Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Metabolic Architecture of Plant Cells

The changes in the intermediary metabolism of plant cells were quantified according to growth conditions at three different stages of the growth cycle of tomato cell suspension. Eighteen fluxes of central metabolism were calculated from13C enrichments after near steady-state labeling by a metabolic model similar to that described in Dieuaide-Noubhani et al. (Dieuaide-Noubhani, M., Raffard, G., Canioni, P., Pradet, A., and Raymond, P. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 13147–13159), and 10 net fluxes were obtained directly from end-product accumulation rates. The absolute flux values of central metabolic pathways gradually slowed down with the decrease of glucose influx into the cells. However, the relative fluxes of glycolysis, the pentose-P pathway, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle remained unchanged during the culture cycle at 70, 28, and 40% of glucose influx, respectively, and the futile cycle of sucrose remained high at about 6-fold the glucose influx, independently from carbon nutritional conditions. This natural resistance to flux alterations is referred to as metabolic stability. The numerous anabolic pathways, including starch synthesis, hexose accumulation, biosynthesis of wall polysaccharides, and amino and organic acid biosynthesis were comparatively low and variable. The phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase flux decreased 5-fold in absolute terms and 2-fold in relation to the glucose influx rate during the culture cycle. We conclude that anabolic fluxes constitute the flexible part of plant cell metabolism that can fluctuate in relation to cell demands for growth.
Dancing at the party: educational practices in engineering education that foster diversity & inclusion

CONTEXT Universities are strongly positioned to reproduce or reshape patterns of structural inequality (Outhred 2012). Given the “dynamic social context” (Armstrong & Cairnduff 2012, p. 926) of universities, one way reshaping can occur is through the inclusion of diverse groups of learners. Specifically, educational practices (by which we mean curriculum, teaching and broader learning experiences) that foster inclusion (Rolls, Northedge & Chambers 2018) have the potential to enable diverse learners to flourish and excel.
Impact of Bone Density on Distal Radius Fracture Patterns and Comparison between Five Different Fracture Classifications

Objective To investigate the impact of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone geometry on failure loads and fracture patterns of the distal radius and to compare 5 different fracture classifications. Design Biomechanical and radiologic in vitro study. Setting Research laboratory. Main Outcome Measurements A total of 118 intact human forearms from elderly donors were examined by means of conventional radiography and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (PQCT) to determine BMD and geometry. The forearms were subjected to a standardized biomechanical test simulating a fall on the outstretched hand. The distal radius fractures were classified from x-rays using the AO (33), Cooney (9), Fernandez (15), Frykman (17), and Melone (31) classifications. The grading was repeated after preparation and direct visual inspection of the fracture site and was correlated with radiographic results. Fracture patterns also were correlated with BMD and geometry. Results Correlations between bone properties and fracture patterns (r = 0.09–0.70) suggested an increase in the severity of fractures with decreasing bone quality. The highest correlation between failure load and bone properties was found for the cortical area (r = 0.70) and trabecular density (r = 0.60). Good correlations between radiographic and direct visual classification were obtained for the Cooney (9) (r = 0.70), the AO (33) (r = 0.68), and the Fernandez (15) (r = 0.65) classifications. Smaller values were found for the Frykman (17) (r = 0.44) and the Melone (31) (r = 0.27) classifications. Conclusions With increasing osteopenia, the load to failure decreases, and the severity of fractures increases. Fracture patterns in this patient population can be adequately graded with the AO (33) and Cooney (9) classifications. The severity of distal radius fractures tends to be underestimated by conventional x-ray examination, which needs to be taken into account when a fracture treatment plan is selected.
Toward general experimentation and discovery in conditioned laboratory spaces: Part I. Experimental pH change findings at some remote sites.

