1±5.4 mbar enabling a volumetric enrichment of 1000 within 145 min. The bacteria were quantified by flow cytometry using a double-labeling approach. After immunofiltration the sensitivity was significantly increased and a detection limit of the total system of 42 S. aureus/mL was reached.
Clinical efficacy of coronally advanced flap with or without connective tissue graft for the treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions in the aesthetic area: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy of coronally advanced flap (CAF) with or without connective tissue graft (CTG) for the treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions in the upper arch. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-two patients with a total of 74 gingival recessions were randomly allocated to the two groups. Outcome measures, collected by a blind examiner, included complete root coverage (CRC), recession reduction (RecRed), keratinized tissue (KT) gain, increase in gingival thickness (GT), patient satisfaction and root coverage esthetic score (RES). RESULTS An interaction between treatment and baseline GT was detected. At 1 year, CAF + CTG resulted in better outcomes in terms of CRC (p = 0.0016) and RecRed (p < 0.0001) than CAF alone at sites with thin gingiva (thickness ≤ 0.8 mm). No difference was found between CAF alone and CAF + CTG at sites with thick gingiva (>0.8 mm). CAF resulted in higher aesthetic scores (RES) than CAF + CTG at sites with thick gingiva. CAF + CTG was associated with greater KT gain (p < 0.0001) and greater post-operative morbidity (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Connective tissue graft under CAF results in increased probability of CRC only at sites with thin baseline gingiva. CAF alone is associated with similar clinical outcomes and better aesthetics at sites with thick baseline gingiva.