OBJECTIVES To fulfill the general scientific method requirement for one of our earlier Minnesota experiments, namely that laboratory spaces operated by other investigators at different sites in the United States can be conditioned to a higher electromagnetic gauge symmetry state than our normal background state and such a space can be specifically tuned so that the pH of purified water in equilibrium with air will be increased by approximately 1.0 pH unit with no chemical additions. DESIGN Insertion of a specific intention imprinted electrical device (IIED) into the space for a period of at least 3 months while continuously monitoring the pH of purified water wherein the water was replaced and the pH-electrode recalibrated on a 2-week cycle. Control sites were associated with each IIED site. SETTING/LOCATION Offices in homes and clinics. SUBJECTS Three IIED sites plus three control sites. INTERVENTIONS None. OUTCOME MEASURES Continuously recorded pH and temperature. RESULTS (1) Linear and exponential pH(t) variations with time at IIED sites, with the Delta pH-values increasing with each 2-week cycle up to a value of approximately 0.8-1.0 pH units, (2) control sites, 2-20 miles distant from the IIED sites exhibited similar behavior but with smaller Delta pH-values, and (3) a new information transfer mechanism in nature has been demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS Human consciousness, at least under some conditions, can strongly influence well-designed target experiments in physical reality and the primary data are reproducible in other laboratories provided the specific protocol is followed.
Chronic anal fissures treated with botulinum toxin injections: a dose‐finding study with Dysport®

Botox® injection of the anal sphincter muscle cures chronic uncomplicated anal fissures in up to 80% of patients. This study examines the therapeutic efficacy and side effect profile of the British botulinum product Dysport®. Fifty patients (29 women) were recruited to participate in this randomized dose‐finding study, their mean age being 32.9 years. The low dose group A was treated with a total dose of 20 U injected in two sites each lateral to the fissure, the high dose group B was treated with 40 U. Eighty‐two percent of patients were pain‐free within a week following the injections. The fissure was healed in 78% of treated patients after 3 months. Three patients relapsed within 6 months. The most common adverse side effect was transient incontinence (n = 4). Clinical outcome was not significantly different between the two treatment groups. The low dose can therefore be regarded sufficient for the treatment of anal fissure. Therapeutic efficacy was equivalent to published data on Botox treatment. Both Dysport® and Botox® can therefore be used to treat chronic uncomplicated anal fissures. Both Dysport® and Botox® therapy are well tolerated, can be performed on an out‐patient basis and avoid the risk of permanent faecal incontinence which complicates surgical treatment of anal fissures.
Do Disruptive Visions Pay Off? The Impact of Disruptive Entrepreneurial Visions on Venture Funding

Entrepreneurs often articulate a vision for their venture that purports to fundamentally change, disturb, or re‐order the ways in which organizations, markets, and ecosystems operate. We call these visions disruptivevisions. Neglected in both the disruption and the impression management literature, disruptive visions are widespread in business practice. We integrate real options and impression management theories to hypothesize that articulating a disruptive vision increases the likelihood of the venture receiving funding but reduces the amount of funding obtained. A novel dataset of Israeli start‐ups shows that a standard deviation increase in disruptive vision communication increases the odds of receiving a first round of funding by 22 per cent, but reduces amounts of funds received by 24 per cent. A randomized online experiment corroborates these findings and further demonstrates that the expectation of extraordinary returns is the key mechanism driving investors’ sensemaking.
Can computerized working memory training improve impaired working memory, cognition and psychological health?

Abstract Objective: To study if computerized working memory (WM) training, in the sub-acute phase after acquired brain injury, in patients with impaired WM, improves WM, cognition and psychological health. Research design: A randomized study (n = 47) with an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG), mean age 47.7 years. The WAIS-III NI, Digit span, Arithmetic, Letter-Number Sequences (Working Memory sub-scale), Spatial span, the Barrow Neurological Institute Screen for Higher Cerebral Functions (BNIS) and the self-rating scales DEX and HADS were administered at baseline and at follow-ups at 6 and 18 weeks. Both groups underwent integrated rehabilitation. The IG also trained with the computerized WM training program, Cogmed QM, which was offered to the CG and followed up after the study completion. Results: Both groups improved after their WM training in Working Memory, BNIS and in Digit span, particularly the reversed section. Both the BNIS and the Digit span differed significantly between the IG and CG due to the greater improvement in the IG after their WM training. Psychological health improved as both groups reported less depressive symptoms and the CG also less anxiety, after the training. Conclusion: Results indicated that computerized WM training can improve working memory, cognition and psychological health.
Prediction of 24-hour protein excretion in pregnancy with a single voided urine protein-to-creatinine ratio.

OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to validate the prediction of 24- hour urine protein excretion by a single voided urine protein-to-creatinine (P:C) ratio in a hospitalized pregnant population at our institution. We sought to evaluate the ability of serial single voided P:C ratios to follow the course of proteinuria. STUDY DESIGN Pregnant patients who were admitted to the antepartum unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and who were undergoing a 24-hour urine collection for the quantitation of proteinuria were recruited. A single voided urine specimen was obtained after the completion of the 24-hour urine collection and analyzed for the P:C ratio. RESULTS Thirty patients completed the study. There was a significant correlation between the 24-hour urine protein and the P:C ratio (r = 0.93, P <.001). The associations of maternal age and gestational age at collection with P:C ratio and 24-hour urine protein were weak and not significant. There was a nonsignificant trend of higher P:C ratios and 24-hour urine protein in nulliparous patients compared with multiparous patients. On the basis of multiple linear regression, there was no confounding effect of maternal age, gestational age, or parity. Eight patients had serial paired urine collections performed. In all of the cases, the trend of increasing or decreasing 24-hour urine protein excretion was predicted by the P:C ratio. CONCLUSION Our data support the use of single voided P:C ratio in hospitalized pregnant patients to predict the 24-hour urine result. In addition, the P:C ratio appears to predict trends in protein excretion over time.
A conceptual model of the strategic alliance process: from initiation to conclusion

The primary focus of this paper is to present a conceptual model of the strategic alliance process that delineates the stages of initiation, formation and sustained operation of strategic alliances. Based on a detailed review of the literature, the model takes a process perspective and explicitly focuses on the key factors that influence the outcomes and behaviour of an alliance during these stages. The model provides insights to both policy-makers and alliance managers on establishing and managing successful alliances. Based on different aspects of the model, the possible hypotheses have been developed related to the initiation, formation and operation of strategic alliances. The approaches that are currently under way to test these hypotheses are described and the possible practical implications of the findings that could emerge are also discussed.
Learning from people with chronic pain: messages for primary care practitioners.

INTRODUCTION A large number of people live with chronic, non-malignant pain, which impacts on their work, social activity and quality of life. For many people pain appears to be inadequately treated and controlled, in part due to a reluctance to take appropriate medication. The aim of this study was to learn more about people's experience of pain in the context of long-term illness, in order to inform primary health care practice. METHODS Twenty people previously identified from a survey about chronic illness care were interviewed about their pain-related experiences. Interviews were taped and transcribed and a thematic analysis was carried out to identify the key themes relating to practitioners' support of people with chronic pain. FINDINGS Three main themes, which were common to all authors' analyses and are considered most relevant to practice, are presented and discussed. These themes were labelled 'medication concerns', which encompasses side-effects, reluctance to take pills and pain medication as a choice; 'coping with pain', including acceptance, pacing yourself and non-pharmaceutical pain relief; and 'seeking help for pain', which included negative and positive experiences and lack of care continuity. CONCLUSION Pain limited how participants lived, yet many were reluctant to take pain relief as prescribed, if at all. They found other ways of coping, and accepted their pain. Messages for practitioners include the importance of asking people about their pain, listening and acknowledging the reality of pain and its effect on daily life and providing education, reassurance and support for taking pain medication.
Electroconvulsive Therapy in Octogenarians

Medical records of 81 older patients (65 years of age and over) who underwent electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) at a university‐affiliated private geriatric hospital were reviewed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this treatment for depression in the “young‐old” (65 to 80 years) compared with the “old‐old” age group (over 80 years), a group that has not yet been adequately studied.
Contribution of nitric oxide and prostaglandins to reactive hyperemia in human forearm.

We investigated the separate and combined contributions of nitric oxide (NO) and vasodilating prostaglandins as mediators of reactive hyperemia in the human forearm. Forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured with venous occlusion plethysmography after 5 min of ischemia. In one protocol (n = 12), measurements were made before and after intra-arterial administration of the NO synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) to one forearm. In a separate protocol (n = 7), measurements were made before and after systemic administration of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor ibuprofen and again after L-NMMA. L-NMMA reduced baseline FBF at rest (2.7 +/- 0.4 to 1.6 +/- 0.2 ml.100 ml-1.min-1; P < 0.05) and had a modest effect on peak forearm vascular conductance and flow (forearm vascular conductance = 31.1 +/- 3.1 vs. 25.7 +/- 2.5 ml.min-1.100 ml forearm-1.100 mmHg of perfusion pressure-1.min-1, P < 0.05; FBF = 26.6 +/- 2.9 vs. 22.8 +/- 2.6 ml.100 ml-1.min-1, P = 0.055). Total excess flow above baseline during reactive hyperemia was unaffected by L-NMMA (14.3 +/- 3.0 vs. 13.1 +/- 2.4 ml/100 ml; P < 0.05). Ibuprofen did not change FBF at rest, reduced peak FBF from 27.6 +/- 1.9 to 20.3 +/- 2.7 ml.100 ml-1.min-1 (P < 0.05), but had no effect on total excess flow above baseline, Infusion of L-NMMA after ibuprofen reduced FBF at rest by 40%, had no effect on peak flow, but reduced total excess flow above baseline from 12.0 +/- 2.5 to 7.6 +/- 1.3 ml/100 ml (P < 0.05). These date demonstrate that NO synthase inhibition has a modest effect on peak vasodilation during reactive hyperemia but plays a minimal role later. Prostaglandins appear to be important determinants of peak flow. The effects of NO synthase inhibition during reactive hyperemia may also be potentiated by concurrent cyclooxygenase inhibition.
Response of non-Hodgkin lymphoma to radiation therapy: early and long-term assessment with H-1 MR spectroscopic imaging.

PURPOSE To determine whether proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopic imaging is a sensitive technique for defining tumor extent and assessing response of cerebral lymphoma to therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four hydrogen-1 MR spectroscopic imaging studies were performed in a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) before, during, and after radiation therapy and at follow-up at 33 months after diagnosis of the recurrence of disease. The patient had a single, large lesion in the brain and underwent hyperfractionated radiation therapy for 4 weeks. A series of MR images was also obtained. RESULTS The pretreatment study showed a lesion with a distinct spectral pattern: marked elevation of choline and lipids and great reduction of creatine and N-acetylaspartate. During and after treatment, H-1 MR spectroscopic images depicted a progressive reduction of the abnormal choline and lipid signals. Thirty-three months after treatment, multiple-section H-1 MR spectroscopic images showed normal spectral patterns in all sections examined. CONCLUSION H-1 MR spectroscopy may contribute to the neuroradiologic evaluation of NHL and, in particular, may be useful in monitoring therapeutic response.
Gender, Actors and Institutions at the Local Level: Explaining Variation in Policies to Address Violence against Women and Girls

Research on gender equality policy has generally focused on actors and institutions at the national and international levels. This paper considers the role of local level actors and institutions in explaining different policy responses to violence against women and girls (VAWG). The literature on gender policy trajectories identifies the particular importance of executive actors in influencing ‘status policies’ like VAWG. Quantitative data is analyzed to show how local Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales have responded to demands for policy action. The focus is on the interaction between the 41 elected commissioners and the new institutional arrangements for police governance introduced in 2012. The paper shows that variation in policy outcomes is related (a) to the gender of executive actors, and (b) to the way in which actors interpret elements of the institutional framework, regardless of their own gender.
What drives consumer choice of Islamic banking services in the United Arab Emirates

Purpose Islamic banking (IB) has witnessed remarkable growth in the past decade. The purpose of this study is to explore some factors that are influencing the choice of Islamic banking and finance (IBF) products and services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a predominantly Muslim country. Design/methodology/approach Students enrolled at a university located in a major emirate in the UAE were asked to respond to a survey on factors underlying their decision to open an account at an Islamic bank. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and regression analysis. Findings Results indicate that the decision to open an account with an Islamic bank is influenced by consumer expectations regarding the conformity of the bank’s operations with Islamic principles, as well as consumers’ Arab language skills. Variables such as consumers’ nationality, gender, education and familiarity with IB do not have a significant influence on the decision to open an account at an Islamic bank. Research limitations/implications The study focuses on university students from a certain Emirate only, which somewhat limits the generalizability of the research results. Nevertheless, the findings of this study may potentially provide some practical insights for further improving and promoting IB, with special reference to the UAE youth market segment. Originality/value The research is original in nature, particularly as there have not been many instances where the choice of potential consumers (university students) regarding IB and finance services has been explored within the IB sector in a predominantly Muslim nation such as the UAE, an emerging Gulf economy. Consequently, the research findings have important implications for Islamic banks operating in a predominantly Islamic environment.
Colonic neoplasia in patients with nonspecific GI symptoms.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of colonic polyps or masses 1 cm or greater in diameter in patients with nonspecific abdominal symptoms, from diverse practice settings, using a national endoscopic database. METHODS Consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopy were included based on procedure indication. Endoscopic data were generated with a computer database at each practice site, transmitted to a central data bank and merged with data from multiple sites for analysis. Group 1 patients had nonspecific abdominal symptoms, which were defined as pain, constipation and diarrhea. Group 2 patients had a positive fecal occult blood test. Group 3 patients were asymptomatic, undergoing screening colonoscopy. Serious colon pathology was defined as a polyp or mass greater than 9 mm in size. RESULTS Data were collected from 31 practice sites in 21 states during a period of 18 months. Of the 20,745 colonoscopy examinations, 9.2% were performed to evaluate patients with nonspecific abdominal symptoms, excluding other indications. Among patients with nonspecific symptoms 7.27% had polyp(s) 1 cm or greater in diameter compared with 17.05% of patients with positive fecal occult blood test (odds ratio 2.12: CI [1.73, 2.60]; p < 0.001). Patients with nonspecific symptoms had similar rates of large polyps as asymptomatic patients (7.27% vs. 6.45%, p = 0.32). Multivariate analysis identified several independent variables including increasing age, male gender and practice site at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. CONCLUSIONS In diverse, practice-based settings, patients with nonspecific abdominal symptoms who are referred for colonoscopy do not have a higher risk of serious colonic pathology than asymptomatic patients.
Comparative tissue distributions of cadmium chloride and cadmium-based quantum dot 705 in mice: Safety implications and applications

Abstract Cadmium (Cd) is a component in quantum dot 705 (QD705). Whether QD705 behaves similar to Cd in vivo is of great concern. We compared the distributional kinetics of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and QD705 in mice after intravenous injection. QD705 showed a longer plasma and body retention than CdCl2 and could be detected in the brain during early exposure. While both the liver and spleen demonstrated a constant Cd concentration for 28 days after QD705 injection, it is likely that this represents intact QD705 stored in mononuclear phagocytes. The kidneys showed a time-dependent accumulation of Cd in the QD705-exposed animals. By day 28, Cd in the kidneys from QD705 was 3-fold that of CdCl2. QD705 and CdCl2 have very different kinetics in distribution and metabolism. The long body retention of QD705 in the kidneys may mean that QD705 has even more renal toxicity than CdCl2.